By Ashley Reyes

Understanding the market, as well as who your customers are and how to connect with them, is imperative for driving business. Automotive aftermarket companies need reliable data and insights to make informed decisions as the industry evolves.

The "2023 SEMA Market Report" provides an overview of the size and scope of the specialty-equipment market in the United States to help SEMA members make better-informed decisions in the next year and beyond. Released in June 2023, the report includes findings on how much consumers spent, where they shopped for specialty-equipment parts and accessories in 2022, and automotive trends and economic factors influencing the market.  

"Understanding purchasing patterns and preferences can help businesses gain a competitive advantage," said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. "The report is the ultimate guide for businesses seeking to navigate the industry. With this report, they can refine their approach, identify new opportunities and carve out a distinctive plan for what they need their business to focus on." 

The report is free to SEMA members and includes sections on market sizing, consumer profiles, industry indicators and vehicle information. Learn what the data means and how it can help your business by downloading the report at sema.org/research. 

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• WTC Coffee and Conversation, August 3
• HRIA Education Days, at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 3-4
• SEMA/PRI PACs Private Suite at the NASCAR Verizon 200, August 13, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, Indiana
• ETTN N.E.R.D. Symposium, August 16-18, SEMA Garage Detroit
• WTC Coffee and Conversation, September 7
• 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• First-ever SEMA Fest headlined by Imagine Dragons, Incubus and More, November 3-4, Las Vegas Festival Grounds
• 2023 PRI Trade Show, December 7-9, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Ashley Reyes

Networking is not only about trading information; it’s a necessary investment that can help industry professionals build their reputation and establish long-term relationships with mutual benefits. 

SEMA members will want to attend the next Wheel Tire & Council (WTC) Coffee and Conversation networking event, where they will establish valuable business connections and discuss the state of the wheel and tire industry.

Taking place on Thursday, August 3, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT), the event will feature an open discussion about the latest trends, innovations and market dynamics happening in the wheel and tire aftermarket. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing, share their experiences, exchange ideas and build business relationships that can further their career or company goals.

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business. Register now.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

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

CarTech 

Authors Wanted

CarTech, a leading automotive book publisher based in North Branch, Minnesota, is searching for additional writers to author books on a wide range of topics aimed at the automotive enthusiast. This is a freelance opportunity (work from home, on your schedule).

Derive Systems

Junior Customer Success Technician

Derive Systems--comprised of Bully Dog, SCT Performance and Derive VQ brands--seeks someone to provide solutions to customers to extract the maximum value from its products while ensuring customer loyalty and experience. This position can be based in Sanford, Florida (hybrid or fully remote) or Idaho (fully remote).

Canepa

Auto Salesperson

Scotts Valley, California-based Canepa is seeking a quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated individual who is highly professional and can work individually as well as part of a multifunctional team.

Yakima Products

Director-OEM

Yakima Products in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is looking to fill the position of director of OEM. The new hire will serve as the primary contact for Yakima's original equipment and genuine products development, planning and implementation efforts. The director of OEM will manage the cross-functional process of analyzing and evaluating new opportunities for the brand that align with the strategic short-, mid- and long-term growth goals.

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center here.

By SEMA Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will provide attendees the unique opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) certified as part of a new SEMA Education initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

On Monday, October 30, early arriving attendees and exhibitors can gain a new understanding of EV powertrains in an intimate, hands-on session capped at 20 participants during "Electric Vehicles 101 Presented by Legacy EV." Register here.

Baily Soto of Legacy EV, Tom Santilli of Legacy EV and Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems.

"This course will provide a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive techs to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains. The one-day training will focus on the fundamental functions of electric powertrains and explore key high voltage safety practices," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. "And, most notably, trainees who complete this course will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV."

Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV for the full-day program, detailed below.

Program Schedule:

9:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 

"Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory"

Learning how EVs work begins with understanding what is inside them and then the fundamentals of how they are powered. The topics will be covered during the first session, giving attendees an overview of the components that make up an EV, their functions and the electrical theory that gives them modern performance. Core ideas covered will include EV components and systems, Ohm's law, Watt's law and electric circuits using models, mathematics and computational thinking.

In this session, attendees will discover and understand:

• What systems are needed to make a functional EV?
• What are the functions and essential specifications of EV components?
• How can we model the behavior of electricity in a wire with water and a hose?

12:10 p.m.-12:50 p.m.

Break 

12:50 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

"Applications With EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety"

Knowing how EV works is important, but being able to apply that knowledge is where the learning truly brings value. The second session will provide the fundamentals of high-voltage (HV) safety compliance and attendees will apply their knowledge from the morning session with safety best practices while working on real EV powertrains. Attendees will use EV tools and equipment, zero voltage verification, block diagrams and vehicle specifications.

In this session, attendees will discover and understand:

• How can we use EV components specifications to determine and improve vehicle performance?
• How do I use a digital multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance and continuity in a HV circuit?
• How might I arrange and wire EV components to fit an ICE vehicle and chassis?
• How do I perform a certified HV disconnection procedure?
• How do I verify that my system is de-energized or zero voltage verified (ZVV)?

The cost to attend "Electric Vehicles 101 presented by Legacy EV" is $600 per attendee. Legacy EV will allow participants to apply the session cost ($600) toward a full Legacy EV Certified Technician certification course. Register here.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

By SEMA Editors

Kahn Media--the full-service marketing agency based in Moorpark, California--recently added three exciting new clients to its roster: leading OEM Maserati North America, off-road racing series King of the Hammers and private motorsports club Circuit Florida. The new partnerships build upon the agency's growth and leadership in the automotive and luxury lifestyle industries as it enters the second half of 2023.

"It's exciting to work with innovative and ambitious brands, even more so as these three new clients are entering an era-defining chapter in their company histories," said Dan Kahn, founder and CEO of Kahn Media. 

Kahn Media will collaborate with Maserati North America to optimize its new-vehicle debuts and activations throughout Monterey Car Week, kicking off August 11 in Monterey, California, as well as curating earned-media placements with major automotive and business news outlets.

Kahn Media joins King of the Hammers as its official agency of record ahead of its 18th annual event in Johnson Valley, California, in the winter of 2024. Kahn Media will provide event support and coordinate a series of marketing and PR initiatives to further scale and extend its presence.

Scheduled to open in December of 2023, Kahn Media is working to drive awareness and member interest for Circuit Florida, a private motorsports club currently under construction in Auburndale, Florida. This unique real-estate development has a 1.7-mile road course designed by famed track designer Bob Barnard along with 75 luxury townhome-style condominiums, complete with air-conditioned garage spaces and easy track access.

DENSO Announces Independent Aftermarket Group Promotions

Long Beach, California-based DENSO Products and Services Americas--an affiliate of global mobility supplier DENSO Corp.--has announced promotions to its management team.

• Michael Small has been promoted to the senior manager of national accounts sales & marketing. Small has been with DENSO for 11 years, most recently as manager of national accounts.
• Kelly Dickens has been promoted to the manager of national accounts. Dickens has been with DENSO for six years, most recently as the senior account manager.
• Lisa Jinn has been promoted to manager of category management. Jinn has been with DENSO for 16 years, most recently as the program manager of category management.
• Otto Jun has been promoted to manager of heavy-duty OEM/OES. Jun has been with DENSO for 22 years, most recently as the senior account manager.
• Andrew Shlatz has been promoted to manager of heavy-duty aftermarket sales. Shlatz has been with DENSO for seven years, most recently as the national sales manager.

By SEMA Editors

Sources have captured the first look at the '24 Ford F-150 Lariat completely undisguised in the black appearance package.

Pictures reveal a revised front end with new headlights, grille and front fascia. The rear features a revised bumper, taillights and tailgate (with an optional multi-use feature expected in the future).

The '24 Ford F-150 Lariat is expected to be powered by a four-engine suite. The current performance upgrade plans are unknown, if any.

'24 Nissan Kicks Unveils Revamp

Sources have caught a look at the all-new Nissan Kicks, a model that has been in the market for nearly six years (five in the United States). Based on the current platform, the upcoming model seems to have grown slightly in size. Notable changes include a completely revamped front end, A-pillar, C-pillar, greenhouse, side-mirror location and rear end (tailgate, taillights, etc.).

Sources indicate that the all-new Kicks will offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, a feature that is currently reserved for the larger Rogue Sport.

In addition, it is expected that the '24 Kicks will introduce the Nissan e-power system to American consumers.

By SEMA Editors

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

Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) has announced Michael Printup will join the company as the president of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA).

Michael Printup will begin his role as president of the SVRA later this month.

Printup will oversee the day-to-day operations of one of the oldest and largest national vintage racing organizations. Printup brings nearly three decades of motorsports experience to the role and is best known for his work as president of Watkins Glen International (WGI), where he has spent the last 15 years.

"When I heard that Michael was retiring from Watkins Glen, I couldn't call him fast enough," said Tony Parella, CEO of PMH.

Printup will begin transitioning into his new role later this month.

Atco Dragway (NJ) Closes

Atco Dragway, the NHRA-sanctioned 1/4-mile dragstrip in Atco, New Jersey, has shuttered its doors. 

The following was posted to atcodragway.com:

Effective immediately, Atco Dragway is permanently closed. Thank you for your valued business and support [over] the last 63 years. Special thank you to our 29th annual Pan American Nationals racers and crowd for making Atco Dragway's last event the biggest and best one ever. This isn't the end for import racing in the Northeast! To all of our staff, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sticking it out with us and being the best in the business!

The facility opened on Memorial Day in 1960 and was the oldest dragstrip in New Jersey. At one point, the track held the title of one of the busiest in the country, hosting more than 265 events in one year.

The track most recently hosted the 29th annual Pan American Nationals, July 13-16, which wrapped early after finishing the third round of eliminations on Sunday due to rain.

For additional racing industry news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.

By Ashley Reyes

Hot-rod enthusiasts will have an exclusive opportunity to learn everything they need to know about essential products during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) signature HRIA Education Days, taking place at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 3-4.

Through HRIA Education Days, NSRA Nationals attendees will join the most innovative and respected hot-rod parts manufacturers as they share essential processes for working on projects through face-to-face educational seminars. The sessions are an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts and builders to interact directly with manufacturers, ask questions, gain clarification and truly understand what makes each product unique and special.

This year's presenting manufacturers and sessions include: 

• BluePrint Engines: How to Modernize Your Hot-Rod Engine
• Bowler Performance Transmissions: Transmission Decisions: Is More Gears the Way to Go?
• Classic Instruments: Providing Your "Finishing Touch"
• Driven Racing Oil: Let's Talk About Oil: All Your Oil Questions Answered With the Expert
• Edelbrock Superchargers: Modern Supercharges for Street or Race Use
• Heidts: How to Choose the Best Suspension for Your Hot Rod
• Painless Wiring: Automotive Electrical Basics  
• QA1: Optimizing Ride Quality and Driveablilty of Your Classic Car
• Steele Rubber Products: Where the Rubber Meets the Ride
• Vintage Air: Keeping You Cool: The Basics of Performance Automotive Air
• Watson's StreetWorks: Modern Security for Classic Rides
• Wilwood Disc Brakes: Brake System Basics

HRIA will also host its open meeting and mixer on Wednesday, August 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Expo Center, Room B101. Available to current and prospective HRIA members, the meeting will feature an invaluable opportunity to network with other hot-rod businesses and learn about HRIA's initiatives and member benefits. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

With so much knowledge and expertise in one place, the open meeting and educational seminars are two excellent opportunities that hot-rod professionals can't afford to miss! Make the most out of the event--review the complete schedule and register for the open meeting and seminars here.