DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.19.23) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle’s design and engineering.

“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes the intricate engineering that transforms a vehicle into a masterpiece of design and functionality,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “It also sheds light on the technical brilliance behind the build and provides a platform for engineers to showcase their transformative innovations.”

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video, description of the engineering content included in the build, and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until October 25 at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the 2023 SEMA Show.

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.15.23) – Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you’re a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.

“SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. “The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out.”

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone–making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November.

Explore the event calendar at this link.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.13.23) – Celebrating its 10-year anniversary at the SEMA Show, the 2023 SEMA Battle Of The BuildersBOTB is proud to announce that Mothers Polish is returning as the competition’s presenting sponsor!

The SEMA Battle Of The Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish has been the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition for 10 amazing years. Highlighting custom builders at the forefront of innovation, BOTB continues to champion the spirit of competition, the passion of the automotive aftermarket and the innovation of the builder community.

“For the last decade, SEMA’s Battle Of The Builders has provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, ingenuity 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. BOTB 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.”

The 2023 competition is revving up to be one of the most exciting competitions to date. Featuring more innovative builders that represent the best in the industry, it’s an event not to be missed.

“Battle Of The Builders embraces everything that makes the automotive aftermarket great–the passion, drive, determination and creativity that defines our industry. And at Mothers, we’re truly grateful to be so closely connected with this distinguished competition,” said Mothers Polish CEO Dennis Holloway.

Think you’ve got what it takes to compete with some of the best builders in the world? If you want to get in on the action, it’s not too late! Builders can still sign up to compete until Friday, October 13. Top builders will be recognized in four categories: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns. An overall champion will be named on the final day of the SEMA Show from the four class winners.

The competition will take place throughout the week of the Show, with the Top 40 announced on Tuesday, November 1, and the Top 12 celebrated on Wednesday, November 2. The decorated dozen will examine and critique each others’ vehicles at the Show on Thursday, November 3, as they become the final judges. Four class winners will be decided on Thursday as judging concludes, and the 2023 SEMA Battle of Builders overall champion will be announced on Friday, November 4.

Throughout the competition, camera crews will follow the action for a television special that will air on The History Network, while daily behind-the-scenes videos will be posted on SEMA Show’s social profiles. For more information about the SEMA Battle Of The Builders Presented by Mothers, visit semashow.com/botb.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.31.23) – Volunteering can be a fulfilling and enriching experience for any professional looking to give back to the industry and the causes they care most about. For SEMA volunteers, it’s a way to get more involved in the aftermarket at large, contribute to the growth of their trade and develop new friendships and lasting memories in the process.

The nine communities in the SEMA Council and Network program have open volunteer positions within their subcommittees and task forces. Subcommittee and task force volunteers play a valuable role in helping council and network leadership create and execute meaningful programs that help their members succeed.

Many positions require minimal time (as little as one hour per month) and can work around the volunteers’ schedules.

“The professional relationships and friendships I have developed in the 10 years of volunteering with SEMA are some of the most important in my career,” reflected Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs. “I am more confident, more knowledgeable and more comfortable with my industry and my peers.”  

Opportunities are available in areas such as communications, events, education, membership, SEMA Show and council- and network-specific programs–allowing individuals to align their contributions with what they are most passionate about.

“Through the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, I have had the opportunity to work on different subtasks, such as communications and events, to help expand my skill set and allow me more experience than what my usual job offers,” said Aliceje Keyburn of Yamaha Motor Corporation. “I’ve also attended different virtual events, live chats and leadership conferences that have been very beneficial in giving me practical tips and advice on how to help grow and advance my career, and also in dealing with certain situations within the workplace.”

Doug Frymer of the Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer, added, “Being in SEMA since I was 26 years old and in the Young Executives Network (now the Future Leaders Network) as part of a member company gave me a whole second crew of folks I’ve grown up within the industry. This catapulted me into what is now the Wheel & Tire Council, and involvement in the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, Hot Rod Industry Alliance and Import Performance Committee/Sport Performance Council (now the Emerging Trends & Technology Network). This gave me a whole second family, a network and a set of advice, opinions, mentors and camaraderie apart from the legal world.” 

To learn about the nine SEMA Councils & Networks and the available subcommittee/task force volunteer opportunities, visit sema.org/volunteer.  

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.30.23) – In May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) relating to the adoption of a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) to require automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, systems on light vehicles. These systems utilize various sensors and components to automatically apply a vehicle’s brakes in a crash-imminent situation when a driver fails to brake enough or at all.

Under the proposal, OEMs would be required to meet all the standard’s requirements within four years of publication. Small-volume manufacturers and alterers would have an additional year to comply. 

NHTSA’s projections suggest the rule could save hundreds of lives and prevent tens of thousands of injuries to drivers, passengers and pedestrians annually. If adopted, the rule could significantly impact the aftermarket.

“Depending on the type of modification, and the vehicle make, model and year, it may be illegal to knowingly manufacture, sell or install any product–including aftermarket equipment–that would take a vehicle out of compliance with any safety standard, including the vehicle-based standards,” explained SEMA Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs Eric Snyder. “This is informally known as the ‘make inoperative’ provision. The implementation of a safety standard is what triggers the make-inoperative provision, and parts manufacturers must have a reasonable basis to conclude that their product won’t take a vehicle out of compliance with the standard.” 

Currently, there is little data available to help anyone modifying an ADAS-equipped vehicle understand the exact degree of risk associated with changes to the vehicle. However, ongoing research at the SEMA Garage Detroit ADAS Research Center seeks to change all that.

Click here to read the full story on sema.org

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is only applicable to the specific ’22 Chevy Silverado LTZ vehicle used in the SEMA Garage research and the specified modifications and shall not be construed to indicate any results from additional modifications to the ’22 Silverado or for the modification of any other vehicle.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.15.23) – SEMA members who would like to stay informed on emerging engine technology can watch three new videos by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) that will delve into electric vehicle (EV) technology, alternative fuels and the changing landscape of the automotive aftermarket.  

The first video, set to be released on August 30, features a conversation on “Electric Vehicles and The Changing Landscape of the Automotive Aftermarket” by Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. The discussion will help industry members understand how OEMs are moving forward with electrification via hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and how this has sparked an entirely new industry of electric aftermarket vehicles and products.   

Viewers will gain insight into current and anticipated legislation adoption that will develop over the next 10 years, as well as the pros and cons of EVs and aftermarket opportunities.

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposing new federal emissions standards intended to dramatically increase sales of EVs, ETTN’s video “How Companies Are Navigating Regulation and Pivoting to Hybrid and EV” on September 13 will effectively dive into the various fuel innovation technologies that are often ignored on the road to zero emissions. Viewers will gain a better understanding of BEVs, biofuels and hydrogen technologies and the regulations, opportunities and challenges that come with each. This insightful video is led by Rob Simons of Automotive Consulting Services, and Tobi Tubiak of Ricardo.

During “Biofuels – Continuing the Conversation” on September 27, viewers will learn how biofuels have progressed since ETTN’s first live chat on the topic published in 2021. (Watch the first installment here).

As the industry continues to look for fuel alternatives, biofuels may become the in-between that automobile manufacturers can use for performance ICE vehicles alongside their EV fleet. Tune in to hear from Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane, and Bjorn Noack, director at Bosch, as they explore where the aftermarket and internal combustion engines (ICE) will be in the next 15 years. Other topics addressed are legislation that supports and hinders biofuel development, companies that are currently investing in this technology and whether or not the average enthusiast has access to biofuels.

Each video will go live on the ETTN Facebook page at 12:00 p.m. PDT on the day of its release. Industry members are invited to tune in at that time and join the conversation with one another in the comments.  

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.09.23) – The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2023 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

Now in its fourth year, the challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having six automotive restylers feature an accessory package for a new-model vehicle in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. Restylers benefit from gaining exposure for their company and skills by developing a build that is profitable and easy to replicate. The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others–including consumers, dealers and restylers–to customize their vehicles.

“The PRO Cup Challenge is the ultimate competition where restylers get to showcase the art of what they do every day and have it displayed in a high-profile location at the industry’s premier aftermarket trade show,” said SEMA Council Director and PRO Liaison Denise Waddingham. “Competing is a great way for restylers to get their name and business out there and share their unique take on how a new-model vehicle can be transformed.”   

Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People’s Choice Award.

Applications are due Friday, August 11. To view the build criteria and submit your application, visit the PRO Cup Challenge website.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.09.23) – The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit SEMA Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website. 

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. 

With thousands of media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center is designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Below are a couple of announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

• Metra to Display Infinity G37 Turbotactile™ Dash Kit at SEMA 
• Southfield Classics Ltd. to Premier New Electric Hot Rod in the Ampere EV Booth in the Electrified Section Featuring Amperes Atom Drive System With Cascadia Motion Motor
• Trulers Unveils Revolutionary Stainless Steel Ruler Set at SEMA Show 2023

 Here are a few press release tips: 

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader. 
• Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning. 
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information. 

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.