Here’s a first real look at the RAM Rebel TRX, and it looks ready to take on the Raptor.

RAM is expected to launch a full-on rival to the Ford F-150-based Raptor performance pickup in 2020 with the Rebel TRX. It's expected to get the Hellcat version of the 6.2L supercharged V8 found in models such as the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, to name but two.

The 707hp figure is expected to remain (it could clearly be heard), and like other Hellcat-equipped models, the RAM Rebel TRX looks like it will get a revised body that's expected to be more muscular, based on the heavy camouflage on this prototype. Ride height and tires seem to be taken from the off-road-oriented Rebel variant of the 1500, suggesting the Rebel TRX will have off-road prowess to rival the Raptor, too.

Expect the Rebel TRX to go on sale sometime in 2020, either labeled as a ’20 or ’21 model. Prices should rival those of the Raptor's, which start at around $54,000.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The SEMA Hall of Fame pays tribute to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills and an incomparable dedication to industry affairs and progress.

By Lindsay Bianco

Nominations for the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame are now being accepted. SEMA members have the opportunity to recognize and honor a member of the automotive industry whose leadership and dedication have helped to build the current $44.6 billion specialty-automotive market.  

Members can submit their nominations up until the deadline, March 16.

To help the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee choose the most deserving nominees, the association requests that members provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves the prestigious honor.

Previous accomplishments, industry contributions and community involvement are all examples of background information that contribute to the committee's final decisions. 

The SEMA Hall of Fame was created in 1969 and is the association’s highest recognition, established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

The 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Bob Chandler, Bruce Crower and Marla Moore (featured on the 2019 August cover of SEMA News magazine to the right).

Learn more about all of the SEMA Hall of Fame inductees at www.SEMAHOF.com.

The SEMA Hall of Fame pays tribute to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills and an incomparable dedication to industry affairs and progress.

By Lindsay Bianco

Nominations for the 2020 SEMA Hall of Fame are now being accepted. SEMA members have the opportunity to recognize and honor a member of the automotive industry whose leadership and dedication have helped to build the current $44.6 billion specialty-automotive market.  

Members can submit their nominations up until the deadline, March 16.

To help the Hall of Fame Nomination Committee choose the most deserving nominees, the association requests that members provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves the prestigious honor.

Previous accomplishments, industry contributions and community involvement are all examples of background information that contribute to the committee's final decisions. 

The SEMA Hall of Fame was created in 1969 and is the association’s highest recognition, established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

The 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were Bob Chandler, Bruce Crower and Marla Moore (featured on the 2019 August cover of SEMA News magazine to the right).

Learn more about all of the SEMA Hall of Fame inductees at www.SEMAHOF.com.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Automotive Fuel Systems Sales Specialist
Group-A Engineering is hiring an experienced automotive fuel systems sales specialist with excellent technical abilities that directly correlate to fuel injectors, fuel rails, pumps and electronic throttle bodies. Automotive aftermarket or OEM experience is preferred. Candidates should be able to spot emerging trends, make recommendations, create, develop and help implement brand expansion. Vast knowledge of various vehicles, including American musclecars, European and Japanese performance, and experience with closing sales are required.

Plant Superintendent
Energy Suspension is hiring an experienced plant superintendent with a broad operations background. Responsibilities will include production oversight, scheduling, inventory control, assembly and shipping. Candidates must be highly organized and detail oriented, capable of quick thinking, strong leadership and fact-based decision-making in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Inside Sales Representative
Speedmaster is hiring an inside sales representative to play a fundamental role in achieving the company’s customer acquisition and revenue growth objectives. Candidates must be comfortable making dozens of calls per day, working with channel partners, generating interest, qualifying prospects and closing sales. An automotive parts and accessories background and proven inside sales experience are required.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program gives students valuable hands-on educational automotive experiences.

Forty-three leading aftermarket parts manufacturers and retailers are making it possible for the hundreds of students participating in the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program to gain valuable hands-on educational automotive experiences.

Program sponsors are donating more than 280 different aftermarket products and serving as mentors so that more than 600 automotive students from 10 schools can customize five Jeep TJs and five Third-Generation Toyota 4Runners as part of their auto shop curriculum this spring. After completion, the vehicles will be auctioned off with program partner Bring a Trailer, with 100% of the proceeds being reinvested back into the program to expand its reach and fund another round of builds for the ’20–’21 school year.

“It’s our vision that the expansion of this program will inspire automotive shop class students nationwide,” said Katie Hurst, SEMA manager of youth engagement programs. “We thank our sponsors who have supported this program through product donations to help foster the next generation of aftermarket leaders and innovators.”

Aftermarket companies may still participate by filling out the product donation form. Submissions will be reviewed and accepted individually based on program alignment and need. Those interested in mentoring a school should contact Hurst at katieh@sema.org.  

Thank you to our sponsors:  

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Absolute Solutions – TRULERS
• Airaid Inc.
• Alloy USA
• Amazon Automotive
• Atturo Tire Corp.
• Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
• AVS
• Azzy’s Design Works LTD
• BOLT Lock
• Bushwacker
• Champion Seat Systems
• Diode Dynamics
• Doug Thorley Headers
• DriV – Rancho Suspension
• FUMOTO USA
• Function and Form
• Horizon Global
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• K&N Engineering
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• Kleinn Air Horns
• MEK Magnet
• Omix-ADA
• OPTIMA Batteries
• ORACLE Lighting
• Patriot Fastbacks
• Pilot Automotive/ Rolling Big Power
• PRP Seats
• Rampage Products
• Rugged Ridge
• ScanGauge – Linear Logic
• Scosche 
• Scorpion Protective Coatings Inc.
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Solo Motorsports Inc.
• Steele Rubber Products
• Superlift Suspension
• Thermo-Tec High Performance
• T-Rex Truck Products
• Tuffy Security Products
• Voodoo Ride
• WARN Industries

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program gives students valuable hands-on educational automotive experiences.

Forty-three leading aftermarket parts manufacturers and retailers are making it possible for the hundreds of students participating in the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program to gain valuable hands-on educational automotive experiences.

Program sponsors are donating more than 280 different aftermarket products and serving as mentors so that more than 600 automotive students from 10 schools can customize five Jeep TJs and five Third-Generation Toyota 4Runners as part of their auto shop curriculum this spring. After completion, the vehicles will be auctioned off with program partner Bring a Trailer, with 100% of the proceeds being reinvested back into the program to expand its reach and fund another round of builds for the ’20–’21 school year.

“It’s our vision that the expansion of this program will inspire automotive shop class students nationwide,” said Katie Hurst, SEMA manager of youth engagement programs. “We thank our sponsors who have supported this program through product donations to help foster the next generation of aftermarket leaders and innovators.”

Aftermarket companies may still participate by filling out the product donation form. Submissions will be reviewed and accepted individually based on program alignment and need. Those interested in mentoring a school should contact Hurst at katieh@sema.org.  

Thank you to our sponsors:  

• 4 Wheel Performance
• Absolute Solutions – TRULERS
• Airaid Inc.
• Alloy USA
• Amazon Automotive
• Atturo Tire Corp.
• Auto Custom Carpets Inc.
• AVS
• Azzy’s Design Works LTD
• BOLT Lock
• Bushwacker
• Champion Seat Systems
• Diode Dynamics
• Doug Thorley Headers
• DriV – Rancho Suspension
• FUMOTO USA
• Function and Form
• Horizon Global
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• K&N Engineering
• Katzkin Automotive Leather
• Kleinn Air Horns
• MEK Magnet
• Omix-ADA
• OPTIMA Batteries
• ORACLE Lighting
• Patriot Fastbacks
• Pilot Automotive/ Rolling Big Power
• PRP Seats
• Rampage Products
• Rugged Ridge
• ScanGauge – Linear Logic
• Scosche 
• Scorpion Protective Coatings Inc.
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Solo Motorsports Inc.
• Steele Rubber Products
• Superlift Suspension
• Thermo-Tec High Performance
• T-Rex Truck Products
• Tuffy Security Products
• Voodoo Ride
• WARN Industries

By Kristopher Porter

The WTC open meeting will feature a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, for an industry discussion, Wednesday, February 19, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

On the agenda is a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

This is membership’s opportunity to let SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.  

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and WTC are invited to attend the event.

Register today to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact SEMA Director of Councils and Networks Bryan Harrison.

By Kristopher Porter

The WTC open meeting will feature a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, for an industry discussion, Wednesday, February 19, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

On the agenda is a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

This is membership’s opportunity to let SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.  

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and WTC are invited to attend the event.

Register today to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact SEMA Director of Councils and Networks Bryan Harrison.

By Kristopher Porter

The WTC open meeting will feature a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

Members of the wheel and tire industry will gather at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, for an industry discussion, Wednesday, February 19, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

On the agenda is a live stream with SEMA Washington, D.C., staff to discuss the current state of tariffs, a live demo on the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and planning for the year ahead.

This is membership’s opportunity to let SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) know what other challenges and opportunities they see in the wheel and tire industry. By participating in this open meeting, individuals can help determine the focus and direction of the council for the next year and beyond.  

The meeting will include a networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC-member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and WTC are invited to attend the event.

Register today to save your seat and submit discussion topics.

For more information about WTC or this event, contact SEMA Director of Councils and Networks Bryan Harrison.

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• WTC Open Membership Meeting, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California, February 19, 2020
• 2020 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 31–April 7, 2020, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• YEN General Membership Call, April 15, 2020
• WTC Ambassador (WTCA) Call, May 6, 2020
• SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, August 29–September 2, 2020, Stockholm, Sweden
• 2020 SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.