By Kenny Wright

SEMA is proud to present "A Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport," a lively session slated for the Main Stage at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

Willy T. Ribbs and Beth Paretta.

Willy T. Ribbs is a legendary race car driver who defied barriers and made history in the world of motorsports. On Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show Main Stage, he will be joined by moderator Beth Paretta during a special fireside-style chat featuring an in-depth and personal look into the life of an American racecar champion, innovator and living legend, along with insights and stories that can only be told by Ribbs himself.

Join Ribbs as he recounts his incredible life story as a pioneer in racing, being the first Black driver to qualify for the legendary Indianapolis 500 and win a major professional race in the United States; driving a Formula One racecar; and in 2022, being named Formula One ambassador for diversity and inclusion. Through his courage and resilience, Ribbs shattered barriers and paved the way for generations of racecar drivers, forever changing the landscape of motorsports.

Today, Ribbs works tirelessly with organizations like Formula One, advocating for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. Recently, he was also the subject of a feature-length biographical documentary film, "UPPITY: The Willy T. Ribbs Story." 

Paretta is the CEO and team principal of Paretta Autosport, the first woman-owned, woman-driven and woman-forward team in IndyCar history. Prior to launching the team, Paretta held leadership roles across operations, marketing and finance at Volkswagen Group, Aston Martin and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Paretta is also a board member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the global Marketing Delegate for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and was named an Industry Influencer by the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2023.

The can't-miss "Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport" is available to all SEMA Show attendees. Registration is encouraged and available here. Sign up today!

Event Info

A Fireside Chat

Thursday, November 2 • 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PDT

Location: N258

Click here to register and add to your My Show Planner calendar.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola has submitted comments outlining concerns about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed  corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years '27-'32. If finalized, NHTSA's proposal will force automakers to rapidly expand sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to avoid paying an estimated $14 billion in fines. The agency maintains that the proposal would align CAFE standards with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) proposed multi-pollutant standards, which SEMA strongly opposed earlier this year. SEMA opposes the Biden Administration's continued efforts to issue regulations that effectively mandate the production of EVs and limit consumer choice.  

Click here to read SEMA's official comment to NHTSA. 

Among other things, highlights of NHTSA's proposed fuel economy standards for model-years '27-'32 would require: 

• A 2% per year improvement in fuel efficiency for cars and a 4% per year improvement for light trucks. 
• Automakers to meet a 58 miles per gallon (mpg) average by 2032. 
• A 10% improvement per year for commercial pickup trucks and work vans for model-years '30-'35. 

"SEMA members want to continue to be part of the solution to making vehicles more efficient and reducing emissions," said Spagnola. "The best way to accomplish this goal is to let the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve."  

NHTSA is expected to finalize its CAFE rulemaking in early 2024. You can read more about SEMA's efforts to protect the interest of the specialty automotive aftermarket by visiting sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola has submitted comments outlining concerns about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed  corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years '27-'32. If finalized, NHTSA's proposal will force automakers to rapidly expand sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to avoid paying an estimated $14 billion in fines. The agency maintains that the proposal would align CAFE standards with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) proposed multi-pollutant standards, which SEMA strongly opposed earlier this year. SEMA opposes the Biden Administration's continued efforts to issue regulations that effectively mandate the production of EVs and limit consumer choice.  

Click here to read SEMA's official comment to NHTSA. 

Among other things, highlights of NHTSA's proposed fuel economy standards for model-years '27-'32 would require: 

• A 2% per year improvement in fuel efficiency for cars and a 4% per year improvement for light trucks. 
• Automakers to meet a 58 miles per gallon (mpg) average by 2032. 
• A 10% improvement per year for commercial pickup trucks and work vans for model-years '30-'35. 

"SEMA members want to continue to be part of the solution to making vehicles more efficient and reducing emissions," said Spagnola. "The best way to accomplish this goal is to let the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve."  

NHTSA is expected to finalize its CAFE rulemaking in early 2024. You can read more about SEMA's efforts to protect the interest of the specialty automotive aftermarket by visiting sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Melanie White, the chair-elect of SEMA's Board of Directors and CEO of Hellwig Products in Visalia, California, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) trade show. While in our nation's capital, White met with U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA), whose San Joaquin Valley District includes parts of Fresno and Tulare Counties, and his staff.

U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) hosts Melanie White, the chair-elect of SEMA's Board of Directors; her son, Jensen (seated); and Austin Munger (right) in his Washington office.

The meeting provided White an opportunity to invite Rep. Costa to tour Hellwig Products and discuss key issues of importance to her company and other SEMA members, including H.R. 906, the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act," along with supply-chain and workforce issues. SEMA thanks White for taking the time to advocate for the industry and encourages SEMA members to develop relationships with their elected officials at all levels of government.  

Whether in Washington, D.C., or state capitals around the country, public policy battles are won by organized interests that have relationships with lawmakers. The organizations that shape public policy are comprised of businesses and individuals who know their lawmakers. More importantly, their lawmakers know them! 

SEMA is committed to helping its member companies develop relationships with the men and women who represent them in Congress and their state legislature. Providing your lawmakers with a tour of your business is one of the best ways to educate them on the things that matter most to your company. These visits have been integral to developing meaningful relationships with lawmakers that help them understand the specialty automotive aftermarket so that they can advocate for policies that defend and grow it. If you would like to get to know your members of Congress, SEMA staff stands ready to help! 

The first step in developing a relationship with your lawmakers is to introduce yourself and invite them to your business. SEMA staff will draft up an invitation, send it to your lawmakers, and manage the day-of logistics for the event. If you'd like to host your elected officials, email Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

Please let us know if you're going to be in the Washington, D.C. area so that we can schedule a meeting for you with your members of Congress and their staff and save the date on your calendar for SEMA's 2024 Washington Rally on May 8-9, where SEMA members will congregate in our nation's capital and meet with their members of Congress.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Melanie White, the chair-elect of SEMA's Board of Directors and CEO of Hellwig Products in Visalia, California, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) trade show. While in our nation's capital, White met with U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA), whose San Joaquin Valley District includes parts of Fresno and Tulare Counties, and his staff.

U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) hosts Melanie White, the chair-elect of SEMA's Board of Directors; her son, Jensen (seated); and Austin Munger (right) in his Washington office.

The meeting provided White an opportunity to invite Rep. Costa to tour Hellwig Products and discuss key issues of importance to her company and other SEMA members, including H.R. 906, the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act," along with supply-chain and workforce issues. SEMA thanks White for taking the time to advocate for the industry and encourages SEMA members to develop relationships with their elected officials at all levels of government.  

Whether in Washington, D.C., or state capitals around the country, public policy battles are won by organized interests that have relationships with lawmakers. The organizations that shape public policy are comprised of businesses and individuals who know their lawmakers. More importantly, their lawmakers know them! 

SEMA is committed to helping its member companies develop relationships with the men and women who represent them in Congress and their state legislature. Providing your lawmakers with a tour of your business is one of the best ways to educate them on the things that matter most to your company. These visits have been integral to developing meaningful relationships with lawmakers that help them understand the specialty automotive aftermarket so that they can advocate for policies that defend and grow it. If you would like to get to know your members of Congress, SEMA staff stands ready to help! 

The first step in developing a relationship with your lawmakers is to introduce yourself and invite them to your business. SEMA staff will draft up an invitation, send it to your lawmakers, and manage the day-of logistics for the event. If you'd like to host your elected officials, email Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

Please let us know if you're going to be in the Washington, D.C. area so that we can schedule a meeting for you with your members of Congress and their staff and save the date on your calendar for SEMA's 2024 Washington Rally on May 8-9, where SEMA members will congregate in our nation's capital and meet with their members of Congress.

By Ashley Reyes

The Professional Restylers Organization's (PRO) PRO Cup Challenge is returning to the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, with six new automotive restyled builds that will push the limits of style and creativity.

Designed to spotlight the benefits of accessorizing new-model vehicles, the competition challenges automotive restylers to develop an accessory package that is both profitable and easy to replicate. The goal of the program is to attract a wide range of vehicle buyers to accessorize their vehicles, and show fellow restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of offering marketable packages. Six competitors will have their vehicle featured in PRO Cup Challenge Booth #50185 during the week of the SEMA Show and be entered to win one of two PRO Cup Challenge awards. This year's PRO Cup Challenge companies and vehicles are: 

• Apex Customs: '24 Ford Mustang GT
• Auto Sunroof & Leather: '24 Subaru Crosstrek Sport
• RDMBUILDS: '23 Jeep Gladiator Willys
• Restylers Aftermarket Specialist: '23 GMC Sierra 1500
• Top Coverage LTD: '23 Ford F-150 Regular Cab
• VIP Distributing: '23 GMC Yukon Denali XL

Visit the PRO Cup Challenge Booth (West Hall, Booth #50185) to witness the transformative vehicle packages that were built by PRO member companies, walk away with ideas to accessorize your own car and vote for your favorite build to win the PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award.

Judges will determine the PRO Cup Challenge winning vehicle, a separate award, based on how easy the vehicle is to replicate and its estimated profit to automotive restyling companies and dealerships. 

Industry members are invited to attend the winner announcement of both awards during PRO's Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the LVCC West Hall, Booth #50185.

To learn more about the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, visit here.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all. Registration is still available online for $120 through the event date. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!   

And, it's never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app.

By Ashley Reyes

Attendees of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will be inspired by the latest cutting-edge trends and innovations in the truck and off-road industry at the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle Trail located on the walkway outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, between North Hall and West Hall.  

Presented by the TORA council as part of its feature vehicle program, the trail will showcase nine unique builds competing for the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award that exemplify the diversity of opportunities in the truck and off-road market. Discover new design concepts--from rugged and robust builds to adventure-ready and versatile creations--and witness the unique ways that aftermarket products and technologies can be used on trucks and off-road builds.  

This year's selected companies and featured vehicles are:

• Berg Performance Inc.: '05 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 
• Custom Auto Air: '73 Jeep J10 
• Custom FN Customs: '72 Chevrolet Blazer     
• Dixie 4 Wheel Drive: '21 Jeep Gladiator       
• Eastern Truck & Accessories: '57 Willys Panel Wagon 
• Front Runner Outfitters: '23 Toyota Tundra  
• Pags Speed Shop/Kehrerco: '74 Ford F-250 Crew Cab    
• Patriot Liner/American Coating Humvee: '85 AM General     
• Southern Off-Road Specialists: '10 Toyota Tacoma 

Attendees of the SEMA Show are encouraged to visit the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail--located on the walkway outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, between North Hall and West Hall--and be immersed in a variety of customized builds. Attendees are also encouraged to vote for their favorite to win the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award.  

The TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award winner will be announced at TORA's Reception on Wednesday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. PDT inside the West Hall, 3rd Floor Pre-Function Area. All TORA member companies are invited to attend the event to join in on the awards ceremony, network in a relaxed atmosphere and learn about the benefits of being a TORA member. 

To learn more about the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance, visit sema.org/tora.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Business Members can access exclusive membership perks that will help them build their business, grow their network and enhance their attendee experience while at the 2023 SEMA Show. 

Member Lounges

Conveniently located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, the member lounges offer a dedicated location for members to relax, refuel and recharge at the SEMA Show. The lounges offer internet access, charging stations, timesaving Grab 'N' Go lunches for purchase and meeting rooms. Secure a meeting room here, or visit the member lounges at:   

• Members Lounge, North Hall, Room N251
• Members Lounge, South Hall, Driven by WTC, Booth #34000
• Members Lounge, West Hall, Fueled by TORA, Booth #58051

Member Central

Meet your SEMA Membership Team and discover how SEMA member benefits and services can help you and your business. Swing by and pick up your SEMA Member Ribbon here or RSVP to attend the SEMA General Membership Meeting.  

Education Sessions

Take advantage of SEMA Education sessions to elevate and strengthen your business. With six education tracks and more than 100 sessions, the education seminars will be your go-to destination to learn from top industry experts as they delve into the most relevant, top-of-mind business issues and ideas impacting the automotive aftermarket industry. Register for sessions here.

General Membership Meeting

Get essential updates on SEMA Association services, year-round member benefits and SEMA's newest initiatives during the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. in the Members Lounge North (Room N251). The meeting promises to be an informative start to your day and will be led by SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and Chairman of the Board Kyle Fickler. RSVP here.

Networking Events

Network with like-minded professionals who share common interests or challenges at SEMA Council & Network events. Additionally, gain insights into the wealth of programs and resources tailored to support the growth and prosperity of your specific segment. Explore the event lineup and RSVP here.

For questions on SEMA Show perks for business members, contact your dedicated SEMA Membership Team at members@sema.org or (909) 610-2030. 

For general updates on the SEMA Show, visit SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

A SEMA tradition continues at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, as Mothers Polish will once again offer a free wipe-down service to display vehicles. Booth vehicles, sponsored vehicles and featured vehicles are all eligible and will be cleaned up each morning by the Mothers Polish detailing team using some of their finest car care offerings.

If you (or your organization) have a vehicle that will be displayed at the 2023 SEMA Show, and you'd like to be included in the wipe-down service, sign up online here. Entries will be limited to 200 vehicles.

Mothers will also be on-site at the SEMA Show as the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Battle of the Builders--the automotive aftermarket's ultimate vehicle competition. Be sure to check out the Battle of the Builders display (Booth #10967) in North Hall this year.

By SEMA News Editors

Submissions are still open for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products and one of the best ways for exhibitors to generate leads and convert sales at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $150 each. There is no limit to the number of products a company can submit and no official close date for New Product Showcase entries (learn more and get involved at semashow.com/newproducts).

This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for even more expanded visibility and foot traffic. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to quickly discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

Each new product in the Showcase has a dedicated QR code that attendees can scan and learn more about the part and where the exhibitor is located, so getting involved is a great way to attract buyers to your booth. All New Products Showcase entries receive the added benefit of being featured in SEMA News, listed in the SEMA Show app, and possibly winning a Best New Product award, which will be presented in 18 categories, including electric vehicle (EV) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), during the official SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31.

Attendees looking to get a jump start on their 2023 SEMA Show plan can download the SEMA Show app at semashow.com/app to view new products, find exhibitors and events, get an overview of the floorplan, and much more.