By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Emma Sauve, creative director at Mobsteel/Detroit Steel Wheel Company as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Sauve in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?   

Emma Sauve: Never tell someone to do something that you don't know how to do yourself. My boss Adam Genei told me that when I first started working at Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel. I think that really established a level of respect immediately within our workflow. Applying that in my personal life gives me a level authority without coming off as a phony jerk.

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

ES: It's always changing, always stimulating, and there's always work to do. I like to work with my hands and share the stories that build our industry. We build cars and large diameter steel wheels, I get to connect with our customers firsthand, share the story behind their builds and photoshoot the vehicles for different media outlets. It blows my mind that this industry has really only been around for 120 years, we are just getting started in an already packed and stacked automotive world.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   

ES: A lot of times, shooting photos or video of one of our projects going on at the shop, cars and coffee, teaching workshops on social-media management, or covering one of the many shows in our industry. Besides working, my favorite downtime is hanging out in Detroit, listening to the music of the city, eating, drinking, being merry, and movies, of course.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

ES: I research who I'm meeting with, the company, and their social media. I'm looking for common ground where we can move forward and build something together. I think presentation is huge too, I always have an updated copy of our business plans and procedures, and dress to impress.  

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?   

ES: Albert Kahn--he designed the first daylight plants here in Detroit, changing the workflow of modern manufacturing. [He also helped build] Detroit, which I consider still to historically be the automotive capital of the world. I want to know what it was like in Detroit in the boom, and how he envisioned our city shaping out. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

By SEMA News editors

The Aeromotive Group and Roadster Shop have announced that the organizations have merged to create a new automotive aftermarket powerhouse. Now operating as Roadster Shop, the combined brands will drive the development of innovative products, services and content.

"As a lifelong enthusiast, I'm thrilled to announce this partnership between The Aeromotive Group and Roadster Shop," said Laurent Potdevin, CEO of The Aeromotive Group, now known as Roadster Shop. "As a result of this alliance, Roadster Shop can leverage The Aeromotive Group's portfolio of brands, its operational foundation, and access to new levels of capital for expansion."

Roadster Shop is a custom vehicle and chassis manufacturer in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in the '80s, the shop's primary focus was building chassis before Jeremy Gerber, Phil Gerber and their father Neal Gerber purchased the company in 2004. Under their vision, the business now engineers and sells custom chassis and suspensions found under some of the top hot rods in the country. 

"Our partnership with The Aeromotive Group gives us the opportunity to fuel accelerated growth and supercharge our expansion," said Jeremy Gerber, co-owner of Roadster Shop. "Over the past 20 years, we've become a household name in high-performance hot rods, musclecars and trucks. Phil and I are very excited about the future here at Roadster Shop."

Roadster Shop has two facilities with full chassis production, metal fabrication and vehicle construction, along with a paint and body department. 

The Aeromotive Group, now known as Roadster Shop, includes:

• Aeromotive Fuel Systems
• Waterman Racing Components
• JBA Performance Exhaust
• Doug's Headers
• Patriot Exhaust
• Taylor Cable
• PerTronix Ignition Products
• Compu-Fire
• Spyke

For more information, visit aeromotiveinc.com or roadstershop.com, or read the Aeromotive announcement.

Speedway Motors Unveils New State-of-the-Art Machine Shop in Lincoln, Nebraska 

Speedway Motors--the Lincoln, Nebraska-based manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products--has unveiled its new 77,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility located at 1401 W. Bond Circle in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

"Speedway Motors is growing in Lincoln. Our new manufacturing facility allows us to produce more quality products right here in Lincoln," said Clay Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motors. "We are proud to have a team of talented people designing, engineering and building affordable parts to serve our customers."

The new state-of-the-art machine shop was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was highlighted by remarks from Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball, and Smith of Speedway Motors.

"Speedway Motors is the driving force behind locally-made, state-of-the-art automotive parts that help customers--and their cars--perform at the highest level," said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. "We are excited that Speedway is expanding in Lincoln and continuing to grow opportunity in our community, as it has for the last 70 years." 

The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge equipment, including CNC metal cutting machines, welding, robotic welding, lasers, press brakes and various other metal fabrication machines. 

"We wanted to create a modern environment to work in that's efficient, intuitive and has room to grow," said Dave Wallace, the director of manufacturing at Speedway Motors. "We are excited to move our manufacturing team into the newly renovated and expanded facility."

Speedway Motors is hiring a CNC machinist, among other positions, at the new facility. For more information, visit speedwaymotors.com/Featured/Careers.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has announced its latest SheIsSEMA Spotlight members! The SheIsSEMA program raises awareness of women in the automotive aftermarket industry by highlighting their career stories through SEMA communications and on the SheIsSEMA website. The features spotlight what these women do, how they landed their careers and how they continue to thrive and break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.   

Get to know the SBN's newest spotlight members listed below by visiting the SheIsSEMA website. You'll learn about their notable career challenges and accomplishments, the qualities that helped them get to where they are today, and the best industry advice that they learned along the way!    

• Deanna Hicks, K&N Engineering   
• Heather Tausch, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels   
• Jennifer Chaplin, Tops Off Adventures  
• Leah Hall, Alltrade Tools   
• Lori Johnson, Ladies, Start Your Engines!   
• Marisol Herrera, The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum  
• Talena Handley, Girlie Garage  

Interested in being spotlighted or know of an SBN member who deserves recognition? Fill out a SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry.  

Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award and are featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By SEMA News Editors

Officials are gearing up for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, full-throttle festival that fuses motorsports, music and car culture, November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. And now, the SEMA Fest app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.  

Access key details of the SEMA Fest event right at your fingertips:

• Lineup of performing artists.
• Daily schedule of music and motorsports performances.
• SEMA Fest map to get attendees around safely and quickly. 
• SEMA Fest FAQs for all your event-related questions.

Easily find the ZYN Stage and Coors Light Stages; the Hoonigan, Formula DRIFT and Nitro Circus motorsports activations;  e-gaming with the North American Collegiate League; plus the all-encompassing SEMA Fest Marketplace, which will feature the latest innovations and trends from top brands and companies in the specialty-equipment market.

Attendees can even secure their SEMA Fest tickets through the app. Simply navigate to the "Tickets" section to purchase passes through Tixr.

Download the SEMA Fest app today through the Apple App Store and Google Play. We'll see you in Vegas! 

SEMA Fest is open to the public and is part of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit semafest.com or semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Officials with the SEMA Show are excited to introduce a top-of-the-line attendee resource, Bessie, the AI-powered chatbot designed to answer all your SEMA Show questions. 

SEMA Show's Bessie AI-powered chatbot will complement SEMAShow.com and the SEMA Show mobile app, plus all the on-site collateral, signage and related resources to help attendees maximize their time at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas.

Chatting with Bessie is easy: just download the SEMA Show mobile app, visit SEMAShow.com or look for signage around the SEMA Show campus for the direct text number to access pertinent information right at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. QR codes will also be placed around the SEMA Show campus, providing convenient access.

"Providing relevant Show information to attendees, at the right time, in the right format, is a priority for SEMA. Bessie, our new chatbot resource, puts answers to many frequently asked Show questions right at your fingertips. And since it can be accessed via QR code, direct text, via SEMAShow.com and our official mobile app, it is a great new complement to existing Show tools and provides another resource to navigate the Show and maximize experiences." 

This new resource aims to: 

• Enhance attendee interactions, offer personalized assistance and enrich the premier, trade-only event for all participants. 
• Build a stronger, more engaged community by improving overall attendee satisfaction through timely Show information. 
• Offer SEMA Show attendees a new text-based/SMS solution and convenient means to deliver information to mobile devices. 
• Create a resource that offers year-round, instant (less than 3 seconds) answers and personalized responses to attendee questions. 

SEMA has selected 42Chat as the exclusive chatbot provider for the SEMA Show. 42Chat's advanced AI-powered bots have been an integral part of many successful events and festivals, providing value to communities with instant answers and building trust through a customer-first approach to increase event engagement. 

42Chat's unique technology combines chatbots, text and micro-apps to help solve business problems. 

The proprietary conversation engine responds to millions of different ways attendees will ask questions (not just specific keywords) to provide the information the attendees need, when they need it. 

And, Bessie the AI chatbot will learn as it develops, so have fun getting to know the SEMA Show a little better! And, if you happen to "stump" Bessie with a question, it will share the information as it learns what questions the global community is asking the most, elevating the SEMA Show experience for years to come.

Using SEMA's chatbot service is completely up to the user, and mobile numbers collected during the engagement process will be used for emergency purposes only. Users have the option to opt out at any time.

By Ashley Reyes

Builders and engineers who are featuring a vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31--November 3 in Las Vegas, have until Wednesday, October 25, to submit their entries for the new SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award. The award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle or features an aspect that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

To be considered for the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 25, at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central (Booth #10001, Central Hall) on Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show. Be sure to stop by the booth to learn more!

By SEMA News Editors

See the latest news from exhibitors of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

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 (LVCC) 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. 

Keystone Automotive Operations to Unveil Cal Auto Creations' Jeep Super Wagoneer

Keystone Automotive Operations, the Exeter, Pennsylvania-based distribution company for the automotive aftermarket, will debut the latest custom vehicle from acclaimed builder Andy Leach and his Bennington, Nebraska-based Cal Auto Creations at the 2023 SEMA Show. The vehicle, a '68 Jeep Super Wagoneer, will be unveiled in Keystone Automotive Operations Booth #21249, Tuesday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.

"We set out to build something different and special with this one, and it really feels like everything came together nicely," said Leach. "From the body work, paint, motor and interior to a suspension and chassis built to handle anything on or off-road, it takes an incredible team of talented craftsmen working together to bring something like this to life. We are looking forward to revealing it and sharing it all week long alongside Keystone in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show."

For the complete details, including the engine type and more performance upgrades on the build, visit the Keystone Automotive announcement.

Install Bay to Display Professional 12-volt Installation Products

Install Bay by Metra Electronics is expanding its comprehensive collection of professional 12-volt installation products with new single-zone and three-zone controllers with Bluetooth wireless technology, micro line output converters, replacement socket kits in various sizes, connectors, fuse holders and more. These products are designed using the best available materials to ensure ease of use and years of reliability, many of which will be in Metra Electronics Booth #10539 in the North Hall. Its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at Metra Electronics Booth #60031 in the West Hall.

For the complete details, including the exact products set for display, visit the Metra Electronics announcement.

Hot Shot's Secret Invites the Industry to a Press Conference

Hot Shot's Secret invites SEMA Show attendees to a special announcement in the Hot Shot's Secret Booth #23261 on Wednesday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. PDT. 

"We look forward to sharing with you how Hot Shot's Secret's new Pure Demand ByPass Filtration System extends oil drains and provides outstanding engine protection, all while saving time and money," a company official stated.

New Metra PowerSports Products to Launch at SEMA

Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics will display several new products, including a six-zone switch panel designed for UTVs and other outdoor vehicles, a 4-AWG high-current, quick-disconnect power block, a four-piece chasing LED golf cart canopy kit and Heise Connect RGB controller crossover cables. Metra's off-roading and powersports SEMA booth, #60031, will be in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3. Metra Electronics' off-roading and powersports products will be on display at Metra Electronics Booth #60031 in the West Hall.

For the complete details, including specs on its six-zone switch panel and related products, visit the Metra Electronics announcement.

By SEMA Editors

There are five weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. 

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.
• October 20: Photography Order--Expo Ease
• October 20: Plant and Floral Order--Expo Ease
• October 26: Freight--1st Day Shipments accepted at LVCC (refer to Target Floor Plan)
• October 27: Vehicle Detailing (Advanced Rate)--ShowFleet
• November 2: Last Day to Pick Up Banquet Tickets--12:00 p.m. deadline
• November 3: Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3 p.m.
• November 3: Online Registration Closes at 2 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show organizers invite members of the industry to celebrate the specialty-equipment aftermarket and those​ who have made innovative and significant contributions to it during the 2023 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, at the Paradise Events Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. 

Enjoy live music by Emmy Award winner and Las Vegas staple Patrick & the LVB, who reprise their live entertainment role by popular demand!

"We were thrilled to secure Patrick & the LVB to perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "We can't wait to celebrate some of the industry's finest and unite generations of the industry representing past, present and future leadership at this one-of-a-kind event. Limited tickets remain, so make sure you grab your tickets today!"

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet serves as the annual gathering of the global SEMA community, allowing them to connect, facilitate business and create a platform to honor thought leaders. Join your peers as SEMA recognizes the Person of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tickets are now available online for $99. 

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet Agenda

Paradise Events Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Thursday, November 2

6:00 p.m. PDT: Cocktail reception sponsored by Fifth Third Bank Motorsports

7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. PDT: Dinner, awards ceremony and entertainment

To purchase tickets, visit here.

SEMA Show Exhibitors Receive Complimentary Tickets

Exhibitors receive a complimentary ticket per 10x10 booth purchased (for a maximum of 10 tickets). Complimentary tickets will only be available for pick-up at the SEMA Member Lounge, outside of N251 on the second level of the LVCC above SEMA Central, from Sunday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m. through Thursday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. (Tickets must be picked up during this time; those that did not receive tickets in the mail can also pick up at the kiosk).

In addition, a host table may be purchased for $2,000. Host companies receive a prime seating location and a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet's spectacular program.

Celebrate with your team members and future stars of the industry during an event that will inspire industry professionals and the next generation of leadership to be legendary and make their mark on the industry. Purchase your tickets today!​

By Ashley Reyes

Even amid the economic uncertainty of the last year, 55% of automotive aftermarket manufacturers are reporting expected growth in the coming year, up from only 44% last Fall, according to the new "SEMA State of the Industry-Fall 2023 Report," which is now available for download at sema.org/market-research.

The report is the latest study in the "SEMA State of the Industry" biannual series that explores the current state of the automotive specialty equipment industry, including how businesses are doing, key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities along with an outlook for 2024 and beyond.

"Our latest 'SEMA State of the Industry' report shows that despite inflation and current economic turmoil, including the UAW strike, aftermarket sales continue to grow," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "While there has been softening sales for some firms, two-thirds of industry companies are reporting stable or growing sales over the last year."

Other key findings from the report include: 

• Even with inflation and other uncertainty in the market, one-third of manufacturers report double-digit growth over the last year.
• Inflation continues to impact the industry, with more than half of manufacturers indicating their prices have increased in the last year. Nearly 90% of companies say that increased supplier costs are the key driving factor.
• New-vehicle sales continue to rebound, projected more than 16 million in 2024, though an extended UAW strike could further restrict supply.
• The truck sector continues as the top market for the industry, with the majority of manufacturers and retailers viewing the off-road segment as a growth opportunity.

As the automotive specialty-equipment market continues to evolve, the report will provide aftermarket companies with the data and insights they need to navigate the industry's landscape and make more informed business decisions. SEMA Business Members can download the report for free at sema.org/market-research. 

In addition, attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are invited to attend the "State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions" education seminar, Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. PDT in the North Hall, Room N256. Led by SEMA Market Research Director Knapp, the seminar will help attendees gain an understanding of how the specialty-equipment market has fared in 2023 and where it is headed going into 2024. Register for the seminar at this link.