By Della Domingo

Tucker’s ’69 Camaro (sponsored by exhibitor ARP) beat out the amazing builds of Top 4 finalists Eddie Pettus (’32 Willys aircraft refueling truck, BASF), Rod Nielsen (’72 Mazda R100, Tire Stickers), and Young Gun Kyle Kuhnhausen (’72 Nissan 240Z, Young Guns Regional Winner from Goodguys).

Kyle Tucker was crowned the winner of the fifth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition for his ’69 Chevy Camaro during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party.

Tucker’s ’69 Camaro (sponsored by exhibitor ARP) beat out the amazing builds of Top 4 finalists Eddie Pettus (’32 Willys aircraft refueling truck, BASF), Rod Nielsen (’72 Mazda R100, Tire Stickers), and Young Gun Kyle Kuhnhausen (’72 Nissan 240Z, Young Guns Regional Winner from Goodguys).

All four builders will be featured along with many other SEMA Show builders in a new episode of the TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders.” Hosted by Adrienne “AJ” Janic and racer Tanner Foust, the fifth-annual “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will air on the Velocity Channel at 10:00 p.m. on January 7, 2019.

The 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers, representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The program was expanded this year to recognize winners in each of the four different categories, with Tucker also winning the Hot Rod title, Pettus earning the Truck/Off-Road honor, Nielsen scoring in Sport Compact and Kuhnhausen in Young Guns.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), David Freiburger (Motor Trend Group) and Fred Williams (Motor Trend Group) narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries, an increase in participation from last year, to the Top 10 in each category before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and voted to name Tucker the overall winner.

For more information about the 2018 Battle of the Builders competition and to see behind-the-scenes footage and interviews of some of this year's contestants, visit www.sema.org/botb or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By Della Domingo

Tucker’s ’69 Camaro (sponsored by exhibitor ARP) beat out the amazing builds of Top 4 finalists Eddie Pettus (’32 Willys aircraft refueling truck, BASF), Rod Nielsen (’72 Mazda R100, Tire Stickers), and Young Gun Kyle Kuhnhausen (’72 Nissan 240Z, Young Guns Regional Winner from Goodguys).

Kyle Tucker was crowned the winner of the fifth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition for his ’69 Chevy Camaro during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party.

Tucker’s ’69 Camaro (sponsored by exhibitor ARP) beat out the amazing builds of Top 4 finalists Eddie Pettus (’32 Willys aircraft refueling truck, BASF), Rod Nielsen (’72 Mazda R100, Tire Stickers), and Young Gun Kyle Kuhnhausen (’72 Nissan 240Z, Young Guns Regional Winner from Goodguys).

All four builders will be featured along with many other SEMA Show builders in a new episode of the TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders.” Hosted by Adrienne “AJ” Janic and racer Tanner Foust, the fifth-annual “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special will air on the Velocity Channel at 10:00 p.m. on January 7, 2019.

The 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers, representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs. The program was expanded this year to recognize winners in each of the four different categories, with Tucker also winning the Hot Rod title, Pettus earning the Truck/Off-Road honor, Nielsen scoring in Sport Compact and Kuhnhausen in Young Guns.

Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), David Freiburger (Motor Trend Group) and Fred Williams (Motor Trend Group) narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries, an increase in participation from last year, to the Top 10 in each category before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and voted to name Tucker the overall winner.

For more information about the 2018 Battle of the Builders competition and to see behind-the-scenes footage and interviews of some of this year's contestants, visit www.sema.org/botb or SEMA’s YouTube channel.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Low-volume production of turn-key replica cars, such as this Dynamic Corvette ’56 resto-mod, hangs in the balance until NHTSA implements the FAST Act.

SEMA is encouraging its members to ask U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to implement the replica car law. Under the 2015 law spearheaded by SEMA, small automakers (5,000 or fewer vehicles produced globally) may sell up to 325 turnkey replica cars a year in the United States, vehicles that resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had a December 4, 2016, deadline to implement the law. Nearly two years later, NHTSA has taken no regulatory action.  

SEMA has put the agency on notice that it will file a court action if it fails to take immediate action. The delay is creating financial hardship for small businesses committed to the program. Replica car companies began making investments in new facilities, equipment and supplies based on the one-year timeline to implement the law. Instead, workers have not been hired and sales are on hold because of NHTSA’s inaction.  

Click here for more information and to contact DOT Secretary Chao.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Low-volume production of turn-key replica cars, such as this Dynamic Corvette ’56 resto-mod, hangs in the balance until NHTSA implements the FAST Act.

SEMA is encouraging its members to ask U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to implement the replica car law. Under the 2015 law spearheaded by SEMA, small automakers (5,000 or fewer vehicles produced globally) may sell up to 325 turnkey replica cars a year in the United States, vehicles that resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had a December 4, 2016, deadline to implement the law. Nearly two years later, NHTSA has taken no regulatory action.  

SEMA has put the agency on notice that it will file a court action if it fails to take immediate action. The delay is creating financial hardship for small businesses committed to the program. Replica car companies began making investments in new facilities, equipment and supplies based on the one-year timeline to implement the law. Instead, workers have not been hired and sales are on hold because of NHTSA’s inaction.  

Click here for more information and to contact DOT Secretary Chao.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun (center) accepted the “Warehouse Distributor of the Year” award at the 2017 SEMA Show.  Braun was elected by a wide-margin on November 6 to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate.

SEMA congratulates Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun, who was elected on November 6 to represent Indiana in the United States Senate. Senator-elect Braun (R-IN) handily won the election, defeating incumbent U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) by a margin of 52.86% to 43.15%. Braun’s hard-fought victory was integral in helping Republicans retain and grow their majority in the U.S. Senate. Senator-elect Braun forged a strong relationship with President Trump during the election, as the President made multiple visits to campaign with Braun in one of the most closely watched races of the 2018 cycle.

Braun started working for Meyer Body Co. in 1981 and transitioned its business from manufacturing to distribution, forming Meyer Distributing. Over the following decades, Braun grew the business into a national distribution and logistics company with 65 locations in 38 states. Braun has also shown a commitment to public service as a member of the Jasper School Board (2004–2014) and as an Indiana State Legislator (2015–2017).

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) enthusiastically supported Braun’s campaign. Senator-elect Braun is the first SEMA member-company official to be elected to the U.S. Senate. If you are interested in learning more about SEMA PAC, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun (center) accepted the “Warehouse Distributor of the Year” award at the 2017 SEMA Show.  Braun was elected by a wide-margin on November 6 to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate.

SEMA congratulates Meyer Distributing President and CEO Mike Braun, who was elected on November 6 to represent Indiana in the United States Senate. Senator-elect Braun (R-IN) handily won the election, defeating incumbent U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) by a margin of 52.86% to 43.15%. Braun’s hard-fought victory was integral in helping Republicans retain and grow their majority in the U.S. Senate. Senator-elect Braun forged a strong relationship with President Trump during the election, as the President made multiple visits to campaign with Braun in one of the most closely watched races of the 2018 cycle.

Braun started working for Meyer Body Co. in 1981 and transitioned its business from manufacturing to distribution, forming Meyer Distributing. Over the following decades, Braun grew the business into a national distribution and logistics company with 65 locations in 38 states. Braun has also shown a commitment to public service as a member of the Jasper School Board (2004–2014) and as an Indiana State Legislator (2015–2017).

SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) enthusiastically supported Braun’s campaign. Senator-elect Braun is the first SEMA member-company official to be elected to the U.S. Senate. If you are interested in learning more about SEMA PAC, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

Journalists from all over the world gathered in Las Vegas last week, as the 2018 SEMA Show featured new products, trends and innovation. While print coverage and television programs featuring the SEMA Show will trickle in over the next several months, many online outlets have already hit.

Take a look at some of the news that has already resulted, below: 

• Las Vegas Review Journal: “Green Car Factory Showcases Technology at SEMA”
• Popular Mechanics: “SEMA 2019: Popular Mechanics Editors’ Choice Awards”
• Automobile: “Fabulous Fords of the 2018 SEMA Show"
• MotorTrend: “The Ford, Chevy and Mopar Show Cars of SEMA 2018”
• USA Today: “Pickup or Side-by-Side? Honda Unveils Wild Open-Air Truck at SEMA Trade Show”
• Automotive News: “What Stuck out at SEMA?”
• Jalopnik: “Here Is Everything Good I Could Find At SEMA This Year”
• AutoWeek: “Hey, Whatever Happened to That Replica Car Law Passed in 2015?”
• MAXIM: “1,000-hp DODGE ‘Hellephant’ V8 Turns Classic Cars Into Modern Monsters”
• KTNV Channel 13: “New SEMA Convention Products With Dr. Viggiano”
• MuscleCar (Video): “2018 SEMA Reveal Live Coverage!”
• CE Outlook: “SEMA Announces Best Of Show Winners”
• The Shop: “Auto Shop Instructor Describes Struggle & Reward of Leading Young Builders”

To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

By Della Domingo

Journalists from all over the world gathered in Las Vegas last week, as the 2018 SEMA Show featured new products, trends and innovation. While print coverage and television programs featuring the SEMA Show will trickle in over the next several months, many online outlets have already hit.

Take a look at some of the news that has already resulted, below: 

• Las Vegas Review Journal: “Green Car Factory Showcases Technology at SEMA”
• Popular Mechanics: “SEMA 2019: Popular Mechanics Editors’ Choice Awards”
• Automobile: “Fabulous Fords of the 2018 SEMA Show"
• MotorTrend: “The Ford, Chevy and Mopar Show Cars of SEMA 2018”
• USA Today: “Pickup or Side-by-Side? Honda Unveils Wild Open-Air Truck at SEMA Trade Show”
• Automotive News: “What Stuck out at SEMA?”
• Jalopnik: “Here Is Everything Good I Could Find At SEMA This Year”
• AutoWeek: “Hey, Whatever Happened to That Replica Car Law Passed in 2015?”
• MAXIM: “1,000-hp DODGE ‘Hellephant’ V8 Turns Classic Cars Into Modern Monsters”
• KTNV Channel 13: “New SEMA Convention Products With Dr. Viggiano”
• MuscleCar (Video): “2018 SEMA Reveal Live Coverage!”
• CE Outlook: “SEMA Announces Best Of Show Winners”
• The Shop: “Auto Shop Instructor Describes Struggle & Reward of Leading Young Builders”

To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde