SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.
Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.
Showgoers can save more than $100 per night at several Las Vegas hotels, including Wynn and Encore, by booking in the SEMA Show Block.
All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.
The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Fredric Aasbo Wins Formula DRIFT Atlanta in Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra
Fredric Aasbo won Formula DRIFT Atlanta in the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra last Saturday.
Defending champion Fredric Aasbo won Formula DRIFT Atlanta in the Rockstar Energy Toyota GR Supra last Saturday, making it two for two this season for the Papadakis Racing Toyota team. Aasbo now leads the points standings while teammate Ryan Tuerck is third in the Rain-X/Nitto Tire Toyota GR Corolla.
Aasbo qualified third on Friday to line up in a challenging corner of the Formula DRIFT elimination bracket. After overcoming Brazilian driver Joao Barion in the opening round, he faced down veteran Justin “JTP” Pawlak and then met teammate Tuerck in the quarterfinal round.
In the final four, Aasbo faced down championship favorite Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis and then went on to a highlight battle against three-time champion Chris Forsberg. With five championship titles between them, drivers Forsberg and Aasbo have a long history of close competition and a similar tactical style. Judges declared their first head-to-head match too close to call, with Forsberg putting in a tidy performance that didn’t deliver the proximity of Aasbo’s run.
But Aasbo delivered a clear victory in the rematch to take the event win. As the pressure mounted, Aasbo repeated his aggressive drive while Forsberg made a big error, putting all four wheels off track.
Effective Wednesday, May 4, Chris Bennett has joined Maxxsonics as a national sales manager. He will add more growth and company outreach while driving sales in 2022 and beyond. Previously, Bennett was the director of mobile audio at AudioControl and a
national key account manager at Metra Electronics. He also owned a successful
retail shop in California called Audio Habitat. With nearly 30 years of service in
the 12v community, his passion for car audio is well known.
As a national sales manager at Maxxsonics, Bennett will create products and
opportunities for direct dealers and helping Maxxsonics distribution partners
grow and thrive. In addition, he will educate and train clients so they can
make the most out of using the company’s products. He will also help strengthen the reputation of all Maxxsonics brands.
BJ Leanse
BJ Leanse Announces His Retirement
BJ Leanse, national sales manager, Iddea California LLC; Big Country Truck Accessories & Go Rhino Products, has announced his retirement. He was a past SEMA Board member (2008–2011), past chair of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) [2005–2008] and was a member of the PRO select committee (2019–2020).
AWE Announces Sales Team Promotions
AWE has promoted Michael “Dragon” Johnston to the position of key accounts manager and Skye Cartwright to account representative. Johnston, who specializes in modern muscle, sport compact, and European and exotic markets, has been with AWE for three years. He will focus on a group of key accounts in his new position, plus grow and add relationships. Cartwright, meanwhile, joined AWE in May 2021 as sales coordinator. In his new position, he will work with AWE’s dealer network.
Eleven Engineering and ACI Announce New Alliance
Eleven Engineering Inc. has announced a new design and development Value Added Partner (VAP) alliance with Los Angeles-based Audio Components International Inc. (ACI). The VAP agreement creates a resource for both ACI and Eleven’s customer bases for new-product development and design of various wireless audio products utilizing Eleven Engineering’s high-performance wireless audio semiconductors and SKAA technology.
ACI serves major consumer electronics brands with design and develop expertise for loudspeaker products using decades of vast experience in acoustical, mechanical and electrical engineering. ACI works to increase a customer’s capacity and productivity while seamlessly integrating with the customer’s sales, engineering and quality teams.
John DeBalso (left) and David Ayers (right).
AAM Group Promotes John DeBalso and David Ayers
The AAM Group has announced the promotion of two senior employees. John DeBalso has been named executive vice president of supplier relations, while David Ayers is now vice president of operations.
DeBalso, who has been with AAM for 16 years and is a former CAN board of directors member, will continue to lead AAM’s purchasing, compliance, and supplier-relations efforts.
Ayers, previously AAM’s director of marketing and current SEMA TORA select committee member, will concentrate on strategic marketing and technology projects and other operational priorities. Andy Stacy, who was recently promoted to marketing manager, will assume oversight of AAM’s day-to-day marketing activities.
Ivan Korda
Power Automedia Tabs Lloyd Hunt for Chief Revenue Officer Role; Ivan Korda Promoted to Senior Director of Business Development
After three years in his role as Power Automedia’s senior director of business development, Lloyd Hunt has been promoted to chief revenue officer. In his new role, Hunt will be responsible for all sales and customer relationships working alongside Ivan Korda, who is set up to succeed him as the new senior director of business development. Korda and Hunt will be the guiding hands for nurturing Power Automedia's expanding client base.
Lloyd Hunt
In his previous role as senior director of business development, Hunt successfully increased revenue through new business development and client acquisition. He also played a key role in expanding Power Automedia’s reach into new markets—leading and developing sales strategies in the ever-changing marketplace of the automotive aftermarket media landscape.
Both Hunt and Korda have developed powerful relationships through servicing clients, helping them craft digital marketing strategies through Power Automedia’s various channels of video production, editorial and social media. Hunt’s experience in sales, business development and management will be pivotal in his new role as chief revenue officer, while Korda’s skills in developing relationships and business strategies will help him excel as senior director of business development.
GEN-Y Hitch Partners with R&R Marketing Consultants Throughout North American Territories
GEN-Y Hitch is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc.
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has been chosen by GEN-Y Hitch to provide sales and marketing services throughout the United States and Canada, the firm has announced. RRMCI will represent GEN-Y Hitch’s entire lineup including the MEGA-DUTY, The BOSS, Aluminum Loading Ramps, accessories and more. GEN-Y Hitch is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. The Kansas City-based firm has earned six SEMA Representative of the Year Awards for their work in the automotive aftermarket.
Chevrolet Performance Continues Support of Custom Car Builders at Goodguys Events Through 2024
Each show season, Goodguys and Chevrolet Performance will recognize two professional builders with the top performance-built GM and GM-powered vehicles.
Goodguys has announced the extension of a deal with General Motors to present the Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year and the Chevrolet Performance Retro Iron Builder of the Year awards through the 2024 show calendar. Each show season, Goodguys and Chevrolet Performance will recognize two professional builders with the top performance-built GM and GM-powered vehicles. Winners in each category will receive a Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise powertrain system.
Finalists for these awards will be chosen at each Goodguys show before selecting overall winners at the end of the season. The winning builders will be awarded an engine and transmission package with a value of $31,218 (GM Iron) and $21,349 (Retro Iron). The award-winning vehicles will be displayed at the Goodguys season finale event, the Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, and featured in Goodguys’ print and digital media outlets. For more information about the Goodguys Chevrolet Performance Builder of the Year awards and other Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events and programs, visit www.good-guys.com.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a notice that it will begin a formal review process of the Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China that could lead to the continuation, modification or end to the tariffs. At this time, the review is only for the List 1 and List 2 tariffs but a review for Lists 3 and 4a will be announced later this year.
When Section 301 tariffs are imposed, the law requires the USTR to pursue a review at the beginning of the fourth-year. The first step is to notify representatives of domestic industries, which benefit from the tariffs about the possibility of the tariffs being terminated and allow those representatives to request their continuation. Requests for continuation must be received in the 60 days leading up to the four-year anniversary of the tariffs, which is by July 5 for List 1 and August 22 for List 2.
Assuming a continuation request is received, the tariffs will remain in place into the next phase of the review process when all interested stakeholders may provide comments. At this time, SEMA will provide comments recommending the removal of the tariffs. The USTR will then review the public comments and determine whether to continue, modify, or end the tariffs.
In 2018, the USTR instituted a Section 301 investigation of Chinese trade practices and imposed $50 billion in tariffs on a variety of goods on Lists 1 and 2, including miscellaneous metal and rubber parts. After China responded with retaliatory tariffs, the U.S. imposed the additional List 3 and 4a tariffs. The List 3 tariffs apply to most auto parts. They began at 10% in September 2018 but increased to 25% in May 2019.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Credentialed 2022 SEMA Show attendees can access the event for free with their badge. Enthusiasts may purchase tickets at www.semaignited.com beginning June 3, 2022.
SEMA Ignited, the only official SEMA Show after-party, will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Tickets available for purchase will include $20 “Standing Room Access” to SEMA Ignited. These ticket holders are able to meet with exhibiting companies and have a great view of the SEMA Cruise as well as all the drifting performances. You can also reserve your bleacher seat at the event and purchase your “Reserved Seating” ticket for $50. The limited reserved seating tickets allow you the opportunity to visit exhibiting companies, stop at one of the many food trucks for a bite to eat or just grab a drink without the concern of losing your seat.
Enthusiasts also have the opportunity to purchase the SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience badge allowing FRIDAY-ONLY access to the 2022 SEMA Show as well as standing room access to SEMA Ignited for $70, if purchased prior to September 30. After this date, SEMA Ignited, Friday Experience tickets will cost $100.
Friday Experience badge pick up will be located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Friday Experience Registration area. Friday Experience Registration hours are Friday, November 4, between 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. SEMA Show hours on Friday, November 4, are 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Important Restrictions: Each person registered for the SEMA Friday Experience must pick up their badge with their purchase confirmation bar code and photo ID. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do not need to qualify to purchase and you MUST be at least 16 years or older to purchase and attend the Show.
For more information about Friday Experience or SEMA Ignited, contact info@semaignited.com.
Another prototype for the next-generation Hyundai Kona has been spied testing in Spain ahead of a possible reveal in 2023. Although this spied Kona prototype appears to be an internal-combustion-powered model due to the exhaust tip visible in the rear shots, Hyundai is expected to continue to offer a Kona Electric.
By the looks of this prototype, it appears the Kona has grown. The current Kona measures in at 4,205mm long and 1,550mm tall, or 4,215mm long and 1,560mm tall in the N Line and N Line Premium trims. All models are 1,800mm wide and have a 2,600mm wheelbase.
Looking at the front of the prototype, the split headlight design with the main headlight unit is mounted lower on the bumper and the daytime running lights mounted higher.
The first-generation Kona, which debuted in 2017, was the first Hyundai vehicle to feature the split headlight design. This design element has since been rolled out to other Hyundai offerings such as the Staria, Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson and Venue. Compared to the current Kona, this prototype has a headlight unit that’s more vertical like the ones on the Palisade.
Around the side it’s hard to distinguish what changes have been made, but the wheelbase appears to be slightly elongated while the overhangs don’t appear longer than those of the current car. The rear end of the spied Kona prototype is almost entirely camouflaged, so what it’ll look like remains a mystery.
It’s hard to tell if the taillights are fake prototype units or production-ready ones, but it appears the next-generation Kona could continue to offer split lighting at the rear, too. In the current-model Kona, there’s a slim unit up higher on the tailgate that houses the brake lights and the running lights, as well as a lower unit that houses the reverse lights, indicators and the reflectors.
In terms of engine offerings, it’s unclear if there will be any changes to the existing lineup. It was previously reported that Hyundai has closed its engine development division, with a small group of engineers continuing to update existing internal-combustion engine designs.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, taking place November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2–18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10–15 minutes.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
The digital SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM)—one of the most powerful online tools—was developed to highlight links to all of the resources pertinent to having a successful exhibit at the Show.
Utilizing the New Products Showcase is the best way to get your products in front of thousands of buyers at the SEMA Show.
To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Time spent understanding the tools available to you will pay dividends with ease of participation, provide better visibility with buyers and save you valuable time and money.
The SEMA Awards Gala (formerly the SEMA Installation Gala) is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.
Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at the SEMA Awards Gala, Friday, July 29, in Anaheim, California, to honor 2022's SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees. The gala will take place at the Westin Anaheim Resort.
Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala (now the SEMA Awards Gala) has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.
Connect with friends and family who share a common passion and love for the industry. Join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees’ lifetime achievements.
The evening will feature cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited. A full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala is now open.
The 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Tuesday–Thursday, July 26–28, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
SEMA Vice President, Events Tom Gattuso will provide Exhibitor Summit attendees helpful tips on how to be successful at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will receive helpful tips from Show management and have the opportunity to meet with their SEMA Show sales director. During educational sessions, exhibitors will learn how to:
Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
Properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships.
Participate in the New Products Showcase.
Utilize the Exhibitor Services Manual.
There is no cost to attend. Exhibitors pay for their flight and SEMA takes care of the rest, which includes hotel, shuttle service from hotel to LVCC, breakfast and lunch, a cocktail Hour on July 26 and an excursion on July 27 (TBD).
For more information, contact the Show department at semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.
