Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:16
HRIA Education Days

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals will provide visitors with the chance to participate in seven seminars led by top manufacturers in the hot-rod space. The seminars--scheduled for July 12-13 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio--will highlight important information regarding the manufacturers' product lines, as well as best practices for installing, working with and choosing certain products.

"We're excited to offer a lineup of seminars that will enrich the knowledge and confidence of the hot-rod community," said HRIA Council Director Marcy Yanus. "By attending the seminars, participants can engage directly with the manufacturers, gain clarification on processes and discover build tips that may be hard to find anywhere else."

Seminars include:

Friday, July 12:

  • 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Taking the Mystery Out of Tube Bending | Presenter: Trick Tools 
  • 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Basics of Hot Rod and Musclecar Air Conditioning | Presenter: Vintage Air
  • 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Instruments and Gauges: The Finishing Touch | Presenter: Classic Instruments

Saturday, July 13:

  • 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Brake System Basics | Presenter: Wilwood Disc Brakes
  • 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: An Introduction to Digital Gauge Systems | Presenter: Dakota Digital
  • 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Modern Suspension Technology for Your Classic Car | Presenter: Detroit Speed
  • 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: So You Want to Build a Hot Rod? | Presenter: Garret's Rod Shop

HRIA Education Days is a part of the council's mission to ensure the prosperity and longevity of the hot-rod industry. Seminars are free to all Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals attendees and pre-registration is not required. Descriptions of each seminar can be found at www.sema.org/hria-education-days.

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 09:09

By SEMA News Editors

Holley Performance Brands Names Charan Mann CIO
Charan Mann

Holley Performance Brands, the performance solutions provider based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has named Charan Mann as its new chief information officer (CIO).

Mann will oversee the direction of the Holley Performance Brands information technology (IT) strategy. She will develop and execute a technology roadmap to elevate the online experience for Holley's retailer and distributor network, and enthusiasts.

In her most recent role at OneAmerica, Mann led IT operations across all IT disciplines. Before OneAmerica, she held various leadership positions at Zeta Interactive, Selligent and Cummins.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Lucas Oil's Corydon Facility Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Recertification
Lucas Oil Corydon

The Lucas Oil production facility and laboratory in Corydon, Indiana, has met all the standards for recertification as ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management Systems.

The audit process of an ISO 9001:2015 certification consists of a detailed and thorough evaluation of an organization's entire quality management system in two stages. The first audit stage is a document review to examine a company's quality policies, scope statement, testing and evaluation processes and procedures and record keeping. The second audit stage evaluates how the quality management system is conducted by employees to verify it matches the process outlined in the document review. This is done through employee interviews, by observing employee activities and by reviewing sample records to ensure everything matches, the company said.

"The recertification of ISO 9001:2015 reflects the world-class facilities, technologies, teams and processes that deliver products that boost power, fuel efficiency and engine longevity for customers all around the globe with our proprietary science," said Matt Conrad, general manager of Lucas Oil. "We're proud to have been manufacturing the very best oils, additives and lubricants for more than 30 years, and this certification validates the hard work being done by our entire team. This globally recognized standard exemplifies excellence exhibited by the entire organization and our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction."

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

I-CAR Launches New Early Career Technician Program, I-CAR Academy, Plus Unveils Updated Collision Careers Website

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has launched I-CAR Academy, a comprehensive educational program that includes a revolutionary entry-level collision-repair curriculum for both career and technical schools and collision-repair centers. Now in its 45th year, I-CAR provides educational programming, technical information and services, and talent crisis solutions for the industry and its related value chain. I-CAR Academy is the first industry-neutral, comprehensive early career program designed specifically to attract, train, and retain technicians, and recognize the schools and repair centers training new entrants.

I-CAR Academy is designed to kickstart a technician's education journey, providing an engaging, solid foundation to launch into I-CAR Professional level (ProLevel) curriculum and Platinum Technician certification, along with OEM and supplier certified programs. For shops, additional training and best practices for effective mentoring, which is key to technician development and progression, and culture best practices for shop leaders, which aids in retention, will be available.

Available to schools for the 2024-2025 academic year, I-CAR Academy will ultimately replace the existing education edition curriculum (PDP-EE). A similar curriculum will be available to shops in August, with additional tools tailored to improve shop culture and enhance the leadership and mentorship experiences. Schools and shops interested in the I-CAR Academy program can learn more at i-car.com/academy

For more information, visit i-car.com.

Collision Careers

I-CAR has launched an enhanced version of CollisionCareers.com.

The updated website now includes career path details and downloadable resources for parents, educators and school advisors, as well as a new, engaging video to better serve the collision-repair industry in attracting and retaining skilled collision-repair technicians.

The website and new video feature real, working technicians and students who demonstrate that today's professionals work in a clean, safe, cutting-edge environment, the organization said. The website also houses information outlining career paths, descriptions for different roles within the industry, a search for accredited shops and schools and career guidance tools to illustrate the importance of a career in this field. Additionally, the website connects technician candidates with schools, industry partners and potential employers.

For more information, visit collisioncareers.com.

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 08:24

By SEMA News Editors

Rydeen Mobile Electronics
TESLAspec.com
TESLAspec

Rydeen Mobile Electronics has unveiled a new line of Tesla-specific vehicle accessories under the new brand, "TESLAspec.com." In addition to the product line, which includes displays, lighting, powered accessories, steering wheels, carbon-fiber parts and more, the brand has launched the TESLAspec website that is tailored to the Tesla market. It features a user-friendly menu system, comprehensive information on products and more.

TESLAspec.com.

 

Zumbrota Drivetrain's New Performance Axle Line
zumbrotadrivetrain.com
Zumbrota Drivetrain Performance Axle Line

The new Zumbrota Performance Axle (ZPA) line of performance axles is designed with a variety of aftermarket gear ratios tailored to the customer's needs. Bigger tires, lifts and a variety of driving variables were considered including off-road, street and track style driving. ZPA offers more than 160 applications that optimize the vehicle's performance according to driver preference. And, rear axles come standard with ZPA nodular iron performance rear differential covers for years of protection, according to the company.

zumbrotadrivetrain.com.


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

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 07:44

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources recently got a glimpse of an undisguised '25 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.

While the changes aren't drastic, there are a few notable updates, including new headlights and a front bumper with an integrated skid plate. The presence of tow hooks indicates that this is likely the Badlands trim, as it's the only model in the lineup with that feature. A revised rear bumper also features an integrated skid plate.

Bronco Sport Badlands

In addition to the exterior updates, the mid-cycle refresh also features several interior revisions, including a larger infotainment screen and a 360-degree camera system. The powertrain options are expected to remain the same, with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), along with the premium 2.0L EcoBoost.

Expect an official debut in the coming months, insiders said.

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 07:27

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will host an online General Membership Meeting and panel discussion on Thursday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m. PDTRegister here.

During the meeting, the ARMO Select Committee will share important updates regarding the council’s member benefits, followed by a discussion on how to address and manage online business reviews. Led by Jeff Farina of JEGS, Barry Alt of Motorhead Digital, Bryan Stone of Classic Recreations and Jeremy Dominic of SMG Speed, the discussion will cover the importance of businesses having an online presence and tips for responding to positive and negative comments. 

"In today's digital age, customers can easily access information about a business's reputation with just a few clicks," said ARMO chair Randall Bates. "During this session, we'll cover best practices for evaluating comments left online and replying in a manner that encourages positive engagement and continued success."

Discussion topics will include an overview of the various online review platforms, what kind of controls businesses have on each platform, and how to take advantage of positive reviews and respond to negative ones.

ARMO membership is open to all companies serving the automotive restoration market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, media, restorers or car clubs. Attending the meeting is a great way for current and prospective members to connect with other like-minded professionals and stay informed on important industry issues.

Register here to attend the live session or receive the recording. 

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 07:21
Media Trade Conference

By Ashley Reyes

Motorsports parts manufacturers can develop strong connections with media who can help promote their brand by signing up now to exhibit at the 2025 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

Taking place January 21-23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, the event will bring together manufacturers of racing and performance parts together with media for 40-plus private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days. The program is the most efficient way for motorsports manufacturers to share detailed information about their products, changes in their company or the latest industry trends with media representatives who can promote the news to mass audiences.

Unlike traditional trade shows that focus on meeting with buyers on the show floor, Media Trade Conference meetings are held in private suites, so there are no elaborate booths or setup costs. With media in attendance representing everything from print, online, video/television, radio, podcasts and social-media content creators, the event is the best place for motorsports manufacturers to expand their audience reach and develop new partnerships.

"I really enjoy the show and getting the one-on-one time with people I don't see often or people I would have never met otherwise," said Tom Longo of Derale Performance"Every year we find something that makes a difference for our brand."

Relocating from Los Angeles, California, to Orlando, Florida for the first time since the program's inception in 1997, the 2025 conference is anticipated to attract new manufacturers and media participants from the East Coast. Networking breaks and a reception scheduled throughout the week will give participants multiple opportunities to further their connections.  

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference. Manufacturer registration closes Monday, September 9, with early-bird pricing closing Sunday, August 4. Media registration will open in September. Learn more at sema.org/mtc.

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 07:07

Council and Network AwardsBy Ashley Reyes

SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2024 Council and Network awards that honor outstanding members who have made significant contributions to their respective industry segments over the past year. Nominations are due by Monday, August 12 at sema.org/cn-awards.

Unlike the SEMA Industry Awards that honor individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the specialty-equipment industry at-large, council and network awards recognize members of SEMA's nine specialized market communities. Winners represent outstanding council and network members who enhanced the stature of their market segment through their contributions, outstanding business practices and positive influence on others.  

"Within the nine communities in the SEMA council and network program are members who volunteer their time and expertise to protect, promote and advance the automotive aftermarket," said Zane Clark, SEMA vice president of membership, education, research and councils. "Engaging in the nomination process is crucial as it provides an entryway for members to be honored and celebrated."

Nomination categories include:

  • Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO): Business of the Year, Person of the Year.
  • Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN): Engineer of the Year.
  • Future Leaders Network (FLN): Vanguard Award, Professional of the Year Award.
  • Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA): Hall of Fame, Industry Recognition Award, Business of the Year (Design & Engineering Award and Evolution of Hot Rodding Award entries will open closer to the SEMA Show).  
  • Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): Hall of Fame (awarded at the Performance Racing Industry Show). 
  • Professional Restylers Organization (PRO): Manufacturer of the Year, Nat Danas Person of the Year, Restyler of the Year, Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award. 
  • Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance (TORA): Hall of Fame, Retailer of the Year, Jessi Combs Ambassador Award.  
  • Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC): Hall of Fame. 

"It felt very gratifying to see our efforts recognized by industry peers and customers," reflected 2023 TORA Retailer of the Year Dalanna Hanson of Truck Stuff Inc. "This has instilled a deep sense of pride in our accomplishments and motivates our staff to maintain high standards knowing they are part of a top-performing team. It is also one more symbol to our loyal customers that lets them know they can trust us, which means a lot to us."

Award winners will be announced and celebrated at each council and network's 2024 SEMA Show reception. Nominate today!

Thu, 06/13/2024 - 06:41

EVPBy Ashley Reyes

Building your organization's employee value proposition (EVP) is an important mechanism for attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. By building an EVP, companies can clearly communicate why their business is an attractive place to work and reduce turnover rates, setting up their organization for success.

SEMA members are invited to the Future Leaders Network (FLN) Lunch & Learn webinar "Retention and Your EVP, Building Your Organization's Employee Value Proposition, A Key to Retention" on July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PDT, to learn strategies for building their EVP. Led by Sandy Zannino, HR and DEI consultant at Innovative Auto HR LLC (IAHR), the virtual workshop will explore EVP as it relates to the current workforce, labor shortages and generations.

During this session, attendees will learn about the collective wants and needs of Gen Z and Millennials--who make up 64% of today's talent pool--and how to engage these generations to achieve their retention goals. Participants will walk away with a road map for building their EVP and how to utilize this powerful tool in their recruiting efforts.

The first 20 members to pre-register will receive a $20 Uber Eats Voucher for use the day of the webinar.

Secure your spot here! 

Tue, 06/11/2024 - 17:29

By Laura Pitts

The specialty-equipment market industry is abuzz as we near the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, set for Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriott in Southern California. (Secure your tickets or a 10-seat table here).

This event is not just another industry gathering; it's a celebration of our finest, a tribute to those who have made significant contributions, and an exciting opportunity for professionals of all levels to network and honor the best in the business. Attendees can expect an evening of cocktails, networking and dinner set against the backdrop of honoring incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members alongside this year's SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, including the former SEMA CEO and President Chris Kersting; the late electrical engineer and founder of MSD Ignition Jack Priegel; former SEMA Board of Directors Treasurer and Chair-Elect and Bob Cook Sales President Les Rudd; and SEMA icon Jon Wyly, who formed what is now known as SEMA Data. He served for six years on the SEMA Board of Directors and was named "SEMA Person of the Year" in 2005.­

SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala host Kevin Oeste

Industry emcee Kevin Oeste of V8TV Productions will return to the SEMA Gala Leaders & Legends stage on Friday, July 19, in Southern California to help usher in a new era of SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.

In anticipation of this year's event, SEMA News had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin Oeste, the esteemed industry voice tabbed to host the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala. Oeste--a longtime broadcaster, producer, emcee and current owner of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and V8TV Productions in Red Bud, Illinois--has extensive experience in the industry. His passion for storytelling makes him the perfect host for an evening dedicated to honoring industry icons, and you may have seen him on the SEMA Central stage, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet or the New Products Breakfast at the SEMA Show.

In this SEMA News exclusive, Oeste shares insights into his journey in the automotive specialty-equipment world, the significance of the Gala, and his thoughts on this year's Hall of Fame inductees. This interview, just like the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, is not one to be missed, so read his insights below and purchase tickets to the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here.

SEMA News: How did you get your start in the industry? What first sparked your interest in automotive?

Kevin Oeste: That's a loaded question for many of us in the industry. Interestingly enough, I find myself recalling something one of this year's inductees said. Chris Kersting, many years ago, was giving a keynote where he pointed out that many of us can attribute our introduction to the industry to an experience they had involving motion, right? So, being a little kid and someone taking you for a ride in a fast car or experiencing a rock crawl in a Jeep for the first time--whatever it is, it sticks with you. That resonated with me and brought me back to when I was very young. My dad was a police officer, and I vividly remember the first time I got a ride in his cruiser, at speed, en route to something. But what I remember most is--it was at night and the police car had the rolling lights on--going down the residential side streets in a Chicago suburb; just how narrow the street got when you were going 85 miles an hour, and seeing these beams of light going around in circles, reflecting off the houses. I still can feel how cool that was for me. And it changed how I looked at my dad; I thought he was a race car driver! From there, you couple that experience with me playing Hot Wheels and toy cars, plus reading magazines and building models--that sparked my interest in this industry.

SN: Tell me about your rise to your current career, including an on-camera and event host; podcaster; television producer; and owner of a successful restoration and performance shop V8 Speed & Resto Shop and television production company, V8TV, both based in Red Bud, Illinois.

Oeste: For a long time, I was a hobbyist like many of us in SEMA, working on cars for fun, reading magazines, and whatnot. I was fortunate to go to a high school with production and radio equipment, and after that, I got a degree in broadcasting. In 1996, with my college career coming to an end, I went on the Hot Rod Power Tour. Back then, there were less than 20 cars running the full event; there weren't that many. I ended up meeting a bunch of people at Petersen Publishing Company [publishers of Hot Rod magazine], and to shorten a very long story, I ended up going to work for Hot Rod as my first real professional automotive media job. I had some mechanic roles spinning wrenches in the past, but it all came together when I started with Hot Rod, first producing a show for them on [TV network] Speed. That company was a melting pot of professionals in this industry, and many of them went on to other esteemed companies, including SEMA, which was my introduction to working with the people at SEMA, hosting events at the SEMA Show and events like the Gala.

SN: What is your dream car? Have you owned it before?

Oeste: That's another loaded question for me since there are far more than one! I'm a muscle car guy, so the '70 Buick GSX Stage 1 4-speed in Saturn Yellow would be the one car. And I have not owned it before. I tried to create a tribute and build my own version over the years, but [it fizzled out for one reason or another]. Maybe someday. But I've been fortunate enough to have the chance to get behind the wheel of a few of them as part of my video features. Another dream car of mine is a custom car, the '48 Cadillac called CadZZilla, which was built by Boyd Coddington and was commissioned (and still owned) by Billy Gibbons and features metalwork by Craig Naff. I remember Hot Rod magazine coming in the mail with CadZZilla on the cover in the late '80s, and that changed my life.

Kevin Oeste at SEMA Central with Mike Spagnola

Kevin Oeste is often a favorite emcee at special SEMA events, including the bustling SEMA Central stage at the SEMA Show. Oeste is pictured here (left) at the 2023 Show with current SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola (right).
 

SN: What is your biggest takeaway from this year's Hall of Famers? How do they compare to years past? 

Oeste: I'm in a very lucky position where I'm trusted to interview people, including talking to Hall of Fame inductees at the Gala and in video production ahead of time, which we've already filmed. This year, I spent several hours with each inductee, and in Jack's case, his wife Sharon and colleague Russell Stephens, who nominated him to the Hall. Anybody entering the SEMA Hall of Fame has made an impact in the automotive space. Maybe they're a record-setter, or they've created something that changed the industry, but, if you're inducted, you're also a great citizen. The rest of your life interests me [and thousands of others in the industry]. And let me tell you, the inductees this year are on another level.

You'll hear more at the Gala, but I'll start with Jack Priegel. He started MSD with one mission: engineering excellence. He came from a military background and was building high-tech electronic pieces, surrounding himself with excellent engineers setting out to make amazing, next-level products. By keeping that quality standard up, the entire company shared the vision of "No, we're here to be the best, and Jack is going to be our leader. And we won't settle for less." That fostered this fantastic culture. Yes, some people could look at Jack's [entry into the SEMA Hall of Fame] as him being the guy who invented the MSD box, but there's so much more to it. His wife Sharon told beautiful stories about what it was like to be on that team in the beginning and how they took the company from six people to more than 550. To be able to absorb that information and brush with greatness is unmatched.

And yesterday, we interviewed Jon Wyly. He started off basically as a counter guy at an auto parts store. He memorized all the product lines, knew where everything was on the shelves, and over the course of 35 to 40 years, ended up helping revolutionize how part info is managed digitally. He eventually helped create what is now known today as SEMA Data [the one-stop source for all manufacturer product information, new product announcements, digital assets, fitment info and more]. All the people who are selling products online owe him a debt of gratitude for his work with the SEMA Data team. Not only that, he also had interesting life lessons to share. When a company tabbed him to develop an e-commerce catalog in the late '90s, he confessed he really didn't know how to do it. He knew the parts side but had to step out of his comfort zone to make it happen [on the digital side]. A huge takeaway is that if you're going to excel, sometimes you have to get out of that comfort zone and try something new. Let the aspiration of success outweigh the fear of failure.

Les Rudd is another inductee I've known for many years. But Les' world is all about the people and learning how to build relationships to find out what they need. As a professional manufacturer representative and salesperson, he was able to connect manufacturers and parts makers with retailers who were trying to satisfy their customers' needs. He's been able to help build these empires--and he's done very well at it--but he's also just a great guy. There's so much to learn from him; you could spend all day if you get the opportunity. In the sales and marketing world, it's so much cooler if you can do it around a topic you're passionate about. Les could've been very successful selling, I don't know, table lamps, but because he has a passion for cars, he's had success creating deep connections. And that's the beauty of this industry: everybody in it is passionate about cars, trucks, racing, you name it.

Finally, Chris Kersting is someone I met while shooting an episode of "Hot Rod Magazine TV" in Southern California at the time. My boss, Ira Gabriel [former vice president of marketing at SEMA], showed up and asked if I could lend a favor real fast. He introduced me to Chris as the SEMA president, and told me he needed a hand with a short promotional video he was working on. We sat down, re-lit the scene, put a mic on him, turned the cameras on, and chatted like friends. We ended up creating this little promo video out of thin air, had it edited and sent back to the Diamond Bar office later that day. So, the first thing I did with Chris was actually work with him, which is cool. Later, I would see him at the SEMA Show and industry events, but when it came time to do this recent Hall of Fame interview, it was clear that growing up in a big family is a key element of his success. Starting as a lawyer and being exposed to the cool things in the automotive world got him started in this industry. He has this unbelievable ability to connect people, and when you look at the structure of the Association, you have the SEMA Board, which plots SEMA's future and figures out present challenges to work on. Then, you have the Association staff, the people in Diamond Bar, who do the work all week long to drive SEMA forward. Then, you've got the SEMA Membership, who have their voice of needs, plus ancillary arms of SEMA like its office of legal specialists in Washington, D.C. And Chris? He has this incredible ability to level-headedly connect and respond to each of these groups to move the industry forward. In a role like that, you have to be able to listen, hear, analyze and be a wonderful communicator. And I asked him, "What do you attribute that success to?" He responded that it was probably because he grew up alongside nine brothers and sisters, you know, all fighting for resources in the house. It's like he had no other choice but to be a good communicator.

SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala Kevin Fickler

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is an opportunity to honor incoming and outgoing SEMA Board members. Last year, Kyle Fickler was honored as the SEMA Board Chairman, a term that is active through July 2025.


SN: I love that insight into each inductee's unique background. That brings us to the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala set for Friday, July 19, in Southern California. What does this event mean to you, and why is it important to uplift leaders in the automotive specialty-equipment industry?

Oeste: As a professional emcee, if you're going to do a presentation or show or event, it really relies on having great content--and the stories of this year's Hall of Fame inductees can't be beaten. So, already, it's engaging, compelling and entertaining on its own. But one of the best parts is that all of the inductees have this sense of denial that they're being inducted! I've heard that they immediately say, "No, that can't be right; it must be somebody else." And those are the people you want in a Hall of Fame. They have the humility, and they're not like, "You're damn right, I'm the greatest there is." You don't have that in this industry. So, for some of the inductees, the honor doesn't sink in until it's reinforced at the Gala.

Having an event like the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is 100% necessary. These people have dedicated their lives to improvement, improving people around them and building teams of excellence. You could minimize it by mailing a plaque, which would have value, but nothing compares to an in-person event with the energy of the entire room. It helps put the proper weight on what they've accomplished. Plus, it's just pure fun.

If you get the opportunity to go to the Gala and chat with the new inductees or even inductees of years past (look for the Hall of Fame badge), go up and introduce yourself. It doesn’t matter what you’re struggling with; they’ve probably been through it or even mastered it. And if you greet them, introduce yourself and ask a question, they're almost always happy to share their experience. And that's precisely why they were inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

SN: That's a great point, but a reader might want to one day find themselves among the likes of the industry's most excellent. What advice do you have for those who are trying to leave their mark on the industry? 

Oeste: A common thread among Hall of Famers and industry greats I've worked with is that nobody has ever set out to be in the SEMA Hall of Fame. It's a massive achievement but not up to you in many ways. Now, it is up to you to build a career and life worthy of honoring. My advice is to do the absolute best you can with what you have and work with people to help them realize their full potential. And if you can do that, that's a big part of the recipe for success in business. And if you have a successful business, then the people who work in it can feed their families and live fulfilling lives, and suddenly, you've carved out a small universe that is doing okay. When it's doing okay, you get the bandwidth to innovate products, go faster, and do new things because you're no longer worrying about the survival of the business; you can focus on success and growth, year after year. Before you know it, you're thought of as somebody who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

SN: That's great advice, Kevin. Thank you so much for your time, but before we leave, I'd be remiss if we didn't touch on one of your newest projects, hosting the brand-new SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) podcast called "Hammer Down," available to listen to for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oeste: Yes, the new "Hammer Down" podcast was created to help anybody in the hot-rodding world: builders, people who make parts, people who run events, and people who make media around hot rodding. And there are a ton of places to go for entertainment in the hot-rod space, for example, watching hot rods being built or raced on YouTube, but we felt there wasn't a resource for the business and support side of hot rodding.

There are a lot of passion-driven businesses in this industry. You might have a car builder, for example, who is really great at building cars, so good that they end up starting a business. However, they might not have signed up to be a business owner; their training is in building engines, welding and fabricating. But now it's time to do taxes, acquire insurance and build a human resources department. That's where the "Hammer Down" podcast comes in. It's a new resource where people with experience overcoming challenges in the hot-rod industry, whether that be on the business side, marketing side, or anything professional-related--could share their stories and experiences.

The first episode is live and features guest Jerry Slover of Pete & Jakes Hot Rod Parts, a legacy institution and a cornerstone in the industry. Our other guest was Bill Ganahl, and in contrast to Jerry, Bill represents the newer generation of hot rodders who own shops and build cars. We had the two of them talking about their unique challenges, the differences between what it was like in the past versus now, and where things in the industry are going. It's a riveting episode. [Editors' note: Be sure to follow the HRIA "Hammer Down" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to be notified when new episodes air.]

Be part of automotive history in the making and secure tickets to the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here. You might be able to connect with industry legends like Oeste and this year's inductees!

Tue, 06/11/2024 - 13:11
Internal combustion engines

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model-years '27–'31, which require automakers to meet a fleetwide average of 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) in model year '31.

Under NHTSA's current standards for model years '24–'26, which were finalized in 2022, automakers are required to meet a fleetwide average of nearly 47 mpg in 2026. NHTSA's final CAFE rulemaking for model-years '27–'31 puts in place standards that are lower than the agency's 2023 proposed standards that would have required automakers to average 58 mpg in 2032. Below are key provisions in the final rulemaking: 

  • NHTSA is requiring light trucks, a category that includes pickups, larger SUVs and minivans, to improve gas mileage by a total of 14% by 2031 (the agency's original proposal would have required a 24% improvement in gas mileage by 2032).  
  • The rulemaking will increase light-truck fuel economy from 35.2 mpg in 2024 to 45 mpg by 2031. 
  • NHTSA is requiring passenger cars and small SUVs to improve fuel efficiency by 10% (this is unchanged from the original proposal, but the final proposal now lasts until 2031 instead of 2032).  
  • The rulemaking increases passenger cars and small SUV fuel economy from 48.7 mpg in 2024 to 65 mpg in 2031. 

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola submitted comments to NHTSA in October 2023 outlining concerns that the agency's proposed standards would force automakers to rapidly expand sales of electric vehicles and reduce sales of internal-combustion engine vehicles to avoid paying an estimated $14 billion in fines. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to NHTSA. 

You can read more about SEMA's efforts to protect vehicle choice by visiting sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org