By SEMA News Editors

Attendees of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, have several transportation options available to them. SEMA Show management reminds Showgoers there is limited parking at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and encourages attendees to plan to ensure enough time to get to the LVCC and navigate the large SEMA Show campus. (View the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan at semashow.com/floorplan).

Attendees can utilize the free hotel shuttles, the Las Vegas Monorail (see below for a SEMA discount!) and the Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) along with the Vegas Loop and ride-sharing apps or taxis to get around during SEMA Week.

Read below to begin your SEMA Week transportation planning and visit the SEMA Show Transportation webpage here on SEMAShow.com for up-to-date information.

Complimentary Hotel Shuttles to LVCC and Inter-venue Shuttles for SEMA Week

Complimentary hotel shuttle bus service is available each morning and afternoon between the LVCC and more than 47 official SEMA hotels. View the list of hotels, route numbers and pick-up locations for complimentary shuttles here.

In addition, there is a SEMA-to-AAPEX shuttle service throughout the day between the LVCC and the Venetian Expo Center where AAPEX is held. A complete list of hotels, pickup locations and route details is available here.

Shuttle service also runs between the Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas, The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and Wynn Las Vegas. For shuttle service to Wynn/Encore, use the SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle (details below).

LVCC Shuttle Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:

• Majestic Lot.
• Platinum Lot.

Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available during hours of operation. Call 866-439-8563 (allow 30 min.).

Hotel shuttles will carry an average of 55 passengers and will be marked with a route number. Shuttles depart every 20-25 minutes. The route numbers and pickup locations at each hotel are noted on the "Shuttle Bus Pickup Locations" chart here.
 

Shuttle Schedule: Hotels to the SEMA Show (morning)
Tuesday, November 5, through Friday, November 8
Every 20-25 minutes
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PST

Shuttle Schedule: SEMA Show to Hotels (afternoon)
Tuesday, November 5, through Thursday, November 7
Every 20-25 minutes
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST

Friday, November 8
Every 20-25 minutes
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle

Complimentary shuttle service is available to the AAPEX Show at the Venetian Expo Center. Pick-up/drop-off locations will be at the LVCC Platinum Lot and Majestic Lot. Shuttles run every 5-10 minutes.

SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle Schedule:

*For shuttle service to Wynn/Encore, use the SEMA-to-AAPEX Shuttle.
Tuesday, November 5, through Thursday, November 7
Every 5-10 minutes
7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Friday, November 8
Every 5-10 minutes
7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (no midday service)

View the list of hotels, route numbers and pick-up locations for complimentary shuttles here.

 

Las Vegas Monorail - Extended Hours and Discounts During SEMA Week

The Las Vegas Monorail provides quick, reliable, climate-controlled transportation for leisure and business travelers on the Las Vegas Strip. Directly connected to several Strip resort hotels as well as the LVCC, the monorail gets from one end of the Strip to the other in just minutes. Trains arrive every few minutes at each of seven stations:

• MGM Grand Station
• Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas Station
• Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
• Harrah's/The LINQ Station
• Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center
• Westgate Las Vegas Station
• SAHARA Las Vegas Station.

The Las Vegas Monorail system operates during the following hours during SEMA Week:

• Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. PST
• Tuesday through Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. PST the following morning
• Friday through Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. PST the following morning

The Las Vegas Monorail is offering 2024 SEMA Show attendees exclusive fare discounts. Purchase discounted Monorail passes here. Passes must be purchased in advance to utilize the SEMA discount, and once purchased, your phone will be your ticket to ride the Las Vegas Monorail. At the Monorail station, skip the ticket line and scan your phone at the gate. Paper tickets are still available at ticket vending machines and customer service desks for the full price.

Discounted Las Vegas Monorail pass prices:

• 24-Hour Pass: $13.45
• Two-Day Pass: $23.75
• Three-Day Pass: $26.96
• Four-Day Pass: $33.30
• Five-Day Pass: $40.05
• Seven-Day Pass: $51.75
   

Ride Sharing, Taxis and Limos

There are two designated transportation hubs where ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, and taxis and limousines will be able to drop-off and pickup 2024 SEMA Show participants quickly and easily:

• LVCC Blue Lot (east end of Grand Lobby, adjacent to Central Hall).
• LVCC Majestic Lot (adjacent to West Hall).

Attendees are responsible for booking their ride-sharing, taxi and limo services. 
 

Vegas Loop at LVCC

The Vegas Loop at LVCC offers fast, convenient, free on-campus transportation!

The Boring Co. Loop quickly transports passengers across the 200-acre LVCC campus in a fun and convenient way, free of charge. The system consists of two one-way, 0.8-mi. tunnels built to accommodate all-electric Tesla vehicles driving at speeds of up to 35 mph. Five stations conveniently connect passengers with Resorts World, the Riviera and the LVCC West, Central and South Halls. On the LVCC campus, typical walking time from the West Hall to the North/Central Hall can take up to 25 minutes, but the Loop makes the trip in about two minutes. Stations are as follows:

• South Station: Adjacent to South Hall, this station is located aboveground.
• Central Station: Near the Central Hall Main Entrance, this station is located below ground and is accessible via escalator or elevator.
• West Station: Adjacent to West Hall, this station is located aboveground.
• Riviera Station: At the North side of the West Hall closest to Elvis Presley Drive.
• Resorts World Station: This station is located above ground.

There is no charge to travel between stations at the LVCC. However, a valid Vegas Loop Ticket is required for any rides arriving from or departing to any station outside the LVCC campus. Visit lvloop.com/tickets to purchase tickets and up-to-minute schedules at lvloop.com/operating-hours.

Strip and Downtown Express (SDX) Public Bus

Las Vegas public buses run from downtown Las Vegas, to the LVCC, and to the Strip. Service includes 18 stops between the downtown Las Vegas Premium Outlets, to the City Parkway, to the LVCC, to the Fashion Show Mall/Bellagio/Excalibur/Mandalay Bay and to South Strip Transfer Terminal. Visit rtcsnv.com for details. Buses run approximately every 15 min., starting at 7:00 a.m. on Show days. (Normal operation starts at 9:00 a.m. all other days.)
 

SEMA Show Parking is Not Available for Personal Vehicles

Public parking is not available at the LVCC, so plan to use the shuttle, rideshare or monorail options to commute to and from the Show. Visit the Transportation page here on SEMAShow.com for the latest information or call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at 877-VISITLV or 702-892-0711.

Questions? Contact the SEMA Show office at 909.396.0289 or semashow@sema.org.

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the SEMA Show is available at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here). Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Vehicle owners and businesses acting on their behalf received a three-year exemption from federal copyright infringement laws when accessing, storing and sharing vehicle operational data, including diagnostic and telematics data, the Librarian of Congress (LOC) recently declared.

In establishing an exemption to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, the United States statutory prohibition on circumventing technological protection measures (TPM) that control access to copyrighted works, the LOC, in consultation with the U.S. Copyright Office, is protecting vehicle owners and the automotive business of their choice from being subject to copyright infringement when they download, copy and use non-copyrightable data that is stored on electronic control units and other copyrightable works in their vehicles.

This exemption will help to preserve consumer choice by ensuring that vehicle owners can decide who works on their vehicles and the parts that are used. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) requested the Class 7, Computer Programs exemption in 2023, which SEMA supported in its comment to the LOC and U.S. Copyright Office.

The LOC also provided a three-year extension for the current exemption for "Computer Programs--Vehicle Operational Data" that protects vehicle owners and third-party service providers that circumvent the TPMs to access computer programs primarily designed to control vehicle telematics and entertainment systems. This exemption was first created in 2015 for vehicle owners and was expanded to include third-party service providers in 2018.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Vehicle owners and businesses acting on their behalf received a three-year exemption from federal copyright infringement laws when accessing, storing and sharing vehicle operational data, including diagnostic and telematics data, the Librarian of Congress (LOC) recently declared.

In establishing an exemption to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, the United States statutory prohibition on circumventing technological protection measures (TPM) that control access to copyrighted works, the LOC, in consultation with the U.S. Copyright Office, is protecting vehicle owners and the automotive business of their choice from being subject to copyright infringement when they download, copy and use non-copyrightable data that is stored on electronic control units and other copyrightable works in their vehicles.

This exemption will help to preserve consumer choice by ensuring that vehicle owners can decide who works on their vehicles and the parts that are used. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) requested the Class 7, Computer Programs exemption in 2023, which SEMA supported in its comment to the LOC and U.S. Copyright Office.

The LOC also provided a three-year extension for the current exemption for "Computer Programs--Vehicle Operational Data" that protects vehicle owners and third-party service providers that circumvent the TPMs to access computer programs primarily designed to control vehicle telematics and entertainment systems. This exemption was first created in 2015 for vehicle owners and was expanded to include third-party service providers in 2018.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Toyota/Lexus GT3 Spotted Testing at 'The Ring'

SEMA News sources recently captured new images of Toyota and Lexus testing their road-legal GT3 sports car at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.

As seen in the new images, the manufacturer is testing two different rear wing heights on the GT3, although it's unclear which will make it to production. The vehicle is also rumored to have a hybrid powertrain, according to some sources, but there is no visible charging port or usual yellow "electric vehicle" (EV) warning stickers.

Range Rover Sport EV Prototype Spied in Germany

The new Range Rover Sport EV, expected to hit United States showrooms next year, was recently spotted in Germany. An expected competitor to the Lotus Eletre and Porsche Cayenne EV, the Sport EV is one of six electric vehicles Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to launch by 2026 under its two brands.

The test car spotted in Germany shows key differences from the gas-powered version, such as covers replacing the exhaust pipes and a redesigned grille. The battery is housed between the axles, and while not visible in the photos, the charging port is likely behind the fuel filler cap, similar to the recently launched Range Rover Electric.

The Range Rover Sport EV will have four-wheel drive, maintaining the off-road capabilities of its gas-powered counterpart, including the ability to wade through water up to 33.5 in. deep. Performance metrics will rival the V8-powered Range Rover Sport SV, which produces 630 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Nissan Leaf Prototype Ditches Hatchback Design

In a major shift, the next-generation Nissan Leaf will no longer be a family hatchback, according to new images provided by SEMA News source, instead, transforming into a crossover SUV.

The styling cues, like the coupe-like roofline, squared-off rear and higher ride height, echo the Japanese brand's "Chill-Out" concept introduced in 2021. While the production model's headlight cluster may differ slightly from the initial concept, the new Leaf will likely feature Nissan's signature black V-motion grille and boomerang-style lights, reminiscent of the Nissan Ariya.

The Leaf is expected to be built on the Renault-Nissan AmpR Medium platform, offering some hints about its powertrain and battery specifications. According to insiders, the Leaf will likely align with other cars built on the platform, like the Renault Megane E-Tech, which is equipped with a 217hp electric motor and 60kWh battery, offering an estimated range of up to 280 miles.

Inside, the new Leaf will likely feature Nissan's latest infotainment system, based on Google's Android Automotive OS.

Nissan hasn't confirmed a release date yet, but rumors suggest that production could start as early as 2025, with a reveal possibly happening before the end of this year. The new Leaf will be manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the United King.

By SEMA News Editors

MOTORMIA

AI-Powered Automotive Platform

MOTORMIA has released a new automotive enthusiast platform that aims to personalize the connection between enthusiasts and their vehicles, according to the company. The platform's AI assistant tailors users' experiences to various levels of knowledge, generate vehicle renderings, make performance upgrade suggestions adjustable to experience levels and help users understand the best choices for specific build goals. The platform also allows users to share with friends. MOTORMIA will exhibit at the SEMA Show in booth #11179 in the North Hall.

motormia.co.

Heise LED Lighting Systems

Chasing Ambient Interior Light

Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics will display new vehicle lighting and accessories at this year's SEMA Show, including an assortment of new Chasing Ambient Interior Lighting expansion packs, in booth #10439 in the North Hall and booth #24743 in the Central Hall. The expansion packs expand the Heise LED ambient lighting system in the interior of any vehicle and work with the Heise Connect Chasing Controller, allowing users to control the lighting via the Heise Connect mobile app.

heiseled.com.

QA1

'82-'92 GM F-Body Suspension Kits

QA1 has released new handling and drag-race suspension kits for third-generation Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird ('82-'92). The kits provide improved performance, handling, traction and adjustability for both street and strip applications, according to the manufacturer, and are designed to optimize the performance of the third generation F-body, allowing enthusiasts to enhance the capabilities of their cars without the need for major modifications or relying on mismatched components. Three levels of handling kits and two levels of drag kits are available. QA1 will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show in booth #21357 in the Central Hall.

qa1.net.

Tire Guru

Tire Price Optimizer

Tire Guru will debut its new Tire Price Optimizer software that leverages real-time local market pricing data to price inventory according to profit goals within the shop management system software. Features include price rankings against local competitors, view of inventory priced below market, potential profit based on pricing, recommendations on pricing strategy and more. SEMA Show attendees can see a demo of the software in the Tire Guru booths #42177 (South Hall) or #11253 (North Hall).

tireguru.net.

Nordic American

Ford Performance Valve Cover

Nordic American has introduced all-new valve cover designs for Ford Performance. The diecast valve covers have an innovative, lightweight design that doesn't sacrifice strength, the company said. Each cover comes with an injected, molded O-ring to ensure enhanced strength, durability and a consistent shape. Ford Performance will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show, located in booth #54037 in the West Hall.

nappllc.com.

By SEMA News Editors

MOTORMIA

AI-Powered Automotive Platform

MOTORMIA has released a new automotive enthusiast platform that aims to personalize the connection between enthusiasts and their vehicles, according to the company. The platform's AI assistant tailors users' experiences to various levels of knowledge, generate vehicle renderings, make performance upgrade suggestions adjustable to experience levels and help users understand the best choices for specific build goals. The platform also allows users to share with friends. MOTORMIA will exhibit at the SEMA Show in booth #11179 in the North Hall.

motormia.co.

Heise LED Lighting Systems

Chasing Ambient Interior Light

Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics will display new vehicle lighting and accessories at this year's SEMA Show, including an assortment of new Chasing Ambient Interior Lighting expansion packs, in booth #10439 in the North Hall and booth #24743 in the Central Hall. The expansion packs expand the Heise LED ambient lighting system in the interior of any vehicle and work with the Heise Connect Chasing Controller, allowing users to control the lighting via the Heise Connect mobile app.

heiseled.com.

QA1

'82-'92 GM F-Body Suspension Kits

QA1 has released new handling and drag-race suspension kits for third-generation Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird ('82-'92). The kits provide improved performance, handling, traction and adjustability for both street and strip applications, according to the manufacturer, and are designed to optimize the performance of the third generation F-body, allowing enthusiasts to enhance the capabilities of their cars without the need for major modifications or relying on mismatched components. Three levels of handling kits and two levels of drag kits are available. QA1 will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show in booth #21357 in the Central Hall.

qa1.net.

Tire Guru

Tire Price Optimizer

Tire Guru will debut its new Tire Price Optimizer software that leverages real-time local market pricing data to price inventory according to profit goals within the shop management system software. Features include price rankings against local competitors, view of inventory priced below market, potential profit based on pricing, recommendations on pricing strategy and more. SEMA Show attendees can see a demo of the software in the Tire Guru booths #42177 (South Hall) or #11253 (North Hall).

tireguru.net.

Nordic American

Ford Performance Valve Cover

Nordic American has introduced all-new valve cover designs for Ford Performance. The diecast valve covers have an innovative, lightweight design that doesn't sacrifice strength, the company said. Each cover comes with an injected, molded O-ring to ensure enhanced strength, durability and a consistent shape. Ford Performance will be exhibiting at the SEMA Show, located in booth #54037 in the West Hall.

nappllc.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Omar Mora, engineering project lead at WARN Industries, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Omar Mora: At the end of the day, ask yourself, what are you trying to accomplish? Sometimes we get stuck too deep in the weeds, so we need to take a step back to re-evaluate what we're doing, and what is the true goal. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

OM: I've always been drawn to anything automotive so staying in this field just feels right for me. Getting to be a part of great, recognizable products is a great bonus! 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

OM: Tinkering with my vehicles or making useful things for the home. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

OM: I gather and get familiar with as much subject-matter information as is reasonable. Being informed and having a plan helps me maintain focus, but adapt as required. 

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

OM: Any Formula 1 engineering/technical lead. I'd be interested in learning how those teams operate; how they plan their concepts; how they control and organize information; how they feed that information into their design teams; and how those design teams produce new designs, changes, and adjustments as quickly as they do. 

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

Time is running out to submit nominations for SEMA's 2024 Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 30.

Submit your nomination at this link.

Now in its second year, the award honors a featured vehicle at the 2024 SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. It also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering. 

"Engineers are continuously pushing the envelope to come up with new innovations that benefit our industry," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "We look forward to seeing the outstanding creations and technical brilliance that this year's builders will bring."  

In 2023, Scorpion EV won the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award for its '23 Cobra Venom. The build was an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal-combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcased Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution. 

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build, as well as the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted until October 30, 2024, at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, November 7, at the 2024 SEMA Show. 

By Ashley Reyes

Business members attending the 2024 SEMA Show can enhance their experience and enjoy a range of exclusive perks by visiting the SEMA Business Member Lounge centrally located between the North and Central Halls.  

The member lounge, situated in the North Hall (Room N251), is designed to provide SEMA business members with a go-to stop for convenience and connection during the bustling SEMA Show. 

Here's why the lounge is a must-visit for member attendees: 

1. Networking Hub: SEMA business members can host important meetings with industry leaders and business partners in the comfort of this exclusive lounge. It's the ideal setting for meaningful connections and discussions. 
2. Tech and Connectivity: Need to stay connected? The lounge offers internet and printer services, ensuring that you're always equipped with the tools to stay productive during the event. 
3. Charging Stations: Don't let your devices run out of juice while capturing all of the jaw-dropping automotive moments at the show. Charging stations are available to keep your gadgets powered up. 
4. Complimentary Coffee: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to recharge yourself while exploring the SEMA Show. 
5. On-Site Grab 'N' Go: Say goodbye to hunger pit-stops. The lounges offer delicious food options for purchase, allowing you to refuel before hitting the Show floor again. 

The member lounge is the perfect place to unwind, connect with industry peers and make the most of your SEMA Show experience.

If you're interested in securing a meeting room within the lounge, visit this link.

For questions about SEMA membership, contact the SEMA Membership Team at 909-610-2030 or at members@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Don't wait--secure your SEMA Fest tickets before the next price bump on Friday!

Click HERE to buy tickets.

Due to high demand, ticket prices for SEMA Fest--scheduled for Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus--are increasing. Purchase tickets before Friday to lock in the best deal and guarantee your spot at the most exciting event of the year. From epic live performances by Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey to exclusive access to the SEMA Show and thrilling experiences like OPTIMA Unleashed, you won't want to miss out.  

Act fast--grab your tickets today before prices rise! 

Purchase your tickets now and find out more information at semashow.com.