By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is offering a comprehensive leadership training program exclusive to women in the automotive aftermarket, the "Women's Leadership Forum," set for March 5-7 in Austin, Texas. Purchase tickets here.

The event, themed "EVOLVE: Advancing the Future of Women in Leadership," will help SBN members succeed by teaching them essential leadership skills through interactive education sessions, keynote speeches and engaging instruction from top-tier leadership experts. 

"The SBN forum offers a safe space for women to come together to share their experiences and celebrate their wins," said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. "In addition to fostering connections with women who understand their industry inside and out, attendees will walk away with tangible action plans to maximize their professional impact and communicate their value."  

Keynote sessions will focus on shifting your mindset to live an intentional life and habits that hold professionals back from a raise. Panel discussions will delve into advancing women's leadership and include workshops to define one's individual roadmap. Past attendees have also noted their success with the program. 

"The SBN Women's Leadership Forum gave me the confidence and boost I needed to advance my career," said April Rogers of Dee Zee Inc. "I learned leadership skills that were so beneficial, that will help not only me but, more importantly, the teams that I lead!"  

The forum happens at a time when women have worked their way through the ranks of the professional world to represent 58.4% of the U.S. workforce. Yet, they continue to hold a vastly smaller percentage of leadership positions than men in various sectors. According to a recent study, as of 2023, only 35% of top management positions are held by women, and women represent only 10.4% of leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies.*   

Reports also show women face unique challenges in the working world as they are often held to higher standards, and many businesses don't feel "ready" to hire women for top executive positions.* These challenges, which are tackled head-on during the SBN Women's Leadership Forum, are amplified in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. 

Registration for the SBN Women's Leadership Forum is now open at sema.org/sbn-wlf. 

*Source: 25 Women In Leadership Statistics [2023]: Facts On The Gender Gap In Corporate And Political Leadership--Zippia.  

By SEMA News Editors

Atlanta Motor Speedway Building New Gatehouses Ahead of Ambetter Health 400

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia, is constructing three new gatehouses to service its Johnson, Champions and Earnhardt grandstands.

The new gatehouses will be completed before the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, February 25.

The new entrances will feature updated architecture and are designed to expedite guest entry into the grandstands, track officials said, and will be completed before Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend, headlined by the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, February 25.

For more information, visit atlantamotorspeedway.com.

POWRi Announces 2024 Schedules for War Sprint League, 305 Sprint Series

Series officials have announced the 2024 schedules for the POWRi WAR Sprint League and the POWRi 305 Sprint Series.

With 20 events at nine tracks throughout the Midwest, the POWRi WAR Sprint League opens at I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Missouri, and will wrap with two days of racing at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri, on November 1-2. 

The POWRi 305 Sprint Series, meanwhile, features an eight-event showcase schedule in 2024, also opening at I-70 Motorsports Park on April 20 and closing with two days of racing at Lake Ozark Speedway on November 1-2. 

For more information, visit powri.com.

Whelen Engineering Named Mazda MX-5 Cup Title Sponsor

Whelen Engineering, an emergency warning equipment manufacturer based in Chester, Connecticut, is partnering with Mazda Motorsports to become the new title sponsor of the Mazda MX-5 Cup series beginning in 2024.

The 14-race, IMSA-sanctioned season begins on January 25 as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

For more information, see the full announcement at imsa.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Stellantis Appoints New North American COO

Stellantis has appointed Carlos Zarlenga as North American COO.

Zarlenga has more than a decade of automotive industry experience and joined Stellantis in 2022 as president of Stellantis Mexico. Since joining the company, Zarlenga has delivered a year-on-year improvement in sales performance, market share and adjusted operating income, leading to Stellantis Mexico's best-ever profit levels, according to the company.

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

Marc Blackman Elected to AACF Board 

Marc Blackman, CEO of Gold Eagle Company, has been elected to the board of directors of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a non-profit organization supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families.

Gold Eagle Company is the manufacturer of 303 Protectant, Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer, HEET and other automotive, marine and RV protection products.

"We're thrilled to have Marc join AACF's Board of Trustees," said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. "His commitment to the industry and to volunteerism should be applauded and we're confident he'll be a strong addition to our volunteer board who works diligently to support the automotive aftermarket industry."

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

R&R Marketing Welcomes Kane McCord as Specialty Accounts Executive

R&R Marketing Consultants recently hired Kane McCord, who will join the Kansas City, Missouri-based company's sales and marketing team as specialty accounts executive.

McCord previously served as category manager at Aftermarket Performance Group/Premier and Midstates, in addition to previous experience in the aftermarket and powersports industries.

For more information, visit rrmci.com.

B&R Auto Expands Footprint, Adds to Executive Team

B&R Auto, an Oregon-based provider of recycled automotive parts, has acquired American Auto Recycling, New Way Auto Sales & Parts, and Charlies Towing. In addition to the acquisitions, B&R announced the hire of Lance Goeddel as chief administrative officer.

The acquisitions of American Auto and New Way expand B&R's business into Arizona, while Charlie's Towing grows the company's existing footprint in Oregon.

Goeddel most recently held the position of senior vice president and general counsel of Leeds West Groups. He previously served in various roles at Grease Monkey and JBS.

For more information, visit autowrecking.com.

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

As we enter 2024, our industry and SEMA, your trade association, stand at a momentous point. Just two months ago, the annual SEMA Show garnered tremendous support, welcoming more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The high energy was palpable as the industry gathered to network and discover the next-gen products, ideas and innovations that will drive its growth and future, both this year and beyond.

In addition, we launched SEMA Fest, an exciting new music and car-culture event. As a complement to the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest broke new ground, and we are committed to growing the event as a means of promoting the automotive lifestyle among consumers, converting fans to enthusiasts, and enthusiasts to evangelists.

The two events followed SEMA's recent, first-ever economic impact report showing that the aftermarket industry contributes $337 billion to the American economy and creates 1.3 million jobs. Meanwhile, our recently released "SEMA State of the Industry Report" saw two-thirds of industry companies reporting stable or growing sales over the last year.

In short, our industry is a major driver of growth and prosperity in the United States, and we remain at the forefront of adopting policies and technologies that help reduce vehicle emissions while delivering businesses and consumers change and innovation. SEMA currently serves 6,500-plus member companies, representing more than 40,000 employees. Our mission is to help member businesses succeed and prosper, and in 2024 you will see us redoubling our commitment to this mission on many fronts.

First, we will keep our industry viable and protect it from politicians and regulators who threaten our livelihoods. To this end, we have made significant investments in our government affairs efforts, and you will increasingly see us mobilizing our industry and enlisting the public in our fight to protect it.

We will also remain at the forefront of technology. Our new SEMA Garage Detroit is up and fully operational, and ready to assist our members in understanding, accessing and working with emerging technologies. (For example, look for a new ADAS white paper coming out soon!)

We will further expand our industry's marketplaces while providing tools that address real business needs, growing our SEMA Data program, advancing vital market research, and maintaining the SEMA Show as the industry's leading rallying point.

You'll also see us foster and build communities of impact. We've launched our SEMA Individual Membership program to help galvanize our collective reach, inviting enthusiasts into our SEMA fold. Our nine councils and networks will increase programs to unite different facets of our industry to address common challenges. We will reach new audiences, notably through a new DEI task force to help us reach more diverse communities.

Ultimately, we're refocusing on you, the member, and elevating our customer service. Our team will prioritize your member experience in all we do. We will update our systems and processes, make meaningful improvements to our website, payment systems and more.

It's an exciting time for our industry, and we're seizing the momentum to effect real change on your behalf.

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association's highest honor. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have significantly enhanced the growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

The SEMA Hall of Fame is accepting nominations until Friday, March 15.

"The SEMA Hall of Fame is a testament to the people who have positively impacted the industry in extraordinary ways," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "By submitting a nomination, those in the industry can help celebrate and preserve the aftermarket's history by acknowledging the contributions of those who have gone above and beyond."   

Nominee qualifications include: 

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level. 
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred. 
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry. 
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous. 

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.  

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.   

Nominations can be submitted until Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m. PST at sema.org/hof. Contact SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer at Chriss@sema.org with any questions.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In Virginia, lawmakers introduced SEMA-supported legislation to repeal the law tying the state to California's motor-vehicle emissions standards. Under current law, new gas- and diesel-powered vehicle sales will be banned starting in 2035. The multiple bills now await consideration in the Virginia General Assembly. 

SEMA does not believe that the government--Virginia's or California's--should be choosing winners and losers in the automotive market. Virginians should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. 

Your voice can make a difference! Click here to tell Virginia lawmakers to repeal the internal combustion engine ban. 

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In Virginia, lawmakers introduced SEMA-supported legislation to repeal the law tying the state to California's motor-vehicle emissions standards. Under current law, new gas- and diesel-powered vehicle sales will be banned starting in 2035. The multiple bills now await consideration in the Virginia General Assembly. 

SEMA does not believe that the government--Virginia's or California's--should be choosing winners and losers in the automotive market. Virginians should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. 

Your voice can make a difference! Click here to tell Virginia lawmakers to repeal the internal combustion engine ban. 

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org. 

By SEMA News 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.

Goolsby Customs

Automotive Fabricator in Hueytown, Alabama

Goolsby Customs is searching for an experienced automotive fabricator to join its Hueytown, Alabama, team of hot-rod and musclecar builders.

Milltek Corp.

Business Development Executive in Alcoa, Tennessee

Milltek Corp. is seeking a business development executive to drive the growth of its business-to-business activities. The position will be responsible for identifying and establishing strategic partnerships, expanding the company's client base, contributing to the overall success of the business, and more.

Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum

Administrative Assistant in Rancho Dominguez, California

The administrative assistant position will provide administrative support to the executive director and other departments to help meet the foundation's objectives. Duties and responsibilities include organizing and managing the foundation's files, supporting department and volunteer correspondence, managing gift store sales, and more.

By SEMA News Editors

HOT ROD Power Tour Reveals 2024 Schedule

Celebrating 30 years in 2024, the HOT ROD Power Tour has revealed the schedule for the five-day tour through the Southeast and Midwest.

The 2024 HOT ROD Power Tour starts on Monday, June 10, at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The traveling car show draws more than 6,000 cars and trucks of all years, makes and models, and will feature more than 1,000 miles of driving, drag racing, autocross, live entertainment and more.

The five-stop tour will begin on June 10 at Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and conclude on June 14 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.

HOT ROD Power Tour 2024 Schedule

• Day 1: Monday, June 10 – Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
• Day 2: Tuesday, June 11 – Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee.
• Day 3: Wednesday, June 12 – L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky.
• Day 4: Thursday, June 13 – National Trail Raceway, Hebron, Ohio.
• Day 5: Friday, June 14 – Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.

More details for the 2024 HOT ROD Drag Week are expected at a later date.

For more information, visit hotrodpowertour.us.

NASCAR Cup Series Establishes 2024 Short Track, Road Course Rules Package

NASCAR Cup Series officials have announced updates to the short-track and road -ourse rules package for 2024.

The changes, including a simplified rear diffuser with fewer vertical strakes, will go into effect at the first short-track race of the season at Arizona's Phoenix Raceway in March.

The aerodynamic changes aim to promote more competitive racing on those track types, the organization said.

For more information, visit the NASCAR announcement or visit nascar.com.

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

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Magna Introduces Impaired-Driving Prevention Technology

Magna, the automotive supplier based in Aurora, Ontario, Canada, has introduced a breath and camera-based pre-development technology designed to combat impaired driving. 

The new safety technology is designed to determine if drivers are "fit to drive" in a fast, reliable and affordable way. The integrated solution utilizes camera technology to detect driver distraction, drowsiness and intoxication through pupillary signals, with infrared sensor technology developed by Senseair.

Cockpit-embedded sensors, placed in proximity to the driver, measure and quantify the alcohol and carbon dioxide levels in diluted exhalations from the driver. The technology is intended to passively detect an intoxicated driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08% in all states except Utah, where the legal limit is 0.05%.

"As we continue to support the company's vision of advancing mobility for everyone, our team is focused on delivering active safety innovations that help reduce accidents and fatalities," said Bill Snider, president of electronics at Magna. "We are working with our customers and the industry to take a significant step forward in making the roads safer for all who share them."

For more information, visit the Magna announcement or magna.com.

Melling Engine Parts Acquires QualCast

Melling Engine Parts, a Jackson, Michigan-based manufacturer of oil pumps and other powertrain components, has acquired QualCast, a supplier of valvetrain automotive parts based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Qualcast offers valvetrain solutions for heavy-duty, industrial, light- and medium-duty, marine and performance applications.

Melling and QualCast will continue operating independently, the company said.

For more information, visit melling.com.

BorgWarner Forms Joint Venture for Chinese Electric Commercial Vehicle Market

BorgWarner is expanding its product portfolio for battery electric and hybrid commercial vehicles by agreeing to form a joint venture with Shaanxi Fast Auto Drive Group, a China-based commercial vehicle parts supplier specializing in transmission and drivetrain systems.

The company expects to finalize the establishment of the high-voltage inverter joint venture in the first quarter of 2024.

For more information, visit borgwarner.com.

Stellantis Partners With BlackBerry QNX, AWS to Launch Virtual Cockpit 

Stellantis has launched a virtual cockpit as a component of the Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench.

The new platform uses the QNX Hypervisor in the cloud from BlackBerry via AWS Marketplace, and allows Stellantis to create realistic virtual versions of car controls and systems, accelerating the delivery of new infotainment technology to customers.

With the platform, Stellantis can accelerate customer feedback sessions, and with minimal effort and time, replicate the cockpit experience of a particular brand and vehicle, and make changes in real time to optimize the experience for the driver.

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

MBE Group Hires New Account Executive

Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a marketing communications agency serving the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech and consumer goods industries, has hired Sydney Croft as an account executive.  

Croft will serve as the daily contact for accounts, leveraging brand strategy, digital marketing, media relations, social media marketing and event coordination, and will be based out of the company’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan.

In her previous position, Croft served as a senior analytics digital consultant for automotive OEMs and dealerships, including Jaguar Land Rover.

For more information, visit mbe.group.

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