By Juan Torres

SEMA concluded the annual SEMA Show on Friday, November 5, noting the end of the Show represented the successful conclusion of the largest North American automotive trade show since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

More than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors, and media participated in the first full-facility event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, that occupied 4.6 million sq. ft. of convention space with an additional 2.2 million sq. ft. of parking space.

“The industry was clearly excited to be back in-person at the SEMA Show, both to capture business opportunities and to network and celebrate the world’s greatest collection of innovation on wheels,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Our industry was waiting to reconnect and the SEMA Show was a welcome homecoming after nearly two years apart.”

More than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors and media participated in the first full-facility event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, that occupied 4.6 million sq. ft. of convention space with an additional 2.2 million sq. ft. of parking space.

“We were excited to see our old friends and colleagues after being apart for so long,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, director of retail marketing, 4 Wheel Parts. “We did a lot of business at this year’s SEMA Show. It was clear that our industry was ready to meet and had two years of innovations to show off.”

As the first, large automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic, automotive manufacturers launched new vehicles, celebrities unveiled high-profile restyles, and exhibitors showed off their latest innovations. Celebrities and their vehicles were out in force at the SEMA Show, including Ant Anstead, host of “Celebrity IOU: Joyride,” showcasing a custom ’62 Buick that has been converted into an electric car in collaboration with American actor James Marsden. Comedian Jay Leno helped unveil a ’69 Ford Mustang restoration for singer Keith Urban in the Ford exhibit, and actor Sung Kang unveiled his Datsun 240z “Safari” in the Nissan booth. Not to be outdone, Toyota introduced their “TacoZilla” Tacoma truck camper, Chevy brought their “Chevy Beast,” a concept vision of the ultimate in high-performance desert running, Mopar debuted two customized concept trucks and Lexus had the North American show premier of the new LXF Sport at the SEMA Show.

The trade-only show brought manufacturers and buyers back together to experience the latest vehicle customization innovations to bring to customers in 2022.

Trending at this year’s SEMA Show was electrification and electrified vehicles. Whether it was a modification for a new electric vehicle (EV) or the ability to modify an ICE vehicle with a new electric motor, exhibitors and builders were demonstrating that the EV market is a growing segment for the aftermarket. A new area inside the SEMA Show, SEMA Electrified, included electric vehicles and products designed for modifying electric vehicles or converting vehicles to electric power.

“Our industry has embraced electrification,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We saw electric vehicles and electrified vehicles in every hall at the SEMA Show. Our industry is on the cutting edge of technology. Products you see at the SEMA Show often become standard and mainstream five to 10 years after it debuts at the Show.”

Other SEMA Show highlights included the largest collection of Chip Foose-built vehicles featured in a special corral that highlighted some of the most influential and important vehicles created at Foose Design; a display of over 50 off-road racing vehicles ranging from motorcycles to trophy trucks in SCORE’s “Baja 1000 Experience”; an exclusive West Coast Customs-edition wide-body kit on a Dodge Charger and a Dodge Challenger in the West Coast Customs Experience; and interactive driving demos in the Hoonigan Burnyard Bash and the “Ford Out Front” experience.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for information about the 2022 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

As part of SEMA’s initiative to provide live and virtual education to the automotive specialty-equipment industry, SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the 2022 SEMA Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program.

Educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show, where industry professionals come to network in person and learn new business strategies.

Available at www.sema.org/speakers, applications are open to innovative thinkers, industry experts and dynamic presenters who can share ideas, technologies and expertise with the industry.

The education program is specific to industry professionals in the automotive aftermarket and its related niche-specific segments. The year-round virtual program, which saw thousands of SEMA members participating since its debut in January 2021, provides thought-provoking, forward-thinking webinars that help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. Likewise, educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show, where industry professionals come to network in person and learn new business strategies.

Topics of interest for 2022 include:

• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends
• Digital Marketing
• Automotive Electronics
• Legal & Regulatory
• Small-Business Strategy
• Electric Vehicles
• Vehicle Technology
• Leadership
• Business Management

Speaker proposals for the 2022 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 7, 2022. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit a proposal today at www.sema.org/speakers. Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted at www.sema.org/sessiontopics.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, SEMA’s senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

EngineLabs Giving Away 1,500hp Supercharged LS Engine

EngineLabs is teaming up with Late Model Engines to give away a 1,500hp supercharged LS engine. The engine will be on display at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis, December 9–11, where attendees can stop by the Power Automedia booth #951 to watch it being assembled live on the show floor by Late Model Engines. Additional giveaway entries can be earned by visiting partner booths throughout the show. Those not attending the PRI Trade Show this year can still enter to win the contest by going to EngineLabsGiveaway.com. Entries will be accepted until December 31, and the winner will be selected on January 15. Once the engine is complete, it will be shipped from the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis to LME’s facility in Texas to be broken in on the engine dyno and tuned with the winner’s choice of either a Vortech V-30 94A supercharger or a Vortech V-7 YSi-B supercharger.

Brian Reese Named CEO of T Sportline

T Sportline, the Los Angeles-based manufacturer of parts and accessories for Tesla vehicles owned by Kian Capital, has announced Brian Reese as its new CEO. Prior to this appointment, Reese had served as the president and CEO of the Driven Lighting Group/The Retrofit Source (2020–2021) and as the president and CEO of Race Winning Brands (2017–2019). He also worked as the vice president of product for Craftsman and DieHard. Reese currently serves on the SEMA Board of Directors, IMI Board of Directors and LAND Board of Advisors. He is also a partner and co-founder of VeloQuip, a provider of Peloton accessories, among other positions.

Wilwood Engineering Appoints Mark Cornwell as Vice President of New Business Development and Specialty Markets

Wilwood Engineering has announced that Mark Cornwell has been appointed vice president of new business development and specialty markets. Cornwell comes to Wilwood after 14 years at StopTech High-Performance Brake Systems, a division of Centric-Parts, where he worked as vice president of sales and marketing. Prior to StopTech, as the president of Sparco, Cornwell was responsible for growing the company’s motorsports racing apparel and accessory product categories. Before his tenure at Sparco, Cornwell was the first USA factory salesperson for Brembo North America. His job as director of performance and racing helped segue the brand into the IndyCar and NASCAR markets. Prior roles as crew chief and mechanic for successful IndyCar teams helped prepare Cornwell for his motorsports career.

Scott Parker Named COO of Power Automedia

Power Automedia has announced that after five years with the company, Scott Parker has been promoted to COO. In his new role, he will be responsible for ongoing operations of Power Automedia, including working with the leaders of the publishing and Alloy Studios divisions. Parker will work hand-in-hand with CEO James Lawrence to continue driving Power Automedia forward. Parker has a strong leadership background in content production that includes both print publications and digital media formats, and earned a Telly Award for his role as an executive producer on “Horsepower Wars” latest season of $10K Drag Shootout. Before joining Power Automedia, Parker had extensive editorial experience in the automotive industry, including roles as editor of GM High-Tech Magazine and Vette Magazine, along with helping launch the Mustang 360 and the Super Chevy digital platforms for TEN—The Enthusiast Network.

Martin & Company Raises Funds for Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship at UT Southern

Martin & Company Co-founder and President, Zan Martin has announced the Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship at UT Southern. The fund will provide scholarships for budding young artists attending the former Martin Methodist College that is now a part of the University of Tennessee education system. To finalize the fundraising effort and begin helping students applying for an arts education in 2022, Zan Martin is committed to raising $25,000 for initial startup funds. A donation of $10,000 has already been received from past Martin & Company client Michael Heckethorn. Donations to the Randy Martin Memorial Arts Scholarship Endowment can be made via this form. For more information about Martin & Company Advertising, visit martincoadvertising.com, call Zan Martin at 615-330-5622, or email zan.martin@martincoadvertising.com.

Skip Barber Racing School Appoints Dan Davis as Chief Strategy Officer

Skip Barber Racing School has announced the addition of Dan Davis as chief strategy officer. Davis will focus on Skip Barber’s growth strategies as it expands its national footprint in driver education and motorsports entertainment. Davis’  technical, process and business experience will provide strategic leadership as Skip Barber’s business units expand to include its nationwide go-karting facilities, an expanded race team program and teen driver education offering.  

Prior to Skip Barber, Davis served a 32-year stint at Ford, including serving as the director of Ford Racing Technology, where he was responsible for all North American racing operations and performance parts businesses, including guiding Ford’s Formula 1 Championship with Benetton and Michael Schumacher as well as success in NASCAR Cup, Grand National and Truck series, NHRA Funny Car, CART/Champ Car, USAC among others. He also served as president and CEO at Miller Motorsports Park, and as chief steward for the IndyCar racing series in 2016 and 2017.

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.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Kansas Representative Leo Delperdang was introduced as the annual winner of the Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award at the 2021 SEMA Show. Representing the 94th District, Representative Delperdang was recognized for his efforts in the Kansas legislature to promote policies and legislation that support the automotive hobby.

Kansas Representative Leo Delperdang (right) won the Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Representative Delperdang is proudly counted among the more than 700 pro-hobby lawmakers comprising the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, and has routinely demonstrated his commitment to the industry. The award is bestowed to the state lawmaker who has gone above and beyond to support the industry in their home state and was named for SEMA’s late Vice President of Government Affairs Stephen B. McDonald, who was the driving force behind the founding and growth of the Caucus.

Representative Delperdang most recently championed an effort in his home state to restore order to vintage vehicles eligible for antique registration. Until this year, an antique vehicle was defined by the Kansas Highway Patrol as being “more than 35 years old and as close to the original as possible, without any significant alterations to the major component parts.” The law did not allow the use of non-original materials and did not recognize the limited availability of factory replacement parts. Thus, the overly strict policy prevented the automotive community from lawfully practicing common restoration techniques.

In response, Representative Delperdang authored legislation (H.B. 2165) to remove the unnecessary registration restrictions for antique vehicles. Having quickly passed the Kansas legislature earlier this year, the new pro-hobby law took effect on July 1 with Governor Laura Kelly’s signature. The new law requires only that the vehicle be more than 35 years old, regardless of the type or age of the component parts installed. Kansas now falls in line with other states that allow antique vehicles to be properly defined by their age.

In addition to being a lawmaker, Representative Delperdang is also an enthusiast with a strong interest in the Mopar brand. Rep. Delperdang drives a special-order ’19 Dodge Challenger ScatPack 392 Hemi and is a member of the Wichita Area Mopar Club.

This is a first look at the Ford Maverick Rattler while testing in Dearborn.

It was just a few months ago that Carbuzz discovered that Ford filed a trademark registration for the name “Rattler” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The filing was “intended to cover the categories of motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, off-road vehicles and their structural parts.”

Fast forward to today, and now we have our first look at a running prototype. Looking at the Rattler, the main difference appears to be a revised front end, specifically the lower front fascia. Compared to the standard Maverick, the Rattler features a lower front skid plate bumper with a better approach angle. Additionally, it’s been confirmed that the Rattler sits about an inch higher than the current Maverick FX4, which it’s based on.

Power is expected to come from the 2.0L EcoBoost with 250hp and 277 lb.-ft. while being mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect an official debut in early 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a first look at the Ford Maverick Rattler while testing in Dearborn.

It was just a few months ago that Carbuzz discovered that Ford filed a trademark registration for the name “Rattler” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The filing was “intended to cover the categories of motor vehicles, namely, automobiles, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, sport-utility vehicles, off-road vehicles and their structural parts.”

Fast forward to today, and now we have our first look at a running prototype. Looking at the Rattler, the main difference appears to be a revised front end, specifically the lower front fascia. Compared to the standard Maverick, the Rattler features a lower front skid plate bumper with a better approach angle. Additionally, it’s been confirmed that the Rattler sits about an inch higher than the current Maverick FX4, which it’s based on.

Power is expected to come from the 2.0L EcoBoost with 250hp and 277 lb.-ft. while being mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect an official debut in early 2022.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Toyota will bring six ’22 Toyota Tundras, each with a different trim combination, to the SEMA Garage (link) in Diamond Bar, California, for SEMA members to have a close-up look with the newly designed trucks.

The Toyota Tundra Measuring Session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, is scheduled for November 15-19.

The ’22 Toyota Tundra trim levels are:

• Double Cab Limited – 6.5-ft. Bed – 2WD
• CrewMax SR5 – 5.5-ft. Bed – 4WD
• Crew Max Platinum – 6.5-ft. bed – 2WD
• Crew Max 1794 – 6.5-ft. bed – 4WD
• Limited CrewMax Limited – 5.5-ft. bed – 2WD
• Double Cab SR5 – 6.5-ft. Bed – 4WD

Toyota technicians will be on-site to provide disassembly of selective components.

Event Dates: November 15–19, 2021

Register here!

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited and subject to approval by availability.

*All registered attendees will be required to an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment.

By Ashley Reyes

Despite ongoing disruptions in the economy, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers report sales growth over the past year, according to the new “State of the Industry—Fall 2021” report from SEMA.

The report highlights specialty-equipment market trends, including sales performance and expectations, broader economic factors that are affecting the industry, and a future outlook on the role that emerging vehicle technologies may play.

Supply-chain disruptions are affecting the automotive sector, and new-vehicle production is expected to be 7.7 million units lower in 2021 than 2020—tempering the specialty-equipment industry’s optimism regarding its short-term prospects. However, most businesses are maintaining a positive outlook, with more than 80% expecting their sales to be stable or growing over the coming year.

The latest edition of SEMA’s ongoing “State of the Industry” report series offers 70 pages of data on the specialty-equipment industry to help companies understand how the market is performing and evolving. Key findings from the report include:

• Delays in shipping and the ongoing microchip shortage have left automakers unable to keep up with consumer demand for new vehicles, pushing dealer inventories to all-time lows and the average price of a new vehicle to an unprecedented $45,000 in September 2021.
• While some businesses struggled during the beginning of the pandemic last year, especially retailers, most were able to adjust. Manufacturers in particular have done well, reporting an average of 19% sales growth over the past 12 months.
• Sales in the pickup, sports car, SUV and classic vehicle segments continue to be strong, with many businesses once again seeing double-digit sales growth this year.
• Supply-chain disruptions are starting to create some uncertainty. In the spring of 2021, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers and 75% of distributors expected their sales to grow over the coming year. However, those percentages have fallen to 58% and 52% respectively.
• The temporary shifts towards online sales that were made necessary by the pandemic are continuing to reverse, with the majority of specialty-equipment parts sales once again flowing through in-person retail channels.
• In the longer term, vehicle manufacturers’ plans to develop and sell more electric vehicles will require the specialty-equipment industry to plan for and adapt to these changes in the vehicle population.

For more data on the state of U.S. specialty-equipment market, download the “SEMA State of the Industry—Fall 2021” report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) members will learn everything they need to know about legislative issues impacting automotive restoration during ARMO’s General Membership Meeting, Friday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).

Held as a virtual event, the discussion will feature David Alkire of RPUi as moderator, as he is joined by Christian Robinson, SEMA director of state government affairs and PAC. On the agenda is a discussion and an open Q&A on the following:

• Top legislative issues for SEMA.
• State trends on emissions requirements on older vehicles.
• State trends on titling of older vehicles, specifically those using aftermarket restoration parts.
• General business regulations that could impact restoration businesses.
• How the SEMA Government Affairs office can aid businesses in dealing with a legislative issue in their state or local jurisdictions and help facilitate meeting with legislators.

The meeting, which is open to all current ARMO members and companies in the restoration industry, is the ideal time to address industry issues and connect with others in the market. A brief report on the council’s recent SEMA Show activities and current initiatives will also be discussed. Register here.

Robert Matranga of Matranga Hot Rod Fabricators took the top prize in the eighth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition on the final day of the 2021 SEMA Show, Friday, November 5. The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is widely known as one of the elite platforms for builders to showcase their work and compete for the coveted top honor.

Robert Matranga took the top prize in the eighth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition with his ’55 Chevy named ”Brute Force.”

The ’55 Chevy aptly named “Brute Force” beat out more than 240 in the internationally recognized competition that unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Every part of Brute Force has been scratch-built or heavily modified to reward viewers with a seemingly infinite number of details. Brute Force gets its name from the Mike LeFever-built 540ci Merlin engine that is topped with Arias Hemi cylinder heads and force-fed by a pair of Garrett turbochargers through a custom-built Hogan intake. The 1,400hp powerplant is detuned to a drivable 800 hp.

In addition to Matranga, the three finalists who round out the top four for 2021 included: Eddie Pettus with his ’61 Austin Healey Sprite (Sport Compact), Bryan Thompson with his ’34 Ford Pickup (Truck/Off-Road), and Young Gun Dayton Jacobson with his ’00 Chevrolet S10. Each builder brought their best builds to this year’s competition and were recognized with trophies in their respective classes.

Brute Force gets its name from the Mike LeFever-built 540ci Merlin engine that is topped with Arias hemi cylinder heads and force-fed by a pair of Garrett turbochargers through a custom-built Hogan intake. The 1,400-hp powerplant is detuned to a drivable 800 hp.

The four finalists of this years’ competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special “2021 SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” scheduled to premiere on the History Channel January 23, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (EST).

The 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing up-and-coming stars who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.

Industry experts narrowed down the field of 240-plus entries to the Top 40 in the remaining categories, before selecting the Top 12 builds overall, which included two women for the first time. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named Robert Matranga the overall winner.

For more information about the 2021 Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.sema.org/botb, or SEMA’s YouTube channel.