By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has released new seminar recordings from the 2023 SEMA Show Education Program that highlight the future of electrification and alternative fuels in the automotive aftermarket. 

The SEMA FutureTech Live sessions were part of the new SEMA FutureTech Studio--an exhibit within the Show that showcased what the future of vehicle propulsion may look like. The sessions offer valuable insights presented by experts in the electrification and alternative fuel space. Access the videos here.

Seminar recordings available include:  

The Future of Electrification and the Technology That Will Take Us There

Hear from a panel of global industry leaders, subject-matter experts and thought leaders as they discuss the application, benefits, integration and practical and scalable solutions that can accelerate decarbonization through alternative fuel technologies. Key talking points include the definition of alternative fuels and manufacturing processes; the application of alternative fuels in the automotive industry; emerging technologies and decarbonization targets; and the infrastructure and policies needed for mass adaptation. 

Moderator: Rob Ward (Legacy EV) | Speakers: Eddy Borysewicz (Revolt Systems), Chris Hazell (Fellten), Kirk Miller (Hypercraft USA), Lawson Sumner (Ampere EV)  

How Electrification Will Affect Your Business and What You Can Do About It 

This video offers insights into the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) and the opportunities that the segment provides. Topics include a brief overview of the current EV industry, consumer demand, training opportunities, and industry-driven policy and regulation. 

Speaker: Mavrick Knoles (Legacy EV) 

Fireside Chat with Electrification, The Next Generation of Hot Rodders 

This video offers insights into initiatives for training the next generation of hot rodders through the lens of electrification. Topics include accessibility into the EV space through education and vocational programming, and where the future of electrification is headed. 

Moderator: Rob Ward (Legacy EV) | Speakers: Apl.De.Ap. (Green Thumb Garage, Black Eyed Peas), Audie Vergara (Green Thumb Garage) 

The SEMA FutureTech Live sessions were part of a new SEMA initiative to create a robust career and professional development program for aftermarket professionals. The seminar recordings offer immediate knowledge and takeaways, highlighting new, fresh perspectives from top experts in the automotive community.  

Watch the recordings now and access additional seminar highlights from the 2023 SEMA Show at semashow.com/education-videos. 

By SEMA News Editors

The automotive specialty-equipment industry continues to see growth, strong demand, and less volatility this year, according to the new "SEMA State of the Industry--Spring 2024 Report," a biannual report focusing on the current business climate, key industry trends and metrics. The report is provided to SEMA members free of charge. 

A total of 48% of manufacturers reported an increase in company sales over the past year--an 8% increase compared to fall 2023. Distributors saw the largest sales shift, with 49% reporting an increase in sales, marking an 18% rise compared to last fall. Meanwhile, a majority of retailers (43%) reported that their sales remained steady. 

"Businesses across the board have continued to see improved sales growth, although rising costs remain a significant challenge across the industry," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "Our research suggests that despite the price increases, companies are optimistic about their future sales and the growth of the specialty-equipment market in the next three to five years." 

Key findings from the report include: 

• Sales Rising: More than half of manufacturers (57%), distributors (53%), and retailers (50%) expect their company sales to grow over the coming year. 
• Opportunity Segments: 38% of manufacturers view off-road as having high opportunity, while 36% of retailers see high opportunity in restoration and classic cars. 
• Help Wanted: A total of 84% of manufacturers and 80% of distributors expect to hire over the next year, particularly in sales, labor and engineering. 
• Prices Leveling Off: Many companies have increased their prices due to increased supplier and production costs, however, 43% of manufacturers, 34% of distributors and 34% of retailers/installers are expecting to hold prices steady over the next year. 
• Pickups a Segment Leader: Pickups remain the top vehicle segment for the aftermarket with the highest sales growth among manufacturers and retailers/installers over the past year. Still, companies see opportunities across a number of different segments. 
• New Car Prices Dropping: The average price for a new car is $47,244--a decrease of 2% vs. May 2023. 

Chapters within the report include industry performance, sales shifts by channel, vehicle segment insights, product and vehicle trends, manufacturer insights, and retailer and installer trends. 

SEMA business members can download the report for free as a benefit of membership at www.sema.org/research.   

By Ashley Reyes

Having motivated employees is crucial to the success of any organization as it leads to higher productivity, increased efficiency, and a healthier and positive workplace culture.

SEMA members are invited to attend the webinar "Motivating Employees, presented by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)" on June 18 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) to learn how to motivate team members to excel in the workplace. Attendees will hear from a panel of automotive aftermarket experts as they discuss strategies that participants may have not considered before and what has worked for them and their companies.

Join the webinar and hear from:

• Love Lontoc, content and events specialist at KW Automotive North America, Inc. (Moderator)
• Jaclyn Sunseri, CDMP, vice president of media at Hemmings (Speaker)
• Kevin Gillis, general manager at Integrity Customs (Speaker)
• Sean Sawyer, operations manager at Classic Recreations (Speaker)

This is your chance to discover new ways to inspire your employees to perform their best, setting up your team for success. 

Register today!

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Biden Administration recently announced tariff increases on Chinese products in response to China's unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) increased tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China, including on electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, steel, aluminum, solar panels and medical equipment. 

The Administration has increased tariffs by nearly 400%--from 25% to 102.5%--on any imported Chinese EVs to aid American auto manufacturers in remaining competitive, protecting domestic jobs and national security. According to the findings of a four-year review of trade with China, the tax rate on imported Chinese EVs will rise to 102.5% this year, up from the total level of 27.5%. The review was undertaken under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing the government to retaliate against unfair trade practices or violations of global standards. 

Under the 301 guidelines, the tariff rate on the following products will also increase: 

• Solar cell imports will double to 50% this year. 
• Chinese steel and aluminum products will climb from 0 to 7.5% to 25% this year. 
• Computer chip tariffs will double to 50% by 2025.  
• Lithium-ion EV batteries will increase from 7.5% to 25% this year, and tariffs for non-EV batteries will increase from 7.5% to 25% in 2026.  
• Higher tariffs will also be applied to ship-to-shore cranes, critical minerals and medical products. 

The Administration's announcement of increased tariffs comes on the heels of the Department of Treasury finalizing a rule implementing the 30D Clean Vehicle Credit for electric vehicles from the Inflation Reduction Act. Critics on Capitol Hill have introduced a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule that would allow the $3,750 EV battery minerals credit to continue to use the 50% roll-up of materials from Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) such as China as a transition rule until 2027. The CRA is led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mike Braun (R-IN). Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are introducing a companion resolution in the House of Representatives. 

SEMA has previously reported on findings that similar tariffs caused economic harm and will continue to monitor any changes that may arise. 

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

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Biden Administration recently announced tariff increases on Chinese products in response to China's unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) increased tariffs on $18 billion of imports from China, including on electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, steel, aluminum, solar panels and medical equipment. 

The Administration has increased tariffs by nearly 400%--from 25% to 102.5%--on any imported Chinese EVs to aid American auto manufacturers in remaining competitive, protecting domestic jobs and national security. According to the findings of a four-year review of trade with China, the tax rate on imported Chinese EVs will rise to 102.5% this year, up from the total level of 27.5%. The review was undertaken under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing the government to retaliate against unfair trade practices or violations of global standards. 

Under the 301 guidelines, the tariff rate on the following products will also increase: 

• Solar cell imports will double to 50% this year. 
• Chinese steel and aluminum products will climb from 0 to 7.5% to 25% this year. 
• Computer chip tariffs will double to 50% by 2025.  
• Lithium-ion EV batteries will increase from 7.5% to 25% this year, and tariffs for non-EV batteries will increase from 7.5% to 25% in 2026.  
• Higher tariffs will also be applied to ship-to-shore cranes, critical minerals and medical products. 

The Administration's announcement of increased tariffs comes on the heels of the Department of Treasury finalizing a rule implementing the 30D Clean Vehicle Credit for electric vehicles from the Inflation Reduction Act. Critics on Capitol Hill have introduced a bipartisan Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule that would allow the $3,750 EV battery minerals credit to continue to use the 50% roll-up of materials from Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) such as China as a transition rule until 2027. The CRA is led by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mike Braun (R-IN). Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Jared Golden (D-ME) are introducing a companion resolution in the House of Representatives. 

SEMA has previously reported on findings that similar tariffs caused economic harm and will continue to monitor any changes that may arise. 

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

By SEMA News Editors

Alfa Romeo Announces the End of the Quadrifoglio in the U.S.

The '24 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport (left) and Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport (European spec) will be available in limited quantities in the fall of this year.

Alfa Romeo announced the sendoff of the four-leaf clover badge series--The Quadrifoglio--in the United States with the '24 Giulia and Stelvio Super Sport Limited Edition models.

"While we look forward to the future of the four-leaf clover with the amazing performance benefits of electrification, the twin-turbo V6 Super Sport is a fitting final chapter to the combustion engine Quadrifoglio in the U.S.," said Senior Vice President of Alfa Romeo North America Larry Dominique. 

The high-performance variants of the Giulia and the Stelvio are limited and set to hit American dealers in the fall of 2024 with no more than 124 units. MSRP for the sporty Giulia is set at $86,770 while the SUV-sized Stelvio is priced at $94,370. 

For more information on Alfa Romeo's 2024 Quadrifoglio, read the full press release here. 

Stellantis Announces Changes in Leadership Team

Stellantis announced the organizational changes, effective June 1, 2024.

Chris Feuell is appointed Ram brand CEO in addition to her current responsibility as Chrysler brand CEO, replacing Timothy Kuniskis who has decided to retire after nearly 32 years with the Company. Feuell will continue to lead the electric transformation of the Chrysler brand and take the leadership of the Ram brand.

Matt McAlear is appointed Dodge brand CEO, replacing Timothy Kuniskis. McAlear will become a member of the Top Executive Team. In his previous role, he led Dodge sales operations and has broad experience in the automotive industry as well as in the medical and digital sectors, providing him with the foundation to lead the Dodge brand.

"I want to take the opportunity to warmly thank Tim for his passion, commitment and contributions to Stellantis and in defining the vision of the future electrified Ram and Dodge brands. I wish him well in his retirement," said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. "I am confident that Chris will continue the work of Tim in leading the iconic Ram brand. Matt will bring a fresh perspective, while continuing to draw on the heritage of our iconic Dodge brand and leading the transition of the brand toward a sustainable future."

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

Autofleet Announces Nova, the AI-Powered Large Language Model for Fleet Management

Autofleet, the optimization platform for fleets and transportation providers, has announced the launch of Autofleet Nova, designed as the industry's first fleet-specific large language model (LLM) powered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to help fleet operators use plain language to gain comprehensive insights across their operations. 

Nova is a designed to be a game-changer for the fleet industry, leveraging AI and natural language processing to unlock data and insights that were previously out of reach to fleet users. With Nova, fleet professionals can access comprehensive answers to complex queries, eliminating the need for a team of analysts and developers.

"Nova will transform how fleet businesses operate by democratizing access to data, and by providing non-technical business and operational stakeholders with the tools to make data driven decisions," said Kobi Eisenberg, CEO and co-founder of Autofleet. "Nova's ability to integrate data from any source and generate new contextual insights bridges the gap between different roles within the business, and empowers fleet operators to make smarter, more informed decisions and take immediate actions."

Key features of Autofleet Nova include:

• Comprehensive: Integrated into any fleet data source across reservations, telematics, CRM, HR, and more, giving an unprecedented, unified view of operations.
• Context Aware: Combines previously siloed, disparate data sources to generate new fleet-specific insights while allowing users to ask follow-up questions contextually.
• Quick to Rollout: Out-of-the-box plugins enable rapid integration with most major databases, including Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Snowflake and MongoDB.
• Enterprise Grade: Supports data segregation for roles and permissions with industry-leading security and fast performance.

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

By SEMA News Editors

Registration is open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The valuable event is organized by SEMA Show management for exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Registration is available for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program, and SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event.

While undoubtedly valuable for first-time exhibitors, the Summit is also geared toward returning and long-time exhibitors of the SEMA Show. If you think you "know it all" about the Show, you'd be surprised by how much relevant business-boosting information is distributed during the program. Just take it from Josepth Ripienski, director of marketing services for Lippert, who attended last year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. He shared the event allowed the company to "hear from all of the experts on what's going on with the Show this year and years into the future. [SEMA Show Vice President of Events] Tom Gattuso is such a great presenter," said Ripienski. "It was great to get out to Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Exhibitor Summit. A big thanks to SEMA for putting us up in a hotel for two nights, plus providing meals and a sweet OGIO bag!" 

Indeed, the road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, the education-packed 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; hotel and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register here.

Exhibitors: Submit your ESRA application online today (more 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 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

Industry Mourns Former Promoter, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, 65

Former Promoter and Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage has passed away. He was 65. 

Gossage was named the first general manager of Texas Motor Speedway when it was built in 1996, leading the Fort Worth facility for 25 years until his retirement in 2021. He spent 32 years promoting events for Speedway Motorsports, both at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. 

To read the full announcement, visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

NASCAR All-Star Race to Return to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025

Speedway Motorsports announced that the NASCAR All-Star Race will return to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025. It will mark the third consecutive year the marquee exhibition event will run on the hallowed grounds in the North Carolina foothills.

The 2025 event--scheduled for May 18, 2025--will mark the 41st All-Star Race in NASCAR history with prior hosts being Charlotte Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will also return to North Wilkesboro in 2025 for a Saturday night race prior to Sunday's main event.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

Andrew McDougall Wins 2024 Louis Schwitzer Award

Cummins and Valvoline have presented Andrew McDougall with the 2024 Louis Schwitzer Award for his Xtrac Electric Servo Actuator, which is used in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 

In addition to the award, Cummins, Valvoline Global and the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International presented McDougall with a $10,000 prize. 

The award is presented annually to individuals and teams behind innovative concepts introduced to the motorsport industry. 

McDougall was recognized for the Electric Servo Actuator, a new gear change system for sequential shift transmissions. The benefits of the system, according to Xtrac, include faster shifts, reduced weight, fewer components, and increased efficiency. 

For more information, visit cummins.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Emma Sauve, creative director of Mobsteel/Detroit Steel Wheel Co., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know Sauve 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?  

Emma Sauve: Technically 17 because I grew up at the shop helping my dad with his large-scale metal sculptures that he fabbed at Mobsteel. I officially started in 2015 running the @detroitsteelwheelco social platforms while the Mobsteel History Channel show was running. Now, I'm a one-woman show handling all the content-generating, distribution, press releases, brand representation at shows and leading workshops on our marketing techniques. 

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

ES: I like to take a step back and remember in the world of social media, a lot of the time it should be judged on quality and not quantity. Sometimes the engagement numbers don't reflect the amount of time and effort put into creating content, but I always take a step back and assess if we are meeting our goals. 

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

ES: This is my first industry job, besides helping my dad with our Sauve Art Foundation. Art and Automotive go hand in hand, that's just a fact. What we create is regarded as art, which goes by any definition that invokes a feeling. Let's just put 17 years to appear wise beyond my now 29 years. 

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

ES: Work ethic, being good to people and never being afraid to learn something new. I'm self-taught for photography and videography/editing. I went to school for advertising and specialized in graphic design, work ethic and being good to people opened me up to lots of invitations and opportunities in school. Having conversations with like-minded individuals always leads to something positive and exciting! 

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

ES: Typically, men talk over me or don't take me seriously. Sometimes men think they can talk to me unprofessionally in my professional settings. Car shows and events that mix with booze don't help, but I'm not afraid to address a situation that makes me uncomfortable or back up my ideas for bettering our industry when they are disregarded. Like I said, being good to people and listening to what they have to say will take you way further than shutting someone down. 

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

ES: My boss Adam Genei for sure; he's always been supportive because he aims to create the highest value in our employees. The lovely ladies of MotorTrend who have supported me: Bogi, Cristy Lee, Amanda Busick, Alex Taylor, Karen Echavarria, Betsy Bennett. There are so many! Karen and Betsy host this incredible networking event during SEMA that is one of my favorite stops. Emily Reeves really set the pace for me in the realm of content creation, her and Aaron have built something special. And of course, Theresa Contreras and Sara Morosan, just trailblazers for women in automotive, and especially on the education side through SEMA. There's a reason why Sara was SEMA Person of the Year! I have to give a huge shout-out to my friend Solomon Lunger too, he is one of the hardest-working people I know and he's built his brands from the ground up. He's just a good person who also always looks for people to connect together to build something amazing, whether it's brands or builds. 

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

ES: Never tell someone to do something that you don't know how to do yourself. My boss Adam Genei told me that when I first started working at Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel. I think that really established a level of respect immediately within our workflow, and applying that in my personal life gives me a level of authority without coming off as, well, a phony jerk. 

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

ES: I'd say I've always wanted to create and tell stories. My world opened up when I dove into automotive and aftermarket manufacturing. What keeps me here is there is always something going on, something new, something old that we are revisiting, so many people to meet and partner with, it's all never-ending. I also absolutely love covering shows and repping our brands! 

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

ES: My dad; My whole life he's always pushed me to reach out and get involved in anything I was interested in. I'll admit, at times it was annoying, haha he knows that, but it was and is always needed. He's my number-one fan, and I'm his. 

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 SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Qualified builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. The Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used by exhibitors to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to confirm the builder is affiliated with and working on a vehicle that will be on display at the SEMA Show. For more information about the list, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org or call 949-373-9210.