By SEMA News Editors

With the aid of 200 robots, the facility has the capacity to produce 30,000 customizable electric vehicles annually.

Hyundai has launched a new manufacturing facility in Singapore operated partially by robots, robot dogs and artificial intelligence, the automaker announced.

With the aid of 200 robots, the facility, called the "Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore," has the capacity to produce 30,000 customizable electric vehicles (EVs) annually.

According to the manufacturer, robots handle 50% of all tasks at the facility, including assembly, inspection and production plus 60% of component processing, ordering and transport, allowing human workers to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.

The tech hub also provides flexible vehicle customization, test drives, VR factory tours and more.

Operational since early 2023, the facility produces the IONIQ 5 and will add the IONIQ 6 to its portfolio of models built on-site next year. It will also serve as a testing facility for future vehicle development.

For more information, visit the Hyundai Motor Group website.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI have published the Member Code of Conduct, posted in its entirety below. Learn more here or download the PDF here.

I. SCOPE.

Specialty Equipment Market Association & Performance Racing, Inc. ("SEMA/PRI" or "Association") has adopted this Code of Conduct ("Code"), which applies to all members of the Association as well as other guests who participate in or attend SEMA/PRI events and activities.

II. PURPOSE.

This Code is in support of the SEMA/PRI mission to help its members succeed and prosper. SEMA/PRI's membership consists of the producers and marketers of specialty-equipment products and services for the automotive aftermarket and motor sports industry. SEMA/PRI's programs support its mission and the Association's Directors and staff are guided by this purpose. The Association is proud of the values with which it conducts business. It has and will continue to uphold a high level of integrity in all of its actions and relationships. The Association promotes a professional and collegial environment that values respect and fairness and its policies for employees and others reflect that commitment.

III. APPROPRIATE CONDUCT AND AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICTS WITH THE ASSOCIATION.

Each member, and/or its representatives, as well as business guests invited to, participating in, or attending any SEMA/PRI activity, program, event conference or Show, as well as their interaction with the Association's members, directors, officers or staff, shall:

1. Abide by the Bylaws any and all policies adopted by the Association.
2. Conduct themselves in Association initiatives, events or activities in a legal, non-offensive manner, avoiding inappropriate or disruptive behavior, being responsive to any lawful requests of the Board of Directors, Committee Leadership or staff.
3. Avoid any business relationship or activity that is in conflict with and directly competes with the Association.
4. Not attempt to misappropriate confidential information relating to the operation of the Association and its business affairs. Confidential information includes but is not limited to all non-public information relating to the Association's strategies, business or contractual relationships, personnel records, financial affairs, legislative strategies, past or future member affiliations, or any other information relating to the Association's operations, business affairs or strategy.

No member of the Association will do any of the following:

1. Falsely represent having authority to speak for or act on behalf of the Association in any business matters, contracts, agreements or in any written, electronic or oral communications regarding the Association.
2. Use any SEMA/PRI trademark, service mark, name, logo or branding in an unauthorized or deceptive way that suggests a relationship or endorsement with the Association that does not exist.
3. Engage in threatening, demeaning or harassing behavior of any kind at Association events, initiatives or activities or in their interaction with the Association's directors, officers, members or employees.
4. Misappropriate the Association's property, financial resources, or services of the Association's personnel for personal benefit.

IV. REPORTING FOR COMPLIANCE.

It is the responsibility of members and/or its representatives and SEMA/PRI guests to comply with this Code of Conduct and they will report violations or suspected violations to the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee for purposes of the operation of the policy. All reported violations will be reviewed, pursuant to Section V, and violations of this Code may lead to disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to, conducting corrective actions as requested by the Association, reprimand, suspension, and/or revocation of membership.

V. DUE DILLIGENCE PROCEDURES.

1. Any complaint must be in writing, signed by the complaining party (the "Complainant"), shall state the matter complained of in detail, and be accompanied by materials the Complainant wishes to bring to the attention of the Association (collectively referred to as "Complaining Materials").

2. The Complaining Materials must be sent to Association headquarters within twelve (12) months of the occurrence of the conduct which is the subject matter of the complaining materials.

3. The Complaining Materials are reviewed by designated staff and counsel to determine if the conduct complained of involves a possible violation of this Code, or might otherwise constitute conduct detrimental to the Association.

4. If it is determined that the Complaining Materials do not involve a possible violation, the Complainant is informed and the matter is closed. If it is determined that the Complaining Materials may involve a possible violation, the Ethics Committee is informed and the Complaining Materials may be further investigated by staff/counsel to collect additional evidence.

5. Once the collection process is deemed sufficiently complete, a summary document will be created and will be sent to the alleged infringer with a request for a written response. The response must be in writing, signed, and shall be accompanied by all materials the alleged infringer wishes to bring to the attention of the Association in response to complaining materials ("Responding Materials").

6. The Complaining and Responding Materials are then reviewed by the Association's Ethics Committee to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a disciplinary proceeding. In making their determination, the Ethics Committee may request additional information from either the Complainant or the alleged infringer. A copy of any such additional information provided by a party will, if the matter proceeds to a disciplinary hearing, be provided by the Association to the other party prior to the date of any disciplinary hearing.

7. If the Ethics Committee concludes that a disciplinary hearing is not warranted, both parties are informed in writing of such determination and the matter is closed.

8. If the Ethics Committee determines that a disciplinary hearing is warranted, then the Association shall send notice of the disciplinary hearing to the parties prior to the date of the disciplinary hearing. The notice of disciplinary hearing shall specify the date, time and place (including virtual) of the hearing.

9. Either party may submit such other written materials they wish to bring to the attention of the Ethics Committee ("Additional Materials"), provided such Additional Materials are received at Association's headquarters no later than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing date. A copy of Additional Materials submitted by a party must be sent by the submitting party to the other party by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that the same materials will be received by the other party no later than fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing date.

10. The Complainant shall be required to participate in the hearing in the manner described below. If the Complainant fails to participate in the hearing for any reason, the complaint will be dismissed as against the Complainant with prejudice to Complainant's right to file another complaint against the alleged infringer in connection with the subject matter that was set forth in the complaint. The Complainant and the alleged infringer shall participate in the hearing via video teleconferencing, telephone conference call, or other available electronic conferencing method. The Complainant and the alleged infringer shall each provide the Association with written notice, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing date, containing information as to whether they plan to participate in the hearing in person or via legal counsel, a telephone number where they may be reached on the date of the hearing, and a list of witnesses if applicable.

11. No recording or transcript of such hearing shall be made unless it is specifically requested and paid for in advance by the requesting party. The hearing process shall be treated confidentially by the participants.

12. After the hearing, the Ethics Committee shall meet to consider the proceedings that have occurred, the evidence presented, any prior precedential rulings, and determine any disciplinary action to be taken (including any applicable time frame). The recommendation(s) of the Ethics Committee shall be submitted to the SEMA/PRI Executive Committee for final disposition (which may include consideration by the Board of Directors).

13. Any disciplinary action shall be communicated to the alleged infringer in writing. The Complainant shall not be informed of the outcome.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Virginia legislators have introduced companion bills (H.B. 3 and S.B. 3) to repeal the Commonwealth's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates.

The legislation, filed by Delegate Tony Wilt and Senator Richard Stuart, follows SEMA's first-ever independent expenditure effort in Virginia's November elections around the state's attachment to California's emissions standards, including its impending zero-emissions vehicle mandates. The mandates would require that all sales of new cars and trucks be 100% zero emissions by 2035. However, earlier mandates start in 2026, with 35% of new vehicle sales required to be zero emissions.

If passed, the companion bills would repeal Virigina's zero-emissions vehicle mandates set to take effect by 2035.

SEMA's Driving Force Action targeted four senate races in November, educating voters about the Commonwealth's attachment to California's regulations. Three of the four senate candidates in those races won. One critical race that was influenced in this cycle was District 24, where candidate Sheriff Danny Diggs defeated the incumbent, Senator Monty Mason, a staunch supporter of the internal combustion engine (ICE) ban policy and the deciding vote to block the repeal of Virginia's ICE ban law earlier this year. Other notable shifts were in District 17, where Emily Brewer defeated Clinton Jenkins, and District 27, where Tara Durant upset Joel Griffin. The candidates who won committed to repealing the ZEV mandate. SEMA's Driving Force Action campaign was active in educating voters about the ZEV mandate in these districts. A complete post-election analysis of the Driving Force Action campaign can be downloaded here.

Polling conducted statewide in Virginia by SEMA in late 2022 showed that 81% of Virginia voters had heard little or nothing at all about the ban. The same poll showed that once voters learned of the ban, 62% opposed it. Driving Force Action conducted a short IVR poll in mid-October to test awareness of Virginia's attachment to California's ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars, following six weeks of education in the four senate district races the campaign targeted. There was a significant increase in awareness, with only 16% of Republican and 12% of Independent voters unaware of the issue. This poll also showed that a majority of Republican and Independent voters would support a candidate if they supported the repeal of Virginia's ICE-ban law.

Voters acknowledged that prioritizing the green agenda of California's unelected bureaucrats and a select few politicians over the jobs and livelihoods of millions who use cars every day was not something lawmakers should pursue.

SEMA calls on Virginia's newly elected legislators to support these two repeal bills.

By SEMA News Editors 

The PRI Show, December 7-9 in downtown Indianapolis, provides dozens of conferences, seminars, social gatherings and more events to help the industry share new ideas. Among the activities are networking opportunities and events from the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), Future Leaders Network (FLN) and the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC). 

Women racing professionals are encouraged to register to share their expertise with students pursuing careers in the motorsports industry at the 2023 PRI Show. 

SBN Gear-Up Girl Lunch 

Female racing and aftermarket industry professionals will connect with female students pursuing careers in the motorsports industry at the Gear-Up Girl Lunch Powered by SBN on Friday, December 8, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. EST in Room 208. Reserved only for women, this fun and dynamic event serves as a networking opportunity for professionals to give back and share advice with today's female youth. To RSVP for the Gear-Up Girl Lunch Powered by SBN, click here. 

FLN and MPMC Networking Reception 

On Friday, December 8, from 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. EST in the Wabash Ballroom, the FLN and MPMC networking reception will serve as an opportunity to close out day two of the PRI Show while networking with industry friends and colleagues in a relaxed setting. The event features complimentary hot hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and will include the induction of the next MPMC Hall of Fame member. Select committee members will be on-site to answer questions about council and network membership, and limited quantities of SEMA swag will be available too! To RSVP for the reception, click here. 

For more information on the 2023 PRI Show, including how to register, visit performanceracing.com/tradeshow. 

By SEMA News Editors

TechForce Foundation Appoints New Chief Growth Officer, Board Members

The TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the technician workforce, has appointed Jennifer Bergeron as its first chief growth officer. Additionally, Dave Smith, Bill Willetts and Matt Hartford have joined its Board of Directors.

Bergeron brings more than 20 years of experience in technical education and organizational management to TechForce and spent 13 years as the campus president of NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Hartford is the president and CEO of Total Seal Piston Rings, and first joined Total Seal Piston Rings as Lead Engineer in 1998. Hartford also started a drag racing career in 1988 and currently races in the NHRA PRO STOCK category.

Willetts, vice president of Snap-on Industrial, has spent his career with the company since first joining as a sales rep in 1994. He also served as chairman of the board of NC SkillsUSA from 2010 through 2022.

Smith, principal at DGS Group, also joins the board, and previously served as senior vice president, supply chain strategy at Caliber Collision.

For more information, visit techforce.org.

Racing & Performance Holdings Announces Appointment of Mark Finnie as CEO

Racing & Performance Holdings (R&P Holdings) has announced the appointment of Mark Finnie, a seasoned automotive industry veteran, as its new CEO. R&P Holdings is a Taglich Private Equity portfolio business, and its brands include Vortech Superchargers, RaceTec Pistons, PROCAR Custom Seating, Air Flow Research and SCAT Crankshafts.

Finnie held various leadership positions within the automotive industry with notable roles, including the founder of Forge-Tec Wheels; vice president of WELD Racing; president and CEO of Pertronix; and division president for both Vance & Hines and Performance Machine.

"We look to further enhancing SCAT, AFR, Vortech Superchargers, RaceTec Pistons and PROCAR Seating leading positions in the market by leveraging the company's engineering expertise, coupled with our team's automotive aftermarket experience and network," said Finnie.

For more information, visit airflowresearch.com.

LKQ Corp. Announces Executive Leadership Succession Plan

LKQ Corp. has selected Justin Jude, the company's current senior vice president and president of its wholesale-North America segment, to succeed Dominick Zarcone as the president and CEO of the company. Zarcone announced his intent to retire from his role effective June 30, 2024.

Jude will serve as the company's executive vice president and COO from January 1, 2024, until he officially succeeds Zarcone as president and CEO on July 1, 2024.

An LKQ employee since 2004, Jude has held various leadership roles across the company's North American sales, supply chain and information systems departments. From June 2014 to July 2015, he served as president of the company's specialty segment, and as president of the wholesale-North America segment since July 2015.

For more information, visit lkqcorp.com.

RNR Tire Express Names Trish Deschenes as Director of Franchise Sales

RNR Tire Express (RNR), the Tampa, Florida-based tire and custom wheel retail franchise, has named Trish Deschenes as its new director of franchise sales.

In her new role, Deschenes will be responsible for educating prospective franchisees on RNR, elevating sales practices and capabilities and executing on the franchise's multi-unit ownership directive, the company said.

"Our team has some incredible milestones on the horizon, such as welcoming our 200th location in the new year," said Larry Sutton, founder and CEO of RNR. "Trish's introduction to the RNR family is meant to do so much more than help us get there, but to ensure it’s another milestone in a long line of those to come."

For more information, visit rnrtires.com.

The following message is from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola: 

Dear SEMA Member:  

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.  

 The following seats are open for the 2024 election:

• Manufacturer (two open seats) 
• Distributor/Retailer (two open seats) 
• Service (one open seat) 

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Friday, January 5, 2024. Please complete and submit your nomination form.  

We urge you to take part in the nomination process. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the nominating committee. 

Thank you for your attention to this important request. 

Sincerely, 

Mike Spagnola 

SEMA President and CEO   

By SEMA News Editors

The Amelia to Honor Rick Hendrick in 2024

The Amelia Concours d'Elegance, a motoring event held annually at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Amelia Island, Florida, will honor Rick Hendrick during next year's event, February 29-March 3.

Rick Hendrick is the winningest team owner in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Founded in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has accumulated 14 championships and 301 points-paying race victories in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

"For my entire life, I've loved automobiles and racing. The Amelia is truly a celebration of both of those passions," Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, said. "The list of past honorees is filled with names I respect and admire, and it's incredibly humbling to be mentioned in the same breath. The wonderful success our organization has enjoyed has only been possible because of the many, many people who helped build it over the years. I look forward to experiencing The Amelia and sharing this very special honor with all of them."

For more information, click here.

SCCA Announces 2023 Board of Directors Election Results

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has released its 2023 board of directors election results for four of its 13 geographic areas, the organization announced.

Lyn Hodges Watts of Silver Springs, Florida, retained her seat as Area 3 director after running unopposed. Incumbent Dayle Frame of Dewitt, Michigan, also retained his seat as Area 4 director. David Vodden of Willows, California, ran unopposed in Area 9, taking over for Charlie Davis as he concludes his final term later this year. Additionally, Peter Bollenbecker of San Diego, California, will become Area 11 director after sitting board member Dale Shoemaker opted not to run for a second term.

The new board of directors members will officially take their seats on January 1, 2024

For more information and full election results, visit the SCCA website.

NASCAR Rebrands Canadian Series

NASCAR's Canadian stock car series will be known as the NASCAR Canada Series beginning in 2024, the sanctioning body announced. Evirum and Pinty's will serve as Presenting Partners for the series.

Additionally, longtime motorsports executive Alan Labrosse has been named general manager of NASCAR Canada. He will be responsible for growing and promoting NASCAR throughout Canada, which includes oversight of the NASCAR Canada Series.

For more information, visit the NASCAR Canada Series website.

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

By SEMA News Editors

Stertil-Koni Welcomes New Regional Sales Manager

Industry veteran Jeff Sampson has joined Stertil-Koni USA, a provider of heavy-duty vehicle lifts headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland, as regional sales manager, the company announced.

Jeff Sampson will succeed Rawn Roman, who is retiring after more than 25 years with Stertil-Koni.

Sampson brings more than two decades of capital equipment expertise to his new role and will cover a territory that includes the central United States. He succeeds Rawn Roman, who is retiring after more than 25 years with Stertil-Koni.

"This is a bitter-sweet day for us. On one hand, we will genuinely miss Rawn’s warmth and substantial business acumen," said Scott Steinhardt, Stertil-Koni general manager. "At that same time, Stertil-Koni is delighted to welcome Jeff, who brings more than 20 years of heavy-duty vehicle lift expertise and success as a Regional Sales Manager to our rapidly growing company. Jeff shares our keen focus on delivering the best in customer care and support and we know he will be an asset to our distributors, our customers and our company in general."

For more information, visit stertil-koni.com.

Tri-State Enterprises Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

Tri-State Enterprises has appointed Robert Pesiri as its new chief operating officer (COO).

Pesiri has 17 years of leadership experience in the aftermarket parts industry, the Arkansas-based distributor said.

"On behalf of the board and the entire Tri-State family, it is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of our new COO, Robert Pesiri, who brings a wealth of operational and technology experience in the aftermarket industry," said Tristan Taylor, CEO of Tri-State Enterprises. "The execution of our strategy across product offering, cataloging, customer service, and rapid deliveries is core to our success. We look forward to working with Rob to continue to improve such execution, build even stronger connectivity with our vendors and customers, and drive continued growth for all stakeholders."

For more information, visit etristate.com.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The outdoor recreation industry, including motorized recreation like off-roading and overlanding, is providing a significant boost to the United States economy, according to new economic data. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released new economic data showing that outdoor recreation accounted for $1.08 trillion in U.S. economic output and 2.2% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.

Additionally, outdoor recreation's economic impact increased by 16.9% from 2021 to 2022 and employed 4.98 million Americans last year--accounting for 3.2% of U.S. jobs.

"The BEA's numbers support the rapid expansion we've seen firsthand in the off-road and overlanding industries. While motorized recreation is a lifestyle and passion for millions of Americans, the money that OHV and overlanding enthusiasts invest in their vehicles is a key economic driver of the $1.08 trillion annual outdoor recreation economy," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Motorized recreation is a major employer in gateway communities and throughout the country where specialty aftermarket businesses manufacture, install and sell parts that upgrade everything from SUVs to trucks to OHVs with wheels and tires, suspension upgrades, lift kits, winches, lighting products and more."

This is the sixth consecutive year that the BEA has released national- and state-level data on the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry, demonstrating how critical the industry is to the U.S. economy. The report shows that outdoor recreation continues to grow and thrive, supporting jobs and local economies in communities across the country, bolstering the national economy and providing benefits to the increasing number of Americans who seek time outside. SEMA supports efforts to expand access to motorized recreation, which is a major driver of both the automotive specialty-equipment market and the outdoor recreation industries.  

"The state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life," said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). "Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country--big, small, urban and rural alike. To ensure that this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters will continue to be accessible to all Americans for generations to come, we will continue to work together with leaders on the passage of America's Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year. We are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear every day, that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have--but a necessity for healthy people, places and economies."

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The outdoor recreation industry, including motorized recreation like off-roading and overlanding, is providing a significant boost to the United States economy, according to new economic data. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released new economic data showing that outdoor recreation accounted for $1.08 trillion in U.S. economic output and 2.2% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.

Additionally, outdoor recreation's economic impact increased by 16.9% from 2021 to 2022 and employed 4.98 million Americans last year--accounting for 3.2% of U.S. jobs.

"The BEA's numbers support the rapid expansion we've seen firsthand in the off-road and overlanding industries. While motorized recreation is a lifestyle and passion for millions of Americans, the money that OHV and overlanding enthusiasts invest in their vehicles is a key economic driver of the $1.08 trillion annual outdoor recreation economy," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Motorized recreation is a major employer in gateway communities and throughout the country where specialty aftermarket businesses manufacture, install and sell parts that upgrade everything from SUVs to trucks to OHVs with wheels and tires, suspension upgrades, lift kits, winches, lighting products and more."

This is the sixth consecutive year that the BEA has released national- and state-level data on the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry, demonstrating how critical the industry is to the U.S. economy. The report shows that outdoor recreation continues to grow and thrive, supporting jobs and local economies in communities across the country, bolstering the national economy and providing benefits to the increasing number of Americans who seek time outside. SEMA supports efforts to expand access to motorized recreation, which is a major driver of both the automotive specialty-equipment market and the outdoor recreation industries.  

"The state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life," said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). "Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country--big, small, urban and rural alike. To ensure that this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters will continue to be accessible to all Americans for generations to come, we will continue to work together with leaders on the passage of America's Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year. We are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear every day, that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have--but a necessity for healthy people, places and economies."

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.