Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:58

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced that the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment trade show spent weeks plotting booths to ensure brands could showcase their new innovations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, November 5-8. 

    

Now that the floorplan is live, automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

The road to a successful 2024 SEMA Show begins with:

  • Registration: Secure your badge to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills with education sessions. Register today at semashow.com/register.
  • Booking Your Hotel: Hotel reservations are open online here. SEMA Show and partner onPeak offer Showgoers the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
  • Securing Discounted Airline Tickets: Show organizers have secured special airline fares and discounts for trips with Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.
  • Planning Your SEMA Show: Visit the SEMA Show attendee website at semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Product Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders, feature vehicle displays, SEMA FutureTech StudioOptima Village, Overland Experience, Collision Repair & Refinish Stage plus the SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development area. In addition, find out which events are returning in 2024, like the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, SEMA Cruise, SEMA Awards Presentation, SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA Business General Membership Meeting and SEMA Fest (more details coming soon)!
  • Reliving the SEMA Show: Can't wait for Vegas? Browse dozens of innovative automotive products featured in the 2023 SEMA New Product Showcase here.

Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of housing and travel discounts. Registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/registerHotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:26
Exhibitor booth at the SEMA Show

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show is already gearing up to once again serve as the industry homecoming, November 5-8 in Las Vegas. Exhibitors are strategizing their booth plans (read SEMA News' recent Racing & Performance preview and Hot Rod Alley/Restoration Marketplace preview), and this year's Exhibitor Service Manual is packed with new valuable resources and deadlines. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

Below is a preview of the useful resources to get exhibitors on the road to a successful SEMA Show.

1. Feature Vehicles

Learn more about the rules, regulations and requirements for displaying a vehicle on the SEMA Show floor outside of a booth. Click here to read up on the Feature Vehicle guidelines or submit an application. 

2. New Product Showcase

Submit products to the New Product Showcase--the top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show--to build brand awareness and generate leads. The first product entry is free for exhibitors; find more information on submitting a product, packaging or merchandising display here and complete an application for a new or featured product here

3. Budget Checklist

This is an essential tool for all participating exhibitors, but especially first-timers. Calculate all confirmed and projected fees for everything from booth space; exhibit design and building; electrical; freight and material handling and related services; plus marketing and staff expenses.

4. Deadlines List

Discover key dates for exhibitors, including deadlines and rate increases.

5. Contact List

Contact the Show organizers to help you succeed with categories like booth vehicles, feature vehicles, banquet tickets, the New Product Showcase, meeting rooms and more.

6. Parking Information

This is especially helpful for exhibitors with trailers; discover where you can park leading up to and during the event.

7. Freeman Booth Services

This section addresses booth needs like power, carpet, fixtures, freight, A/V and computer rentals, cleaning, signs and graphics, and more.

8. Approved Vendors for Booth Services

Access the approved vendors for lead retrieval, catering, insurance, vehicle detailing, tent and canopy rental, internet and telephone, photography, and more.

9. Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships

This section provides successful marketing opportunities at the SEMA Show like advertising, press conferences, products for project-vehicle builders, PR opportunities, sponsorships, celebrity appearances and directory upgrades. In addition, the application for the New Product Showcase appears here.

10. Exhibitor Rules and Regulations

Discover essential information, including applications, fees, payments, safety requirements and more.

11. SEMA Exhibitor Summit (Complimentary event July 24-25)

Those who want to exhibit like professionals and go beyond the Exhibitor Service Manual should attend this year's SEMA Exhibitor Summit, which will feature new-for-2024, relevant, business-boosting information. Open to all current exhibitors, SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company and offer information on how to:

  • Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
  • Use proven strategies to attract professionals, media members, decision-makers and buyers to your booth.
  • Save money and resources on necessary Show costs like material handling, electrical and related expenses.
  • Work one-on-one with SEMA Show experts to maximize your ROI.
  • Learn to plan and budget for your entire team to attend.
  • Explore promotional opportunities to attract more exposure through complimentary and paid sponsorships and programs.
  • Maximize your SEMA Show booth experience.

Don't delay; secure your spots for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit

Still have questions? No problem! Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, +1 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:26
Exhibitor booth at the SEMA Show

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show is already gearing up to once again serve as the industry homecoming, November 5-8 in Las Vegas. Exhibitors are strategizing their booth plans (read SEMA News' recent Racing & Performance preview and Hot Rod Alley/Restoration Marketplace preview), and this year's Exhibitor Service Manual is packed with new valuable resources and deadlines. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

Below is a preview of the useful resources to get exhibitors on the road to a successful SEMA Show.

1. Feature Vehicles

Learn more about the rules, regulations and requirements for displaying a vehicle on the SEMA Show floor outside of a booth. Click here to read up on the Feature Vehicle guidelines or submit an application. 

2. New Product Showcase

Submit products to the New Product Showcase--the top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show--to build brand awareness and generate leads. The first product entry is free for exhibitors; find more information on submitting a product, packaging or merchandising display here and complete an application for a new or featured product here

3. Budget Checklist

This is an essential tool for all participating exhibitors, but especially first-timers. Calculate all confirmed and projected fees for everything from booth space; exhibit design and building; electrical; freight and material handling and related services; plus marketing and staff expenses.

4. Deadlines List

Discover key dates for exhibitors, including deadlines and rate increases.

5. Contact List

Contact the Show organizers to help you succeed with categories like booth vehicles, feature vehicles, banquet tickets, the New Product Showcase, meeting rooms and more.

6. Parking Information

This is especially helpful for exhibitors with trailers; discover where you can park leading up to and during the event.

7. Freeman Booth Services

This section addresses booth needs like power, carpet, fixtures, freight, A/V and computer rentals, cleaning, signs and graphics, and more.

8. Approved Vendors for Booth Services

Access the approved vendors for lead retrieval, catering, insurance, vehicle detailing, tent and canopy rental, internet and telephone, photography, and more.

9. Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships

This section provides successful marketing opportunities at the SEMA Show like advertising, press conferences, products for project-vehicle builders, PR opportunities, sponsorships, celebrity appearances and directory upgrades. In addition, the application for the New Product Showcase appears here.

10. Exhibitor Rules and Regulations

Discover essential information, including applications, fees, payments, safety requirements and more.

11. SEMA Exhibitor Summit (Complimentary event July 24-25)

Those who want to exhibit like professionals and go beyond the Exhibitor Service Manual should attend this year's SEMA Exhibitor Summit, which will feature new-for-2024, relevant, business-boosting information. Open to all current exhibitors, SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company and offer information on how to:

  • Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
  • Use proven strategies to attract professionals, media members, decision-makers and buyers to your booth.
  • Save money and resources on necessary Show costs like material handling, electrical and related expenses.
  • Work one-on-one with SEMA Show experts to maximize your ROI.
  • Learn to plan and budget for your entire team to attend.
  • Explore promotional opportunities to attract more exposure through complimentary and paid sponsorships and programs.
  • Maximize your SEMA Show booth experience.

Don't delay; secure your spots for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit

Still have questions? No problem! Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, +1 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:01

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI members recently traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for the interests of the specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports parts industries as part of the 2024 SEMA & PRI Washington Rally. Members and industry leaders held nearly 150 meetings with their elected officials and congressional staff, advocating for their lawmakers to support legislation to protect the future of the industry. The Washington Rally kicked off with a congressional dinner where TV presenter and car builder Ant Anstead hosted an engaging panel discussion with industry champions from the U.S. Representatives, including Reps. Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA)Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mark Amodei (R-NV), and included a lunch at the exclusive Capitol Hill Club with U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. 

  

The event also featured the very first "Cars at the Capitol" event, which showcased a curated offering of customized cars, trucks and SUVs that exemplify the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that drives the specialty automotive aftermarket. The car show put our industry on display just beyond the steps of the Capitol with a vehicle lineup that included everything from classic cars, including a '67 Chevrolet Chevelle and a '69 Ford Mustang Mach 1, to late-model vehicles such as a '15 Nissan GT-R, a '22 Gladiator 4xe and a Toyota Tundra. 

Washington Rally PRI SEMA 2024

From left to right: Auto industry personality Ant Anstead and U.S. Representatives Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA), Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mark Amodei (R-NV).

Congressional meetings provided SEMA and PRI members with an opportunity to advocate for protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, stopping vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice, protecting motorized access to federal government lands, making permanent business tax incentives for race tracks and extending business tax incentives that will be expiring or be reduced in 2025. This year's Washington Rally marked the 17th time that SEMA and industry members have traveled to our nation's capital to advocate for the industry. The event plays a pivotal role in SEMA and PRI's advocacy efforts at the federal level, providing our members with an opportunity to develop and strengthen relationships with key members of Congress.

SEMA PRI Washington DC Rally 2024

SEMA and PRI encourage those who weren't able to attend the 2024 SEMA & PRI Washington Rally--which included the first-ever "Cars at the Capitol" event seen here--to get involved by writing their members of Congress on issues of key importance to their business and the industry.

SEMA and PRI welcome our members who weren't able to attend the Rally to get involved by writing their members of Congress on issues of key importance to their business and the industry. We also encourage you to host your members of Congress at your business. Our government affairs team makes this easy by coordinating the logistics and participating in lawmaker visits to member companies. Click here to sign up to host your members of Congress.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 11:01

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI members recently traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for the interests of the specialty automotive aftermarket and motorsports parts industries as part of the 2024 SEMA & PRI Washington Rally. Members and industry leaders held nearly 150 meetings with their elected officials and congressional staff, advocating for their lawmakers to support legislation to protect the future of the industry. The Washington Rally kicked off with a congressional dinner where TV presenter and car builder Ant Anstead hosted an engaging panel discussion with industry champions from the U.S. Representatives, including Reps. Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA)Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mark Amodei (R-NV), and included a lunch at the exclusive Capitol Hill Club with U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. 

  

The event also featured the very first "Cars at the Capitol" event, which showcased a curated offering of customized cars, trucks and SUVs that exemplify the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that drives the specialty automotive aftermarket. The car show put our industry on display just beyond the steps of the Capitol with a vehicle lineup that included everything from classic cars, including a '67 Chevrolet Chevelle and a '69 Ford Mustang Mach 1, to late-model vehicles such as a '15 Nissan GT-R, a '22 Gladiator 4xe and a Toyota Tundra. 

Washington Rally PRI SEMA 2024

From left to right: Auto industry personality Ant Anstead and U.S. Representatives Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA), Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mark Amodei (R-NV).

Congressional meetings provided SEMA and PRI members with an opportunity to advocate for protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, stopping vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice, protecting motorized access to federal government lands, making permanent business tax incentives for race tracks and extending business tax incentives that will be expiring or be reduced in 2025. This year's Washington Rally marked the 17th time that SEMA and industry members have traveled to our nation's capital to advocate for the industry. The event plays a pivotal role in SEMA and PRI's advocacy efforts at the federal level, providing our members with an opportunity to develop and strengthen relationships with key members of Congress.

SEMA PRI Washington DC Rally 2024

SEMA and PRI encourage those who weren't able to attend the 2024 SEMA & PRI Washington Rally--which included the first-ever "Cars at the Capitol" event seen here--to get involved by writing their members of Congress on issues of key importance to their business and the industry.

SEMA and PRI welcome our members who weren't able to attend the Rally to get involved by writing their members of Congress on issues of key importance to their business and the industry. We also encourage you to host your members of Congress at your business. Our government affairs team makes this easy by coordinating the logistics and participating in lawmaker visits to member companies. Click here to sign up to host your members of Congress.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:56
FLN Spotlight Kris Kinsinger

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Kris Kinsinger, wholesale account manager at Diode Dynamics--a manufacturer of automotive LED lighting products--as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Kinsinger in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Kris Kinsinger: Time is your most valuable resource and you can't get it back. Make sure to use it wisely. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

KK: A passion for all things automotive. The aftermarket side of things is cool to be part of because each enthusiast has their own touch that makes their vehicle unique to them. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

KK: You can find me camping with my family, out on the trails off-roading, spending time at the lake, riding my motorcycle or sitting around a campfire. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

KK: Go in with a knowledge of what is being discussed. Keep an open mind. Be a good listener. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

KK: Jay Leno. I've always been a big fan of "Jay Leno's Garage" and would love to see his car and motorcycle collection in person. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 08:31

By SEMA News Editors

INDYCAR Sets Date for Hybrid Debut

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has confirmed the launch of its new hybrid power unit for later this year.

Developed by INDYCAR, Chevrolet and Honda, the hybrid unit will pair with the 2.2L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine used by the series and make its competitive debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the Honda Indy 200, July 5-7.

Indycar Hybrid Mid Ohio

The hybrid system is made up of the low-voltage (48V) Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS)--consisting of 20 ultracapacitors--both of which fit inside the bellhousing, located between the engine and gearbox. During regeneration, acting on the clutch shaft, the MGU builds power to be stored in the ESS. The additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator on driver demand.

In competition, options for automatic regeneration via braking or throttle position and manual regeneration via selected steering wheel paddles and buttons will be available. Deployment of stored energy will only be available manually through a latching button, similar to the existing Push to Pass system, according to INDYCAR.

While available to use in addition to the traditional Push-to-Pass system on road and street circuits, the two systems will come with different rules. Push-to-Pass will still have a restriction on the amount of time per use and total time used throughout a race. Rules for the hybrid power unit will limit the amount of energy deployed per lap and will be based on track length. Used in combination on road and street circuits, the added boost will provide an additional 120 hp for a total of 800-plus hp. Additional horsepower is expected in the coming years as hybrid unit development continues, the series said.

A full-field test of INDYCAR's power unit is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, at the Milwaukee Mile to allow teams to finalize implementation ahead of the July debut.

For more information, visit indycar.com

NASCAR to Launch In-Season Tournament on TNT Sports in 2025; Prime Video to Feature Seeding Races

NASCAR has announced it will hold a first-of-its-kind in-season tournament for the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. The seeding for the bracket-style, head-to-head event across TNT Sports' full five-race schedule will be set by results from the final three races that will air on Prime Video.

NASCAR Logo

"The idea of an in-season tournament has been discussed within the NASCAR industry and as we started to focus on adding promotional elements that drive interest throughout the season, we were excited by the opportunity to leverage the marketing weight of Amazon and TNT Sports to bring this concept to life," said Brian Herbst, NASCAR SVP, Media and Productions. 

All drivers are eligible for the seeding races, which will take place during the final three races of Prime Video's coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series. The top 32 drivers based on the seeding events will become eligible for the in-season tournament competition. Bracket seeding will be established by the best finish in each race over the three races, with the tiebreakers determined by the next-best finish, followed by season points position.

The tournament kicks off with the first event in the TNT Sports portion of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Drivers will compete head-to-head with the higher finishing driver of each race advancing over five rounds. The winner of the tournament will receive a $1 million prize.

For the complete details, visit the NASCAR announcement here or visit nascar.com.

Acura Integra Type S Competes in One Lap of America

Two Acura engineers recently competed in the 2024 Tire Rack One Lap of America behind the wheel of the Acura Integra Type S, the first time the high-performance model has participated in the eight-day cross-country road rally that covers 3,500 miles and includes timed events on nine racetracks across the Midwest.

Acura Integra Type S One Lap of America

The Acura entry was driven by Justyn Bobinski, a brake and vehicle dynamics test engineer at the Honda North American Automotive Development Center, and Nick Amato, who performs brake verification testing at Honda's Marysville Auto Plant.

The Acura race team is part of the Honda of America Racing Team (HART), which consists of Honda associates across North America. The HART program provides associates with motorsports experience, while also transferring vehicle performance learnings into the development and manufacturing of next-generation Honda and Acura products. The HART One Lap of America team is supporting the Victory Center, an Ohio-based organization that provides programs and services to cancer patients, survivors and their families.

Bobinski and Amato used One Lap of America to further test the performance, handling, and durability of the Acura Integra Type S under extreme conditions. The Type S variant featured a turbocharged 320hp 2.0L engine, a six-speed manual transmission, a dual-axis front suspension design and four-piston Brembo front brakes. For the competition, the only modifications from stock were a racing seat and roll cage for safety, CarboTech brake pads, Red Line Oil, and a custom "careers.honda.com" livery.

Additionally, Acura engineers Tyler Chambers and Chad Gilsinger piloted the 600hp "one-and-a-half" Acura NSX Type S in the event, towing the rear half of another NSX custom fabricated into a trailer, which carried spare tires, tools and fluids. 

For more information, visit acura.com.


Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 08:15

By SEMA News Editors

American Adventure Lab
Jeep JL Stainless Steel VersaTable
American Adventure Lab Versa Table

American Adventure Lab has introduced a new stainless-steel Jeep JL VersaTable. Also available in poplar and bamboo, the tailgate table features an LED light with push-button switch, no cable supports, a M.O.L.L.E. back plate with M.A.S.S. connector holes, a quick-latch for one-handed opening and closing, all-aluminum construction and more.

americanadventurelab.com.

BluePrint Engines
Gen III HEMI-Compatible Performance Crate Engines
BluePrint Engines Gen III HEMI-Compatible crate engine

BluePrint Engines' new comprehensive range of Gen III HEMI-compatible 426ci performance crate engines offer various options, from long-block configurations to fully assembled engines complete with ECUs, wiring harnesses and front drive accessories. Customers can also choose between naturally aspirated or supercharged. BluePrint Engines Gen III HEMI-compatible crate engines are designed to deliver 610 to 872 hp guaranteed power levels as dyno-tested in BluePrint's state-of-the-art facility in Kearney, Nebraska.

The Gen III's versatility and power make it ideal for older Mopar cars, trucks, or Jeeps, breathing new life into classic vehicles.

blueprintengines.com.

RIGID Industries
9-in. Light and RBGW Backlight Options for 360-Series Lineup
RIGID Industries 9 in light RBGW Backlight options 360 series

RIGID Industries has announced new additions to its 360-series round LED lighting lineup. One of the company's most popular offerings, the 360-Series, previously consisted of 4-in. and 6-in. circular LED pods. The updated product line adds a new 9-in. light with an RBGW backlighting option for those looking to customize the look of their vehicles. RBGW backlighting also expands to the smaller 4-in. and 6-in. models.

Featuring 32 individual LEDs, the 9-in. light nearly triples the LED count of the 6-in. model and produces up to 23,232 lumens. Each pod features an IP68-compliant dust and water ingress rating, a high-impact polycarbonate lens (available in clear or Amber Pro), and a pressure-equalizing vent to ensure durability and long-lasting clarity. Customers can choose between drive (PN 36421) or spot (PN 36522) optics to select the beam pattern that best fits their needs.

rigidindustries.com.


Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 07:57

By SEMA News Editors

Ford Names Lawler Vice Chair, House Joins as Finance VP

Ford has named John Lawler, Ford CFO since October 2020, as its new vice chair, while initially continuing as CFO until early 2025.

Additionally, Sherry House, who most recently was CFO at electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors, is joining Ford as vice president, finance, as part of a plan to succeed Lawler as CFO in early 2025. In the meantime, she will oversee financial planning and analysis as well as the finance organizations for the company’s automotive businesses: Ford Blue, Ford Pro and Ford Model e.

Both assignments are effective in early June.

As vice chair, Lawler will focus on Ford’s strategic development, all current and future global partnerships, and engagement with global leaders, including in China, Southeast Asia and Europe, to advance industry-critical policy, the company said.

For more information, visit ford.com.

TechForce Foundation, SkillsUSA Announce Strategic Collaboration
Cosmo Car Show

TechForce Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to guiding students to careers as professional technicians, and SkillsUSA, an education and industry partnership program, have announced a new strategic collaboration.

Through the partnership, SkillsUSA will introduce TechForce Foundation’s career-building resources to its members, encouraging them to access the TechForce online career hub that helps students connect with year-round scholarships, events, apprenticeships and jobs. Additionally, TechForce will educate its network of students and instructors about SkillsUSA membership, which offers opportunities for student leadership, professional development, enhanced curriculum, industry networking, and partnerships and real-world experiences that reinforce lessons learned in the classroom.

"This non-profit-to-non-profit collaboration showcases what can happen when two organizations work together for a common purpose," said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher. "Both organizations are committed to the outcome of a skilled, passionate workforce, so ensuring our communications channels cross-pollinate ensures our students, and industry, win. With TechForce having over $4 million in scholarships to award this year alone, and SkillsUSA being active in nearly 5,000 schools and over 21,000 classrooms nationwide, it’s a natural alliance that supercharges results for the next generation of skilled technicians." 

For more information, visit techforce.org or skillsusa.org.         

Cosmo Tires Hosts Annual Car and Truck Show at TGI Headquarters

Cosmo Tires, a private-label brand distributed by Tire Group International, hosted its 2nd annual Kool Kat Ambush car and truck show at its facility in Miami, Florida.

Cosmo Car Show

The event featured a variety of cars and trucks, including a '68 Shelby GT350 and a one-off custom '63 Lincoln Continental, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and a Porsche Carrera GT. More than 25 trophies and awards were given out to participants for various accomplishments, such as best in show, best sound systems, best exhaust and more. 

The company reported an attendance of more than 2,000.

"As we continue to grow, we never want to lose sight of our family-owned culture," said Tony Gonzalez, CEO. "Our clients and distributors are a key part of that growing family which is why it’s important to set some time aside each year to get together like we do at our annual Kool Kat Ambush car and truck show.”

For more information, visit cosmotires.com


Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 07:50

By SEMA News Editors

The BMW iX is getting a refresh, and SEMA News sources recently caught new images that hint at some of the planned updates. 

In the new images, the iX sports the usual BMW camouflage, on both the front and rear, indicating changes to the bumpers, light clusters and grille.

Spy Shots BMW iX

According to insiders, the front bumper will have a more aggressive and pronounced shape, in addition to increased exterior personalization options, like new body colors and more wheel-rim designs. The M Sport package is also expected to be part of the standard equipment.

Sources also indicated that the updated iX will feature more powerful and efficient electric motors. With the goal of improving performance without compromising range, the iX will drive more than 375 miles on a single charge and will be available as a high-performance trim.