After seeing a mule of the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N various times, this is the best look yet at the 5 N’s most potent variant in production trim. The Ioniq 5 is a great starting point for a hot EV to excite the masses, and our spies have now caught a prototype testing in Germany—equipped with an extremely stiff chassis (as the shooters report) and extra-large brake discs. Expect the Ioniq 5 N to arrive from late 2022 onward. Hyundai Motor Group's 800-volt e-GMP platform is built for ultimate flexibility, with rear- and all-wheel-drive variants and even the opportunity to power external devices.
Executives have already been stress-testing the e-GMP platform during its development process, reaching eye-popping power outputs. Albert Biermann, chassis wizard and head of R&D for Hyundai Motor Group, said in 2020 that the platform “will go almost up to 600 hp in certain models.”
Hyundai's been experimenting with high-performance electric cars for years, the most recent iteration being the RM20e. It’s not a racing car, but a rolling test bed for new technologies destined to end up in future production cars. Some elements within N division regard the racing midship demo car as the catalyst for a super-powerful halo car for the performance brand in the years to come.
It also makes sense that the new Ioniq 5 N will have around 580hp as Kia has already beaten Hyundai to the punch; the new EV6 electric crossover debuted not long after the 5 with a GT model. The EV6 GT comes out all guns blazing with 585hp, all-wheel drive and supercar-baiting performance figures.
Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde
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.
Sales Support Representative
Addictive Desert Designs
Addictive Desert Designs is hiring a sales support representative responsible for answering incoming phone calls and emails, processing return documentation, tracking orders and providing status updates to customers, inputting new orders, processing order corrections and replacements and managing warranty claims. Candidates should have general knowledge and understanding of automotive/off-road parts.
CNC Doosan Cylinder Operator
King Shocks
King Shocks is hiring a CNC Doosan cylinder operator to interpret blueprints, manuals and other work instructions; set up machine(s) and load with correct cutting tools; inspect work pieces throughout a production run; and measure and mark dimensions and reference points on material or work pieces as a guide for subsequent machining. Candidates must have more than four years of experience as a CNC lathe setup and operator and Doosan cylinder experience.
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Hemmings
Hemmings is hiring a senior vice president of marketing responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of Hemmings marketing, events, branding, paid advertising and public-relations initiatives. The ideal candidate will work proactively to secure appropriate opportunities among industry and consumer media to generate print, online, social media and broadcast opportunities to generate maximum, positive publicity for the company’s branding, marketing, special projects and community outreach. This position plays a vital role in Hemmings’ growth across marketplace, media, events and all other business lines. Reporting directly to the president, the senior vice president of marketing’s primary responsibility is to increase audience patronage and sales through successful marketing for the entire organization, using market research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising, public relations and off-platform extensions.
By SEMA Editors
Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
By Ashley Reyes
SEMA members are invited to connect with Jarod DeAnda—notable industry host, presenter and ambassador of motorsports—during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, November 16, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
DeAnda recently emceed the SEMA Show Kick-Off Breakfast, Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited, and will be going live to share his favorite moments. He’ll also share details on his career journey and how he got started hosting events for leading brands, such as Formula DRIFT, Snap-on Tools, Harley-Davidson, Hot Wheels, Nitro Rallycross and the global launch of the all-new ’24 Ford Mustang.
DeAnda has attended the SEMA Show since 1998 and met his wife at the 1999 SEMA Show. His history and knowledge are far and wide, and just like him, his tattoos tell a story. Don’t miss out on his industry expertise and what he has to share. Tune in on November 16.
Live Chat Location: FLN Facebook page and FLN Instagram live (@fln_sema)
By Ashley Reyes
The automotive specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, companies continue to be optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.
The “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic.
Filled with 60 pages of data, the “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic. Members can use the report to gain valuable insight into key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities, and an outlook for 2023 and beyond.
By downloading the report, members will gain access SEMA’s research designed to help them plan and succeed in the year ahead.
Key findings include:
Electrify Expo closes out its 2022 U.S. tour on November 12–13 in Austin, Texas, by launching two new show features—Electrify Show Off and Electrify Speed Shop.
Electrify Show Off will be a display of customized electric vehicles and can only be found at Electrify Expo’s 2023 events. Hundreds of EV owners across the United States have registered their EVs with Electrify Expo, providing an opportunity to display their custom creations at upcoming 2023 Electrify Expo events. Many of these customized rides will be displayed at Electrify Expo’s 2022 festival taking place in Austin. Interested EV Enthusiasts can submit their vehicles for consideration at www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff.
From electric cars to e-motorcycles and tricked-out e-bikes, an all-new car culture is emerging in the form of customized EVs. The automotive aftermarket is beginning to launch many go fast and styling modifications allowing EV owners to express their unique style. Everything from EV-designed tires, body kits, wheels, brakes, custom wraps and coatings, and modifications that enhance speed, torque, and all-around good looks, make driving an EV fun and stylish.
“Electrify Show Off is a major initiative for Electrify Expo to accelerate custom car culture in the EV industry,” said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of B2B and industry growth at Electrify Expo and former SEMA executive. “EV Customization is happening, and it’s reflective of the personalities stepping into EVs, and Electrify Expo aims to provide a platform for these owners to showcase the aftermarket parts specifically created to shape an electrified future.”
In addition to Show Off, the Electrify Expo Austin stop will also feature, Electrify Speed Shop, an interactive display where EVs will be modified live for attendees throughout the two-day event. The team from Austin Auto Finishes will transform an EV from stock to modified in a behind-the-scenes experience, including a color change vehicle wrap, full vehicle tint, along with tire, wheel and suspension upgrades from show open on Saturday to show close at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Known for some famous EV customizations, Austin Auto Finishes has retrofitted and upgraded hundreds of EVs from factory finish to show-ready.
“EV customization is something we know well, but with the depth and breadth of vehicles and aftermarket parts available today, the movement has grown exponentially in the last two years,” said Brian Daly, owner of Austin Detailing. “We’re the largest modification shop for EVs in Texas, and we look forward to showing attendees all of the possibilities for upgraded styling and speed.”
While Show Off and Speed Shop are launching in Austin in 2022, the entire 2023 Electrify Expo schedule will provide mass opportunities for EV enthusiasts to show off their rides at Electrify Expo. These new features will have a major footprint at each event dedicated to showing off all forms of electric vehicles.
The final event of 2022 expects to be Electrify Expo’s largest event to date, generating more than 30,000 test rides among top EV brands in attendance. From electric cars, e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-skateboards, and e-scooters to the latest in EV charging technology, attendees can ride, drive and demo the latest in electric mobility at Electrify Expo Austin.
For more information, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/austin.
Among the big announcements and news made at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet were winners of two prestigious awards:
Poulson and Burns were presented with the honors in front of nearly 3,000 industry leaders and icons on Thursday evening, November 3, 2022.
Josh Poulson, owner of Auto Additions, was recognized as SEMA Person of the Year for his volunteer leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall influence on the industry.
Poulson, owner of Auto Additions, was recognized for his volunteer leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall influence on the industry. He has been volunteering on the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) select committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as SEMA PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012, and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015.
Mike Burns (center), CEO of ValvoMax, was recognized as Gen-III Innovator of the Year for his outstanding commitment to the industry and a high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils and overall participation.
As Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Burns, CEO of ValvoMax, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to the industry and a high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils and overall participation. The award is presented annually to a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating new innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities and advancements. He was a 2018 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalist for developing an oil-change system that removes the hassle associated with traditional oil changes.
The two awards are among the most prestigious SEMA honors given to individuals in the industry. To learn more about SEMA, visit www.sema.org.
Automotion Customs Inc., an automotive restyling shop in Warner Robins, Georgia, is the winner of the third SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge. Automotion Customs won the award for creating an accessory package for the 2022 Toyota Rav4 XLE that is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.
Automotion Customs won this year’s SEMA PRO Cup Challenge for with its ’22 Toyota Rav4 XLE. The company's accessory package is easy to replicate and ideal for new-car dealers to add mass consumer appeal to their inventory.
The competition, which took place at the SEMA Show, pit restyler against restyler to create a package for a new-model car or truck that would take less than 40 hours to execute and costs no more than $12,500 to the dealer. Packages were judged on their mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability.
Through the competition, accessory manufacturers see how their products can be packaged with other products, restylers get ideas to take back to their local markets, and SEMA Showgoers witness how new vehicles can be transformed.
The ’22 Toyota Rav4 XLE features:
“Automotion Customs created a unique accessory package that is not only stylish and affordable for dealerships but showcases the many possibilities that consumers have when choosing to accessorize their new-model cars and trucks,” said PRO Chair Josh Poulson. “We are proud of Automotion Customs for their win and are confident that this package will create profitable business relationships among restylers and new-car dealerships nationwide.”
Other companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge included Auto Image, ’22 Ford Mustang Mach E; Auto Trim Restyling, ’22 Cadillac Escalade Sport; Automotive Concepts, ’22 Ford Lightning; DPS Automotive, ’22 Jeep Grand Cherokee L; and Pickup Outfitters of Waco, ’23 GMC Sierra 2500 SLE. Top Coverage LTD’s ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning won the Fan Favorite Award, which was voted on by SEMA Showgoers.
The PRO Cup Challenge encourages customization of new-model vehicles and raises the awareness of vehicle accessorizing to the general public. It also encourages dealers to work with restylers as a means to generate showroom excitement and tap into hot, new markets though offering accessory packages.
To learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge, visit www.sema.org/pro-cup-challenge. For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit www.sema.org/PRO.
From the latest new products to custom trucks, cutting-edge car-culture trends and promoting diversity in motorsports, the SEMA Show continuously paves the way for automotive innovation.
Watch the recap of day 3’s events:
Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC, was named winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his product, TRAC Tire Jack, a tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler and easier. Robinson walked away with a grand-prize package valued at nearly $100,000.
Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC, was named winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition for his product, TRAC Tire Jack.
“Winning SEMA Launch Pad is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Myles Kovacs, one of the competition's judges. “Not only does each competitor benefit from the experience, but we are also able to shed light on the products and services that fill a gap in the industry and can inspire future inventors to do the same.”
Since 2013, the SEMA Launch Pad has served as the ultimate product-pitching competition for the automotive aftermarket. In addition to competing for a prize package that includes space at the world-renown SEMA Show and promotion on national television, contestants build connections and receive support from established experts who serve as judges and mentors in the program.
The four judges were Chip Foose, award-winning vehicle builder and artist best known from the TV hit series “Overhaulin’”; Jared Hare, an innovator and entrepreneur who founded Addictive Desert Designs in 2007 and has grown the company into one of the leading offroad brands; Kovacs, a trend setter who founded DUB magazine and launched TIS Wheels; and Alex Parker, industry advocate and CMO of the 2020 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Winner Redline Detection.
“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competitors were among the best that we’ve ever seen,” Kovacs said. “I’m constantly amazed at the ingenuity, passion and drive we see from competitors. It’s going to be difficult to select just one winner from the group.”
Learn more about SEMA Launch Pad at www.sema.org/launchpad.