By SEMA News Editors

Northwood University's University of the Aftermarket has announced registration is open for its 2024 courses.

Northwood's University of the Aftermarket coursework is designed to help businesses introduce newer employees to the motor-vehicle aftermarket industry, facilitate their tactical leadership development and more. The school offers five pillars: introduction to the motor-vehicle aftermarket, data, tactical leadership development, executive development, and organizational development. 

The following University of the Aftermarket programming is scheduled through the summer:

• Leadership 2.0/Session 2
• Consumer Behavior; Selling & Sales Management; The Culture of Leadership; Aftermarket Field Sales Management
• Aftermarket 101
• Heavy-Duty 101
• INFUSION 2024
• Aftermarket Data Standards
• Heavy-Duty Leadership 2.0
• Leadership 2.0/Session 1

Registration links, as well as full descriptions of all University of the Aftermarket courses, are available here. For more information, visit nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-calendar.aspx or northwood.edu/programs/automotive-aftermarket-management.

By SEMA News Editors

'24 Ford Mustang California Special

SEMA News sources recently caught the first look at the '24 Ford Mustang CS coupe.

The CS model, adorned in Grabber Blue, is highlighted by its distinctive grille with blue accents. The model features standard Carbonized Gray wheels and a model-specific spoiler. A GT/CS badge is also present.

'25 Porsche 911 Turbo

Photographers recently spotted the refreshed '25 Porsche 911 Turbo donned in camouflage, hinting at changes to both the front and rear of the car.

In addition to new taillights and a rearranged exhaust system, the new 911 Turbo is expected to have a drastically updated front bumper that differs from the facelift of the lesser models, according to insiders.

The sports car is also expected to have one or two electric chargers, as well as a battery, leading to the rear redesign.

Rumors suggest the electric chargers will lead to more power for the facelifted 911 Turbo but will also add extra weight and make the car even more tail-heavy, sources said.

By Ashley Reyes

High school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who are pursuing careers in the automotive and performance parts industries have until March 1 to apply for a SEMA Scholarship at sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators. In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the chance to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities.

"The SEMA Scholarship program offers an opportunity unlike any other for students to jumpstart their careers in the thriving and passion-driven automotive industry," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Program Chris Stanifer. "The automotive industry offers a wealth of career opportunities and winning a SEMA scholarship serves as a powerful catalyst to further propel a student's aspirations forward."

Since 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $3 million to deserving students pursuing a variety of disciplines, including accounting, sales, marketing, engineering and more.

Students can view the eligibility criteria and apply until March 1, 2024, at sema.org/scholarships.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members in the wheel and tire market still have time to secure their seats for the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) ambassador meeting, where leadership will discuss a new and exciting update about its membership. The meeting will take place in person on Wednesday, February 7, from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. PST at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. 

Following updates about the WTC, the event will include an education session on 3D imaging for vehicle applications, presentations from SEMA's legislative staff on the California Energy Commission (CEC) replacement tire efficiency proposal and lawsuit, plus tariff and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) regulation updates. The California Energy Commission (CEC) will also present details on low-rolling-resistance requirements for California.

The SEMA Garage team will then give members a tour of its facility, featuring demonstrations of the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist members with product development and emissions compliance needs. The meeting will conclude with a networking reception that will help members grow their professional network.  

Secure your attendance for the meeting here.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle, SEMA council director, at nicoleb@sema.org.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kay Therkelsen, instructor and mentor at Bonneville High School, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Therkelsen in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What do you enjoy most about working at your current company? 

Kay Therkelsen: I enjoy watching people smile and providing unique experiences.

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

KT: Quite honestly, managing my numerous lists of things to do! Organization can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you have a variety of tasks that all seem like a top priority. Learning to manage my time and focus on the areas that need immediate attention can sometimes be challenging for me. But every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. If I cross off one item on each list a day, I have succeeded.

SN: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?  

KT: I was born and raised in the automotive industry. I grew up at the drag strip, sand dunes and the lake. My parents owned their own high-performance automotive and marine business for 35 years.

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

KT: Being raised in and working for my parents at their high-performance automotive and marine business most definitely assisted me in where I am today. Being exposed to a world of speed with attendance at many forms of motorsports got me hooked.

Staying involved in the industry through coordinating my own car shows and events, as well as attending as many race events as I can, also helps and has kept me in the loop. My circle of friends includes many automotive industry business owners, experts and racers that keep me up-to-date and heavily involved. I am surrounded by many amazing and talented men.

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

KT: Even though my dad owned his own automotive business, I never acquired the skills to work on my own vehicle. My dad's knowledge and time were all put into my big brother, and rightfully so. I can talk my way through a general automotive conversation, but quite honestly, I couldn't tell you all the things about how the car works.

Most people assume I am full of automotive knowledge and can build a car from the ground up. Today, at the age of 54 and working alongside high school students, I have found myself eager to learn and am enjoying every bit of information thrown at me. Not having full knowledge like most men that I usually find myself surrounded by can sometimes be challenging, but I have found that sharing my lack of knowledge while demonstrating my eagerness to learn has lessened the amount of harassment I receive on the daily, which I am so ok with as I tend to torment men already. My intentions are always good and a laugh or joke amid any conversation can make for a good time or lead you to new friends.

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?  

KT: The influence of my parents showed me the way. I believe they would be proud of me knowing I am working in an automotive shop, sharing my knowledge and helping wherever and however I can with the program. I feel right at home whenever I step into a garage or any racetrack, for that matter. The year 2022 was my first time at SEMA and I am looking forward to many more.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

KT: Find what makes you happy and do more of that!

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?  

KT: As a young girl, I always wanted to be a schoolteacher. I never thought I could do such a thing in the automotive industry but here I am, and I am loving every minute of it. I think the automotive industry was made for me. Even with the influence of my parents' business, I still take it with pride. I love the sounds of a healthy engine, doing burnouts and I have acquired my own need for speed. I am right where I belong.

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?  

KT: Both of my parents, Otto and Linda Therkelsen, may they rest in peace.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By Ashley Reyes

Laboratory tests for attaining an Executive Order (EO) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on an aftermarket product are both expensive and time consuming. However, other alternatives are available to speed up the calibration process and avoid costly failed lab tests. These same tools can be added to most dyno shops to document the emissions impact of modifications and custom tuning.

During the SEMA webinar, "Bridging the Gap from 'Runs Good' to Emissions Compliance," on Tuesday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m. PST, emissions engineer, author and expert Greg Banish will discuss tools to use when working on a project that will eventually apply for CARB EO certification. Attendees will learn about the tools and tactics used to deliver emissions-compliant performance calibrations, increasing the likelihood of passing an official emissions test on the first try, and therefore saving testing time and resources.

The presentation will benefit tuners and calibrators, dyno shop owners, tuning software company engineers and regulators. It presents attendees with a wide variety of tools and solutions used in emissions development and expert advice on avoiding common errors during the process.

Sign up today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show--taking place in Las Vegas in November 2024--and its year-round virtual education program. Innovative thinkers and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at sema.org/speakers.

Innovate thinkers and dynamic presenters are invited to submit speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show by February 16.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level. Educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals go to learn new business strategies. Likewise, SEMA's year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars.

Topics of focus for 2024 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Vehicle technology and electric vehicles
• Specific industry segments

Speaker proposals for the 2024 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 16. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at sema.org/speakers. For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Hyundai, the SEMA Garage has announced there are still spots remaining for its measuring session for the all-new '24 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Did someone mention off-road and overland? This exclusive event, February 6-7 in Southern California, will present Santa Fe's all-new, highly anticipated XRT trim level. The XRT trim is decked with rugged features like all-terrain tires, raised ground clearance, HTRAC all-wheel drive and more.

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. If you're passionate about the off-road and overland industry, this is an event that you don't want to miss.

Digital data for the vehicle will be available through the SEMA Tech Transfer program following the event.

'24 Hyundai Santa Fe Measuring Session

February 6-7, 2024

 SEMA Garage in Southern California

 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

 View on Google Maps.

 Click here to RSVP!

For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. Don't delay; spots are filling up fast. RSVP now.

By SEMA Garage staff

At the 2023 SEMA Show, the SEMA Garage announced its all-new advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) research white paper, "ADAS functionality and aftermarket modifications - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500," which highlights groundbreaking research in the field of lifted vehicles equipped with ADAS.

Utilizing objective, data-driven ADAS testing and analysis methods, as defined by NHTSA, the team at SEMA Garage has been able to effectively determine how a lifted vehicle responds differently to camera and radar ADAS functions.

"For several years now, we've introduced ADAS to the aftermarket industry as an educational topic. In 2022, we decided that it was time to take the next step and put the education into practice. We developed a state-of-the-art ADAS Recalibration Center inside of our SEMA Garage Detroit facility, designed with the guidance of our partners from the collision repair industry," said Luis Morales, director of vehicle technology at SEMA Garage. "However, the recalibration portion only answers part of the question. We needed to dig deeper and dynamically measure the ADAS performance of the modified vehicle. Thanks to our partnerships, we have now started to answer more of the complete question and develop future pathways for our industry."

ADAS Functional Effects of Lifting a Vehicle

Vehicles equipped with certain aftermarket modifications shall be considered to need recalibration of the original equipment ADAS sensors. Any change in tire diameter, rake angle or vehicle ride height could affect sensor readings and necessitate calibration of an ADAS system. Modifying vehicles, whether lifted or lowered, may affect ADAS functionality and the SEMA Garage ADAS Technology Center is intended to be one of the members' tools to fully understand the ADAS function resulting from modifying vehicles with modern vehicle technology cameras and radar sensors.

To collect the most precise data, the SEMA Garage tested and shows results for a stock vehicle equipped with a 2-in. level kit, 3.5-in. and 6-in. lift kits, tested against requirements for:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Support (LKS)
• Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) = Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Project Background

The SEMA Garage research project was the first known of its kind in the aftermarket. While it must be emphasized that the test performed, and the results recorded and explained herein are only a subset of the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) System Confirmation and Performance Evaluation tests, and were only run on one vehicle model, they are a first step in understanding the relationship between aftermarket modifications and ADAS functionality, allowing for some initial findings to be drawn.

The hypothesis being tested during this research was: if typical aftermarket modifications are made to a 2022 Chevy Silverado, then original equipment ADAS functionality will not be significantly affected. Based on the results of the research, there is sufficient evidence to support this claim for this vehicle. After all the aftermarket modifications were implemented to the test vehicle, the vehicle retained its ADAS functionality.

The SEMA Garage ADAS Research Center

The SEMA Garage ADAS Research Center is available to help SEMA member manufacturers develop products from start to finish.

"The automotive industry is currently in an evolution state, ranging from advanced powertrains and fuels, safety systems, and user experiences. Five years ago, we recognized a need for our members in product development, as it relates to ADAS. When we were designing our second SEMA Garage, in Detroit, the integration of the ADAS Technology Center was vital to their success," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. "It's an exciting time for all, especially for those within the Specialty Equipment Market Association. SEMA members develop aftermarket products that directly integrate with this advancing technology."

Modifying vehicles, whether lifted or lowered, may affect ADAS functionality, and the SEMA ADAS Technology Center is intended to be one of the members' tools to fully understand the ADAS function resulting from modifying vehicles with modern vehicle technology cameras and radar sensors.

"The SEMA Garage develops the services and technologies to support our members' needs," said Mike Mohacsi, vice president of SEMA Garage. "ADAS is the next progression of safety standards, similar but different to Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), backup camera and electronic stability control (ESC). We take our members' product development seriously and support them with new technologies like ADAS."

The following are actions that you can take now:

• Understand ADAS functionality and how modifications can successfully be incorporated, as well as any limitations. This can involve product- or model-unique engineering as well as vehicle testing.
• Familiarize yourself with current NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) guidelines.
• Consider future federal motor vehicle safety standards for Automatic Emergency Breaking and Pedestrian AEB.
• Engage product design and development with ADAS Testing.
• Review vehicle dynamics engineering considerations.
  • Understand design FMEAs (failure mode and effect analysis)
  • Conduct subjective testing (i.e. test drives)
  • Conduct objective testing (i.e. data from test tracks)
• Support Installers with information necessary to be compliant with vehicle OEM ADAS functionality.

"Change to vehicle safety has arrived and will continue to evolve. The Aftermarket must take action to prepare for the continued changing landscape," said Mike Muller, ADAS engineer. "The technology is here. Utilizing the existing cameras and radars on vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated their Notice of Public Rule Making process to make Automatic Emergency Breaking required on every new vehicle sometime in the near future. The ADAS testing, data and results conducted by the SEMA Garage follow these pending NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."

The full ADAS white paper is available for download here: semagarage.com/services/vehicleadas

To learn more about the SEMA Garage Detroit and the ADAS Technology Center, contact: adas@sema.org or (909) 610-2030

More Resources:

• federalregister.gov
• regulations.gov

The information contained herein is for testing performed on, and specific to, the 2022 Chevy Silverado vehicle acquired. The results should not be interpreted in any way to conclude the specific modifications are representative of the outcome(s) that might occur for identical/like or other modification of any other vehicle (including the Silverado).

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named Custom Auto Air as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know its story in the SEMA News interview with Ed Sunday, owner of Custom Auto Air, below. 

SEMA News: Was there any kind of breakthrough moment for your company? 

Ed Sunday: I ran a general auto repair shop for 45 years, retired two years ago and finally got to do what I really wanted to do--install A/C in hot rods. 

SN: What projects are you most excited about? 

ES: I work with other shops installing and fabricating A/C lines and hoses. I get to work on unusual projects like a '62 Rambler with factory air. I love them all. To me, it's like art! 

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

ES: Spend the time to work with the professionals in your area, and read and study everything you can. There's so much to know.

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.