By Juan Torres

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.

"The SEMA Show is synonymous with the most unique vehicles in the world, and for 10 years the Battle of the Builders program has given the builders of these vehicles an opportunity to showcase their imagination, creativity and craftsmanship at an international level," said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. "This year's program will feature the top builders and brands exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show as we crown our 10th Battle of the Builders Champion."

Since 2014, Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA's communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories--Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns--before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.

The Young Guns category, open to builders 29 years and younger, is part of SEMA's initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. All Young Guns entries submitted before Tuesday, August 15 have the opportunity to compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show.

"The SEMA Young Guns competition was the single most powerful tool for me to turn my passion for building cars into a full-time career," said Kyle Kuhnhausen, winner of the 2018 Young Guns title and current Battle of the Builders judge. "The media coverage that followed after winning the category took me from a relatively unknown young builder to self-employment building hot rods full time just months later. I'm still building hot rods, and the phone is still ringing as I continue feeling the benefits of the competition and now get to judge that category."

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. Participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable and provides the greatest return on investment.

"SEMA remains committed to showcasing the hard work and stories behind the amazing builds that are displayed every year at the SEMA Show," added de Vera. "From established builders to the next generation of modifiers, the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will reflect the broad range of vehicles and talent in the industry."

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 13.

By SEMA Editors

General Motors (GM) has announced that it has acquired substantially all the assets of Israel-based battery software startup ALGOLiON Ltd. for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition was led by the newly formed Technology Acceleration and Commercialization (TAC) organization, a group within GM that works to identify emerging technology that can support GM through investments, acquisitions or partnerships.

ALGOLiON, which received early support from the Israeli Innovation Authority, was founded in 2014 by Niles Fleischer, Ph.D., and Alex Nimberger, Ph.D. The company has developed sophisticated software that uses data streams from electric vehicle (EV) battery management systems to help identify anomalies in cell performance to ensure proper vehicle health management and provide early detection of battery hazards, including thermal runaway propagation events.

In related news, GM has named Norm de Greve as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. De Greve joins GM from CVS Health, where he has served as chief marketing officer since 2015.

By SEMA Editors 

Dragonfly Energy, the Reno, Nevada-based maker of Battle Born Batteries and one of the industry leaders in energy storage, has announced that its lithium-ion batteries will be standard equipment in all nuCamp RV travel trailer and truck camper products beginning in the model-year '24. Battle Born Batteries have been offered as an upgrade option for nuCamp customers since 2022, and this agreement expands that partnership to fully integrated power systems, including lithium-ion batteries, inverters and additional necessary components. 

Beginning in Q3 2023, the '24 nuCamp model-year products will begin shipping with Battle Born Batteries power systems as standard equipment. Power systems provided will include lithium-ion batteries, inverters, solar charge controllers and all other necessary components. Base packages include 100Ah power systems, with optional upgrades up to 810Ah, offering customers boondocking-ready trailers to fit any style of camping.

"The nuCamp team prioritizes quality, craftsmanship and providing the best experience for their customers. They were quick to see how Dragonfly Energy power systems can help them reach that goal. We started out testing by providing some full-power systems on a small scale, and the response from their customers was very positive, which we believe has led to making Battle Born Batteries power systems standard for nuCamp," said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer for Dragonfly Energy.

In addition, Dragonfly Energy has also announced it will be awarded a new patent covering the overall look and design of the assembly case of the company's GC3 12V 270Ah LiFePO4 deep-cycle battery, which is designed for more flexible solutions and increased energy density compared to traditional lead acid and lithium battery form factors. The announcement is based on a notice of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for U.S. Patent Application No. 29/858,079.

For more information, visit dragonflyenergy.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Product and service providers have until Tuesday, August 1, to sign up for the 2023 Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium, a dynamic event where they will create beneficial connections with aftermarket engineers who are actively seeking resources to streamline their product development.

By signing up for the event, taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, businesses will be able to:    

• Showcase how their product or service can help engineers be more effective and efficient.  
• Meet one-on-one with engineers to explore possibilities for collaboration and co-innovation.  
• Take part in networking sessions that will provide opportunities to build connections and trust.  
• Gain firsthand knowledge of market demands and customer pain points, helping businesses to align their services with industry needs.  
• Learn about advancements in alternative internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, vehicle communication standards, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and more through high-powered education sessions. 

Product and service providers are identified as companies that resell final products to the mass consumer market (i.e., companies offering rapid prototyping, simulation, consulting, etc.) and those that offer tools or services to companies that support the development of hard parts, manufacturing processes, consumables or research and development (R&D).

View the program schedule or list of the currently registered providers.

To learn more about the N.E.R.D. Symposium and opportunities to create partnerships that grow your business, and to sign up, visit sema.org/nerd.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is gearing up to host its fourth annual SEMA Show PRO Cup Challenge and is looking for automotive restylers who can develop a unique vehicle package to be featured in the PRO booth.  

The PRO Cup Challenge is designed to encourage the customization of new-model vehicles and raise awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization to the general public. Through the competition, restylers benefit from gaining exposure for their company and skills by developing an accessory package that is both profitable and easy to replicate.  

The vehicle package must have maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed, a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to the dealer and inspire mainstream consumers, dealers and restylers to customize their vehicles.

Six competitors will be selected to have their vehicles displayed in the PRO booth in the West Hall at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3. Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award. 

Applications are due Friday, August 11. Don't miss your chance to solidify your reputation as a top-tier restyler in the automotive industry. Submit your PRO Cup Challenge application today. 

Hear from 2022 PRO Cup Challenge Winner Hannah Coulter about her experience in this video:

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has opened applications for its 2023 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Program.

The program, open exclusively to TORA member companies, is a unique opportunity for builders to gain exposure for their vehicles by having them displayed as part of the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail. The trail is outside the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, where thousands of industry buyers pass by daily during the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3.

By showcasing their vehicle in a premier location, selected participants can highlight the products installed on their build and have their vehicle voted on by Showgoers for a chance to win the TORA Best in Show award.

Applications are due August 23. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that donated to SEMA Cares, the association's fundraising arm that supports various children's charities. Get your name out there as a builder; submit your application today.

Not a TORA member? Apply here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA and PRI Business Members can gain access and export comprehensive product data from the aftermarket industry's largest database of manufacturer brands by claiming their SEMA Data member benefit.

Available to reseller members for $25 a month--a $50 savings off the $75 non-member monthly subscription--the SEMA Data member benefit provides access to convenient, user-friendly features such as a Reseller Portal for data requests, fast export setups and four eCommerce plugins to help online parts stores go to market. This unique approach allows resellers to access data exports in precisely the proper format for their systems, whether it be XMLs, loadsheets or APIs, custom price sheets and buying guides or simplifying data onboarding for eCommerce with plugins for Shopify, X-Cart and more.

"Our SEMA Data specialists work with manufacturers to provide the best product data possible for our members," said Gigi Ho, SEMA Data vice president of operations. "Our infrastructure and solutions are designed to scale with our members, help them save time and money, and fuel their businesses."

In today's competitive market, having high-quality product data is critical for consumer engagement and confidence. Learn how SEMA Data is committed to providing its reseller members with the desired tools and solutions needed to thrive in business today by visiting semadata.org.

Questions about the monthly subscription service can be directed to datasubscription@semadata.org.

By Marissa Guajardo 

With only two weeks until the deadline, exhibitors that plan to make breaking news announcements that will interest a large number of media at the 2023 SEMA Show are encouraged to submit a press conference application here. The deadline to be included in the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is August 4.

Once an application is submitted, exhibitors will receive an automatic email confirming their application was received. Those who do not receive a confirmation email or experience a technical problem are encouraged to reach out to pr@sema.org for assistance.

Since media are not required to attend press conferences, many exhibitors also choose to reach out to media through an alternative means, such as submitting a press release through the Exhibitor Online Media Center.  

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County has ruled that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA).

The Honorable Judge Tana Coates ruled in favor of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), EcoLogic Partners (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37, and Friends of Oceano Dunes, ruling that the Coastal Commission abused its discretion by unilaterally ordering the elimination of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA.

"Today's ruling is a huge win for SEMA, ORBA, ASA and AMA District 37 in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced Mike Spagnola, president & CEO of SEMA. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country."

The court determined that San Luis Obispo County's Local Coastal Program (LCP) governs activities at the SVRA under the Coastal Act. The LCP expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Under the Coastal Act, the County of San Luis Obispo has exclusive authority to enforce and manage the LCP. The Coastal Commission, acting on its own, has no power to take any action inconsistent with the LCP.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is a premier destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists alike as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding all types of motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, on the California beach, which was threatened by the Commission's March 2021 amendments to Coastal Development Permit 4-82-300 that demanded the California Department of Parks and Recreation phase out OHV access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announcement.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The California Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County has ruled that the California Coastal Commission does not have the authority to prohibit motorized recreational and overnight camping access at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA).

The Honorable Judge Tana Coates ruled in favor of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), EcoLogic Partners (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37, and Friends of Oceano Dunes, ruling that the Coastal Commission abused its discretion by unilaterally ordering the elimination of off-highway vehicle (OHV) use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA.

"Today's ruling is a huge win for SEMA, ORBA, ASA and AMA District 37 in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced Mike Spagnola, president & CEO of SEMA. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country."

The court determined that San Luis Obispo County's Local Coastal Program (LCP) governs activities at the SVRA under the Coastal Act. The LCP expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Under the Coastal Act, the County of San Luis Obispo has exclusive authority to enforce and manage the LCP. The Coastal Commission, acting on its own, has no power to take any action inconsistent with the LCP.

Oceano Dunes SVRA is a premier destination for motorized recreation enthusiasts and tourists alike as the only off-road park in the state offering direct access to the Pacific Ocean. For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding all types of motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, on the California beach, which was threatened by the Commission's March 2021 amendments to Coastal Development Permit 4-82-300 that demanded the California Department of Parks and Recreation phase out OHV access to Oceano Dunes SVRA by 2024.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) announcement.