DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.08.23) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has issued a total of $245,000 in scholarship and loan forgiveness awards through its SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund to help 104 individuals pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 87 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and 17 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.
SEMA issued $245,000 in scholarship and loan forgiveness awards this year to help more than 100 individuals pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket industry.
“SEMA receives a large number of scholarship applications each year, and the quality of this year’s applicants was truly inspiring and impressive,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “Their passion and innovative mindset were evident in their applications, and it gives us great hope that they will continue to advance the aftermarket industry and make a lasting impact.”
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1984 to help support the future of the automotive aftermarket industry. Since its inception, more than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students. One of the primary criteria for scholarship recipients is that the winner must have clearly demonstrated a passion for the automotive industry.
The online application for next year’s program will open in January 2024 at www.sema.org/scholarships.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.07.23) – The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is accepting applications for its 2023 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Program and is looking for up to 10 unique builds to display in its TORA Feature Vehicle Trail display at the SEMA Show.
Available to TORA members as a membership benefit, the program enables manufacturers and builders to showcase their talents and expand their footprint beyond their SEMA Show booth. The TORA Trail is located outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, where thousands of industry buyers pass by daily.
Submissions are being accepted in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road and CUV crossover. All selected participants will have their build voted on by Showgoers for the chance to win the TORA Best in Show award, which will be announced during the TORA Reception at the SEMA Show on Wednesday, November 1.
Applications are due August 23. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that donated to SEMA Cares, the fundraising arm of the association that supports a variety of children’s charities. Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today. Not a TORA member? Apply here.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.04.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at semabotb.com. Participants interested in the Young Guns category, for builders 29 years and younger, should be aware of an upcoming deadline for a special prize package (more details, below).
The Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA’s communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four unique categories–Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns–before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.
Young Guns’ Virtual Golden Ticket Competition Deadline Is August 15
The Young Guns category (for builders 29 years and younger) is part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry.
“Participating in last year’s Battle of the Builders Young Guns program opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The second I arrived at the SEMA Show, I started connecting with all the other Young Guns competitors, whom I still stay in contact with today. It’s hard meeting people my age that share the same passion for hot-rod building as I do, and the SEMA Show is a great place to connect with them,” said the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns class champion Josh Michaels. “Winning the Young Guns category also validated my work as a hot-rod builder and got my name on a lot of people’s radars. It’s given me numerous connections and sponsorships, which have been crucial to how much I’ve grown my business this past year.”
All Young Guns entries submitted before Tuesday, August 15, will also have the opportunity to compete in up to three virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes:
Round-trip economy airfare for two to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show (or fuel expenses if driving to Las Vegas; the amount awarded will be based on the lesser of two options: the price of the airline tickets if SEMA booked the flight or the cost of mileage reimbursement from the winner’s home to Las Vegas based on $.655 per mile (IRS mileage rate for 2023). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
One hotel room, double occupancy, for seven (7) nights in Las Vegas during The SEMA Show (check-in Saturday, October 28 and check-out Saturday, November 4). The approximate retail value depends on market fluctuations.
Vehicle shipping to and from the SEMA Show for one (1) competition vehicle (via CONUS). The approximate retail value depends upon location and market fluctuations.
Five hundred dollars ($500) cash to use for meals and incidental expenses while at the SEMA Show. Approximate retail value: $500
All prizes are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of SEMA.
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders or to register, visit semabotb.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.01.23) – Electric-vehicle (EV) conversions are a growing opportunity in the automotive aftermarket. For shop owners, technicians and product developers who work on these builds, it’s crucial to clearly understand the safety practices and various EV components involved, as they are critical parts of the process.
SEMA members are invited to the “Skateboard Platform for Electric Vehicles” webinar on Wednesday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. PDT to learn about the complete process of an EV platform. Attendees will hear from Adam Roe, founder, CEO and product architect of Zero Labs Automotive, as he teaches the components associated with an electrified vehicle and EV conversion, as well as the component names, integration, hazards and diagnosis that are present when converting a gas-powered vehicle to electric.
Participants will walk away with a thorough understanding of EV conversions from the ground up and engage with Roe as he addresses detailed questions from the audience. Register today!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.31.23) – Understanding the market, as well as who your customers are and how to connect with them, is imperative for driving business. Automotive aftermarket companies need reliable data and insights to make informed decisions as the industry evolves.
The “2023 SEMA Market Report” provides an overview of the size and scope of the specialty-equipment market in the United States to help SEMA members make better-informed decisions in the next year and beyond. Released in June 2023, the reportincludes findings on how much consumers spent, where they shopped for specialty-equipment parts and accessories in 2022, and automotive trends and economic factors influencing the market.
“Understanding purchasing patterns and preferences can help businesses gain a competitive advantage,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “The report is the ultimate guide for businesses seeking to navigate the industry. With this report, they can refine their approach, identify new opportunities and carve out a distinctive plan for what they need their business to focus on.”
The report is free to SEMA members and includes sections on market sizing, consumer profiles, industry indicators and vehicle information. Learn what the data means and how it can help your business by downloading the report at sema.org/research.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.21.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at www.semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.
“The SEMA Show is synonymous with the most unique vehicles in the world, and for 10 years the Battle of the Builders program has given the builders of these vehicles an opportunity to showcase their imagination, creativity, and craftsmanship at an international level,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “This year’s program will feature the top builders and brands exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show as we crown our 10th Battle of the Builders Champion.”
Since 2014, Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA’s communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. 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; and Young Guns — before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.
The Young Guns category, open to builders 29 years and younger, is part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. All Young Guns entries submitted before August 15 have the opportunity to compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show.
“The SEMA Young Guns competition was the single-most powerful tool for me to turn my passion for building cars into a full-time career,” said Kyle Kuhnhausen, winner of the 2018 Young Guns title and current Battle of the Builders judge. “The media coverage that followed after winning the category took me from a relatively unknown young builder to self-employment building hot rods full time just months later. I’m still building hot rods, and the phone is still ringing as I continue feeling the benefits of the competition and now get to judge that category.”
The 2023 SEMA Show (www.semashow.com), taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. Participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, and provides the greatest return on investment.
“SEMA remains committed to showcasing the hard work and stories behind the amazing builds that are displayed every year at the SEMA Show,” added de Vera. “From established builders to the next generation of modifiers, the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will reflect the broad range of vehicles and talent in the industry.”
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 13.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.19.23) – Tickets for the inaugural SEMA Fest, a two-day full-throttle festival that fuses car culture and music, are on sale now at semafest.com. Set for November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, SEMA Fest is a must-attend event open to the public and featuring world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk The Moon, Ludacris and more (the complete lineup is below, with more to come).
“We are excited to open the gates for the inaugural SEMA Fest and welcome car and music lovers alike to enjoy this one-of-a-kind festival,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Automotive enthusiasts all over the world have been asking for years how they can be part of the SEMA Show experience, and we are delighted to include them in this brand-new extension of our popular trade show. This new event will be separate from the trade show, open to everyone and promises to be like nothing they’ve seen before.”
SEMA Fest brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. It will also feature a full slate of immersive automotive lifestyle events, a consumer marketplace, world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross and more.Whether you are a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss. More details will be announced soon, including a full concert lineup of more than 20 bands.
SEMA Fest is hosted by SEMA, producers of the SEMA Show, a massive trade-only event held annually in Las Vegas. The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information about SEMA Fest and to purchase tickets, visit semafest.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.18.23) – The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is gearing up for its Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium–taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.
Automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers still have time to secure their spot for the event, where they will meet one-on-one with product and service providers who offer tools and technology that can help them get their products to market faster, boost productivity and stay ahead of the competition.
The group pictured above is from a previous year’s event.
The three-day symposium will feature high-value and daily educational seminars on popular topics in the automotive technology space, followed by networking sessions and meetings in the afternoon.
The networking sessions will give participants extra time to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations, while the education sessions provide an exclusive opportunity to learn from leading experts on essential issues and technological advancements in the aftermarket space.
This year’s education sessions are:
Suspension System Simulations: From Fatigue to Riding and Handling Analysis
Presenter: MingYao Ding, Principal/Vice President of Engineering at Ozen/Ansys
Vehicle Communication Standards Update
Presenter: Bob Augustine, Vice President of Business Development at Opus IVS
Alternative Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology
Presenter: Tobi Burek, Chief Engineer at Ricardo
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Update
Presenter: Nick Dominato, Co-Founder and Chief Everything Officer, AutoBolt
Bridging the Gap from “Runs Good” to Emissions Compliance
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.17.23) – The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials passed H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” and H.R. 4468, the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act.” These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and 17 U.S. House Republicans introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years ’27 to ’32, which is designed to result in electric vehicles (EVs) making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.
The EPA’s proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces BEVs to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking’s climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.
SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Joe Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA’s Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, “EPA’s proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice.” SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to internal combustion engine (ICE) bans. You can read the joint letter here.
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency’s proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years 27-’32. In addition, SEMA’s grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.
SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill prohibiting the EPA from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with ICE in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce’s (R-PA) bill is essential to stopping California’s plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435.
Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.14.23) – The 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is gearing up to be one of the best events to date, thanks in part to a new, fully customizable education program. Attendees can take advantage of the robust SEMA Show Education schedule to create a best-in-class professional development experience during the SEMA Show (October 30-November 3) and throughout the year.
Highlighting the lineup of world-class seminars is the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium, designed to provide a resource for women to network, mentor and participate in professional development programs geared toward helping them accelerate and advance in their careers and business. This inaugural event–taking place in Room N258 on Wednesday, November 1, from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.–will help women address common challenges faced by women in the industry, find solutions, gain new tools, and learn essential skills to drive business and career advancement.
(From left to right) Julia Landauer, Amanda Busick and Carolyn Jackson
Executives, general managers, middle managers, department heads, emerging leaders, diversity managers and related automotive professionals will benefit from several sessions, beginning with an inspiring opening keynote called “Drive: How to Gain and Maintain a Competitive Advantage” led by two-time racing champion and entrepreneur Julia Landauer, who has 21 years of competition under her belt, most recently starting the No. 44 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Away from the track, Landauer is a sought-after motivational speaker, having participated in TEDx Talk and as a contestant on Season 26 of CBS’ reality TV show “Survivor.” She has purposefully built her brand to be where technology, community and racing intersect while advocating for STEM education and women’s empowerment as a motivational speaker. Landauer will encourage the audience to take ownership of every aspect of their lives and cover topics such as authenticity, leadership, teamwork, fear management and embracing discomfort.
Following will be a power networking luncheon and fireside chat called “Communication Secrets, Secrets of Success and Maintaining a Success Mindset.” This session will be led by FOX Sports Reporter Amanda Busick and feature Carolyn Jackson, vice president, brand strategy, Barrett-Jackson. This interactive session will see Busick interview Mullany-Jackson for career insights and thoughts on the tenacity and determination of a committed and dynamic team, a leadership state of mind, empowerment and challenges, plus the achievements of her career as a top female executive in the automotive industry. Audience members will also have an exclusive (and invaluable) opportunity to ask questions, so come prepared!
(From left to right) Melanie White, Jacki Lutz, Deanna Singh and Shaundra Dineen
Rapid-fire-style workshops are next on the schedule, with four 15-minute sessions designed to help attendees engage, discover and connect with subject-matter experts and thought leaders on small-business strategies and industry topics, including:
“Becoming A Woman-Owned Certified-Enterprise,” led by Melanie White, CEO and owner of Hellwig Products. “Self-Branding: The ACTION Behind Building Your Personal Brand,” led by Jacki Lutz, senior manager marketing communications, corporate at Sensata Technologies. “The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship as a Strategy for Success,” led by Deanna Singh, managing partner at Uplifting Impact. “Make the Jump! Four Steps to Becoming the Authority in Your Industry,” led by Shaundra Dineen, award-winning motivational speaker and podcaster.
The program concludes with a moderated conversation with industry executives in a session designed to teach how action leaders are working toward gender equity and insights into the most significant challenges (and opportunities!) facing the industry today.
“The further you advance in your career, the more important it becomes to hear directly from senior executives about the critical issues on their radar–and how you can also prepare to address such challenges as you progress through the ranks. We’re looking forward to providing this opportunity, and so much more, to the women in the industry as part of this inaugural SEMA Education program,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education.
The “Driving the Future of Automotive: C-Suite Insights” panel, co-hosted by SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, will be led by industry executives explaining what they are doing personally to support women leaders through mentoring, sponsorship and modeling effective allyship, followed by a Q&A session. Moderated by Cheryl Thompson, the president and founder of Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), the one-hour session also features panelists Kim Less, vice president, aftermarket at Nissan North America; Subi Ghosh, executive vice president, Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Stream Companies and partnerships chair at Women of Color Auto Network; Jayme Blasiman, founder of Femanic Garage and founder and co-owner of Women’s Motor Fest; Matilda Johnson, chief experience officer at City Classic Cars; and Axel Cooley, president of Metallon.
The SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is free for all 2023 SEMA Show attendees. Online registration for the SEMA Women in Automotive Symposium is available here.
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