By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed updates to its SEMA-opposed October 2023 amendments to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. 

Proposed Modifications: 

• Extended Implementation Period: The timeframe for implementing revised short-form warning content has increased from two to three years. 
• Reversion to Original Text: Most internet and catalog warning content will revert to the original regulation text. 
• Internet Retailers Grace Period: A new provision grants internet retailers a 60-day grace period to update their online short-form warnings once they receive a warning or written notice during the three-year implementation period. 

The changes, initially announced by OEHHA in October 2023, would significantly impact businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and out-of-state companies selling products in California. 

Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed updates to its SEMA-opposed October 2023 amendments to Proposition 65, a California law that requires warning labels on products containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. 

Proposed Modifications: 

• Extended Implementation Period: The timeframe for implementing revised short-form warning content has increased from two to three years. 
• Reversion to Original Text: Most internet and catalog warning content will revert to the original regulation text. 
• Internet Retailers Grace Period: A new provision grants internet retailers a 60-day grace period to update their online short-form warnings once they receive a warning or written notice during the three-year implementation period. 

The changes, initially announced by OEHHA in October 2023, would significantly impact businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers and out-of-state companies selling products in California. 

Click here to submit comments to OEHHA in opposition to the proposed changes. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is accepting applications for its PRO Cup Challenge at the 2024 SEMA Show. Apply here. 

Now in its fifth year, the PRO Cup Challenge spotlights the benefits of vehicle accessorization by inviting six automotive restylers to have their vehicle package displayed in PRO's Booth in West Hall at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Focusing on new-model vehicles, the program aims to encourage dealers to work with restylers to offer accessory packages. Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on the vehicle's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.

Auto Sunroof and Leather won the 2023 PRO Cup Challenge for the company's accessory package for the '24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium.

"Competing in the PRO Cup Challenge enables automotive restylers to gain brand recognition while showcasing their creativity to thousands of SEMA Show attendees," said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. "On top of having their vehicle featured in the PRO booth, competitors are supported during the competition process through invaluable networking opportunities, recognition in SEMA publications and additional potential media coverage."

PRO is seeking applications that represent all vehicle segments with the goal of highlighting the diversity and opportunities available within the automotive restyling market. Vehicle package criteria include maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed and a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to the dealer.

PRO is looking for PRO manufacturers to donate parts or offer parts at a discounted price to applicants in the PRO Cup Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity for manufacturer member companies to highlight products where SEMA attracts the best-in-class restylers and retailers from around the globe. If interested in donating or providing a discounting product, sign up now here.

Applications are due Friday, August 9. If selected, competitors must complete and submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by Friday, September 6. Apply today!

By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide Acquires Cognito Motorsports

RANDYS Worldwide--a national supplier of automotive aftermarket parts design, manufacturing and distribution--has announced its strategic acquisition of Cognito Motorsports, a renowned manufacturer in the truck and off-road performance category.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and strengthens RANDYS Worldwide's position as a provider in the off-road, truck, SUV and undercar sectors.

Cognito Motorsports--known for its design and manufacturing of premium steering, suspension, chassis and accessory performance products for trucks, SUVs and UTVs--has built a stellar reputation for producing high-quality products that align seamlessly with the RANDYS Worldwide platform of brands, says RANDYS.  

"By partnering with Cognito, this collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both entities," said Kevin Kaestner, president and CEO at RANDYS Worldwide. "The partnership will enhance product offerings, provide a broader range of solutions to customers, and reinforce the commitment to cutting-edge technology in the automotive aftermarket."

For more information, visit randysworldwide.com. 

VIP Tires & Service Celebrates Grand Opening in Brockton, MA, Plus Education and Community Investments

VIP Tires & Service, New England's privately held automotive service provider and tire dealer, has announced the grand opening of its new Brockton, Massachusetts, location at 98 Westgate Drive. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and VIP Tires & Service leadership.

In celebration of joining Brockton and mirroring its commitment to education, VIP also announced a special six-week "Oil Changes for Education" initiative scheduled for June 18 through July 31, 2024. During this period, customers can receive any Valvoline oil change for just $10 (excluding diesel), with VIP donating 100% of the proceeds to the Brockton public schools. This program allows customers to save on a valuable service (up to $100 value) while directly contributing to the future of Brockton's students.

In addition to its commitment to providing educational opportunities, VIP Tires is proud to contribute to the Brockton community in several other ways:

• Economic growth: The new store will create eight to 10 new jobs, prioritizing the hiring of qualified residents. This injection of new personnel will not only benefit VIP Tires employees but will also stimulate the local economy through increased spending within the community.
• Business development: VIP Tires is dedicated to fostering a thriving business environment in Brockton. The store's presence will attract new customers to the area, potentially leading to increased business for other local establishments.
• Technological innovation: With 6,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space and eight service bays, the Brockton VIP Tires is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment like Hunter alignment technology and Autel automotive scanners to ensure state-of-the-art tire alignment and precision vehicle diagnostics.

"At VIP Tires, we're committed to going the extra mile for the communities we serve," said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP. "This means fostering a well-educated workforce, creating local jobs, and ensuring the safest driving experience possible. By partnering with local educational programs and offering cutting-edge technology, we believe we can make a real difference in Brockton."

For more information, visit vipauto.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Earlier this month, SEMA's Washington, D.C., office organized the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol in Harrisburg, bringing together automotive aftermarket and motorsports businesses to engage with lawmakers and advocate for industry-supportive policies. 

(From left to right) Andy Morgan, Keystone Automotive Operations; Bill Rogers, Keystone Automotive Operations; Pennsylvania Senator Marty Flynn and Larry Montante, Keystone Automotive Operations, during the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol.

Participants tackled several vital legislative issues during their discussions with state lawmakers, and Pennsylvania's historical alignment with California's motor-vehicle emissions laws was a significant focus. Attendees strongly advocated for the state to maintain its current stance of not adopting California's 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles. Other critical topics included the corporate net income tax rate and net operating losses for small businesses. 

The SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally highlighted the specialty automotive aftermarket industry's substantial contributions to Pennsylvania's economy, with a $9.26 billion economic output and support for more than 40,000 jobs, an economic impact that underscores the industry's vital role in the Keystone state's economy. 

Representative Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts at the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally luncheon.

At a luncheon, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts. He underscored the significant impact of advocacy from within the industry on shaping legislative initiatives affecting Pennsylvania's automotive aftermarket. 

"Our collective voice gains strength through member engagement, directly impacting policy decisions that shape our industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs & grassroots, highlighting the critical importance of active member involvement during events like the SEMA Pennsylvania Rally. "These gatherings serve as essential platforms for fostering meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration, and propelling positive changes, all of which are crucial for ensuring a dynamic and prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket in Pennsylvania." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Earlier this month, SEMA's Washington, D.C., office organized the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol in Harrisburg, bringing together automotive aftermarket and motorsports businesses to engage with lawmakers and advocate for industry-supportive policies. 

(From left to right) Andy Morgan, Keystone Automotive Operations; Bill Rogers, Keystone Automotive Operations; Pennsylvania Senator Marty Flynn and Larry Montante, Keystone Automotive Operations, during the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol.

Participants tackled several vital legislative issues during their discussions with state lawmakers, and Pennsylvania's historical alignment with California's motor-vehicle emissions laws was a significant focus. Attendees strongly advocated for the state to maintain its current stance of not adopting California's 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles. Other critical topics included the corporate net income tax rate and net operating losses for small businesses. 

The SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally highlighted the specialty automotive aftermarket industry's substantial contributions to Pennsylvania's economy, with a $9.26 billion economic output and support for more than 40,000 jobs, an economic impact that underscores the industry's vital role in the Keystone state's economy. 

Representative Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts at the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally luncheon.

At a luncheon, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts. He underscored the significant impact of advocacy from within the industry on shaping legislative initiatives affecting Pennsylvania's automotive aftermarket. 

"Our collective voice gains strength through member engagement, directly impacting policy decisions that shape our industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs & grassroots, highlighting the critical importance of active member involvement during events like the SEMA Pennsylvania Rally. "These gatherings serve as essential platforms for fostering meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration, and propelling positive changes, all of which are crucial for ensuring a dynamic and prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket in Pennsylvania." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Top row: Kim Pendergast, Melissa Scoles, Doug Lane. Bottom row: Kelle Oeste and Bill Bader.

SEMA has announced the results of the 2024-2025 SEMA Board of Directors elections. The following candidates have been elected to the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturer

• Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Melissa Scoles, CEO, QA1

Distributor/Retailer

• Doug Lane, president and owner, Motor State Distributing
• Kelle Oeste, CEO and owner, V8TV Speed and Resto Shop

Service

• Bill Bader, president and owner, Summit Motorsports Park

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers' rep and services.

See the full 2024-2025 SEMA Board of Directors below:

Board Officers:

• Chairman – Kyle Fickler, director of business development, ProCharger
• Chair-elect – Melanie White, president, Hellwig Products
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – James Lawrence, CEO, Power Automedia
• Treasurer – Tim McCarthy, founder and CEO, HushMat and ZyCoat

Board Members:

• Bill Bader, president and owner, Summit Motorsports Park
• Rich Butler, CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
• Doug Lane, president & owner, Motor State Distributing
• Norris Marshall, CEO, BluePrint Engines
• Kelle Oeste, CEO & owner, V8TV Speed & Resto Shop
• Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Kathryn Reinhardt, senior vice president of marketing and events, Hemmings
• Melissa Scoles, president & CEO, QA1
• Marcus Umlauff, general manager – truck, Toyota Motor North America
• Ted Wentz, CEO, Quadratec

Outgoing board members:

• Lindsay Hubley, SVP consumer events, Emerald X/Overland Expo
• Larry Montante, VP category management, Keystone Automotive
• Brian Reese, president and CEO, T-Sportline
• Steve Whipple, president, PRW Industries

The full 2024-2025 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during this year's SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Anaheim, California, on Friday, July 19. The event will also celebrate this year's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees along with cocktails, dinner and more. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at sema.org/gala.

By Ashley Reyes

The Industry Cup Challenge, a beloved tradition of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, is bringing the aftermarket community together to improve the lives of children in need through its pinewood derby races. Your sponsorship can make a real difference; sponsor a pinewood car here.

On Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriott in Southern California, the races will bring the spirit of automotive passion and competition to the Gala's pre-banquet reception. Companies from five industry categories will race sponsored miniature wooden cars and trucks in thrilling downhill action, competing to be number one in their division. The top competitors of each category will then race head-to-head for ultimate bragging rights and trophy cup immortality.

The sponsorship dollars raised from this event will benefit SEMA Cares partnering children's charities: the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.

"The Industry Cup Challenge offers industry companies a unique opportunity to come together to help support and fund essential services and programs for at-risk youth," said SEMA Cares Chair Sara Morosan. "While competing in the races is a fun experience, the real win is knowing that the contributions are making a positive impact in the lives of kids who need it most."    

The five sponsoring divisions will consist of manufacturers, warehouse distributors, media, rep agencies and service providers, with the ultimate winner taking home the Industry Cup Challenge trophy with their company name engraved on it among past winners. In a Stanley Cup-style tradition, the trophy will be returned next year, giving the winner a chance to defend their title. If a sponsoring company cannot attend the Gala, a SEMA Cares volunteer will race the company's pinewood car on their behalf for the chance to win.

Chad A. Coltrane, president and CEO at Victory Junction, shared the impact of the funds on their programs: "Victory Junction's goal is to provide life-changing camp experiences for children with serious medical conditions free of charge. Funding from SEMA Cares allows Victory Junction to provide these fun experiences, and it allows our kids to build confidence and friendships. We simply cannot provide these services without the dedicated and generous support of SEMA Cares."

To learn more about SEMA Cares and/or sponsor a pinewood derby car, visit the SEMA Cares website.

To purchase tickets for the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, the prestigious celebration set to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors, visit sema.org/gala.  

By SEMA News Editors 

Rick Lorenzen, founder of the Lions Automobilia Foundation in Rancho Dominguez, California, has passed away. 

In 2019, Lorenzen established the non-profit foundation and museum—which today encompasses nearly 100,000 square feet—to celebrate and preserve Southern California's unique car culture and motorsports history. 

The organization shared the following statement: 

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Rick Lorenzen. 

Rick passed away peacefully on Sunday evening surrounded by family. 

Rick's vision was the guiding light in the creation of the Lions Automobilia Foundation [through] his leadership and steadfast commitment to preserving and sharing with others what he referred to as a "simpler time." Rick enjoyed telling stories about watching the races at Lions Drag Strip as a young man with his friends, and later meeting so many legends as they visited his treasured museum.  

"As we navigate this challenging period, please know that I am committed to continuing Rick's vision and values. My dedication will ensure that we remain strong and united, honoring Rick's legacy in every step we take," said Tami Lorenzen-Fanselow.

Rick's passion, commitment and hard work have left a mark on all of us, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. 

For more information, visit lionsautomobilia.org.  

Image courtesy of the Lions Automobilia Foundation. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Garage recently completed another successful measuring session, this time offering specialty-equipment manufacturers access to the '24 Toyota Tacoma.

Watch the video below to hear from participants and learn how they benefited from attending the measuring session.

Interested in attending the next measuring session? Contact productdevelopment@sema.org to be added to the mailing list and be alerted of upcoming events.