DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.22.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners, Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA), and American Motorcyclist Association District 37 (AMA District 37), in filing a lawsuit in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”). The SVRA comprises 3,500 acres of which less than 1,350 acres of dunes and 3.5 miles of beach provides open riding access for OHVs. In March, the Commission voted to eliminate OHV access within three years.

The lawsuit states that the Commission does not have substantive evidence to support the closure and has failed to conduct an environmental impact review required under the California Environmental Quality Act or consider alternatives.

“The Commission’s decision was unjustified since State Parks has undertaken a three-year public process to develop a long-range management plan,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “It renders meaningless the State Parks’ ongoing effort to adopt a plan consistent with the Coastal Act that will include OHV access to this unique resource.”

“It is important that government agencies follow their own rules,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA president and CEO. “The Commission is acting in a unilateral fashion that exceeds its own authority under the California Coastal Act. It is imperative that the courts step in to protect OHV access.”

Oceano Dunes SVRA provides the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast. OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants, and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues.

For decades, SEMA has supported reasonable land-use policies that include motorized recreation. SEMA remains committed to this mission on behalf of the off-road industry and the enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation. This includes protecting Oceano Dunes SVRA.

The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction and vacate the Commission’s March 18 decision to eliminate OHV access to Oceano Dunes.

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND CAR, CA (04.20.2021) – Sales of light trucks continue to skyrocket and are expected to reach more than 82% of all new light vehicles purchased by 2028, according to a new 92-page market research report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

The new “2021 Vehicle Landscape Report” from SEMA Market Research provides a comprehensive overview of vehicle sales and opportunities for the aftermarket. Designed to help SEMA members make informed business decisions, the report is filled with data on driving metrics, detailed analyses of different vehicle segments, and forecasts for future sales by powertrain and segment.

“There are over 281 million passenger vehicles on the road in the United States; that’s a lot of opportunity to install aftermarket parts,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “The newest SEMA Market Research report includes data to help businesses understand the current vehicle climate, where it’s going, and where the greatest opportunities are across different vehicle segments.”

Key findings from the report include:

• The U.S. vehicle landscape is shifting away from passenger cars to light trucks. By 2028, light trucks are expected to make up 82% of all new light vehicles sold (up from 53% in 2014)
• The growth in light truck sales is driven primarily by the popularity and growth of CUVs; by 2028 CUVs are expected to make up about half of all new light vehicles sold
• Even with the shift in sales, passenger cars aren’t going away; There are still 114.8 million passenger cars in operation and it will take a while for these vehicles to cycle out of operation
• Electric vehicles are expected to make up 7% of new light vehicle sales by 2025
• New vehicle sales dipped in 2020, but are expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels within the next 2-3 years

To learn more about the current vehicle landscape and what trends are on the horizon, download the “2021 Vehicle Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/market-research.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.15.2021) – The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad is evolving, with eligibility now open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, and promotion for participants’ new products in SEMA websites and social media.

The SEMA Launch Pad, which was introduced in 2013 by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), is a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace. Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s SEMA Launch Pad also includes an expanded prize package and cash awarded to the top three finalists, and dozens of other participants featured in video interviews that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

“I am really excited about the future of SEMA Launch Pad and the entrepreneurship it champions,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman-Elect. “The automotive aftermarket has always been home to fresh thinking and product innovation, but it’s never had a spotlight like this before. The expansion of the Launch Pad competition will only encourage even more entrepreneurs, inventors, and developers to bring new products to the automotive market. I personally can’t wait to see what’s coming for this next SEMA Launch Pad.”

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO), or vice president of a company and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges at the SEMA Show, be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration – the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – and be featured on SEMA publications, websites, and social media.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.08.2021) – Just about any vehicle on the road can be modified with aftermarket parts. However, with more than 281 million vehicles currently on the road in the United States, knowing where the greatest opportunities for customization are can be challenging. In the new “SEMA Vehicle Landscape Report,” the SEMA Market Research team looks at changes in the vehicle landscape, where the greatest opportunities are for the aftermarket industry and trends that may impact businesses.

What does the current vehicle landscape look like? What are the latest trends? Where is the opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward? The SEMA report answers these questions and more. Readers will find:

• An overview of the current vehicles on the road in the United States today.
• New light-vehicle sales and powertrain projections.
• The hottest models for the specialty-equipment industry.
• The latest vehicle trends, including electrification and advanced vehicle technology.

Download the new 2021 SEMA Vehicle Landscape Report today at www.sema.org/research and register here for the upcoming webinar “Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?,” as the SEMA Market Research team provides an in-depth overview of the report and answers questions.

Written by Kyle Cheng for sema.org

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.06.2021) – SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.

Mark your calendar for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Thursday, April 8 – Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?
Track: Trends & Research
Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series  

Learn about the current vehicle landscape and emerging trends and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry as the SEMA Market Research team provides an overview of what vehicles are currently on the road, shifts in new vehicle sales and trends, and the hottest car and truck models for customization in the industry—followed by a live Q&A with the webinar speakers.

Click here to register.

Wednesday, April 14 – Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, presented by SEMA YEN
Track: Industry Talks

Tune in to a Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway. Since joining WWTR in 2012, Blair has overseen the growth and development of the once-shuttered St. Louis track from a 150-acre, racing-only complex to a multi-purpose entertainment venue in excess of 600 acres. As host of the Facebook Live, Blair will discuss steps racetracks have taken to overcome the state lockdowns and their plans moving forward.

Location: SEMA Facebook page

Wednesday, April 21 – Tire Knowledge 301: Common Causes of Balancing Process Errors and How to Avoid Them
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC

Understanding causes for vehicle vibration and the mechanics of balanced vs. unbalanced tires is critical for helping tire professionals ensure their customers have a smooth ride, even tire wear and proper tire weight distribution around their vehicle. Learn about the common causes of balancing process errors, how to avoid them, and best practices to minimize customer vibration complaints.

Click here to register.

Story written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

As previously reported, SEMA has intervened in an EPA enforcement case to protect the rights of racers.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, while acknowledging the fundamental issue raised by SEMA, declined to make a ruling in the lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. Inc. (GBZ). While pursuing GBZ for tampering allegations, the EPA made statements in its court filings that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition and that equipment installed to make the conversion is illegal. SEMA challenged this flawed interpretation of the CAA first made by the EPA in 2015 and now repeated in the court filing.

The Court ruled that the EPA produced evidence that the subject products sold by GBZ were being used on highway vehicles, with no evidence of use on motor sports vehicles. Therefore, lacking evidence of the converting of road vehicles to dedicated race cars, which would have necessitated the Court address the issue, the Court declined to rule on whether the CAA disallows conversions of street vehicles to dedicated racing machines.

While not settling the street-to-racecar conversion issue, SEMA’s filing of the amicus brief was impactful for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the need for the U.S. Congress to enact the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act), bi-partisan legislation to clarify that it is legal to make such conversions and to produce, market and install racing equipment. Second, the Court’s opinion did offer some favorable language with the Court confirming that it is the EPA’s burden to produce evidence that emissions-related equipment is being used illegally on highway vehicles when making such a claim.

SEMA will continue to work tirelessly to settle the EPA’s overreach by passing the RPM Act.

Ask Congress to pass the RPM Act.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.09.2021) – SEMA filed an amicus brief in a lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. Inc. (GBZ) arguing against the EPA’s contention that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition. In the lawsuit, the EPA asserts that once a vehicle has been certified as a street vehicle, it cannot be converted into a racing vehicle even if that vehicle is trailered to the track and is never driven on public roads.

In its brief, SEMA asserts that the Clean Air Act does not apply to converted street vehicles used exclusively on the track. SEMA states that “the agency’s interpretation breaks from the plain language of the CAA, the legislative history, and EPA’s regulations and guidance.” The amicus brief notes that the EPA’s position contradicts its longstanding guidance and regulations and that the EPA previously stated that it “has no interest in vehicles that begin their existence as normal, EPA-certified production vehicles used on public roads and are then permanently converted to sanctioned competition-use only vehicles.”

The EPA first pursued this controversial interpretation of the CAA as part of a 2015 draft rulemaking, but it withdrew the provision following a huge public outcry initiated by SEMA. The following year, members of Congress introduced SEMA-sponsored legislation to confirm what had already been understood for the previous 45 years, that the Clean Air Act does not apply to vehicles modified for racing use only. The “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act) is bi-partisan legislation that clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a dedicated racecar. It also confirms that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment. The RPM Act will require the voice and support of every racing enthusiast together with the industry and SEMA as we fight to pass this important legislation to counter EPA overreach.

“The recent lawsuit reinforces the importance of the RPM Act,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs. “The legislation is consistent with the intention of the Clean Air Act and the way it was interpreted for decades. It is vital that Congress pass the RPM Act to put an end to EPA overreach. SEMA remains committed to passing this important legislation.”

The GBZ case is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. SEMA will continue to fight the EPA’s flawed interpretation in court while urging the U.S. Congress to end the debate by enacting the RPM Act.

Click here for details about the RPM Act.

Click here for a copy of SEMA’s amicus brief.

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.01.2021) – The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.27.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame at www.sema.org/hof

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes people who have contributed a significant body of work to the industry over a long period of time and is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association. It is designed to honor the leaders, innovators, creators, and enthusiasts who transformed small, burgeoning businesses into an industry worth more than $46.2 billion annually.

To nominate an individual who epitomizes the essence of ingenuity in action, visit www.sema.org/hof before the deadline on Friday, March 19.

To see the complete list of SEMA Hall of Fame Members, click here.

To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame and for a list of inductees, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

Visit sema.org for more.