With nearly 3,000 credentialed media at the SEMA Show, the annual trade event is ideal for exhibitors that are making newsworthy announcements. Following is the official SEMA Show press conference schedule. Media are encouraged to attend all press conferences. To apply for media credentials, visit www.semashow.com/register.
Exhibitors that have breaking news announcements that are of interest to a large number of media are utilizing press conferences during the 2022 SEMA Show.
Official 2022 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule
(As of October 20, 2022)
Monday, October 31
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. – SEMA: SEMA Vehicle Reveal featuring the SEMA Award Presentation (outside of the Grand Lobby entrance)
Tuesday, November 1
7:30 a.m.–8:50 a.m. – SEMA: Kick-Off Breakfast, featuring announcements of Best New Products (Paradise Event Center)
9:00 a.m. – Volkswagen Group of America Inc.: Vehicle Unveil (Booth #10509)
9:30 a.m. – Toyota Motor North America: Toyota Press Conference (Booth #22200)
1:00 p.m. – Scorpion EV: Power and Performance … Electrified (Booth #11268/SEMA Electrified Area)
1:30 p.m. – SEMA: Battle of the Builders Top 40 Announcement (Booth #10139/SEMA Battle of the Builders Area)
2:00 p.m. – Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners: Ringbrothers Unveils the Super Truck (Booth #22357)
2:30 p.m. – Eaton: New Performance Products and Partnerships From Eaton (Booth #22743)
3:00 p.m. – KTL Restorations: KTL 2023 ECAT Cougar Powered by Electric GT (Booth #11268/SEMA Electrified Area)
3:30 p.m. – BluePrint Engines and Automotive Consulting Services: Strategic Alliance to Provide Powertrains for the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act (Media Center)
4:00 p.m. – HEXIS: Who We Are (Media Center)
Wednesday, November 2
10:00 a.m. – Hellwig Products Co. Inc.: Hellwig Introduces New Silent Support System Line (Booth #57043)
The 2022 SEMA Show is less than two weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.
Complete Deadlines Checklist –
The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.
The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.
SEMA Showgoers who want to stay close to monorail stations are encouraged to make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available.
With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy monorail access:
SAHARA
Westgate
Harrah’s/LINQ
Flamingo
Bally’s
MGM Grand
Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
Discounted rates will be available for SEMA Showgoers.
When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. All negotiated rates include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.
More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
LIQUI MOLY USA currently seeks a candidate to fill an open position serving the sales needs in the Atlanta/Birmingham region. In this position, you will take an active part in the successful growth of the company. Throughout this region, you will be responsible for sales growth, marketing efforts and business expansion. With the opportunity to work independently, you are responsible for your own success. A minimum of five years’ experience in field sales management (preferably in lubricant products or automotive aftermarket) is required.
Quadratec Inc. is hiring a customer service representative to manage a high volume of incoming calls, emails, and online chats from customers who are placing orders, inquiring about an order, requesting product information, and or general order assistance; answer automotive and technical questions regarding specific Jeep models and related products; and identify customer needs, clarify information, research every issue and provide solutions and/or alternatives.
Wheel-1 is hiring a sales manager to plan, organize, direct and manage all company sales channels to meet sales objectives; develop and manage network of independent sales representatives; manage and develop new customer account relationships; and track and record sales activity to ensure that company sales objectives are being achieved. Candidates must have a proven track record of sales success working in automotive parts industry and experience selling to retail wheel and tires stores.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, 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 selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“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.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
Besides serving as a showcase for all things automotive, the SEMA Show also plays host to celebrities and industry icons who come to join the weeklong festivities at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As in years past, this year’s Show will draw a variety of personalities from the worlds of motorsports, music, TV and the internet to appear at media events and to engage with Show attendees. The following are scheduled appearances for this year’s Show, with listings current as of September 6, 2022. Be sure to check the SEMA Show app for updates and to confirm times.
Tuesday, November 1
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Levi Green of Hammerfab Ridler, Winning Custom Builder, AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Mario Andretti, Legendary race car driver, Magnaflow, Booth #23343
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Tavarish Car Building on YouTube, The Rag Company, Booth #54211
9:00 a.n.–11:00 a.m. John D’Agostino, international car customizer, designer, Quarter Mile Foundation, Booth #10100
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Von Hot Rod Pinstriping, “Master of the Fine Line!” Hedman Performance Group, Booth #22343
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Hal Loo, Mural Lab Airbrush artist, custom painter, SATA Spray Equipment, Booth #31017
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Will Posey, Motor Trend TV show “Ride of Your Life” HushMat and ZyCoat, Booth #23195
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Ray Hill, airbrush artist and painter, SATA Spray Equipment, Booth #31017
Cynthia Gauthier
9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mike Ryan, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Ghetto Bob, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Shannon Aikau, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Ryan Evans, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mike Henry, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Kevin Mack, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Danny Koker, star of “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Ben Schramm, “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, Hertz Kompressoren USA, Booth #38221
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Ron Covell, professional in metal shaping and custom-car building, Trick-Tools, Booth #20013
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Dave Kindig, MotorTrend “Bitchin’ Rides” TV show and AkzoNobel Modern Classikk partner, AkzoNobel, Booth #81080
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Steve Darnell, “Vegas Rat Rods” on Discovery, H&S Autoshot, Booth #32173
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Troy Trepanier, Ridler-winning builder of Rad Rides by Troy and Star of “Rad Rides by Troy,” AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew, Westgate Paradise Event Center
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Chris Jacobs, host and TV personality, Westgate Paradise Event Center
Dave Kindig
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Chip Foose, Foose Design Inc., “Overhaulin’,” Original Parts Group, Booth #23889
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Lauren Fix, TV automotive market analyst and “Car Coach Reports” host, Classic Tube, Booth #24297
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Joe Theismann, Hall of Fame NFL football quarterback, VOXX Electronics Corp., Booth #10809
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Carmen Belanger-Martin, custom acrylic fabricator as seen on “Street Customs,” and “The Ride of Your Life With Courtney Hansen,” AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. JJ Da, Boss TV series “Street Outlaws,” ProCharger Superchargers, Booth #22525
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Scott Birdsall, Pikes Peak record holder, Hoonigan athlete, AMSOIL pro driver, AMSOIL Inc., Booth #23331
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Troy Trepanier, Ridler-winning builder and “Rad Rides by Troy” star, AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Tavarish, “Car Building” on YouTube, The Rag Co., Booth #54211
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Scott Birdsall, Pikes Peak record holder AMSOIL Pro Driver, Hoonigan athlete, AMSOIL Inc., Booth #23331
10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Will Posey, MotorTrend TV show “Ride of Your Life,” HushMat and ZyCoat, Booth #23195
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Carmen Belanger-Martin, as seen on “Street Customs,” custom acrylic fabricator “The Ride of Your Life With Courtney Hansen,” AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Vaughn Gittin Jr., professional off-road and drift driver Project X, Booth #61211
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Claude Harris, industry icon, “OG Detailer,” AERO Detail Products, Booth #54067
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Courtney Hansen, star of “The Ride of Your Life With Courtney Hansen,” AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Will Posey of Big Oak Garage, winning builder and star of “The Ride That Got Away With Courtney Hansen,” AM HOT ROD GLASS, Booth #22391
SEMA News editors recently reviewed a SEMA Education seminar that discussed the challenges and opportunities posed to the specialty-equipment market by the proliferation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on OE vehicles (“ADAS and the Art of Vehicle Customization,” May 2022). In the article, we discussed the proper procedures to follow when lifting or lowering a vehicle. This month, we take a look at a recent follow-up session, “Modding Vehicles With ADAS,” which aimed to provide insight for designers and manufacturers of exterior dress-up and bolt-on components who want to make sure their products are ADAS-compatible.
Front-end exterior modifications such as aftermarket bumpers and valences can degrade the ability of ADAS’s forward-facing sensors to work as intended if the parts are improperly engineered or installed. Even a simple vinyl wrap can impact ADAS’s ability to “see” through it, so sensor location needs to be taken into account before the installation takes place.
Hosted by Nick Dominato, senior vice president of product for Repairify, the session reviewed some basic ADAS features and what companies need to keep in mind when designing their products to work with ADAS, what restylers should know when installing them, and to ensure proper recalibration of those systems once installation is complete.
Why ADAS Matters
For those who are still new to ADAS calibration, Dominato offered a helpful reminder. “We’ve been doing things like this for a long time,” he said, comparing ADAS calibration to speedometer recalibration that takes place after a larger-than-stock tire has been installed; headlight adjustments that are made after a change in vehicle ride height; and wheel alignment and steering-angle sensor (SAS) resets following a modification to a vehicle’s suspension.
“We know that when we modify vehicles, it’s going to change the systems on board,” Dominato continued, “and ADAS is just one more of these things, so this concept is not completely new to us.”
Before diving into the details, Dominato stressed the importance of keeping ADAS systems in compliance with OE specifications since these systems have become such an integral part of the modern-day driving experience, not to mention OE marketing and advertising strategies. “You can’t watch a car commercial now that doesn’t highlight some function of ADAS, whether it’s self driving or autonomous emergency braking,” he noted, “so the customer is hyper-aware of these systems, and they’re going to notice it if these systems aren’t working properly.”
Most important of all, ensuring ADAS systems work as intended are key to driver safety “since they govern the vehicle’s ability to accelerate, brake and steer the vehicle without input from the driver—and often, because there is no input from the driver when there should be.”
Working With Body Kits & Accessories
For this seminar, Dominato chose to focus on ADAS’ park sensors and front and rear (blind spot) radar sensors—“areas where we typically add a front fascia, a grille guard or a front or rear bumper,” he explains. This type of modification “typically doesn’t affect the camera, but it does affect the park sensors and the radar sensors that are located behind the bumper.”
Start with park sensors. According to Dominato, they are very susceptible to blockages. “Park sensors are typically not located behind the bumper, so if you don’t put anything directly in front of them, they’ll generally be fine.” (Later-model Toyotas with Intelligent Parking Assist may need recalibration even if the park sensors are not directly blocked.)
The key components for accessorizers, then, are the radar sensors. These are typically located either behind the bumpers, behind the grille or embedded in the taillight housings. As engineered, the sensors do have the ability to “see through” the factory plastic bumpers, but the bumper covers do affect the operation of the radar systems. Specifically, the sensors are designed to work with the OE bumper’s outer fascia.
“When the automakers design bumper covers, they’re put through a fairly rigorous test process where the radar beam and any interference is actually mapped out in a model,” Dominato said, “so the automakers can make sure that when they install a bumper, grille or trim on a vehicle, the radar is going to work properly.”
How Modifications Affect ADAS
In short, placing something in front of the radar will affect the sensor in three ways:
Power Loss: “Automakers generally accept about a 10% reduction in range when they put a bumper cover in front of that radar sensor,” Dominato said, and sensors are designed with that level of imperfection in mind.
Sensitivity Loss: Installing a body panel in front of the radar is going to create “noise” and interference that will reduce the sensitivity of the sensor on the margin. In terms of its ability to detect road objects, “that giant dump truck in front of you that weighs 15,000 lbs. won’t matter,” Dominato said, “We have to think on the margins—that marginal object with a smaller radar cross-section, that’s going to be what’s affected.”
Wave Distortions: This can be affected by the shape of the bumper cover. A concave or other angular-shaped fascia, for instance, can distort the radar wave. “When the radar passes through plastic or metal, it will actually change the wave of the radar sensor if the bumper cover is angled because it changes the shape of the radar wave,” Dominato explained. This can cause radar to “read” an object in front of it as being slightly to the left or right of its actual location. Again, OE manufacturers take these factors into consideration when engineering and testing their ADAS systems, so the challenge to the aftermarket manufacturer or installer is to make modifications in such a way that they do not degrade the performance of what are already imperfect (though very capable) systems.
Another key element to keep in mind: Radar performance can be degraded without launching an error code or engaging a dash light. “Just because adaptive cruise control works because it can ‘see’ that dump truck a hundred meters ahead, it doesn’t mean it’s going to work on the that marginal object.” This could be a pedestrian exiting the curb or a cyclist in a bike lane, both of which possess a much smaller cross-section for the radar system to identify. Radar “typically won’t throw a light,” Dominato said, adding that “Dash lights are basically there to remind the consumer that they need to take their vehicle to a dealership for service. They’re not designed to say ‘The system is working 15%–20% less effectively than it should.’”
The “Magic Area” and How to Work With It
When integrating aftermarket fascias, bumpers and exterior bolt-ons with ADAS systems, an important thing to take into consideration is the so-called “magic area” known as the radar projection area, i.e., the origin point of the radar signal. Manufacturers typically design their ADAS radar systems with an initial projection area of approximately 12x12 in. with the realization that the projection area increases as the radar signal emanates outward from the vehicle.
“So if we’re talking about a bull bar or brush guard that projects a foot or more away from the front bumper,” Dominato cautioned, “we have a wider projection area we need to accommodate.”
How to integrate aftermarket exterior components with the radar projection area? Starting with plastic components such as front fascias or bumpers, the key for aftermarket manufacturers is to design their products as close to identical to OE spec for material composition, thickness and curvature within the radar projection area. “You want to mimic the OEM bumper cover as best you can within that 12x12 projection area,” Dominato recommended.
Metal components such as grille guards and winch bumpers pose a different challenge, and Dominato suggested the following steps:
“The first thing to do is find out where the radar sensor is,” which sounds easy enough until you realize there’s no industry standardization for this, and that sensor location will vary by manufacturer. “Sometimes it will be behind the emblem, or slightly offset from the emblem, and sometimes it’s on the lower portion of the grille, and sometimes, as is the case with the Ford F-150, it’s offset much lower to one side or the other,” Dominato observed.
Next, apply the same “12x12” principle to the winch bumper as you would with a plastic fascia, with the aim of being as precise as possible in your measurements. “The OE manufacturers do not allow any sanding, filling, primer, welding or repair work at all within that radar projection area,” Dominato emphasized. “So if plastic welding and Bondo aren’t allowed within that radar area, imagine what happens when you place a piece of metal in front of it. It’s going to cause a ton of interference.”
Metal objects that protrude a distance from the vehicle, such as a brush guard or winch bumper, present their own set of challenges, and designers and installers need to take the sensors’ operating angles into consideration when R&D’ing exterior bolt-ons so as to minimize sensor interference.
Calibration Resources
Once the part has been manufactured and installed, the ADAS needs to be retested and, if necessary, recalibrated. For most aftermarket companies and many smaller shops, the first key to adopting in-house calibration protocols is to identify how many vehicles you are working with at any given time. “If you’re not working with that many vehicles, from a business perspective it makes more sense to sublet the work,” Dominato advised. “That way, you don’t need to make the investments in time, money and training to learn these new systems.” And even if you intend to work extensively on a broad variety of ADAS-equipped vehicles, Dominato suggests farming out at least some of the work at the beginning in order to take “baby steps before we start running.”
Equipment considerations are also important. For nearly all domestic makes, Dominato explained, camera and radar recalibration can be achieved simply by the use of a professional-grade scan tool. No other tools or equipment are generally needed, and in many cases, a simple plumb bob or bubble level will suffice as supplemental resources. Asian makes require more specialized equipment, though in most cases it is not prohibitively expensive. Nissan, for example, offers its camera calibration equipment for free and its radar equipment for roughly $5,000; Toyota’s special service tools are slightly less expensive.
“But whatever equipment you have,” Dominato concluded, “the most important piece to have is a subscription to OEM service information, whether that’s the actual OE tech info sites or a third-party source such as Alldata or SUN Collision.”
Very few people in the automotive industry require little to no introduction, but when you’re one of the most celebrated designers in industry history, you write your own intros wherever you appear. In a career spanning nearly 30 years, Chip Foose has dazzled his fellow builders, car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike with his unique automotive artistry, both as the owner of Chip Foose Design in Huntington Beach, California, and as the star of the long-running TLC TV series “Overhaulin.’”
The 21st century’s most decorated car designer, he has won four Ridler awards, eight Most Beautiful Roadster honors, seven Goodguys Street Rod of the Year awards, and his ‘74 Jaguar E-Type roadster (pictured) won the Sport/Compact class at SEMA’s Battle of the Builders 2020. Recently he was named Official Artist for the 2022 SEMA Show, and his creativity will be on display all during Show Week throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center’s five spacious exhibit halls.
We had a chance recently to spend a few minutes with Foose, who was serving as a judge for the semifinal round of this year’s SEMA Launch Pad, which was held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. What follows is edited for clarity
and length.
SEMA News: The Las Vegas Convention Center is a pretty big canvas to work with. What challenges has this presented, and how have you approached the work?
Chip Foose: I’m thankful I don’t have to paint that actual canvas! [Laughs.] Instead, there’ll be oversized prints of my renderings at the Show. The biggest challenge for me has been finding the time to work on the table since I’m trying to run a business—and I’ve got cars that I’m trying to get finished in time for the SEMA Show.
SN: You’ve won so many industry honors and awards. What keeps you motivated, and what keeps you passionate about the industry these days?
CF: It’s not the cars, it’s the people. I love making people smile and showing them something they’ve never seen before. I don’t want people to look at a car and know exactly what we’ve done the minute they see it. If we’re modifying a car, I like to say we’re ‘tailoring’ it. I’ll look at the car and ask, ‘What was the original designer trying to do?’ and use that to build a show car out of that production car.
SN: Describe your very first SEMA Show. What do you remember the most about it?
CF: Early in my career as a car builder, I would look at car magazines, and that’s where I would find the products to build the cars. When I went to the SEMA Show for the first time in 1985, I saw everybody! You know, some companies don’t have the money to advertise in a magazine—but at SEMA, you can find anything. It’s a huge help. It was a life-changing experience for me.
SN: What’s your take on the current state of OE car design? Are there any marques or models that you really like?
CF: It’s funny you ask because I don’t really follow current manufacturers’ design work as much as I used to. I really used to be eager to find out what was happening, but I have not been so inspired for many years.
SN: What’s the most difficult project you ever took on, and how did you manage to complete it?
CF: I never looked at any projects as difficult—I just look at them as opportunities, and I’ve been lucky and blessed to have had so many great opportunities.
SN: What has surprised you the most about the industry during your time in it?
CF: Maybe it’s not a ‘surprise,’ but I’ve been amazed at how helpful people in the industry have been. I’ve had questions for people who I thought would never give me the time of day, but I’ve never had a door slammed in my face, and I just hope to be able to do the same for anyone else who has a question or needs help.
SN: Who do you follow on social media? Are there any fellow builders and designers out there whose work you admire?
CF: I have people in my office who handle our social accounts, but I personally don’t spend time on social media. As far as other builders in the industry are concerned, I consider every one of them to be a potential best friend. They have the same passion
I have!
SN: What’s your daily driver these days, and what do you like best about it?
CF: My daily driver nowadays is a ’20 Ford F-150 Limited, and what I like best about it is keyless entry.
SN: If you went back to school, what would you study?
CF: I would want to learn about computer-aided design (CAD). I don’t use a computer at all, and I don’t even use email. I’m completely old school, but when I see some of the drawings that are done on a computer, they’re so beautiful, they blow me away. So I’d like to learn more about CAD sometime in my life.
SN: When you’re not working, where can we find you, and what will you be doing?
CF: If I’m not working, I’m with my girlfriend or my children—and enjoying life!
For more information about the 2022 SEMA Show, being held November 1–4, in Las Vegas, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Vehicle electrification is a continuously growing automotive trend, and some states are actively pushing consumers to transition from ICE to EVs. In fact, California has recently mandated 35% zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2026 and banned all new non-ZEV sales by 2035, while Washington has set a target of 2030 to phase out the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.
With that in mind, in 2019, SEMA’s forward thinking led to the creation of a dedicated “SEMA Electrified” Show section, which highlighted the endless possibilities in the electric market. It returned with a larger presence in 2021 following the 2020 COVID-19 hiatus. Last year, electrification projects and products could also be found in virtually every hall, with conversion platforms including ’60s sedans and musclecars, early Broncos and square-body Chevys, Bonneville racers, sand rails and Baja prerunners. While still a small fraction of the hundreds of builds at the Show, their existence on the Show floor heralded the beginning of a new era in the specialty-equipment aftermarket—and one that holds great promise for aspiring builders and customizers looking to leverage this latest technology to create new revenue streams.
This year’s Show will feature an even more expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, Booth #11268, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in EV technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions. In addition to SEMA Electrified, EV projects and products will again be displayed throughout the Show floor. Also, the SEMA Show New Products Showcase—consistently voted as the No. 1 destination by buyers and media—will add a new category for products related to EVs.
The younger generation in particular seems to be enthusiastic about EVs. In fact, 14-year-old Frances Farnam of Tinkergineering stopped by the SEMA Garage earlier this year with her ’76 Porsche 914, which she and her dad are restoring and converting to electric. It will be showcased at SEMA Electrified as an EV project in progress.
“The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly; we’re curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market continues to change. We have also added many new education sessions centered around the EV marketplace so visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future.”
Located in the North Hall in Booth #11268, SEMA Electrified will feature the latest advancements in electric-vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions.
Although alternative powertrains currently represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly. According to recent SEMA Market Research, the electric market includes several areas of opportunity for the aftermarket, including the development of parts and products to aid in the conversion of older internal-combustion vehicles; building and modifying new project, racing and purpose-built vehicles; and expertly accessorizing new OEM electric offerings. SEMA is dedicated to helping its member companies identify those opportunities and adapt to the growing segment of the industry.
EV Conversion Companies Exhibiting This Year
The number of EV conversion companies exhibiting this year continues to flourish, and more players will enter the space each year as consumer demand increases. Here is a sampling of some of the EV-conversion and related companies that are scheduled to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show as of press time. Visit www.SEMAShow.com for future updates.
The Atom Drive EV system from Ampere EV utilizes a homebuilt Advanced Control System to support a full compliment of EV components sourced from third parties such as Tesla and Cascadia. Customers can build their own system by choosing from a range of batteries, chargers, wiring options and LED screens. (888-984-7601, www.ampereev.com)
APP EV Systems, a division of Advanced Performance Parts, designs, builds and sells turnkey EV conversion kits for classic cars that are engineered to OE specifications. Applications for Porsche 911s, BMW E9s and Chevrolet C2 Corvettes, among others, are available later this year and early 2023. (360-935-1228, ppevsystems.com)
Autel Energy now offers the MaxiCharger home 40- and 50-amp AC plug-in wallbox Level 2 EV chargers, smart chargers that are compatible with all EV and hybrid plug-in vehicles. The chargers offer adjustable charging up to 40–50 amps, depending on model. (855-288-3587, www.autelenergyus.com)
Electric GT offers turnkey E-Crate conversion systems to replace four-, six, or eight-cylinder ICE vehicles. (619-717-6009, www.electricgt.com)
Hypercraft USA offers turnkey electric drive systems for everything from one-off builds to scaled commercial production. (208-670-7289, www.hypercraftusa.com)
Legacy EV has an EV conversion kit for virtually any gas-powered vehicle manufactured since 1900. Legacy also offers a variety of individual components for EV conversions, and educational programs for technicians as well. (602-518-3223, legacyev.com)
Motorcadd specializes in EV conversions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and vans. (352-223-1723, www.motorcadd.com)
Scorpion EV converts Mk4 roadsters from Factory Five Racing to full EV power using a Tesla Model S drivetrain. All the customer needs to do, the company says, is select their roadster’s color, and Scorpion will handle the rest. (www.scorpion-ev.com).
EV-Related Education Sessions at the Show
The 2022 SEMA Show will feature more than 70 education sessions, some of which will focus on vehicle electrification. Examples include:
Very few people in the automotive industry require little to no introduction, but when you’re one of the most celebrated designers in industry history, you write your own intros wherever you appear. In a career spanning nearly 30 years, Chip Foose has dazzled his fellow builders, car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike with his unique automotive artistry, both as the owner of Chip Foose Design in Huntington Beach, California, and as the star of the long-running TLC TV series “Overhaulin.’”
Vehicle electrification is a continuously growing automotive trend, and some states are actively pushing consumers to transition from ICE to EVs. In fact, 