By Mike Imlay

Although vehicle electrification grabs major headlines these days, SEMA has kept an eye on the emerging phenomenon for some time now. After all, the specialty-equipment industry thrives on innovation and new platforms for performance and appearance modifications—and electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception.

Deeper understanding of EV architecture and approaches to high-voltage applications were the major attendee takeaways in the expanded 2022 SEMA Electrified exhibit space. Legacy EV utilized Tinkergineering’s Porsche 914 as an integration display for EV conversions.

To raise industry awareness surrounding this rapidly growing category, the 2019 SEMA Show first debuted SEMA Electrified, a new Show feature exploring EV technologies. For the recent 2022 Show, the section swelled to approximately 60 unique exhibits encompassing 21,000 sq. ft., more than 35 vehicles and numerous electrification components and products. SEMA Electrified also moved to the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, taking a more prominent place among other vehicle technology features.

“We’ve been pleased to witness the evolution of electrification in the specialty-performance aftermarket space, and are committed to educating our industry on the opportunities and the innovation taking shape throughout the industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Our efforts for 2022 resulted in the largest SEMA Electrified section we’ve ever had. But in addition to the section, we also saw more EV products and vehicles throughout the rest of the Show than ever before. Having incubated this category for several years now, it’s evident that electrification is becoming extremely popular in our industry and will be here for some time to come.”

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 was winner of the 2022 SEMA EV of the Year. SEMA vehicle awards reflect the voting of each year’s Show exhibitors, with this particular award added this past Show.

According to SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology Luis Morales, who played an instrumental role in expanding the exhibit space, the goal for 2022 was to bring Show attendees as much collective EV-related content as possible for business and educational development. Displays and content included new OE vehicle models, conversion kits and components, testing equipment, safety tools, charging solutions, service equipment, customized vehicles and accessories. The exhibit sought to improve business networking among EV-related companies, buyers and sellers; present and showcase new EV products for industry-wide education; and increase awareness of the various EV market opportunities now emerging in the aftermarket industry.

The exhibit was filled with crowds throughout the week and surrounded by positive feedback,” said Morales. “Many folks who were new to the electric market were both surprised and excited to see how far this segment of the industry had progressed, not to mention how much the SEMA Electrified feature itself had grown. From product awareness to integration, the exhibit facilitated many key conversations and takeaways among attendees. Many SEMA Electrified participants said they also benefited from internal connections for product development as well as new ideas for adjusting their business models for future success.”

Everything starts with education. Understanding EV powertrains’ work and safety aspects was a prime focus of the SEMA Electrified live-education stage. Here, attendees got hands-on learning, courtesy the Legacy EV team.

Accessorized late-model vehicles proved that vehicle personalization will continue organically within the aftermarket regardless of a vehicle’s powertrain option. Modified vehicles included the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model S, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi e-tron, and the Polestar 2, among others. The vehicles were provided by many well-known industry names, including Bisimoto, Tjin Edition, Air Design USA, Tsportline/Alpharex, TSK, Levvel Air/Rad Rides, Unleashed Motorsports, Diablo Motorsports, Campworks and Lectron.

Electrification has also been a growing trend among vehicle builders, who continue to break new ground with imaginative vehicle conversions. This has in turn spawned new opportunities for businesses offering electric powertrain components ranging from individual items to complete kit solutions. And here again, SEMA Electrified offered a broad range of display vehicles demonstrating all sorts of innovations. They included a Ford Mustang, Plymouth Satellite, Ford Galaxy, Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet Apache, Ram Promaster, Factory Five Cobra, Ford F-150, Porsche 914 and Mercury Cougar.

The list of companies providing converted vehicles was also extensive: Inspire EV, Conductive Classics, EV Muscle Cars, Electric 51 Speedshop, Scorpion EV, KTL Restorations, Maxwell Vehicles, Motorcadd, Electrified Veronika and Tinkergineering. In addition, companies like Ampere EV, DANA, Speedhut, Gig Performance, OMNI, Torque Trends, Hypercraft/Stealth EV and Conductive Classics showcased their latest electrification componentry.

“When it comes to an electric conversion, sourcing products may be a challenge and a learning curve, especially if you are new to EVs,” observed Morales. “We provided resources to help industry builders navigate this initial task. For example, Legacy EV and Fuel2Electric were on hand to discuss with attendees the proper path for selecting and sourcing products that are ultimately compatible with each other.”

A variety of different vehicle applications filled SEMA Electrified. From classics to late-models to race vehicles, they were all 100% battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and ranged from Bisimoto’s K3V to Inspire EV’s Mustang.

“Electric performance was also well represented through the display of several race vehicles highlighting new powertrain applications across differing race categories,” added Morales. “We were able to present attendees with a Pikes Peak Tesla Model 3, an electric Toyota GR86 for NASA’s Super Touring Series, a custom-body Porsche 935, a Drift Chevrolet Camaro and a Landspeed vehicle. Our vehicle providers included ENEOS, Hypercraft/Scalar Performance, Bisimoto, AEM EV/Holley and Revolt.

“In addition, SEMA staff got to work with several OEMs to bring such new EV models as the Karma GS6, Lucid Air, Lordstown Endurance and Volkswagen ID.4 to SEMA Electrified. Showcasing these models helped introduce them to various aftermarket companies exploring product opportunities in the electrification market.”

Various powertrain components were on displayed for different outputs, applications and integration capabilities in EV conversions. Displays ranged from individual components, such as these from DANA, to complete conversion kits, a fast-growing segment in this market.

But electric platforms and conversions are only one part of the overall EV equation. For battery-electric cars and trucks to truly take hold with consumers, current infrastructure from charging to service and repair must also advance.

“None of these vehicles would be on the road without a proper charging solution,” noted Morales. “We decided to bring in several participants like Wallbox, Webasto and Lectron to show the different applications available and educate attendees on differing charging requirements and output capabilities.”

SEMA Electrified drew attendees all week with several vehicle debuts, including this National Auto Sport Association- approved Super Touring Series SCR1 by Scalar Performance.

“We also wanted to showcase service and testing tools that relate to electric vehicles,” he added. “These tools are targeted at high-voltage applications. Whether you’re dealing with product development for a late-model vehicle or working on a conversion vehicle application, some of your required EV tools will be different than your traditional shop tools. We partnered with tool suppliers that included Reliable Automotive Equipment, Bendpak, DJS Fabrication, EZ Spare Wheel, Redline Detection and Snap-On to present product and educate attendees.”

In addition, SEMA Electrified hosted education and training sessions and demonstrations. The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) hosted an exhibit with their EV training cart and associated tools and equipment, explaining the safety protocols for high-voltage vehicles, and Legacy EV presented a series of hands-on education and training sessions relating to electric conversions.

“The Legacy EV program was designed as a preview to their EV training road tour, which is launching in 2023 and will make a stop at the SEMA Garage,” Morales explained. “Meanwhile, Switch Vehicles had multiple presentations throughout Show Week pertaining to EV business development and education. They built an electric kit vehicle from the ground up from opening to close of Show. This gave participants some hands-on experience in the assembly and connection of EV architecture.”

Beyond SEMA Electrified, SEMA Show education tracks relating to EV trends were also greatly enhanced for 2022. Seminars addressed such topics as electric-conversion projects, shop safety and the addition of EV products and services to augment traditional business models and help future-proof a company, shop or retail establishment.

Of course, you can’t talk EVs without considering charging solutions. SEMA Electrified showcased different charging solution models addressing different applications, outputs and requirements. Lectron’s Polestar 2 vehicle demonstrated a variety of such solutions.

“Our role as a trade association and Show is to not only focus light on vehicle and product development, but to educate our industry on the latest trends and information,” noted Gattuso. “The seminars were widely attended, which I believe is a result of shops that are seeing more EV sales and customers coming in to modify and personalize their cars. Our job, really, is to look into the future of what that can mean for our attendees and their businesses.”

Gattuso further said that while the industry is steadily embracing vehicle electrification as a viable, performance-oriented powertrain, the SEMA Show will continue to reflect the breadth of the entire automotive world. This includes ongoing innovations and refinements to gasoline, hydrogen and other alternative propulsion systems.

“Our industry is about exploring the potential and capitalizing on the performance, style and reliability of all types of vehicles,” he said. “To use the old cliché, the acceleration pedal doesn’t know anything other than that pressing it makes the car go fast.

“We just celebrated our 55th SEMA Show. I think over the next 50 years, we’re going to see continued developments and improvements, and it’s exciting to see where our industry is headed.”

Staying Current on Electrification

Through various initiatives and efforts, SEMA embraces technology in the automotive industry and will continue to best position the association for the membership’s benefit. Plans are already underway for an even broader SEMA Electrified section at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31–November 3, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In addition, with the progressive development and adaptation of EVs, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and general electrification, SEMA is developing programs and services to assist this emerging aftermarket segment. Whether you’re developing accessories for late-model EVs, components for electric powertrain conversions, or electric racing products, SEMA is ready to help through its SEMA Garage facilities in Detroit, Michigan, and Diamond Bar, California. Visit www.semagarage.com for more information.

2022 SEMA Electrified Exhibitors/Participants

Reflecting the rapidly growing interest in vehicle electrification, modifications and conversions, nearly 50 companies participated in the 2022 SEMA Electrified feature at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas—some presenting multiple displays. Brands ran the gamut from specialty parts and accessory suppliers to builders and OE vehicle manufacturers.

• AEM EV/Holley
• Air Design USA
• Ampere EV
• Bendpak
• Bisimoto
• Campworks
• Conductive Classics
• DANA
• Diablo Motorsports
• DJS Fabrication
• Electric 51 Speedshop
• Electrified Veronika
• ENEOS
• EV Muscle Cars
• EZ Spare Wheel
• Ful2Electric
• Gig Performance
• Hypercraft/Scalar Performance
• Inspire EV
• KTL Restorations/Electric GT
• Juiced Bikes
• Karma Automotive
• I-CAR
• Lectron
• Legacy EV
• Levvel Air/Rad Rides
• Lordstown Motors
• Lucid
• Maxwell Vehicles
• Motorcadd
• Ohm On The Range
• OMNI
• Redline Detection
• Reliable Automotive Equipment
• Revolt
• Scorpion EV
• Snap-On
• Speedhut
• Switch Vehicles
• Tinkergineering
• Torque Trends
• TSK
• Tsportline/Alpharex
• Unleashed Performance
• Volkswagen
• Wallbox
• Webasto

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.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Manufacturing Process Engineer
Cognito Motorsports

Cognito Motorsports is hiring a manufacturing process engineer responsible for developing and implementing sustainable, scalable manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment and workflows in support of engineering, production, sales and customer-service goals. Candidates should have a B.S. in engineering and Six Sigma, 5S and Lean Manufacturing process training.

Product Manager
Fox Factory Inc.

Fox Factory Inc. is hiring a product manager responsible for bringing new product lines to consumers in an engaging, functional way, while opening new distribution channels. Responsibilities include working creatively and pragmatically to conserve resources and engage the product line’s potential audience; reviewing and managing new business objectives and challenges, existing products, services, technology, operations, and methodologies; collaborating with key stakeholders to make rational recommendations for prioritization of product management activities; and working closely with engineering, sales and marketing teams to ensure they have adequate support to make informed decisions required to meet the company goals for revenue and customer satisfaction. Candidates must have knowledge of key demographics and an innovative perspective on product development.

Auto-Body Technician
Canepa

Canepa is hiring an auto-body technician who is quality-minded, hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of workmanship in the industry. Candidates must be highly professional and be able to work individually as well as part of a multi-functional team. A minimum of four years of auto-body experience is required.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

The 2023 Dakar Rally checkered flag has fallen on Sunday after 5,000 km against the clock with 14 stages across Saudi Arabia, from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf via the Empty Quarter desert. Nasser Al-Attiyah wrapped up a fifth car crown and Kevin Benavides finally got the better of Toby Price for his second Dakar Rally bike title as the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team made history with their maiden win thanks to AJ Jones and Gustavo Gugelmin in T3.

Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel of the Toyota Gazoo Racing during the finish podium of the Dakar 2023 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, January 15.

Selected Final Overall Standings

T1 Car Class

1. Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) TOYOTA 45:03:15

2. Sébastien Loeb (FRA) BRX +01:20:49

3. Lucas Moraes (BRA) TOYOTA +01:38:31

4. Giniel De Villiers (ZAF) TOYOTA +02:31:12

14. Mattias Ekström (SWE) AUDI +06:51:00

18. Kuba Przygoński (POL) MINI +07:28:50

32. Laia Sanz (ESP) ASTARA +19:18:39

Bikes

1. Kevin Benavides (ARG) KTM 44:27:20

2. Toby Price (AUS) KTM +00:43

3. Skyler Howes (USA) HUSQVARNA +05:04

7. Daniel Sanders (AUS) GASGAS +25:57

12. Štefan Svitko (SVK) KTM +01:50:42

35. Mohammed Balooshi (ARE) HUSQVARNA +09:54:18

T3 Lightweight Prototype

1. AJ Jones (USA) CAN-AM 51:55:53

2. Seth Quintero (USA) CAN-AM +52:05

3. Guillaume De Mevius (BEL) OT3 +01:35:42

4. Cristina Gutiérrez (ESP) CAN-AM +02:56:20

5. Chaleco López (CHL) CAN-AM +02:59:48

10. Ignacio Casale (CHL) YAMAHA +06:53:27

23. Mitch Guthrie Jr. (USA) MCE5 +27:58:08

T4 SSV

1. Eryk Goczal (POL) CAN-AM 53:10:14

2. Rokas Baciuška (LTU) CAN-AM +16:44

For more information on the 2023 Dakar Rally, click here.

  By Mike Imlay

The specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years has begun to level off and possibly subside, according to the latest SEMA market research. Still, despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues, and rising costs, companies remain optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.

“Businesses experienced record-high growth the past two years,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “We saw growth that was above the industry’s norm, so it makes sense that we’re returning to more normal levels. It’s great to see that most companies are up from 2019 levels.”

Conducted every six months since 2021, the “SEMA State of the Industry” studies are designed to give companies clarity about the overall market during an uncertain time. The disruption from the pandemic made it difficult for SEMA members to understand what the market was going through—and nearly impossible to forecast. Based on data from the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the reports give readers a barometer to gauge how they are currently doing and make predictions about what’s to come.

Available for free download at www.sema.org/research, the fall 2022 version finds that 47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors, and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year. Additional findings include:

• Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. More than 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
• Inflation and supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
• Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new-vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at more than $66,000.

Market Gains

“The purpose of this report is to provide specialty equipment businesses with the data they need to make better, more informed business decisions,” said Knapp. “If you think back to the start of the pandemic, you would never have predicted what has happened to our industry over the last two years. Even with all the weirdness affecting retail and in-person sales, and even with the supply-chain issues, our industry has done really well. It has seen incredible sales growth.”

Reporting from specialty-equipment companies indicates that industry sales had begun to normalize in 2022 after the record sales seen in the prior year. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, companies also were generally optimistic about sales going into 2023.

“But the reality is this sales growth was never sustainable,” he continued. “We can’t expect an industry with a history of 4% or 5% per-year growth to suddenly see a new reality of 10%–20% annual growth.”

According to Knapp, the slowdown in industry sales is indicative of a return to a more normalized growth curve. Barring any major shakeups, the overall aftermarket will continue its upward climb, but along a trendline that’s much less steep.

When asked about pricing increases, manufacturers, distributors and retailer/installers cited increased supplier and production costs as well as ongoing supply-chain issues as the greatest contributing factors.

That’s not to say that there won’t be headwinds. “Our in industry is definitely optimistic, but there are challenges that we are keeping an eye on,” said SEMA Market Research Manager Kyle Cheng. “Auto sales are down from where they usually are, and our industry thrives on the timeframe around an initial sale for adding parts. Also, while we didn’t really talk about gas prices in this report, that’s also something we’re monitoring. And then inflation is not just affecting consumers, it’s affecting our industry’s businesses as well. With a lot of economists projecting a potential recession, that’s a concern.”

However, as of the report’s release, consumers were still in a spending mood, despite rising costs. This was allowing manufacturers and retailers to deal with upward price pressures by passing them on to end purchasers.

“It was a little surprising to see how many companies raised prices, because at the beginning of the pandemic, companies said that things were getting more expensive, but they weren’t going to pass their costs to consumers. They weren’t at that point then, but now they are,” said Cheng. “Yet, even with all this, the companies we surveyed were still feeling pretty confident in terms of maintaining or even growing their business in 2023,” said Cheng.

Retail Rebound

While hit early on by pandemic lockdowns, industry retailers also appear to have weathered the past two years surprisingly well. Although larger retailers reported comparatively stronger sales, most smaller retailers said they managed to maintain or grow their sales too. In fact, similar to the optimism expressed by industry manufacturers, “retailers are feeling in a much better place now in terms of their customer bases and sales,” said Knapp.

“I think back to a time during the pandemic when manufacturers were doing great, and retailers were asking, ‘Wait, what about us? How do we get people back in our stores?,’” recalled Knapp. “Now we’ve gotten to that place where most people are getting back into stores, out in the public and utilizing traditional retail.”

Across the board, retailers increased their prices in 2022, and expect to continue raising them this year as well.

Cheng added that progress in addressing supply-chain issues has helped buoy retailers. At the height of the pandemic, severe shortages drove many consumers away from brick-and-mortar outlets and toward manufacturer-direct sales channels. Now, however, retailers are sensing a return to more traditional shopping and purchasing patterns.

Moreover, although many aftermarket businesses report that they’re still feeling moderate to severe supply-chain disruptions, overall inventories have improved. “Retailers are finding they do have products to sell and are definitely reaping the benefits of that,” Cheng noted.

Large or small, most of the retailers surveyed expected inventories to stay the same or grow in 2023, even as they expected supplier costs to continue to rise. Most also forecasted that their revenues and customer bases would remain stable or increase.

Growth Across Channels

Interestingly, even as retailers regained their footing, manufacturers grew their sales across many channels over the past year. Most manufacturers now sell through a mix of online and in-person channels, with specialty retailer and direct-to-consumer sales making up their biggest sales shares. In terms of online sales, 37% of manufacturers reported an increase in direct-to-consumer sales, compared with 16% saying they increased their online specialty-retailer sales. Just over 20% of manufacturers also said they increased their general online-only retail sales. As for in-store channels, 29% said they grew their sales through independent specialty retailers.

Ongoing supply-chain issues and rising prices are slowing new-vehicle sales. Since vehicle accessorization is often tied to new purchases, this impacts the aftermarket.

This touches upon a hot-button issue of late. Spurred by lockdowns and supply-chain breakdowns, the growth in direct-to-consumer sales has generated some concern among brick-and-mortar retailers who fear a potential loss of business. But SEMA market research indicates that the “threat” to traditional sales channels is likely overstated.

“We consistently find that only around 30% of manufacturers say they sell direct-to-consumer, either through their own website, through some other channel, or in person,” explained Cheng. “Such sales are definitely growing, but the vast majority of sales are still going through other channels, such as distribution networks, wholesalers or straight to the retailers themselves.”

While many companies expressed optimism about their own growth in 2023, their expectations for overall industry growth were more muted given the current economic climate.

Ironically, the bigger a company is, the less likely it is to offer direct-to-consumer sales, added Cheng. Larger manufacturers, with sales of $5 million or more annually, tend to enjoy well-established distribution chains and a healthy presence in retail stores. Only 19% reported utilizing direct-to-consumer channels. By contrast, 39% of companies posting sales under $5 million a year included direct-to-consumer channels in their marketing mix.

“Companies with established brands tend to be our industry’s bigger companies,” explained Knapp. “They have distribution networks and retail knows them, their customers and their brands, and therefore they’ll carry those brands because they know they can sell them.”

“It’s the newer brands or startups and smaller brands fighting to get that name-brand recognition that typically go direct-to-consumer,” Knapp continued. “A lot of times it’s more beneficial for them to try and develop that brand reputation directly with the consumer rather than drive
consumers to general retail where they don’t have the same distribution network set up.”

On the retail side, many businesses saw sales increases over the past year through their company websites (16%), car and truck shows (16%), brick-and-mortar storefronts or shops (18%). Moreover, while online sales may have accelerated during the pandemic, retailers on the whole still report selling more through physical channels (59% of sales) than they do through online channels (41% of sales).

Consumer Sentiment

Of course, the big question now is how much a struggling economy (including a possible recession) might slow future growth. According to Knapp, a lot will ride on the job market and consumer tolerance for inflation.

“For now, the job market is still really good,” he observed. “And if you look at the consumer side, you know there was sort of a feeding frenzy during the pandemic. The attitude seemed to be, ‘We have less things we can do, so let’s focus on the things available to us.’ And even then, consumers saw a lot of price inflation due to long waits and scarcity. So in that regard, I think consumers have gotten used to inflation a lot more than economists have assumed.”

“If you’re a consumer, what the economy means to you is whether you’re taking money in. Are you getting a paycheck every month? So from that standpoint, consumers may not feel a reason to stop buying because they’re not feeling personally in danger. The individual decisions that consumers make are often much different than what economists look at on a global, macro scale.”

For now, there’s every expectation that aftermarket sales will experience some adjustment as they return to pre-pandemic patterns, albeit at higher sales volumes. And even if a recession should take hold, most experts agree it won’t be as deep as the Great Recession just over a decade ago.

“The bottom is not likely to drop out,” concluded Knapp. “The reality is that only about a third of the companies we surveyed said they were slowing down. Two-thirds said they were still maintaining their sales levels or even growing somewhat.”

“That’s really encouraging to see in this time where there are all these headwinds, whether they be related to supply chains, the economy, or even just a sort of backlash after all the tremendous growth we experienced that never could be reasonably sustained for long. In the end, we were always going to have to slow down a little. But with the majority of our companies saying they’re still doing pretty good—and expecting to do well again this year—the industry as a whole is remaining pretty confident.”

Stay Up-to-Date

The complete “State of the Industry—Fall 2022” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research. It was also the subject of an in-depth 2022 SEMA Show seminar titled “State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions,” now available on demand.

Reporters, journalists and content creators who would like to participate in the 2023 SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference—taking place in person on January 24–26 at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California—have until January 19 to receive a personalized schedule by clicking here.

Unlike traditional trade shows, where manufacturers are focused on buyers and making sales, MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitors attend to conduct quality media interviews.

This year’s event is being held in person and features a new format in which participants will manage their own schedules. All media are encouraged to register before January 19. After this date, media may sign up and participate in networking events, but SEMA staff will not be able to assist with schedule requests and meetings are not guaranteed.

Also new at this year’s MPMC Media Trade Conference:

• All participants are invited to a Welcome Reception that includes food, drinks, yard games, and a car show on the day before the event: Monday, January 23.
• Meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day of the event; meetings conclude at 5:00 p.m. on January 24, and at 5:30 p.m. on January 25 and 26.
• Maximum number of meetings for the three days increased to 43.

Unlike traditional trade shows, where manufacturers are focused on buyers and making sales, MPMC Media Trade Conference exhibitors attend to conduct quality media interviews. Media can choose to attend one, two or all three days to meet with company representatives who are prepared to discuss their newest product lines, important updates within their company and the latest industry trends.

For questions or more information, click here or contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and Future Leaders Network (FLN) are invited to a cross-council mixer on Thursday, February 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at King of the Hammers.

Located inside the VIP tent, the event provides the ideal atmosphere for members to make new contacts and strengthen existing connections. It’s the ideal spot to watch the short-course race taking place that evening, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.

King of the Hammers attendees who are not current TORA, WTC, SBN or FLN members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA Councils and Networks have to offer.

Registration is requested so that event organizers can plan accordingly. RSVP now.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

During his annual State of the Commonwealth address, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin reaffirmed his campaign pledge to repeal his state’s commitment to follow California in banning the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks starting in 2035.

“It defies common sense that in 2021, lawmakers decided that instead of writing our own electric vehicle laws, Virginia would simply do whatever California decided to do,” said Governor Youngkin. “Because lawmakers outsourced their responsibilities and surrendered our values to California—Virginians face a mandate starting in 2024 that limits and eventually bans the buying of gas-powered cars or trucks. Unless we act, Virginia is hostage to the extreme policies of California. Common sense says that the law of Virginia should be written by elected leaders here—not outsourced to radical bureaucrats in California.”

SEMA supports legislation in Virginia to repeal the law tying the state to California’s motor-vehicle emission standards. SEMA does not believe that the government—Virginia’s or California’s—should be choosing winners and losers in the automotive market. Virginians should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.

Click here to tell Virginia lawmakers to repeal the internal combustion engine ban.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

Emerald Acquires Lodestone Events, Producers of the Overland Expo Series

Emerald Holding Inc. has announced that it has acquired all of the assets comprising the business known as Lodestone Events, producers of the Overland Expo series of vehicle-based, adventure-travel consumer shows. The acquisition supports Emerald and Lodestone’s shared mission to power connectivity, builds on Emerald’s decades of experience in outdoor recreation with its outdoor retailer wholesale trade show and represents the company’s strategic expansion into the growing business-to-consumer (B2C) event space.

All Lodestone employees will join the Emerald team, with Lodestone founders Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner joining Emerald’s management team and continuing to lead the Overland Expo series. The team will also oversee Emerald’s previously announced Outdoor Adventure X show—Emerald’s new consumer lifestyle event for the outdoor recreation enthusiast. Outdoor Adventure X will take place June 17–18 at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah, the weekend preceding Outdoor Retailer’s business-to-business (B2B) summer show in Salt Lake City.

The acquisition of Overland Expo event series and daily digital content signifies another important step in Emerald’s portfolio optimization strategy: strengthening the company’s position in high-growth markets and expanding further into consumer events.

“We are passionate about gathering communities of enthusiasts to get trained, outfitted and inspired for their outdoor adventures, and are grateful to be partnering with Emerald, who are so strongly aligned with our business philosophy. We look forward to continuing to enhance the client and attendee event experience and 365-day digital content strategy with the Emerald team,” said Hubley.

Tread Lightly! Announces Memphis Audio, Trailstamp as Newest Official Partners

Tread Lightly! has announced Memphis Audio and Trailstamp as its newest official partners. As an official partner of Tread Lightly!, Memphis Audio and Trailstamp will support Tread Lightly!’s mission to protect off-road trail access and public lands through stewardship projects and responsible recreation education. In addition to the partnership, Trailstamp now offers a Tread Lightly! branded Trailstamp. For every purchase, $5 will be donated to Tread Lightly! To learn more about Tread Lightly!, visit www.treadlightly.org.

ARP Publishes New 2023 Catalog

ARP has just published its updated full-line catalog for 2023. The 180-page, full-color publication, details the 5,000-plus fastener kits manufactured by ARP, plus tech information. Several dozen pages are devoted to the science of fastener manufacturing and their proper use. In addition to the many kits covering engine, driveline and accessory fasteners, the catalog details the specialty products and tools that facilitate efficient engine assembly. The catalog can be view online, dowloaded as a PDF or a printed version requested at www.ARP-bolts.com. Special product guides for Chevy LS/LT, Ford Coyote or Chrysler Gen III Hemi engines are also available for downloading.

Dave Amato Joins Northern Radiator as Sales Manager

Dave Amato was recently named sales manager for Northern Radiator, a distribution-based supplier of cooling system components for heavy-duty truck, high-performance, automotive, industrial and other markets. Amato’s previous experience includes more than 25 years at Baldwin Filters Inc. in various sales and marketing leadership positions, including vice president of sales for the United States and Canada. Prior to joining Northern Radiator, he served as vice president of sales and marketing for Bulldog HD/DMA Sales. Amato brings a wealth of automotive, commercial and heavy-duty truck industry knowledge and sales leadership experience. In his new role, he will be focused on the continued growth of Northern’s overall sales and market share while offering best-in-class aftermarket parts programs and sales support to our customers.

Meguiar’s to Sponsor Barrett-Jackson Future Collector Car Show

Barrett-Jackson has announced that longtime partner Meguiar’s will be the presenting sponsor for the Future Collector Car Show (FCCS) held January 22 during the auction company’s 2023 Scottsdale Auction. For the first time, the Future Collector Car Show presented by Meguiar’s will be held on the Polo Field at WestWorld of Scottsdale as a part of Barrett-Jackson’s nine-day flagship event.

The FCCS presented by Meguiar’s is a one-day, family-friendly, concours-style event featuring vehicles that best represent the future of the collector car hobby, with the goal of celebrating the cars we love today and the future collectibles of tomorrow. At FCCS, spectators will enjoy a variety of vehicles ranging from highly modified custom builds to original and perfectly preserved rides, effectively creating an experience where generations of vehicle owners can find common ground in their love of future collectibles.

Prior to FCCS on January 22, judges will hand-pick the top cars for each category from the applications submitted. The target year range for featured vehicles is ’80 to present-day, with exceptions for vehicles that have seen recent increases in collectibility. The FCCS team will look for quality vehicles, highly modified enthusiast builds, rare or low-production number cars and unique or uncommon vehicles. Every vehicle entered in the show qualifies for the coveted Best of Show trophy, with other award categories that include a People’s Choice award selected by spectators on-site.

Admission to FCCS will provide access to the entire Barrett-Jackson event on Sunday, January 22, including access to auction cars on display, the Exhibitor Marketplace, sponsor displays, and Hot Laps and Thrill Rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track. Visit FCCS.Barrett-Jackson.com for additional information on how to enter your vehicle, award categories, tickets and more.

AWE Launches New Mobile and Desktop Website, AWE-Tuning.com

AWE has launched its newest online experience, a fully mobile (and desktop) friendly website. The new website uses AWE’s newly converted ACES and PIES data to ensure fitment compliance and easy importing for its dealer-partner network.

“The new site is just warming up. Featuring mobile galleries of some of our favorite builds, a fully mobile-friendly browsing experience, and easy access to contacts, support, dealers, FAQs and more. Our goal is to make the simplest experience to get the best-sounding exhausts on the planet (and other leading AWE products),”  stated AWE Director of Software Development Will Stopa.

With the launch, AWE has stated that it is accepting applications for quality online retailers, brick-and-mortar shops and installers to be listed on their dealer map.

Shelby American Centennial Edition Mustangs

Shelby American is honoring the 100th anniversary of its founder’s birth with a small run of Centennial Edition Mustangs. Only 100 of the ’23-model-year supercharged Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustangs will be available through Shelby American in Las Vegas, with a few available through official mod shops around the world. A prototype was unveiled in Gardena, California, last weekend, and the final production-ready version will be introduced at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, starting this weekend.

“The world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s birth, recounting his many accomplishments,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “Though he had never flown before, he became one of the most skilled pilot instructors in the U.S. Army Air Force. Carroll never took a single management class, but created a successful team with some of the most talented drivers, development experts, fabricators and production people in the world. From his wins behind the wheel to his business successes and philanthropic initiatives, Carroll earned every victory.”

Based on the ’23 Ford Mustang GT, the new Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang is different from the Shelby Super Snake. Enthusiasts can choose a fastback or convertible with either a manual or automatic transmission. As a post-title program, any stock Ford Mustang color is accepted. Only 100 of the ’23 Centennial Edition Mustangs will be built by Shelby American in Las Vegas with a handful transformed by international mod shops. Consumers with a qualifying Ford Mustang GT can arrange to have their cars transformed by Shelby American or an official Shelby mod shop.

Each Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang includes membership in Team Shelby, the worldwide club Carroll Shelby established in 2008, and will be eligible for documentation in the official Shelby Registry. The package MSRP starts at $49,995, not including the base car. Production will begin in Las Vegas during the second quarter of the year and owners of a ’23 model year Ford Mustang can contact Shelby American about transforming their car into a Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang. Select dealers and Shelby mod shops worldwide also have access to the program.

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.

This is the Corvette E-Ray completely undisguised before its official debut.

GM recently teased “stealth mode” for the E-Ray, and a few weeks ago, the online configurator leaked showing every angle of the E-Ray (virtually), but this is our first real look at the actual E-Ray on the road (note that a competitor sent out an overseas Z06 claiming it was the E-Ray undisguised).

Although this E-Ray carries a Z06 badge, it’s just a placeholder for where the E-Ray badge will actually sit. Taking a look at the E-Ray, it will be almost indistinguishable from the Z06, the only true giveaway will be the exhaust setup. In the United States, the E-Ray will be easier to recognize because of Z06’s center-mounted exhaust setup, but in Europe and other overseas markets, you’ll really have to give it a double take or crank up your beltone for that exhaust note.

Looking at the exhaust tips on the E-Ray, you’ll notice that they’re very familiar. That’s because the E-Ray will share an exhaust setup with the Stingray. Both the Stingray and the E-Ray will make use of the LT2 V8, and therefore, share the same Tenneco exhaust system.

As announced by GM, the rest of the details on the E-Ray will be announced shortly.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde