SEMA Show

SEMA Show: Best New Vehicles for Aftermarket Announced

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.17.22) – As experts and innovators in the automotive specialty equipment industry, SEMA Show exhibitors have voted on the top trend-setting vehicles in the automotive aftermarket. The leading vehicles that represent the best business opportunities for the aftermarket are being considered for a SEMA Award in six categories.

Finalists for SEMA Awards (in alphabetical order):

SEMA Car of the Year
Nissan Z
Dodge Challenger

SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year
Jeep Gladiator
Toyota Tacoma

SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year
Ram
Toyota Tundra

SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year
Jeep Wrangler
Toyota 4Runner

SEMA Sport Compact of the Year
Toyota GR86
Volkswagen Golf GTI

SEMA Electric Vehicle of the Year
Nissan Ariya
Volkswagen ID.4

SEMA Show exhibitors choose to develop products for new vehicles that have wide consumer appeal, and for which they often collaborate with automakers through programs such as SEMA Measuring Sessions and SEMA Tech Transfer. The SEMA Award finalists represent exhibiting automakers that support the aftermarket with accessory-friendly models based on their potential for customization.

The top winning vehicle in each category will be announced during the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Held the evening before the opening of the SEMA Show, the Vehicle Reveal gives media and exhibitors a chance to get a sneak peek at some of the vehicles that will be on display during the week.

To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show taking place Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas, Nev., visit www.semashow.com.

Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew Joins 2022 SEMA Show

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.14.22) – Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew will be at the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will entertain Showgoers with expanded stories about their inaugural television series and what it’s been like to immerse themselves into the car culture. As keynote speakers on the SEMA Show’s opening day, cast members will join television personality Chris Jacobs at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at the Paradise Event Center.

With Jacobs hosting the interview, the discussion will tap into the unique passion that unites the automotive industry. Like the MotorTrend series that chronicled their experience, the SEMA Show keynote address is about having a good time and making connections.

Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew will be the keynote speakers on opening day of the 2022 SEMA Show. The cast will discuss their inaugural television series and what it’s been like to immerse themselves into the car culture.

“Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew represents SEMA’s membership and the tremendous enthusiasm we all have for this culture,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. “Their story is driven by passion and a deep love for all things automotive. That passion shows through on the screen, and it will come through even more live on stage at the SEMA Show.”

The keynote address is part of a new component of the 2022 SEMA Show Education Program. Five keynote addresses will be held during the week, with each keynote address featuring iconic industry personalities who will educate while entertaining. Speakers will include car enthusiasts, thought leaders, innovators, and entertainers who will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help elevate and strengthen attendees’ business and personal growth strategies.

Key members of Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew kick off the series on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith, who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, anchors the week as the keynote speaker for Friday, Nov. 4. Other keynotes will be announced at a later date.

The SEMA Show is a trade-only event where manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals go to connect and do business. The upcoming event takes place Nov. 1-4, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.

Metra Electronics to Unveil Over 100 Products at SEMA 2022

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.05.22) – Metra Electronics has announced that it will have two booths at the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1st-4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center; booth #11139 in the North Hall and its off-roading and powersports products on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall. Metra has supported SEMA throughout its virtual events and other safety protocols because the trade show is so vital to 12volt and other industries. This year will mark a return to pre-pandemic attendance for the SEMA show, and the manufacturer is looking forward to welcoming a larger number of 12volt enthusiasts to their booths than they’ve seen in the past two years.

Metra Electronics is planning big surprises for this year’s SEMA show. The manufacturer will unveil a new brand developed under the Metra Electronics umbrella, focusing on offering high-quality products that every installer needs when designing flexible audio systems. Additionally, more than 100 new products will be introduced, including a new line of lithium series batteries under its Shuriken brand. These batteries are designed for numerous applications, including audio, motorcycle, marine, auto racing, powersports, and more. Also, Heise LED will introduce three new controllers that will work with an all-new mobile app for smartphones and tablets to allow users to control Heise RGB, RGBW, and Chasing lighting products all from one app. The brand will also display new LED wheel lights, rock lights, tailgate bars, lightbars, and more in an assortment of exciting new styles.

Metra continues to push forward with the development of new dash kits that, when combined with their radio replacement interfaces from Axxess, bring new vehicle fit applications to the market. An assortment of their newest additions to this product line will be unveiled at SEMA, with many more planned for the future. Metra will also showcase next-generation DSP products, new accessories for Ford Bronco and Jeep, and several new innovations from iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems. The iBEAM display will include vehicle-specific rearview mirror T-harnesses, a Universal Streaming Rearview Mirror with a built-in 9″ Monitor, and more.

Also to be featured are motorcycle audio and lighting products from Saddle Tramp, including headlights, LED accent lighting, saddlebag lids, keystone lights, and more. Metra’s Install Baybrand will also be on display as it continues to add to its comprehensive collection of professional 12volt installation products with new connectors, terminals, fuses, cable ties, switches, relays, and more. These products are designed using the best available materials and construction to ensure ease of use and years of reliability.

Additional product announcements will be released leading up to the show with more details, and new product catalogs will be available to download at MetraOnline.com shortly after the event.

Pennzoil Dare to Perform Experience Combines Entertainment With Education

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.05.22) – With dozens of industry influencers, celebrities, noteworthy builds, games, prizes and activities, Pennzoil’s “Dare to Perform” Experience at the 2022 SEMA Show combines fun, energetic entertainment with industry education that will help professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

In the 12,150-sq.-ft. area located in Booth #81059 outside the main entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Showgoers will be able to connect with top names, including John Hennessey, Chelsea DeNofa, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Adam LZ, Joey Logano and more. Meanwhile, games and contests will be taking place, and technical experts will explain and conduct live demonstrations showcasing how motor oils protect a vehicle’s engine.

“The Pennzoil Dare to Perform Experience is a fun and engaging way for professionals at the SEMA Show to build career-boosting connections and learn what’s new in the industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The interactive demonstrations and in-person activities contribute to an engaging experience that you can only get at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.”

Open to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, the Pennzoil “Dare to Perform” Experience will have something happening throughout the week. Complimentary coffee will be available during Pennzoil’s “Perfect Pour,” Tuesday–Thursday, November, 1–3, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 am. The celebrity appearance schedule will be posted at www.pennzoil.com/sema, as well as on www.SEMAShow.com and through the official SEMA Show mobile app.

To learn about all the interactive and engaging features at the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Optima Brings Expanded High-Performance Action to the 2022 SEMA Show

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.04.22) – The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) is bringing live, action-packed excitement to the SEMA Show, growing its activation with three of its five segments unfolding during the 55th annual trade show, Nov. 1-4, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.

The competition’s Peak Performance Challenge (a timed segment) and the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering Challenge took place at the SEMA Show for the first time in 2021. Those two segments will return to this year’s SEMA Show, while the Autocross portion of the competition makes its debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Bronze Lot during the exclusive trade-only event. The remainder of the OUSCI continues Nov. 5-7, 2022, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“As an expanded feature at the 2022 SEMA Show, OPTIMA’s Ultimate Street Car Invitational is an iconic competition that will showcase the aftermarket’s potential,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “With modifications that enhance the performance of the vehicles, the competing cars and trucks embody what the SEMA Show is all about. It’s going to be exciting to watch the action up close and in person.”

The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational is growing its activation at the 2022 SEMA Show by hosting three of its five segments during the Nov. 1-4 trade show. 

With six regional qualifying events spanning more than eight months, the OUSCI includes the country’s top road-worthy modified vehicles. Top performers from the regional events receive coveted invitations to compete in the final competition, with a handful of spots reserved for vehicles selected at the SEMA Show.

Since 2008 when the OUSCI debuted, an additional highlight for Showgoers has been a display of all 100 competition vehicles at the SEMA Show in an area known as Optima Alley. At the end of the Show, the vehicles parade out of the convention center and make their way to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where they compete in a five-part competition. Last year two of the segments kicked off the competition and took place at the SEMA Show. This year, the SEMA Show will host three of the five segments.

“It’s rare to be able to witness so many vehicles push the limits of performance and agility,” said Gattuso. “To see the competition unfold live is exhilarating and inspiring.”

The Bronze Lot is located in the outdoor area south of South Hall. For details about the 2022 SEMA Show, including a floor plan showing where the Bronze Lot is or to apply for credentials to attend the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

OPTIMA Brings Expanded High-Performance Action to the 2022 SEMA Show

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.30.22) – The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) is bringing live, action-packed excitement to the SEMA Show, growing its activation with three of its five segments unfolding during the 55th annual trade show.

The competition’s Peak Performance Challenge (a timed segment) and the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering Challenge took place at the SEMA Show for the first time in 2021. Those two segments will return to this year’s SEMA Show, while the Autocross portion of the competition makes its debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Bronze Lot during the exclusive trade-only event. The remainder of the OUSCI continues November 5–7, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“As an expanded feature at the 2022 SEMA Show, OPTIMA’s Ultimate Street Car Invitational is an iconic competition that will showcase the aftermarket’s potential,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “With modifications that enhance the performance of the vehicles, the competing cars and trucks embody what the SEMA Show is all about. It’s going to be exciting to watch the action up close and in person.”

With six regional qualifying events spanning more than eight months, the OUSCI includes the country’s top road-worthy, modified vehicles. Top performers from the regional events receive coveted invitations to compete in the final competition, with a handful of spots reserved for vehicles selected at the SEMA Show.

Since 2008 when the OUSCI debuted, an additional highlight for showgoers has been a display of all 100 competition vehicles at the SEMA Show in an area known as OPTIMA Alley. At the end of the Show, the vehicles parade out of the convention center and make their way to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where they participate in a five-part competition. Last year, two of the segments kicked off the competition, which took place at the SEMA Show. This year, the SEMA Show will host three of the five segments.

“It’s rare to be able to witness so many vehicles push the limits of performance and agility,” said Gattuso. “To see the competition unfold live is exhilarating and inspiring.”

The Bronze Lot is located in the outdoor area south of South Hall. For details about the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1–4 in Las Vegas—including a floorplan showing the location of the Bronze Lot, or to apply for credentials to attend—visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Register for SEMA Battle of the Builders Before October 14

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.29.22) – SEMA is calling all SEMA Show car builders to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition—by the October 14 deadline. Open exclusively to builders with a car or truck displayed at the annual trade show, the competition celebrates and honors top builders for participating in what many consider to be the pinnacle of automotive events.

“Since 2014, we’ve provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, creativity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Show Exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. SEMA Battle of the Builders not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other’s builds in the final round.”

SEMA Battle of the Builders gives builders to opportunity to gain global recognition, including possible inclusion in a one-hour television special or SEMA’s social channels, and a chance to be recognized and named as the industry’s top builder. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories:

Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck
4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road
Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic
Young Guns—before crowning the coveted title, Battle of the Builders Champion.

The four categories have evolved for the 2022 competition. Hot Rod Trucks will now compete with traditional Hot Rod builds. The former Truck class becomes more focused on 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road builds while the Sport Compact class is expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic builds as well. The age limit for the Young Guns class has also been raised from 27 to 29 years old. As part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry, the association will continue its SEMA Young Guns category for builders who are 29 and younger.

“Each year, we meet amazing young builders through the Young Guns program,” said de Vera. “It is inspiring to witness the passion, drive and courage they have to put their blood, sweat and tears into their projects and to compete with their pride and joy in this competition. To see the industry embrace them as they build a network of contacts and connections that will fuel a lifelong career is exactly why the Young Guns class was created. Fortune definitely favors the brave, and we want to highlight that.”

Although the SEMA Show is a trade-only event, consumers can experience the excitement of the event and see the winning Battle of the Builder vehicles during the SEMA Cruise and at SEMA Ignited (www.semaignited.com), the official SEMA Show after-party taking place from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 14. Calling all builders!

Oracle Lighting Introduces Unique Integrated Roof LED Light Bar System for the New Ford Bronco at 2022 SEMA Show

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METAIRIE, LA (09.28.22) – Oracle Lighting will launch its new Patent-Pending Integrated Windshield Roof Light Bar System for 2021 and up Ford Bronco during the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth # 20137. Scheduled to ship in November 2022, the new light bar system has an MSRP of $995.95.

“If you are in the market for a high-mount LED Light bar and want to retain an almost factory look, the new Oracle Lighting Integrated LED Light Bar is for you,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “While other offerings look obviously after-market or like an afterthought, our Patent-Pending design with its molded cowling integrates into the factory roof line. This product further adds to the rugged and practical style of your 2021 or newer Ford Bronco while eliminating the common whistling issue of other light bars.”

Along with blending in with the factory design, the unique cowl design also provides a quieter and more aerodynamic installation compared to traditional LED light bar setups. The polycarbonate housing is designed to match the styling of the factory hardtop but can be installed on soft top Broncos as well, it even retains all functionality when you might want to go topless.

“The Ford Bronco Integrated LED Light Bar utilizes reflector facing LED technology, elevating it above basic and more common light bars,” Hartenstein continued. “This reflector system is designed to provide optimized LED light output from the 30 individual 8W LED emitters creating at total of 18,000 raw lumens and a projection distance of more than 600 meters.”

This system also features selectable amber or white clearance lights. You can select to connect these lights to an Aux Switch, Parking Lights, DRL, or simply leave them disconnected if you prefer not to use the additional clearance light feature on your Bronco.

The DIY mounting system is easy only needing the tools included in your glove box. Oracle’s Light Bar System mounts to your late model Bronco using the factory accessory mounting points and factory hardware for an easy, DIY installation experience. Available in two colors: Carbonized Grey to match the factory hardtop color, and Black to blend in with the factory black soft top.

“In addition to the color options offered, the housing can also be painted to match the color your truck came in from the factory,” Hartenstein concluded. “We recommend using a professional painter to properly prep, prime, and color match paint the housing. If you do not have aux switches, we recommend adding our optional wiring harness for easy installation.”

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

TMI Products to Award One-of-a-Kind Builds

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.23.22) – At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.

Each individual category winner will receive a $500 voucher and the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete interior for their next build ($8,000 value) that can be used to purchase TMI interior products.

A panel of insiders from the aftermarket industry, including the TRIM Awards host, will present the awards. They include Kevin Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and voice of the 2022 SEMA Show; Sean Holman, content director of the Truck and Off-Road Group at Motor Trend and co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast; Sara Morosan, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi Ford Design award winner and co owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; Theresa Contreras, PPG brand ambassador, multi Ford Design award winner and co-owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; and Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan, co-owners of Auto Revolution on Amazon Prime.

TRIM Awards categories include:

Best Car
Best Truck
Best SUV or Wagon
Best Full Interior
Most Creative
Best Color-Matching
Best Custom Car Interior
Best Custom Truck Interior
Fan Favorite (chosen on social media)
Best of Show Champion
All contestants must have a vehicle on display at the 2022 SEMA Show. The awards will be presented on stage in the TMI booth #24477, located in the Central Hall, Wednesday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony.

Visit tmiproducts.com and semashow.com for more.

Nakamichi Readies for SEMA Show

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MIAMI, FL (09.22.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio has announced plans to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show November 1-4 in Las Vegas, NV. This will be the companies third SEMA Show appearance since re-entering the market in 2019.

Nakamichi will use the international backdrop of the SEMA Show to unveil its new Susumu menu featuring a redesigned layout that is more intuitive and more responsive than previous models—further demonstrating Nakamichi’s commitment to Japanese innovation.

The highlight of the new 20’ x 20’ booth will be its release of the NA3625 platform touting Nakamichi’s “wireless evolution”, the companies next step in CarPlay / Android Auto technology. “We are very excited about SEMA and the release of our new wireless CarPlay products”, exclaimed Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi.

Nakamichi encourages all current and prospective dealers to contact their local sales rep to make an appointment or email Robin McNealrobin@usa-nakamichi.com

Nakamichi Car Audio can be found at booth 11517 North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center duing the SEMA Show.

Visit nakamichi-usa.com and semashow.com for more.