By Della Domingo

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola released the following statement in regards to the Biden administration's strict new greenhouse gas emissions standards announced yesterday:

On behalf of more than 7,000 SEMA members, we have significant concerns regarding the impact of these proposed regulations on automotive small businesses. The specialty aftermarket industry supports more than one million U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs, yet these people and businesses are often overlooked in the push to electrify our automotive sector.

We fully support the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but actively advocate for the ability of consumers and the marketplace to choose what works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, and we feel it is crucial for government policy to remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine. It is also the same industry that has led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Yet it is clear from the Biden administration's actions and words that electrification is their technology of choice.

This large-scale shift will significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. We are here to support the work of small business innovators while protecting the small business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new federal emissions standards intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs). The sales would be achieved by reducing multi-pollutant emissions, including greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria pollutants (particulate matter (PM), ozone, nitrogen oxides (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO) from new light-duty and medium-duty (8,501 to 14,000 lbs.) vehicles for model years '27 to '32. The EPA maintains its proposal would reduce average fleet GHG levels by 56% between model years '26 and '32, resulting in an industry-wide target for light-duty vehicles of 82 grams per mile of CO2. As a result, the EPA estimates that two-thirds of new passenger vehicles sold in the United States would be EVs by 2032 under its proposed standards.

California is already pursuing stricter greenhouse gas standards with a goal that 70% of new vehicles sold in the state will be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030. California is also seeking to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. This is significant, as 17 other states have followed all or part of California's previous clean-car rules.

SEMA advocates for the ability of consumers and the marketplace to choose what works best for them. There are many options on the road to zero emissions, as it is crucial for government policy to remain technology neutral. The specialty automotive aftermarket business has been built around the internal combustion engine. It is also the same industry that has led the way in fuel innovations and conversions of old vehicles into new and cleaner technologies. Yet it is clear from the Biden administration's actions and words that electrification is their technology of choice. Hydrogen and other renewable fuels, including synthetic eFuels, will allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner. Ultimately, consumers, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them and their families.

While the EPA cannot directly mandate EV sales under the Clean Air Act, sales of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV), including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles may be the only practical way for the automakers to meet strict standards for carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. Simultaneously, the agency expects automakers to increase the use of filters to reduce gasoline particulate matter emissions and deploy new CO2-reducing technologies for gasoline-powered vehicles.

In a related move, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed changes to the way it calculates the "miles per gallon equivalent" (MPGe) ratings for EVs and hybrids versus gas-powered vehicles. The rule was last updated in 2000. The DOE is reassessing the energy efficiency of gasoline-powered vehicles versus EVs when taking into account the entire production and distribution system for electricity and petroleum. For example, here are two proposed recalculations: the current Ford F-150 EV would drop from 237.7 to 67.1 mpg, and the Volkswagen ID.4 EV would drop from 380.6 to 107.4 mpg.

The MPGe calculation is incorporated into NHTSA's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which set mileage requirements for vehicle fleets produced by the automakers. The automakers buy credits or pay fines if they cannot meet the CAFE requirements. The reduced MPGe ratings for EVs would mean that the automakers would need to sell more EVs to help meet their CAFE fleet obligations. The NHTSA CAFE standards run parallel to the EPA greenhouse gas standards since there is an equivalence between CO2 emissions and the amount of petroleum that is burned. NHTSA is expected to soon issue proposed CAFE standards for the '27-'31 model years.

The EPA and DOE proposed rules are now subject to public comment. Click here to sign a letter opposing the EPA's proposal, which provides an opportunity to personalize the letter and explain how the agency’s push to an all-electric future will impact your business.

For SEMA's official reaction to the EPA's new federal emissions standards, visit here. For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The new SEMA Member Portal at www.SEMA.org makes it easier than ever for both business and individual SEMA members to take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities available to them. The custom dashboard now shows members all the benefits open to them, eliminating the need to contact different departments and bounce around from call to call.

Here's how to access the SEMA Member Portal in three easy steps:

• Employees of SEMA-member businesses and SEMA individual members should go to www.SEMA.org.
• Select "login" from the upper right of the webpage and sign in with the user's email and password.
• Select "My Profile" in the upper right corner, and choose "My Benefits" under account links to see all the available benefits.

If your business is not currently a SEMA member, you can gain member portal access and start saving and growing your business today at www.sema.org/join.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) is providing its members an opportunity to establish valuable business connections during its WTC Coffee and Conversation networking event, taking place May 4, at 9:00 a.m. (PDT).   

As part two of the five-part Coffee & Conversation networking series, the free online event will bring wheel and tire members together to discuss the aftermarket's hottest topics and issues. Attendees will meet the "who's who" of the wheel and tire market, discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry today, and gain insight from others that can benefit their business.   

"The WTC Coffee and Conversation series is a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders to discuss the current wheel and tire landscape," said Matthew Harris of Custom Wheel House, who attended the first event of the series in March. "The dialogue is insightful, engaging and the topics are pertinent to our industry today."

A discussion topic will be introduced to start the conversation; however, attendees are welcome to bring a topic that impacts their business personally.  

Register here.   

This is the '24 Nissan Rogue, caught testing for the first time in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The Rogue will get a modest refresh this year, with changes that are mainly confined to the front end. The refresh is expected to debut a new design language, which should flow over to the rest of the Nissan lineup. The current Rogue is based on an updated Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (CMF-CD) platform which also underpins the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Nissan is expected to continue with the 1.5L three-cylinder engine mated to a CVT. Inside, Nissan is likely to add more advanced driver assistance features.

Expect to see the '24 Rogue later this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

 By Douglas McColloch

Starting at her father’s shop as a child, Taylor learned the craft of building race cars at a young age. While still in high school, she began building her first car, a '68 Camaro that she raced the following year at Hot Rod Drag Week; at 16 years of age, she was the event's youngest competitor. In the 10 years since then, she's managed to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing, run a 6-sec. quarter in her '55 Chevy 210, won back-to-back Roadkill Nights Hellcat Grudge Matches, and launched another career as the co-host of "Hot Rod Garage." Her business has recently expanded to an 8,000-sq.-ft. facility in Booneville, Arkansas.

We chatted with Taylor recently to learn more about this multitalented individual. What follows has been edited for clarity and length.

SEMA News: What's your latest project? What's in your driveway/garage/studio?

Alex Taylor: My latest project isn't a car--it's the shop I just purchased! I am currently in the process of remodeling it and setting up a space that will allow for race car storage, an area for content creation, and room for the ATR brand to grow.

SN: Describe your first race. What do you remember most about it?

AT: I was 16. My dad, mom and I had built my first car that I was originally just going to drive to high school--a '68 Camaro. I had wanted to do Hot Rod Drag Week since 2007, and as we were building it, Dad said we could build it for me to take on Drag Week if I wanted to.

I raced it in the Daily Driver class. I started the week running high 12s and ended up running 11.70s by the end of the week. When it was all said and done, Dad came and picked us back up, and I drove the car back to high school the following Monday.

SN: You started working in your dad's shop at a very young age. What's the very first job you remember doing?

AT: My parents owned a business building production fiberglass Fords and Willys. When I was probably seven or eight, I started helping lay up fiberglass after school for fun. They would hand me a roller, and while they would work, I would help roll the bubbles out.

SN: How steep was the learning curve to become a co-host for "Hot Rod Garage?" How is it different from, say, producing a YouTube video?

AT: It wasn't that bad. The biggest adjustment was getting used to working in someone else’s garage at first--learning what tools we had and where they were. I'm thankful to work with an incredible crew that made me feel welcome from day one. YouTube, for me, is a lot more drawn out. I like to show details and tell stories and explain things, whereas on "Hot Rod Garage," everything is a lot more summarized and fast-paced.

SN: You've also been a judge for SEMA's Battle of the Builders competition. How did you approach the assignment, and what did you learn from it?

AT: It was a really cool experience. I was nervous going into it because out of the other influencer judges, I had the smallest following, I was the youngest, I had the least equipment and I had never done anything like it. I learned there that confidence is key, and the thing that matters most is how you present yourself.

SN: You're the two-time defending champion at Roadkill Nights' Hellcat Grudge Match. Are you planning for a three-peat in 2023?

AT: I think the Dodge/Motor Trend crew may be going a different route this year on the grudge match, so I don't know if I will be competing in that part. I will be at RKN, though, with the '55.

SN: Between wrenching, racing, hosting a TV show, staying active on social media and running your own business, how and where do you find time to unwind?

AT: I don't really. I get to work with my family and friends for almost everything I do, though, so even when we’re gone on "work trips," we still find ways to squeeze in a nice dinner or some fun here and there. I feel like now is the time to work hard and grow and I can unwind more later. But don't get me wrong--I still stop and enjoy the moments I'm living.

SN: What advice can you give to young women who might want to get involved in racing but who don't have any family connections to the sport?

AT: Enjoy the process. Find something in the industry that interests you (racing, building, welding, painting, photography, business, etc.) and start researching it online. Knowledge is your best friend. Find people you look up to or trust and ask questions. Learn and absorb, and you will naturally grow and evolve.

SN: Describe a perfect day in the life of Alex Taylor.

AT: It depends on the day! Some days I'm behind the laptop, some days are on the road, some days are out in the shop, and some days are just spent on a random adventure. I like having that mix, and if I had any kind of redundancy, it would drive me nuts. Routine can be good--but too much routine kills my creativity.

SN: What's your next goal as a racer/builder?

AT: I really want to grow the ATR brand. I want to get my shop finished so I can get more into the business side of selling stuff like private-label parts and filling areas that I see gaps.

"You can never go fast enough." That's the motto of Alex Taylor--racer, builder, influencer, TV personality and successful business owner.

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Operations Manager
McLeod Racing

McLeod Racing is hiring an operations manager to oversee management of all operations to produce products in a timely and cost-effective manner within quality standards. This position will oversee the production, quality-control and purchasing departments. Candidates must have experience with ERP/MRP systems and successful execution of operational policies and procedures and KPIs. Additionally, excellent communication skills and supervisory experience are required. This position will work closely with the management group to identify and implement company objectives.

Customer Service Representative
Edelbrock Group

Edelbrock Group is hiring a customer service representative to communicate with customers via phone and email; work with the sales/tech departments to provide information to customers; provide product ETAs and pricing; work with internal departments to facilitate customer’s needs; and perform data entry in various platforms. Candidates must have at least 1-3 years of work experience in customer service.

Automotive Rendering Artist
Velocity Modern Classics

Velocity Modern Classics is hiring industrial/product design candidates for its rapidly growing production facility in Cantonment, Florida (Pensacola area). This position entails researching new materials and technologies to use in future designs; working with the sales and design teams to determine customer needs; and produce high-quality renderings that not only help the customer understand their build, but also provides Velocity a list of requirements for the build process.

By SEMA Editors

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

By SEMA Editors

The following candidates are running for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Chair-Elect - One Open Seat

Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries; Melanie White, Hellwig Products.

• Myles Kovacs, TIS Industries
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products

Distributor/Retailer - One Open Seat

Left: Rob Ward, Legacy EV; and Ted Wentz, Quadratec.

• Rob Ward, Legacy EV
• Ted Wentz, Quadratec, Incumbent

Voting will take place online between May 9-23, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact.

Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact beginning Friday, April 28. Winners will be announced by June 1.

SEMA Launch Pad--the automotive industry's ultimate product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013--will be featured on a nationwide television special premiering April 15 on the History Channel.

Viewers will watch as the five finalists make their way to Las Vegas, where they pitch their products and ideas in front of a live crowd at the SEMA Show to a panel of judges featuring industry experts and icons. They included Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (DUB) and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). With a grand prize valued at $92,000 including $75,000 in cash, the competitors give it their all and hold nothing back.

"The first year the SEMA Launch Pad was introduced to a nationwide television audience was in 2022, and the response was fantastic," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "We are excited to once again have the potential life-changing competition showcased on the History Channel. Viewers will be amazed and inspired with each contestants' innovation and perseverance. It's the American dream unfolding right in front of your eyes."

Over the past 10 years, hundreds of entrepreneurs have pitched their products, services and business ideas to industry professionals live on stage and been offered tips for success. The TV special airs on the History Channel, April 15, at 6:00 a.m. (PDT)/9:00 a.m. (EDT).

To learn more about the SEMA Launch Pad, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.