By Ashley Reyes

Integrated vehicle electronics now means all systems are sharing data across several different networks. Making changes to a vehicle (ride height, performance, braking, infotainment, etc.) could have unintended consequences if you do not know or understand the relationship between electronic control units (ECUs).

Automotive aftermarket engineers, product developers or any SEMA member who uses a scan tool for development or product validation are invited to the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) webinar on Tuesday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT to learn about new vehicle communications standards.

Attendees will hear from Brian Herron, Opus IVS's president and CEO, as he presents the fundamentals of the currently used controller area network (CAN bus) and how they are being upgraded/migrated to faster standards as the need for more data computing increases.

While the currently used CAN bus communication protocols are very robust and stable, the advent of data fusion across network ECUs requires faster data transmission and lower latency. The two newer protocols--FD CAN and DoIP--are already on vehicles on the road and will require updated hardware to communicate with the laptop.

Register here for the webinar "Vehicle Communication Standards Update, presented by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)."

By David P. Goch

A Federal Circuit Court overruled a decades-old test used to assess whether design patents are obvious and thus invalid on May 24. In this case, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff that a General Motors design patent for a front fender should not have received protection through the U.S. Patent & Trade Office, sending the case back to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") to scrutinize the patent under a new standard. 

Prior to the May 24 ruling, the Rosen-Durling test had been applied to the advantage of OEMs since 1996. Replacement part manufacturers have criticized this test, maintaining it set an impossibly high bar and allowed automakers to patent parts that contained only incremental, noninnovative design changes over previous iterations. Under Rosen-Durling, a design patent could be invalidated or a design patent application rejected when an older design was "basically the same" and a secondary design reference was "so related" to the first that "the appearance of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the application of those features to the other."

According to those opposed to Rosen-Durling, it allowed OEMs to create anti-competitive outcomes for designs of repair parts that were only trivially different than what came before.

In striking down the old test, Judge Kara F. Stoll, writing for nine judges, concluded that Rosen-Durling could not exist in light of a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for challengers to invalidate utility patents, which protect the functionality of an invention, such as a machine, process or software. Stoll wrote, "[W]e adopt an approach consistent with Congress's statutory scheme for design patents, which provides that the same conditions for patentability that apply to utility patents apply to design patents, as well as Supreme Court precedent which suggests a more flexible approach than the Rosen-Durling test for determining nonobviousness."

The ruling obligates the PTAB to "consider the 'scope and content of the prior art' within the knowledge of an ordinary designer in the field of the design" in its reconsideration of the design in question and for future design cases.

The ruling (LKQ Corp. v. GM Global Tech. Ops. LLC, Fed. Cir., 21-2348, aff'd in part, vac'd in part 5/21/24) should be considered an important step in protecting a consumer's right to a range of options when making vehicle repairs.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to register online for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Registration is available for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program. SEMA will provide complimentary hotel stays and several meals during the event.

Suppose you think you "know it all" about the Show. In that case, you'd be surprised by how much relevant business-boosting information is distributed during the program, featuring everything a company needs to deliver the best ROI from its SEMA Show experience. 

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 information straight from the people responsible for the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Note: You are officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit
(Complimentary for all 2024 exhibitors; two-night hotel stay and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register for the Exhibitor Summit here.

Still need a booth? Submit your ESRA application online today or browse additional exhibitor resources here). And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Registration is also open for all badge types; click here to get started. Register by Friday, June 28 for the best registration rates!

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Booking your 2024 SEMA Show hotel through the official SEMA Show block provides unparalleled benefits, like: 

• Guaranteed Lowest Rates: Booking through the SEMA block guarantees our Showgoers the lowest rates in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show.
• Access Fully Flexible Booking: We know plans change, so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 10, 2024. There's no downside to booking today!
• Access Easy Group Bookings: Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 
• Earn Hotel Rewards Points: We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter your rewards number when securing your reservation, and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the SEMA Show block!
• Source a Sustainable Hotel Stay: onPeak is available to help you feel confident about living a sustainable lifestyle. View Las Vegas hotel's sustainability plans on the onPeak website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

HOTEL BOOKING ALERT

Please be vigilant if approached by a travel or hotel booking company/service other than onPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. We have been made aware of other housing companies or travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing exhibitors, attendees or their companies to book guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts, but note they are not affiliated with SEMA. onPeak and SEMA offer the best possible rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Reservations made through an agency other than onPeak will be at your own risk. For more information, visit here. To notify SEMA Show Management of rogue travel agencies or for questions, contact (909)396-0289.

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open online here for qualified attendees. SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all, so registration fees are only $40 through Friday, June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Airline discounts exclusive to SEMA Showgoers are also available through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.

By SEMA News Editors

QualCast Announces Move to Melling's Seattle Warehouse, Will Retain Nashville HQ

QualCast, the provider of cylinder heads and valvetrain products, has announced the move to Sumner near Seattle, Washington, to join Melling Engine Part's warehouse. QualCast will retain its original Nashville headquarters and customers may still reach that facility directly to place orders.

"QualCast is so excited to announce our move into the Melling Seattle location in Sumner, Washington. The facility totals 6,000 sq. ft. and will better serve our Northwest customers with access to QualCast inventory extending well beyond Oregon and Washington," said a company release. 

Melling Seattle is located at 13701 24th St. E., Unit D6, Sumner, Washington. Customers may reach QualCast directly at (253)864-0590 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit qualcast.net.

Lubrication Specialties Expands Hot Shot's Secret Marketing, Frantz Filter Tech Support Teams

Lubrication Specialties (LSI), manufacturer of Hot Shot's Secret performance lubrication products, has expanded the company's marketing staff with the recent addition of Justin Brown as marketing project coordinator and Mike Meyer as the company's new bypass filtration product specialist for Frantz Filter. 

Mike Meyer (left) and Justin Brown (right).

Brown, a graduate of Ohio Northern University (ONU), has experience in digital marketing, graphic design, video, research and budgeting, and previously served as the social media manager for the ONU esports program.

As marketing project coordinator, Brown will coordinate all marketing and media initiatives and will assist in creating branded advertising campaigns, evaluating current trends, managing promotional campaigns and presentations, and ensuring all projects proceed timely and on budget. Brown will report to Hot Shot's Secret Brand Manager, Josh Steinmetz.

Meyer will fill the newly created bypass filtration product specialist position. Formerly a technical sales representative with Race Winning Brands, Meyer's primary role is to provide tech support to dealers and end customers as they incorporate a sustainable by-pass filter designed for light- and medium-class trucks to reduce oil maintenance costs and extend the life of engine oil.

Meyer will work with the marketing and research and development departments to develop a vehicle application database and develop support materials, including video installation instructions to integrate the company's Frantz filtration systems with the Hot Shot's Secret brand. Meyer is reporting to LSI Director of Marketing Bud Prenatt.

For more information, visit hotshotsecret.com.

Tenneco Inc. Announces Appointment of Governor Chris Christie to Board of Directors

Tenneco announced today that Governor Chris Christie has been appointed to its Board of Directors.

Governor Christie was inaugurated as the 55th Governor of the State of New Jersey in 2010 and re-elected in 2013, serving two terms. He was also a Republican presidential candidate in 2016 and 2024.

"We are delighted to welcome Governor Christie to the Board of Directors," said Jim Voss, chairman and CEO of Tenneco. "His extensive governance experience and proven leadership track record will contribute substantially to the future growth and success of Tenneco."

For more information, visit tenneco.com.

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

Since its founding, SEMA has been a member- and volunteer-driven trade association for an innovative industry determined to forge its own future. Although a professional staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of SEMA programs and services, it is volunteers who set the association's priorities and direction, notably through an elected Board of Directors. This gives you, the SEMA member, a tremendous voice in advancing the goals and initiatives that matter most to you, your business and the industry.

We realize your time is valuable, but it is important that you take a few minutes right now to read the candidate bios at sema.org/2024-bod-candidates. This is your opportunity to have a voice and choose who will represent your company's best interests.

Your company's primary contact be receiving your election ballot for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors on Tuesday, May 28. We urge you to open this email to cast your vote. If you have not received your ballot, please request your voter log in via this link.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together we will build a strong industry!

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

By SEMA News Editors

The new BMW M5 Sedan and Wagon were both recently spotted lapping the Nürburgring.

According to new images provided by SEMA News sources, the headlamps, now uncovered, match those of other versions of the new BMW 5-Series, and a defined ovoid grille features a central opening while the upper part remains closed.

The bumper has a trapezoid-shaped grille at the center providing airflow for engine cooling, while vertical air vents at the ends act as air curtains to reduce turbulence at the wheels. The front and rear wings house 20-inch alloy wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear, with blue brake calipers gripping perforated discs.

At the rear, the new BMW M5 features a slim spoiler over the boot lid, mirroring the trapezoid design of the front in the rear bumper insert and emphasizing the housing of the dual exhaust pairs set into large, thick tailpipes. The interior includes authentic carbon fiber, according to sources.

The M5's debut is expected later this year, insiders said, and is expected to utilize the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the XM, offering 720 hp, all-wheel drive and a maximum electric range of 50 miles.

By Ashley Reyes

Customers often prefer a one-stop shop where they can get everything they need in a single purchase. When it comes to wheel, tire, suspension and brake products, selling compete solutions, as opposed to piecemealing products in a do-it-yourself style, not only provides convenience to the customer but helps them ensure that all vehicle components are compatible with each other.

SEMA members are invited to attend the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) Coffee and Conversation online networking event on June 6 at 9:00 a.m. PST, to learn the benefits of selling complete solutions.

Attendees will hear from Mike Messina, general manager of the racking division at Brembo North America, and learn how companies are utilizing experts to recommend to the customer what products work together.

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are monthly networking events that bring together industry professionals to discuss business opportunities in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake segments. During this session, participants will have an opportunity to engage with Messina, grow their professional network and learn from others. 

 Register today!

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 Awards 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. 

By SEMA News Editors

Nilu27, a new hypercar brand founded by designer Sasha and Inna Selipanov, will debut its first vehicle, the V12-powered NILU, at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week in August. 

Sasha Selipanov's previous design work includes the Lamborghini Huracan, Bugatti Chiron and Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo, Koenigsegg Gemera and Koenigsegg CC850. 

The NILU will be first revealed to industry insiders in Los Angeles in early August, then debuted to the public and media on August 15 during Monterey Car Week. 

For more information, visit nilu27.com.