By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show has many resources to support our exhibitors as they prepare for the 2023 event, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. But the comfort of having a phone number available "just in case" something happens can often make you feel as safe as snapping in your seatbelt. 

Below is some contact information you will want to program into your mobile phone as you get ready for the SEMA Show. 

SEMA Show Department, 909-396-0289 

• The Show Department team is prepared to address any question you might have regarding the 2023 SEMA Show or the ability to connect you with multiple SEMA Association departments from our Membership, Sales or Accounting Departments that can provide support and address your concerns. 

Freeman, 888-508-5054 

• The Freeman team is available to help SEMA Show exhibitors with all their service needs, including furniture, fixtures, electrical, water, and moving or accepting freight before the show. Ensure you know crucial deadline dates (https://www.semashow.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/deadlines.pdf) when submitting your Freeman services requests to receive great discounted rates. The Freeman team can answer your questions and provide the support you need! 

Compusystems (Registration), 866-229-3687 

• Registration is one of the first things you will need to do to have your team prepared and available to access the SEMA Show floor, so make sure to register your staff prior to the September 29th deadline dates in order to save on your registration fees. Additionally, the SEMA Show Registration Department will be a resource to assist with your registration questions; contact RegMgr@sema.org for more information.  

onPeak, Official Hotel and Housing Partner for the SEMA Show, 312-527-7300 

• For the guaranteed lowest hotel rates while in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show, make sure to reserve your hotel reservation through the SEMA Show housing block semashow.com/hotel. 

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 Juan Torres 

SEMA Show exhibitors continue to share their latest news as they prepare to showcase their products, feature vehicles, and services in person, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas.  

Don't miss any SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Below are some of the latest announcements: 

• AEM Performance Electronics Joins Fuel2electric With the Aim of Revolutionizing EV Conversions and Empowering Car And Truck Enthusiasts. 
• Battery Tender and Arkonik to Unveil Restored North American Specification (NAS) Defender 90 at SEMA 2023. 
• Trulers-Sponsored and Built “Bugjuiced” Picked for SEMA Electrified. 
• Newest, Coolest Truck Accessory to Turn Your Half Ton Into a Super Duty. 
• Beat the Heat With New Coolee by Cool Boss 3-In-1 Portable Air Cooler. 
• The Ultimate Solutions for Maximum Air Flow, GM 3.0l Duramax. 
• Duck Pro by Shurtape BR Code Scannable Solutions. 
• The IBEX From Küat Has Landed. Overlanded. 

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show News at semashow.com/news and in the biweekly SEMA News eNewsletter.

Editor's note: all SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge using this link.

By the SEMA D.C. office 

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently published a proposed rule expanding the agency's efforts to improve the Section 232 steel and aluminum exclusion process on tariffs. The metal tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum were initially imposed on various countries in 2018 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on national security grounds. This proposed rule will build on the five existing interim final rules (IFRs) that the agency has issued since 2018 and will remain in effect with any final rules that will be issued. SEMA is currently reviewing the proposed rulemaking and engaging with other trade groups and organizations. 

BIS has been the agency charged with administering the Section 232 exclusion process since the imposition of duties on aluminum and steel imports in 2018 following investigations into national security impacts of imports to the United States. In 2022, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the Section 232 tariffs imposed in 2018 by the Trump administration did not qualify under the claim of U.S. national security. 

The published proposed rule will make four changes that are intended to create a more transparent and fair exclusion process: 

1. Proposes a more efficient General Approved Exclusions (GAE) process by changing the criteria generally used for determining GAEs by focusing on the substance of objections submitted rather than whether any objection has been submitted or not. 
2. Introducing a 'General Denied Exclusions' (GDE) process to limit further exclusions on products that have consistently been found to be manufactured in the United States. Similar to General Approved Exclusions, GDEs would be identified on the volume and substance of Objections submitted to such products in the 232 Exclusions Process. 
3. Modifying the existing certification language and introducing new certification requirements for exclusion requests, including by making changes to the Exclusion Request Form so that requestors can demonstrate that they made reasonable efforts to source their product from the United States or from countries which the United States has arrived at a satisfactory alternative means to address U.S. national security concerns. 
4. Proposing similar certification language on the objection form to further ensure objectors can supply comparable quality and quantity steel or aluminum and make it 'immediately available' to requestors in line with the standards described in the previous Section 232 IFRs. 

SEMA has opposed the Section 232 tariffs since they have hurt U.S. companies and consumers by failing to address the global overproduction of metals. Last year, SEMA submitted comments to the International Trade Commission (ITC) after Congress directed the agency to investigate the impact of 232 and 301 tariffs on the U.S. economy. Both tariffs have negatively impacted SEMA-member businesses by creating uncertainty in the economic marketplace and forcing companies in the specialty automotive aftermarket equipment industry to either absorb the additional tariff cost or pass it along to the consumer. 

The agency has opened a 45-day comment period, which will end on October 12, 2023. You can submit comments online through regulations.gov.  

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By the SEMA D.C. office 

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently published a proposed rule expanding the agency's efforts to improve the Section 232 steel and aluminum exclusion process on tariffs. The metal tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum were initially imposed on various countries in 2018 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on national security grounds. This proposed rule will build on the five existing interim final rules (IFRs) that the agency has issued since 2018 and will remain in effect with any final rules that will be issued. SEMA is currently reviewing the proposed rulemaking and engaging with other trade groups and organizations. 

BIS has been the agency charged with administering the Section 232 exclusion process since the imposition of duties on aluminum and steel imports in 2018 following investigations into national security impacts of imports to the United States. In 2022, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the Section 232 tariffs imposed in 2018 by the Trump administration did not qualify under the claim of U.S. national security. 

The published proposed rule will make four changes that are intended to create a more transparent and fair exclusion process: 

1. Proposes a more efficient General Approved Exclusions (GAE) process by changing the criteria generally used for determining GAEs by focusing on the substance of objections submitted rather than whether any objection has been submitted or not. 
2. Introducing a 'General Denied Exclusions' (GDE) process to limit further exclusions on products that have consistently been found to be manufactured in the United States. Similar to General Approved Exclusions, GDEs would be identified on the volume and substance of Objections submitted to such products in the 232 Exclusions Process. 
3. Modifying the existing certification language and introducing new certification requirements for exclusion requests, including by making changes to the Exclusion Request Form so that requestors can demonstrate that they made reasonable efforts to source their product from the United States or from countries which the United States has arrived at a satisfactory alternative means to address U.S. national security concerns. 
4. Proposing similar certification language on the objection form to further ensure objectors can supply comparable quality and quantity steel or aluminum and make it 'immediately available' to requestors in line with the standards described in the previous Section 232 IFRs. 

SEMA has opposed the Section 232 tariffs since they have hurt U.S. companies and consumers by failing to address the global overproduction of metals. Last year, SEMA submitted comments to the International Trade Commission (ITC) after Congress directed the agency to investigate the impact of 232 and 301 tariffs on the U.S. economy. Both tariffs have negatively impacted SEMA-member businesses by creating uncertainty in the economic marketplace and forcing companies in the specialty automotive aftermarket equipment industry to either absorb the additional tariff cost or pass it along to the consumer. 

The agency has opened a 45-day comment period, which will end on October 12, 2023. You can submit comments online through regulations.gov.  

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org. 

By Douglas McColloch

The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other trade show on the planet. It's the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills by attending any one of the dozens of free education sessions--all of which are led by top industry professionals. Come Show time, we expect more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and 150,000 attendees to convene at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the week of October 31--November 3, making the SEMA Show the premier showcase for the specialty-equipment market and one of the best-attended industry trade shows in North America.

With an estimated attendance of 150,000 for 2023, the SEMA Show continues to be the premier annual showcase for the specialty-equipment market and one of the bestattended trade shows in North America.

While the SEMA Show floor is organized by category and booths to improve navigation, an ideal way to simplify the Show experience is with the 2023 SEMA Show app, which contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floor plans and daily event information--all accessible from mobile devices. The Show app also features a scanning function that allows attendees to capture product information from the New Products Showcase and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket, and it's available as a free download from your mobile device's native app store or by logging on to SEMAshow.com/app or just search SEMA Show in your app store. What follows is a brief overview of some of the 2023 Show's more notable features and events.

SEMA Awards Presentation Silver Drive

Outside the Central Hall Entrance

• Monday, October 30, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

The annual SEMA Awards, given to the top-trending vehicle models in six categories, will be presented Monday, October 30, the day before the SEMA Show officially opens. Dubbed the "Monday Reveal," the awards are presented to automakers for the SEMA Car of the Year, SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year, SEMA 4x4-SUV of the Year, SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year, SEMA Sport Compact of the Year and SEMA EV of the Year. SEMA Award winners are determined and voted on by SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers to recognize vehicles that manufacturers are investing in and developing products for. The program heightens awareness for aftermarket products and exemplifies the industry's partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers that develop products to improve vehicle performance, safety and convenience as well as appearance and comfort.

SEMA Central, Grand Lobby

• Monday, October 30-Thursday, November 2, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

• Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

SEMA Central, in the convention center's Grand Lobby, is the Show’s main hub and the location for custom vehicle builds and center-stage interviews with some of the industry’s leading figures.

SEMA Central is ground zero for Showgoers looking for immersive experiences and to connect with industry thought leaders. Visit this hub to see top-tier vehicle builds and center-stage interviews with iconic personalities. There's even a boutique shop to outfit you with the latest SEMA Gear.

SEMA Show Kick-Off Breakfast, Westgate Paradise Event Center

• Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 a.m.

Start your Show experience with the latest innovations from New Product Award winners as well as the presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year and the Channel Partner of the Year awards. Enjoy a full breakfast and network with a global community even before the Show officially opens.

The New Products Showcase, North Hall, Booth #10061

The SEMA Show's most popular exhibit, the New Products Showcase, is a must-see destination for buyers and media in search of the latest and most exciting products hitting the aftermarket. This year, the Showcase encompasses one continuous space of 30,000 sq. ft. located in North Hall and will display thousands of new and featured products, with scanning made possible through the SEMA Show mobile app. This aids buyers and media in connecting with product information and mapping their way to the exhibiting companies on the Show floor.

Art Walk, Central Hall

The SEMA Show's annual Art Walk provides Showgoers an opportunity to pick up some artwork for their office or shop and to meet some of their favorite automotive artists.

SEMA Showgoers can find a wide selection of authentic artwork crafted by popular industry artists on display at the SEMA Show Art Walk, which will be a showcase of Central Hall in booths #24857, 24957 and 25057. Some of the automotive industry's premier artists will be exhibiting their latest creations in the Art Walk, which celebrates the automotive lifestyle. Executed in a variety of media, their works comprise an extensive offering of pieces that will complement any home or office. Make a plan to go by, say hello and pick up some great examples of automotive art!

Feature Vehicle Displays, Various Locations

The SEMA Show is renowned for the innovative parts and accessories displayed on show vehicles representing every industry niche, from cars and trucks to powersports. Much more than rolling works of art, the vehicles offer an in-person look at real-life applications of the aftermarket's latest trends and most impressive products. Located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, inside and out, the displays connect with Showgoers as an extension to the exhibit booths of the product creators. The SEMA Show app features a scanning function that allows attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show.

SEMA Overland Experience, Diamond Lot Booth #71000

With many similarities and connections to off-roading, adventure travel, aka overlanding, has strong roots in Australia and South Africa, and in the United States, its popularity has exploded over the past decade. Buyers at the 2023 SEMA Show will be able to see products and vehicles specifically for overlanding in the SEMA Overland Experience area, which relocates outdoors to the Diamond Lot adjacent to West Hall. This special exhibit will include dozens of customized vehicles with fully popped-out tents, survival accessories and portable kitchen systems all displayed among exhibitors supporting the growing overlanding market.

SEMA Future Tech Studio, Central Hall, Booth #24401

As a trade association, SEMA looks down the road for emerging trends and new technology in performance and hot rodding, and it views vehicle electrification and alternative propulsion systems as a modern-day expression of those enthusiast pursuits. The new SEMA Future Tech Studio will explore the latest in EV and alternative fuel sources, offering the industry an opportunity to see where this growing segment might take us in the next five to 10 years and beyond. Experience for yourself the surprising technologies that are advancing and redefining the performance aftermarket. You'll encounter some incredible custom conversions along with exhibiting companies that are driving innovation in the market.

Press conferences featuring vehicle unveilings are among the most eagerly anticipated events at the SEMA Show. Here, Mike and Jim Ring take the wraps off their award-winning '48 Chevy truck at the Mothers Polishes booth at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Global Tire Expo, Powered by TIA

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) represents the tire and wheel segment of the SEMA Show. It's the place where the global tire industry gathers each year for educational tracks, press conferences and management seminars. Each year, TIA also hosts an annual cocktail reception, an industry awards ceremony, and a golf tournament to benefit TIA's Government Affairs program. For 2023, TIA's educational track focuses on the tire and TPMS issues that must be addressed in the shop and management issues related to the best practices in operation, marketing and risk management for companies that sell and service tires. TIA is located in lower South Hall at booth #40067. For a full listing of this year's TIA events, visit tireindustry.org.

SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development

Upper South Hall, Booth #36007

The SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development area will introduce an expanded showcase for 2023 with a focus on new product development and emissions technologies. The 6,600-sq.-ft. feature area will still provide attendees with a forum to learn from subject-matter experts, to exchange knowledge and ADAS best practices, and to gain hands-on experience with ADAS tools and equipment. The dedicated space will also host a variety of ADAS-related products for examination and review, and mock ADAS recalibration demonstrations throughout the week will guide Showgoers through the step-by-step process of integrating ADAS protocols into the workplace. The new exhibit's aim is to assist in member education, to improve industry awareness of ADAS systems and their impact on the aftermarket, and to provide marketing and networking opportunities between buyers and sellers.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Westgate Paradise Event Center

• Thursday, November 2, 6:00 p.m. (reception), 7:00 p.m. (dinner and celebration)

Join the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry and experience unique entertainment, industry trends, networking and an evening to remember. This once-a-year extravaganza provides the backdrop for several industry awards and a few surprises.

SEMA Battle of The Builders, North Hall, Booth #10967

Since its debut in 2014, SEMA's premier showcase of the builder's art has become one of the Show's biggest attractions. It returns for 2023 and runs all during Show Week before culminating at the competition final on Friday, November 3, in North Hall. Forty of the world's most creative builds will be judged by a panel of industry experts, with the Top 12 vehicles advancing to the finals in four distinct categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck, 4-Wheel Drive& Off-Road, Sport/Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic and Young Guns (builders under age 29). The winning vehicles will lead the procession at SEMA Cruise, which takes place immediately after the winners are announced.

SEMA Cruise Presented by CTEK, Silver Drive

Open to the public on the Show’s final day, SEMA Cruise Presented by CTEK gathers hundreds of Show vehicles in a four-wheeled caravan that attracts thousands of cheering spectators and social-media attention along the cruise route.

Vehicles from the 2023 SEMA Show begin parading out of the LVCC at Show close--4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3--to the delight of thousands of fans in grandstands along the route. More than 1,000 vehicles will take part in the SEMA Cruise Presented by CTEK. Spectators have a ringside seat to view the coolest cars, and the Cruise has become one of the Show's most anticipated events and generates millions of social-media impressions, exciting enthusiasts across the world.

LVCC Loop West Hall, Central Hall, Lower South Hall

Walking the SEMA Show floor can eat into valuable time, so Showgoers looking to maximize their efficiency during Show Week can take advantage of the new LVCC Loop. A 1.5-mi. subway tunnel that connects West, Central and South Halls at three dedicated stations, the Boring Company-built Loop can save time by transporting attendees from one end of the LVCC to another in roughly four minutes, and the system can transport more than 4,000 passengers per hour. For 2023, the LVCC Loop has officially opened a fourth station, the Resorts World Passenger Station, providing direct access to and from the LVCC. Riders can now access the Resorts World station from any of the LVCC stations (South, Central, West and Riviera Stations). There is currently no charge to travel between stations at the LVCC or from the LVCC to the Resorts World Station. Visit https://lvloop.com/tickets to purchase tickets for rides departing from Resorts World. Hours of operation will vary. While all of the information contained in this article was accurate at the time this issue went to press, be sure to visit SEMAshow.com or the SEMA Show app (SEMAshow.com/app) for the latest updates and schedules.

SEMA Show 2023 Education Tracks

As part of SEMA's initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that focuses on leadership and skill development, networking, exploration of emerging trends, and industry best practices. Attendees will be able to use this year's program to jump-start and create a comprehensive year-long educational program. Among the highlights of the 2023 SEMA Show Program are 99 sessions by subject-matter experts, beginning Monday, October 30, to provide wider access to education. Additionally, six highly focused SEMA Education tracks are on tap. They are: 

Inside the Shop: Designed for aspiring builders, service technicians and shop owners, this track's presenters include leading builders in the hot-rod, restoration, truck, off-road and restyling markets sharing expertise and experiences from their respective industries. Participants will come away with fresh understanding and practical skills to prepare their shop for new-technology vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs). 

Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends: This series will dive into automotive aftermarket trends set to impact businesses in 2023 and beyond. Participants will glean new insights into the aftermarket industry and economy--strengthening their brand and better strategizing their business' future. 

Small-Business Strategy: Seminars and featured events in this track examine proven business strategies and best practices to help every company prosper. Topics tackle some of business's hottest issues, including DEI-associated challenges and opportunities, inspiring a team in the office or remote, increasing revenue, understanding private equity and much more. 

Sales and Marketing: The world of social media and digital marketing is fast-paced and ever-changing. This series will help participants understand and make sense of marketing opportunities within top social-media platforms, changes in the different platforms, the latest digital marketing trends, and how to grow with them. 

Vehicle Technology and Electric Vehicles: With the EV market and vehicle technologies on the rise, this highly informative track is for entrepreneurs seeking insight into these emerging spaces and the challenges and opportunities they present. Leading experts will address advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric and autonomous vehicles, business strategies and more. 

Legal and Regulatory: From local to state and federal levels, the auto aftermarket is faced with greater legislative and regulatory challenges than ever before. In this track, experts will present the latest developments in emissions compliance and certification, patents and trademarks, and how to meet current requirements while advocating for change.

Other notable education tracks include: Women in Automotive Symposium, including a Micro Learning Lab Experience consisting of four professional-development workshops, keynotes, power networking luncheon and a C-Suite Insights panel. Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a six-part series by executive coaches from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Program that are designed to enhance leadership skills. Access to most education programs are included as a benefit to registration. For more information about this year's Education Program, visit SEMAshow.com/education.

SEMA Legacy EV Technician Certification Program 

For industry technicians looking to expand their customer-service base to include owners of EVs, battery EV conversion company Legacy EV is hosting a day-long EV certification program at the 2023 SEMA Show. The program, featuring both lectures and lab work, will provide a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive techs to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains. The one-day course will focus on the fundamental functions of EV powertrains and will explore key high-voltage safety practices. Those who complete this course will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV. During training, attendees will get to work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches. Subjects to be covered include EV tooling and specifications, EV safety, zero voltage verification, block diagrams, verifying functionality, and vehicle data and design. This EV 101 Certification is a gateway to full EV certification; it's an entry-level course that represents approximately 10% of the required course competencies to become fully EV-certified. Total cost of the program is $600, which can be applied towards a full Legacy EV Certified Technician course. The program is scheduled for Monday, October 30, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in North Hall. For more information, visit SEMAshow.com/education.

SEMA Show Continuing Education: Collision Repair & Refinish 

The SEMA Show offers a variety of education tracks throughout the week, and two that are especially relevant in an era of ADAS and electrification are the education tracks presented by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). I-CAR Collision Repair Training: The I-CAR training series includes a MIG welding classroom and hands-on demonstrations for collision repairers and builders/rebuilders. Classes cover electronic system calibration, repair process coordination and managing quality control. SCRS: Repairer Driven Education (RDE): The RDE series provides SEMA Show attendees access to world-class education addressing core issues faced in today's collision repair businesses. Led by renowned industry experts, the program is designed to re-energize a business with implementable solutions to real challenges. The series includes classroom sessions Monday, October 30, through Wednesday, November 1; the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit on Thursday, November 2; and the popular IDEAS Collide Showcase on Friday, November 3. The Repair Driven Education series provides Show attendees access to world-class education. For a full listing of these and other educational tracks occurring during Show week, visit SEMAshow.com/education.

Register for the 2023 SEMA Show Before Price Increase

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date. 

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year's event. 

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register! 

By SEMA Editors

BMW released the third generation of the X1 in June last year and its next-generation X2, codenamed U10, is expected to follow suit with production of the '24 model slated for November 2023. SEMA News partner sources have captured images of the M35i variant leaving the company's testing facility near Nürburgring, Germany, and shots show the next-generation X2 will follow a completely different formula with a less hatchlike and smaller body, similar to the sportier BMW X4.

As has been the case with the outgoing vehicle, the newcomer will share its front-wheel-drive-based architecture with a host of compact BMW models.

Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which builds separate EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) models with dedicated platforms, BMW prefers a common architecture with many shared design traits. As such, the '24 X2 and the iX2 will both ride on the FAAR scalable platform.

It's expected that the new X2 will borrow the full engine list of the '23 X1, which means ICE versions will again be topped by the X2 M35i, whose 2.0L turbo-four should deliver 300 hp or more. This will fall in the xDrive (AWD) part of the range.

For the electrification, the iX1 will spawn an iX2, with BMW presumingly maintaining the two power levels, namely the single-motor eDrive20 (FWD) and the dual-motor xDrive30 (AWD). The iX2 should become BMW's first all-electric crossover coupe.

 

By SEMA Editors

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Extreme E have signed an agreement setting out a framework to create the first-ever hydrogen off-road racing world championship named Extreme H.

The series will become classified as an FIA championship beginning in 2025 and an FIA world championship in 2026, based on unspecified details of the agreement.

Extreme H will join the company of just seven other official FIA World Championships, which include the FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Rally Championship, FIA World Rallycross Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, FIA Karting World Championship, FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. 

In addition, the pathway outlines that Extreme E, currently classified as an FIA international series, would be recognized as an FIA championship in 2024. Extreme E is the international off-road racing series that uses spec silhouette electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world, and has been pivotal in the launch of Extreme H.

In related news, the Extreme H prototype is expected to launch later this year, ahead of the first season in 2025.

For more information, visit Extreme-E.com.

King Engine Bearings Adds Stacey Stone as Technical Sales Specialist

King Engine Bearings, the global manufacturer of high-quality engine bearings, has announced the addition of Stacey Stone as a technical sales specialist. 

He will handle sales support, customer training and business development.

With more than two decades of involvement in the automotive aftermarket, including nearly 20 years of experience in piston technical sales, Stone brings experience in the powertrain industry with a focus on engine parts.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stacey Stone as a key member of our sales team," said Limor Karpatkin, vice president of sales at King Engine Bearings. "Stacey's extensive background in internal engine parts aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions to our customers."

Stone will provide support to customers, deliver training programs and foster strategic business partnerships.

For more information, visit kingbearings.com.

---

For additional racing news, visit performanceracing.com/industry-news.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Livernois Motorsports and Engineering

Sales Associate in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Livernois Motorsports and Engineering is seeking a sales associate with top-notch customer service skills to be professional and courteous when handling customers over the phone, in person and on social media, among additional duties.

LIQUI MOLY, USA

Regional Sales Manager in Jacksonville, Florida

Regional Sales Manager in Southwest Houston, Texas

LIQUI MOLY USA's new sales managers will be responsible for developing sales strategies and increasing the company's overall sales, building new and maintaining existing business relationships and related duties.

AFCO Performance Group

Racing Shock Absorber Designer in Boonville, Indiana

Among additional duties, AFCO Performance Group's new racing shock absorber designer will develop cutting-edge shock absorbers for various motorsports applications and collaborate with a team of talented engineers and technicians.

For more information, including how to apply for jobs or to post job listings, visit the SEMA Career Center.

By SEMA Editors

There are eight weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

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

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

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 now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

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

• September 8: Celebrity Appearances Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 8: Booth Vehicle Display Application due (for vehicles displayed in the booth).
• September 15: Sponsorship Artwork/Materials due to Freeman.
• September 18: Lead retrieval rental (advanced rate)--CompuSystems.
• September 26: Freight-Freeman Warehouse--first day to accept advance freight.
• September 28: Freeman Discount Deadline--Various Freeman services, including audio-visual and computers; carpet and booth cleaning order; credit card authorization/method of payment; electrical; accessories (advanced rate); furnishings (advanced rate); first-time exhibitor booth package; labor for hanging signage/banner; labor for installation/dismantle; payment authorization form; rental exhibit order (advanced rate); third party payment authorization; utilities; internet/telephone.
• September 29: Exhibitor registration is due for domestic guests (to receive badges in the mail) at semashow.com/register.
• October 6: New Products Entry (advanced rate).
• October 6: Products for Product-Vehicle Builders.
• October 6: Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from Risk-strategies/Buttine).
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Application Form.
• October 6: EAC/Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Proof of Insurance Deadline.
• October 13: Shipping of Carpet to Advance Warehouse--CARPET/PAD only. 
• October 13: After-Hours Events.
• October 13: After-Hours Event--Proof of Security (Required if having an after-hours event). 
• October 13: Meeting/Function space reservation.
• October 16: Booth Catering Order Service--CENTERPLATE.
• October 18: Tents/Canopies--Full Circle Events.
• October 18: Freight--Last day freight will be accepted at the warehouse without penalty.
• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.