By SEMA News Editors
Torklift has launched a new addition to its Torklift Tie Down product line: the Ford F-150 Lightning Camper Tie Downs. Designed for '22-'24 Lightning models, the product is made to fit the factory bolt holes of the pickup and attaches directly to the truck's frame. The Camper Tie Downs improve vehicle handling, the manufacturer says, and prevent camper sway in all directions.
Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.
By Ashley Reyes
The 2023 SEMA Show Education Program featured an array of captivating seminars, including a MotorTrend Celebrity Showcase and a fireside chat with racing legend, Willy T. Ribbs.
SEMA members can now access the video recordings of both seminars online at www.semashow.com/education-videos. Tune in and hear from industry experts and legends as they share inspiring stories about their backgrounds and experiences.
Join the hosts from MotorTrend's most popular shows as they discuss their expertise and experiences in the hot rod, restoration, and restyling markets. Featuring Lucky Costa and Alex Taylor from HOT ROD Garage, Dave Kindig and Kevin "KevDogg" Schiele from Bitchin' Rides, and Amir Bentatou and John "Nads" Naderi from Super Street Garage, this session gives you an inside look at what drives their passion and success.
Hear from Willy T. Ribbs, American racecar champion and living legend, as he joins Beth Paretta, of Paretta Autosport, for a fireside chat. Among Ribb's many accomplishments, he competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, the IndyCar Series and the IMSA GT Championship. He is the first African American to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, win a major professional race in the United States and drive a Formula 1 car. In 2022, he was named Formula 1 Ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion. Get to know his incredible life story as a pioneer in motorsports who shattered barriers and paved the way for generations of racecar drivers.
Both sessions were part of a new SEMA initiative to create a robust career and professional development program for aftermarket professionals. Watch the recordings now and stay tuned for additional seminar highlights from the 2023 SEMA Show as they are released throughout the coming weeks at semashow.com/education-videos.
By SEMA News Editors
The 2024 SEMA Show is already gearing up to once again serve as the industry homecoming, November 5-8 in Las Vegas. Exhibitors are strategizing their booth plans (read SEMA News' recent Racing & Performance preview and Hot Rod Alley/Restoration Marketplace preview), and this year's Exhibitor Service Manual is packed with new valuable resources and deadlines. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department.
Below is a preview of the useful resources to get exhibitors on the road to a successful SEMA Show.
Learn more about the rules, regulations and requirements for displaying a vehicle on the SEMA Show floor outside of a booth. Click here to read up on the Feature Vehicle guidelines or submit an application.
Submit products to the New Product Showcase--the top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show--to build brand awareness and generate leads. The first product entry is free for exhibitors; find more information on submitting a product, packaging or merchandising display here and complete an application for a new or featured product here.
This is an essential tool for all participating exhibitors, but especially first-timers. Calculate all confirmed and projected fees for everything from booth space; exhibit design and building; electrical; freight and material handling and related services; plus marketing and staff expenses.
Discover key dates for exhibitors, including deadlines and rate increases.
Contact the Show organizers to help you succeed with categories like booth vehicles, feature vehicles, banquet tickets, the New Product Showcase, meeting rooms and more.
This is especially helpful for exhibitors with trailers; discover where you can park leading up to and during the event.
This section addresses booth needs like power, carpet, fixtures, freight, A/V and computer rentals, cleaning, signs and graphics, and more.
Access the approved vendors for lead retrieval, catering, insurance, vehicle detailing, tent and canopy rental, internet and telephone, photography, and more.
This section provides successful marketing opportunities at the SEMA Show like advertising, press conferences, products for project-vehicle builders, PR opportunities, sponsorships, celebrity appearances and directory upgrades. In addition, the application for the New Product Showcase appears here.
Discover essential information, including applications, fees, payments, safety requirements and more.
Those who want to exhibit like professionals and go beyond the Exhibitor Service Manual should attend this year's SEMA Exhibitor Summit, which will feature new-for-2024, relevant, business-boosting information. Open to all current exhibitors, SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company and offer information on how to:
Don't delay; secure your spots for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.
Still have questions? No problem! Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at semashow@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
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
As SEMA organizers work this week to build the 2024 SEMA Show floor [watch it come together here], exhibitors are preparing to meet with the global automotive community to showcase (and experience!) the latest innovations, technology, products, services and education available to today's automotive aftermarket professionals. Indeed, whether an established brand or just starting out, exhibiting at SEMA is the best investment to advance your brand goals. (Still need a booth? Reserve one here).
"The exposure, along with networking with other professionals in the industry [at SEMA], has been instrumental in our business," said Rob Hester, owner of Flat Out Autos, a builder and reseller of restomods, Corvettes and a variety of cool cars. "We are a small shop located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and we made the decision in 2019 to exhibit at SEMA. To say the least, we were overwhelmed with the exposure we received; it literally put us on the world map! [In fact,] we built four retro Tahoes for the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi as a direct result of our first SEMA... and in 2022, we made the Top 40 in the Battle of the Builders with our groundbreaking '22 GMC Jimmy Conversion; a huge honor."
Another exhibitor, Bangin Headlights based in Australia, echoed those thoughts, stating, "From our networking at SEMA last year, our headlights will be featured on a Netflix show as well as a high-profile build for the Power Tour later this year--details to be revealed soon. Both things would have been impossible without us being at SEMA," said George Mittal, owner of Bangin Headlights.
Recently, SEMA News gave readers a sneak peek at some of the excitement slated for this year's Central Hall Racing & Performance section (read it here), and now we've connected with the key brands that will be in Central Hall's coveted Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace. See what Showgoers will experience in-person in SEMA Show's Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, November 5-8. (Register here).
"Hot Rod Alley is where all this began! The definition of the hot rod has evolved over the years--[but] the passion is just as hot as it was 60 years ago. The competitive bar rises year after year!" said Tim McCarthy, founder and CEO, HushMat and ZyCoat. "Hot Rod Alley continues to lead the industry in craftsmanship, design, engineering and technology. It is a can't-miss section of the SEMA Show."
HushMat and ZyCoat will display their lineup of products, including the high-temperature, heat-dissipating coating Zybar.
Among the products set for the HushMat and ZyCoat Booth #23195 is an expansion of its 400,000 different year, make and model sound deadening and thermal insulation kits and the ZyClear high-temperature clear gloss coating designed to provide outstanding corrosion protection on stainless steel and coated surfaces across all applications, including marine, RV and off-road. In addition, the brand will introduce more high-performance technology on the ZyCoat side, like the high-temperature, heat-dissipating coating Zybar.
"HushMat and ZyCoat will also be part of two of the most iconic hot rod builds of our time: one representing the origin of the hot rod industry and the other the latest in hot rod manufacturing and craftsmanship! Visit the HushMat and ZyCoat Booth #23195 in Central Hall; it will be worth every second!" said McCarthy.
FiTech Fuel Injection, meanwhile, revealed some of its innovations set for display in Booth #23493, including a teaser of new product lines that won't disappoint Showgoers interested in aftermarket fuel injection.
Our source from FiTech Fuel Injection teased the "NEMESIS," which SEMA Showgoers will be able to experience in-person in the FiTech Booth #23493.
"Not only will we continue to advance the fuel-injection technology with some highly advanced developments, but we will also be adding several new lines, some of which will include oil pans, valve covers and other engine accessories. Watch out, the 'NEMESIS' is here," teased Michael Wahl, vice president of sales and marketing, FiTech. "Over the past few years, FiTech has made drastic improvements to our EFI line to become the leader in aftermarket fuel injection. With our commitment to customer satisfaction and a three-year warranty, FiTech is aiming to fulfill more of our customers' needs."
Also in Hot Rod Alley is BedWood, the provider of custom wood pickup bed kits. In the BedWood Booth #22791, Showgoers can expect to see "a broad expansion in the vehicle fitment coverage in our line of RETROLINER real wood bed liners for late model trucks," said company founder and CEO Jeffrey Major. "Additionally, our current and future distribution partners can learn more about how we can help drive their sales with our unmatched selection, product knowledge, and simple '"one part number, one complete solution'" method of supplying an entire bed kit."
For Dynamat, the provider of noise, vibration and heat control, Vice President of Marketing and Creative Rick Artz shared the manufacturer will highlight its newly launched product called ProX, which "has tested to be the best sound deadener available today as well as products launched in 2024 prior to SEMA," said Artz. Visit the Dynamat Booth #22693 to witness the new ProX up close alongside the brand's growing automotive portfolio and beautiful builds from some of the industry's top builders.
Dynamat's new ProX is designed to be among the best sound deadeners available today and will be available to see in the Dynamat Booth #22693 at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Building some of the finest vehicles, chassis and suspension for street and performance for more than 30 years, the Roadster Shop will once again use the SEMA Show's global audience to its advantage in Booth #22477.
"Roadster Shop has always leveraged the opportunity that SEMA presents to 'kick-off' the upcoming year by debuting new and exciting chassis offerings or cutting-edge new vehicle builds, and this year will be no different; you will just have to come to the Show and see for yourself!" said Phil Gerber, owner of the Roadster Shop, who also divulged the brand will showcase its line-up of performance chassis options for muscle cars, street trucks and classic off-road trucks. In addition, "several" new Roadster Shop vehicle builds are set to make their debut on the SEMA Showfloor this year, so this is one opportunity buyers, media, influencers and professionals in the Hot Rod space don't want to miss!
"SEMA Show's Central Hall has become 'the hub' for restomod with some amazing builds to show off performance-based products as well as leading trends of tomorrow," said Ross Berlanga, director of marketing, TMI Products. "The SEMA Show is a great place to discuss TMI's complete interior-in-a-box product offering to businesses of all sizes and segments, and the pricing structure that will make you money."
Among the products in the TMI Products Booth #24477 will be its '80s muscle car interior products, including a complete interior kit for third-gen Camaros.
TMI's Berlanga told SEMA News that their team will be "rockin' great mullets" in Booth #24477 to complement its '80s muscle car interior products, beginning with a complete interior kit for third-gen Camaros. In addition, TMI will also feature the next generation of its custom configurator, allowing users to "customize one of our bucket seats with many different color and material options right from TMIproducts.com. The TMI Configurator also has matching molded door panels that can be customized, too," he added.
Finally, the TMI TRIM Awards returns for its third year, allowing the manufacturer to spotlight the best interiors throughout the SEMA Show campus. Open to any vehicle displayed at SEMA, these awards are for builders who want to showcase their masterpieces with hand-crafted, custom interiors. Interested builders can enter at tmiproducts.com/trim-awards-2024-entry-form.
For Australia's Bangin Headlights, owner George told SEMA News that attendees can expect to see two new headlights introduced to the market. "Over the last year (including at the 2023 SEMA Show), we had dozens of requests for new products. Based on our two most popular requests, we are launching two new headlights. One is a new size/shape, and the other has a new look in 7" round headlights," he said. "We will, of course, also display our full range of 7" and 5.75" LED headlights along with our very popular intake conversion kits.
"As classic cars get older, there is a greater need to have access to great restoration products. At the same time, companies like Bangin Headlights are innovating and making modern products for the classic and RestMod scene," he concluded.
Hester, owner of Flat Out Autos, shared the brand continues to refine its offerings and will unveil three new builds in the Restoration Marketplace: a new retro '24 GMC Jimmy conversion, a '58 Corvette restomod and a '72 Cutlass restomod.
Flat Out Autos' booth at the SEMA Show last year featured cutting-edge builds shown here. This year, the brand plans to unveil three new builds in the Restoration Marketplace: a new retro '24 GMC Jimmy conversion, a '58 Corvette restomod and a '72 Cutlass restomod.
Nowhere other than the SEMA Show can these restoration and hot-rod innovations be seen in person, under one roof, and in front of the global automotive aftermarket. "[SEMA is] like a homecoming for the automotive industry," Hester said. "No matter what your focus in the automotive industry: trucks, overlanding, audio, refinishing, old school hot rods, [whatever, SEMA] has something for everyone."
Keep an eye on SEMA News for previews of the other SEMA Show halls that will be teeming with the latest products, services, innovations and collaborations. And be sure to secure credentials to the event by registering here.
SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all, so registration fees are only $40 through Friday, June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.
Brands and exhibitors: success in the automotive aftermarket starts with the SEMA Show. Reserve your booth here. For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor.
Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.
By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, FMVSS127, that makes automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, standard on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. by September 2029.
According to NHTSA, "The new standard requires all cars be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour and that the systems must detect pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. In addition, the standard requires that the system apply the brakes automatically up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected." Under the rule, vehicles will be required to have an AEB system that applies the brakes automatically at any forward speed greater than 6.2 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent.
SEMA provided extensive comments to NHTSA in response to the agency's proposed rulemaking in August 2023. The finalized rule includes a SEMA-specific section focused on aftermarket modifications and references SEMA members (alterers) and repair businesses.
Although the final rulemaking focuses on vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA concluded that alterers and repair businesses are obligated to prevent a noncompliance with FMVSS 127 created by this final rule. The rule provides some flexibility in terms of compliance for law enforcement vehicles.
Other significant elements of the new federal safety standard for AEB include:
The final rule did not adopt SEMA's recommendation that the rule should require automakers to share specific information, such as diagnostic codes, with consumers.
SEMA Garage and Government Affairs staff are reviewing the final rule to better understand how it will impact our members. Once that review is complete, SEMA will be in contact with its membership to explain the details of the rule and the impact it will have on their businesses.
In the meantime, those who may be affected by this ruling or have questions may contact ADAS@SEMA.org.
A link to the NHTSA announcement and full rule can be found here: NHTSA Finalizes Rule on Automatic Emergency Braking.
By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, FMVSS127, that makes automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, standard on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. by September 2029.
According to NHTSA, "The new standard requires all cars be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour and that the systems must detect pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. In addition, the standard requires that the system apply the brakes automatically up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected." Under the rule, vehicles will be required to have an AEB system that applies the brakes automatically at any forward speed greater than 6.2 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent.
SEMA provided extensive comments to NHTSA in response to the agency's proposed rulemaking in August 2023. The finalized rule includes a SEMA-specific section focused on aftermarket modifications and references SEMA members (alterers) and repair businesses.
Although the final rulemaking focuses on vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA concluded that alterers and repair businesses are obligated to prevent a noncompliance with FMVSS 127 created by this final rule. The rule provides some flexibility in terms of compliance for law enforcement vehicles.
Other significant elements of the new federal safety standard for AEB include:
The final rule did not adopt SEMA's recommendation that the rule should require automakers to share specific information, such as diagnostic codes, with consumers.
SEMA Garage and Government Affairs staff are reviewing the final rule to better understand how it will impact our members. Once that review is complete, SEMA will be in contact with its membership to explain the details of the rule and the impact it will have on their businesses.
In the meantime, those who may be affected by this ruling or have questions may contact ADAS@SEMA.org.
A link to the NHTSA announcement and full rule can be found here: NHTSA Finalizes Rule on Automatic Emergency Braking.
By SEMA News Editors
Check out this week's episode of the "Car Stories" podcast featuring SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola! You can listen on iHeartRadio and wherever you listen to your podcasts--or watch the full episode on the "Car Stories" YouTube channel, embedded below.
In this episode, Spagnola discusses the future of the car community and SEMA's important role in supporting an ever-evolving industry. He also shares his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding electric vehicles. Life advice was also covered as Spagnola delves into the key elements of a successful marriage. Podcast hosts Fast & Furious star Sung Kang and car builder and driver Emelia Hartford join in on the fun, sharing their scariest ghost stories.
Don't miss out on the full episode, now available on YouTube below:
By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The Alaska House of Representatives approved SEMA-supported legislation (HB 375) to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel technology by preventing a state agency, county, or city from limiting access to internal-combustion engines.
The bill is scheduled for a Senate Committee on Transportation hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
"HB 375 is a pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-business piece of legislation," said Colby Martin, SEMA’s director of state government affairs, during the hearing. "SEMA urges the senate to support this bill and allow the automotive industry to continue delivering the freedom and choice that Alaskans deserve."
Alaska is the latest of several states seeking similar proposals. SEMA believes that Alaskans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs.
Use this link to send a letter to lawmakers supporting this pro-industry legislation.
For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org.
By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
The Alaska House of Representatives approved SEMA-supported legislation (HB 375) to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel technology by preventing a state agency, county, or city from limiting access to internal-combustion engines.
The bill is scheduled for a Senate Committee on Transportation hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
"HB 375 is a pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-business piece of legislation," said Colby Martin, SEMA’s director of state government affairs, during the hearing. "SEMA urges the senate to support this bill and allow the automotive industry to continue delivering the freedom and choice that Alaskans deserve."
Alaska is the latest of several states seeking similar proposals. SEMA believes that Alaskans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs.
Use this link to send a letter to lawmakers supporting this pro-industry legislation.
For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Jesse Stoddard, CEO of AutoStyle Marketing, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer.
Watch the video below to learn more about Stoddard's career and passion for the industry.
SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in automotive restyling?
Jesse Stoddard: To help my friend whose husband owned a restyling business and passed away. I wanted to help her build the business to help create a legacy.
SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
JS: I like the idea of helping the members who are small-business owners like me and helping the industry even in a small way. I've met great people by being a part of things.
SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
JS: Network, get to know people and show an interest. Be a sincere learner.
SN: What is your dream vehicle?
JS: My dream vehicle is one that comfortably takes me to a five-star resort on a beach.
SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?
JS: Find something you love and are passionate about and go all in.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
JS: The people.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
JS: With my family, exploring a new place or doing a new activity.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.