The SEMA Show is tapping into the popularity of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars with the introduction of the JDM Showcase, located in Central Hall booth #22751.
The popularity of JDM models in the United States continues to surge as enthusiasts increasingly appreciate the design, performance and heritage of Made-in-Japan models. Many JDM models--some of which will be on display at the Show--have become highly sought-after for their robust engines, sleek aesthetics and potential for modifications. Influenced by Japan's rich street racing and motorsports culture, JDM cars have achieved legendary status, driving demand at auctions, car meets and automotive events, where their rarity and distinct style make them standout icons.
This year at the SEMA Show JDM Showcase, four companies are showcasing six vehicles straight from Japan. Leading the lineup is KUHL Racing, renowned for their past presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, showing a Toyota (A90) Supra equipped with their latest Super Overfender Kit. And representing hybrids, KUHL Racing will also bring a sleek, slammed Toyota Prius that features a new body kit with new fender arches.
Another JDM based tuning company FULLTECH, which has been focusing on the Toyota GR86, is bringing two GR86 models: a more extreme version featuring a GT style full overfender kit inspired by Super GT racecars, and another with a narrower kit that accentuates the stock body perfect for street driving. For fans of bold designs, RESULT JAPAN is showcasing a super-wide aero package for the Toyota GR86.
Lastly, LITTLE PANDA will be presenting a fully tuned Nissan Skyline R33GT-R, which is an iconic JDM favorite. From hybrids to fully tuned masterpieces, experience the unique style, quality and innovation from these exclusively Japanese tuning companies.
SEMA has announced the Top 12 builders in the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition celebrating its second decade of providing builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.
The Top 12 celebratory announcement took place on Wednesday on the SEMA Show stage in the Silver Lot Booth #81218 outside of Central Hall. Miss the fun? Don't worry: the action will continue today, on Thursday, November 7, with the announcement of the Top 4 finalists at 3:00 pm PST at the same location. Coverage is also expected on SEMA Live, the new-for-2024 live stream program on YouTube here, or on the SEMA Facebook here.
2024 SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS TOP 12
HOT ROD/HOT ROD TRUCK
Noah Alexander: '68 Dodge Charger Central Hall, #C07
Chris Clark: '32 Ford Roadster, Central Hall, #23295
Tony Arme: '59 Chrysler 300E, Central Hall, #22357
SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE
Bruce Yarnell: '65 Aston Martin DB5, West Hall, #58135
Brian C Dilley: '73 Ferrari Dino, Central Hall, #24495
Kenny Pfitzer: '56 Porsche, Speedster, West Hall, #50175
Last year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, pictured above, was legendary, and this year's event will once again be one not to miss!
Fasten your seatbelts. The aftermarket night of the year returns tonight, November 7, in Las Vegas. Join the celebration, complete with great friends, food, entertainment and a few surprises, including special guest Harry Mack, the multi-talented artist and freestyle rapper best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual and improvisational freestyle rapping (more details below). The extravaganza will also reveal the winner of several prestigious awards, including:
Content Creator of the Year
Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
SEMA Person of the Year
Get ready for jaw-dropping entertainment at this year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, set for Thursday, November 7, at the Westgate.
Get ready to be entertained by multi-talented artist and rapper freestyle lyricist Harry Mack! Mack is best known for his unique, jaw-dropping visual freestyle rapping. He first came to fame when his Venice Beach freestyle video went viral, which propelled him to opportunities that got him featured with Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Hudson, Complex Music, RedBull, Music and the NBA. As a content creator, his self-produced YouTube series has amassed millions of views. Mack has surprised, impacted and entertained millions of people, leaving them with something unique that they can't wait to share with others. His content and live shows promote positivity and keep fans engaged through mind-blowing interactive performances. His unique approach to hip-hop revolves around the spirit of rhythmic improv. Blending the excitement of instrumental jazz improvisation with the impactful messages of hip-hop lyricism, Harry constantly strives to push the boundaries of his own abilities while reaching for new approaches to rap expression.
Host tables are also available. Contact Courtney Wright at courtneyw@sema.org to learn more and get involved.
2024 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet Date: Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Banquet Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Paradise Event Center (View on Google Maps) Tickets: Tickets or host tables are required. Purchase SEMA Industry Awards Banquet tickets here.
The 2024 SEMA Show, continuing through Friday, November 8, is the premier event in the automotive industry with unparalleled access to cutting-edge products, innovations and networking opportunities. But beyond the SEMA Show floor, SEMA Week is providing countless opportunities to engage with industry leaders and professionals through official events and exciting after-hours gatherings. Explore the complete list of remaining SEMA Week events and after-parties below to make the most of your SEMA experience this year!
SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
Last year's SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, pictured above, was legendary, and this year's event will once again be one not to miss!
Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Banquet
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - Paradise Event Center (View on Google Maps)
Fasten your seatbelts. The aftermarket's night of the year returns on Thursday, November 7, for the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Join the celebration that's complete with great friends, food, entertainment and maybe even a few surprises. The extravaganza also reveals the winner of several prestigious awards, including Content Creator of the Year, the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award and the SEMA Person of the Year. You won't want to miss this one!
Tickets for the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet are $99 each. Purchase tickets here. Host tables are also available for $2,000, providing VIP seating and a 30-second commercial spot played during the program. Contact Courtney Wright at courtneyw@sema.org to learn more and get involved.
T-Pain at Zouk Nightclub (Offical SEMA Afterparty)
Thursday, November 7, 10:30 p.m. PST - 4:00 a.m. PST
End your Thursday with T-Pain at Zouk Nightclub. Make it a night to remember and book tickets at zouk.group/sema.
SEMA Fest
Missed Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring the Goo Goo Dolls? Couldn't get enough live music? Don't miss SEMA Fest on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show campus.
Friday, November 8 (Doors open 3:00 p.m., last concert ends 10:00 p.m. PST).
SEMA Show campus outside of the Lower South Hall
General admission tickets start at $69! (before fees)
Get ready for an unforgettable evening 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.
Note: VIP SEMA Fest passes are almost sold out! Buy your tickets today for access to premium viewing areas, VIP bars and washrooms, separate entrances and complimentary charging stations during the event.
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.
Ludacris at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Afterparty)
Friday, November 8, 10:30 p.m. PST - 4:00 a.m. PST
The SEMA Show’s comprehensive education program continues to provide valuable resources for the industry today, November 7, with a keynote speech, "The Power of Resilience--Never Give Up, Featuring Bear Grylls," from renowned survival expert, writer and adventurer Bear Grylls.
Grylls, host of "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" and "You vs. Wild," is appearing today at the 2024 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience. He will be joined by Rutledge Wood, auto racing analyst and TV host, to reflect on Grylls' experiences and lessons learned.
Grylls will appear this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. PST on the SEMA Show Main Stage, where he will speak about the experiences that have shaped him and the lessons he's learned along the way.
"I'm looking forward to guiding the audience through a journey to understand how to overcome hurdles and adversity and to learn from failures," said Grylls. "I hope my stories of resilience will inspire, uplift and empower SEMA Show attendees to face their own challenges."
Grylls' keynote address is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on best-in-class skill development.
"We're really excited about bringing Bear Grylls to our Main Stage Experience," said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior director of education. "His life motto of kindness, courage and never giving up is truly inspiring and will resonate with all attendees."
Grylls' keynote is part of the SEMA Show Education Program that includes 80 learning sessions scheduled for this week across seven highly focused tracks. Featured programs this week include the Dale Carnegie Management Essentials for Leaders program, the Women's Leadership Symposium, two on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification programs led by Legacy EV and seminars hosted by I-CAR, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Tire Industry Association (TIA). Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration. Fee-based sessions are identified under the session description when registering.
"The SEMA Show Education program is known as one of the industry's most rewarding professional development opportunities," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Each session will drive immediate takeaways, whether you're a C-suite executive, manager, builder, sales or marketing professional, or someone who simply wants to expand your industry knowledge."
To view the remaining 2024 SEMA Show Education Program sessions, visit semashow.com/education.
Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House late Tuesday night, delivering a decisive defeat to Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has promised on "Day 1" to end federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates, a major factor in the nation's decision to deliver him a second election victory.
SEMA played a major role bringing the EV mandate issue to the forefront of the election, using its Driving Force Action SuperPAC to educate American voters on the damage that such policies will cause for the nation's automotive small businesses and consumers.
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola reacted to the results in a statement. Read the full statement here.
"SEMA celebrates the re-election of Donald J. Trump as president, which promises to deliver to the nation and automotive aftermarket industry a host of important policies wins, including the prospect of tax cuts to support small businesses, a more-fair regulatory environment and most importantly, a Day-1 end to EV mandates, which would have stifled American innovation and hindered an industry whose economic and cultural impact is integral to the American experience," Spagnola said. "We're excited to work with a second Trump administration to advance policies and legislation that will continue to make America a more prosperous and powerful nation."
Trump has also pledged to deliver a new round of tax cuts and push for regulatory relief for businesses.
Meanwhile, Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate after flipping seats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana. Among the winners was Republican Bernie Moreno, an Ohio car dealership magnate. SEMA was among the very first to endorse Moreno in his campaign to first win his primary, and then defeat three-term incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.
A number of important races remain uncalled, both at the state and federal levels. SEMA continues to monitor these races, where state legislative bodies hold important sway over a number of issues important to automotive enthusiasts.
It's Day 3 of the 2024 SEMA Show and the action is rolling on from the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).
Once the Show floor opens at 9:00 a.m. PST, so too will "SEMA Live," a new-for-2024 virtual livestream giving enthusiasts all around the world the opportunity to witness trends on the SEMA Show floor. Watch the livestream on YouTube above (or here), or on the SEMA Facebook here.
For the first time ever, the SEMA Show is being streamed live online to give industry fans and enthusiasts an inside look at the aftermarket's exclusive trade-only event. Now through the end of the Show on Friday, November 8, viewers worldwide can tune in to SEMA Live on SEMA Show's YouTube and Facebook channels to experience the best of the SEMA Show as it takes over the LVCC grounds.
The action from the SEMA Live studio will be hosted by Chris Jacobs, joined by remote reporters Alliyah Becerra and JC Fernando, who will take viewers behind the scenes of the Show's top features directly from the LVCC grounds. Viewers can look forward to exciting vehicle reveals, exhibitor highlights, celebrity appearances, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. Additionally, Adrienne "AJ" Janic will report from the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage, offering a glimpse into the competition that celebrates the best car builders from the automotive aftermarket.
Scheduled highlights:
Booth Highlights: See innovative exhibits from every hall on the SEMA Show campus.
Celebrity Interviews: Hear from automotive legends and personalities like Antron Brown, Chip Foose, TJ Hunt, Jay Leno and Richard Petty, to name a few.
Industry Leaders: Gain insight from Cam Douglas (OPTIMA Batteries), Rick Love (Vintage Air), Kim Mathers (Ford), and many more.
SEMA Battle of the Builders: Follow along to see the 40 finalists, their iconic builds, Top 12 judging, and see who wins the 11th annual Battle of the Builders competition.
Thrilling Activations: Get a glimpse into activations from Nitro Circus, OPTIMA Unleashed and Shell Performance Unbound.
Vehicle Reveals: Witness the debut of builds from Chip Foose, CTEK, Hemmings, Throtl, Ringbrothers and more.
Watch the live stream through Friday, November 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST on the SEMA Show YouTubeandFacebookpages.
To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.
The 2024 SEMA Show, which continues today through Friday, November 8, had a stellar opening day yesterday with more than 2,400 brands and an estimated 150,000 attendees on the expansive Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) floor and surrounding outdoor areas, which are teeming with the latest vehicles, and automotive innovations and technology. Included among the countless product and vehicle unveilings on SEMA Show Day 1 was the launching of SEMA Live, a new-for-2024 program giving industry fans and enthusiasts an inside look at the aftermarket's exclusive trade-only event.
The action from the SEMA Live studio this week is headed by television host Chris Jacobs, who interviews some of the biggest icons in the industry. Jacobs is joined by Show-floor reporters Alliyah Becerra and JC Fernando, offering behind-the-scenes access to the Show's top booths and activations. Additionally, Adrienne "AJ" Janic is reporting from the SEMA Battle of the Builders stage (located in the Silver Lot Booth #81218 outside of Central Hall), sharing a glimpse into the competition that celebrates the best car builders from the automotive aftermarket. (Watch the full SEMA Live Day 1 recap video on YouTube here and below, and catch the SEMA Live Day 2 on YouTube here and on the SEMA Facebook here.)
During the first-ever SEMA Live stream on Tuesday, we learned that Jay Leno is eyeing the new Mustang GTD for one of his latest projects, calling the new vehicle a "truly American thing. It's an American automaker taking on Porsche... I think now is truly the golden age in automotive," he said during the SEMA Live stream on Tuesday morning, referencing the '25 Ford Mustang GTD street-legal sports car that's designed to compete with the performance vehicle Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Leno returns to the SEMA Show in celebration of a milestone: his 20th year at the industry staple event. It all began in 1994 when he unveiled his Buick Roadmaster, marking the start of a long relationship with SEMA. Renowned worldwide for his extensive collection, which includes more than 250 vehicles and 250 motorcycles from rare classics to high-performance builds, Leno has channeled his passion into his award-winning "Jay Leno's Garage" show on YouTube (new episodes every Monday morning), plus a successful line of premium car care products under the same name, Jay Leno's Garage.
The 2024 SEMA Show began on Tuesday morning with its classic opening event, the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast. This year featured Jarod DeAnda, Jay Leno and YouTube personality Tavarish.
Leno was also part of the Show's opening event, joining the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast program on Tuesday morning to interview automotive influencer and YouTube personality Freddy Hernandez—AKA Tavarish alongside host Jarod DeAnda.
Another iconic car-loving comedian was in attendance on SEMA Show Day 1: Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias. Like Leno, Iglesias is also known for his passion for cars and the automotive hobby. He joined Leno on the SEMA Central Stage in the Grand Lobby, discussing their shared passion for automotive--while sharing some laughs with viewers.
This '70 Charger is powered by an ultra-rare 1500 HP DSR motor, one of only two in existence. You can see it at the Hemmings Booth #22493, and also purchase it on the Hemmings.com platform following the SEMA Show.
Also today, Hemmings, the world's largest collector car marketplace, has unveiled its latest one-of-a-kind listing, a '70 Dodge Charger dubbed "Sangria." This stunning build, crafted by the renowned California-based custom shop Blazin' Rodz, showcases a unique fusion of high-performance hot rod engineering and exotic design. The Sangria is powered by an ultra-rare 1500 HP DSR motor—one of only two in existence—paired with a Pure Stage 2 transmission and a Roadster Shop 9" third-member rear end. Sangria is equipped with a Driveline Pro carbon fiber drive shaft, delivering exhilarating speed and responsiveness. A cutting-edge carbon-ceramic Brembo braking system complements the high-octane performance.
"Our unveiling of Sangria at SEMA highlights Hemmings' commitment to connecting car collectors with all types of vehicles, including exceptional custom builds," said Jonathan Shaw, president of Hemmings.
Like what you see? After its SEMA Show floor debut, the vehicle will be listed for sale on Hemmings.com's "Make Offer" platform at $895,000. Interested buyers can view more details at hemmings.com/listing/1970-dodge-charger-288475.
"We are thrilled to have a beautiful custom collector car like Sangria available on Make Offer," said Shaw. "The platform delivers secure, efficient solutions that enhance the collector car experience."
Attendees can see this SEMA-exclusive custom vehicle in the Hemmings Booth #22493 now through the end of Showtime, Friday, November 8.
MagnaFlow was among the many exhibitors utilizing the SEMA Show floor for a vehicle unveiling, this one being a clean '71 Plymouth Barracuda, which attendees can see in the MagnaFlow Booth #23243.
The 2024 SEMA Show continues in the Las Vegas Convention Center through Friday, November 8. Find dozens of events and sessions that work best for your SEMA Show Week on the SEMA Show planner and SEMA Show app. For more information, visit semashow.com.
The crowd was pumped with excitement. The sounds of roaring engines from the Optima team echoed all around, and live music filled the area. This was the very first Industry Night at SEMA… and it was EPIC. Held on Tuesday evening, the event brought all of the aftermarket's communities together in one uplifting place, affording exhibitors and attendees yet another opportunity to forge new relationships and establish new connections that will continue to drive the industry forward for years to come.
Reignwolf got the party started as the opening performer at the 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA featuring The Goo Goo Dolls.
"This event is a fun and beneficial way to kick off the SEMA Show… With the music and networking, you can't go wrong," said buyer Tim Linzbach of performance specialty retailer Eastside HotRods in Sammamish, Washington.
The lively performances began with Reignwolf, a musician who's traveled the globe to grace stages including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Glastonbury and now, the Industry Night @ SEMA stage.
O.A.R. helped keep the energy going during the first-ever Industry Night @ SEMA featuring The Goo Goo Dolls.
Next up was O.A.R, who's been described as music's biggest yet best-kept secret. The band of six showed the industry crowd how they've built one of the most committed fanbases in the country with some of their platinum-certified content.
The Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage to the thrill of industry members and enthusiasts at the Industry Night @ SEMA event on Tuesday, November 5. The concerts will continue on Friday, November 8, with SEMA Fest.
Of course, the night was highlighted by The Goo Goo Dolls, who commanded a crowd-bumping performance with hits including "Iris," which clutched number one on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and was named "Number One Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years."
The evening was punctuated by tire-smoking demonstrations from OPTIMA, providing an industry-appropriate background for an after-hours opportunity to connect.
"Industry Night @ SEMA is great! The good energy and positive atmosphere really bring the aftermarket together," said international buyer Travis Osborne of Mobile Tyre Shop tire dealer in Keysborough, Australia.
Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring the Goo Goo Dolls was a celebration of the industry and a chance to enjoy the passion of the aftermarket community, and now, the industry has officially launched itself into the remainder of SEMA Week, taking place today through Friday, November 8.
The celebration will continue after the close of the SEMA Show on Friday, November 8, during the second annual SEMA Fest, which will be at the same location as Tuesday night's event.
Didn't get your fill of epic live music performances on the SEMA Show campus on Tuesday? Miss the event? Gather with the industry on Friday, November 8, for the return of SEMA Fest--located conveniently on the same Industry Night @ SEMA stage--featuring Cage The Elephant, Sublime, Fitz And The Tantrums, and Petey, alongside thrilling Nitro Circus activations. SEMA Fest tickets are available at semafest.com.
Keep an eye on semanews.com and your inbox for upcoming SEMA News SEMA Week event coverage, including SEMA Fest this Friday, November 8. SEMA Fest tickets are still available here.
SEMA has announced the Top 40 builders in the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers. Battle of the Builders is the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition, celebrating its second decade of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.
The Top 40 celebratory announcement took place on Tuesday on the SEMA Show stage in the Silver Lot Booth #81218 outside of Central Hall. The action will continue today, on Wednesday, November 6, with the announcement of the Top 12 finalists at 3:00 pm PST at the same location.
2024 SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS TOP 40
HOT ROD/HOT ROD TRUCK
Noah Alexander: '68 Dodge Charger Central Hall, #C07
Chris Clark: '32 Ford Roadster, Central Hall, #23295
Tony Arme: '59 Chrysler 300E, Central Hall, #22357
Bobby Schumacher: '34 Ford Custom Pickup, Central Hall, #23195
Paul VanNus: '87 Buick Grand National, Central Hall, #23295
Tyler Nelson: '51 Henry J Sedan, Central #22577
Alan Johnson: '57 Pontiac Star Chief Safari Wagon, Central Hall, #22843
Bobby Schumacher: '71 Chevy Camaro, Central Hall, #23295
Clifford Mattis: '57 Chevy Bel Air, South Hall, #31043
Kevin Zwygart: '67 Chevy Nova, Central Hall, #22987
SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE
Bruce Yarnell: '65 Aston Martin DB5, West Hall, #58135
Brian C Dilley: '73 Ferrari Dino, Central Hall, #24495
Kenny Pfitzer: '56 Porsche, Speedster, West Hall, #50175
David Price: '05 McLaren SLR HDK, Central Hall, #23295
John Sarkisyan: '63 Mercedes Benz Pagoda, Toyo Treadpass, #24499
Hoover Chan: '72 Nissan 240Z, Central Hall, #24133
Shawn Bassett: '76 Toyota Celica, Toyo Treadpass, #24499
John Sarkisyan: '06 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, Toyo Treadpass, #24499
Hikaru Tagushi: '95 BMW E36 M3, Toyo Treadpass, #24499
Rey Rivera: '91 BMW 8 Series, Central Hall, #21507
YOUNG GUNS
Dominic Olson: '65 Ford Mustang Fastback, Silver Lot, #81218
Tyler Adams: '67 Chevy C10, Silver Lot, #81218
Bryce Adams: '60 GMC Carryall, Silver Lot, #81218
Austin Phipps: '64 GMC C25, Silver Lot, #81218
Steven Shepard: '68 Plymouth Valiant, Silver Lot, #81218
