By the SEMA D.C. office

A California bill creating a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered vehicles into zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) has cleared several major legislative hurdles, but a final vote has been delayed until 2024 due to the state's budget deficit. 

The bill, Senate Bill (SB) 301, is authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino and sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). It would offer Californians up to $4,000 to convert their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle into a ZEV, allowing the Golden State to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner motors.

The bill passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee in September 2023 and is eligible for a final vote on the Assembly floor. However, after discussions with Senator Portantino, SEMA decided not to proceed with a vote in 2023. The delay will allow SEMA and the legislature to pick up where they left off in 2024 instead of reintroducing the bill from scratch. 

"We understand that the state's budget deficit is a major concern, and we are committed to working with the legislature to ensure that SB 301 is enacted as soon as possible," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's Senior Director of State Government Affairs & Grassroots. 

"SB 301 is a win-win for California," Robinson continued. "It will help us to reduce emissions, support small businesses and create new jobs. We are confident that the legislature will see the value of this bill and pass it in 2024." 

SB 301 has won the backing of business and environmental groups alike. The California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), the Los Angeles Business Federation (LA BizFed), the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, BREATHE California, and CALSTART have all endorsed the bill. The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has also labeled SB 301 as a "Job Creator." 

California has multiple programs to promote the purchase of new ZEVs, but none assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles. SB 301 would fill this gap, making it more affordable for Californians to convert their existing vehicles to ZEVs. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.   

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you're a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.  

"SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment," said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. "The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out." 

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone--making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November. 

Explore the event calendar at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.   

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you're a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.  

"SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment," said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. "The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out." 

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone--making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November. 

Explore the event calendar at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has opened entries for its Design & Innovation Award and Evolution of Hot-Rodding Award that will recognize exceptional hot rods at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.  

The Design & Innovation Award will be presented to a builder or shop in recognition of a vehicle that exemplifies the meaning of an exceptional hot rod. The build will be judged on details in the design, craftsmanship and engineering that represent the passion and skill of the builder and the creativity of their innovative mind.

The Evolution of Hot-Rodding Award will be presented to a builder or shop in recognition of a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of tradition and embodies the evolving trends in the hot rod industry. The build will be judged on exceptional quality, creative design, innovative technology and features that advance and expand the definition of a hot rod. 

To enter, builders must post a photo of their vehicle on Instagram using the hashtag #SEMAHRIA2023. The caption must include the vehicle's year, make and model, builder name, shop name and booth number or relative location (i.e., Silver Lot) at the SEMA Show. The photo can be a sneak peek of a section of the car and does not have to be the entire vehicle.

Judges (three hot-rod industry experts) will view the entries on the SEMA Show floor. All entries will be considered for both awards at the discretion of the judges. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the HRIA Reception, Wednesday, November 1, from 5:15 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PDT at the Westgate Hotel, Pavilions 9-11.

Questions can be directed to HRIA Director Marcy Yanus at Marcy@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a proposed rule requiring automakers to equip new vehicles with seatbelt warning systems for the front passenger and rear seats. More than a decade after the agency was directed by The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21), NHTSA has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require a seatbelt use warning system for rear seats. Currently, FMVSS No. 208 only requires a seatbelt warning for driver seat use. 

NHTSA's draft rulemaking proposes:  

• A visual warning on a vehicle startup for at least 60 seconds, notifying the driver of the status of the rear seatbelts.  
• If a rear seatbelt is not buckled, an audio warning will go off for at least 30 seconds while driving. 
• An audio-visual warning for the right front passenger seat remains active until the seatbelt is secured, similar to the current driver seat warning. 

NHTSA is accepting public comments on the proposal until November 6. You may submit your written comments here. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington D.C. office 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a proposed rule requiring automakers to equip new vehicles with seatbelt warning systems for the front passenger and rear seats. More than a decade after the agency was directed by The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012 (MAP-21), NHTSA has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant crash protection," to require a seatbelt use warning system for rear seats. Currently, FMVSS No. 208 only requires a seatbelt warning for driver seat use. 

NHTSA's draft rulemaking proposes:  

• A visual warning on a vehicle startup for at least 60 seconds, notifying the driver of the status of the rear seatbelts.  
• If a rear seatbelt is not buckled, an audio warning will go off for at least 30 seconds while driving. 
• An audio-visual warning for the right front passenger seat remains active until the seatbelt is secured, similar to the current driver seat warning. 

NHTSA is accepting public comments on the proposal until November 6. You may submit your written comments here. 

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By SEMA Editors

An entry price increase is approaching 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. This year, the Showcase is relocating to the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for expanded visibility. Accessible exclusively to SEMA Showgoers, the New Products Showcase is the top buyer and media destination and serves as a one-stop shop to easily discover thousands of the hottest products in the industry.

All SEMA Show exhibitors qualify to submit one New Products Showcase entry at no cost. Additional products can be entered for $95 before Friday, October 6. After that date, the first product entry is still free, with additional entries $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).

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.

By SEMA Editors

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, that brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. It's a must-attend event that's open to the public and features world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk the Moon, Ludacris, The Struts, Badflower, Chase Matthew, Meg Meyers, Ayron Jones, Rome & Duddy, renforshort, Starcrawler, Dead Sara, Bones UK, Brooke Alexx, Paper Idol, The Foxies, Good Boy Daisy and Hot Crazy.

SEMA Fest, open to all ages of the public, will unite automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry "in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture." The event will feature a full slate of automotive lifestyle events, including world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross, off-road demonstrations, ride-and-drive activations, craft foods and a bustling consumer marketplace. 

Whether you're 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. 

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.

SEMA Fest: Ticketing and Admission

Admissions to SEMA Fest can be purchased at five distinct levels:

• 2-Day General Admission (all ages): $179, which allows access to all General Admission areas, including the SEMA Fest Marketplace, motorsports activations, headlining talent on two stages, and food and beverages are available for purchase.
• 2-Day General Admission PLUS (all ages): $229, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admissions as well as access to mobile phone charging stations, upgraded restroom facilities, and limited paid lockers to secure your personal belongings.
• SEMA Show Friday Festival Experience (ages 16+): $299, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS as well as access to the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Friday Festival Experience offers the ultimate bucket-list enthusiast experience like no other event on the planet. It's the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and discover the latest product and vehicle trends before anyone else.
• SEMA Fest VIP (all ages): $349, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS admissions as well as exclusive access to a VIP viewing area with premium sightlines, VIP food and beverages for purchase and VIP washrooms.
• SEMA Fest VIP and SEMA Show Friday Package (ages 16+): $469, which includes access to all the features of SEMA VIP admissions as well as access to the SEMA Show floor on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Keep an eye out for more details on the SEMA Fest ticket rewards program. To purchase tickets and receive the latest SEMA Fest updates, visit semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes 

SEMA Business Members are invited to join the association for its first-ever General Membership Meeting hosted at the 2023 SEMA Show!

Taking place on Thursday, November 2, from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. PDT in the LVCC Members Lounge North, Room N251, the meeting will provide SEMA Business Members with an exciting opportunity to network with other SEMA Business Members and learn about their association benefits and services, year-round business solutions and SEMA's latest initiatives. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. 

Attend the General Membership Meeting to help fuel your business growth at the world's premier automotive trade event. RSVP today!

Note: You must be an active SEMA Business Member to attend the General Membership Meeting. Registration for the meeting will not grant you access to the SEMA Show without a SEMA Show badge. If you still need to register, visit SEMAShow.com/register by September 29 for the best rates.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

SoCal SuperTrucks

Automotive Service Writer in San Bernardino, California

SoCal SuperTrucks is seeking a full-time service writer responsible for walk-in, phone and e-commerce sales inquiries, as well as communication with current and potential wholesale clients. Knowledge of trucks, Jeeps and off-road vehicles is a must for this role.

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center.