By SEMA News Editors

Ford Performance returns to the 2024 Rebelle Rally with a five-truck lineup. As a second-year Silver Sponsor, Ford Performance continues its partnership with the all-women's off-road competition. The team is looking to build on a successful 2023 effort, which included a historic fourth consecutive X-CROSS win.

The Rebelle Rally off-road race spans more than 1,500 miles of unforgiving Nevada and California desert terrain starting October 10 through October 19. This event is the longest all-women's off-road navigation rally in the nation, and competitors must navigate using only maps and compasses—no phones or GPS allowed—and entries are primarily stock models, proving their capability in extreme real-world conditions.

Helping navigate for Ford's "Bronco Sport Sasquatch Package" team is SEMA Board Member and Hemmings Senior Vice President of Marketing & Events Kathryn Reinhardt. She will help teammate and three-time X-CROSS class winner Melissa Clark navigate the route across 10 days of action. The team will utilize the Bronco's Sport Sasquatch Package, which offers increased ground clearance, larger tires and advanced off-road features.

Additional Ford teams in the 2024 Rebelle Rally include:

• Bailey Campbell and Sedona Blinson – Ford Ranger Raptor
• Shelby Hall and Rori Lewis – Ford Bronco Raptor
• Laura Wanlass and Penny Dale – Ford Bronco Raptor
• Karisa Haydon and Trista Smith – Ford Bronco Wildtrak

For more information, visit rebellerally.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Tread Lightly! Renews Partnership With Jeepers Jamboree

Tread Lightly!, the nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship, has renewed its official partnership with Jeepers Jamboree.

As an official partner, Jeepers Jamboree will continue to support Tread Lightly!'s mission through stewardship projects and responsible recreation education.

Jeepers Jamboree became an official partner of Tread Lightly! more than 20 years ago and has since integrated its messaging at annual events on the iconic Rubicon Trail, and at Camp Rubicon, where kids are educated about safety and how to take responsibility for public lands and trails.

For more information, visit jeepersjamboree.com or treadlightly.org.

Automotive Remanufacturer ATC Announces New Joint Venture in Brazil

ATC, a remanufacturer of automotive powertrain and drivetrain systems, has established a new joint venture in Brazil to further expand the company's global footprint.

ATC Brasil LTDA will initially focus on providing remanufactured diesel particulate filters (DPF) for commercial trucks, catering to the local market's growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective automotive solutions.

For more information, visit atcreman.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Aston Martin is bucking the trend of downsizing and electrification with its new Vanquish, which is powered by a 5.2L twin-turbo V12.

Released in early September, the Vanquish is not yet available as a convertible, but SEMA News sources recently captured new images of the upcoming Volante variant.

Powered by the same V12 engine and paired with an eight-speed automatic, the Volante convertible rockets from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and hits a top speed of more than 211 mph, according to Aston Martin, and is the most powerful and fastest production car in the brand's 111-year history.

The Vanquish rides on a new chassis with a wheelbase 3 in. longer than the previous model, which ended production in 2018. Advanced materials like carbon-fiber body panels, a carbon-fiber driveshaft and a titanium exhaust keep the Vanquish's dry weight just over 3,960 lbs.

Street Legal Toyota/Lexus GT3 (street legal) Breaks Cover Outside the 'Ring

In January 2022, Toyota caught the attention of the automotive world with the unveiling of the GR GT3 concept car. Later that year, patent images surfaced of the large rear spoiler, hinting at a production model. The Japanese manufacturer confirmed development shortly after.

According to Rob Leupen, Toyota's World Endurance Championship team principal, the GR GT3 will start competing in the endurance series in 2026, matching the timeline of the road car, which would likely be badged as a Lexus.

SEMA News sources recently snapped early images of the supercar, which will debut 14 years after the company's Lexus LFA was discontinued.

Debuted in 2010, the LFA was limited to just 500 units and featured many custom-designed components, including the 4.8-liter V10 engine that produced 560 hp.

Details regarding the LFA's spiritual successor are limited.

By SEMA News Editors

The wait is almost over—SEMA Fest is just three weeks away! Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with high-octane excitement, incredible music and everything you love about car culture on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets now before they sell out and be part of this incredible celebration. With only three weeks to go, now's the time to secure your spot at SEMA Fest!

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Here's what you can look forward to: 

• Epic Performances: Live music from Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey will keep the energy high and the crowd buzzing. 
• Thrilling Events: From the heart-pounding OPTIMA Unleashed, Nitro Circus, Shell Unbound and more outdoor activations and immersive experiences, SEMA Fest has something for everyone. 
• Festival Vibes: Enjoy a weekend packed with great food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere that celebrates all things automotive. 
• The SEMA Show: Experience the legendary SEMA Show with Friday Enthusiast Experience ticket purchases (only). Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to explore cutting-edge automotive innovations, witness jaw-dropping vehicle builds, and meet the people behind the industry's most exciting advancements. 

The countdown is on, and we can't wait to see you at SEMA Fest for a weekend of music, motors and memories that will last a lifetime! 

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

By SEMA News Editors

The wait is almost over—SEMA Fest is just three weeks away! Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with high-octane excitement, incredible music and everything you love about car culture on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets now before they sell out and be part of this incredible celebration. With only three weeks to go, now's the time to secure your spot at SEMA Fest!

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Here's what you can look forward to: 

• Epic Performances: Live music from Cage the Elephant, SUBLIME, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey will keep the energy high and the crowd buzzing. 
• Thrilling Events: From the heart-pounding OPTIMA Unleashed, Nitro Circus, Shell Unbound and more outdoor activations and immersive experiences, SEMA Fest has something for everyone. 
• Festival Vibes: Enjoy a weekend packed with great food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere that celebrates all things automotive. 
• The SEMA Show: Experience the legendary SEMA Show with Friday Enthusiast Experience ticket purchases (only). Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to explore cutting-edge automotive innovations, witness jaw-dropping vehicle builds, and meet the people behind the industry's most exciting advancements. 

The countdown is on, and we can't wait to see you at SEMA Fest for a weekend of music, motors and memories that will last a lifetime! 

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

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show, the automotive specialty-equipment industry's premier trade event taking place November 5-8 in Las Vegas, will feature a comprehensive education program designed to upskill and elevate the industry's workforce. View the program online here.

The education program is a cornerstone of the SEMA Show, where industry professionals from all career levels go to gain new skills from the brightest minds in the automotive aftermarket. This year's program will highlight 80 sessions focused on personal and professional development, emerging business issues, trends and best practices.

"Staying ahead of an evolving market is crucial for businesses to stay competitive," said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. "Our goal is to empower our attendees by offering a best-in-class education program that can help take their careers and businesses from good to great."

The program will include a wide array of content delivered among various session formats, including panel discussions, hands-on workshops and interactive seminars, to ensure that attendees have a diverse learning experience. Participants will engage with speakers who are subject-matter experts, industry leaders and thought leaders as they share information that is relevant, meaningful and valuable. 

SEMA Show Education Program highlights: 

• Six learning tracks, including Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends, Inside the Shop, Legislative and Regulatory, Sales and Marketing, Small-Business Strategy and Vehicle Technology.
• Partner-driven education sessions from Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA). 
• The SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium: Connecting Women, Empowering Future, Powered by SBN, a five-hour workshop where attendees will convene, collaborate and catalyze change in their respective fields and communities.
• Management Essentials for Leaders, Presented by Dale Carnegie, a six-hour program offering business owners and executive leaders the opportunity to gain essential skills of confident and assertive leadership. 
• Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV, a seven-hour training course focusing on the fundamental functions of EV powertrains and key high-voltage safety practices.

"The SEMA Show education program offers attendees full control over their professional development experience, enabling them to create a customized learning plan that fits their needs," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, the education program has been carefully crafted to suit your needs, boost your skills, and drive immediate takeaways."

The education program strengthens the value that SEMA Show attendees will experience throughout the week. In addition to upskilling their knowledge, attendees can look forward to discovering new, industry-leading products from their favorite brands, experiencing world-class builds, and expanding their professional network through various networking events taking place within the SEMA Show campus.

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors--including 500 first-time exhibitors--projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.  

For more information about the SEMA Show, this year's education program or to register, visit www.semashow.com.  

By SEMA News Editors

Nissan recently unveiled its one-off project vehicle, "Nissan Project Trailgater," which combines a high-tech outdoors tailgating experience with the off-road capability of the '25 Nissan Frontier.

Nissan North America has unveiled a one-off project vehicle that will be debuted publicly at the 2024 SEMA Show, Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas, alongside four other Nissan project vehicles to be announced at a later date.

The vehicle, aptly named the "Nissan Project Trailgater," combines a high-tech, outdoors tailgating experience with the off-road capability of the refreshed '25 Frontier.

Project Trailgater was built in collaboration with PowerNation TV's "Music City Trucks" program, and the build process will be documented in three episodes of the show released this month.

The Project Trailgater concept is equipped with twin 43-in. TVs and a powerful soundbar mounted to a NISMO Off Road overlanding rack in the bed. Accompanied by a folding solar panel, a custom lithium battery pack and associated electronics, plus a Starlink connection, the setup is designed to stream games almost anywhere a satellite or mobile hotspot signal is available.

Project Trailgater caters with an integrated Dometic cooler and refrigerator, a fold-out kitchen station and sink, plus a built-in propane grill that folds out from one of the CargoGlide slide-outs on a custom-fabricated hinged mount and fire pit.

NISMO Off Road accessory parts include a suspension lift kit, forged upper control arms, high-performance rear shocks and front coilovers. The NISMO Off Road accessories catalog also provides 17-in. Axis beadlock capable wheels with Yokohama GEOLANDAR M/T tires, a performance cat-back exhaust, a roof rack and numerous additional lights.

In addition, Project Tailgater includes an integrated Dometic cooler and refrigerator, a fold-out kitchen station and sink, plus a built-in propane grill that folds out from one of the CargoGlide slide-outs on a custom-fabricated hinged mount and fire pit.

See Nissan's one-off project vehicle build at the Nissan North America Booth #52103 in West Hall during the 2024 SEMA Show.

Project Trailgater is based on the '25 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. For the '25 model year, the midsize pickup includes a visual refresh with a new front fascia and new wheels for the PRO-X/PRO-4X grades. At the same time, utility is enhanced with greater availability of the long-wheelbase, and six-foot bed configuration on PRO-4X and SL grades.

The new Frontier also adds a standard telescopic-adjusting steering wheel on all grades and a 12.3-in. touchscreen infotainment system for SV grades and higher. Maximum tow ratings increase across all Frontier grades, up to a maximum of 7,150 pounds. The PRO-4X grade used as the base for Project Trailgater enables adventure beyond the pavement with all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road suspension components, and an even more rugged appearance with over fenders and Lava Red tow hooks.

"Tailgating has been a staple in the sports community for generations," said Eric Smart, builder and co-host, Music City Trucks. "Combining that with people's love for the outdoors and Nissan's decades-long legacy with the off-roading scene makes this a truly one-of-a-kind concept that magnifies the Frontier's versatility and capabilities."

SEMA Showgoers can see this build in person at the Nissan North America Booth #52103 in West Hall of the SEMA Show. View the SEMA Show floorplan here.

By SEMA Show Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, in Las Vegas, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Booking your 2024 SEMA Show hotel through the official SEMA Show block provides unparalleled benefits, like: 

• Guaranteed Lowest Rates: Booking through the SEMA block guarantees our Showgoers the lowest rates in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show.
• Access Fully Flexible Booking: We know plans change, so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 10, 2024. There's no downside to booking today!
• Access Easy Group Bookings: Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 
• Earn Hotel Rewards Points: We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter your rewards number when securing your reservation, and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the SEMA Show block!
• Source a Sustainable Hotel Stay: onPeak is available to help you feel confident about living a sustainable lifestyle. View Las Vegas hotel's sustainability plans on the onPeak website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

HOTEL BOOKING ALERT

Please be vigilant if approached by a travel or hotel booking company/service other than onPeak that implies or claims to be an official housing provider of the SEMA Show. We have been made aware of other housing companies or travel agencies that may be aggressively pursuing exhibitors, attendees or their companies to book guest rooms through their company at supposedly significant discounts, but note they are not affiliated with SEMA. onPeak and SEMA offer the best possible rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.

Reservations made through an agency other than onPeak will be at your own risk. For more information, visit here. To notify SEMA Show Management of rogue travel agencies or for questions, contact (909)396-0289.

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open online here for qualified attendees. SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all, so registration fees are only $40 through Friday, June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Airline discounts exclusive to SEMA Showgoers are also available through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.

By Autofluencer

Big events like the SEMA Show are investments in not just money, but time, and you want to make sure that investment pays off. After working closely with brands and creators at Autofluencer and from years of SEMA exhibiting from the brand side, we've seen a few common pitfalls that exhibitors fall into time and time again. If you're looking to maximize ROI, avoid these mistakes and follow our easy fixes!

Mistake 1: Not Creating Pre-Show Hype

One of the biggest missed opportunities is failing to use your creator and influencer partners to generate buzz before the Show even begins. Promoting your booth and products in advance helps build anticipation and traffic to your booth. Many buyers and distributors already follow your creators, and their pre-Show promotion will help make it easier to book appointments and raise your brand's visibility.

As younger generations (late 20s, 30s, and 40s—yes, Millennials and Gen Z are in their 30s and 40s!) take over day-to-day roles in these businesses, social media has become crucial. You can't afford to miss out!

• Easy Button: Have 2-3 creators hyping your presence ahead of the Show to build momentum.
• Pro Tip: Send creators a sample product to showcase in their content, turning your booth into a "must-see" destination at the Show.
• How Autofluencer Helps: Post searchable Show-specific campaigns in Autofluencer, like "SEMA 2024 Collabs," and send the link to your existing creators so they can apply. Other creators who see the campaign in Autofluencer may also jump on board, maximizing your exposure. (Get a free 30-day trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial).

Mistake 2: Not Coordinating Creator Booth Content

Your booth staff will be swamped with meetings during the Show, and even if you have a media person on staff, their content often won't generate the same level of engagement as that from a creator with a large following. Some brands think they need to bring a car build to the Show, but that's not the only way to generate buzz. Whether or not you have a build, having creators stop by your booth and post content can exponentially increase your reach.

• Easy Button: Reach out to creators now and plan ahead. Yes, you may need to cover flights or offer compensation, but the content they create will be worth it!
• Pro Tip: Coordinate with other brands working with the same creators and share the costs of bringing them to the Show.
• How Autofluencer Helps: Set up Autofluencer campaigns to ensure you have creators stopping by your booth. Use a searchable campaign to find new talent who may already be attending the event. (Get a free 30-day trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial).

Mistake 3: Not Getting "Live" Show Content

It's fantastic to get highly edited content after the Show, but don't miss out on the chance to grab some "live" engagement while the event is happening. Ask your creators to do at least one live story or quick Reel directly from your booth. This can help bring more people to your location and increase your brand's visibility at a critical time.

• Easy Button: Make it part of the agreement that they'll post live from your booth—ideally during the busiest Show days like Tuesday or Wednesday. And remember, it doesn't need to be perfect—just fun and engaging!
• Pro Tip: Schedule specific times for creators to come by so your team can coordinate who's available for interviews or booth hype.
• How Autofluencer Helps: Autofluencer's built-in campaign contracts and deliverables make it easy to ensure your creators post live content during the Show. (Get a free 30-day trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial).

Mistake 4: The Future Creator Process Is a Pain

Exhibiting at a trade show is the perfect time to connect with future brand ambassadors, partners or sponsors. But let's face it—you'll be busy. Make it easy for creators to apply for your programs without bogging down your team.

• Easy Button: Have a QR code that creators can scan to apply for your partnership program. This keeps everything organized, and you can review applications after the Show.
• Pro Tip: Make your campaign clear about what you're looking for in a partner. If they can't answer key questions during the application process, they might not be the best fit later on.
• How Autofluencer Helps: Use our campaign builder to set up a "2025" or "Future Partner" campaign and make it searchable. Generate a QR code that links directly to your campaign. Display it on your booth signage to simplify the process for potential partners. (Get a free 30-day trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial).

Mistake 5: Creators Not Contracted for Post-Show Content

The Show might be over, but that doesn't mean your content strategy should stop there! A post-Show recap or sizzle reel can keep the energy going and re-engage buyers who attended the Show—or attract the attention of those who couldn't make it.

• Easy Button: Communicate exactly what type of post-Show content you want—whether it's a recap or a sizzle reel. Recaps usually work better with creators who have an on-camera presence, while photographers or videographers often excel at sizzle reels.
• Pro Tip: Get both! And if you didn't send products to creators before the Show, send them afterward for some install content to keep the momentum going.
• How Autofluencer Helps: Autofluencer makes it easy to set clear deliverables and reminders to ensure your creators follow through with post-Show content. That way, your booth—and your brand—stays top of mind. (Get a free 30-day trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial).

Bonus Mistake: Not Tracking Creator SEMA Content Performance!

You can't manage what you don't measure, but don't worry. Autofluencer can help you with our dynamic partnership performance reports that track creator performance across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube!

Summary

A successful Show partnership with creators should yield at least three to five (3-5) pieces of content, including live stories and Reels. And when new creators approach you at SEMA, don't just hand them a business card or send them to a crowded inbox. Make it easy for them to scan and apply for your open campaigns right on the spot with a QR code! And, Autofluencer can help you streamline this process for your creators and team—all while maximizing Show ROI!

Check out how Autofluencer can help with a 30-day free trial at autofluencer.com/semafreetrial.

By SEMA News Editors

The automotive aftermarket will converge in Las Vegas for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8. As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, SEMA Show organizers have compiled a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below. 

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

Friday, September 27: Exhibitor Registration Due for domestic exhibitors (to receive badges in the mail).

• Friday, October 18: After-hours event submissions.
• Friday, October 18: After-hours events proof of security (required if hosting an after-hours event).
• Friday, October 18: LVCC meeting/function space reservation due.
• Friday, October 18: Shipping of carpet to Freeman Advance Warehouse due (carpets/pads only).
• Tuesday, October 22: Orders for tents/canopies due to Full Circle Events.
• Thursday, October 24: Important: Last-day freight will be accepted at the Advance Freeman warehouse without penalty.
• Thursday, October 24: Hanging sign/banner shipments due to Advance Freeman warehouse.
• Thursday, October 24: New Product Showcase advance shipments due to Advance Freeman Warehouse.
• Friday, October 25: Photography orders due to Expo Ease.
• Friday, October 25: Plant and floral orders due to Expo Ease.
• Saturday, October 26: Freight: First day shipments will be accepted at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
• Friday, October 4: New Products Showcase entry advance rate deadline. (The first product is always free; save $80 on each additional entry by submitting before this deadline).
• Friday, November 1: Vehicle detailing orders due to ShowFleet (for advanced rate).
• Thursday, November 7, 12:00 p.m. PST: Deadline to pick-up SEMA Show Banquet tickets.
• Thursday, November 7: SEMA Show online registration closes at 2:00 p.m. PST.
• Friday, November 8: SEMA Show Members Lounge conference room reservations close at 3:00 p.m. PST.

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.

And for those that haven't already, exhibitors can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals at the 2024 SEMA Show, it's important to stay up-to-date on upcoming deadlines. Click here for a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget. In addition, exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees.