By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Jake Hopkins--the marketing manager at FASS Diesel Fuel Systems--as the network's newest spotlight member.

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

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

JH: The best advice I've ever received is that your circumstances are defined by your perspective. This advice changed my life both personally and professionally--knowing that any situation can be improved by a change in perspective. I cannot control everything in my life, but I can control how I think, behave, react and take action.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

JH: A passion to see the automotive lifestyle thrive for generations to come.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

JH: Detailing my Mustang or tinkering with my GX470 (I have a weakness for old 'Yotas). 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

JH: I print physical copies of emails, notes, spreadsheets--anything important. I like to have all my information laid out in front of me.  

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

JH: I would love to sit down with Chip Foose and discuss how he has navigated such an incredible career. From design to entrepreneurship, it would seem he's been successful in every venture--something rarely seen.

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

 By Ashley Reyes

Electric vehicles (EVs) are part of a rapidly growing segment in the performance aftermarket. To ensure efficient product development, engineers, programmers and developers must know how to accurately assess modifications' influence on EV performance--and they can do so with an upcoming online program.

During the webinar EV Dyno Testing on Wednesday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, attendees will learn how to properly dyno test an EV chassis. Participants will hear from Michael Caldwell, the sales manager at Mustang Advanced Engineering, and walk away knowing: 

• The difference between dyno testing an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
• How to prepare an EV for accurate chassis dyno testing. 
• How to evaluate the results from an EV chassis dyno test. 
• How to report accurate performance increases. 

Caldwell has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive testing business. Connect with him live on Wednesday, July 13, and register for the webinar today.

By SEMA Editors

Every year, the Las Vegas Convention Center is filled with hundreds of world-class vehicles and builds as part of the exclusive Feature Vehicle Display at the SEMA Show. The cars--which span all categories and applications of the aftermarket--are submitted by Show exhibitors looking to expand their footprint beyond their booth.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Display application by Friday, July 28. Additional vehicles will be considered on a space-available basis. Exhibiting companies with multiple vehicle application submissions will be asked to rank submissions based on priority. For the complete rules, visit here. 

The program not only directs buyers and media to exhibitors' booths but also provides invaluable pre-Show exposure. Each vehicle accepted into this program will be featured in the SEMA Show app with the vehicle's image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder's name, and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers

In addition, exhibitors can also request information on how to enter the vehicle into the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB), Presented by Mothers. The prestigious competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds.

Note that applying for BOTB does not grant a vehicle a spot at the SEMA Show. Applicants must secure a display as an exhibitor's booth vehicle or as part of an exhibitor's Feature Vehicle Display entry. The deadline for BOTB is Friday, October 13.

More Information

For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here. For more information on the Feature Vehicle application, contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with onPeak, SEMA has secured exclusive discounted rates at a wide selection of Las Vegas hotels for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. To help ease travel plans, onPeak--the only official hotel provider for the SEMA Show--offers convenient housing options with flexible change and cancellation policies. SEMA encourages exhibitors and attendees to book through onPeak today for the best selection and prices.

Book an attendee hotel here.

Book an exhibitor hotel here.

Don't See the Hotel You're Looking For? Just Ask! 

SEMA Show management does its best to offer the best selection of Las Vegas hotels based on demand and popularity. But, there are countless hotels in Vegas--if you don't see the property you want to stay at, we can still try to get you a great deal. Contact onPeak for help at semaaapex@onpeak.com or 866-611-8831.

By SEMA Editors

A prototype of the '24 Hyundai Tucson--which will make its way to dealers late this year--has been spotted undergoing testing in the Australian Alps.

A trio of four-cylinder engines--a 2.0-L, 1.6-L turbo and 2.0-L turbo-diesel (in European markets)--are expected to remain available, alongside the anticipated addition of the hybrid version.

While much of the car is covered, what appears to be a different grille pattern and new alloy wheels are visible. The distinctive front daytime-running lights integrated into the grille--with the main headlight beams below--appear to carry over, as do the claw-like taillights.

'24 Jeep Gladiator Seen Testing Near Detroit

Sources have captured the '24 Jeep Gladiator testing just outside of Detroit. The prototype, caught in white, appears to be the High Altitude trim and, surprisingly, is entirely free of any exterior camouflage.

The Gladiator features a refreshed grille and minor alterations to the rear end, indicating that Jeep has made some subtle but effective changes to enhance the overall design.

By SEMA Editors

Kahn Media--the full-service marketing agency specializing in the automotive, outdoor and luxury/lifestyle markets--has received three industry gold awards recognizing its 2022 public relations and influencer marketing campaigns.

Most recently, Kahn Media received a Hermes Creative Award, which honors the creative industry's best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, advertising, marketing and communication programs. Kahn Media was recognized in the Media Relations and Press Kit Strategic Campaigns category for its '90s-themed campaign for Bring a Trailer.

Kahn Media also received gold from the Stevie Awards, which recognizes the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Kahn Media took top honors in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year-Influencer Management category for its work with the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

The Titan Business Awards, an international awards platform that recognizes and honors significant achievements across a wide range of industries, selected Kahn Media as a gold winner in the PR & Communications-Best Media Relations Strategy category for its efforts surrounding Ringbrothers' four custom vehicle debuts at the 2022 SEMA Show.

By Kristin Goodwin

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) is a long-established tradition to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the automotive industry.

Join SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons at this year's Gala, Friday, July 21, in Anaheim, California, to honor the 2023 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees.

Since its inception in 1976, the Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized and the outgoing Directors are thanked. In addition, SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also highlighted during the event.

Connect with friends and family who share a passion and love for the industry--and join others in helping celebrate Hall of Fame inductees' lifetime achievements--during an evening with cocktails, networking and dinner. Seating is limited; a full table can be purchased by selecting 10 tickets. 

The event will take place at the Anaheim Marriott (700 W. Convention Way).

Register for the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala here.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Natural Resources Committee has recently passed SEMA-supported legislation that would direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to withdraw the agency's proposed "Conservation and Landscape Health" rule (H.R. 3397). 

U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) first introduced H.R. 3397 in response to the agency's proposed rule that could potentially lock-up public lands and reduce recreation. The bill also prevents the BLM from issuing a substantially similar rule in the future.

SEMA is opposed to BLM's current proposed rule, which would broadly allow the BLM to lease lands under new and vaguely defined conservation leases, incorporate new standards when evaluating traditional multiple-use decisions, expedite designations of new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and apply land health standards to all public lands. BLM's proposed rule undermines the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's multiple-use requirement for BLM lands as it would hinder access to public lands for recreation, forest management, energy and critical mineral development, and grazing.

H.R. 3397 has 19 co-sponsors, and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is leading an identical bill in the Senate with the support of 12 additional co-sponsors. Representative Curtis offered an amendment that passed during the committee voting session to rename the legislation the "Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act of 2023" and dictates that the BLM director shall not issue a similar rule once it is withdrawn.

SEMA submitted a comment to the BLM opposing the proposed rule and has signed an Off-Road Business Association (ORBA)-led coalition comment that further outlines the motorized recreation communities' concerns with the BLM's proposal. Click here to read SEMA's comment and our coalition letter to the BLM.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Two customized Jeeps and one customized 4Runner, modified as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, are now available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com. 

Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers and was built by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.  

The public is invited to bid on the vehicles in the auctions currently running on BringaTrailer.com.

Check out each build below and learn more by visiting the auction link for each. Bidding closes Wednesday, July 5.

Mon Valley Career & Technology Center | 2002 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Wichita Falls Career Education Center | 1999 Jeep Wrangler

Bid and learn more here.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School | 1996 4Runner  

Bid and learn more here.

These builds wouldn't be possible without the amazing support and generosity of the sponsors who helped make this happen. To see a complete list of the supporters, visit sema.org/student-builds#sponsors. 

For more details about the program and the vehicles, visit sema.org/student-builds.