By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program. Apply here.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list features SEMA Show exhibitor product offers and contact information for builders looking to collaborate.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2023 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2023 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2023 Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, as it is updated when submissions come in.

Note: Submissions appear on a first-come, first-served basis. For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2023 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Networking is not only about trading information; it's a necessary investment that can help industry professionals build their reputations and establish long-term business relationships with mutual benefits.

SEMA members will not want to miss the next Wheel Tire & Council (WTC) Coffee and Conversation networking event, where they will establish valuable business connections and discuss the state of the wheel and tire industry. 

Taking place on Thursday, August 3 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, the event will feature an open discussion among attendees about the latest trends, innovations and market dynamics happening in the wheel and tire aftermarket. Attendees will gain insight into opportunities and challenges that other businesses are experiencing, share their experiences, exchange ideas and build business relationships that can further their career or company goals.

Organizers will introduce a discussion topic to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to bring a talking point that impacts their business. Register now.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. office

Join SEMA and PRI Political Action Committees (PACs) on Sunday, August 13, for an unforgettable day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in a private-suite gathering to witness the heart-pounding action of the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.

U.S. law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources to support the lawmakers and candidates who stand up for the racing and aftermarket industry and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access and the right to race.

Tickets are limited and include suite and garage access, full catering and an open bar. Interested in attending or have questions? Contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252 for more information. Space is limited and requires a purchase to attend--RSVP today!

By Ashley Reyes

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host an open meeting and social gathering at the Kentucky Expo Center, Room B101, on Wednesday, August 2, from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. EDT.

Set for the evening before the official start of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals, the meeting will provide HRIA members an exclusive opportunity to network with industry friends and learn how to get more involved within the council. Attendees will meet the HRIA select committee, unite with fellow members at large and learn about benefits that can help their business thrive. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided.

To sign up for the meeting and view the schedule for the HRIA Education Days seminars taking place at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, August 3-4, click here.

By SEMA Editors

I-CAR has announced the official launch of CollisionCareers.com, an online experience dedicated to connecting individuals to rewarding opportunities in collision repair.

Collision Careers provides a neutral brand and platform for industry partners to collaborate while amplifying efforts to solve a talent crisis that, because of a combination of unfilled roles and expected retirements over the next five years, is estimated to leave the segment 100,000 skilled technicians short.

With the aim of building a bridge between job seekers or students exploring a career path and the collision repair industry, CollisionCareers.com and its associated social-media channels offer an authentic, comprehensive resource for students and career changers as well as the parents and school counselors who often influence their decisions.

Key features and benefits of CollisionCareers.com include: 

• Educational Resources: Powered by I-CAR, a neutral, not-for-profit education organization, the site empowers visitors with articles, tutorials and curriculum to build a foundation for collision-repair-knowledge and skills.
• Community: CollisionCareers.com fosters a vibrant community where professionals, industry experts and enthusiasts can connect, engage and garner valuable insights.
• Extensive School and Shop Search: Users can input their information to stay connected with Collision Careers as they consider the industry and peruse listings of local Gold Class shops and career technical education (CTE) schools by state for career or education opportunities.

"It is no secret that there are increasingly more available jobs in collision repair than there are people to fill them, and while there are many successful programs in the industry, individually, we each lack the scale necessary to address this nationwide, generational issue," said I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne. "I-CAR will use our unique position as an organization of collaboration to unite and align efforts for the good of the broader industry."

For more information, visit CollisionCareers.com.

By SEMA Editors

Sources have captured the GT500 prototype near Ford's Dearborn Proving Grounds (DPG).

The prototype features strategically placed camo on the decklid and the rear window, which both hide a modified rear spoiler and conceal a full rollcage.

The all-new GT500 is expected around 2025, so it's uncertain if Ford is working on a special edition GT500 or instead testing components for the next-gen GT500.

'24 Ford Explorer Timberline Spotted in Dearborn

Also captured near the DPG was the '24 Ford Explorer Timberline. 

Although Ford has already introduced an electric version in the European market, the United States market is focusing on a refresh for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Explorers.

The '24 Timberline will be primarily a carryover compared to the other '24 Explorer trims. 

While no significant powertrain changes are expected for the '24 model, there might be slight improvements to the performance of the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and the 3.3L hybrid engine. These changes could result in a slight bump in power and fuel economy.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, and H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) (EVs) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals. 

SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce's (R-PA) legislation is essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, recently introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the EPA's proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32, which is designed to result in EVs making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.

The EPA's proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking's climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.

SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA's Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, "EPA's proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice." SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to ICE bans. You can read the joint letter here.

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. In addition, SEMA's grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By the SEMA D.C. office

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, and H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) (EVs) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals. 

SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act," a bill prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce's (R-PA) legislation is essential to stopping California's plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, recently introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the EPA's proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years '27 to '32, which is designed to result in EVs making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.

The EPA's proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking's climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.

SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA's Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, "EPA's proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice." SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to ICE bans. You can read the joint letter here.

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency's proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years '27-'32. In addition, SEMA's grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.

By SEMA Editors

Torqued Distribution, the creators of the Warehouse as a Service (WaaS) technology and the No-Cost 3PL program (NC3PL), has added AWE to its line card.

"AWE's technology-focused culture fits right in with what we're doing at Torqued," said Lou Lobsinger, head of sales and marketing for Torqued Distribution. "AWE's innovative team of engineers consistently brings to market some of the hottest exhaust products for the hottest applications. As of today, they have approximately 800 SKUs with coverage for modern muscle, Jeep, Euro, exotic, sport compact and truck."

By SEMA Editors

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the unique Feature Vehicle Display program. The cars come from various categories and applications, allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show well beyond their booth.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying the vehicle's image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder's name, and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibitor company.

Applications are now open for the 2023 SEMA Show Feature Vehicle Display program here. For the complete rules, visit here.

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you can request information on how you may enter your vehicle for the SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB). The competition is judged by industry experts, with awards presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, SUVs, sport compacts and luxury and exotic builds.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Display application by Friday, July 28. Additional vehicles will be considered on a space-available basis. Exhibiting companies with multiple vehicle application submissions will be asked to rank vehicles based on priority.

For a complete list of SEMA Show deadlines, visit here.

For more information on the Feature Vehicle application, contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.