Thu, 03/23/2023 - 13:20
Thu, 03/23/2023 - 12:29

By SEMA Editors

SEMA ShowAutomotive specialty-equipment manufacturers are geared up to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas.

With an eagerness to connect with buyers in person to create brand awareness, introduce new products, develop relationships and tell their company stories, exhibitors are signing up earlier than they had in previous years, demonstrating strong momentum for this year’s show.

Exhibitor commitments continue to come in at a constant rate, and with more than a third of all applications historically submitted a week before the April 3 priority application deadline, the 2023 SEMA Show is expected to grow to more than 2,000 exhibiting companies.

The running list on www.semashow.com/participating-manufacturers shows major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the 2023 SEMA Show.

“The early commitment from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face to face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”

Since the pandemic hit in 2020, the industry has gathered at the SEMA Show, making the annual event the go-to place for connecting with colleagues. In 2021 and 2022 the SEMA Show has been among the country’s highest-attended trade shows, and momentum has increased as travel restrictions are lifted and businesses discover limitations of doing business virtually.

“Virtual meetings are great, but you can’t smell the burning rubber over a Zoom call,” said Gattuso.

Exhibitors that submit completed applications by April 3 will be included in the SEMA Show Priority Booth Selection Process, at which time they will select their space and learn how to get the most out of their investment. Exclusive benefits and opportunities include:

  • First to select their space at the SEMA Show and officially assigned a booth number.
  • Immediately included on the online floorplan, which industry professionals use to determine what exhibitors to visit and how to plan their Show.
  • Connect with account reps who will guide them on specific opportunities to boost brand awareness based on the exhibitor’s goals and target audience.
  • Opportunity to sign up for the 2023 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a two-and-a-half-day boot camp-style event where Show organizers guide exhibitors through important details and tips for success.
  • Reminders about early-bird deadlines to save money on booth orders and hotel rooms for staff.

Booth space applications, available at www.semashow.com/exhibitor, are open to companies that manufacture products that enhance a vehicle’s performance, styling, safety or convenience. Registration for industry professionals to attend the four-day SEMA Show opens on May 1 at the early-bird rate until late June.

Visit www.semashow.com to learn more and to see the list of companies that have already committed to exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show. 

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 12:11

CamaroAfter nine model years in the market, with hundreds of thousands sold, the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro will retire at the conclusion of model-year ’24. The final sixth-generation Camaros will come off the assembly line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan in January 2024.

Available in coupe and soft-top convertible variants, this latest-generation Camaro is known for athleticism and composure. Magnetic Ride Control became available on the Camaro SS in the sixth generation and track-focused 1LE packages proliferated through all levels of the lineup for the first time. The street-legal track Camaro, the 650hp ZL1 1LE, produced the fastest time for any Camaro around GM’s Milford Road Course at the company’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to the current-generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.”

Chevrolet will celebrate this storied nameplate with the addition of the Collector’s Edition package on the ’24 Camaro RS and SS, and on a limited number of ZL1-equipped vehicles available in North America. The Collector’s Edition pays homage to Camaro, resurfacing ties that date back to the development of the first-generation Camaro in the ’60s, most notably the program’s initial code name: Panther.

Chevrolet campaigns the sixth-generation Camaro in a variety of series, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO, NHRA and the Supercars Championship. Camaro will continue to compete on track, working with motorsports sanctioning bodies to ensure Chevrolet’s presence in racing moving forward.

“Chevrolet’s products and our relationship with our customers benefit from motorsports,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, performance and motorsports. “Our plan is to continue to compete and win at the highest levels of auto racing.”

More information on the ’24 Camaro line and Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 09:39

By SEMA Editors

SEMA ShowThe annual SEMA Show is the place to be for automotive specialty-equipment companies looking to launch new products and establish or strengthen business connections. Being a part of the Show allows exhibitors to control their own narrative and showcase their company with a product and brand presentation for the world to see.

“If you are absent, then the narrative and perception is out of your control, and possibly worse, it gives your competition the chance to tell a better story,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA’s trade show director.

The SEMA Show attracts more than 132,000 attendees, including more than 70,000 buyers and decision makers from around the world each year. Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet face to face with a global audience, build relationships, talk through issues and develop new ideas. Companies that stand on the sidelines are not top of mind to their customers and prospects.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. hesitated to exhibit in previous years while its Hot Shot’s Secret brand was growing, so the primary goal in 2021 was to bring awareness to the brand and introduce new customers to its products. They also wanted to reach out to potential new dealers and product distributors.

“We were happy to exceed expectations with a heavily trafficked booth in the Racing & Performance section of the Central Hall and sign up multiple new partners,” said Kyle Fischer, director of branding and promotions, Lubrication Specialties Inc. “In hindsight, we should have started exhibiting at the SEMA Show many years ago. It turned out to be the perfect event to put our brand on the map and proved to be an excellent venue to further push the brand growth and recognition that we have been building upon.”

Exhibiting at the Show pays off for smaller companies, too. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Hinckley Overlanding supplies, installs and designs products for the state’s growing overlanding community.

“You’re always evolving as a company and as a builder,” said Hinckley Overlanding Owner and Operator Matt McIntosh. “As things change over the next few years, we’ve got to stay ahead of the times. The Show allows us to go to market with all the other builders that are out there and get ideas on how we can make our product better. And you’re making connections you can’t make any other way. Honestly, we’re in the people business. We just happen to make, build and sell cool stuff. At the end of the day, it’s about the relationships that you build with buyers and customers.”

The SEMA Show affords companies numerous methods for extending their message, from the Online Media Center to the Show’s No. 1 buyer destination—the New Products Showcase.

“However, keep in mind that the size of your presentation is less important than the fact that you are there, and if you miss it, your brand will be out of the conversation for two full years—a virtual eternity in business circles,” Tompkins said.

To date, more than 1,300 companies have committed to exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show. Organizers expect the number to increase to more than 2,000 by Show time. See who is exhibiting.

There is still time to get involved in this process; submit your ESRA application by April 3!

The 2023 SEMA Show will  be held October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. For more information about exhibiting, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 13:18
Corvette

This is the C8 Z06 with a little surprise around back, a camo’d lower rear fascia.

Taking a look at the rest of the Z06, there’s not a single change, except for the aforementioned camo’d rear fascia. Is this an early mule for the ZR1, or, is Chevy already making modifications to the Z06?

Regardless, GM is up to something with the Z06. Hopefully, there will be some answers in the coming months, but until then, just know that GM isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to the C8 lineup.

Corvette

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 13:10

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The tariff costs imposed on imported steel and aluminum and imported Chinese goods over the past five years have been directly borne by U.S. businesses, according to a study released by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The study results are consistent with SEMA’s comments to the ITC, which noted that significant tariffs had been imposed on member companies with insufficient justification. SEMA recommended that the Section 232 and 301 tariffs be removed.

Last year, the U.S. Congress directed the ITC to assess the economic impact of the tariffs. The agency found that the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum successfully lowered imports and increased domestic metal production, but they also increased prices and had a largely negative impact on downstream production. Prices for both metals were notably higher in the United States than in the rest of the world.

With respect to the Section 301 tariffs on imported Chinese goods, the report found a one-for-one increase. For example, the product price rose about 10% if the tariff was 10%. The report confirms that the higher costs were paid almost entirely by U.S. companies.

With the issuance of the ITC report, SEMA once again urges the Biden Administration to lift the tariffs and provide some economic relief to American businesses and consumers.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 11:33

NMCACompetitors settled into the new home of the Scoggin Dickey Parts Center NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem presented by Holbrook Racing Engines, March 17–19, at Orlando Speed World Dragway in Florida.

VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro Mod: Ty Tutterow, in his ’57 Buick-bodied Pro Mod, hammered the tree with an .014 and then hauled to a 3.634 to take a trip to the winner's circle over Robert Abbott, who was right there with a 3.635 in his Camaro-bodied hot rod.

Holley EFI Factory Super Cars: AJ Berge and Ricky Hord hung on for the final round, where 13th qualifier Berge turned on the win light with a 7.63 over Hord’s close 7.62.

ARP Nitrous Pro Street: David Fallon Jr. wound up in the final round of eliminations with Kyle Salminen in the other lane. Fallon Jr. won with a 4.28.

Edelbrock Xtreme Street: Martin Connelley kept his foot planted on the pedal to a 4.49 in his Mustang to pick up the win over Bill Trovato, who trapped a close 4.51.

Dart NA 10.5: Robbie Blankenship made it to the final round and flew to a 7.79 and the winner's circle after Joe Clemente, who led qualifying with a 7.80, ran into trouble and couldn't complete his pass.

Chevrolet Performance Stock presented by Scoggin Dickey Parts Center: Kevin Lumsden led qualifying with a 5.77 in his Camaro, and later landed the win with a 9.62 over Keith Vaughn in his Corvette.

Micro Strategies Stock Eliminator: Bruce Boyle and George Cox were close on the tree, and Boyle earned another win in the double-breakout bout with an 11.50 on an 11.51 in his Camaro IROC Z.

Micro Strategies Super Stock Eliminator: Joe Ewing defeated Mark Nowicki, who was close to Ewing on the tree but slightly dipped under his dial.

Quick Fuel Technology Nostalgia Super Stock: Doug Duell parked his father’s former Fury wagon right on his 9.00 index to defeat Jim Netherland.

Erson Cams Nostalgia Muscle presented by World Products: Michael Tagg trampled the tree to the tune of .000 in his Fairlane, and won with a 10.01 on a 10.00 index over reigning class champion Danny Towe.

MagnaFuel Open Comp: Scott Williams hung the tires to a perfect .000 reaction time on the bottom end, followed by an 8.52 on an 8.66 dial on the big end, to upset Steve Satchell, who broke out by a little more.

LME Street King presented by Chevrolet Performance: Cody Poston went to the winner’s circle with an 8.67 over Bryan Williams, who was also on a breakout run.

Proform LSX Rumble presented by Chevrolet Performance: Keith Vaughn earned the easy win when Nicholas Massengale couldn't complete his pass.

TorqStorm Superchargers True Street: Jeff Smith took the overall win with a 9.38 average in a Mustang Cobra, while Deneen Segura was the runner-up with a 9.73 average in a Mustang. Robert Reilly raced to the 10-second win in a Challenger, Alan Hill arrived at the 11-second win in a Mustang GT, Michael Vanzile motored to the 12-second win in an F-150, Brett Veneman buckled in for the 13-second win, Mary Ann Mammen made it to the 14-second win in a Mustang Mach 1 and Ken Mason collected the 15-second win in a Mustang.

Dodge // Mopar HEMI Shootout: Thomas Falk flew to the win with a nice 8.79 average in his Challenger, while Scott Roegter took the runner-up with a 9.54 average in his Durango Hellcat. Others deserving recognition were Matt Martens (9-second winner in a Challenger), Bryce Rohrs (10-second winner in a Challenger), Joe Gomez (11-second winner in a Challenger) and Homero Lloro (12-second winner in a Challenger). Also standing out were Cindie Scott (13-second winner in a Durango SRT), Josie McClenaghan (14-second winner in a Challenger) and Brandon Barrett (15-second winner in a RAM 3500).

The eight quickest drivers in the Dodge // Mopar HEMI Shootout earned entry into the HHP Racing HEMI Quick 8 on the final day of the season opener, and Mike Clark and Zachan Davis lined up for the final round. They were close on the tree, but on the top end, Clark scored the win with a 9.38 on a 9.40 when Davis ran an off-pace pass.

In Bracket 1, Rick Perry paired a .006 reaction time with a 5.68 on a 5.67 to claim the victory over Shane Williams. Bracket 2 saw Cole Knieriem, who piloted a Liberscher Racing COPO Camaro for the first time this weekend, pull off the win with a 6.18 on a 6.19 over Jeff Ross, who dipped under his dial by more.

The second stop on the tour, the Innovation Performance Technologies NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals Presented by MAHLE Motorsport, will be held April 14–16 at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina.

Cindric, George Comprise Class of 2023 for IMS Hall of Fame

Indy HOFThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has announced Tim Cindric and Tony George as the 2023 inductees for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. Cindric and George will be formally celebrated at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner presented by Shell and supported by National Bank of Indianapolis on Friday evening, May 26 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The two were chosen from a ballot of 14 nominees by a national panel of more than 150 journalists, participants and historians. In addition to honoring the inductees, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will celebrate Marlyne Sexton, a philanthropist and community leader who has contributed to the success of the Museum, supported the racing community, and the 500 Festival organization.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at imsmuseum.org. Pricing is $2,000 for a table of eight and $250 for individual tickets. All proceeds benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through storytelling and educational programs.

More Details Revealed for the Future of Auto Club Speedway

More details have been revealed about the recent sale of NASCAR’s Auto Club Speedway—the two-mile, low-banked D-shaped oval superspeedway near Fontana, California. It was previously reported that NASCAR had sold 433 acres of the 522-acre site. Now, officials are stating the famed track was purchased for an estimated $559 million by Hillwood Development, owned by real estate mogul Ross Perot Jr. He plans to build a 6.6-million-sq.-ft. logistics hub called “Speedway Commerce Center,” according to the published reports. Plans still currently involve NASCAR building a new short track on the remaining acreage, better suited for the Next Gen cars, according to the new reports.

IMSA Hall of Fame Unveils Inaugural Class

The inaugural class for the IMSA Hall of Fame has been selected and includes four drivers, three IMSA founders and four iconic race cars from throughout the sanctioning body’s 54-year history. The inductees will be honored as part of October’s WeatherTech Night of Champions held following the Motul Petit Le Mans season finale to celebrate the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and crown series champions.

The four drivers selected for induction into the inaugural IMSA Hall of Fame class—Peter Gregg, Hurley Haywood, Al Holbert and Scott Pruett—all were multiple-time IMSA champions and multi-time winners. Joining the inaugural IMSA Hall of Fame class are the three founders of the International Motor Sports Association: John and Peggy Bishop and Bill France Sr.

In addition to the seven people selected to the first IMSA Hall of Fame class, four iconic race cars—the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, Ferrari 333 SP, Mazda RX-7 GTU and Porsche 962—also have been selected for enshrinement.

The inductees were selected from a larger group determined by a nominating committee comprised of past and present IMSA executives and an esteemed group of media members. BDO, which was introduced as a corporate partner of IMSA earlier this year, validated the accuracy of the 2023 IMSA Hall of Fame voting results. Plans call for a mix of influential people and race cars to be inducted into the IMSA Hall of Fame each year. The IMSA Hall of Fame will live in an online environment. A standalone website will launch later this year.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 11:13

PetersenA recent donation to the Petersen Automotive Museum will ensure that generations to come can enjoy one of the quintessential American hot rods. Renowned car collector Bruce Meyer recently handed over the keys to his ’32 Ford “McGee Roadster” to Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Constructed by noted hot-rod builder Bob McGee, the McGee Roadster introduced an aesthetic that quickly became nearly ubiquitous in the roadster community. The popular hot rod will become part of the Petersen’s permanent collection.

The Petersen Automotive Museum and the McGee Roadster share an origin story that stems from Hot Rod magazine, founded by Robert E. Petersen in 1948. The McGee Roadster’s popularity skyrocketed after appearing on the cover of Hot Rod magazine, the first street car to do so. Petersen’s subsequent success in publishing allowed him to launch one of the world’s finest automotive museums in 1994.

“Hot rods are vital to the entire automotive industry, and Robert Petersen is the man who really brought hot rodding to the people. This car is an important piece of automotive history, and there is no more worthy destination than the Petersen Automotive Museum,” said Meyer, who is also founding chairman of the Petersen.

The iconic roadster has raced on the Bonneville salt flats, served as a daily driver and originated many of the design cues synonymous with hot rodding. McGee, who started working on the roadster in 1947, created the signature look with plenty of customization, including lowered suspension, larger Lincoln Zephyr rear wheels, a three-piece louvered hood, peaked and filled grille shell, hidden door hinges and shaved door handles, all painted bright red with a custom interior.

In 1956, McGee sold the roadster to Dick Scritchfield, an avid hot rodder and automotive career man. Scritchfield, who had contacts in the film industry, started leasing the car to movie producers and television shows for use in their productions. Repainted by a friend of Scritchfield’s using Candy Apple Red paint and silver metal flake, the roadster also became the first non-experimental metal-flake paint job in the automotive industry. Over the following years, the car underwent many additional modifications before Meyer restored it to its original 1948 configuration in the late ’90s.

The McGee Roadster paved the way for hot rodding’s entrance into mainstream culture. Its appearances in many films and classic television shows, such as “Happy Days,” “Dragnet” and “Fantasy Island,” helped it become an icon for a generation.

It was featured on the U.S. Postal Service’s “Hot Rods Forever" commemorative stamp in 2014; the stamps were designed by Derry Noyes and digitally rendered by graphic artist John Mattos. The car has also been shown and won in its current configuration at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Grand National Roadster Show. On April 12, 2017, the McGee Roadster became the only hot rod added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The McGee Roaster is currently on display in the Ross & Beth Myers Gallery at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

2023 Easter Jeep Safari Preview

These collective themes hint at the next grouping of the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar concept sketches of mission-capable vehicles heading to the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, April 1–9.

JeepJeepJeepJeep

Kahn Media Wins AVA Digital Gold Award

Kahn Media has announced that it has been added to the list of 2023 AVA Digital Awards winners taking home a Bronze Award in the Digital Marketing Campaign category. The judges recognized Kahn Media’s results-driven campaign for its client, Cognito Motosports, created in-house by its team of digital marketing experts. In January alone, that campaign produced an ROI of 6,301%. For all of 2022, the digital marketing team delivered a 1,306% ROI.

Created in 1994, the AVA Awards originally celebrated and awarded achievements in the audio-visual arts. As the roles of digital media and the internet rose, the awards shifted focus. Today, the AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that “recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design and production of digital communication,” according to its website. Everything from digital and social media campaigns to video production to website development and mobile marketing is considered for the AVA Digital Awards, with more than 100 categories judged.

Acura Reveals Limited-Production TLX Type S PMC Edition

AcuraAcura is creating 50 hand-assembled TLX Type S PMC Editions finished in Gotham Gray matte paint, the signature color of the performance brand’s NSX Type S supercar. The paint utilizes a clear matte metallic finish to give the TLX Type S a more sinister appearance. Mirroring the production of 50 Gotham Gray NSX Type S models built for the U.S. market, the 50 handcrafted high-performance sedans will enter production next month at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio4 and arrive at select dealers this spring priced at $65,000.

Exterior design elements unique to TLX Type S PMC Edition include Berlina Black paint for the door handles and part of the lower side-sill garnish. Also, NSX-inspired Y-spoke 20-in. lightweight wheels are finished in Berlina Black, while a gloss carbon-fiber decklid lip spoiler, carbon-fiber rear diffuser, lower side sill garnish and black-chrome quad exhaust finishers complete the more aggressive look. Gloss black TLX, Type S and SH-AWD exterior badging is also standard.

Inside, the TLX Type S PMC Edition is further distinguished by carbon-fiber interior trim panels, illuminated side sills and premium floor mats with Type S badges and colored accent binding. A striking Red Milano leather interior is contrasted with black stitching and Ultrasuede inserts. The lower console is accented with an individually numbered serial plaque to designate the ’23 TLX Type S PMC Edition as a limited-edition vehicle (1 of 50) handcrafted at the Performance Manufacturing Center.

The ’23 Gotham Gray TLX Type S PMC Edition follows previous PMC Editions as well as the NSX supercar, all hand-crafted by master technicians at the Performance Manufacturing Center. Following the hand-assembly process, each PMC Edition receives the same quality-control process applied to NSX, including a dyno check, paint inspection and rough-road simulation. To protect the paint during shipping, PMC Editions are wrapped in a specially designed car cover and transported to Acura dealers via enclosed, single-car carriers.

Polaris Unveils RZR Pro R Factory Race-Ready UTV

PolarisPolaris Off Road has unveiled a purpose-built race-ready UTV—the RZR Pro R Factory. Based on its RZR Pro R platform, RZR Pro R Factory is specifically engineered to thrive against the grueling demands of open-desert racing, providing a powerful centerpiece for its recently announced Polaris Factory Racing team.

Harkening back to the days when automotive OEMs developed factory-engineered, race-ready trophy trucks for their factory off-road racing programs, Polaris is doing the same with RZR Pro R Factory and breaking entirely new ground for the UTV racing class. Four Pro R Factory vehicles have been developed for the Polaris Factory Racing team, with the team and vehicles making their debut at the upcoming San Felipe 250. This season will see the team compete in the SCORE International series and the Best in the Desert's Vegas to Reno race. Last year, the RZR Pro R demonstrated a combination of performance and durability when Brandon Sims captured the 2022 Baja 1000 UTV Overall.

Universal Technical Institute Recognized for Efforts to Train America’s Veterans for In-Demand Careers

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has announced it has once again earned the Military Friendly School designation, which accounts for student retention and graduation and job placement rates, among other criteria. UTI’s campuses in Avondale, Arizona; Sacramento, Rancho Cucamonga and Long Beach, California; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Lisle, Illinois; and Exton, Pennsylvania, along with NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, North Carolina and Motorcycle & Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, Florida, were among the schools awarded for 2022–2023.

UTI first began earning the Military Friendly designation in 2011. The award is given to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that work to embrace military students and dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and the workforce. Most UTI campuses are outfitted with a veteran-friendly space and UTI offers the Salute to Service Grant, which gives eligible veterans a 10% tuition discount.

In partnership with UTI, BMW and Premier Truck Group, offer on-base training programs, allowing active service members to train for careers as automotive or diesel technicians near the end of their military service contract. For more information on UTI's Military and Veterans Services, click here.

Kia Niro Named “Supreme Winner” in 2023 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards

Kia NiroThe ’23 Kia Niro has been named the 2023 Women's World Car of the Year. While the Niro initially earned the “Urban Car of the Year” award from the all-women association earlier this year, the jury panel ultimately recognized the Niro as the overall “Supreme Winner” among all other category winners. Beating out five other category winners, the Niro impressed the judges with its state-of-the-art electrified powertrain options wrapped in a sleek, aerodynamic and technologically focused package. In its second generation, the Niro remains the only vehicle on the market available with three different electrified propulsion options.

Created in 2009 by New Zealand automotive journalist Sandy Myhre, the Women’s World Car of the Year is comprised exclusively of women, with 63 journalists spanning 43 continents. To determine the winner, a total of 59 vehicles were tested and evaluated on safety, quality, value, design, performance and environmental impact, among other important factors based on the same principles that drivers consider when making a vehicle purchase.

Gold Eagle Company Produces “DRIV[H]ER” Documentary

Gold Eagle CoGold Eagle Company has announced the rollout of a new documentary that highlights the incredible stories of two female racers—Sally McNulty and Kelsey Rowlings. The documentary, “DRIV[H]ER,” initially shared online on March 8 for International Women’s Day, can be viewed on YouTube and online at www.goldeagle.com.

The new 25-minute professionally produced film chronicles the inspiring story of two women and how they overcame challenges and prejudices to gain the respect of industry peers and enthusiasts in their respective series. McNulty races competitively in TC America, a touring car racing series sanctioned by the United States Auto Club and Rowlings competes in Formula DRIFT.

Power Automedia Launches New Website With Focus on Nine Digital Brands

Power AutomediaPower Automedia has announced an all-new online experience for its corporate website, PowerAutomedia.com. With a new ownership team and recent acquisitions, 2023 has brought big changes to Power Automedia. Now, the company has refreshed its online look to showcase its nine online publications. The website has been redesigned from the ground-up with prioritization on easy navigation and a clear view of the company’s offerings.

Power Automedia re-introduces its team with a new employee “grid,” allowing visitors to easily identify the person that can best help their digital media needs. An “About Us”-style video offers a chance to learn more about the company’s executives and discover how they are shaping the future of the automotive industry. Lastly, a newly designed careers page features an efficient way to view the latest opportunities across all the Power Automedia brands. Visit PowerAutomedia’s new website at PowerAutomedia.com.

Mullen Automotive and Qiantu Motors to Launch EV Supercar Branded Mullen GT and GTRS

MullenMullen Automotive Inc. has announced that it has been granted the North and South American IP and distribution rights from Qiantu Motors and affiliated companies as part of a license agreement allowing assembly and distribution of the DragonFLY K50 in the Americas.

Mullen will begin its program to re-engineer and redesign the product to meet homologation requirements for U.S. certification and customer expectations for today’s supercars. These modifications will be in line with Mullen’s vehicle design language currently found in the Mullen FIVE and Mullen FIVE RS. To ensure supercar status, the vehicle will also feature an updated powertrain, targeting sub 2.0 sec 0-60 MPH and a top speed exceeding 200 mph.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 10:42

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2023 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

With many events—such as the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, NHRA Nevada Nationals, Sin City Halloween Ball and others—taking place in proximity to the 2023 SEMA Show, it’s crucial to book your hotel rooms in advance before they sell out. Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

MGM

The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is among several hotels in the SEMA Show Block with nightly rates less than $200.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are nearly 50 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The following hotels have nightly rates less than $200:

  • Circus Circus: $99
  • Downtown Grand: $129
  • Excalibur: $120
  • Flamingo: $175
  • Golden Nugget: $145
  • Harrah’s: $170
  • Horseshoe Las Vegas: $170
  • Luxor: $140
  • MGM Grand: $165
  • New York New York: $160
  • Oyo: $135
  • Palace Station: $119
  • Park MGM: $160
  • Planet Hollywood: $199
  • The Link: $180
  • The Signature at MGM Grand: $90
  • The Strat: $134
  • Treasure Island: $199
  • Tropicana: $109

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Tue, 03/21/2023 - 10:21

By Douglas McColloch

Consumer trends and preferences may change over time, but in the automotive sphere, pickups never really fall out of fashion. They’re the ideal multipurpose vehicles that function equally as daily commuters, job-site workhorses or recreational trail toys. For sheer versatility, nothing compares to them, and that’s probably why the bestselling vehicle in the United States for more than 40 years in a row has been a pickup.

Truck and Off-Road

Pickups, Jeeps and off-road vehicles filled the West Hall at the 2022 SEMA Show. Leading products trending from the specialty-equipment market included bed and exterior accessories, wheels and tires, and overlanding gear.

More than half of all vehicles on the road in the United States are either a pickup, an SUV or a crossover CUV. According to the most recent issue of “SEMA Future Trends,” the light-truck segment—which includes pickups, vans, SUVs and CUVs—is forecast to account for close to 80% of all new-vehicle sales by 2027, with pickups alone making up nearly 50% of all new vehicles sold.

Healthy truck and SUV sales generally augur well for the automotive aftermarket. Parts and accessories for pickups alone account for 31% of specialty equipment sales, according to the latest “SEMA Pickup Accessorization Report,” with $16 billion in annual sales. Throw in SUVs, crossovers and vans, and that sales number grows to more than $30 billion yearly. More than half of all late-model pickups on the road have been modified with specialty-equipment parts, with HD models more likely to receive upgrades, and more than a quarter of pickup drivers purchase aftermarket equipment for their trucks each year.

While consumer demand for late-model truck parts remains high, new-truck sales—like new-car sales overall—faced tough sledding in 2022. The combination of persistent semiconductor shortages, COVID-related supply disruptions, spikes in fuel prices for much of the year, and low inventory on dealer lots combined to make new trucks more difficult to obtain and more expensive to operate. While eight of the top-selling vehicles sold in the United States were either pickups or SUVs, nearly all posted sales declines in 2022 over the previous year. Ford’s F-150 was again the nation’s best-selling vehicle but reported sales of 653,000 units, which marked a 10% decline over 2021. Among the top 10, the RAM 1500, Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee all posted double-digit declines, with the Tesla Model Y compact SUV the only top 10 vehicle to log a year-over-year (YOY) sales increase with an impressive 40% YOY gain.

There were still some bright sports. The Ford Bronco, in its first full calendar year on the market, reported 117,000 units sold, a 233% increase over 2021. Similarly, the Ford Maverick compact pickup, also in its first year on the market, logged a whopping 687% sales increase from 2021. Additionally, the midsize Chevrolet Colorado logged a 22% sales increase, and the Jeep Compass compact SUV reported a 14% gain for 2022. Noticing a trend here?

While CUVs continue to gain overall market share in the sector, smaller trucks and compact SUVs are seeing a resurgence in popularity, perhaps reflecting higher fuel costs. Midsize trucks accounted for only 15% of U.S. pickup sales in 2015 but have gained ground since then and are forecast to comprise 30% of U.S. pickup sales by 2025.

But in any event, consumer demand for trucks remains high, and if consumers can’t find them new, they’ll buy them used. According to a January 2023 survey of three-year-old used cars conducted by iSeeCars, eight of the top 10 most used vehicles purchased last year were either a truck, an SUV or a crossover, with F-150, Silverado 1500 and RAM 1500 leading the pack. Depreciation rates plummeted by more than half from 2020 to 2022, according to a report from Wards Auto, suggesting future high resale values for many models.

For this article, we consulted several industry leaders for their perspectives on the overall state of the marketplace. What follows is a summation of their views.

Trucks and Off-Road

Long anticipated, the Chevrolet Silverado EV is slated to go on sale this year with a claimed range of 400 mi. and a tow capacity of up to 20,000 lbs., depending on trim level. Photo courtesy: Chevrolet

What’s in The Pipeline: New and Notable Vehicles

While supply-chain issues could delay some releases, the following pickups, SUVs and crossover were tentatively scheduled to enter production within the next 18 months at the time this story was published.

Ford: Introduced globally in 2018, the Ranger Raptor comes to the United States with (most likely) a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 and a 10-speed transmission. Full-time four-wheel drive and 33-in. BFG tires are expected to be standard offerings.

General Motors: Long anticipated, the dual-motor Chevy Silverado EV is slated to go on sale later this year. The truck will be available as a base W/T sporting 510 hp, and a top-line RST First Edition that comes with 660-plus hp (and a six-figure price tag). Four-wheel steering will be an option, and the truck is said to offer a 400-mi. range between charges and a tow rating of up to 20,000 lbs. A Trail Boss version of the EV is in the works as well. The GMC Sierra Denali EV, set to launch early next year, will offer a similar cruising range and up to 750-plus hp.

Also new from GMC is the Hummer EV SUV, which has a claimed range of 250–300 mi. Consumers have already made 90,000 reservations for the EV, which has a base MSRP of $84,000.

Jeep: Two new Jeep BEVs are slated to start production within the coming year: The three-row Grand Wagoneer EV and the Recon EV, which will offer a power folding roof and removable doors. (It’s still a Jeep, after all.) Jeep aims to offer the three-row with a 400-mi. range, 600 hp and a 3.5-sec. 0–60 time. Little is known about the Recon at this point, though renderings of the vehicle suggest a strong enthusiast appeal.

Land Rover: The luxury automaker enters the electrification space with the all-new Range Rover EV. The rear-wheel-drive ’Rover is said to accommodate three rows of seating and an all-new chassis architecture that can be adapted to gas, hybrid, or full-electric drive configurations.

Mercedes-Benz: The current rage of the adventure van market, the M-B Sprinter EV will be manufactured and sold in the United States with a claimed range of around 300 mi. and a GVWR of 8,500 lbs.

RAM: Set to arrive in 2024, the 1500 Revolution EV, which debuted at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, marks the truckmaker’s first foray into full electrification. The 1500 will utilize the new STLA-dedicated EV chassis architecture that will support both light- and heavy-duty RAM electric pickups; cruising range is a claimed 500 mi. and tow capacity is said to be as much as 10,000 lbs.

RAM also re-enters the already-crowded midsize pickup segment with the introduction of the all-new Dakota. It’s still not clear if the truck will be based off the Jeep Gladiator or RAM 1500 platform, but it will almost certainly be powered by the 3.6L engine that’s ubiquitous across the Stellantis product line; a 3.0L diesel Six is another possibility. Rear-wheel- and four-wheel-drive versions will be offered, and a Dakota Rebel off-road trim package is a likely future option.

Tesla: Long delayed, Tesla’s already-iconic Cybertruck is expected to enter production in the second half of 2023. The truck will be produced in both three-motor and four-motor powertrain configurations that are said to enable 0–60 acceleration in under 3 sec. and tow capabilities of up to 14,000 lbs. Rear steering is said to be an option, and cruising range is a claimed 500 mi. between charges.

Toyota: Unchanged since a 2020 facelift, the fourth generation of the Tacoma midsize pickup is expected to debut in mid-2023 with a choice of powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder that’s rated at 265 hp in the current Highlander, or the Hybrid Max gas-electric system found in the all-new Crown sedan that replaces the Avalon in Toyota’s product line. The truck will ride on a modified version of the TNGA-F global chassis architecture and is expected to switch over to a rear coil suspension à la the current fullsize Tundra. Additionally, an all-electric version of the HiLux pickup debuted in Thailand last winter, so a Tacoma EV may be in the offing as well.

Also new from Toyota is the three-row Grand Highlander SUV, which debuted at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show and will be built at Toyota’s Indiana assembly plant. The Grand Highlander is expected to receive the same powertrain options as the Tacoma pickup; a Lexus version of the SUV, known as TX, will also roll out this year to replace the GX. A new midsize electric Toyota SUV, the bZ4X, is available for a base MSRP of $42,000 and with a claimed range of 250 mi. Finally, the boxy, off-road-oriented Compact Cruiser EV will look to compete against the Ford Bronco Sport in the compact off-road segment.

Volkswagen: While not a truck or SUV per se, the ’24 ID. Buzz microbus presents an intriguing platform for the evolving overlanding market. (Volkswagen must think so, too; the company plans to roll out a Campmobile version, dubbed “ID. California,” the following year, though it isn’t clear if the vehicle will be sold in the United States) Riding on the same MEB platform shared with the other BEVs in the ID series, the retro-styled, rear-wheel-drive Buzz uses a 150kWh battery that produces some 200 hp.

Overall, the members of our industry panel were generally upbeat about the current condition of the marketplace, with some notable caveats. Specifically, the microchip shortage that has repeatedly sidelined production at OE assembly plants for the past two years has exerted a ripple effect on the specialty-equipment market.

“Right now, it’s very difficult trying to get vehicles,” said Karl Harr, director of sales and marketing for Liquid Spring. “That’s probably been the biggest issue that we’ve had—just getting the truck or chassis to build on. Clients have been waiting up to a year for a vehicle.”

“We’re seeing low inventory at dealerships,” said Rachel Deere, outside sales—light-truck products for Merritt Products, “so it’s a little bit slower just trying to get some of our accessories to our dealers.”

“We also had an issue getting new vehicles,” said Mike Hallmark, marketing and international sales manager for Hellwig Products, “but with production picking back up, we’re seeing more brand-new ’23s on the lots.”

While the limited supply of the late-model trucks continues to pose difficulties, the old-school classic-truck market, by contrast, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.

“It’s booming,” said Jay McFarland, director of business development for Holley, who also noted that the number of build platforms in the ‘classic-truck’ segment continues to expand. “The ’67–’72 Chevrolet/GMC trucks have always been really popular, but it seems like there’s a shift going on to the square-body ’73–’87 trucks, and now, even the ’88–’98s. I’ve seen the values of those trucks just skyrocket lately.”

D. Brian Smith, marketing copywriter for Classic Industries, concurred. “I don’t know that we’ve seen the boom as big for classic trucks for so long. We’ve been supporting the ’73–’87 trucks for at least 10 years now, and similarly for the ’88–’98 trucks, so we were already had our foot in that market before interest grew. But we’ve definitely seen a major uptick in interest and sales.”

At the grassroots shop level, what are enthusiasts building?

“The ’90s vibe is coming back,” said Theresa Contreras, president of LGE-CTS Motorsports at a recent SEMA Education seminar. “We’re seeing a lot of the ’90s Chevy trucks, and all the phone calls I’ve been getting lately from customers are saying ‘I want to bag and body-drop
my truck’.”

“It’s come full circle to the point that vehicles that were in the early ’90s are on their third owner now, and the ones that weren’t modified are now coming back,” added Sean Holman, co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast. For veteran builders, “If you wait long enough and things become popular again, you might be the only person who can service the vehicle if you’ve done that in the past.”

According to Matt Dinelli, owner of Attitude Performance, modern-day truck builds seem to fall into one of two categories: mild or massive. “What we’re seeing at our shop right now,” he says, “is either a basic lift and 35-in. tires, no matter what the platform is, or an absolutely over-the-top, astronomical, down-to-the-frame, motor swap, 1-ton axles and coilovers. Our jobs are either small lift kits and leveling kits, or stuff that’s at the shop for six months. There’s not really a middle ground anymore.”

As the segment expands and more newbies enter the accessorization space, hands-on education at the shop and retail level becomes an important part of customer outreach. “One of our biggest sales tactics is to educate people about the product that they want to purchase and let them make the choice on which brand they end up going with,” said Contreras. “Whenever something leaves our shop, one of our salespeople will go over the vehicle and show the owner how to disconnect the sway bars or how to engage four-wheel drive. There are a lot of people who just don’t know.”

Dinelli concurs, suggesting that shops consider tailoring education sessions to specific audiences. “We’ve had women education classes at our shop where they don’t want to ask their boyfriend, they don’t want to ask their significant other—they want to learn about their vehicle because it is their vehicle and they want to know what you have to do after you drive through water and what have you.” On the other hand, “A lot of our customers are male, and they don’t want to listen to anybody else because they think they already know it.”

All of our sources stressed the importance of maintaining a robust multi-platform digital media presence, with Instagram and YouTube most commonly cited as generating the most user engagement. “Right now, it’s people going on social and just trying to find a very specific thing for their truck,” said Stewart Webb, vice president of marketing at PRYNT Digital. “If you can post whatever you’re building and do it consistently, you’re able to speak to a broader audience and able to bring in more customers as well.”

Targeted search is another viable outreach tool for manufacturers looking to connect with a niche buyer demographic. “We do quite a bit of Google search,” said Cort Charles, western regional sales manager for Auto Meter. “When we’re trying to push specific product lines, we have a lot of targeted ads that are in place. Because some of our newer products are platform-specific and vehicle-specific, it allows us to hone in on a specific group.”

In any event, companies are well advised to invest as heavily as possible in new media. “We have a full digital media department,” said Holley’s McFarland. “We’ve got a social-media department, a department that deals specifically with just videography, and a department that specializes specifically on email and things like that. You’ve got to make that commitment. Otherwise, you’re going to be left behind.”

Trucks and Off-Road

If this rendering is any guide, the all-new Jeep Recon EV aims to compete against the Ford Bronco Sport in the compact off-road segment. Old-school removable doors are said to be a standard feature. Photo courtesy: Jeep/Stellantis

Overlanding: Still Trending Upward

Nearly all of our experts agreed that the future of overlanding—which has gone from a fringe marketplace to a major industry player in slightly more than a decade—continues to look bright.

“That’s where we have seen a lot of growth,” said Harr. “We do a lot of what we call the ‘habitat builds’ on the Ford F-550 and RAM 5500, and now it’s pushed us into the smaller truck market in the overland space. Right now, we’re also looking at developing product for Mercedes Sprinters and the Ford Transit.”

“I don’t think we’ve hit the plateau yet,” said Steven Shearer, senior marketing manager, communications for Toyo Tire. “There are still manufacturers in the aftermarket space creating product to support that market, and the OE manufacturers are still creating vehicles that are specific to that segment.”

The exact size of the overlanding market, in terms of sales, remains elusive, but the outdoor recreation segment of which it is a component continues to see robust growth. New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $454 billion in economic output and supported in excess of four million jobs in 2021. According to the BEA report, inflation-adjusted GDP for the sector increased 21% over the previous year.

While overlanders, in the aggregate, tend to be older and more affluent than other automotive consumer bases, several of our experts saw growth opportunity among a younger demographic.

“For the foreseeable future, there will still be upward growth, especially among the younger generation that’s big on traveling outdoors,” said Hannah DeWeese, brand leader for Terra Rover. “Some of these people are adopting it as a new hobby, so it will just keep going as the years go by.

“Our primary target market is Gen X and Millennials,” DeWeese continued. “People who have established incomes that allow them to invest in a nicer trailer for longer trips. They might also have kids, so they’re looking for something bigger. That’s who we’re targeting.”

Some of our experts pointed toward all-wheel-drive crossovers as a future growth segment, particularly to younger “weekend warrior” enthusiasts with limited build budgets.

“RAV4 adventurers seem to be the newest entry,” Holman noted. “I’ve seen so many of those things out in places they shouldn’t be.” Contreras similarly mentioned Kia SUVs such as the Telluride as a source of potential new aftermarket sales. “We get a ton of customer calls because we do stuff with Kia,” she says.

Companies that previously hadn’t catered to the overlanding market have taken notice of the segment’s resiliency and are adjusting their business models accordingly.

“We started in the heavy-duty commercial world,” said Rachel Deere. “We’ve been in the accessories world for years and years, with heavy-duty products, but a lot of our products—ladder racks, headache racks and side boxes—are applicable to overlanding, so in the next year or so, we’re going to be launching new products for that market.”

“Bed accessories are huge right now,” Holman agreed, “and cargo systems such as racks, slides, and things to support rooftop tents and light bars.”

“We’re seeing a slowdown on the side of rooftop tent sales,” Contreras observes, “but the rack systems and multipurpose cargo stuff that make your vehicle more versatile for everything that you do is becoming way more popular, especially for people who want to use the truck for work.”

DeWeese sees additional growth opportunities among the traditional “outdoor lifestyle” sector of recreationalists.

“Another market that hasn’t been mentioned, which we would look to capitalize on, would be the hunting or outdoor sector—people who aren’t just traveling for leisure, but who are going to do something specific. They need storage, and they may need a trailer to be able to get there.”

The increased popularity of overlanding, and other forms of off-road recreation, comes at a potential cost. Public lands saw a surge in visitations in the wake of the COVID pandemic, and the increase in vehicle use poses numerous possible threats to the integrity of fragile ecosystems—and with it, continued access to public lands. To ensure public lands stay accessible, therefore, our experts agreed that newer users need to be educated on the proper principles of off-road etiquette and responsible sustainability practices.

“Education is what changes actions and attitudes, and that’s really where we need to get to,” said Matt Caldwell,” president of Tread Lightly!. “And I think the industry can do that by making sure people understand what their equipment is capable of—both good and, sometimes, bad. Make sure that people understand that just because their vehicle can go anywhere, it’s not supposed to go everywhere.

Trucks and Off-Road

Also long awaited, the retro-styled Volkswagen ID. Buzz offers an intriguing potential overland build platform with a particular appeal to younger Millennial and Gen Z buyers. Photo courtesy: Volkswagen AG

“There’s a lot of discussion about performance, and performance is great, but focusing on positive performance rather than those things that are going to cause issues down the line—this is where the industry can support us.

“Look at it an organization like Overland Expo. They have a very strong educational component. We need to continue to get people to attend events like these so that we can educate them appropriately. We need to be proactive and make sure that people understand that, ‘Hey, this is land that we’ve worked and fought for for years.’ We need to make sure that we’re continuing that and share the kinds of information that the new person on the trail might not know.”

The Outlook Ahead

Several of our experts expressed concerns about fuel prices and rising interest rates as potential hindrances to growth in 2023.

“Inflation is going to be one of the biggest things,” said Deere, “so we’re probably looking at a little less [consumer] spending.”

The trend toward electrification was cited by several experts as both a potential short-term challenge and a promising long-term opportunity.

“We are broadening our offerings and going into EV platforms,” said Hallmark. “We just released a sway bar for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and we’re looking at the Rivian and any other electric platforms that are there. We’re releasing a front swaybar for the F-150 Lightning as well, so we’re trying to stay ahead of the curve for the adaptations and changes that are coming to the market with EVs.”

On the other hand, electric drivetrains raise compatibility issues for certain specialty-equipment manufacturers, as Auto Meter’s Charles explains: “When you talk about our instrumentation, unless there’s some additional data that their computer is not going to provide, it’s going to be tough for us to find a way to get in there and be a part of it.”

Still, the consensus among our experts was that ICE engines would continue to be the powertrain of choice for the vast majority of truck and SUV owners for the foreseeable future.

“You can’t run the Baja 1000 on an electric vehicle,” said Ben Anderson, product development manager for Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels. “Gas vehicles are going to be around for quite a while—in the United States, anyway.”

A number of our sources pointed to overseas markets as growth opportunities, with the Middle East and Australia being repeatedly singled out. “They’re our two strongest,” said Hellwig’s Hallmark, “the main reason being is that we’ve seen an influx in USDM [U.S domestic manufacturer] left-hand drive vehicles being sold there. It’s a platform that we’re used to.”

“What’s kind of neat about the international markets is they have a number of applications that we don’t have here in the States, but which may be shared across various countries,” said Ben Anderson, “so globally we can we can cover a lot of area.”

Despite potential economic headwinds, most of our insiders expressed optimism for the future, primarily due to strong consumer demand. “As far as the growth of the industry goes, people are still going to want their accessories,” Deere said. “People really do like that and they like their vehicles, so they’re always looking at the opportunity to upgrade.”

The near-term outlook for overlanding in particular appears to be especially promising. “You know, COVID has been around for more than three years now,” DeWeese concluded, “and the market doesn’t seem to be declining, only growing. It’s definitely not a passing fad.”

About the Truck & Off-Road Alliance

Members of the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) represent the collective interest of its members through a single, powerful voice that can play a significant role in shaping the industry. They are joined together to form a potent coalition whose mission is to determine the shape and future of the truck and off-road accessory industry. TORA is a SEMA council whose member companies manufacture, distribute, sell and/or install accessories for off-road vehicles, light-duty pickups, ATVs or provide services to the off-road or truck accessory industry. To learn more about TORA and SEMA’s other industry councils, visit www.sema.org/get-involved.

About Tread Lightly!

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a surge in motorized vehicle traffic on public lands as outdoor enthusiasts sought their own forms of “social distancing.” The U.S Forest Service alone logged some 168 million visits, while the Bureau of Land Management recorded more than 73 million more. With public lands being subjected to more intensive use than ever, and a generation of new and inexperienced recreationalists entering the sector via overlanding and adventure vans, the need for educational outreach—to provide guidance in the proper stewardship of our natural resources for future generations—has never been greater.

Enter Tread Lightly! Founded in 1985 as a division of the U.S. Forest Service, the organization now functions as a member-based nonprofit working in cooperation with private-sector partners in the outdoor industry on nationwide initiatives to protect and enhance recreational access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to increase individual awareness and understanding.

Tread Lightly!’s goal is to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with the need to maintain healthy ecosystems and thriving populations of fish and wildlife. The scope of Tread Lightly!’s work includes both land and water and represents most popular forms of outdoor recreation such as hunting, recreational shooting, fishing, and boating. Promoting safe and responsible use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the outdoors remains a top priority.

SOURCE

Tread Lightly! is supported by numerous automotive companies, including BFGoodrich, Ford Motor Co., Warn Industries, Jeep, Land Rover, Overland Expo, Quadratec, Yamaha and many others. For more information on member benefits and partnership opportunities, visit www.treadlightly.org/support.