By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has selected six member companies to compete in its PRO Cup Challenge at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31 to November 3 in Las Vegas.

The '22 Toyota Rav4 XLE built by Automotion Customs won the 2022 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge with an accessory package that is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.

The PRO Cup Challenge, now in its fourth year, is a competition that pits restyler against restyler to develop an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that is profitable and easy to replicate. The competition promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having the automotive restyled builds featured in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. This year's competing companies and vehicles are: 

• Apex Customs: '24 Ford Mustang GT
• Auto Sunroof & Leather: '24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
• RDM Builds: '23 Jeep Gladiator Willys
• Restylers Aftermarket Specialist: '23 GMC Sierra 1500
• Top Coverage LTD: '23 Ford Ranger XLT
• VIP Distributing: '23 GMC Yukon Denali XL

Attendees of the SEMA Show are encouraged to visit the PRO Booth--located in West Hall, Booth #50185--to view the vehicles on display. Here, attendees will get to witness the eye-catching vehicle packages that were built by PRO member companies, walk away with ideas to accessorize their own vehicles and be able to vote for their favorite build to win the PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award. 

Judges will determine the PRO Cup Challenge winning vehicle, a separate award, based on how easy the vehicle is to replicate and its estimated profit to automotive restyling companies and dealerships. 

Industry members are invited to attend the winner announcement of both awards during PRO's Happy Hour on Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in the LVCC West Hall, Booth #50185.

Each vehicle will be highlighted on PRO's social media leading up to the Show. Follow PRO social media to see what's in store: 

• Follow PRO on Facebook
• Follow PRO on Instagram
• Follow PRO on LinkedIn

By SEMA Editors

Business members attending the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, can enhance their experience and enjoy a range of exclusive perks by visiting one of three SEMA Business Member Lounges strategically located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The member lounges, situated in the North Hall (Room N251), West Hall (Booth #58051), and Upper South Hall (Booth #34000), are designed to provide SEMA Business Members with a go-to stop for convenience and connection during the bustling SEMA Show. 

Here's why the lounges are a must-visit for member attendees:

1. Networking Hub: SEMA Business Members can host important meetings with industry leaders and business partners in the comfort of these exclusive lounges. It's the ideal setting for meaningful connections and discussions.
2. Tech and Connectivity: Need to stay connected? The lounges offer internet and printer services, ensuring that you're always equipped with the tools to stay productive during the event.
3. Charging Stations: Don't let your devices run out of juice while capturing all of the jaw-dropping automotive moments at the show. Charging stations are available to keep your gadgets powered up.
4. Complimentary Coffee: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to recharge yourself while exploring the SEMA Show.
5. On-Site Grab 'N' Go: Say goodbye to hunger pit-stops. The lounges offer delicious food options for purchase, allowing you to refuel before hitting the Show floor again.

The member lounges are the perfect place to unwind, connect with industry peers, and make the most of your SEMA Show experience.

If you're interested in securing a meeting room within one of these lounges or want to learn more about SEMA membership benefits, don't hesitate to contact the dedicated Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or via email at members@sema.org.

*Non-exhibiting manufacturers and members otherwise eligible to exhibit are not permitted to use the meeting rooms.

By SEMA Editors

Registration is open for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists' (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) sessions during the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. RDE sessions at the SEMA Show take place Monday, October 30, through Thursday, November 2, in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). 

Take advantage of discounted SCRS session pricing options available for those who register online before Friday, September 29 at bit.ly/RDE2023. 

Attendees who have secured their SEMA badges (more details on that, below) can purchase the SCRS Full Series Pass, which is currently discounted at $375 and increases to $425 after Friday, September 29. 

The SCRS Full Series Pass (FSP) presents the best value in accessing SCRS education and the greatest flexibility to Show attendees. It acts as an "all access" pass to all of the SCRS educational offerings during the SEMA Show, including entry to the IDEAS Collide Showcase (Monday, October 30), one regular session in each available RDE time slot (Tuesday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 1), all three sessions of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (Thursday, November 2) and one ticket to the SCRS Sky Villa afterparty (Thursday, November 2 evening).  

To register for a SCRS FSP, click here. Note that the FSP does not include access to other paid courses or events not offered by SCRS. 

To explore the Repairer Driven Education track in greater depth or add sessions to your Show Planner, visit SCRS: Repairer Driven Education on the SEMA Show Planner. 

The 2023 Repairer Driven Education series is made possible with support from BASF, AirPro Diagnostics, Car-O-Liner, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Enterprise, Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc., Toyota Certified Collision Centers, AASP, AkzoNobel, Celette, Repairify, Spanesi and SEMA. 

For more information about SCRS or to join as a member, visit scrs.com or contact 877-841-0660 or info@scrs.com.

Register for the 2023 SEMA Show

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

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 floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

By SEMA Editors

The Wheel Group (TWG), the Ontario, California-based global aftermarket wheel, tire and automotive accessory supplier, has announced Dean Rossi as its new CFO. 

Rossi's career began at Arthur Andersen in New York City and continued at Deloitte. He later transitioned to IBM, where he served in a technical accounting role and specialized in acquisition diligence and business model evaluation, leading to his relocation to California. Rossi later moved to 4Over, a private founder-led printing distribution business where he built and led finance and accounting teams, successfully orchestrated acquisitions and ultimately facilitated the sale of the business.

"Dean's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for The Wheel Group. We're confident that his expertise will set the stage for unprecedented organic growth and supercharge our acquisition efforts. Together, we're poised to achieve remarkable success in our industry," said Wade Kawasaki, executive chairman of TWG.

For more information, visit thewheelgroup.com.

Ford Announces New Track School for Owners of the Seventh-Generation Mustang

Owners of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will be able to enjoy a range of new experiences in 2024, from on-track driving courses led by some of the world's best high-performance driving instructors to new lifestyle events and an online portal to connect with Mustang owners from across the country.

"The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We're combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year," said Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles. "And they'll do so alongside their fellow enthusiasts."

Mustang Dark Horse Track Attack at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be offered to owners of Mustang Dark Horse--the most track-capable and powerful 5.0 L V8 street-legal Mustang ever.

Boasting a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio, Mustang Dark Horse owners will receive personal attention on the skid pad, autocross and Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, and the experience comes included with the purchase of the Mustang Dark Horse (not including transportation and lodging).

In addition, Ford is offering a driving event at the Ford Performance Racing School at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will give Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners the option to select from drift instruction, track driving, line-lock burnout classes, and more.

A new digital portal creates an online point of entry to the Mustang fandom, allowing owners to learn, engage and interact with fellow fans. A series of roving, cross-country events in 10 U.S. markets will include on major automotive, lifestyle and motorsports events. This will provide owners with an in-person opportunity to interact with other Mustang fans.

For more information, visit the Ford announcement or visit ford.com.

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. The prized SEMA Ignited event has evolved into a bigger and more exciting two-day event now known as SEMA Fest, which will give consumers a chance to participate in an automotive and music experience like none other! It's a must-attend event that's open to the public and features incredible automotive and motorsports activations the SEMA crowd is used to, like the following:

• Nitro Circus, the provider of some of the biggest and raddest events in action sports.
• Formula DRIFT, the high-skilled, high-powered sport of drifting.
• Ride With Us, the not-for-profit organization that spreads the thrill of motorcycle riding to the community.

Not only that, SEMA Fest is also headlined by 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 the SEMA D.C. office

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has published a SEMA-opposed regulation that, if approved, would adopt California's latest motor-vehicle emissions laws through 2032 and require that 80% of new-vehicle sales be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by that date. New Mexico has historically followed California's tailpipe laws. 

Click here to submit comments to NMED by November 13, 2023. 

SEMA believes that New Mexicans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels, and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.    

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

By Ashley Reyes

Students and faculty from automotive colleges and universities are invited to register for the 2023 SEMA Show Student Program, taking place November 1-2 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Show Student Program offers an experience unlike any other for students preparing for careers in automotive by offering a unique chance to witness the multi-billion aftermarket industry in action.  

In just a span of two days, students will be inspired to reach their career goals and participate in student networking opportunities, an all-female networking event and a networking breakfast where they will meet prospective employers and industry leaders from top companies in the automotive aftermarket. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 13. Students aged 18-20 must be represented and chaperoned by their school officials in order to attend. School officials can sign up their student group here. Students aged 21 and over can submit a professional student application at this link.

Industry members who would like to host a table at the Student Program Networking Breakfast on Thursday, November 2, can sign up here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at chriss@sema.org or 909-978-6692. 

By Kenny Wright

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) has opened nominations for its Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards, which celebrate and acknowledge individuals who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports parts manufacturing segment of the aftermarket and/or to the MPMC. The Hall of Fame nominee should demonstrate unparalleled leadership and deserve recognition for their impact on the motorsports sector. Criteria include being a current or past employee of an MPMC member company who has made significant contributions to the motorsports parts industry for more than 10 years. In December, Hall of Fame inductees will be announced and recognized at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year and maintains an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports market. To be considered for the award, the nominee must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online and must actively support the industry with positive content. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner will be announced and recognized during the MPMC Reception at the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference, which takes place January 30-February 1 at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

Nominations are due November 10, 2023. Don't miss your chance to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who drive positive change in motorsports. Nominate today!

By SEMA Editors

Join SEMA as we celebrate the specialty-equipment industry and those who have made innovative and significant contributions to it during the 2023 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet held on Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It will be a night to remember as we unite generations of the industry representing past, present and future leadership during the annual gathering of the global SEMA community designed to connect, facilitate networking and create a platform to honor thought leaders.

Join your peers as we recognize the SEMA Person of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Chairman's Service Award in the Westgate Paradise Events Center. Experience comradery, entertainment, award presentations, inspirational moments, live music and more. Tickets are now available online for $79 through Friday, September 29 After, tickets will be $99. Tickets will be mailed to attendees in mid-October; act now! 

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet Agenda

Westgate Paradise Events Center

Thursday, November 2

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

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

To purchase tickets, visit here.

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 a.m. through Thursday, November 2, at 12 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 SEMA Editors

The SEMA FutureTech Studio, a new exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, will give attendees at the world's leading automotive trade show an opportunity to learn about what the future of vehicle propulsion may look like. Located in Central Hall, the SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsion section that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent SEMA Shows.

"The automotive aftermarket has always been at the forefront of vehicle innovation and technology, and this new section will help showcase how our industry is leading the way in the creation of new engine and fuel options," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "The FutureTech Studio is a visionary space designed to inspire and support innovation across all segments and vehicles."

Through various spotlights and showcases, the new immersive Show environment will feature parts and equipment that cater to the new technology, as well as vehicles that will highlight how these are employed. The exhibit will also include a SEMA Education stage, named FutureTech LIVE, where industry leaders will discuss different propulsion technology, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels and other advancements in technology.

The SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsion section that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent SEMA Shows.

Additionally, the new EV & Future Propulsion area will include more than 15 exhibitor booths showcasing parts and tools that cater to this emerging technology and more than 75 vehicles will help highlight the future of automotive innovation.

"The FutureTech Studio will help attendees understand what's happening in the industry and how the industry is already pushing the creative envelope with new innovations, parts and services," said Luis Morales, SEMA director of vehicle technology. "The EV & Future Propulsion section embodies our commitment to featuring the latest and future trends at the SEMA Show, and it is a testament to SEMA's dedication to helping the community remain at the forefront of technological advancements."

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the multi-billion specialty-automotive industry and is the place to discover the latest products and trends, connect with industry leaders and network with fellow aftermarket professionals. 

Register for the SEMA Show

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through Friday, September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register! 

Download the SEMA Show App

It's never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app.