By Della Domingo

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is a central hub where media go to obtain news from SEMA Show exhibitors.

Exhibitors can submit release to be included by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/press. While journalists rely on the SEMA Show Online Media Center to obtain news and information, they are often inundated with press releases and may not use everything they see. To develop a release that will catch a reporter’s attention, below are some tips:

• Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader.
• Keep the press release brief. Introduce the product without added fluff. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.
• Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format.
• Always include your booth number and contact information.

Exhibiting companies can submit their releases at www.SEMAShow.com/press.

Wheel Pros to Acquire Transamerican Auto Parts From Polaris

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group L.P. and in partnership with management, has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) from Polaris Inc. TAP is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, retailer and installer of off-road Jeep and light truck parts and accessories. In 2021, TAP generated nearly $760 million in revenue.

“We are thrilled to combine with TAP and build a vertically integrated omnichannel platform for aftermarket automotive enhancements across a wide range of vehicles,” said Randy White, co-founder and CEO, and Brian Henderson, chief strategy officer, at Wheel Pros. “TAP’s extensive product portfolio, proprietary brands, manufacturing capabilities, and omnichannel platform have resulted in an automotive and off-roading enthusiast following that we have long admired. We look forward to working with the TAP team as we undertake new initiatives to accelerate the growth of the combined business and continue to drive value for our customers, suppliers, and partners.”

TAP’s omnichannel platform operates under the 4 Wheel Parts brand, and serves automotive and off-roading enthusiasts through retail, eCommerce, and wholesale. The company has a growing online presence via  4WheelParts.com and 4WD.com, and TAP’s integrated platform enables buy online, pick up, and install in store. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

NPW Miami Celebrates Grand Opening of New Headquarters & Distribution Center

NPW opened its new, state-of-the-art, 200,000-sq.-ft. distribution center and corporate headquarters in Hialeah, Florida.

NPW continues to expand with its new, state-of-the-art distribution center and corporate headquarters. Located in Hialeah, Florida, this facility has more than 200,000 sq. ft. of usable space, which includes a state-of-the-art conveyor system along with an automated sortation system. As of June 15, all receiving and shipping is being done from 5801 E. 10th Ave., Hialeah FL 33013.

A special lunch and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with local dignitaries in attendance. Participating were Mayor Steve Bovo, State Representative Alex Rizo and City Council President Carl Zogby. NPW also had their key management on hand, including Founder and CEO Larry Pacey, his wife Hilda, sons Chris, the company’s executive vice president/COO, and John, vice president of purchasing.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Time is running out for the opportunity to sign up to meet one-on-one with trade buyers from throughout Europe during the August 24–28 SEMA Nordic program. To date, buyers are pre-registered from the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Italy as well as Nordic companies from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

The August 24–28 inaugural event includes the opportunity to networking with local buyers including a day-long table-top display similar to the event pictured above in Australia. 

Join SEMA on the inaugural trip to Sweden, where participants will learn the latest market developments for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise and meet buyers eager to network with the visiting U.S. delegation. Rates start at $3,860 for those taking the federal grant, and includes exhibiting at a day-long trade event featuring table-top displays. Hotel accommodations and meals are covered in the program fees. Airfare to and from the United States is not included.

View the event schedule and register now—slots are limited.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/nordic or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.

By Della Domingo

As demand for emissions testing and related services increases, the SEMA Garage has added new staff to help members process and obtain CARB EOs. The new staff will be dedicated to expediting the applications and shortening wait times for manufacturers seeking CARB EOs.

A new $500 application processing fee, which goes into effect July 1, will be applied to any SEMA lab fees that may apply, and is separate from the required CARB fee that ranges from $500–$1,000.

A new $500 processing fee will be charged for those who choose to have SEMA staff manage the application process, which includes filling out all required paperwork, guiding members on what is needed and representing and advocating on behalf of the member to CARB throughout the process. The $500 fee, which goes into effect July 1, will be applied to any SEMA lab fees that may apply, and is separate from the required CARB fee that ranges from $500–$1,000.

Members can save 25% on the management fee if they also choose to obtain SEMA certification for their product. Those who apply for both SEMA certification and a CARB EO will pay a $750 SEMA management fee, as opposed to $1,000.

Members may also avoid the $500 SEMA management fee by electing to fill out their own paperwork and manage the CARB EO process themselves.

For more information, visit the SEMA Garage website or contact Stephanie Herring. To start a new application, visit the New Project Startup.

The ’23 Jeep Baby Renegade will be a brand-new model, the smallest one in the company’s lineup. It will benefit a lot from the FCA’s merger with the PSA group. More precisely, the new crossover will ride on PSA’s CMP architecture, which is designed for small vehicles in particular. The platform already underpins models like DS3 Crossback and Opel Mokka, so expect the new baby Jeep to have a lot of things in common with the Opel and DS. However, it won’t be produced in the same factory in France, but rather in Fiat’s assembly in Poland.

In any case, we count on a crossover with tiny dimensions, probably around 2.55 meters in wheelbase. When it comes to styling, there should be a strong resemblance to other Jeep models, especially at the front end, while the overall shape may take some inspiration from the Renegade.

Engine options, of course, will be one of the most interesting aspects of the new ’23 Jeep Baby Renegade. The CMP architecture supports all kinds of powertrain options. Therefore, one of the key powertrain options will be an all-electric version. This version will feature a single electric motor with a max output of 136 hp. Also, we count on a 50-kWh battery pack, which should ensure around 200 miles of the all-electric range.

However, the electric powertrain won’t be the only one on offer. We also count on a 1.2L PureTech gasoline engine from PSA, and there is a good chance to see a diesel version on offer, too. That model would feature a 1.5L HDi engine. Both should come with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although officials are still quiet, expect the ’23 Jeep Baby Renegade to hit the market by the end of this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show Block.

Making hotel reservations in the Block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

Many SEMA Show hotels, such as The LINQ Hotel & Casino, offer reduced resort fees for Showgoers.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show Block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you're looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

See below for the list of hotels offering discounted nightly resort fees.

Note: Rates listed on the onPeak website do not include the resort fee (except for Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World and Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. Daily resort fee is included in the nightly rates).

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

  By SEMA Editors

It’s not too late for exhibitors who want to participate in the 2022 SEMA Show to submit a booth space application. Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan throughout the week to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about exhibiting, refer to the Exhibitor Service Manual, where you will find information about deadlines, booth and feature vehicle applications, Show guidelines, booth services, target times for freight and more.

The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas.

  By SEMA Editors

The digital SEMA Show Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM)—one of the most powerful online tools—was developed to highlight links to all of the resources pertinent to having a successful exhibit at the Show.

Utilizing the New Products Showcase is the best way to get your products in front of thousands of buyers at the SEMA Show.

To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Time spent understanding the tools available to you will pay dividends with ease of participation, provide better visibility with buyers and save you valuable time and money.

Included in the Exhibitor Service Manual:

• Feature vehicle information and application—deadline July 29
• New Products Showcase submissions—first product is free; additional products $75 (prior to October 8)
• Guidelines and policies
• Marketing, advertising and sponsorship

1. Advertising opportunities
2. Public-relations opportunities
3. Directory listing—deadline to update your listing in the Show Directory is August 19
4. Sponsorship brochures

• Meeting room applications
• Contact information
• Show hours
• Deadline checklist
• FAQs
• Booth vehicle information and application
• Information/target times on when freight must be at your booth
• General service contractor information

Freeman

• Carpeting
• Electrical
• Hanging signs
• Booth cleaning
• Booth installation and dismantle

Cox

• Internet and telephone services

Expo Ease

• Photography

Centerplate

• Catering/food and beverage

Show Security Management

• Booth security

The 2022 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

  By SEMA Editors

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 eNews, 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.