By Ashley Reyes

New webinars streaming July 24, August 14, August 21 and September 11 will enable industry professionals to increase their knowledge on pivotal topics shaping the current landscape and future of the specialty-automotive industry.  

Provided by SEMA Education, each webinar will feature subject matter experts from leading organizations sharing valuable insight and best practices that attendees can use to grow their careers, gain new perspectives and transform their business.     

Registration is open now for:

Making the Future of Mobility in Michigan  

Presenter: Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

July 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Register here.  

Michigan is making transformational investments and building effective public-private partnerships to develop smart infrastructure while enabling innovative mobility offerings for all. During this session, attendees will learn:

• How Michigan is shaping a mobility ecosystem that moves people and goods by land, water and air.
• Infrastructure solutions and developments being made in Michigan.
• Investments that Michigan is making to develop the infrastructure.

How to Exceed Customer Satisfaction With Daily Management

Presenter: Mario Iannantuono, Managing Partner, Quantum Leap Partners

August 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Register here.

Need a refresher on best practices for building a better team and improving your business? This session will offer practical and proven methods to ensure your team exceeds customer satisfaction each and every day. Learning objectives include:

• Practical tools on exceeding your customer’s expectations.
• Practical visual tools on monitoring the success of the team.
• Practical visual tools on monitoring the areas of opportunity of the team.
• Practical visual tools on ownership, accountability and development of the team.

Tips for Thinking Like a Futurist

Presenter: Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist, Ford Motor Company

August 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Register here.   

Are you ready for the future? Many assume that tomorrow will look just like today, however, with the fast pace of change and the plethora of events outside of our control, the future is uncertain. During this session, attendees will gain tips for preparing for the uncertain future and thinking like a futurist. Key takeaways include:  

• Strategies to build a future of choice for your business and consumers.
• How you can own the way you prepare for the uncertain future through long-term thinking, planning and strategic development.
• Insightful tips and approach to plan and prepare for the future.

Reimagine Aftermarket Service: A Guide to Digitizing Your Operations for Success

Presenter: Manbir Singh, Digital Transformation Leader, Kyndryl

September 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Register here.

In today's competitive landscape, aftermarket service operations are no longer a mere afterthought; Customers are demanding faster, more efficient, and personalized service experiences. This webinar will teach attendees how to digitize their aftermarket service operations. During this session, attendees will learn:  

• How digital tools can streamline communication, improve service transparency, and personalize the customer journey.
• How automation, data-driven decision making, and real-time insights can optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve first-time fix rates.
• How leveraging digital technologies can differentiate your brand and unlock new revenue streams in the aftermarket service space.

Participating in these webinars is an excellent way to ensure your business has the tools and insight needed to succeed in the present and the future. Register today!

By Ashley Reyes

Attendees of the 2024 National Street Rod Association's (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals have a unique opportunity to take part in top-rated education through the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days.

Taking place during the NSRA Street Rod Nationals event in Louisville, Kentucky, August 1-2, HRIA Education Days enables automotive builders and enthusiasts to attend free seminars where they will learn directly from manufacturing brands and companies. Twelve hot-rod brands will present processes and tips for working on hot-rod projects, giving participants the chance to connect with leading experts and gain insight into the manufacturers' product line.

The 2024 schedule includes 12 seminars, six seminars per day, each presented by a different manufacturer. Seminars include:

Thursday, August 1:

• 9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.: New Products & Options in Steering--Presenter: Flaming River
• 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: The Basics of Hot-Rod and Musclecar Air Conditioning--Presenter: Vintage Air
• 11:45 a.m.– 2:45 p.m.: The Evolution of Transmissions: How Many Gears Do You Need?--Presenter: Bowler Performance Transmissions
• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Modern Suspension Technology for Your Classic Car--Presenter: Detroit Speed
• 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.: Instruments & Gauges: The Finishing Touch--Presenter: Classic Instruments
• 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Where the Rubber Meets the Ride--Presenter: Steele Rubber Products

Friday, August 2:

• 9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.: Tips on Grinding: Materials, Abrasives and Speed--Presenter: Burr King
• 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Making Your LS LT Installation Simple--Presenter: Speartech
• 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: How to Make Horsepower--Presenter: BluePrint Engines
• 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: The Hook Up: Steering Linkage, Connections & Components--Presenter: Borgeson
• 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.: Brake System Basics--Presenter: Wilwood Disc Brakes
• 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Learning the Basics of Fuel Injection--Presenter: Holley

All times EDT

HRIA Education Days is a part of the council's mission to ensure the prosperity and longevity of the hot-rod industry. Seminars are free to all NSRA Nationals attendees and pre-registration is not required. Descriptions of each seminar can be found at sema.org/hria-education-days.

To learn more about HRIA membership, visit sema.org/hria.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Ryan Rutledge, controls engineering manager at Air Lift Company, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Ryan Rutledge: "The only bad decision is no decision." Both professionally and personally I use this mantra to move beyond roadblocks with confidence instead of being stuck in analysis paralysis. No one should be faulted for making a decision they can explain their reasoning [for]. If we can't make a choice, we can't make progress! 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

RR: The customers! I spend most weekends at events and it is so rewarding to see the excitement and ingenuity that customers have when interacting with products my teams have worked on. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

RR: A normal Saturday is spent behind my camera at a local show or track. Hobby photography has been a great way to blend the commercial and technical side of my career as an engineer with the artistic and creative side of the automotive aftermarket. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

RR: Note preparation independently, then a strategy huddle with my team to ensure a unified message and that all team members feel confident and included going in. 

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

RR: Charles Kettering who unfortunately passed in 1958. Not only did I attend his namesake university, but he was also an incredible industry pioneer. The genesis of the electric starter from Cadillac and Kettering after an industry leader's injury is one great example of his engineering prowess creating better lives. 

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 SEMA News Editors

Attendees of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) and EV safety certified as part of SEMA's initiative to create a more robust career and professional-development program year-round. Each of the two EV certification sessions will be capped at 20 participants to ensure an intimate, hands-on setting for attendees to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains and safety.

By popular demand, Legacy EV will once again offer the "Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV" program on Wednesday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. PST on the SEMA Show campus.

This full-day course is divided into two sessions—"Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory" and "Applications With EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety"—and offers a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive techs to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains. Trainees who complete this course will receive an official "EV101 certification" from Legacy EV. During the training, attendees will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches.

The cost for the "Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV" session is $599. Trainees who complete this course will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV.

New for 2024, Legacy EV will also offer "High Voltage Safety Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV" on Thursday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PST at the SEMA Show. Attendees who will benefit from this course are those who work with or sell high-voltage retail and products; service high-voltage components or vehicles; build, manufacture or assemble high-voltage components or vehicles; and manage high-voltage vehicle technicians. Guests will complete two to four hours of online pre-course work before this eight-hour in-person session in Vegas. Topics include "Creating an Electrically Safe Work Condition" and "High-Voltage Batteries and Battery Management Systems."

Once successfully completed, attendees of this session will receive a Legacy EV Level 1 High-Voltage Safety certification, a Legacy EV Level 2 High-Voltage Safety certification and a digital badge and physical certificate.

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2024, including the announcement of partner education tracks and the overall keynote speaker program.

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show has been open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show is still accepting applications for its Feature Vehicle Display but the deadline is quickly approaching. Exhibitors wishing to expand their show footprint must submit their application by Friday, July 26, to be considered.

Every year, the Las Vegas Convention Center is filled with hundreds of world-class vehicles and builds as part of the exclusive Feature Vehicle Display at the SEMA Show. The cars--which span all categories and applications of the aftermarket--are submitted by Show exhibitors looking to expand their footprint beyond their booth.

Applications for the 2024 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Display are now open online here. Show organizers recommend reading the complete rules and regulations online here to improve your vehicle's acceptance chances.

The program is a gateway to success, directing industry professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and influencers to exhibitors' booths and providing invaluable pre-Show exposure. Each vehicle accepted into this program will be among the features in the SEMA Show app, showcasing its image, make, model, year, color, products used in the build, builder's name, and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

Feature Vehicle Display applications are due Friday, July 26. For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here. For more information on Feature Vehicle Display and the SEMA Battle of the Builders, contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers

Those who submit an application may request information on how to enter their vehicle for the SEMA Battle of the Builders. Industry experts judge the competition with awards presented to individuals with extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

For more information on SEMA Battle of the Builders, contact botb@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Vantrue, a company focused on dash cam creation, as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Shang Chun, Vantrue manager, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Vantrue. How did the company start?  

Shan Chun: Established in 2015, Vantrue quickly became a pioneer in the field of smart life. Vantrue quickly became an advanced explorer in the field of intelligent technology. Our awareness of innovation, sensory enjoyment, and ease of use are our constant goals. 

SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about? 

SC: Recently, we released the industry's first N5 with four front-camera cameras, which is suitable for SUVs, school buses and multi-purpose vehicles, and solves the problem of rear-seat and trunk shooting.  

SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket? 

SC: The aftermarket is big, and we need to have the passion and patience to create products that drivers prefer.

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. 

By Ashley Reyes

In the dynamic world of the specialty-equipment automotive aftermarket, maintaining top-notch data quality is not just important--it's essential. Rigorous data management ensures accurate product content across reseller platforms, minimizes purchasing errors, and empowers resellers to streamline their operations, delight customers, and boost sales.

Released in February 2024, the SEMA Data Scorecard v3 is a comprehensive tool designed to guide manufacturers in improving the quality of their product data. This new version introduces more stringent requirements for attaining the SEMA Data Excellence status. With each tier--Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum--comes the challenge of creating and cataloging additional fields of product information.

As we gear up for the 2024 SEMA Show this November, SEMA Data is getting ready to honor brands that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to data proficiency through its SEMA Data Excellence Awards. These awards, presented during the SEMA Data Users Group Meetup on Monday afternoon, commend those manufacturers who have met the stringent data requirements of the v3 Scorecard and industry data standards. For the Gold level, 100% coverage on designated fields is necessary. The Platinum level, however, goes beyond just data completeness, requiring adherence to qualitative standards. Those with data scoring Gold and Platinum status are distinguished as having achieved Data Excellence.

"The SEMA Data Excellence Awards incentivizes brands to provide the very best, accurate and comprehensive product and technical data for customers," said Gigi Ho, SEMA vice president of technology, data and strategic initiatives. "This enables resellers to receive complete and precise product data to power their systems, point of sale and eCommerce stores."

As of July 2024, the top contenders for the 2024 SEMA Data Excellence Awards are Advanced Clutch Technology, Inc., Borgeson Universal Company, and LEED Brakes--all of which hold a Platinum ranking.

"We find that the higher data quality we provide, the more interest we get from retailers, especially online retailers," said Jeff Grantmeyer, sales manager at Borgeson. "Boregson strives to create and maintain the highest-quality product data, and I take personal pride in this. When I first heard about the new scorecard changes at the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Media Trade Conference, I believe my response was 'challenge accepted.'" Grantmeyer said he then made it his mission to rework the Borgeson product data to achieve the new Platinum status.

While manufacturers benefit from enhanced reseller partnerships, well-organized data makes it easier for customers to make informed decisions when shopping for automotive parts. Without it, customers may struggle to find the exact part they need or end up buying incorrect parts that do not fit or function properly. Accurate data ensures that customers can buy from brands they trust.

For resellers, being able to access the most current and comprehensive product data is invaluable. Not only is SEMA Data the largest industry product database with more than 650 brands and a collective inventory of more than 4.5 million parts, but their unique approach enables resellers to access data exports in exactly the right format for their systems, whether that be full PIES and ACES XML, or a custom spreadsheet format. To date, more than 4,750 resellers are signed up with SEMA Data, including all major warehouse distributors and retailers in the industry, and chain stores like AutoZone and O'Reilly. This underscores the critical importance for manufacturers to produce industry-leading product data sets.

In addition to receiving a trophy, SEMA Data Excellence Award recipients gain widespread recognition in SEMA News and SEMA social media. Honorees are also prominently featured in the SEMA Show Banquet program, as well as on carpet ads on the SEMA Show floor near their booth and in the Featured Products Showcase area, ensuring maximum visibility.

"Achieving data excellence is no small feat and requires diligence and commitment," said Ho. "We look forward to celebrating this great achievement made by our manufacturers and highlighting them for their dedication."

To learn more about the SEMA Data, including its benefits and discounts available to SEMA members, visit www.semadata.org.

The following brands have achieved a Gold status ranking. As they continue their work toward Platinum status, resellers can be assured that each product has 100% of the key fields of information, from descriptions and features and benefits to images, attributes and pricing.

• Bak Industries
• BD Diesel
• Belltech
• Boostline
• CamLocker
• CSF Cooling
• Extang
• Form Lighting
• FOX Offroad Shocks
• GATE KING
• IAG Performance
• KW
• MagnaFlow Exhaust Products    
• MBRP Exhaust
• Nolathane
• Oracle Lighting
• Pacbrake
• Raxiom
• Retrax
• Rugged Liner
• ST Suspensions
• TI Automotive
• Timbren SES
• Tonno Pro
• Truxedo
• Undercover

By SEMA News Editors

ENSO to Build $500 Million Carbon-Neutral Tire Factory in the United States

ENSO, an electric-vehicle (EV) tire manufacturer, has announced plans to build a $500 million, carbon-neutral tire factory in the United States.

The facility will be carbon-neutral without purchased offsets and will utilize carbon-neutral raw materials, building materials and 100% renewable energy. Backed by U.S.-based technology partners Rockwell and Arup, as well as investors 8090 Industries and Galway Sustainable Capital, the company aims to produce 5 million EV tires by 2027 and create 600 jobs at the new facility, then expand production to 20 million tires when fully built.

The company is considering locations in Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Georgia, among other states, according to the company.

For more information, visit ensotyres.com.

Northwood University Taps Industry Veteran for Inaugural Professor of Automotive Strategy Role

Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, has selected David Oventhal, an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, as its first-ever Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy.

Oventhal's experience in the field involves teaching industry professionals at Royal Enfield Motors and Kawasaki Motors Corp. In recent years, he has served as a senior product planner for Super73, a contract facilitator for the Motorcycle Industry Council, group manager for product strategy for Royal Enfield Motors, senior manager for corporate research and product management at Kawasaki Motors Corp., and a technical call center manager at American Honda Motor Co. He is also the president and founder of NXT Mobility.

"The creation of this professorship broadens Northwood's role as the market leader for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for the North American automotive industry," said Matthew Bennett, vice president of strategic alliances and the Center for Automotive and Mobility Studies. "Dr. Oventhal brings a unique set of knowledge, skills, and experience to Northwood, and we look forward to what he will accomplish as he aims to excite, empower, and educate future industry professionals."

Northwood received a $500,000 gift from distributor Subaru of New England, an industry-leading organization and well-respected brand in the automotive sector, to fund a new automotive strategy professorship.

For more information, visit northwood.edu.

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

By SEMA News Editors

EMPI, a provider of a variety of parts for Volkswagen and Porsche, recently hosted an open house at its Anaheim, California, facility.

According to the company, more than 4,500 enthusiasts and 400 Volkswagen and Porsches attended the event and corresponding car show, which also included the first-ever "Engine Battle" and a chassis dynamometer shootout.

The open house included tours of the EMPI shop and manufacturing space, a garage sale, supplier displays and a raffle, as well as additional entertainment, like a pop-up video and pinball arcade, food trucks and more.

The company is also planning another open house in 2026 to coincide with EMPI's 70th anniversary.

For more information, visit empius.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers have a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and talents in front of thousands of SEMA Show attendees by applying for the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge.

Organized by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the program invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model car or truck that is marketable, easy to replicate and profitable to dealerships. Six competitors will be selected to display their build in the PRO booth in the West Hall of the SEMA Show, where it will be voted on by industry judges and SEMA Show attendees for the chance to win one of two coveted awards.

Below are five compelling reasons to apply for the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge:

1. Gain Industry Recognition: Participating companies gain exposure and recognition, both leading up to and during the SEMA Show, enhancing their credibility and reputation.
2. Participate in Networking Opportunities: The challenge provides a platform to connect with industry leaders and potential clients, fostering valuable relationships.
3. Receive Marketing and Promotional Support: Competitors receive marketing and promotional support through SEMA's channels, increasing their visibility and brand awareness.
4. Boost Skill Development: The competition encourages innovation and creativity, helping participants refine their skills and stay updated with industry trends and standards.
5. Enhance Business Growth: Winning or even participating in the challenge can attract new business opportunities, contributing to business growth.

In 2023, VIP Distributing Company won the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award for the company's accessory package for the '23 GMC Yukon Denali. The package featured a No More Chrome Premium Blackout Package, Llumar Window Tint (Front 2), Llumar Air 80 Windshield Tint, ERA Paints Paint Brake Calipers and Cardinal Paints Powder Coast Exhaust Tips.

VIP Distributing Company's '23 GMC Yukon Denali

Applications for the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge are due August 9, 2024. Selected applicants will be required to submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by September 6, 2024. For full build criteria and to apply, visit sema.org/pro-cup-challenge.

Questions can be directed to PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.