By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Rebel Off Road as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Bond Gilmer, Rebel Off Road's president, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Rebel Off Road. How did the company start?  

Bond Gilmer: I began Rebel Off Road in 2010 during the recession. There were many obstacles and growing pains. Being an unknown company, I had to rely on my expertise and knowledge to set Rebel Off Road apart from the other companies that were already in the industry. I did a lot of events like Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, King of the Hammers (KOH) and Jamborees, and began traveling across the country for these events, where I would let the quality of the workmanship and the components that I used for the builds speak for themselves. 

SN: Was there any kind of breakthrough moment for your company? 

BG: For Rebel Off Road, the biggest growth will come from the overland category as this is really where the whole family can get into the outdoors and outdoor travel. Having a rig that is capable of letting the entire family experience this great country's backroads and trails and lets them explore with confidence and ease will drive the company's direction. 

SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about? 

BG: We have a new partnership with Alpine USA with more details soon to be released. We're really excited about three build projects that are in the works. Briefly, we're building a stretched two-door Jeep Wrangler JL built specifically for rock crawling. We're also working on a new Jeep Gladiator build for the overland scene that will be next level with its functionality and capabilities. Lastly, a large military vehicle was built for promotion and to tow the new JL out to trails in Southern California. 

SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket? 

BG: Focus on the customer and what they are truly seeking to build. We pride ourselves on helping our customers reach their goals right the first time.  

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates 

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

Honda has opened a new research and development (R&D) facility in India to accelerate electrification in the country. 

The Bengaluru Solution R&D Center will incorporate advanced mobility technologies into electrified-vehicle development more quickly, and work on software and connected services by adopting technologies and ideas of research and development companies, according to the OEM. 

Additionally, the Solution R&D Center will partner with companies for new ideas to develop new services and businesses that go beyond the scope of existing businesses and products from a long-term perspective.

For more information, visit honda.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, at 9:30 a.m. PDT/12:30 p.m. EDT.

During the meeting, the MPMC select committee and SEMA Membership Director AJ Carney will provide valuable information on exclusive perks and business-building resources available to MPMC members. Additionally, Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of public and government affairs, will offer insight into supporting the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC). The event will conclude with a Q&A session, connecting event participants with the speakers.

All current and prospective MPMC members are encouraged to join the meeting, as it's a great way to get involved in the industry and learn what MPMC membership has to offer. 

Secure your spot for this informative event by registering here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting a networking mixer at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona. The event will take place on Thursday, May 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MST in the Oasis Bar and Food Court.

FLN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they will grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for young professionals in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the FLN select committee, discover open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships with peers and pros in the overlanding space. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Industry members aged 39 and under are invited to attend. It's a great way to introduce yourself and learn about FLN membership's many offerings. 

RSVP here.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, with the best value rates now available through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? Several non-casino properties are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests. Check these out and book with onPeak today!

Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open online here for qualified attendees. 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.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) into law to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a more straightforward path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified in support of the bill while the legislature was considering it. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.  

With its ambiguous 2-in. suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the previous law created roadblocks for all involved. Uncertainty plagued vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential.  

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement.  

"SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This legislation clears ambiguity and promotes innovation, benefiting both businesses and enthusiasts. We're proud to support Georgia's commitment to a vibrant automotive aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots.  

The enactment of SB 352 solidifies Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry.  

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) into law to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a more straightforward path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified in support of the bill while the legislature was considering it. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.  

With its ambiguous 2-in. suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the previous law created roadblocks for all involved. Uncertainty plagued vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential.  

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement.  

"SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This legislation clears ambiguity and promotes innovation, benefiting both businesses and enthusiasts. We're proud to support Georgia's commitment to a vibrant automotive aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots.  

The enactment of SB 352 solidifies Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry.  

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) into law to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a more straightforward path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified in support of the bill while the legislature was considering it. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.  

With its ambiguous 2-in. suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the previous law created roadblocks for all involved. Uncertainty plagued vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential.  

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement.  

"SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This legislation clears ambiguity and promotes innovation, benefiting both businesses and enthusiasts. We're proud to support Georgia's commitment to a vibrant automotive aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots.  

The enactment of SB 352 solidifies Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry.  

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.   

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 (and complimentary!) event is organized by SEMA Show management for exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas. 

SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit registration is available for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this program, and SEMA will provide hotel rooms 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 Coker Tire's Angelia Summers, who shared that the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit showed the manufacturer's team "how to be efficient and effective with our booth display. The Summit was a learning experience to see all our opportunities to integrate our product with the available assets at the Show. Plus, the breakout sessions gave our team a chance to ask questions about various parts of the Show and network with people in the industry," she said.

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 its 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 is open online here.

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