By Juan Torres

Applications for the 2022 SEMA Show are now available at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. The event taking place November 1-4 in Las Vegas is the premier automotive trade event in the world.

Manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories exhibit at the SEMA Show to promote new products, increase brand awareness, generate leads for future orders, build and strengthen relationships through in-person networking, and generate media coverage.  

“Nothing compares to the SEMA Show. There’s a unique energy and mystique about the Show that makes it the ideal place for manufacturers to promote their products and raise brand awareness,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With buyers and media from all over the world in attendance, exhibitors have unlimited opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that lead to profitable business partnerships.”

With more than 100,000 professionals in attendance at the 2021 SEMA Show, the event was Las Vegas’ No. 1-attended trade show last year. It also marked the Las Vegas Convention Center’s first full-capacity event since the pandemic. Exhibitors found valuable ROI by participating at the Show, with nearly all participants rating their experience as positive and noting that they plan to return in 2022.

“In-person interactions have greater meaning today than ever before,” said Gattuso. “The ability to communicate face-to-face, witness a live product demonstration, and take a photo with a celebrity is rare. The SEMA Show offers four full days of valuable activity both on and off the Show floor.”

In addition to more than 4.6 million of convention space, the SEMA Show includes interactive experiences, celebrity appearances, unique seminars with dynamic speakers, and unique panel discussions.

Companies may apply for space at the 2022 SEMA Show at www.semashow.com/buyabooth. To be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection Process, applications must be received by Monday, April 4. For more information, visit www.semashow.com.

View the list of participating manufacturers to date.

Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class close March 18.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

In partnership with Nissan, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, has announced a Measuring Session for the all-new ’23 Nissan Z, March 15–18.

The performance-grade Nissan Z is equipped with a standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and six-speed manual transmission.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the newly designed Z.

The event will feature a Performance grade level Z, equipped with:

• A standard twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Six-speed manual transmission.

U.S. market consumers will have the option of a Sport- or Performance-grade vehicle, six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, as well as a special-edition Proto Spec (limited to just 240 units).

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. All attendees will be required to sign an NDA upon arrival. Photography will be limited during the event.

Register now!

*All registered attendees will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing during their appointment. With the exception of wheels & tires, there will be no disassembly of this vehicle.

Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is elevating its advocacy efforts by kicking off its third annual tour around the country, starting at the Progressive American Flat Track at Volusia Speedway Park in DeLeon Springs, Florida, March 11. During the 2022 Road Tour, PRI’s leading content-creation team will travel the country to visit businesses, race tracks, events and industry icons, generating videos and sharing stories about what the industry can do to help build, promote and protect motorsports.

PRI is kicking off its third annual tour around the country, starting at the Progressive American Flat Track at Volusia Speedway Park in DeLeon Springs, Florida, March 11.

“Advocacy is a top priority for PRI, and it’s important for the industry. That’s why we’re emphasizing this throughout the Road Tour this year,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI President. “After seeing the great success of the Road Tour and what it can do, we will now make that same sort of impact to help with our year-round advocacy efforts.”

Now in its third year, the PRI Road Tour has captivated more than 64 million viewers with unique and never-before-seen footage of motorsports businesses and racing competition. This year’s program is expected to build on those results with a greater focus and emphasis on legislative advocacy—including the RPM Act, the importance of PRI Membership, industry education and more.

“The PRI Road Tour allows us to showcase the importance of the racing industry and inform the motorsports community about how they can support the industry they love,” said Meyer. “This year’s exclusive coverage will showcase how their participation will create a unified voice for the industry.”

ExxonMobil, VMP Performance, Titan Motorsports and SAM Tech will be among the team’s early stops as the PRI Road Tour begins its yearlong trek across the country. Sponsors of the 2022 PRI Road Tour, as of today, include Mobil 1, BBS of America, DeatschWerks, Red Line Oil, FiTech EFI, Hawk Performance, Raybestos Powertrain, Callies Performance, Five Star Race Car Bodies, Briggs and Stratton, Jesel and Mass Traction.

PRI’s comprehensive advocacy efforts include a Membership Program (performanceracing.com/membership) designed to formally unite and protect racing, and the world’s premier auto racing trade show, the PRI Trade Show (PRI2022.com). Coverage of these programs and racing industry news are showcased on PRI’s website, social platforms, weekly eNewsletter and monthly publication, PRI Magazine.

“We call on the entire racing community—business owners, track operators, racers and fans—to join us in representing and fighting for the racing industry,” said Meyer. “Our industry currently faces many challenges, and it’s imperative that we unite to protect it.”

For more information about PRI, visit performanceracing.com, and follow Performance Racing Industry on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are needed to serve as volunteer judges for the 2022 SEMA Scholarship Program.

With students from every segment of the industry applying, the SEMA Scholarship Program is seeking a diverse group of professionals to serve as volunteer judges who will review applications and assist with selecting winners. Flexibility is available and the task can be performed around the volunteer’s individual schedule, with opportunities for those who have very limited time to assist.   

Judging begins April 4 and continues until May 16. Click here to learn more and begin your scholarship judge application.  

To learn more about the SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program, visit www.sema.org/scholarships. 

Two years ago, the Lamborghini Urus received a slight makeover incorporating a redesigned key fob, a reworked parking assist that supports parallel and perpendicular parking modes, more colors to choose from and the optional Sensonum audio set comprising 17 speakers rated at 730W total.

Our man near the Arctic Circle got another batch of shots of the facelifted ’22 Urus EVO with which Italy’s super-SUV will receive a slight makeover of the exterior—namely new layouts for the lamp clusters front and rear as well as a modified front grille, plus, a new exhaust system and even new bumpers front and rear.

Today’s Urus comes powered by a V8 4.0 TT rated at 650 hp and 850 Nm. It needs only 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph and maxes out at 190 mph. An eight-speed automatic transmission works in tandem with a limited-slip inter-axle Torsen differential. Expect a slight plus in power and top-speed.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Rachel Tatum

Dawson (@lucky.lly), a 22-year-old builder from British Columbia, Canada, will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” on Tuesday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).

Dawson documented a full rebuild of his ’04 GMC Sierra on TikTok and Instagram, generating content that caught the eyes of his partners and secured him a spot at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Content creation pushed Dawson to new heights as a builder by becoming more creative with his modifications through inspiration from other builders and feedback from his followers. Dawson documented a full rebuild of his ’04 GMC Sierra on TikTok and Instagram, generating content that caught the eyes of his partners and secured him a spot at the 2021 SEMA Show. Dawson continues to post daily automotive based content with his rapidly growing follower base!

SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By Ashley Reyes

As advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) become commonplace and are included in one form or another on every new vehicle, aftermarket engineers and developers will need to understand how the systems impact vehicle modifications, repairs, calibration and testing.

As an emerging technology that is constantly evolving, little to no research has been completed in regard to how modifications and repairs impact the ADAS equipment. SEMA is presenting a unique webinar to help engineers and developers better understand how ADAS will impact what they do. Join industry experts as they explain the unknowns surrounding ADAS technology on March 15, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT).   

Hosted by the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN), the webinar will feature Luis Morales, mechanical engineer at SEMA Garage, and Scott Brown, founder of Diagnostic Network, as they talk about:   

• Aftermarket product development around new technology. 
• SEMA’s current research on this topic. 
• What the systems are, what they do and why they are important.
• Introduction to the new SEMA Garage Detroit facility and how the ADAS Research Center will assist SEMA members.

Take advantage of the opportunity to hear from experts who work with ADAS technology and the aftermarket on a regular basis, and tap into their knowledge during the event.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Armond Gilmore is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Gilmore is a graphic designer at Skyjacker Suspension, manufacturer of leveling kits, lift kits, and shocks and accessories for trucks, SUVs and Jeeps.

Get to know Gilmore in his interview with SEMA below.

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

Armond Gilmore: Learn something new every day. As someone who works on the creative side, I have to make sure I keep up with the trends. A lot of times that means trying new things and approaching problems in different ways.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

AG: From my Skyjacker family, who is beyond supportive, to all the fantastic people I’ve met on trail rides and shows. It’s so inspiring seeing so many people dedicated to the industry.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

AG: You can find me traveling, hanging with friends or fulfilling my Louisiana Army National Guard duties.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AG: Generally, I do my research before the meeting, either by coming up with design concepts or marketing ideas. Also, I always bring my sketchbook to every meeting.

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

AG: Larry Chen. As a fellow photographer, I admire how he captures so many amazing builds within the industry. I would love to pick his brain on his techniques and approach for different photoshoots.

If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA eNews and FLN member updates.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The wait is over. Small-volume motor-vehicle manufacturers may begin selling replica cars that resemble vehicles produced at least 25 years ago now that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. SEMA worked with Congress to pass this federal policy change, which became law in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.

The NHTSA has finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, enabling replica car businesses to produce and sell turnkey vehicles.

The replica car provision is historic, creating streamlined regulatory requirements for small automakers. Replica car businesses will now be able to produce and sell turnkey replicas to eager customers nationwide.

“SEMA applauds NHTSA’s final rule allowing companies to market classic-themed cars,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government affairs. “Regulatory barriers have previously prevented small automakers from producing heritage cars that are coveted by consumers. The roadblocks have been eliminated. This is a hard-fought victory for enthusiasts, small-volume manufacturers, their suppliers and all the men and women who will be hired to fill new jobs created by this law.”  

The replica car law and implementing regulations allow a low-volume manufacturer to construct up to 325 such replica cars a year subject to federal regulatory oversight. Replica cars resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago—from ’30s roadsters to ’70s musclecars and more. Until now, the United States had just one system for regulating automobiles, which was designed for companies that mass-produce millions of vehicles. The new program recognizes the unique challenges faced by companies that produce a small number of custom cars.

The vehicles are required to meet current model-year emissions standards. In 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidelines for installing engine packages from other EPA-certified vehicles, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a regulation for producing compliant engine packages. SEMA sued NHTSA in October 2019 to require the agency to issue regulations allowing the law to take effect. NHTSA issued a proposed rule in January 2020, but completion of the final rule was delayed during the presidential transition.

Low-volume vehicle manufacturers must first register with NHTSA, EPA and CARB before selling vehicles—a process that may take several months—and thereafter submit annual reports on vehicle production. Enthusiasts will still have the option to build a car from a kit, but now they may also purchase a turnkey replica car.

You can read the NHTSA final rule here.