Here’s a first look at the ’24 Ford Explorer ST while testing in Dearborn.
Ford will launch an Electric Explorer in 2024, but in the meantime, ICE Explorers will get a nip/tuck. Up front, we can see that the Explorer ST will gain a slightly more aggressive look, with larger openings lurking below a revised grille and all-new headlights. Around back, we expect to see revised taillights that have a similar appearance to the recently shown Chinese Explorer. Inside, the Explorer should get an updated interior with a horizontally mounted display screen.
Powertrain changes aren’t expected, but the 3.0L EcoBoost may get a slight bump in power. Currently the Explorer ST is rated at 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, it wouldn’t be surprising if those numbers rise by 3%–5%.
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 Westgate Las Vegas Resort & 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).
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Vintage Air is hiring a buyer responsible for planning, negotiating, selecting and purchasing product for manufacturing needs. The buyer must conduct market research, analyze and evaluate suppliers and products, continuously monitor purchase orders and create reports as needed. A bachelor’s degree in business logistics or other related field of study is required.
Turn 14 Distribution is hiring a divisional purchasing manager responsible for assigned vendor relationships, inventory management, product mix, critical analysis and overall profitability. You are the leading voice for your assigned categories and must collaborate effectively with the sales, marketing, accounting, warehouse and web development teams. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. A minimum 4–6 years of progressive experience in purchasing and automotive knowledge are required.
EAH is hiring a head of sales and dealer operations responsible for leading a team of 30+ sales associates to serve enthusiast customers and drive sales and margin growth for ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsports and EVAnnex. This position will be responsible for driving sales performance by capitalizing on sales leads, retaining existing customers and driving basket size and profitability initiatives while providing customers with outstanding service. More than 10 years of sales leadership in a direct to consumer market with a team size greater than 30 associates is required.
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.
The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) named Kyle Fischer as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Fischer is the director of branding and promotions at Hot Shot’s Secret, an aftermarket company that specializes in protective fuel and oil additives.
Get to know Fischer in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is your current job? What do you do and how long have you been doing it?
Kyle Fischer: I have been with Hot Shot’s Secret since 2017. After spending time as director of marketing, then director of sales, I am currently in the role of director of branding and promotions. My responsibilities include working with media and advertising partners, developing industry relationships and overseeing our promotional efforts—most notably, our motorsports involvement.
SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive manufacturing?
KF: I have worked in marketing and sales roles throughout many industries. However, I have always had a great personal passion for everything automotive. When the opportunity presented itself to join the Hot Shot’s Secret team, I did not hesitate as it provided me the ability to combine my passion with my career at an exciting company focused on manufacturing great products and advancing the automotive industry.
SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for MPMC, what inspired you to volunteer, and how has it impacted you?
KF: I have not yet had the privilege to volunteer for MPMC, but I would love to spend some time in support of this great council. I have been very impressed and thankful for my experience with MPMC, in particular the Media Trade Conferences. Dating back to the in-person conferences and through the virtual conferences, I am grateful to MPMC for playing a part in connecting me with some key industry relationships as well as great friendships.
SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?
KF: A couple of the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today include the threat of legislative regulation and the death of many small local racetracks. I am an optimist, however. I find motivation when I see our industry band together to defend our passion, as seen with the RPM Act. And I am further motivated when I see small-town racing and racetracks in a continuous evolution to get youth into the sport and spectators in the stands. The motorsports industry has survived some big punches as of late, and this resiliency coupled with manufacturers like Hot Shot’s Secret advancing technology, I see the industry absolutely booming in five years from now.
SEMA: What’s your favorite car-related movie and what do you like about that movie?
KF: I love to have a good laugh, so my favorite car-related movie has to be “Talladega Nights.” We all have to laugh at ourselves sometimes, and this movie does a hilarious job of bringing humor to the sport of racing. Not to mention, it might be one of the most quoted movies that you hear when at the racetrack. Like Ricky Bobby’s pearl of wisdom, “If you ain’t first, you’re last!”
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
KF: On any given Saturday, chances are you can find me at the racetrack, whether it’s for work or pleasure… or both! At Hot Shot’s Secret we have found that keeping a direct connection from the manufacturer to the racer plays a key role in R&D. That is why I am at some racetrack around the country on behalf of Hot Shot’s Secret on average three weekends per month. I’m usually enjoying my local racetrack on that fourth weekend during my time off from work, too!
Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC's social media, SEMA News and future MPMC member updates.
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named Performance Electronics as this week’s member spotlight company. Performance Electronics in an engineering company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of embedded electronic control systems.
Get to know their company story in SEMA’s interview with sales and marketing specialist Tim Michaliszyn below:
SEMA: Tell us the story of your company.
Tim Michaliszyn: Performance Electronics designs and manufactures stand-alone engine controllers and accessories for engine swaps, race cars and EFI conversions. In addition to our own line of products that we sell direct to the consumer, Performance Electronics designs and manufactures custom electronics for other companies. From the initial concept to final product, PE offers hardware, software and mobile-app design to complement the electronic controllers tailored to our customer’s requirements.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
TM: Performance Electronics stands out because we design and manufacture our products locally, so we have complete control over quality and the final product.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now and the projects you are working on.
TM: In 2022, Performance Electronics is focused on continuing to streamline our processes in development projects. We are working on a new EFI ECU and Ignition Controller design, as well as a new Wideband controller with additional features.
SEMA: Tell us something about the business you are proud of.
TM: We are proud of our newest ECU design. It will incorporate a lot of newer engine control technologies and failsafe features. In addition to the new hardware design, it will be featuring newly designed software to help streamline the tuning process.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
TM: Building relationships with your customers and other people in the industry is important. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to continue to improve on what you do.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.
SEMA Hires Karen Bailey-Chapman to Lead Public and Government Affairs
SEMA has hired Karen Bailey-Chapman to lead its Washington, D.C., office as senior vice president, public and government affairs. SEMA represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry and created the position to strengthen and grow the industry’s legislative and advocacy program.
“As the automotive aftermarket is increasingly impacted and threatened by government actions, it is critical that SEMA continues to represent and protect the industry in Washington, D.C.,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Karen will be instrumental in raising visibility of the specialty-equipment market. She is a highly experienced legislative strategist who will elevate SEMA’s advocacy efforts.”
Bailey-Chapman has a proven track record of success in local, state, federal and global government affairs and advocacy campaigns. Most recently, Bailey-Chapman served as senior vice president of external affairs for American Beverage Association. Previous experience includes senior roles with casino company Penn National Gaming and the D.C.-based public affairs firm DCI Group.
Bailey-Chapman will oversee all government affairs efforts for SEMA and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI), a subsidiary of SEMA dedicated to the motorsports market. She will lead programs related to legislation, regulations and government policies on issues affecting climate change, consumer choice, business opportunities and more.
The new senior-level role is the most recent expansion of SEMA’s legislative program. SEMA recently introduced an individual membership program designed to strengthen its PAC, and last month the association hosted the SEMA D.C. Rally—a two-day fly-in event consisting of about 100 in-person meetings on the Hill.
Formula DRIFT Drivers to Be Featured at Pennzoil “Dare to Perform” Experience
(R-L): Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa
and AdamLZ.
Renowned Formula DRIFT drivers and their vehicles will be at Pennzoil’s “Dare to Perform” experience located at booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
The full RTR Motorsports team, including Vaughn Gittin Jr., Chelsea DeNofa and AdamLZ, will be on-site and in the Pennzoil booth for meet and greets, autograph sessions and media interviews throughout the week. DeNofa’s #88 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD will be on display for show attendees to view the vehicle’s 1,200 hp, protected by Pennzoil. Also in the Pennzoil booth, viewers can catch the Formula DRIFT vehicle “Fiorella,” a Ferrari, built by FFF Drifting Department driven by legendary Italian driver, Federico Sceriffo. Interviews with the drivers are available upon request.
Shell to Showcase Latest Technology in Pennzoil SEMA Show Booth
With more than 14,000 of its scientists and engineers around the world focused on pioneering the latest technology, Shell invites Showgoers to take an extended look into its newest innovations in technology and fuels/lubricants portfolio offerings at the SEMA Show in the Pennzoil Booth #81059 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Plaza.
Get up close and personal with projects, including:
Dual Fuel Vehicles
The Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Raptor is the fourth generation of Dual Fuel Vehicles. The Shell technical team spent hundreds of hours modifying the engine and fuel system to run on two different fuels simultaneously.
INDYCAR Going Carbon Neutral:
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
The “Yellow Submarine” will be in the Pennzoil booth for visitors to see the INDYCAR in person. For decades, Pennzoil and Shell have powered and protected the Yellow Submarine with Team Penske drivers leading to historic victories at the Indianapolis 500.
Beyond the “Yellow Submarine”, Pennzoil and Shell have deep roots with the INDYCAR Series with Pennzoil becoming the official motor oil in 2021, and beginning in 2023, Shell will produce a new race fuel for the NTT INDYCAR Series as the series’ official fuel. The 100% renewable race fuel consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, to create a fuel that is 100% “renewable” under the applicable regulatory frameworks. The fuel developed by Shell is set to make the NTT INDYCAR Series the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel.
Shell Hydrogen:
The Shell scientists will be able to speak to the growing partnership between Toyota and Shell Hydrogen with the Toyota Hydrogen Hyperion at the booth. Hyperion is a technology company focused on hydrogen-based power and delivery. Based in Orange, California, Hyperion delivers cutting edge space technology, pioneered by NASA, to the world.
Work with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition:
Pennzoil is working with the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) to tackle the recycling of plastic containers. The goal of this coalition is to establish a market-sustaining program in the United States. Pennzoil is taking a leadership role in the effort through product design, sourcing and delivery as part of a circular economy. They are currently piloting a program together in Atlanta. The recycling pilot is a one-year project involving over 40 locations in Atlanta and aims to assess and measure the economic and market drivers for post-consumer recovery and recycling and more.
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.
SEMA has announced the finalists for two prestigious awards: Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year. Winners will be named at the 2022 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1.
SEMA will announce the winners of the Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year awards at the 2022 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1.
Both awards are a part of SEMA’s esteemed industry awards program that honors outstanding companies for their positive impact and contributions to the specialty-equipment market during the past year. This year’s finalists are:
SEMA Manufacturer of the Year:
Baja Designs
Diode Dynamics
Max Trac Suspension
SEMA Channel Partner of the Year:
English Racing
Torqued Distribution
Turn 14 Distribution
The SEMA Manufacturer of Year award recognizes an influential business for their business practices and service to customers. The SEMA Channel Partner of the Year award, which is an expansion of the previous SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award, honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry.
All SEMA Showgoers are invited to be among the first to learn who the award winners are by attending the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, November 1, at 7:30 a.m., in the Westgate Paradise Event Center. The breakfast will conclude just before 9:00 a.m., giving those in attendance time to hit the Show floor when it opens.
SEMA has hired Karen Bailey-Chapman to lead its Washington, D.C., office as senior vice president, public and government affairs. SEMA represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry and created the position to strengthen and grow the industry’s legislative and advocacy program.
