In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 GR Corolla, September 13–14.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Four ’23 GR Corolla models will be featured, equipped with:

• 300hp/273 lb.-ft. torque, 1.6L turbocharged G16E-GTS engine.
• Exhaust composed of a three-piece muffler.
• Six-speed manual transmission.
• GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain with user-selectable torque split.
• Reinforced chassis for added stiffness and rigidity.
• Available Torsen limited slip differentials (F/R).
• Standard 8-in. touch-screen display.
• Available eight-speaker, JBL premium sound with subwoofer.
• Standard 18-in. wheels and 235/40R18 tires.
• Automatic high beams.
• Dynamic radar cruise control.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

  Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA News, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

  Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By Ashley Reyes

Quality is one of the most important functions of a manufacturing business. While large companies are able to invest heavily in sophisticated quality management systems, small businesses are often intimidated by these processes. That doesn’t mean that small businesses can or should dismiss the importance of manufacturing quality products.  

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to a live webinar, “World Class Manufacturing for the Small Business,” September 28, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), where Josh Saldivar, director of manufacturing at BluePrint Engines, will go over the proven principles of lean manufacturing and explain the essential elements that are particularly useful to small businesses. Attendees will learn the balance between a robust quality system and an efficient operation, and the value-add processes that improve quality without bogging down small businesses with red tape.   

The webinar will also touch on lean and quality system basics, how to decide what processes are right for a business and how to implement quality systems without major disruption. Saldavir will answer participants’ questions live.

Register today.  

By Ashley Reyes

The 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC) will take place in Anaheim, California, at Embassy Suites Anaheim South, January 24–26, 2023, marking the in-person return of the council’s signature event. Manufacturer applications are open exclusively to Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) members.  

The Media Trade Conference is focused on media, and results in manufacturers raising brand and product awareness in trade and consumer outlets, including print, online, video/television, radio/podcasts and in social-media outlets.

The Media Trade Conference is a unique event that takes place annually and brings manufacturers of racing and performance parts and accessories together with media in up to 42 private, 30-minute meetings over a span of three days.  

The event offers a “speed dating” format, where MPMC-member companies meet with media outlets that are relevant to their products. Unlike a traditional trade show where exhibitors meet with buyers and resellers, the Media Trade Conference is focused on media, and results in manufacturers raising brand and product awareness in trade and consumer outlets, including print, online, video/television, radio/podcasts and in social-media outlets.

“There is no better place than the MPMC Media Trade Conference to build and strengthen relationships with journalists and influencers who can help promote their brands,” said Melissa Scoles of QA1. “By meeting in such an intimate setting, MPMC members are able to build strong, quality relationships with journalists that can benefit them for future coverage.”

Manufacturers can sign up to exhibit at www.sema.org/mtc or contact MPMC Director Marcy Yanus at Marcy@sema.org with questions. 

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is calling all SEMA Show car builders to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition. Open exclusively to builders with a car or truck displayed at the annual trade show, the competition celebrates and honors top builders for participating in what many consider to be the pinnacle of automotive events.

“Since 2014, we’ve provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, creativity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Show Exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. SEMA Battle of the Builders not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other’s builds in the final round.”

SEMA Battle of the Builders gives builders to opportunity to gain global recognition, including possible inclusion in a one-hour television special or SEMA’s social channels, and a chance to be recognized and named as the industry’s top builder. 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
• Young Guns—before crowning the coveted title, Battle of the Builders Champion.  

The four categories have evolved for the 2022 competition. Hot Rod Trucks will now compete with traditional Hot Rod builds. The former Truck class becomes more focused on 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road builds while the Sport Compact class is expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic builds as well. The age limit for the Young Guns class has also been raised from 27 to 29 years old. As part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry, the association will continue its SEMA Young Guns category for builders who are 29 and younger.

“Each year, we meet amazing young builders through the Young Guns program,” said de Vera. “It is inspiring to witness the passion, drive and courage they have to put their blood, sweat and tears into their projects and to compete with their pride and joy in this competition. To see the industry embrace them as they build a network of contacts and connections that will fuel a lifelong career is exactly why the Young Guns class was created. Fortune definitely favors the brave, and we want to highlight that.”

Although the SEMA Show is a trade-only event, consumers can experience the excitement of the event and see the winning Battle of the Builder vehicles during the SEMA Cruise and at SEMA Ignited (www.semaignited.com), the official SEMA Show after-party taking place from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 14. Calling all builders!

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA will host the Washington Rally on Thursday, September 22. If you’ve never been, it is a unique opportunity to connect with your elected officials in our nation’s capital to discuss the issues that matter most to you, your company and our industry. The Rally is exclusively for SEMA members and there are no registration fees. Click here to register.

Whether it’s standing up for the RPM Act, emissions compliance or vehicle technology, there are many issues facing SEMA members in the nation’s capital. That’s what makes participation in the Washington Rally so important.

SEMA will arrange for meetings with your elected officials and staff will provide you with briefing materials in advance. A member of the SEMA Government Affairs team will even join you in your meetings to ensure everything goes smoothly. Lastly, special guest speakers will join SEMA members at a Capitol Hill luncheon and for a reception and dinner that evening.

Registration closes on September 1. Questions? Please contact Christian Robinson at 202-794-8279 or christianr@sema.org. 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), an automotive enthusiast and longtime ally of the aftermarket, defeated T.W. Shannon, former speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, by a margin of 65% to 35% in the runoff election to be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Oklahoma. SEMA congratulates Rep. Mullin on a commanding win in the runoff election and is proud to support his campaign for U.S. Senate. Rep. Mullin is strongly favored to win the seat in November.

U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) [left] with former SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans.

Rep. Mullin is anything but a traditional politician, which is one of the many reasons why SEMA has worked so well with him. He first decided to run for office in 2012 as a result of government overreach that threatened his business. During his time in Washington, Rep. Mullin has been a top advocate for passing the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), serving as an original cosponsor of the bill. He was also the lead sponsor of a 2015 law, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act,” which created a simplified regulatory system for small automotive businesses looking to manufacture classically styled replica vehicles.

When Rep. Mullin is not meeting with his constituents in eastern Oklahoma or advocating for their interests in our nation’s capital, chances are he is either spending time with his wife and six children, coaching wresting (he’s a member of the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame), working cattle on his ranch or engaged in one of his many hobbies, including snake hunting, working out or hitting the backroads for a drive. His vehicle collection includes a ’67 Shelby Cobra, ’72 Chevy C-10 and ’21 Mustang. Before running for Congress, Rep. Mullin competed professionally in rock crawling and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Rep. Mullin (right), an automotive enthusiast and longtime ally of the aftermarket, is leading the field in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Growing up the youngest of seven children on his family’s farm in Westville, Oklahoma, Mullin learned the value of hard work from a young age. He attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship, although he left school at the age of 20 to run his family’s plumbing business when his father became ill. At the time, Mullin Plumbing was $500,000 in debt and employed six people. Rep. Mullin and his wife Christie worked tirelessly over the next three years to turn around the business before he returned to college and graduated from Oklahoma State University’s Institute of Technology in 2010. Today, Mullin Plumbing is one of the largest service companies in the region, employing more than 150 workers. Rep. Mullin went on to open and operate several other businesses, including Mullin Environmental, Mullin Plumbing West Division, Mullin Services, Mullin Properties and Mullin Plumbing New Construction.

To learn more about the upcoming elections in your state and how to register to vote, visit www.semasan.com/semavotes.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has voted to finalize a SEMA-opposed rule to implement California Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 executive order to phase out the sale of new diesel- or gas-powered cars in the state by 2035. The rule requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles have made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles.

“SEMA believes that Californians should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “While electric vehicle technology expands clean transportation options, SEMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make the internal-combustion engine (ICE) a reliable, affordable and clean option for millions of consumers.”

Between 1980 and 2020, the combined emissions from the six most common air pollutants dropped 78% thanks in large part to advancements in cleaner ICE technology, which continues to improve.

“SEMA supports marketplace solutions that guarantee affordable consumer choice, preserve jobs and enjoy widespread consensus within industry, government and the general public,” added Spagnola.

The newly adopted regulations could lead to 17 other states that have often followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules adopting similar proposals. The sale of used cars would not be affected under the proposal, and it would not force the current fleet of diesel- or gas-powered vehicles off the road.

Click here to read SEMA’s comments in opposition to California’s internal-combustion engine ban.  

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

This story was originally published on August 25, 2022. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.