By SEMA News Editors

Alex Xydias, the legendary founder of SO-CAL Speed Shop in Burbank, California, has passed away. He was 102.

Xydias was also instrumental in the beginning of the SEMA Show; as an editor and publisher of Hot Rod Industry News, he helped organize the High Performance & Custom Equipment Trade Show, held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in January 1967, a show that SEMA became increasingly involved with the management of, and eventually took over.

He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1982. Click here to read his SEMA Hall of Fame biography, and see the Xydias family statement below:

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Alex Xydias, who left us peacefully on August 24 from complications of COVID at the awe-inspiring age of 102.  

A pioneer in the automotive industry, a master storyteller, and the visionary behind So-Cal Speed Shop, among a multitude of other accomplishments, Alex lived a dynamic life. His many achievements and innovative contributions to the automotive world will forever stand as reminders of his enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the car community he loved so much. Alex’s warmth, wit, and vibrant spirit will be greatly missed by hot rod enthusiasts worldwide, his devoted circle of friends, and most of all, his family. Alex is survived by his 3 children, 7 granddaughters, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

We want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time. Alex’s legacy will forever be etched in the history of racing and in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting a General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion on September 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PDT / 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to SEMA member businesses that serve the motorsports market, the meeting will provide updates on MPMC’s member benefits, followed by a panel discussion on how to prepare for and benefit from the 2025 Media Trade Conference.

Taking place January 21–23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, the Media Trade Conference will establish valuable connections between motorsports parts manufacturers and media through three days of one-on-one, 30-minute meetings. During the panel discussion, the MPMC Select Committee will share how manufacturers and media can plan for effective meetings, how to make the most of networking on-site and best practices for event preparation. 

Whether you are a manufacturer that is already registered for the Media Trade Conference or a media member thinking of registering, this meeting will cover everything you need to know about the event and how to establish valuable relationships that have mutually beneficial results. Don’t miss out!

Register here!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT.

Open to automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers employed by a SEMA member company, the meeting will provide updates on ETTN's current priorities for members, which include education and volunteer opportunities, as well as the 2025 Career Fair. Attendees will connect with the select committee, discover ways to get more involved, and learn about this year's ETTN Lunch and Learn--a part of the 2024 SEMA Show Education program.

ETTN's mission is to identify and communicate emerging vehicle trends and technology relevant to aftermarket professionals and provide the resources and solutions to ensure their continued success. All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend the meeting, as it's a great way to tap into valuable resources.

Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host its next online Coffee and Conversation networking event on Thursday, September 5 at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are monthly events that bring together automotive aftermarket professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the wheel, tire, suspension and brake markets. This event will be the last of its kind in 2024 until the series resumes next year and will feature a discussion led by Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. Tompkins will share an update on the 2024 SEMA Show, particularly Show activations and events targeted to the wheel, tire, suspension and brake segments.  

Following Tompkins' update, WTSBC Select Committee members will guide attendees through an open discussion on the importance of suspension in towing. This will be a great opportunity to gain insight on suspension upgrades for enhanced safety and reliability and expand your professional network.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has released its "2024 Market Report" highlighting new findings on how automotive specialty-equipment market sales performed in 2023.

Designed to help SEMA business members make more informed business decisions, the report includes detailed insight into consumer spend, where consumers shopped for parts and accessories in 2023 and what the total market size may grow to in the coming years. SEMA business members can download the report for free at www.sema.org/research. 

Below are key takeaways from the report. To download the infographic with these stats, visit this link.

• Overall industry sales grew $550 million to $52.35 billion in 2023.
• The light-truck sector continues to drive the specialty-equipment market, accounting for 59% of accessory and performance parts sales.
• Sales were strong in all sectors of the market:
  • Appearance and accessory products: $27.41 billion
  • Engine and performance products: $12.56 billion
  • Wheels, tires and handling products: $12.38 billion
• Drivers are accessorizing alternative power vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, spending $2.5 billion in 2023.
• Many accessorizers are modifying their daily drivers. More than half of accessorized vehicles are used for commuting (58%). 
• Younger people continue to drive the market; half of accessorizers are under the age of 40.
• EV sales have increased, but consumers aren't widely adopting this technology yet as some had predicted, causing many automakers to adjust electrification plans.

By SEMA News Editors

The specialty-equipment market will converge in Las Vegas for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. To help exhibitors gear up to connect with countless buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, SEMA encourages companies to promote the celebrities and VIPs set to appear in their booth with the online submission form at semashow.com/celebrity. 

In addition, there are several resources available to exhibitors: 

• SEMA Show deadlines checklist for exhibitors.
• Show advertising opportunities.
• Celebrity appearance submissions (promote VIPs in your booth).
• New Products Showcase application.
• SEMA Show directory listings.
• Press conference application form.
• Submit a SEMA Show-related press release.
• SEMA Show public relations opportunities.
• Provide your products to SEMA Show project-vehicle builders.
• Exhibitor service manual.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. Exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

For more information, read more here or visit semashow.com/exhibitor.

By SEMA News Editors

Attendees can make history at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, which will once again offer an attendee experience like no other trade event on the planet, with thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, the latest vehicle trends and dozens of education sessions led by top industry professionals. In addition, countless activations and features will be available to attendees on the Show floor (View the 2024 SEMA Show floorplan here), like these three Show features that highlight the future of the specialty-equipment market. (Still need to register? Do so here for only $60 through September 27).

To stay at the forefront of the automotive industry, you don't want to miss out on these unique opportunities and activations.

Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers

Last year's coveted Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers crowned Andy Leach as the overall winner. Follow along with this coveted program at this year's SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas.

This one-of-a-kind program needs to be witnessed in person at least once. Battle of the Builders is a coveted and popular program that helps attendees--and millions following the action online--to spot trends and see the latest techniques of some of the world's most influential vehicle builders. The action unfolds throughout the SEMA Week, with several events and promotions leading up to the crowning of the champion at the SEMA Cruise on Friday, November 8.

Last year, Andy Leach of CAL Automotive Creations secured the overall winner title with his '60 Buick Invicta Custom displayed in the CleanTools booth. The "X-60" was meticulously crafted by Leach and showcased concept-car styling, featuring a wedge-sectioned body adorned with machined brass trim. The unique chassis, complete with sculpted floors, is a one-off design boasting an I-beam style derived from an IFS and IRS. The car rides on nine-piece layered wheels and is powered by a 401 Nailhead motor equipped with a crank-mounted Procharger. Every component is scratch-built, including the handmade interior, which saw the trim machined to resemble what could have been a factory finish.

You'll need to attend the upcoming SEMA Show, November 5-8, to see which ride will take home the 2024 Battle of the Builders title!

And builders: there's still time to enter this prestigious competition. Learn more here at semashow.com/botb.

SEMA FutureTech Studio

SEMA's FutureTech Studio (Booth #24401)will provide a glimpse into the future of vehicle technology with groundbreaking products and services redefining the performance aftermarket.

This year's SEMA Show FutureTech Studio, proudly presented by SEMA Garage, will give attendees a glimpse into the future of vehicle technology with groundbreaking products and services redefining the performance aftermarket. From electric vehicles (EVs), alternative fuels and powertrains, advanced manufacturing and advanced vehicle safety systems, this exhibit reflects today's advancements and tomorrow's opportunities for SEMA Showgoers.

This immersive experience will feature technology spotlights, live education, product displays and vehicles. Located in Central Hall, Booth #24401, the SEMA FutureTech Studio is the heart of the EV & Future Propulsion section, which also features brands including Legacy EV, RBW EV Cars, Hypercraft, E-Mucle Cars, Sierra, Make Mine Electric, Torque Trends, Inc., Fuel2Electric and more.

New Products Showcase

Always an attendee- and media-favorite area is the SEMA New Products Showcase, which will again be filled with new products from all across the SEMA Show campus in one dedicated space.

Always an attendee- and media-favorite area is the SEMA New Products Showcase, which will again be filled with new products from all across the SEMA Show campus in one dedicated space. Here, buyers can focus their efforts on the newest innovations to keep their inventories fresh, while media members, content creators and attendees can get a glimpse of the latest trends shaping the marketplace today and tomorrow. All entries are considered and eligible for a New Products Showcase award, providing even more brand exposure and recognition across several categories:

• Exterior Accessory Product
• Interior Accessory Product
• Engineered New Product
• Performance--Street Product
• Performance--Racing Product
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product
• Tools and Equipment Product
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
• Packaging Design
• Merchandising Display
• Mobile Electronics Product
• Powersports Product
• Tire and Related Product
• Wheel and Related Product
• Collision Repair & Refinish
• Electric Vehicle Product
• Advanced Driver Assistance System Product (ADAS)

SEMA New Products Showcase award winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 5, at the SEMA Show Kick Off Breakfast. Runners-up awards will be presented in the Media Center later that day.

Exhibitors: there's still time to enter this year's SEMA New Products Showcase. Learn more at semashow.com/new-products-rules.

Overall, these 2024 SEMA Show activations are essential for any attendee, buyer, professional or enthusiast serious about staying informed and competitive in the automotive industry. These activations, taking place during the SEMA Show, November 5-8, offer unparalleled access to the latest products, technologies and talent, making them key highlights of the SEMA Show. See you there!

Still need a badge? Attendee, buyer, and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open at semashow.com/register. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA

Manager Industry Analysis in Diamond Bar, California, or Washington, D.C.

SEMA is currently seeking a candidate to manage efforts for research, analysis and reporting on industry sub-sectors for the trade association. The selected candidate will develop and manage projects and analyses to understand the business metrics, consumer lifestyles and adjacent markets that provide opportunities for our member's businesses and expansion possibilities for SEMA memberships, tradeshows and services.

Email Production Specialist in Diamond Bar, California

This position will develop and manage new and existing email production processes for email deployments. Other required tasks include preparing, sending and tracking the effectiveness of targeted email marketing campaigns, maintaining schedules for email marketing projects, editing email materials and more.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI's "friend of the court" brief, filed August 7 with the U.S. Supreme Court to oppose California's internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, is generating attention from high-profile media outlets for its defense of a technology-neutral approach to emissions reduction.

One article from TheStreet.com highlights not only SEMA and PRI's legal action on behalf of the industry but also efforts to engage and educate voters through the organizations' Driving Force Action SuperPAC. SEMA's brief maintains that the government should remain technology-neutral when it comes to vehicle technology, noting that EVs are part of our future but shouldn't be the only part, with fuel alternatives like biofuels, hydrogen, synthetics, hybrid and EVs all be part of the larger strategy to achieve cleaner emissions.

Driving Force Action's voter education campaign informs voters of similar rules enacted earlier this year nationally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, while reiterating SEMA's technology-neutral position.

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI's "friend of the court" brief, filed August 7 with the U.S. Supreme Court to oppose California's internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, is generating attention from high-profile media outlets for its defense of a technology-neutral approach to emissions reduction.

One article from TheStreet.com highlights not only SEMA and PRI's legal action on behalf of the industry but also efforts to engage and educate voters through the organizations' Driving Force Action SuperPAC. SEMA's brief maintains that the government should remain technology-neutral when it comes to vehicle technology, noting that EVs are part of our future but shouldn't be the only part, with fuel alternatives like biofuels, hydrogen, synthetics, hybrid and EVs all be part of the larger strategy to achieve cleaner emissions.

Driving Force Action's voter education campaign informs voters of similar rules enacted earlier this year nationally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, while reiterating SEMA's technology-neutral position.

The SEMA Public and Government Affairs team is advocating for policy issues that are core to SEMA's mission by ensuring policymakers hear a clear, strong and unified voice representing not only SEMA members, but also the specialty-equipment industry and auto enthusiasts. Get involved and contact the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at sema.org/advocacy.