By Della Domingo

The top three finalists in each category for the SEMA Award will be announced and presented Monday, November 4, at the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show exhibitors have cast their votes and selected vehicles that represent the best business opportunities for the aftermarket in five categories: car, truck, 4x4/SUV, sport compact and powersports vehicle. The top three finalists in each category for the awards, which will be announced and presented Monday, November 4, at the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal, in Las Vegas, are:

• SEMA Car of the Year: Audi R8, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang
• SEMA Truck of the Year: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, RAM
• SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year: Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner
• SEMA Sport Compact of the Year: Audi RS  3, Ford Focus, Volkswagen GTI
• SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year: Honda Talon, Mahindra Roxor A/T, Polaris RZR

“SEMA Show exhibitors are the experts when it comes to knowing what trends to follow or which vehicles are the best for vehicle customization,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “We’re grateful that SEMA Show exhibitors have voiced their picks and are excited to recognize winning automakers at the upcoming SEMA Show.”

The SEMA Award program creates awareness for aftermarket products and epitomizes the ongoing collaboration SEMA has with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing and technology transfer.

For additional information about the SEMA Award program, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

By Della Domingo

The top three finalists in each category for the SEMA Award will be announced and presented Monday, November 4, at the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show exhibitors have cast their votes and selected vehicles that represent the best business opportunities for the aftermarket in five categories: car, truck, 4x4/SUV, sport compact and powersports vehicle. The top three finalists in each category for the awards, which will be announced and presented Monday, November 4, at the SEMA Show Vehicle Reveal, in Las Vegas, are:

• SEMA Car of the Year: Audi R8, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang
• SEMA Truck of the Year: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, RAM
• SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year: Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner
• SEMA Sport Compact of the Year: Audi RS  3, Ford Focus, Volkswagen GTI
• SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year: Honda Talon, Mahindra Roxor A/T, Polaris RZR

“SEMA Show exhibitors are the experts when it comes to knowing what trends to follow or which vehicles are the best for vehicle customization,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “We’re grateful that SEMA Show exhibitors have voiced their picks and are excited to recognize winning automakers at the upcoming SEMA Show.”

The SEMA Award program creates awareness for aftermarket products and epitomizes the ongoing collaboration SEMA has with automakers and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing and technology transfer.

For additional information about the SEMA Award program, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

By SEMA Editors

Toyota Motor North America will host a “Best ’20 GR Supra of SEMA” competition at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota Motor North America announced it will host a “Best ’20 GR Supra of SEMA” competition in celebration of the return of its legendary sports car. 

Judges will walk the Show floor, Monday, November 4, to inspect the vehicles submitted for the competition, so make sure to arrive early to have your car staged. Three finalists will be announced during Toyota’s 10:00 a.m. press conference, Tuesday, November 5, at the Toyota Booth (#24800), with a trophy presentation to follow.

To submit your vehicle for consideration, email the following to Jason Benesh at BestSEMASupra@gardnerautocomm.com:

• Rendering/Finished Photo of Vehicle
• Vehicle Specs and Modifications
• What Gives It the “Wow” Factor?
• Company Name
• Booth Number

All submissions are due by Friday, November 1.

By SEMA Editors

Toyota Motor North America will host a “Best ’20 GR Supra of SEMA” competition at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota Motor North America announced it will host a “Best ’20 GR Supra of SEMA” competition in celebration of the return of its legendary sports car. 

Judges will walk the Show floor, Monday, November 4, to inspect the vehicles submitted for the competition, so make sure to arrive early to have your car staged. Three finalists will be announced during Toyota’s 10:00 a.m. press conference, Tuesday, November 5, at the Toyota Booth (#24800), with a trophy presentation to follow.

To submit your vehicle for consideration, email the following to Jason Benesh at BestSEMASupra@gardnerautocomm.com:

• Rendering/Finished Photo of Vehicle
• Vehicle Specs and Modifications
• What Gives It the “Wow” Factor?
• Company Name
• Booth Number

All submissions are due by Friday, November 1.

By Rich Hail

By booking direct through the SEMA block, Showgoers will receive SEMA’s discounted rates on hotels, which can save them up to 35% or more.

Are you still waiting to book your hotel for the SEMA Show? Don’t wait any longer! We’ve done the legwork for you and have negotiated low rates with dozens of hotels on and off the strip. When comparing costs, be sure to ask about resort fees and other hidden costs. SEMA’s pre-negotiated fees already include added costs so the rate you see is the final rate you’ll pay.

Check out the rate example below for four nights on a deluxe, double occupancy room at Treasure Island:

Direct through hotel
Average Nightly Rate: $326.34
Taxes: $195.53
Resort Fees: $156
Total: $1,656.87*

Expedia
Average Nightly Rate: $326.33
Taxes and Fees: $174.68
Resort Fees: $176.88
Room Total: $1,656.89*

SEMA Negotiated Rate
Average Nightly Rate: $234.00  
Taxes and Fees: $125.24
Resort Fees: Included
Total: $1,061.24*

Booking direct, you’ll receive SEMA’s discounted rates, which can save you up to 35% or more! Once SEMA’s room blocks fill up, hotels can and will charge a hefty premium on rooms during the SEMA Show. Make your reservation now to lock in your low rates!

*Rates as of September 27, 2019

By Rich Hail

By booking direct through the SEMA block, Showgoers will receive SEMA’s discounted rates on hotels, which can save them up to 35% or more.

Are you still waiting to book your hotel for the SEMA Show? Don’t wait any longer! We’ve done the legwork for you and have negotiated low rates with dozens of hotels on and off the strip. When comparing costs, be sure to ask about resort fees and other hidden costs. SEMA’s pre-negotiated fees already include added costs so the rate you see is the final rate you’ll pay.

Check out the rate example below for four nights on a deluxe, double occupancy room at Treasure Island:

Direct through hotel
Average Nightly Rate: $326.34
Taxes: $195.53
Resort Fees: $156
Total: $1,656.87*

Expedia
Average Nightly Rate: $326.33
Taxes and Fees: $174.68
Resort Fees: $176.88
Room Total: $1,656.89*

SEMA Negotiated Rate
Average Nightly Rate: $234.00  
Taxes and Fees: $125.24
Resort Fees: Included
Total: $1,061.24*

Booking direct, you’ll receive SEMA’s discounted rates, which can save you up to 35% or more! Once SEMA’s room blocks fill up, hotels can and will charge a hefty premium on rooms during the SEMA Show. Make your reservation now to lock in your low rates!

*Rates as of September 27, 2019

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is offering free data-management consultations at the 2019 SEMA Show in booth #20679.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) team will be out in full force during SEMA Show week, offering free data-management consultations in booth #20679, upstairs in Central hall.

“We are very excited about this year’s SEMA Show,” said Gigi Ho, SDC director of operations. “With new programs and system functionality to reveal, we are looking forward to talking to our manufacturer and reseller members, as well as those looking to learn more about how SDC can help their businesses.

“We are also spotlighting manufacturers who have achieved Platinum data status throughout the Show floor. Platinum status means that buyers can expect the best and most complete data for their websites, point-of-sale systems, or wherever else they need content-rich data. Make sure to stop by these manufacturers’ booths and tell them you’d like to receive their product data through SDC.”

To learn more about how to receive data or become an SDC member, stop by the SDC booth in SEMA Central for a free demo or to sign up and start using the industry’s most complete product data.

Request a meeting time now!

“The SDC is the only industry-owned and -operated database with more than 450 brands and all the tools and expert assistance to get your data in order,” Ho said. “Resellers love our program, which provides unlimited exports at no charge to our members.”

For more information, go to www.semadatacoop.org or email info@semadatacoop.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Creature from the Wrap Lagoon.	The BMW M135i /// Artist.
The Wrap Like a King 2019 – SLS AMG.	The ’14 Porsche 911 Turbo S TECHART GTstreet R.
The Eric the Viking – Sharpline drift car wrap.

Avery Dennison Crowns Five Continental “Wrap Like a King” Challenge Winners

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced the five continental winners from its annual Wrap Like A King Challenge. Wrap installers from 53 countries around the world were invited to submit full-print or color-change wrap projects to be judged for the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. The projects were completed featuring options from the Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio including Conform Chrome, MPI 1105 SuperCast Digital film or a combination of car wrap films to be evaluated against their regional peers by a panel of judges. The winners were selected as this year’s final five contenders. The following vehicle graphics installers and shops have been crowned the Continental Wrap Kings:

• North America: The Creature from the Wrap Lagoon project, completed by MetroWrapz.
• Europe: The BMW M135i /// Artist project, completed by WrapStyle s.r.o.
• North Asia: The Wrap Like a King 2019 – SLS AMG project, completed by Shanghai DC Town Auto Service Co. Ltd.
• Australia/New Zealand: The ’14 Porsche 911 Turbo S TECHART GTstreet R project, completed by Winguard Paint Protection Specialists.
• South Africa: The Eric the Viking – Sharpline drift car wrap project, completed by Sharpline Signs and Graphics.

The 2019 panel of judges included: Justin Pate of The Wrap Institute; Myles Kovacs of DUB magazine; Yianni Charalambous of Yiannimize; Eddy Speelman of Speelman Graphic Applications; Molly Waters of Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions; Peter Wright of Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions; Sarel Krüger of Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions; Frank Marquart of Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions; and Jun Kinoshita of Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.

Each continental winner will receive a four-night stay in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show, where the global King of the Wrap World will be crowned in booth #12659 on November 5. The King of the Wrap World grand-prize package is worth almost $5,000, with additional gift vouchers and exposure via the Avery Dennison website and web advertisements.

Firestone Industrial Products is adding more than 20,000 sq. ft. to its existing Wolsztyn, Poland, plant.

Firestone Industrial Products Expands Operations in Europe to Meet Growing Demand for Air Suspension

Firestone Industrial Products Co. LLC (FSIP) has announced a significant investment to expand the company’s operations in Central Europe. The investment is a direct response to the growing demand for air suspension technologies throughout Europe. As part of the investment, Firestone Industrial Products is adding more than 20,000 sq. ft. to its existing Wolsztyn, Poland, plant, where the company has manufactured air suspensions for commercial vehicles and passenger cars since 2005. Additionally, Firestone Industrial Products will open a new distribution center nearby in Chobienice, Poland. These expansions are designed to increase the company’s development and production capabilities and support improved logistics for customers. In Wolsztyn, the expanded plant will be equipped with new machinery and equipment and an ISO class 8 cleanroom, enabling the company to supply European automotive OEMs. The new facility is planned to be fully operational by the second half of 2020. The new Chobienice distribution center includes more than 100,000 sq. ft. of floorspace.

Acme Manufacturing Company Launches R&D Centre in Singapore

Acme Manufacturing Company has officially launched its Singapore office. Acme Singapore includes a standalone research and development center focused on creating new solutions and customized robotics systems for the company’s customers in Southeast Asia. Acme’s integrated automated solutions employ robot arms and a suite of digital technologies to perform finishing tasks, such as grinding, polishing, deburring and buffing on manufactured metal parts. The systems are applied for high-precision finishing of jet engine and aerospace structural components, such as turbine blades, vanes, fuselage skins and wing skins. Apart from cost reduction and increased operating efficiency, the application of robots improves consistency and uniformity, ensuring that parts satisfy stringent aerospace requirements, according to Acme.

Oracle Lighting will host the Formula DRIFT competition Dodge Viper in its booth #21505 during the 2019 SEMA Show.

Oracle Lighting to Feature Formula DRIFT Dodge Viper in 2019 SEMA Show Booth
Oracle Lighting has announced that it will host the Formula DRIFT competition Dodge Viper in its booth #21505 during the 2019 SEMA Show. The Viper’s driver, Dean “Karnage” Kearney, will also be in the Oracle Lighting booth signing limited-edition posters throughout the Show. The Viper features a pair of Garrett 4088 turbochargers feeding the V10 engine, which pushes out more than 900 hp at 3,000 RPM. Overall, the package is good for more than 1,400 hp, but the final output is undetermined because most dynos will shut down well below that threshold.

VP Racing Fuels Signs Distribution Agreement With California Fuels & Lubricants

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced it has signed a new distribution agreement with California Fuels & Lubricants (CFL), of Garden Grove, California, servicing Los Angeles and Orange Counties. California Fuels & Lubricants will distribute the full line of VP products, including VP race fuels and VP racing lubricants, servicing tracks and drivers throughout Southern California. Also, CFL will market VP’s Branded Retail programs, including VP-branded gas stations, VP FastLube oil-change centers and VP PowerWash carwashes.

Cristy Lee

Covercraft Welcomes Cristy Lee to 2019 SEMA Show

“Garage Squad” and “All Girls Garage” co-host Cristy Lee will make two appearances in the Covercraft booth at the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The TV hostess will sign autographs, take pictures and greet fans with stories about two-wheel and four-wheel adventures. Her visits in booth #23243 will be Tuesday, November 5, from 10 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursday, November 7, from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Shell to Bring the “Pioneering Performance” Experience to the 2019 SEMA Show

Shell is returning to The SEMA Show in Las Vegas with the Shell “Pioneering Performance” (#60003) experience presented by Pennzoil and Quaker State motor oils, Shell Rotella heavy-duty engine oil, Jiffy Lube and Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. Attendees will be able to get a first look at several vehicle unveilings, insight on the brands’ latest product innovations and a chance to speak with friends of the brands, including John Hennessey and Pennzoil motorsports professionals Joey Logano, Simon Pagenaud and Matt Hagan. The Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live Stage will host three official press conferences in addition to musical performances and interviews with industry legends and newcomers. Additional guests include drivers of Don Schumacher Racing, such as Leah Pritchett, Matt Hagan, Antron Brown, Tommy Johnson Jr., Jack Beckman and Ron Capps, as well as America’s Favorite Fisherman Jimmy Houston, professional stunt-car driver Rhys Millen, the Fun Havers including Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Chelsea DeNofa, Jeff Allen, Meg Bailey and Eric Ables of Flat 12 Gallery, Tommy Pike of Tommy Pike Customs and Joe Ray from Lowrider magazine. Also, to take the stage will be two well-known celebrities, Erik Estrada from “CHiPs” and “Miami Vice” star Philip Michael Thomas. There will also be vehicles including Barrett-Jackson’s Green Hornet, Hennessey’s Goliath, the Quaker State Lowrider ’68 Chevrolet Impala and Pritchett’s Top Fuel Dragster. 

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