By SEMA Editors

According to a recent report in The Auto Wire, the state of California is looking at instituting "zero-emissions zones," which would be similar to the Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) seen in London's boroughs in the United Kingdom, with plate readers fining drivers for violations. 

The announcement aligns with California's net-zero carbon emissions goal set for 2045.

It was previously reported that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was gathering information from car owners of classic cars (from model-year '78 or earlier) about how those builds are used and stored, where they're driven, and the amount of miles on the odometer.

Read the full report by Steven Symes on The Auto Wire.

By Kenny Wright

SEMA Show management is proud  to present the inaugural SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium, an all-new event designed to provide a resource for women to network, mentor and participate in professional development programs geared toward helping women accelerate and advance in their careers and business. 

With the support of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), this symposium will also aim to address common challenges faced by women in the automotive industry. Overall, attendees of this program will gain invaluable new tools and learn essential skills to help drive their business and career advancement in a positive direction.

This exciting program will feature an inspiring opening keynote, "A Business Case for Cultivating Purpose," a "Power Networking Luncheon and Fireside Chat," a four-part micro-learning workshop segment and "Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights," a panel delivered by iconic industry executives and thought leaders. ​This year's first-ever SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium ​speakers include:

• Melanie White: CEO at Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
• Jacki Lutz: senior manager external communications, global at Sensata Technologies.
• Deanna Singh: managing partner at Uplifting Impact.
• Shaundra Dineen: CEO/founder at Rubyz Global Coaching and Consulting LLC.
• Kim Less: vice president, aftersales, Nissan North America.
• Matilda Johnson: director of business development and chief experience officer, City Classic Cars.
• Julia Landauer: Two-time champion racecar driver, speaker and entrepreneur at Julia Landauer Racing LLC. 
• Carolyn Jackson: vice president of Brand Strategy and chief philanthropy officer at Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. 
• Cheryl Thompson: president and founder at CADIA. 
• Axel Cooley: president at Metallon LLC.
• Jayme Blasiman: founder at Femcanic Garage and founder and co-owner of Women's Motor Fest. 
• Subi Ghosh: executive vice president, marketing and strategic partnerships at Stream Companies. 

There will also be moderated conversations with industry executives, where you will learn what actions leaders are taking to establish gender equity and where they see the greatest challenges and opportunities today. You will also learn what they are personally doing to support women leaders and get the chance to join the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium for a fireside chat, "Communication Secrets, Secrets of Success and Maintaining a Success Mindset," featuring Barrett-Jackson's vice president of brand strategy Carolyn Jackson. In this interactive fireside chat, FOX News reporter Amanda Busick will interview Jackson and engage the audience with an interactive conversation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders and subject-matter experts representing a variety of different industry segments in 15-minute, rapid-fire-style sessions. Women can also attend the following inspirational micro-seminars: "Becoming Certified Woman-Owned Enterprise"; "Self-Branding: The ACTION Behind Building Your Personal Brand"; "The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship as a Strategy for Success"; and "Make the Jump! Four Steps to Becoming the Authority in Your Industry."

"This great lineup of speakers, panels and workshops presents a truly one-of-a-kind chance for women in the automotive industry to join together and learn from experiences that are similar to their own. This year's SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is lining up to be a groundbreaking opportunity to prepare for addressing challenges and overcoming adversity. The ultimate goal of this program is to help women elevate, empower and engage themselves with the tools for success, needed to accelerate and advance their business and careers," said Pamela Brown Matthis, SEMA's director of education.

The SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is free for all 2023 SEMA Show attendees, although online registration for the entire event is encouraged here. Registration for individual sessions is also available at the links below.

2023 SEMA Show Women in Automotive Symposium Schedule

Wednesday, November 1

Room N258

• 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m PDT/Opening Keynote "Drive: How to Gain and Maintain a Competitive Advantage," featuring two-time race champion and entrepreneur Julia Landauer.
• 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PDT/Power Networking Luncheon and Fireside Chat hosted by FOX Sports Reporter Amanda Busick and featuring Carolyn Jackson, vice president brand strategy, Barrett-Jackson.
• 1:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m. PDT/Micro-Learning Lab (15-minute, rapid-fire-style workshops) featuring Melanie White, CEO and owner of Hellwig Products; Jacki Lutz, senior manager marketing communications, corporate at Sensata Technologies; Deanna Singh, managing partner at Uplifting Impact; and Shaundra Dineen, award-winning motivational speaker and podcaster.
• 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT/"Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights" panel, co-hosted by SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and moderated by Cheryl Thompson, president and founder of Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement. Featuring Axel Cooley, president, Metallon LLC; Kim Less, vice president, aftersales, Nissan North America; Subi Ghosh, executive vice president, marketing and strategic partnerships, Stream Companies; Matilda Johnson, director of business development and chief experience officer, City Classic Cars; Jayme Blasiman, founder, Femcanic Garage and founder and co-owner of Women's Motor Fest.

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, which will be headlined by keynote speaker, world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tim Tebow. Register for the SEMA Show at SEMAShow.com/register by September 29 for just $60. After, registration is $120.

Visit the SEMA Businesswoman's Network (SBN) homepage to learn more about related SEMA Show activations.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show is the ideal event for exhibitors to make newsworthy announcements. Following is the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule. Media are encouraged to attend all press conferences. To apply for media credentials, visit semashow.com/register.  

Official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule 

(as of September 25) 

Monday, October 30 

• 5:00-7:30 p.m.: SEMA: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside of the Grand Lobby entrance) 

 Tuesday, October 31 

• 7:30-8:50 a.m.: SEMA: SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, featuring announcements of Best New Products (Paradise Event Center) 
• 9:00 a.m.: Anyline: Anyline Debuts AI-Enabled Tire & Vehicle Insights (Media Center) 
• 9:30 a.m.: Red Line Synthetic Oil: Hydrogen Monster Truck (Booth #23133) 
• 10:00 a.m.: Toyota: Track or Trail, Your Thrill Awaits Booth (Booth #22200) 
• 10:30 a.m.: Mothers Polish: Debut of "Twisted"--The Ultimate Pontiac 1967 GTO (Booth #22843) 
• 11:00 a.m.: Keystone: Cal Automotive Creations Vehicle Unveil (Booth #21249) 
• 11:30 a.m.: CTEK: CTEK Unveiling of Vicious 2.0 (Booth #23555) 
• 12:00 p.m.: HEXIS: HEXIS New Product Releases (Booth #52185) 
• 12:30 p.m.: TMI Products: Finale Speed Unveils Carbon-Fiber '69 Camaro (Booth #24477) 
• 1:00 p.m.: Isky Racing Cams: 75th Anniversary Build Reveal (Booth #22619) 
• 1:30 p.m.: SEMA: Battle of the Builders Top 40 Announcement (Booth #10967, SEMA Battle of the Builders area) 
• 2:00 p.m.: EPAS Performance: Hydroelectric Power Steering Solution for Your Classics, Customs, Hot Rods and Race Cars (Booth #23580) 
• 2:30 p.m.: Scorpion EV: Venom EV Conversion Kit (Booth #24513) 
• 3:00 p.m.: BluePrint Engines: BluePrint Engines Compliant Engine for SPMV (Media Center) 
• 3:30 p.m.: Aeromotive/PerTronix: Illicit Reveal by The Aeromotive Group (Booth #22743) 
• 4:00 p.m.: Legacy EV: 12+ EV Leaders Unite to Codify EV Standards (Booth #24913) 

 Wednesday, November 1 

• 9:00 a.m.: EINTAC USA: EV Safety Equipment (Booth #24519) 
• 9:30 a.m.: ICD Design: J+ BOOSTER Portable Charger (Booth #24521) 
• 10:00 a.m.: Hot Shot's Secret: New Product Unveiling (Booth #23261) 
• 10:30 a.m.: Rigid Industries: Future of Offroad Lighting (Booth #58085) 
• 11:00 a.m.: Truck Hero: Introduction of RealTruck McQueen Racing/Steeda Truck Series, Matchbox Mattel Build and Meateater Edition Truck (Booth #50027) 
• 11:30 a.m.: The Wheel Group: New Product Wheels and Tires (Booth #44037) 
• 1:00 p.m.: HEXIS: HEXIS New Product Releases (Booth #52185) 
• 1:30 p.m.: SEMA: Battle of the Builders Top 12 Announcement (Booth #10967, SEMA Battle of the Builders area) 
• 2:00 p.m.: Body Armor: New Rooftop Tent Tech, Bronco Armor & Soft Good (Booth #58099)
• 3:00 p.m.: PRO Cup Challenge Media Hour: PCC Build Discussions (Booth #50185)
• 4:00 p.m.: AsTech: Repairify Press Conference (Booth #34193) 

 Thursday, November 2 

• 1:00 p.m.: SEMA: Tim Tebow--Living A Life of Significance (West Hall, Room W326) 

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used 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 2023 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

An entry price increase is approaching for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and one of the best ways for exhibitors to generate leads and convert sales at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for expanded visibility. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to easily discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $95 before Friday, October 6. After that date, the first product entry is still free, with additional entries $150 each. There is no limit to the number of products a company can submit and no official close date for New Product Showcase entries (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

Each new product in the Showcase has a dedicated QR code that attendees can scan and learn more about the part and where the exhibitor is located, so getting involved is a great way to attract buyers to your booth. All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app, and possibly winning a Best New Product award, which will be presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

Attendees looking to get a jump start on their 2023 SEMA Show plan can download the SEMA Show app at semashow.com/app to view new products, find exhibitors and events, get an overview of the floorplan, and much more.

By the SEMA D.C. Office

In response to strong opposition from SEMA and industry groups, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has announced a significant delay in the vote on a proposed Indirect Source Rule (ISR) aiming to impose volume caps on port activities, thereby limiting the import and export of goods from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. 

Originally scheduled for consideration this year, the vote has now been postponed by a period of six months to the second quarter of 2024. The delay in the vote signifies a willingness on the part of SCAQMD to reevaluate the ISR in light of the concerns raised by impacted stakeholders. 

In a joint letter addressed to the Los Angeles and Long Beach mayors, SEMA and a coalition representing various industry and labor organizations expressed their vehement opposition to the ISR. If implemented, this rule will cause substantial damage to the local and national economy by hampering the delivery of crucial goods, including auto parts.  

For more information, please get in touch with Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Garage is excited to announce the addition of a new service, Electric Vehicle (EV) Range Testing! 

Available to all SEMA and PRI members, SEMA Garage facilities initially built emissions test cells equipped with AVL chassis dynamometers for California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order testing and certification. Starting with SEMA Garage Detroit, that emissions test cell is now capable of expanding into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) business.

EV range testing is becoming an essential testing capability in the automotive industry. Clients range from OEMs and low-volume replica vehicle manufacturers to aftermarket makers of performance-enhancing products seeking validation for their innovations. The SEMA Garage Detroit test cell has been equipped with the following equipment in order to perform testing according to the SAE J1634 specifications:

• AVL 4-Wheel Drive, 48-inch Roll, Emissions Chassis Dynamometer.
• AVL X-Meter.
• Clipper Creek CS-100, Level-2 EV Charger, with 19.2 kW variable output.

In addition, both SEMA Garage facilities have been equipped with multiple Level-1 EV chargers for general charging needs when an EV is on-site and when they host Measuring Session events for EVs. SEMA Garage Installation Centers also plan to introduce high-voltage tools and equipment designed to enhance the safety around EV product development, which will be available to SEMA members.

Visit the SEMA Garage EV webpage for updates.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology Luis Morales at luism@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Competition can be fierce in the fast-paced automotive aftermarket, so motorsports parts manufacturers who create quality media partnerships often gain an edge in connecting with customers.

Taking place January 30-February 1, 2024, at the Embassy Suites-Anaheim South in Southern California, the 2024 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is the ideal event for members to meet with media who can promote their brand to mass audiences.  

By registering to exhibit, manufacturers of racing and performance parts can schedule more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings with media reps during a span of three days. The meetings are held in private suites and provide a convenient way for manufacturers to share detailed information about their products or developments in their company. Attending media represent a range of outlets, from print, online, and video/television to radio, podcasts and social-media content creators. 

"Tailoring your media outreach is a great way to instill trust in your customers and makes them more likely to choose your brand over competitors," said MPMC Council Liason Marcy Yanus. "We're excited to host this iconic program that helps our members generate interest and excitement that can drive their business growth." 

Registration is open until September 30, 2023. Manufacturers can sign up to exhibit here, or send their questions to MPMC Council Liason Marcy Yanus at marcy@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Andrew Hodgson, executive vice president at Timbren Industries, as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Hodgson in his interview with SEMA News below.

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Andrew Hodgson: Take care of people and have the best product available. This has shaped how we treat our customers and team members. It has driven us to keep testing and developing until we create the best suspension products on the market. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

AH: My grandfather, Arnold Heron, started Timbren, so I've grown up around the business and have a strong sense of family legacy, which definitely keeps me around. But more than that, it's the people in this industry and the relationships I've made over the past 14 years that keep me coming back for more. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

AH: In the winter, you can find me on a snowboard somewhere. In the summer, it's all about mountain biking or being by the lake with family. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

AH: Do my homework, know who I'm talking to and the nature of the meeting, and show up ready to be an active contributor, not just a bump-on-a-log. I do this when meeting with direct reports as well as anyone I report too. My goal is to be a value-add, not an energy-suck. Showing up ready and prepped is all the difference. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

AH: I'd love to sit down with Henry Ford and talk about everything from leadership and vision to designing the first Model T. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office

New economic data released shows the significant impact that the specialty equipment aftermarket for motor vehicles has on America's economy--and just what it means for people across the country.

Amid the ongoing United Auto Workers strike at the Big Three car manufacturers, the report provides compelling data that the specialty automotive aftermarket is robust, despite the challenging economic environment.

SEMA commissioned the research, which was conducted by John Dunham & Associates and based on 2023 U.S. economy data. SEMA represents more than 7,000 member businesses, the vast majority being small businesses, across the United States. The industry manufactures, sells and distributes aftermarket performance and accessory parts for passenger cars, trucks and 4-wheel off-road vehicles.

The "SEMA Economic Impact Report" shows the financial output and support to the U.S. economy of the specialty-equipment market.

There are several key findings in the report:

• Nationwide, the specialty-equipment industry supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
• More than $104 billion worth of wages and benefits earned by American workers annually are supported by the industry.
• The industry accounts for more than $40 billion in taxes, including $24 billion in federal taxes and $16 billion in state and local taxes), which support the development of critical national and local infrastructure.
• The industry contributes more than $336 billion to the American economy annually.

These businesses employ more than twice the number of people as the U.S. aircraft industry and more people than the entire motion picture and video production industry. The aftermarket industry helps small businesses to grow, create new jobs and hire more workers, and builds partnerships that expand local economies across the United States.

This economic impact study complements the industry's annual market report on consumer trends. Consumers spent $52 billion on specialty automotive aftermarket products in 2022.

SEMA has released an interactive map that provides users with state-by-state, congressional and state-house and senate data in addition to the national numbers.

"We're extremely proud that our industry represents such a key part of America's economy, affecting any motorist who has upgraded their vehicle for a host of needs," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA's president and CEO. "SEMA's 7,000-plus members, which are primarily small businesses and the more than one million workers in the specialty aftermarket, are extraordinary contributors to making the United States and local economies stronger across the country. It's an industry that, one way or another, everyone has a stake in. It provides people with good-paying jobs, and our local, state and federal coffers with taxes that grow our country's economy. SEMA's ecosystem is a powerhouse economic engine driving positive change, innovation and opportunity to America's big cities and small towns, working families and small businesses. The specialty-equipment aftermarket has proven to be a vibrant industry that delivers economic support to all 50 states."