As the SEMA News Team’s SUV hit Boone Rd. from Highway 247, you could feel the energy and the excitement that comes to Johnson Valley just once a year. The King of the Hammers (KOH) is an off-road Mecca, and everyone who loves leaving the pavement comes to this event. For these passionate pilots nothing compares to opening up the throttle across the dessert, or navigating surgically through rock obstacles. The SEMA News Team spent four days looking to connect with drivers, manufacturers and enthusiasts. And for 2022 one word sums up KOH—biblical.

Kansas—Restoration: The Kansas House of Representatives Transportation Committee passed SEMA-supported legislation to allow the full restoration of antique vehicles, including temporary removal of the vehicle identification number (VIN) when necessary. This bill changes existing law to allow for the removal and reinstallation of a VIN if the removal and reinstallation is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration. Currently, restorers who intentionally remove or alter a VIN, regardless of reason, are guilty of a felony, and the vehicle is subject to seizure and destruction by law enforcement. The bill awaits consideration on the House floor.

The advent of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles has posed numerous challenges to the automotive industry—none more so than the automotive aftermarket, where customization and accessorization are the name of the game. On the other hand, ADAS also presents numerous opportunities for the manufacturer or shop owner who understands how these systems can work in tandem with aftermarket parts and accessories.

Powersports sales have been on fire, dramatically increasing across the board since 2020, but resulting in part of the supply-chain woes we’re constantly reading about in the news. The culprit: enthusiasts and even ordinary people desperately seeking adventure to distract themselves or reemerge from the COVID-19 doldrums.

Hyundai’s Prophecy concept car will morph into the Ioniq 6 when it finally hits dealers in production form in 2023. As expected, spy shots now prove that the radical design of the Prophecy has been toned down for the production model.

From the earliest days, the automobile and its surrounding lifestyle have been about freedom. However, recent years have seen a growing assault on many of the freedoms consumers, hobbyists and recreational enthusiasts have come to enjoy.

Industry news from SEMA-member companies, including Continental, Race Winning Brands, CRP Automotive and more.

At just 21 years old, Christopher Polvoorde added some new hardware to an amazing trophy case. He passed by friends, competitors, and some of his heroes on his way to taking first place in the 2022 King of the Hammers Toyo Tires Desert Challenge in the T2 class. SEMA News caught up to Polvoorde to talk about his experience.

Overall, 2021 was a strong year for the industry amid high demand, with many companies reporting record growth, according to “SEMA Future Trends—January 2022.” The specialty-equipment market should continue to grow through this year at more muted levels before returning to more normal (pre-pandemic) growth for 2023 and beyond. In fact, nearly three-quarters (74%) of industry companies expect sales growth in 2022. Key impacts to keep an eye on include rising fuel costs, supply-chain disruptions and geopolitical instability in eastern Europe.