By SEMA News Editors

Team Allied Distribution has officially acquired Gator Products, Inc., a Missouri-based undercar exhaust warehouse distributor. The acquisition enhances Team Allied's operations and expands its territorial reach throughout the Midwest. The integration includes Gator Products' distribution operations, assets, on-site inventory, and the onboarding of a talented team of employees, according to Team Allied.

"For Team Allied Distribution, the greatest asset of any acquisition is the talented people who built the business into what it is today. None of this would be possible without Gator Products' talented team. We look forward to welcoming them into Team Allied Distribution as future employee-owners," said Darrell Kurth, president of Team Allied.

Established in 1979, Gator Products specializes in the distribution of aftermarket automotive exhaust products and emissions components. The company operates from two facilities in Springfield and Bridgeton (St. Louis metro), Missouri, with more than 34,000 square feet of warehouse capacity. Its distribution includes Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Kentucky.

Team Allied Distribution has more than 390,000 square feet of warehouse capacity throughout 25 facilities located in the Western and Midwestern United States.

Founded in 1976, Team Allied is the independent warehouse distributor of automotive exhaust, with more than 390,000 square feet of warehouse capacity throughout 25 facilities located in the Western and Midwestern United States. It is a 100% employee-owned company with over 220 employee-owners.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kim Ziomek, director of business development at Schwartz Machine Company, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

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

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Kim Ziomek: I joined Schwartz Machine Company (SMC) in February 2021 during the pandemic and was welcomed by the team to grow and enhance our precision machining operations for racing, marine agricultural, off-highway, OEM and Tier 1 prototypes. I enjoy seeing the raw casting come in from our customers and leaving a beautiful masterpiece of precision machining that could be displayed in a museum! 

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

KZ: Seeking new business and forecasting; turning the "ah-ha" moment into POs when customers realize that SMC is a Women's Business Enterprise National Council-approved woman-owned/women-led supplier in precision machining. SMC is in a very niche market specializing in precision machining prototype castings, which are low volume. Although we are not the "cheapest" in prototype precision machining, for 70-plus years SMC has remained focused on quality, customer satisfaction and a steadfast reputation. 

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

KZ: I have been in the automotive industry since 1985 and started at TRW (now ZF) in sales for infant and baby car seat plastic shells, EDP, heat treating and aftermarket. As a part of aftermarket, I remember attending my first TRW race car event and how big my eyes were watching the event logistics from the pits. I will never forget that experience. 

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

KZ: Passion, compassion and integrity. My career has been supported by my father, Joe Ziomek. Since I started, he always pushed me to be the best I could be at whatever I did. My energy level is tremendous in terms of offering my experiences, passion and compassion for women who are starting in the mobility space, and being a mentor to women who seek counsel and guidance in their career journey. My passion and compassion are to always raise my hand to volunteer for assignments, and that brought me opportunities to meet, greet and participate in professional industry functions to grow my network. I am one of the co-founders of the Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation (AWAF) and since our inception, I have had the privilege to meet and greet women in the industry that you may not work with in your everyday work environment. 

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

KZ: My biggest accomplishment was being awarded the Automotive News "Top 100 Most Influential Woman in Automotive Award" in 2000. This was the inaugural event that now continues every five years. My biggest challenge is to leave a legacy that paves a path for both current and future women to be successful in their careers without boundaries. 

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

KZ: My father is my most admired role model. He started at Ford and supported my automotive career through all the challenges and successes with no judgment.

Anne Stevens, CEO of GKN, provided me with guidance that was "real" and really made me think about who I am and what value I bring to the automotive sector. She had a remarkable way of getting to the heart of a matter and boosting you up to know that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford Motor Company, taught me to lead with positive comments rather than criticism. Alan is still one of the most charismatic and driven men I have ever met and really listens to others. 

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

KZ: Never, ever give up, and "no" just means "not yet." This advice is golden and just remember--all good things come to those who wait, and patience pays. Positive thoughts always prevail! 

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

KZ: I always wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, and I love math, science and engineering. I am here because I love this industry and it is never dull or boring and what a great time to be a part of the industry with electric vehicles being so prevalent. People like Lynn St. James and John McElroy keep moving forward and have broken the "barriers" that others have thrown in their pathway and that is what keeps me here. 

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

KZ: My father--Joe Ziomek--bar none. 

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

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include networking events and resources for career advancement. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover volunteer opportunities and walk away with new ideas to grow their professional network.

FLN membership is open to all SEMA business member employees aged 39 and under at no cost. The current membership roster represents some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry, and attending the meeting is an excellent way for current and prospective members to connect with up-and-coming like-minded individuals.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Board of Directors provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. There are a total of 11 candidates running for five open seats on the Board for the 2024-2025 election cycle. 

Online voting begins Tuesday, May 28, and will continue through Tuesday, June 11. Voting is open to current SEMA-member companies, and votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details on the election were sent to each member-company's designated contact. If you have questions about your company's primary contact, please email Timothy Johnson at timothyj@sema.org.

Get to know this year's SEMA Board of Directors candidates' biographical information, forward-looking statements and related information by clicking the link on each candidate's name.

2024–2025 SEMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

(listed alphabetically)

MANUFACTURER (Two Open Seats):

• RICH BARSAMIAN

    Advanced Clutch Technology

• BRIAN HERRON

   OPUS IVS

• KIM PENDERGAST

   Magnuson Products Incumbent

• MELISSA SCOLES

QA1

DISTRIBUTOR/RETAILER (Two Open Seats)

• DOUG LANE

   Motor State Distributing 

• KELLE OESTE

   V8 Speed Shop 

• JOSH POULSON

   Auto Additions Inc. 

• ROB WARD

   Legacy EV 

SERVICE (One Open Seat)

• BILL BADER

   Summit Motorsports Park

• DAVID MORTON

   Fifth Third Bank 

• TODD STEEN

   Jackson Marketing

SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer the 2024 election. To ensure your election-specific broadcast email arrives safely in your inbox by May 28, simply add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net. If you have not received an email "From: SEMA Election Coordinator" by May 29, please check your spam filter or junk mail folder.

The winners will be announced by Friday, June 21, and the new Board members will be formally inducted at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California. All SEMA-member companies are invited to join the festivities, but seating is limited. To register for the event, go to sema.org/gala. 

For more information about the Board of Directors election, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org or call 909-978-6689. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 515 (HB 515) into law, which ensures consumers' choice of vehicle power plants and fuel technologies. This legislation will go into effect on August 1, 2024. 

The SEMA-supported law officially prohibits a state agency from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source. HB 515 passed both chambers of the legislature with overwhelming support. The new law makes Louisiana the latest state to embrace vehicle choice. 

"SEMA appreciates Governor Landry and Louisiana's lawmakers for approving HB 515," said Colby Martin, SEMA's director of state government affairs. "As with any automotive advancements, SEMA has continued to support an 'all of the above' approach to vehicle technology policy, advocating for technology-neutral policy that allows the free market to continue to innovate all technology that significantly reduces vehicle emissions." 

Several other states have sought similar proposals to promote consumer choice, foster innovation and protect jobs. With this new law, Louisianans, not the government, will continue to decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.  

For more information, contact Martin at SAN@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 515 (HB 515) into law, which ensures consumers' choice of vehicle power plants and fuel technologies. This legislation will go into effect on August 1, 2024. 

The SEMA-supported law officially prohibits a state agency from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source. HB 515 passed both chambers of the legislature with overwhelming support. The new law makes Louisiana the latest state to embrace vehicle choice. 

"SEMA appreciates Governor Landry and Louisiana's lawmakers for approving HB 515," said Colby Martin, SEMA's director of state government affairs. "As with any automotive advancements, SEMA has continued to support an 'all of the above' approach to vehicle technology policy, advocating for technology-neutral policy that allows the free market to continue to innovate all technology that significantly reduces vehicle emissions." 

Several other states have sought similar proposals to promote consumer choice, foster innovation and protect jobs. With this new law, Louisianans, not the government, will continue to decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.  

For more information, contact Martin at SAN@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Dencar Technology

RIGHT-HEIGHT Pay Station

It's the car wash pay station that pulls up to you! Dencar Technology's RIGHT-HEIGHT pay station automatically adjusts up or down for a comfortable transaction, no matter the vehicle profile. Now, customers can have the same experience whether they're in a high truck or a low-to-the-ground sports car.

dencartechnology.com

Schwartz Performance

Dual A-Arm Independent Rear Suspension System

Designed for Schwartz Performance's line of G-Machine chassis, the Dual A-Arm IRS is designed for applications with a narrow track width and only measures 51-in. from flange to flange.

schwartzperformance.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A California bill (SB 301) creating a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) has passed the legislature and now awaits final approval or veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. California has multiple programs to promote the purchase of new ZEVs, but none assist with converting gas-powered vehicles to ZEVs. SB 301 would level the playing field, making it more affordable for Californians to convert their existing vehicles to ZEVs.

The bill is authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino and sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). It would offer Californians up to $4,000 to convert their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle into a ZEV, allowing the Golden State to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner motors. Click here to send a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to sign SB 301 into law.

"Governor Newsom has the opportunity to create new jobs and support small businesses by signing SB 301 into law," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "This bill will also help California reduce emissions and make zero-emissions vehicle conversions more accessible to all residents. SEMA urges the Governor to recognize the tremendous benefits SB 301 brings to the Golden State and sign it into law."

SB 301 has the backing of business and environmental groups. The California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), the Los Angeles Business Federation (LA BizFed), the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, BREATHE California and CALSTART have all endorsed the bill. The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has also labeled SB 301 a "job creator."

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A California bill (SB 301) creating a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) has passed the legislature and now awaits final approval or veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. California has multiple programs to promote the purchase of new ZEVs, but none assist with converting gas-powered vehicles to ZEVs. SB 301 would level the playing field, making it more affordable for Californians to convert their existing vehicles to ZEVs.

The bill is authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino and sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). It would offer Californians up to $4,000 to convert their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle into a ZEV, allowing the Golden State to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner motors. Click here to send a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to sign SB 301 into law.

"Governor Newsom has the opportunity to create new jobs and support small businesses by signing SB 301 into law," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "This bill will also help California reduce emissions and make zero-emissions vehicle conversions more accessible to all residents. SEMA urges the Governor to recognize the tremendous benefits SB 301 brings to the Golden State and sign it into law."

SB 301 has the backing of business and environmental groups. The California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), the Los Angeles Business Federation (LA BizFed), the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, BREATHE California and CALSTART have all endorsed the bill. The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has also labeled SB 301 a "job creator."

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources have revealed the refreshed '25 Ford Expedition's overhauled styling, giving us our best look at this vehicle yet.

Previously, sources revealed the interior, but now we see the refresh includes an entirely new front and rear fascia. New headlights flank a redesigned grille, which sits atop an all-new bumper arrangement. New taillights are completely revealed, but there are some mysteries regarding the rear hatch, which might feature a two-piece design for better loading options, similar to the Range Rover and Lexus LX570.

Also on display are 24-in. wheels, a new addition to the Expedition's options list. Additionally, the refreshed Expedition is expected to offer a range of new tech features and improved interior materials, enhancing both comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers. The updated model aims to maintain its competitive edge in the full-size SUV market with these stylish and functional enhancements.

Inside, the cockpit redesign features a sprawling screen spanning from coast to coast or pillar to pillar, along with an additional screen nestled in the center stack between the HVAC vents, reminiscent of the setup in the '24 Lincoln Nautilus. The revamped Expedition will retain the familiar rotary shift knob, now positioned on a ledge below the center stack screen, accompanied by a volume knob adjacent to it. Completing the ensemble of changes is a redesigned steering wheel, which is yet to be seen.