By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, SEMA Garage has debuted SEMA Garage TechTalks, and a new measuring session featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.

RSVP NOW.

The new SEMA Garage TechTalk events provide a forum where OEMs and SEMA-member aftermarket manufacturers come together to discuss future accessory opportunities, integration, trends, technology, marketing and business opportunities.

This Mustang event will combine two different vehicle teams representing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Ford Mustang Mach-E platforms. This combination will provide attendees with a great opportunity to learn and engage with subject-matter experts (SMEs) from battery electric to high-performance internal combustion powertrains. Each vehicle team will be accompanied by a group of vehicle representatives, including the chief program engineer, vehicle integration, marketing and branding, and engineering.

In addition, this event will feature an exclusive measuring session opportunity alongside of the vehicle SMEs, where attendees will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with both vehicles, which feature two different trim levels each.   

Event Details:

Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Location: SEMA Garage Detroit
14655 Jib St. Plymouth, MI 48170

Agenda: 

• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST: 

Moderated Panel Discussion.

Subject Presentation & Open Discussion.

• 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. EST:

Networking Lunch.

• 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EST:

 Vehicle Measuring Session Opportunity.

RSVP NOW.

By SEMA News Editors

Registration is open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The valuable two-day event is organized by SEMA Show management for returning and new exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Registration is available online for up to two (2) company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program. SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event.

2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit
(Complimentary for all 2024 exhibitors; hotel and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register here.

The road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, the education-packed program featuring everything a company needs, whether as a first-timer or a longtime Show veteran, to deliver the best ROI from their SEMA Show experience. [Don't have a booth for the 2024 event yet? Reserve one here.]

This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 business-boosting information straight from the people responsible for the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.

"Every year, the Summit provides something new for exhibitors. Our team combs through research and data from prior years to deliver the practical and proven advice, like strategies to attract people to your booth while saving money," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "All you need to do is register and show up to Vegas, and we'll take care of the rest. Spaces tend to fill up quickly, so secure your spot today!"

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:

• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth.
• Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI.
• Learn to plan appropriately and budget expenses.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods.

Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Note: You are only officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.

Exhibitors: Submit your ESRA application online today (more exhibitor resources here). And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

EGR USA

Customer Service Representative in Ontario, California

EGR USA is looking for a customer service representative to establish and maintain relationships with aftermarket and OE customers, investigate and solve customer issues, communicate with customers and more. The ideal candidate would have three to five years of customer service experience.

Mishimoto

Business Development Specialist in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania (Remote)

The selected candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building and maintaining client relationships and driving growth initiatives that align with the company's strategic plan. The Business Development Specialist will play a key role in expanding the company's market presence and achieving revenue targets.

Injen Technology

Research and Development Technician in Pomona, California

Injen Technology is seeking a research and development technician to build and test fit prototype products, design and create fabricated items, review and approve technical drawings for production and more. The selected candidate must also ensure that tasks are completed on time to support product release schedules.

Race Winning Brands

Channel Sales Specialist in Lexington, Kentucky

Race Winning Brands is searching for a channel sales specialist to work out of the Haltech facility in Lexington, Kentucky. This position serves as the primary liaison for all business-to-business sales transactions and influencer and marketing product transactions.

By SEMA News Editors

Bridgestone's Firestone Rubber Farm in Liberia Earns Environmental, Agricultural Recognition

Bridgestone Americas has announced that its Firestone Liberia natural rubber growing and processing facility earned the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition. The ISCC PLUS certification showcases its efforts in reducing environmental impacts, engaging in good agricultural practices and building resilience to climate change.

The certification also recognizes the farm for implementing good agricultural practices, ensuring proper working conditions, complying with local regulations, and fostering effective management practices to facilitate ongoing growth and improvement. The facility is the world's first natural rubber farm to achieve the ISCC PLUS certification.

The Firestone Liberia facility is the largest contiguous natural rubber operation in the world and serves as Liberia's largest private employer, with approximately 4,000 teammates who harvest and process natural rubber. The company also plays an active role in the Liberian community by providing teammates and their dependents free medical care and operating 23 schools, which educate more than 7,000 students.

The facility spans approximately 118,990 acres in Harbel, Magibi County, in West Africa's Liberia. Harbel was named for Harvey S. Firestone, the founder of The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, and his wife, Idabelle.

For more details, visit the Bridgestone Americas announcement or visit bridgestoneamericas.com.

Getty Images Acquires Motorsport Images, a Specialist Motorsport Archive

Getty Images, the preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, has acquired Motorsport Images, a specialist motorsports image and video archive. Getty has also acquired Motorsports Images' operative arm LAT Images and its Sutton, Schlegelmilch, Colombo and Dukes Video archives.

Motorsport Images content will be online at gettyimages.com beginning on May 3, 2024, where customers can find both Getty Images and LAT Images coverage of the Miami Grand Prix. Motorsportimages.com will also continue to service its customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Motorsport Images to Getty Images," said Craig Peters, CEO of Getty Images. "The Motorsport Images team shares our commitment to capturing and bringing customers and fans the greatest moments from motorsports. Their impressive archive of iconic imagery and video will expand upon our premium motorsport offering to Getty Images' global customer base."

"Joining Getty Images marks a new chapter for us, and I'm pleased to be joining a team who share the same passion for the sport and commitment to industry-leading photographic coverage. Our customers will now benefit from having access to an even greater depth and breadth of content and services," said Steven Tee, managing director, Motorsport Images. 

With an archive of more than 29 million images and more than 8,900 hours of premium video footage, Motorsport Images is a home of motoring and motorsports history, tracing its beginnings back to 1895. Between the brands Motorsport and LAT Images, as well as its Sutton, Schlegelmilch, Colombo and Dukes Video archives, Motorsport Images' distinctive archive features key events, including the first French Grand Prix, the first Le Mans 24-hour race in 1923, as well as images from every Formula 1 Grand Prix since its inaugural race in 1950.

For more information, visit gettyimages.com and motorsportimages.com. 

Cosmo Tires Announces Enhanced Mileage Warranty and Road-Hazard

Cosmo Tires, a premium private-label brand exclusively distributed by Tire Group International, has announced an enhancement of its mileage warranty and road-hazard programs. This enhancement covers all passenger and light-truck products currently being offered. 

"Our products are over-built and tested on the most rigorous tracks and terrains around the globe and this reflects our investments in manufacturing and quality. Now, all passenger and light-truck tires carry Cosmo's road hazard and milage warranty, ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 miles... This is the next strategic step in delivering continued confidence that our products are the consumer's preferred choice in tires," said Dominick Montouri, chief strategy officer of Tire Group International. 

Cosmo will continue its portfolio expansion later this year when they launch the new Gripit X/T, Rockit R/T and the premium touring, EV-ready, Cosmo Kurrent. All the upcoming products will also be included in Cosmo's expanded mileage and road-hard program. 

Cosmo currently offers workmanship and a two-retread warranty on its full line of medium truck/bus tire lines. 

For more information, visit tiregroup.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

Send a letter to your U.S. House member asking them to support the EXPLORE Act.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote next week on the SEMA-supported bill H.R. 6492, the "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act). The comprehensive public lands bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands, and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

Your lawmakers need to hear from you now about why the bipartisan EXPLORE Act matters to your business! Click here to ask your U.S. Representative to support the bill.  

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed the EXPLORE Act in January. The strongly bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and was drafted in coordination with Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The EXPLORE Act has 51 co-sponsors, including 27 Democrats and 24 Republicans. The bill expands on S. 873, the "America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023" (AORA), and includes key, SEMA-supported provisions from AORA. The comprehensive outdoor recreation legislation has a broad range of support from more than 30 organizations. 

The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive legislative effort that increases access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the $1.1-trillion impact of the outdoor recreation industry. You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

"Exploring the great outdoors is part of the fabric of this nation and our identity as Americans. Our beautiful lands and waters should be easily available for the enjoyment of all," U.S. Rep. Westerman said. "The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will improve access and opportunities for recreation across our public lands and waters. We're taking important steps to modernize visitor experiences, reduce overcrowding, improve access for those with disabilities, address infrastructure issues and reduce burdensome permitting processes for small businesses that depend on access to our public lands." 

"SEMA thanks Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva for introducing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits, require federal land management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access on public lands, and direct the BLM and Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed to recreate," said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. 

For more information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Jeep has introduced four new 4x4 concept vehicles outfitted with Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) accessories and performance upgrades.

Debuted during Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the four new vehicles are equipped with a variety of propulsion systems and equipment to take four-wheeling to the next level.

Jeep Low Down Concept

The new Low Down concept pays homage to the Lower 40, a former Jeep concept vehicle introduced 15 years ago, with 42-in. BFGoodrich Krawler 42x14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-in. beadlock wheels under its custom high-clearance carbon fender flares. The stock Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension remains intact, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears. Between the diameter of the tires and the shortening of the front and rear bumpers, the Low Down's center of gravity remains low, while the ground clearance, breakover, and approach and departure angles are all improved.

The body, coated in Poison Apple Red paint, is streamlined via the removal of the rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with a see-through power dome and a bespoke race-style fuel filler door located in the driver-side rear quarter-panel. The interior features custom black leather seats with cloth inserts, Rhino-lined floors and a custom radio-delete instrument panel, as well as a purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top.

The Jeep Low Down is powered by the 475hp 6.4L 392 V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic.

Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept

The Jeep Willys Dispatcher is a Wrangler 4xe-based concept meant to invoke the post-war civilian Jeep, according to the manufacturer.

Super Traxion 36-in. tires are wrapped around vintage-style 16-by-7-in. alloy steel wheels. A custom old-school front bumper houses an 8274 Warn winch, featuring a Warn Epic Series winch hook and D rings. The windshield header is coated in gloss black, while the exterior is otherwise painted in a custom shade of Element 115 Green, accented with the cream-colored "steelies."

Inside, the Dispatcher gets a custom retrim in a mix of distressed saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts. The front and rear headrests have been removed to give the seats the low-back vintage feel, Jeep said. Additionally, the Willys is equipped with a JPP bikini, rugged JPP vinyl covering for the floor and a JPP onboard air compressor.

The Willys Dispatcher is powered by the 2.0L plug-in hybrid 4xe propulsion system that delivers 375 hp through an eight-speed automatic. Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears transfer power and torque to the Super Traxion tires.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept was designed to push the performance boundaries of the midsize truck.

With a Ginger Snap metallic exterior and retro-inspired two-tone graphics, the Gladiator Rubicon High Top concept rides on new 40x13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9-in. Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels.

Concept JPP flat fender flares at all four corners provide increased off-road ride clearance. Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing and an AccuAir adjustable air suspension help make easy work of any serious off-road excursion. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque.

A modified front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles features a custom protective hoop sitting and a Warn winch. Rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering protect the undercarriage and a DECKED truck bed storage system offers additional lockable cargo space.

Inside, seats have been retrimmed with custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather and feature an embossed JPP logo on the headrests. Overhead protection is provided by a JPP sun bonnet. Completing the interior are a JPP pedal kit, all-weather floor mats and door sill guards.

Jeep Vacationeer Concept

The Jeep Vacationeer concept is a premium SUV that features unique bodyside woodgrain graphics that harken back to Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models from the late '60s through the early '90s. 

The SUV rides on 35-in. BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, wrapped around 18-by-9-in. bead grip 701 Method racing wheels that provide a natural 1.5-in. lift for superior off-road performance. Larger wheel openings and custom bodyside flare extensions add to the aggressive look. 

Front and rear skid plates provide underbody protection while a front-mounted Warn winch addresses difficult off-road situations. At the front of the white, Rhino-lined roof, three 11-in. TYRI LED lights provide improved forward lighting. The roof is modified with a custom, carbon-fiber RedTail Overland Skyloft. The stock second- and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate the integration of the Skyloft with a custom weatherproof, pass-thru entrance that allows easy access from the interior floor.

A fore/aft sliding door and a small step, which also doubles as a usable table, ease access. The rear space features a bed-lined cargo floor.

By SEMA News Editors

Porsche plans to launch a new electric SUV, likely named K1, in 2027, and SEMA News sources in Germany recently caught an early look at a prototype.

According to sources, the K1 will have a coupe-like design, strong performance and automated driving features to compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the BMW iX. The K1 will be Porsche's most unique production car yet, with a length exceeding 16 ft. and a blend of sedan and crossover features, insiders said. 

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume described it as a sporty SUV with a typical Porsche look and advanced technology. Once released, the K1 will be Porsche's sixth EV, following the Taycan, a new electric Macan, and electric Boxster and Cayman models. Porsche aims to have more than 80% electric vehicles by 2030.

The K1 will feature a unique silhouette, air suspension and off-road capabilities, sources said, and will be the first car on Porsche's SSP Sport platform, offering more performance than the PPE architecture. The K1 is expected to have an advanced electrical system, oil cooling for its motors and a battery pack with more than 100-kWh capacity and an estimated range of more than 425 mi. Chassis tech includes four-wheel steering and an electronic differential for better handling. Inside, it will focus on spaciousness with a low cabin floor and rear footwells similar to the Taycan. Production will be in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the electric Macan.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI Associate Editor A.J. Hecht attended the NTT INDYCAR SERIES test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) ahead of next month's Sonsio Grand Prix. In addition to fine-tuning setups for the IMS Road Course, multiple teams and drivers had an opportunity to test INDYCAR's new hybrid assist unit, which will make its competitive debut later this year.

While gathering photos and videos to share on PRI's social media pages, Hecht took in some of the sights and sounds from a busy day at the speedway. Read some of his thoughts below: 

As someone who first set foot inside the speedway more than 20 years ago, this was not only my first time at the track as a member of the media, but my first time on an active pit lane. Even with just six cars on track, it was anything but calm for the small number of teams taking their first laps with the hybrid unit. Ironically, the only downtime for each team seemed to be when their car was on track.

The moment someone came to a stop in their pit box, the crew would swarm the car with fans, air hoses, umbrellas, screwdrivers, tape, and a plethora of other tools. In the blink of an eye, they'd remove the rear wing assembly, cast aside the engine cover, and get to work. Up close, it's clear that these mechanics and engineers are among the best at what they do.

Another thing that struck me while wandering the mostly empty facility was how truly massive it is. IMS has always felt huge, of course, but never as big as it did when I walked from the north end of pit lane, near the end of the Tower Terrace, all the way to the Pagoda. Normally when I'm at the speedway, I'm there with more than 300,000 other race fans. On my stroll back from turn one of the road course, I didn't see a soul. Well, aside from Sting Ray Robb, Romain Grosjean and Tom Blomqvist, who all blew by me down the frontstretch at nearly 200 mph. 

As for the productivity of the test, you wouldn't know that some of the teams were taking their first laps with the new hybrid technology onboard. Everything seemed to be business-as-usual and issues--if there were any--were minimal. From my perspective, that says a lot about the level of preparation from not only the teams but also the series and suppliers that are providing the components for this important new equipment.

By Ashley Reyes

The automotive industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, driven by many factors shaping the future of mobility. As most publicity on low- and zero-emissions vehicles focuses on battery electric solutions, this session will dive into the promise of near-zero and zero-emissions technologies for internal combustion engines (ICE).

During the SEMA webinar, "Alternative Fuels and Technologies for Sustainable ICE" on Tuesday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, Ricardo Chief Engineer Tobi Burek will discuss alternative fuels and technologies for sustainable ICE, including hydrogen and other clean fuels.

Attendees will learn about:

• Multiple solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Life-cycle analysis and "zero-emissions vehicles."
• Hydrogen combustion engine technologies.
• Pros and cons of hydrogen ICEs.
• Hybrid ICEs technologies.
• Pros and cons of hybrid ICEs.

A Q&A will follow the presentation, connecting attendees with Burek live. Register today! 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Nakita McGinnis, owner of SquatchCustom, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know McGinnis and her passion for restyling in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?  

Nakita McGinnis: It was something that I stumbled into as I started making decals. As I started to make emblem overlays it became more of something to help owners and other restylers and was something that can be unique and custom to the individual. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?  

NM: I provided products for the Subaru Crosstrek that was in the PRO Cup Challenge, and I knew that the organization was something that can help me reach even more restylers and customers. I know that this will impact my business and get it out to more eyes and individuals. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

NM: Research the market and what is out there. Just because there is a similar company doesn't mean that you can't do yours and make it special to you and your potential customers. 

SN: What is your dream vehicle?  

NM: My dream vehicle is probably so different than everyone else. I would say that I don't have one, but three. The first would be a Subaru Outback. The year isn't too specific, just basically the newest one. This is due to all of their safety features, which I have regrettably personally tested, that I know will protect myself, my husband and my two daughters.  

The second would be a '97-'99 Jeep Cherokee XJ. It would need to be restyled with a lift, bigger wheels and tires, rock sliders, and front and back bumper guards. This is so that my family can take off to the mountains, get to faraway places, and explore nature and what is out there for us.  

Lastly, would be a '06 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or "Evo," as it is more commonly known, in the color of electric blue pearl. This would need to have the motor built up to push the most amount of boost so that it can hit the racetrack and go as fast as possible.  

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

NM: No matter what, do what you love. If you love it then you will put more into it and the possibilities are endless. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

NM: The support of fellow restylers and customers is what keeps me in the industry. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

NM: Hanging out with my daughters, watching movies, playing games or doing crafts. 

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.