By SEMA News Editors

Registration is open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The valuable two-day event is organized by SEMA Show management for exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Registration is available online for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program, and SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event.

While undoubtedly valuable for first-time exhibitors, the Summit is also geared toward returning and long-time exhibitors of the SEMA Show. If you think you "know it all" about the Show, you'd be surprised by how much relevant business-boosting information is distributed during the program. Just take it from the industry staple BendPak, which offers vehicle lift equipment.

"If you have not attended the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, I would highly recommend attending. Trust me, you will learn so much to help maximize your investment displayed at SEMA. One of the biggest wins was sitting down with the Freeman folks. BendPak is a vehicle lift manufacturer that offers very heavy equipment, and the one-on-one meeting covered ways to help reduce material handling and other related costs," said Pat Weber, director of sales and business development for BendPak, which exhibits in four booths and assists with project vehicles at the Show. "I also really liked the break-out sessions to help with the strategies to attract customers and professionals to your booth."

Indeed, the road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, the education-packed program featuring everything a company needs to deliver the best ROI from their SEMA Show experience. 

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 information straight from the people responsible for the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Note: You are officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit
(Complimentary for all 2024 exhibitors; hotel and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register here.

Exhibitors: Submit your ESRA application online today (more exhibitor resources here). And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org or call 949-373-9210. 

By SEMA News Editors

The Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commerical Vehicles (EnergIIZE) has opened its Hydrogen funding lane, which provides incentives for zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure equipment for medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

The lane, funded by the California Energy Commission and administered by CALSTART, will be open until May 1.

Commercial fleet users interested in deploying hydrogen fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles may be eligible for up to $4 million per project.

Fleet users or station developers must meet specific criteria to apply for funding:

• The infrastructure project must be for hydrogen fueling equipment for class 2b-8 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
• The fueling station must be capable of dispensing 350 or 700 bar and can be certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• The station may be private, public or shared use.

For more information on the funding lane, visit energiize.org.

By RTX Wheels

Launched in 2003 in Canada, RTX Wheels is an alloy wheel brand aimed at offering diversified, high-quality models at affordable prices. Thanks to its already well-established network and product offering, RTX Wheels is one of the fastest-growing wheel brands in North America. RTX Wheels' expansion into the U.S. market in 2017 meant the opportunity to showcase its products while serving new customers and new markets.

With new models introduced twice a year, RTX is proud to be one of North America's leading alloy wheel companies. RTX offers more than 150 models segmented into four distinct series that allow the company to provide wheels for all types of cars and trucks. In particular, RTX offers a wide variety of OE-inspired rims that are direct fit and aggressive fitment options for trucks. Additionally, RTX has several Flow Forged models for the ever-growing electric car market.

New Warehouse Announcement

To better serve our growing retailers, RTX Wheels is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest warehouse facility, strategically located in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio! This expansion marks a significant milestone in its journey and will provide enhanced efficiency and convenience for our customers for years to come.

Situated in the heart of Columbus, its 25,000-sq.-ft. warehouse boasts cutting-edge technology and ample storage capacity to accommodate your evolving needs. Whether you require seamless inventory management, swift order processing or prompt distribution, RTX Wheels' dedicated team is committed to delivering top-notch solutions tailored to exceed your expectations.

Why Columbus, Ohio? With its central geographic location and robust infrastructure, Columbus serves as a pivotal hub for logistics and commerce. By establishing a presence in this dynamic city, RTX aims to streamline logistics operations and expedite delivery timelines, ensuring your products reach their destination as fast as possible.

Here is what to expect:

• Faster turnaround times: The new strategic location enables RTX to expedite order processing and delivery, reducing lead times and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Better inventory management: With increased storage capacity and advanced inventory tracking systems, RTX can provide real-time visibility into stock levels, minimizing stockouts and ensuring seamless replenishment.
• Improved service: RTX Wheels' dedicated team in Columbus is committed to providing unparalleled service excellence, catering to your unique requirements with precision and professionalism.

The addition of this Columbus, Ohio warehouse to RTX Wheels' existing Las Vegas facility gives the company better coverage of U.S. demand and shorter delivery times!

If you would like to join the RTX Wheels dealer network, which offers quality wheels backed by an industry-leading warranty, fill out the following form.

For more information, visit rtxwheels.com and follow RTX Wheels on social media: 

• facebook.com/rtxwheels
• instagram.com/rtxwheels/
• youtube.com/@rtxwheelscom
• tiktok.com/@rtxwheels

By Ashley Reyes

The automotive aftermarket is in a state of constant evolution, driven by new vehicle trends, consumer-spending patterns and the integration of new vehicle technologies.

The new "2024 SEMA Future Trends Report," released by SEMA Market Research, explores the landscape and evolution of the classic car market, offering valuable insights into trends and future projections.

According to the report:

• Classic vehicles maintain a highly passionate audience intent on keeping up with modifications, upgrades, and restoration. The current top segment for classic vehicles is the '60s to early '70s range.
• Looking forward, SEMA anticipates a shift in classics and restoration to accommodate a new generation with growing interest in '70s, '80s and even '90s vehicles.
• Younger owners are typically more willing to swap in modern comfort and performance parts rather than trying to keep everything stock, with a restomod sentiment (a type of vehicle restoration that combines a vintage car's classic design with modern technology and components).
• In 2022, the classics market accounted for $1.81 billion in retail part sales.
• As time passes and newer cars continue to come to market, there is a possibility of a decline in market size as pre-'90s classics go off the road. 

The "SEMA Future Trends Report" is the latest study from SEMA that recaps the issues and outcomes that affected the industry in 2023, and how these areas are likely to affect the market in 2024 and beyond. Additional chapters include new findings on the industry's overall outlook, vehicle trends in the United States, ADAS and autonomous, and supply-chain insights.

SEMA business members can download the "SEMA Future Trends Report" for free at sema.org/research.

By SEMA News Editors

General Motors to Relocate Global Headquarters

General Motors (GM) will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson's Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at the new development in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

The new location, a 1.5-million-sq.-ft. office, retail, residential, hotel and event space, will be GM's fourth headquarters location in the city since 1911, the company said. Additionally, GM will establish a partnership with Bedrock, developer of the Hudson's Detroit property, the city of Detroit and Wayne County to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site over approximately the next year, prior to GM's move to Hudson's Detroit.

GM has entered into an initial 15-year, multi-level lease for the top office floors of the Woodward Ave. office building and showcase space on the street level for GM vehicles and community activations.

For more information, visit gm.com.

RJ Valentine Launches Car Care Product Brand

RJ Valentine, the former sports car driver and Rolex 24 at Daytona winner, has launched a new brand of car care products, Valentine Performance Detailing.

The brand's lineup comprises six initial products: Quick Detailer and Waterless Wash; Heavy-Duty Degreaser; Wash and Wax Car Soap; Interior and Exterior Cleaner; Rubber, Plastic Leather and Vinyl Reviver; and Graphene and Ceramic Spray Shield.

For more information, visit valentineperformance.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The automotive industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, driven by many factors shaping the future of mobility. As most publicity on low- and zero-emissions vehicles focuses on battery electric solutions, this session will dive into the promise of near-zero and zero-emissions technologies for internal combustion engines (ICE).

During the SEMA webinar, "Alternative Fuels and Technologies for Sustainable ICE" on Tuesday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, Ricardo Chief Engineer Tobi Burek will discuss alternative fuels and technologies for sustainable ICE, including hydrogen and other clean fuels.

Attendees will learn about:

• Multiple solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Life-cycle analysis and "zero-emissions vehicles."
• Hydrogen combustion engine technologies.
• Pros and cons of hydrogen ICEs.
• Hybrid ICEs technologies.
• Pros and cons of hybrid ICEs.

A Q&A will follow the presentation, connecting attendees with Burek live. Register today! 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) are hosting a networking mixer during Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (EDT), on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway.

The mixer is the ideal event for TORA and FLN members to grow their professional network, discover business and career-building resources and connect with each group's select committee. Attendees will learn about member resources, find open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships that can drive their business forward.

Prospective TORA and FLN members are encouraged to attend the event, as it's a great way to discover the benefits of SEMA council and network membership. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Riley Schlick, owner of Riley's Rebuilds, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Schlick in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Riley Schlick: I started Riley's Rebuilds four years ago to make money for my first car--a Jeep. I enjoy being a female in a male profession and the support I have been getting from other women in the industry. 

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

RS: Wanting to be a 17-year-old and not a boss. I have three employees--my high school friends. That is hard sometimes.  

SN: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?  

RS: I have been in the industry for four years. My first industry job was restoring old car and motorcycle parts and selling them on eBay.  

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

RS: Perseverance, determination and spunkiness. I can get past the mean people with perseverance, I get through my rebuild orders with determination, and my spunkiness helps me in my conversations with professionals in the industry. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

RS: There have not been a lot of challenges, except maybe not knowing everything about everything car-related, (my dad helps with a lot of tech questions, and I am learning every day). Being a young woman in this industry has gotten me a lot of attention and that has allowed me to get other young women interested in older cars. I am told I am a role model for a lot of young girls whose dads and granddads are car people. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? What keeps you here? 

RS: The Bogi [Lateiner], Faye Hadley, Alex Taylor, Camee Edelbrock, Stacey David and Greg Henderson. I have watched many of them on TV and they made this look possible. I was able to meet many of them at SEMA last year and that was amazing.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

RS: Always be humble and focus on quality. Being humble means I have a really good relationship with my customers, followers and business people. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?  

RS: I have always wanted to be a car and Jeep girl. I worked in the garage with my dad since I was small off and on. I always wanted to build my first car so the boys would say, "She knows what she is doing." Support and family are what keeps me in the car industry. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals? 

RS: My dad! He is the best person I know in the world. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By SEMA News Editors

Fox Factory has unveiled its latest creation: the '24 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition.

The super truck is the result of collaboration between the Fox Factory Powered Vehicle Division and several off-road industry manufacturers like FOX, Method Race Wheels, BFGoodrich, Baja Kits, ARB, RCV and more.

With 700hp, wide-body, prerunner styling and a long-travel suspension, the '24 Silverado is designed to conquer any terrain, according to Fox Factory, and has been through hours of design, torture testing and refinement.

As part of the truck's development, FOX has introduced the next evolution of its Live Valve shock system for the Chevrolet Silverado platform. Leveraging its 3.2 Internal Bypass shock design, the new Live Valve suspension management system features two electronically controlled solenoid valves per shock, providing control over compression and rebound.

Other features include a Whipple supercharger, Borla stainless steel exhaust, a Dana 60 rear axle with an ARB air locker, a custom interior and more.

For more information on the full build, visit foxfactorytruck.com.