By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Network (ETTN) is offering two new webinars focusing on the role of hydrocarbon traps and fuel-injection sprays in product design and emissions compliance. 

Geared towards engineers, programmers and product developers, the webinars will be led by subject-matter experts who will share best practices for product design, execution and achieving peak engine performance.

Register now for:

Emissions Compliance: A Path Forward for Hydrocarbon Traps

Presenters: Peter Treydte, emissions compliance manager at SEMA; Shawn Abraham, certification engineer at SEMA; Erik Versen, global manager and USMCA commercial manager at Ingevity

August 27, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT

Register here for Emissions Compliance.

If you manufacture aftermarket air-intake systems, then you are aware (or at least you should be) of the importance of hydrocarbon traps. During this session, attendees will learn what hydrocarbon traps are, what they do, how to incorporate them into your air-intake design and how to achieve emissions compliance. SEMA has worked on this issue for many years and has finally reached an agreement with California Air Resources Board (CARB) on a test method, which will be shared in this session.

Visualizing Fuel Injection Spray Characteristics That Impact Engine Efficiency, Emissions and Performance

Presenters: Paulius Puzinauskas and Josh Bittle, associate professors at the University of Alabama

September 10, 2024, 1 p.m. PDT – 2 p.m. PDT

Register here for Visualizing Fuel Injection Spray Characteristics.

Fuel-injection characteristics strongly impact emissions, efficiency and power for all types of engines. This is most pronounced in diesel engines since combustion is coupled with the spray, but it’s also significant in spark-ignited engines using liquid or gaseous fuels. In all cases, the most significant pathway to this impact is through fuel-air mixture effects.

This presentation will cover multiple optical techniques used at the University of Alabama to document and quantify liquid spray penetration, liquid-to-vapor evaporation and fuel vapor-air mixing, as well as ignition and sooting behavior of diesel sprays. By understanding these characteristics, you can gain insight into optimization efforts of injector design and placement, as well as injection operational parameters such as injection pressure and timing. The techniques described include high-speed imaging, color-schlieren imaging and OH Chemiluminescence, and two-color pyrometry.

The mission of the SEMA ETTN is to identify, communicate and provide automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers, and product developers with the knowledge of emerging vehicle trends and new technology to ensure continued success. To learn more about the network, how to join and other available resources, visit sema.org/ettn. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a networking mixer at the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The event is scheduled for August 22, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (EDT) at the Residence Inn & Suites.

TORA members are invited to attend the mixer, where they will grow their professional network and learn about industry resources for truck and off-road automotive aftermarket businesses. Attendees will meet the TORA select committee, discover open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships with leaders who represent different areas of the truck and off-road market. Light snacks and drinks will be served.

Prospective TORA members are invited to attend the mixer, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what TORA membership has to offer. 

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Education is offering three new webinars this summer that will help industry members learn about pivotal topics shaping the current landscape and future of the specialty-equipment industry.  

Taking place on August 14, August 21 and September 11, the live online sessions will feature subject matter experts from leading organizations sharing valuable insights and best practices that attendees can use to grow their careers, gain new perspectives and transform their business.     

Registration is free. Sign up now to learn about: 

How to Exceed Customer Satisfaction With Daily Management

Presenter: Mario Iannantuono, managing partner, Quantum Leap Partners

August 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PDT)

Register here.

Need a refresher on best practices for building a better team and improving your business? This session will offer practical and proven methods to ensure your team exceeds customer satisfaction each and every day. Learning objectives include:

• Practical tools for exceeding your customer’s expectations.
• Practical visual tools for monitoring the success of the team.
• Practical visual tools for monitoring the areas of opportunity of the team.
• Practical visual tools on ownership, accountability and development of the team.

Tips for Thinking Like a Futurist

Presenter: Jennifer Brace, chief futurist, Ford Motor Company

August 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PDT)

Register here.

Are you ready for the future? Many assume that tomorrow will look just like today, however, with the fast pace of change and the plethora of events outside of our control, the future is uncertain. During this session, attendees will gain tips for preparing for the uncertain future and thinking like a futurist. Key takeaways include:  

• Strategies to build a future of choice for your business and consumers.
• How you can own the way you prepare for the uncertain future through long-term thinking, planning and strategic development.
• Insightful tips and approach to plan and prepare for the future.

Reimagine Aftermarket Service: A Guide to Digitizing Your Operations for Success

Presenter: Manbir Singh, digital transformation leader, Kyndryl

September 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PDT)

Register here.

In today's competitive landscape, aftermarket service operations are no longer a mere afterthought; customers are demanding faster, more efficient, and personalized service experiences. This webinar will teach attendees how to digitize their aftermarket service operations. During this session, attendees will learn:  

• How digital tools can streamline communication, improve service transparency and personalize the customer journey.
• How automation, data-driven decision-making and real-time insights can optimize processes, reduce costs and improve first-time fix rates.
• How leveraging digital technologies can differentiate your brand and unlock new revenue streams in the aftermarket service space.

Participating in these webinars is an excellent way to ensure your business has the tools and insight needed to succeed in the present and the future. Register today!

By SEMA News Editors

Attendees of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas, have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) and EV-safety certified through the Show's comprehensive education program focused on professional and business advancement.

Presented by SEMA Education and Legacy EV, the "Electric Vehicles 101" and "High-Voltage Safety Certification Training" education sessions will help attendees boost their knowledge and understanding of EV powertrains and safety. Each of the sessions will be limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate, hands-on setting where students will gain the skills needed to excel in the evolving and dynamic EV market.       

"What makes these courses unique is the hands-on experience students gain by working with EV equipment and wiring right in the classroom during the SEMA Show," said Mavrick Knoles, co-founder and president of Legacy EV. "Participants will not only walk away with valuable experience but can also credit the cost of both of these sessions towards a comprehensive Legacy EV Certified Technician course post-SEMA Show."

Registration is now open for:

• Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV - Wednesday, November 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.:

This course is divided into two sessions--"Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory" and "Applications with EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety"--and offers a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive technicians to gain understanding of EV powertrains. During this class, students will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches. Trainees who complete this course will receive an official "EV101 certification" from Legacy EV. The cost for this session is $599. To register for "Electric Vehicle 101, Presented by Legacy EV," click here. 

• High Voltage Safety Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV - Thursday, November 7, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: 

New for 2024, this course is geared towards those who work with or sell high-voltage products; service high-voltage components or vehicles; build, manufacture or assemble high-voltage components or vehicles; and manage high-voltage vehicle technicians. Participants will learn about "Creating an Electrically Safe Work Condition" and "High-Voltage Batteries and Battery Management Systems." Trainees who complete this course will receive a Legacy EV Level 1 High-Voltage Safety certification, a Legacy EV Level 2 High-Voltage Safety certification and a digital badge and physical certificate. Two to four hours of online pre-course work is required before this eight-hour in-person session in Las Vegas. The cost for this session is $1,399. To register for "High Voltage Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV," click here.

In 2023, Richard Forstner, supervisor of damage appraisal at Element Fleet Management, participated in the EV 101 course at the SEMA Show.

"My employer manages every vehicle type including upfitted trucks, which in some cases, have aftermarket EV conversions, so taking this course helped strengthen my career as an EV subject matter expert," said Forstner. "The instruction by Legacy EV was first rate and I liked the structure and pace of the course." Forstner said the course aided him in problem solving some of the challenges that arise from outside vendors as well as analyzing crash damage.  

Monica Baeza, port senior equipment mechanic at Port of Oakland, also took the EV 101 course, noting that the biggest value of the training was the hands-on component. "It has given me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the transition and management of a growing EV fleet. I am more able to engage in the conversations in a knowledgeable way and add value to work that we are doing."

The Legacy EV sessions are part of a robust 2024 SEMA Show education program designed to help industry professionals enhance their leadership and business development, gain insight into emerging trends, and discover industry best practices from top experts in the aftermarket field.

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with 2,400 exhibitors projected to display the latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.

"The SEMA Show is a global platform to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and future of the automotive aftermarket. Education is a cornerstone of the Show designed to help our members address their most significant challenges," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "The 2024 program has been created to showcase takeaways and information that attendees can immediately utilize to improve and strengthen their businesses."

To register for "Electric Vehicle 101, Presented by Legacy EV," click here.

To register for "High Voltage Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV," click here.

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 SEMA News Editors

Chevrolet has introduced the fastest, most powerful Corvette ever: the '25 Corvette ZR1.

The ZR1 is powered by a 5.5L, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine dubbed the LT7, Chevrolet said, which can produce 1,064 hp and 828 lb.-ft. of torque. Those figures make it the most power ever from a factory Corvette and push the ZR1's top speed to a GM-estimated 215 mph.

The ZR1's 5.5L LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC V8 engine starts with the same architecture as Z06's LT6, and adds twin turbochargers, a first for a factory Corvette.

Additionally, Chevrolet outfitted the model with a carbon-fiber aerodynamics package that creates more than 1,200 lbs. of downforce at top speed, and also brought back the split rear window, last seen on the C2 Corvette.

For more information, visit chevrolet.com. 

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 SEMA News Editors

Exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center, are offering products, parts and services for builders working on vehicles set for display at the SEMA Show this year.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is updated frequently, and features product offers and contact information from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors looking to collaborate with builders. Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should connect with exhibitors directly using the provided contact information.

Note: All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show must be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. Exhibitors: to be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Kia's upcoming EV4 had its production date pushed back to March 2025, but SEMA News sources recently spotted the heavily camouflaged sportback testing in Germany.

Although obscured by the camouflage, the prototype has a twin rear spoiler, vertical LED lighting at the rear and a sharply sloping roofline.

The EV4 will be longer than the new EV3, according to insiders, but slightly smaller overall than the EV5. Expected to use Kia's front-wheel-drive E-GMP 400V architecture, the EV4 aims to be a budget-friendly electric option, according to sources.

By SEMA News Editors

Come Showtime this year, the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with the latest products, innovations, technology, displays and services from specialty-equipment market brands during the SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Exhibitors can now maximize their impact on the Show floor by entering their products, packaging and merchandising displays into the SEMA Show New Product Showcase, the top destination for media members, buyers, decision-makers and automotive professionals to source the hottest products from the Show floor in one convenient location.

Submissions for the 2024 SEMA Show New Product Showcase are now open online at SEMAshow.com/newproducts. Show organizers recommend reading the complete rules and regulations online here.

Entering the SEMA Show New Product Showcase is a no-brainer: the first entry is always free of charge and can help build brand awareness, boost booth traffic and generate quality sales leads. And if you're looking to expand to markets beyond the United States, the SEMA Show provides a platform to launch products in 140 represented countries and territories, a reach that is amplified in the New Product Showcase.

All entries are considered and eligible for a New Products Showcase award (formerly Global Media Awards), providing even more brand exposure and recognition.

The SEMA New Product Showcase awards program recognizes the importance of automotive personalization and customization throughout the world. While the industry has strong roots in the United States, the appeal of making cars and trucks fit one's lifestyle is universal. Journalists from around the world attend the SEMA Show to identify new products likely to succeed in their home countries. The participating media represent some of the industry's top magazines and the editors are amongst the most respected in the world. Judges will select 10 products that they feel will most likely succeed in their home country. Exhibitors who have products that were selected will be recognized during a special ceremony at the SEMA Show.

Enter your company's products at SEMAshow.com/newproducts today!

Exhibitors: Learn key dates and find applications and submissions, such as the SEMA Show New Product Showcase, in this year's updated Exhibitor Service Manual. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

Still have questions? No problem! Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

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

By SEMA News Editors

2023 SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Award winners.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued $99,000 in scholarship and loan forgiveness awards to help 46 individuals currently working or planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 39 college students and seven employees of SEMA-member companies.

"As the automotive-specialty equipment market grows, so does the need for talented, ready-to-work individuals who are passionate about the industry," said Jose Escobar, SEMA project manager of recognition programs. "This year's winners represent the diversity and interests that the market needs and we're excited to support them in their academic and professional journeys."

Established in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to encourage future talent and current leaders to succeed in the automotive industry. Each year, scholarships are awarded to help the next generation get off to a successful start in their education, and the current automotive workforce reduce their college debt. The total amount issued since the program's inception is over $3 million.

The online application for next year's awards will open in January 2025 at sema.org/scholarships.

2024 SEMA Scholarship Award Winners

Recipient (Institution, Major)

• Zachary Been (Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)
• Adele Bosma (Northern Arizona University, Computer Programming)
• Benjamin Carter (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Lucy Cesnauskas (NASCAR Technical Institute, Automotive Technology)
• Shawn Chen (Purdue University-Main Campus, Industrial Engineering & Design)
• James Clayton (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automation Technology)
• Cameron Cocalis (University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Business)
• Carinn Davies (Reedley College, Automotive Technology)
• Zachary Dosey (Wayne State University, Robotics: Industrial Automation)
• Kaden Elisaldez  (University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Marketing)
• Jude Giordano (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Mechanical Engineering)
• Noah Gordon (Ferris State University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• James Graham (Purdue University-Main Campus, Engineering)
• Jaedyn Imhoff (California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Danielle Irey (University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Sports Medicine/Management/Technology)
• Marijan Kruzic (St. Philip's College, Automotive Technology)
• Kailey Kwilas (Purdue University Northwest, Electromechanical Technology)
• Jaxon Lappin (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive-High Performance Technician Diploma)
• Austin Leung (Central Michigan University, Data Analysis)
• Bhavya Mamnani (Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)
• Zebedee McMenamy (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering)
• Fletcher Meadows (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Sarai Morales (Babson College, Business)
• Jocelyn Pandolfo (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Autobody Collision)
• Giselle Pena Cortez (Weber State University, Automotive Technology)
• Nathan Prettyman (Utah Valley University, Autobody Collision)
• Christopher Rodriguez (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kristy Rubino (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Aidan Santiago (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Aleah Sauder (McHenry County College, Autobody Collision)
• William Schimberg (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brendan Schmitt (Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Business)
• Masen Schneider (University of North Dakota, Mechanical Engineering)
• Ojas Shah (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joshua Sites (Ohio Northern University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Patrick Steinkamp (Missouri University of Science and Technology, Engineering)
• Cole Van Vlymen (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering)
• Grady Wiggins (Florida Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kaitlyn Zubia (The University of Texas at El Paso, Mechanical Engineering)

2024 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

• Chris Apkarian (AMS Osram, University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Clayton Brown (Race Winning Brands, University of Akron Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Elizabeth Busniewski (MagnaFlow, Northwood University, Aut2hanical Engineering)
• Mark Mollica (Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)
• Baily Soto (Legacy EV, Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix, Education)
• Luke Voldahl (General Motors, Eastern Michigan University, Information Technology)