By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The SEMA and PRI Government Affairs staff recently provided its members with an update on SEMA and PRI’s advocacy efforts during an open virtual meeting.

All SEMA and PRI members are invited to watch the webinar on-demand, where they will gain an understanding of how the government affairs team in Washington, D.C., is advocating for the industry and its businesses. Click here to watch the webinar.

Attendees received both federal and state legislative updates, including on the RPM Act, the REPAIR Act, the Right to Modify, the Preserving Choice in Motor Vehicle Purchases Act, tax incentives and liability reform for race tracks, off-road issues and protecting the right to purchase a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The webinar also highlighted the advocacy communications strategy that SEMA and PRI are utilizing to protect the industry.

*Any rebroadcast, retransmission, or account of this meeting, without the express written consent of SEMA, is prohibited.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Cares, the charity arm of SEMA that unites the automotive aftermarket’s efforts to support children in need, is hosting an online event to help members discover different ways to get involved.  

During the webinar “Ways to Support SEMA Cares’ Partners: Giving Back and Leveling Up Corporate Philanthropy,” May 23 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT), attendees will discover ways to give back while making a positive difference in young lives. Representatives from the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, Childhelp prevention and treatment of child abuse and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions will share the stories behind their organizations and some simple and often overlooked ways that businesses and individuals can support their efforts.   

This is a perfect opportunity for businesses that want to level up their charitable programs and for individuals who want to get more involved with giving back.  

Register here for the live online event. 

Three weeks following the announcement of the UTV industry's first factory racing program, Polaris Factory Racing was victorious at its first event, with a historic win at the 36th annual SCORE San Felipe 250. Veteran racer and team principal Craig Scanlon took the Pro UTV Open class victory behind the wheel of his race-modified RZR Pro R.

Scanlon got the Pro R over the finish line faster than any other UTV. However, a penalty administered after the race moved him to second overall, while maintaining his class victory. Rounding out the Pro UTV Open class podium were Polaris racers Wayne Matlock and Mike Cafro, both behind the wheel of race-modified RZR Pro Rs.

During the Polaris Factory Racing team’s  debut, factory racers Cayden MacCachren, Austin Weiland and Brock Heger, put their purpose-built RZR Pro R Factory vehicles to the ultimate test, navigating the rugged conditions of the 268-mile racecourse to finish fourth, sixth and 10th, respectively. Having all three drivers finish within the top 10 is a noteworthy accomplishment for an all-new program and vehicle in its first showing.

When the race got underway, all three factory drivers quickly made their way toward the front of the field, running 1-2-3 by the 50-mile marker. As the race progressed, Polaris supported driver Brandon Sims had taken over the lead, followed by Scanlon and MacCachren. The three racers were within minutes of each other, all pulling into the main pit stop at the halfway point nearly simultaneously.

By mile 150, MacCachren had taken over the lead and maintained it until the final miles of the race when Scanlon was able to navigate his way into the lead position. MacCachren nabbed a fourth place finish, while Weiland was steadfast all day, driving consistently throughout the 268-mile race to finish sixth and Heger crossed the finish line in 10th.

Polaris success this past weekend went beyond the Pro UTV Open Class. In the Pro UTV Naturally Aspirated class, Polaris racer Joe Bolton took the win, while Polaris Mexico racer Anibal Lopez claimed victory in the Pro Stock UTV class in a RZR Turbo R. The Polaris Factory Racing team will be back in action at the Baja 500 on May 31–June 4.

Hoonigan to Relaunch Ken Block’s Gymkhana Grid Competition  

Officials with automotive enthusiast brand Hoonigan have announced plans to relaunch Ken Block’s Gymkhana Grid competition, which has not hosted an event since the 2019 installment in Poland. Gymkhana Grid features rallycross and drifting champions competing alongside amateur racers across different classes. Races—held in different venues worldwide—take place on a symmetrical course with drivers making timed runs on each track. Courses with tight corners encourage drivers to apply drifting techniques and feature obstacles like barrels, tires and ship containers.

The event has visited Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale, California); Santa Pod Raceway (Podington, Bedfordshire, England); Ciudad del Rock (Arganda del Rey, Spain); Marathon, Greece; Carnival City, (Brakpan, South Africa); and the Ptak Warsaw Expo (Warsaw, Poland).

The announcement was part of Hoonigan’s 24-Hour Content Marathon in honor of Ken Block, who passed away earlier this year.

Nexen Tire Motorsports Announces 2023 Motorsports Program Seeking Championship Wins

Nexen Tire Motorsports has announced the kickoff of its 2023 U.S. motorsports program. In addition to partnering with some of last year’s elite Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers in Formula DRIFT, Nexen has added several new off-road racing drivers this year. Nexen Tire Motorsports has entered the 2023 racing season with several podium finishes in King of the Hammers and is looking to capitalize on its early success.

Formula DRIFT kicks off its 2023 season with the “Streets of Long Beach” PRO Championship event in Long Beach, California, April 7–8. Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers will compete using the company’s latest extreme ultra high-performance tire N’Fera Sport R.

Last month, Nexen Tire Motorsports kicked off the new year with early success in King of the Hammers where a handful of drivers earned top-10 and top-five placements. Drivers compete using the company’s premium off-road tire choices, including Roadian MTX Xtreme Off-Road tires as well as the company's latest all-terrain tire, Roadian ATX.

This year, Nexen Tire Motorsports has added a new racing endeavor to its motorsports program. Austin Hertel is one of Nexen Tire Motorsports’ latest driver additions. Hertel races in one of the most competitive grassroots racing series in the country, GRIDLIFE Touring Cup. Last month, Hertel competed in the season kickoff at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where he placed fifth overall. Hertel relies on N’Fera Sport R extreme ultra high-performance tires and drives a modified Nissan 370Z sponsored by True Performance Motorsport.

Competing in the Tire Rack CAM S Challenge Series, Mike Manikas of SAF Motorsports is a new Nexen Tire Motorsports' driver competing in autocross and time attack events. Manikas pilots a modified sixth-generation Chevrolet Corvette, known throughout the series as an SCCA Solo CAM car, and is set to compete throughout the Midwest this season.

Martelli Brothers Acquire Parker 400, Announce Unlimited Off-Road Racing Series

The Martelli Brothers—organizers of the BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 in Las Vegas, and the California 300 in Barstow, California—have acquired the historic Parker 400 off-road racing series based in Parker, Arizona. As part of the acquisition, officials announced the structuring of a brand-new desert off-road racing organization called Unlimited Off-Road Racing, which will include the Mint 400, the California 300, and now the Parker 400.  

Spanning across classes including youth, UTV, motorcycles, cars and trucks, Unlimited Off-Road Racing will allow teams to compete for cash, prizes, and a points championship across some of the most challenging and distinguished desert races in the sport. The Parker 400 will take place in January 2024, followed by the Mint 400 in March and the California 300 in October. More details are expected at a later date.

In related news, BLM has two off-road racing permits available in Parker and has issued the second permit to Legacy Racing of Las Vegas. The date for the Legacy Racing edition of the off-road race is slated for February 24, 2024.

For more information, visit themint400.com and thecalifornia300.com.

New F1-Spec Road Course Set to Open in Atlantic City

Officials in New Jersey have approved a $2.7 billion development proposal for a new road course and motorsports destination in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The new facility would be located at the former Atlantic City Municipal Airport, also known as Bader Field, and would include a 2.44-mile Formula 1 specification track surrounded by condominiums and retail establishments. The project, headed by DEEM Enterprises, is expected to take six to nine years to complete. The project aims to “create a world-class motor course destination that embodies the speed, power, and design innovation of the motorsport universe.”

Mayor Marty Small Sr. called the approval process a “historic day” for the city, one that he and the state have been working towards for nearly two years, according to published reports. Next, developers will have six months of due diligence on the proposed track, housing and retail space. If all goes well, this will be followed by the signing of a redevelopment agreement where plans will move forward.

For more information, visit deem-enterprises.com.

Xtreme Outlaw-POWRi Challenge Series to Span 11 Races

Officials with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota and the POWRi National Midget League have announced both series will co-sanction 11 races in 2023 to form the Xtreme Outlaw-POWRi Challenge Series, a separate points championship with a $2,500 grand prize. The new miniseries will begin with the I-55 Outlaw Showdown weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevley, Missouri), April 14–15, and conclude at I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oklahoma City) on October 14.

For every Xtreme Outlaw and POWRi co-sanctioned race on the 2023 schedule, all competing drivers will earn points toward the Xtreme Outlaw and POWRi National standings as normal. In addition, drivers will also earn points toward the Challenge Series standings, which will tally points across each of the co-sanctioned races on the calendar.

A $2,500 check will be paid to the driver with the most points in the Challenge Series standings after the final race of the Xtreme Outlaw season. The champion does not have to compete full-time on either national tour, opening the Challenge Series up to a broader array of drivers. For more information, visit xtremeoutlawseries.com or powri.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

More than 200 top university students met and connected with industry professionals at the recent SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair, held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
The students, who are members of formula and Baja SAE competition teams, are among top prospects who have been challenged to design, fabricate and compete with Formula-style race cars. They had an opportunity to network, get a close-up look at resources available through the SEMA Garage and meet with established companies to discuss potential career opportunities. Students also gained feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations in advance of the forthcoming SAE competitions.

SEMA-member companies in attendance included Acceler8, Antigravity Batteries, Automotive Testing and Development Services, Battle Motors, California Air Resources Board, Closed Loop Engineering, Denso, Hellwig Products, High Expectations, Moog Aircraft, Motivo, Performance Machine, Rail Propulsion Systems, Redline Detection, Scorpion EV, Steamericas, Toyota and 4 Wheel Parts.

Participating schools included Cal Baptist, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State University Northridge, Long Beach State, USC, University of San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Chico State, Loyola Marymount University, Caltech and five high schools.

ETTN and SAE will host a second event on April 29 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. SEMA-member manufacturers in the area are invited to sign up their companies to participate in the career fair, where they will help students explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Sign up your company.

 By Douglas McColloch

Mike Burns came to the specialty-equipment market after launching a successful career in finance. A holder of an MBA from the University of Colorado, he has worked as an analyst for energy companies such as ConocoPhilips and as a budget and resource director for the U.S. Air Force. A 2018 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalist, Burns developed his ValvoMax Quick Twist Valve to facilitate easy oil changes without the use of tools. The ValvoMax has sold more than 50,000 units to date, and for his efforts, Burns was named SEMA’s 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year at last year’s 2022 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. The award recognizes young entrepreneurs (age 40 and under) for their innovations in the specialty-equipment market.

We spoke with Burns recently to learn some of his secrets of success. What follows has been edited for clarity and length.

SEMA News: What’s your latest project? What’s in your garage/driveway/studio?

Mike Burns: Our latest project is a tool for oil filter removal. Others have attempted to solve the problem with an accordion-style device, a puncture device or a filter funnel tool, but these all fall short because they still leave a mess, are difficult to operate or are too expensive. Look for the product release in the first quarter of this year.

SN: What was your very first job, and what did you take away from it?

MB: My first real job was at Owasso Lawn Care in Oklahoma. These were long days working in the summer heat with friends from my church, but I learned the virtues of hard work and discipline.

SN: What was the inspiration for the ValvoMax Oil Drain System? How long did it take to devise a working prototype?

MB: I was changing my oil back in 2013 and it spilled in my hands, ran down my arm and poured on my driveway. To make matters worse, I stepped into the used oil pan up to my ankles. Then I had no easy way to transport what oil was remaining to a recycling center. After this horrible experience, I visited every automotive retail shop in my hometown looking for a better solution. But to my surprise, no solution existed. So I hired an automotive engineer, and we came up with a set of drawings. We made a few prototypes and I gave 10 samples to family and friends to test. We iterated several times and about two years later had a workable product.

SN: You were a semifinalist at SEMA Launch Pad a few years ago. What lesson(s) did you learn from the experience, and how valuable was it in developing your business?

MB: Launch Pad was a game-changer for me. For the first time, I got my product out into the open where it was exposed to critiques and constructive feedback. As of today, I still talk frequently with the other Launch Pad attendees I met back then.

SN: Describe your first SEMA Show. What do you remember most about it?

MB: My first SEMA Show coincided with being a semi-finalist at the SEMA Launch Pad in 2018, and it was an eye-opening experience. The scale of the Show is simply mind-boggling. I’ve been back to the Show each year since then.

SN: You’ve worked on the finance side for a number of different companies. How much help was that experience when you were first developing a business model for your own company?

MB: I couldn’t have asked for a better background than finance to run my company. At the end of the day, every business comes down to a set of numbers. Flows of money, assets and ideas are all governed by price, and to be successful you must be able to determine the worth of things.

SN: What’s your daily driver, and what do you like most about it?

MB: My daily driver is a Ford F-150. Being the owner of an oil-change products company means that oftentimes your daily driver is the first test vehicle for new product ideas. I can say with confidence that no other vehicle in the state of Texas has had its oil changed as often as my truck!

SN: What does winning the Gen-III Innovator of the Year award mean to you, and to your business?

MB: I was humbled to win the Gen-III Innovator of the Year Award, especially considering those who were also in the running for this award. My friends Alex Kay of RestorFX and Dustin Woolf of Woolfpack Racing, both finalists for the award, were equally deserving. They are both running great companies with cutting-edge products.

SN: For someone who’s thinking of starting their own automotive business, what advice would you offer them?

MB: As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.” First, build your education foundation. I believe your degree should be of an analytical nature. Second, think big. Create a vision as to what problem you want to solve. Third, don’t look in the rearview mirror. Look forward, not behind you. Fourth, take risks and bet on yourself. Helen Keller wrote, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition.” Finally, persevere against all odds. Calvin Coolidge wrote, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.”

SN: When you’re not working, where will we find you, and what will you be doing?

MB: I am active in my local church and our children’s school. I think it’s important to be involved in the community and give back to others. Aside from being involved in our church and school, I enjoy reading and spending time with family.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Thumper Fab as the council’s newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in SEMA's interview with Thumper Fab Vice President J.C. Kester below.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

J.C. Kester: Thumper Fab started out of necessity. After having our designs third-party manufactured and maxing out several capable vendors, we decided that in order to grow and dominate, we needed a big change. We brought everything in-house under one roof in 2019. All engineering and manufacturing are done in one facility in Marshall, Texas. From 3D scanning the vehicle, design, laser cutting, CNC press brake, powdercoating, to packaging—everything lives up to our high standards. We are now able to launch and produce products for the off-road industry that truly change the game!

SEMA: What was your company's breakthrough moment?

JK: We constantly work to push the bar for premium products. Our patents and patent-pending designs are true game changers and have been very well received.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now and projects you are working on.

JK: Our biggest undertaking has been suspension. After being known for premium-quality bumpers, audio roofs and roll cages, we set our sights and engineering power toward suspension. We began developing suspension systems with the goal of strength and ride quality that allowed “utility” vehicles to suddenly perform better than other “sport” vehicles on the market.

SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.

JK: One of our patent-pending designs allows for a single control arm to house either a ball joint or uniball. Historically this would mean changing out the entire system if the customer or dealer wanted to go ball joint versus uniball. Our design allows either to be used.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JK: Start early. Find a way to be involved with a club or even just turning wrenches. Get involved and never stop learning!

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

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.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Sales Manager
Texas Speed and Performance

Texas Speed and Performance is hiring a sales manager to lead the sales (retail and wholesale) and customer service teams to drive rapid sales and margin growth and manage expenses for Texas Speed & Performance, while providing world-class service to customers. This growth will be achieved by providing customers with friendly and efficient service, driving continuous improvement with contact center SLAs, seeking new leads through social media/forums, execution of SPIF programs and driving AOV and margin initiatives. Candidate must have 10+ years of experience leading and directly managing a customer sales.

Marketing Manager
Cognito Motorsports

Cognito Motorsports is hiring a marketing manager to co-manage all marketing department projects, including planning, production, implementation and analytics reporting on effectiveness and ROI. Additional responsibilities include co-managing the creation and implementation of product promotions and branding campaigns to engage and influence current and prospective customers. Candidates must have a high-school diploma or equivalent and three years of digital marketing experience for a commercial enterprise.

Technical Sales Representative
American Autowire

American Autowire is hiring a technical sales representative to field customer questions and advises customers about products; help identify customer electrical issues or installment questions by questioning the customer to better to understand what best supports customer needs; and communicates with customers in a timely, friendly and engaging manner while expertly obtaining necessary vehicle information. Candidates should have an associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical auto school and more than four years’ related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, or a bachelor's degree from four-year college or university and one to two years’ related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

By Ashley Reyes

Volunteering on a SEMA council or network select committee is a rewarding experience. In addition to having a positive impact on the automotive aftermarket, it also provides a way for industry members to create valuable programs that benefit different market niches and offers a means to build personal and professional skills.  

Employees of SEMA-member companies are invited to increase their participation in the industry by volunteering for a SEMA council or network leadership role. Applications are due by April 21 at www.sema.org/volunteer.

Below are five skills you can gain from volunteering on a select committee:

• Teamwork: Volunteering on a select committee requires you to collaborate with others to plan and develop programs that benefit the council or network membership. This increases your teamwork experience, which is an important skill no matter what your profession.   
• Leadership: When volunteering on a select committee, you help execute SEMA’s most robust and recognized programs. This includes meeting deadlines and contributing new ideas to lead programs to success.
• Social: Select committee volunteers work closely with the members they serve and other volunteers. In doing this, you can build interpersonal skills, meet new people and practice social interactions.
• Problem-Solving: As a select committee volunteer, you will assist with creating events, education opportunities and other resources. This allows you to problem-solve and develop solutions to advance the industry.
• Creativity: Select committee volunteers are always finding new ways to engage their membership. As a volunteer, you will gain experience creating new approaches to support your market niche.

Learn about the nine SEMA councils and networks, volunteer requirements and how you can make a difference by visiting www.sema.org/volunteer.

By SEMA Editors

Stellantis unveiled the ’24 Jeep Wrangler and all-new, all-elecric ’25 Ram 1500 REV this week at the New York International Auto Show.

’24 Jeep Wrangler

The new ’24 Jeep Wrangler builds on its history with a combination of off-road capability, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced powertrains, on- and off-road dynamics and a host of safety and advanced technology features.

New for the ’24 model year, the Wrangler features its first full-float Dana rear axle, available 100:1 crawl ratio, new factory Warn winch and increased 5,000-lb. tow capability. Inside, customers get to experience more comfort and safety, with a new interior featuring available power front seats, standard 12.3-in. Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows.

“The new ’24 Jeep Wrangler is an illustration of how powerful the Jeep community is and how they keep driving improvements based on their expectations of greater capability, advanced technology and more refinement,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “With the plug-in 4xe playing a lead role in the lineup, the new Wrangler takes the best and makes it better, with even more legendary 4x4 capability, thanks to our first full-float Dana rear axle that makes it possible for Wrangler owners to easily upsize tires; a more advanced and comfortable interior with a standard 12.3-in. touchscreen and available power seats tested for water fording; more safety and technology, including standard side-curtain airbags; and a stylish, fresh take on the iconic seven-slot grille that keeps the overall design true to the original.”

From the 49 MPGe electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid to the V8-powered 470hp Rubicon 392, the new ’24 Jeep Wrangler offers diverse powertrain options. The advanced 4xe lineup and high-performance Rubicon 392 come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.0L and 3.6L gas engines offer both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Wrangler model’s Trail Rated badge reflects a spec list that includes Dana solid front and rear axles, two-speed transfer case, traction control, tow hooks (two front, one rear), four-wheel disc brakes, four skid plates and a minimum tire size of 32 in. The Wrangler’s full-float construction enables a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. on Rubicon 2.0L and 3.6L automatic models.  

New for 2024, Wrangler Rubicon models are available with a factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch mounted in a steel front bumper with removable end caps. Also for 2024, the Wrangler Willys steps up 4x4 capability with a newly standard Tru-Lok rear locker, steel rock rails, trailer tow and heavy-duty electrical group, plus larger 33-in. tires. The Willys 4xe adds the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1.

For 2024, Wrangler continues to use the five-link coil suspension setup. Wrangler’s front suspension features two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms for longitudinal control and a cross car track bar for lateral axle control. The five-link rear suspension features a similar layout to the front suspension, with two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms for longitudinal axle control, and a track bar for lateral axle control.

The front and rear full-width high-strength steel track bars are positioned to control lateral movement of the axle with minimal angle change during suspension travel. The shocks are tuned for optimum balance between on-road handling and legendary off-road capability, delivering ideal ride comfort, body-roll control and dynamic handling. On Wrangler Rubicon models, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect is featured to provide additional wheel travel when the terrain calls for it.

Multiple open-air freedom options, including a new standard premium soft-top, two available hardtops (black and body color), exclusive Sky One-Touch powertop, Sunrider for Hardtop and dual-door group with half doors, mean there are dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations so Wrangler customers can customize their off-road adventure to their specific needs.

Wrangler is also available in 10 exterior colors, including: Anvil (NEW), Earl, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, High Velocity, Hydro Blue, Sarge, Bright White and black.

Inside, an all-new 12.3-in. touchscreen houses the fifth-generation Uconnect 5 system and sits prominently atop the center stack, right above the new slim rectangular inboard air vent. The outboard air vents retain their signature circular shape. Uconnect 5 delivers operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous generation. By using an Android operating system and over-the-air (OTA) updates, Uconnect 5 brings flexibility that will allow the system to continuously evolve to offer new content, features and services.

Wrangler adds two new plug-in hybrid models for the ’24 model year: Wrangler Sport S 4xe and Wrangler Rubicon X. Featuring the 375hp and 470-lb.-ft. of torque plug-in powertrain that returns 21 miles of all-electric range and 49 MPGe, the Sports S 4xe features a standard 12.3-in. digital touchscreen, power windows and door locks, adaptive cruise control with stop, forward collision warning, side curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, premium soft-top, 20-in. aluminum wheels and Gorilla glass windshield.

Also new for 2024 is the Rubicon X model. Available with both gas and 4xe powertrains, the new Rubicon X adds capability, style and technology to the upper levels of the Wrangler lineup.

Based on the Rubicon, the premium Rubicon X adds a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen with navigation, 12-way power adjustable front seats, nine-speaker premium Alpine audio system and Nappa leather seats on the inside. Meanwhile, a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers, body-color hardtop and body-color fender flares take care of business on the outside.

The most advanced powertrain ever developed for a Jeep Wrangler maximizes efficiency and eliminates range anxiety with 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), while delivering 21 miles of pure-electric operation for most daily commutes and hours on the trail.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain integrates two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, 2.0L four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration maximizes the efficiency of the hybrid propulsion components and mates them with the Wrangler’s driveline.

New for 2024, all Wrangler 4xe models offer a Jeep 4xe Power Box that features four 120-volt outlets with 30 amps of total output, allowing the battery pack to power external devices such as phones and tablets.

The ’24 Jeep Wrangler will be available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. Ordering is open now and vehicles will start to arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships later in 2023. The ’24 Jeep Wrangler will also be available in markets around the world. 

For more information, visit www.jeep.com.

’25 Ram 1500 REV

The all-new, all-electric ’25 Ram 1500 REV—the first battery-electric light-duty pickup from Ram Truck—made its world debut this week at the New York International Auto Show.

“The all-electric Ram 1500 REV is a monumental milestone on our continued journey to offer the industry’s best electrified solutions and further fortifies our award-winning lineup,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO–Stellantis. “We believe in bringing the right range of powertrain solutions to our customers and will continue to redefine the pickup truck segment. Our all-new Ram 1500 REV pushes past the competition in areas customers care about most, including range, towing, payload and charge time.”

The ’25 Ram 1500 REV will offer customers two all-electric options, including a standard 168-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack with a targeted range of up to 350 miles and an optional 229-kWh, large battery pack with a targeted range of up to 500 miles. Both can add up to 110 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kWh.

Vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid bi-directional charging affords the Ram 1500 REV the flexibility to charge another Stellantis battery-electric vehicle or provide power back to the grid. The truck can also send power to a home during a storm, run the tailgate party or provide power at the camp or jobsite. An onboard power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kW while an available onboard power panel in the front trunk (frunk) provides up to 3.6 kW.

Other targeted performance figures include a 0–60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, 654 hp and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, up to 24 in. of water fording, up to 14,000 lbs. towing and a maximum payload capacity of 2,700 lbs.

The ’25 Ram 1500 REV is available in five trims, including Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited and, introducing an all-new trim, Tungsten.

The Ram 1500 REV features dual 250-kilowatt (kW) electric drive modules (EDMs) that combine the motor, gearbox and inverter along with all-wheel-drive capability. The ’25 Ram 1500 REV features one EDM on the front axle with an automatic wheel-end disconnect that allow the front wheels to spin freely in certain conditions, maximizing efficiency. A 250-kW EDM is positioned on the rear axle available with an electronic-locking rear differential.

The Ram 1500 REV also features a multi-link independent rear suspension with standard, segment-exclusive, active-level, four-corner air suspension with adaptive damping. The adjustable air suspension enables five different modes: entry/exit, aero, normal, off-road 1 and off-road 2. All-new 22x9-in. aluminum wheels wrapped in 275/50R22 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires achieve an unmatched combination of wear resistance and reduced road noise.

Autonomous vehicle capabilities include Hands-free Active Driving Assist and ParkSense Automated Parking System. Active Driving Assist is available for hands-on-wheel/eyes-on-road and hands-free/eyes-on-road automated driving using lane centering with adaptive cruise control. The system uses multiple sensors, including radars and cameras, to dictate appropriate roads for the technology.

The charge port has been placed on the driver’s side front quarter panel and, when plugged in, is illuminated by blinking premium LED lighting. An audible sound signals the Ram 1500 REV is plugged in and charging has begun. The charge port features Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging on the top half and DC fast charging on the bottom half of the charger.

The Ram 1500 REV’s interior includes the Uconnect 5 system with a new 14.5-in. touchscreen, 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster, 10.25-in. passenger screen, digital rearview mirror, Head-up Display (HUD) and a Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system.  

For more information, visit www.ramtrucks.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul authored a letter to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee calling on them to pass key right to repair bills, including the SEMA-supported “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act,” H.R. 906. The letter was signed by Attorneys General representing 26 other states, noting that “Manufacturing of automobiles, digital devices and agricultural equipment is increasingly becoming more technologically advanced and built with more embedded electronics. OEMs often control access to these electronics parts, creating unfair restraint of trade and a monopoly on repair. This can harm consumers directly by driving up prices and is antithetical to a free market.”

Congressional support for the bipartisan REPAIR Act continues to expand with U.S. Representatives Ann Kuster (D-NH), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) recently signing on as cosponsors. The REPAIR Act seeks to protect consumers’ rights to decide where and with what parts to repair and maintain their vehicles and to do the work themselves or by an independent shop of their choice. The REPAIR Act ensures that vehicle owners and repair businesses have access to diagnostic data and telematics information, which is critical to maintaining a competitive repair market. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative that asks them to support the REPAIR Act by cosponsoring the bill.

Below are key provisions of the REPAIR Act:

• Prohibits manufacturers from imposing technological or legal barriers that block aftermarket replacement part manufacturers from accessing critical information and tools necessary to develop interoperable products with emerging vehicle technology.
• Establishes the right for replacement part manufacturers and independent repair shops to access critical information, tools and equipment needed to maintain vehicles.
• Requires companies producing vehicles equipped with telematics to make any critical repair information and tools available to replacement part manufacturers and repair facilities at a fair and reasonable cost.
• Provides vehicle owners with data and information wirelessly generated by their vehicles.
• Establishes a right for vehicle owners to securely share their vehicle’s repair and maintenance data with their repairer of choice.

While the REPAIR Act is important to repair and replace businesses, we still have more work to do. The current legislation does not extend to a right to modify. SEMA is committed to protecting the right to modify vehicles by prohibiting automakers from locking down ECUs and ensuring aftermarket companies have access to the information needed to recalibrate vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) after they have been modified.

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