By SEMA News Editors

Race Winning Brands Appoints Steve Boyack CFO

Race Winning Brands (RWB), the Mentor, Ohio-based manufacturer of high-performance components, has appointed Steve Boyack as its new CFO.

Boyack joins the RWB team with more than two decades of experience in the manufacturing, distribution and service sectors. Stationed at RWB's headquarters, Boyack will spend time at each brand's facility to get a first-hand look at opportunities for improvement throughout the business, the company said.

For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.

Ford Invests $2M in Technician Scholarship Fund

Ford dealers and Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are investing $2 million in scholarship funding in 10 regions to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.

Spanning more than 20 states and 292 eligible schools, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship will grant 400 need-based awards to current or future students enrolled in post-secondary auto programs.

The Ford Auto Tech scholarships will be administered by TechForce Foundation. Each award will grant $5,000 per student in financial assistance for education and training in auto and auto/diesel at a range of accredited institutions.

Students eligible for the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship must be pursuing a degree in one of the following regions: the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Seattle and Cincinnati areas. The application process is open from March 4 through August 31, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis and applications reviewed as received.

For more information, visit techforce.org.

BorgWarner Names New Chief Accounting Officer

BorgWarner has announced that Amy Kulikowski has been appointed vice president and chief accounting officer. She reports directly to Craig Aaron, chief financial officer. 

Kulikowski joins BorgWarner with more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, most recently with Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. as its chief accounting officer. Kulikowski is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 

In additional company news, BorgWarner has also announced its partnership with Manufacture 2030, a decarbonization software provider, to effectively measure and reduce its supply chain carbon footprint and support its goal of reducing absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2030.

For more information, visit borgwarner.com.

Wilwood Engineering Promotes Hagy to UTV Market Specialist

Wilwood Engineering has promoted Kaleb Hagy to the new role of UTV market specialist.

In this newly created position, Hagy will now be handling the UTV division which includes racing, sponsorships and events, among other duties within that market segment.

Hagy, who has been with Wilwood for seven years, will also be tasked with expanding the UTV product lineup that currently includes upgraded brake kits for Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick and Honda Talon as well as continuing to strengthen Wilwood’s penetration in this growing market, the company said.

For more information, visit wilwood.com.

Hot Shot's Secret Now Available at AutoZone

Hot Shot's Secret products will now be available at AutoZone stores thanks to a new distribution partnership between the companies.

The retailer will now carry multiple sizes of Hot Shot's Secret's Stiction Eliminator, Diesel Extreme and Everyday Diesel Treatment additives at stores nationwide. Select stores, mostly in northern locations, will also carry EDT+ Winter Defense.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

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

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA commissioned a survey of likely November 2024 voters to gauge opinion on SB 961, which would require new cars and trucks to be equipped with speed-limiting devices beginning in 2027. The survey, conducted by Rodriguez Gudelunas Strategies in mid-February, found that California's likely voters overwhelmingly reject the proposed legislation, with 69% of respondents in opposition. Over half (51%) of likely voters strongly oppose the legislation, while only 12% strongly support it. 

Additionally, the proposal fared poorly across age groups and party lines, failing to reach majority support among all significant voting blocs. More than 70% of Generation-Z, Millennial and Generation-X voters oppose the policy, along with two-thirds (66%) of younger Boomers aged 60-66. Further, 63% of Democrats, 79% of Republicans and 69% of independent voters opposed the bill. 

"It is clear that Californians want to control their cars, not vice versa," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "That's why we urge California legislators to listen to the voters they represent and shelve this unpopular bill." 

Seventy percent of moderate voters are opposed, along with 64% of progressives, 58% of liberals and 79% of conservatives. The survey was fully representative of likely 2024 California voters.  

SB 961, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, is set for a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on April 9, 2024. 

"There's not much Californians agree on these days, but this survey shows they resoundingly oppose this bad policy," concluded Spagnola. 

A memo to interested parties from Rodriguez Gudelunas Strategies is available here. 

By Ashley Reyes

Aftermarket companies and industry professionals have less than one week to sign up to meet and engage with graduating engineers at one of two career fairs being held at the SEMA Garage.

Hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the career fairs will take place at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, on March 16, from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in their respective time zones. Participating businesses will share their expertise with university students who are actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions, help them explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Attending the event is free for SEMA members and is a great chance for businesses to connect face-to-face with potential candidates, put your company name out in the industry and network with other aftermarket businesses and industry professionals. The SEMA Garage team will also provide a tour of its facility showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist SEMA members with product development. Lunch will be provided.

Register your company at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

Register your company at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.

By Ashley Reyes

An important part of being an ally to women is engaging new people who don't fully understand or believe in the male-ally mindset. Knowing how to approach, engage and convert non-believers into allies is critical for both men and women to grow the conversation so that positive change can take effect. 

Men and women in the automotive aftermarket industry are invited to attend the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)'s next webinar in their Male-Ally Webinar Series "How to Keep the Conversation Growing and Build Awareness" on April 2 at 1:00 p.m. PDT. Attendees will discover ideas and ways to engage with people who have not heard of, or understand or support, the male-ally movement.

Register now, and learn:

• A review of what a male ally to women is and successful practices to be one.
• How to grow the conversation surrounding male allyship.
• How to recognize when it is time to engage.
• How the panelists have been successful in educating non-believers.
• What to do if there is push-back.

This session will be moderated by Rachel Speir (RS Marqueting), and feature speakers Chris Gauss (The Warn Group), Steve Gilmore (Ford Motor Company) and Sara Morosan (LGE-CTS Motorsports). Don't miss your chance to tap into their expertise and discover practices that you can use and that have worked for them in the past. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA council and network select committee member volunteers are vital to the association, bringing insight and knowledge to assist SEMA staff in providing its members with essential resources for career and business growth.

From developing solutions to strengthen the aftermarket to creating awareness with legislative leaders, select committee volunteers help drive action and ideas to lead the nine SEMA communities, and their market segments, to success.

Select committee volunteers are elected by the council or network they represent through a nomination process. Elected leaders meet throughout the year to develop programs, events and education opportunities that will be of value to its council or network membership.

For many, volunteering is a way to utilize their passion to be a part of something bigger. Todd Steen of Jackson Marketing Group started his volunteer journey with the Wheel & Tire Council (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension, & Brake Council) select committee, moving his way up to chair-elect, chair, and now immediate past chair. "Volunteering with SEMA offers you opportunity to meet new people, grow your network and form solid relationships that can have a lasting impact on your career," said Steen. "It also offers a chance to hone skills and gain a new perspective on our industry."

In-person networking events, educational webinars, market-specific programs, online membership meetings and leadership development programs are just a few examples of successful SEMA programs introduced by select committee volunteers.

"SEMA is a direct reflection of our industry and very much like a diamond; the deeper you look, the more facets you see," said former Professional Restylers Organization Select Committee Chair BJ Leanse of The AAM Group. "The resources, benefits and opportunities that SEMA provides really begin when you get in gear and engage. When you do, you can buckle up and enjoy the ride."

Elected select committee member volunteers serve a minimum two-year term and must be a member of the council or network that they volunteer for. They are asked to contribute 5-10 hours per month pending their volunteer commitments and are required to attend monthly meetings, an annual long-range planning meeting and a council summit every other year.

Nominations to volunteer on a SEMA council and network select committee are open now until April 19. 

APPLY TODAY.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Jenna Jefferies, truck category manager at Vance & Hines, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Jefferies in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry? 

Jenna Jefferies: I grew up watching my brother's off-road race and absolutely loved it. What better way is there to stay involved than to have a career doing what I love? 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?   

JJ: I have a passion for the truck and off-road market. I want to be able to give back and help make a difference in the industry, as well as help preserve the land we love to use. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

JJ: You can't fail if you don't try, and you can't succeed if you don't try. So, go ahead and give it a shot! 

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?  

JJ: I'm really torn right now between the Bronco Raptor or the Ram TRX. I'd take either! I currently have an Acura TSX as a daily driver and a '93 Toyota Land Cruiser to have fun with. 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

Compiled by SEMA Magazine Editors

It's no secret that the truck market continues to be a prime mover for the automotive aftermarket. More than half of all vehicles on the road in the United States are either a pickup, an SUV or a crossover CUV, and that market share is increasing each year. According to the most recent issue of "SEMA Future Trends," the light-truck segment--which includes pickups, vans, SUVs and CUVs--is forecast to account for close to 80% of all new-vehicle sales by 2027, with pickup trucks alone making up nearly 50% of all new vehicles sold.

As a rule, healthy truck and SUV sales bode well for the aftermarket. Parts and accessories for pickups alone account for nearly a third of specialty-equipment sales, according to the latest "SEMA Pickup Accessorization Report," with more than $16 billion in annual sales. If one includes SUVs, crossovers and vans in the mix, that number grows to more than $30 billion yearly--more than half of the total specialty-equipment market. What's more, roughly half of all late-model pickups on the road have been modified with specialty-equipment parts, with more expensive HD models most likely to receive upgrades, and more than a quarter of pickup truck drivers purchase aftermarket equipment for their trucks each year.

JEEPS AND OFF-ROAD TRUCKS

According to the latest "SEMA State of the Industry Report," SEMA-member manufacturers see the off-road segment as holding the single greatest opportunity for growth in 2024, as the “off-road” vehicle aftermarket expands into the overlanding, adventure van and Crossover CUV arenas. While the Jeep Wrangler has long been the flagship of this segment, the new Ford Bronco has emerged as a serious contender, attracting a whole new generation of enthusiasts to the joys of off-roading. Most popular aftermarket products among this group are oversized tires and wheels, suspension products, drivetrain upgrades, bumpers, bed accessories and auxiliary lighting.

OVERLANDERS AND ADVENTURE VANS

The overlanding market has shown little sign of slowing down, with more than half of SEMA-member manufacturers seeing the segment as a continued growth opportunity for 2024, a level of optimism surpassed only by the off-road segment previously mentioned. It should come as no surprise since owners of these vehicles comprise an affluent market demographic with plenty of disposable income to spend on their builds, which often use Mercedes Sprinter or RAM ProMaster vans as their platforms. Aftermarket parts most sought-after for these vehicles include suspension upgrades, bumpers, roof racks, tents and snorkel kits, as well as comfort and convenience items such as refrigerators and camp-kitchen gear.

SMALL AND MIDSIZE TRUCKS

They're back. After being neglected to the point of near-extinction over the course of two decades, small and midsize trucks have seen a resurgence in popularity in the ’20s, thanks in no small part to the escalation in gas prices in recent years. The Ford Maverick has been a hit with consumers since its debut in ’21, the Honda Ridgeline just enjoyed its best-ever year for sales, and the all-new ’24 Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have raised the bar in the midsize segment. They’re often built for off-road use due to their relatively light weight and compact, trail-friendly dimensions, so aftermarket opportunities for these vehicles are myriad.

STREET TRUCKS

Slammed and (often) cammed, the street truck market continues to support a robust aftermarket. Among classic fullsize trucks, pre-’88 GM square-bodies have proven a reliably popular build platform, though demand for parts for later-model ‘80s and ‘90s Ford and Chevy OBS trucks has exploded in recent years. Restoration and restomodding have also attracted new enthusiasts to the segment, with NOS parts makers enjoying solid sales. Other popular upgrades for these vehicles include suspension kits, often with air assist, chassis and brake upgrades and interior products such as high-end audio systems.

CROSSOVERS

An $8 billion market, crossovers are the hottest-selling OEM vehicle segment at the moment, and while the aftermarket for these vehicles has been slow to develop, companies are now marketing a variety of products for them with an emphasis on the "lifestyle" element: rooftop tents, auxiliary lighting, racks for bikes and kayaks, and small pack trailers that allow owners of "soft roaders" such as the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback to enjoy the pleasures of overlanding without the need of a larger van or pickup.

ELECTRIC TRUCKS AND EV CONVERSIONS

While they're currently an infinitesimally small part of the overall EV market, EV trucks and conversions are attracting the notice of an increasing number of specialty-equipment companies, and a variety of electric and EV-converted trucks could be found at the 2023 SEMA Show. As the OEs roll out new electrified products such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Tesla Cybertruck, and as consumer demand for EVs bounces back from its present slump, we're likely to see more aftermarket companies offering EV conversion or retrofit kits for older trucks.

ABOUT THE SEMA TRUCK & OFF-ROAD ALLIANCE

Members of the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) represent the collective interest of its members through a single, powerful voice that can play a significant role in shaping the industry. They are joined together to form a potent coalition whose mission is to determine the shape and future of the truck and off-road accessory industry.

TORA is a council whose member companies manufacture, distribute, sell and/or install accessories for off-road vehicles, light-duty pickup trucks, ATVs, or provide services to the off-road or truck accessory industry. To learn more about TORA and SEMA's other industry councils, visit sema.org/get-involved.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

Retro Manufacturing

Customer Service and Sales Manager in Henderson, Nevada

Retro Manufacturing, a manufacturer of car audio and seat belts for classic cars, has an immediate opening for a full-time custom service and sales manager. The position is responsible for developing and implementing sales plans and supervises customer service representatives with the objective of meeting or exceeding sales goals and operational standards.

BluePrint Engines

Design Engineer in Kearney, Nebraska

The company is currently seeking a design engineer to be responsible for the design and development of new engine components and assemblies. The selected candidate will be tasked with performing engineering calculations and analysis to ensure components meet performance requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams, creating and maintain detailed design documentation and more.

RTX

Sales Representative in Columbus, Ohio

The sales representative position will manage the Eastern and Northeastern United States territories and will be responsible for establishing and implementing a strong market business plan, driving sales and market share growth, managing accounts, providing customer support and more. A minimum of three years of field sales experience is preferred.

QA1

Communications Manager in Lakeville, Minnesota

QA1's Communications Manager is responsible for crafting and implementing communication strategies that align with business goals, effectively engaging and informing audiences through written content across various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and more.

By SEMA News Editors

Exhibitor booth space agreements are increasing for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, and Show organizers have announced that registration is now open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, a two-day education-packed event featuring everything a company needs--whether a first-timer or a longtime Show veteran--to deliver the best ROI from their SEMA Show experience. 

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 business-boosting information straight from the people who organize the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

"Every year, the Summit provides something new for exhibitors. Our team combs through research and data from prior years to deliver the practical and proven advice, like strategies to attract people to your booth while saving money," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "All you need to do is register and show up to Vegas, and we'll take care of the rest. Spaces tend to fill up quickly, so secure your spot today!"

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Registration is available online for up to two (2) company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program. SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event. Note: You are only officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

"Special thanks to our partners at onPeak and the Las Vegas Convention Center for making the Summit possible," Tompkins said.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Honda Motors, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '24 Honda Ridgeline.

SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle's public release. Take advantage of this exclusive event, scheduled for March 26-27, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

'24 Honda Ridgeline Measuring Session

March 26-27, 2024

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, CA

1577 Valley Vista Dr

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

View on Google Maps

Click here to RSVP!  

Spots are limited for this exclusive event; sign up today! For more information, visit the Click here to RSVP!  or contact measuringsessions@sema.org.