By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include networking opportunities and career development programs. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover open volunteer positions within the network and learn about the network's plans for the upcoming SEMA Show.  

With FLN membership representing some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry, the meeting is a great chance to learn about the benefits of getting more involved in or joining the network.   

Register here!

By SEMA News Editors

Get ready to wrap up the SEMA Show in style on Friday, November 8, with a night of heart-pounding live music at the SEMA Fest concert featuring live performances by Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Fitz and the Tantrums and Petey!

Tickets to the 2024 SEMA Fest, open to the public, start at just $49 and are available at SEMAFEST.com. SEMA Fest ticket provider Tixr offers payment plans with monthly installment payments, where guests will pay the full ticket price in recurring monthly payments until a final date, which is determined when purchasing the tickets. Tickets must be paid by the final payment date set for them to be valid at the event. Complete payment plan details and an agreement are available on SEMAFEST.com when purchasing tickets.

2024 SEMA Fest ticket options include:

• Concert General Admission (GA) - $49: Entry to all SEMA Fest concert GA viewing areas; does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show exhibit halls.
• Concert VIP Access - $99: Exclusive access to the VIP viewing area with premium sightlines; VIP bars and washrooms; separate entrance for VIP pass holders at the entrance; device charging stations; does not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show Exhibit Halls.

In addition, exclusive tickets are available for the "SEMA Show Friday Enthusiast Experience" for those who do not qualify to attend the SEMA Show. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not get you into the SEMA Fest concerts; a SEMA Fest concert ticket must be purchased.

Guests are encouraged to secure their hotel stay for SEMA Fest as soon as possible through OnPeak, SEMA Fest's only official housing provider. View available hotels here and select your preferred stay dates!

Keep an eye on SEMA News for headliner spotlights and more details--including motorsports activations!--on this one-of-a-kind event. For more details and tickets, visit SEMAFEST.com!

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The June 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the decades-old Chevron doctrine is poised to potentially transform the automotive aftermarket industry. To help SEMA and PRI members understand what the decision means to the industry and where things are headed in a post-Chevron doctrine world, Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of public and government affairs, and Jim Moore, SEMA's vice president for OEM and product development, sat down for an in-depth discussion of the ruling. Watch their 18-minute conversation below: 

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The June 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the decades-old Chevron doctrine is poised to potentially transform the automotive aftermarket industry. To help SEMA and PRI members understand what the decision means to the industry and where things are headed in a post-Chevron doctrine world, Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of public and government affairs, and Jim Moore, SEMA's vice president for OEM and product development, sat down for an in-depth discussion of the ruling. Watch their 18-minute conversation below: 

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.

By SEMA News Editors

Meyer Distributing Opens New Location in Abbotsford, British Columbia

Meyer Distributing has opened a new Canadian location in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Hermiston, Oregon, distribution hub, which houses an inventory of crash and collision, 4x4 and off-road, RV and trailer parts and products.

"The Abbotsford, British Columbia, dock is an exciting expansion for Meyer," said Jeff Braun, CEO. "We are going to bring logistics to the table in British Columbia in a way that is going to save customers a lot of money. We will be covering Vancouver Island to Surrey to Kelowna, and this will help bring a lower landed cost and better competition to the British Columbia markets that haven't had an effective alternative for a long time."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

WernerCo Rebrands as ProDriven Global Brands

WernerCo, the parent company of WEATHER GUARD, KNAACK and other brands, has rebranded as ProDriven Global Brands.

"The name change represents a significant multi-year transformation in our company," said Gary Scott, CEO of ProDriven Global Brands. "This company began as a single safe access brand in North America. As we've continued to grow the Werner brand, we've also developed an expansive brand portfolio serving a variety of professionals and industries across the globe. The new name is representative of the company's focus, scope and global reach."

The change will have no impact on the company's brands, product offerings or business partnerships.

For more information, visit prodrivenbrands.com.

Vehlo Acquires Shop-Ware Shop Management Software

Vehlo, a provider of software and financial solutions for the automotive industry, has acquired Shop-Ware, a cloud-based shop management platform for independent repair shops.

Shop-Ware CEO Carolyn Coquillette founded Shop-Ware in 2013 out of her own repair shop in San Francisco. Coquillette will continue to lead Shop-Ware as part of Vehlo's aftermarket leadership team.

For more information, visit vehlo.com.

By SEMA News Editors

BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Drops Heavy Camo in Germany

The next-generation BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe was recently spotted with less camouflage ahead of its expected reveal later this year.

The prototype maintains a sleek profile but with fewer sharp angles compared to the current model. Although interior photos haven’t surfaced yet, it’s likely to feature a curved display and a streamlined button layout, according to insiders.

The upcoming 2-Series Gran Coupe is expected to be built on an updated version of the UKL2 platform, and likely means the new model will offer front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on some versions. While the exact powertrain details are still unknown, the new model may offer some hybrid assistance, sources said. The current version includes options for turbocharged gasoline engines and turbo diesel engines.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 Spotted Ahead of Full Refresh

Hyundai is developing a mid-cycle update for the IONIQ 6, according to new images provided to SEMA News.

Hyundai is working to enhance the IONIQ 6, aiming to boost the sales of its second model based on the e-GMP platform. The facelift will introduce a range of new features.

Hyundai also plans to upgrade the powertrain, replacing the lithium-ion battery with a larger one, which is expected to increase the electric vehicle's range to around 425 miles, sources said. It will also continue to be available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

Additionally, Hyundai is developing the IONIQ 6 N, a high-performance variant. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2025.

Kia EV6 GT Spied Testing in Germany

SEMA News sources recently spotted a prototype of a facelifted Kia EV6 GT in Germany.

The current model features battery capacities of either 58 kWh or 77.4 kWh, which insiders expect to remain unchanged. The GT variant boasts two motors with a combined peak output of 585 hp and a top speed of 162 mph.

However, changes to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the graphics of the front and rear lights, are expected. Sources are also anticipating new wheel and color options and an updated interior.

By SEMA News Editors

Showgoers can claim exclusive airline discounts for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event. 

In addition, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here with the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas, so early reservations are encouraged.

Available 2024 SEMA Show airline discounts:

Alaska Airlines

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: October 27-November 8, 2024.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMK491 
• Phone Reservations: Contact Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. A $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations. 

Delta Air Lines 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the Delta Air Lines special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3PY. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the 800 number.

United Airlines 

• Discount: 2% to 10% off based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: November 2-11, 2024. 
• Online Reservations: Click on discount code ZPKE658685 or visit the special link here. 
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide them with the following information: 
  • Z Code: ZPKE.
  • Agreement Code: 658685. 

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show has been open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made her highly anticipated selection of a running mate, tapping two-term Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Gov. Walz is a veteran and previously served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here's what SEMA and PRI members should know about the pick, straight from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office: 

He led Minnesota in becoming a CARB state. Climate policy is a core issue for his administration. During his tenure as governor, Minnesota became a "CARB state," a state that has adopted California's vehicle emissions standards. This plan has been subject to litigation by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, which opposes Minnesota's clean cars plan and asserts that the state is not allowed to delegate its authority to CARB regulators in California. 

Walz knows cars. Walz, a former public school teacher, once delivered an impromptu lesson in auto repair while on the campaign trail, in the process going viral online for his folksy, clear explanation of the problem and fix. 

Walz is a Midwesterner. Walz was born in Nebraska and entered the public eye as representative of a significantly rural congressional district in southern Minnesota. His Midwestern appeal is seen by some as a counterweight to Harris's California roots--particularly as she attempts to win over rural and working-class voters who largely lean toward Donald Trump. 

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made her highly anticipated selection of a running mate, tapping two-term Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Gov. Walz is a veteran and previously served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here's what SEMA and PRI members should know about the pick, straight from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office: 

He led Minnesota in becoming a CARB state. Climate policy is a core issue for his administration. During his tenure as governor, Minnesota became a "CARB state," a state that has adopted California's vehicle emissions standards. This plan has been subject to litigation by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, which opposes Minnesota's clean cars plan and asserts that the state is not allowed to delegate its authority to CARB regulators in California. 

Walz knows cars. Walz, a former public school teacher, once delivered an impromptu lesson in auto repair while on the campaign trail, in the process going viral online for his folksy, clear explanation of the problem and fix. 

Walz is a Midwesterner. Walz was born in Nebraska and entered the public eye as representative of a significantly rural congressional district in southern Minnesota. His Midwestern appeal is seen by some as a counterweight to Harris's California roots--particularly as she attempts to win over rural and working-class voters who largely lean toward Donald Trump. 

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Denise Clumpner, show car director at Iola Old Car Show, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Clumpner in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Denise Clumpner: I was offered my position in November of 2019 as show car director. I enjoy the incredible teamwork in our organization and how we empower each other. I enjoy having the freedom to hunt for and invite vehicles to our show and seeing all the people smiling each year and sharing stories and experiences with their vehicles. At the Iola Car Show, we are a family! We have generations of families, including my own, that would never miss this event.

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

DC: I hold a position that was something I dreamed of as a young kid, watching this show evolve into the largest show in the Midwest. I grew up just down the road from Iola, and the people who started this show were friends and contemporaries of my father. We always had unique vehicles coming and going, and I loved them. A man named Ken Buttolph was the Iola Old Car Show's in-house expert, and he created our invitational Blue Ribbon Concours area. The day I received an invitation to display my '69 GTO on the concours was an incredible honor, and Ken was a dear friend until his passing. I work hard each day to honor his memory and the quality he put into this show. Although I am referred to here as "the car expert" my goal will always be to have half the knowledge Kenny had.

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

DC: I have been a car nut my entire life, but my first job in the industry was at my family's business, the Ogdensburg Garage. We ran a Mobil station, auto repair shop and used car/truck dealership. I started out sweeping floors and cleaning the shop, and gradually took on more responsibilities as I learned the business. I worked full-time hours during the summer, and when I could during the school year. I earned enough money to buy my first car, a '69 GTO, and restore it in time to debut it at Iola '81 when I was eighteen. I still own and show the car today and have added several more vehicles to my collection.

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

DC: I am extremely determined, and I believe in my abilities. I want to achieve something, I work very hard to do that and don't allow myself to become distracted. I also find it helpful to know my limitations and when to ask for help. I also have an "I-can-do-it" attitude and enjoy empowering others.

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

DC: Challenges: overcoming stereotypes of what women are "expected" to know about cars.

Accomplishments: Blowing all those stereotypes out of the water and helping bring about cultural change by empowering girls and women to get involved with great vehicles. I am honored when people come to me for help and guidance.

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?   

DC: My family members (especially my dad and brother), all our local car buffs/collectors and everyone who put together and brought their cars to the Iola Old Car Show have always been my mentors. It is tough to choose though because there have been so many.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

DC: How hard you work and how you treat people determines the outcome of your efforts. Let others see and share your enthusiasm! They will want to be a part of it.

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

DC: Yes, I have always wanted to work in the automotive industry but ended up being a teacher. I have been a lifelong car lover and have owned my GTO for 43 years. I am happy that after retiring, I have been able to make my passion into not only a position for the Iola Old Car Show, but also as my own business. I also appraise and pre-purchase inspect classic vehicles for customers and subcontract for classic vehicle dealerships. I love it!

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals? 

DC: My parents. They never said that I had a "role" to play because I was a female. They encouraged me to do my best and make good decisions for my future. My father started his own business at the age of 19, and at the age of 88 still works there today with my brother.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.