By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers can gain recognition and showcase their talents in front of thousands of buyers at the 2023 SEMA Show by entering to compete in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge.

The PRO Cup Challenge is designed to encourage the customization of new-model vehicles and raise awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization to the general public. Through the competition, restylers develop an accessory package that is profitable and easy to replicate. To inspire mainstream consumers, dealers and restylers to customize their vehicles, the vehicle package must have a maximum MSRP price of $15,000, maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed, and a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to the dealer.

"The PRO Cup Challenge provides the ultimate platform for restylers to demonstrate their expertise and innovation in front of the industry," said SEMA PRO Director Denise Waddingham. "Many dealerships want to add appeal to their vehicle inventory but don't know the best accessories that meet the needs and desires of their customers. Competing in the PRO Cup Challenge helps restylers showcase how their talents can help dealerships increase their sales, and it highlights how vehicles can be transformed in a way that is both practical and affordable."

Six competitors will be selected to compete and have their vehicles transported to the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, where it will be featured in the PRO booth in the West Hall. Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.

Applications are due Friday, August 11. Don't miss your chance to solidify your reputation as a top-tier restyler in the automotive industry. Submit your PRO Cup Challenge application today.

By Juan Torres

Applications for SEMA Show exhibitors to be included in the official 2023 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are now available.

Exhibitors who have breaking news announcements that will be of interest to a large number of media can utilize press conferences during the 2023 SEMA Show. Because media are not required or obligated to attend press conferences, however, many exhibitors also opt to utilize other strategies and tools for reaching media at the SEMA Show.

Exhibitors that do want to be included in the official SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule are required to submit an application before the deadline of Friday, August 4. Please use this link to submit a press conference application.

After submitting an application, exhibitors should receive an automatic email confirming that the application was received. Those who do not receive the automatic email may have experienced a technical problem and are encouraged to email pr@sema.org for assistance.

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023". If enacted into law, H.R. 277 would require Congress to approve any regulation with an estimated annual economic impact of $100 million or more before it could take effect. 

The REINS Act would reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new "major rule" proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. The bill would also preserve Congress' authority to disapprove of a "nonmajor rule" through a joint resolution. 

The REINS Act defines a "major rule" as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: 

• An annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
• A major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government industries, government agencies or geographic regions.
• Significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. 

SEMA applauds the efforts of Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL), the lead sponsor of the REINS Act, and House Leadership for passing the bill. It is important that Congress can approve or strike down economically significant rulemakings from the Executive Branch before the rules can take effect.  

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

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the SEMA-supported "Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023". If enacted into law, H.R. 277 would require Congress to approve any regulation with an estimated annual economic impact of $100 million or more before it could take effect. 

The REINS Act would reassert Congress' legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. It would require every new "major rule" proposed by federal agencies to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. The bill would also preserve Congress' authority to disapprove of a "nonmajor rule" through a joint resolution. 

The REINS Act defines a "major rule" as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: 

• An annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
• A major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government industries, government agencies or geographic regions.
• Significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. 

SEMA applauds the efforts of Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL), the lead sponsor of the REINS Act, and House Leadership for passing the bill. It is important that Congress can approve or strike down economically significant rulemakings from the Executive Branch before the rules can take effect.  

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

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has designated a SEMA-sponsored bill (SB 301) to create a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEVs) as a "job creator." Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, the legislation will allow California to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers that want to convert their vehicles to cleaner engines.

SEMA is sponsoring the legislation, embracing the innovation of the auto industry as it works to make ZEV ownership more accessible following a similar bill introduced last year that passed in the Assembly with zero opposition. 

California has multiple programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new ZEVs. However, none of these programs assist with ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine (ICE). 

SEMA encourages its members and enthusiasts in California to contact their lawmakers in support of SB 301. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By the SEMA D.C. Office

The recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) California Rally united industry leaders and lawmakers in Sacramento to address pressing issues affecting the automotive aftermarket industry. Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, Senator Bob Archuleta and Senator Josh Newman took center stage as key speakers during the event.

Assemblywoman Marie Waldron

Assemblywoman Marie Waldron--whose '39 Ford Pickup was featured at the 2022 SEMA Show--delivered an engaging address during the Rally's dinner event. Representing the 75th Assembly District, Assemblywoman Waldron shared her comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Her insights emphasized the importance of cultivating a business-friendly environment, stimulating job creation and fostering sustainable growth for California's aftermarket industry.

Senator Bob Archuleta

At the Rally's luncheon, participants had the privilege of hearing from Sen. Archuleta, a distinguished lawmaker known for his dedication to the state. As an influential member of the California State Senate, Sen. Archuleta enlightened the audience with his perspectives on key legislative initiatives and policies affecting the industry.

Senator Josh Newman

Notably, Sen. Newman, SEMA's 2022 Stephen B. McDonald Lawmaker of the Year, also attended the Rally's dinner event. His presence exemplified the commitment of California's lawmakers to engage with the automotive industry and work collaboratively towards mutual goals.

The SEMA California Rally provided a platform for industry professionals, SEMA member companies and lawmakers to come together and discuss vital topics such as new vehicle technologies, manufacturing tax incentives and streamlining regulatory processes. The presence and contributions of Assemblywoman Waldron and Senators Archuleta and Newman added immense value to the event, offering a firsthand understanding of the legislative landscape and encouraging collaborative efforts to support the growth and success of the automotive aftermarket industry. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The most recent SEMA Launch Pad, the automotive aftermarket industry's ultimate product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013, will be re-aired nationwide on the FYI Network on Sunday, June 25 at 8:00 p.m. PDT.

If you missed the History Channel premiere in April, this is an excellent opportunity to watch the 2022 competition. Viewers will get a chance to see the action as the five finalists make their way to Las Vegas, where they pitch their products and ideas in front of a live crowd at the world-renowned SEMA Show to a panel of judges featuring industry experts and icons that included Chip Foose of Foose Design, Jared Hare of Addictive Desert Designs, Myles Kovacs of DUB and Alex Parker of Redline Detection.

With a grand prize valued at $92,000, including $75,000 in cash, the competitors give it their all and hold nothing back.

By Ashley Reyes

The specialty-equipment market showed positive results in 2022 with an overall market growth of 2% and reaching $51.8 billion in sales, according to the new "2023 SEMA Market Report." This continues a decade of growth for the industry, even among recent economic turmoil created by the pandemic.

While the growth percentage was slightly down from the industry's typical annual rate of 4% to 5%, the slowing was expected given current economic challenges. SEMA estimates that sales growth will remain fairly flat in 2023, before ramping back up towards the industry's historical growth trend in 2024.

"Even as economic uncertainty looms, particularly around inflation, consumers are passionate about customizing and continue to buy from our industry," said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. "This report provides new and relevant findings that businesses can use to better connect with their customers, find areas of opportunity and drive their business." 

Available for download at sema.org/research, the "2023 SEMA Market Report" provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market in 2022 and includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling and industry trends that can help companies make more informed business decisions.  

Key findings from the report include:  

• Pickup accessorization remains the biggest segment for the industry, topping $15 billion in sales. 
• The CUV accessory market continues to grow, reaching 14% of specialty-equipment sales in 2022. 
• Younger people continue to be the most likely to accessorize and perform more upgrades; 50% of those modifying their vehicles are under the age of 40.
• 50% of accessorizers own a powersports or recreational vehicle, opening up cross-selling opportunities.
• More than 80% of companies expect their sales to stay the same or grow in 2023. 

SEMA members can download the report for free at sema.org/research. Discover key findings in the report during the upcoming "SEMA Market Update" webinar on Wednesday, June 21. Register for the webinar here.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce a Measuring Session for the newly designed '23 Ford SuperDuty.

SEMA members will be allowed to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan and measure, and have a close-up experience with their builds.

This event will feature two '23 Ford SuperDuty Truck platforms:

F-250 SRW 4x4 Super Cab

• 6.8L DEVAT NA PRI V8 Engine
• FX4 Package
• Upfitter Switches
• BOXLINK option
• Cloth seats
• 4.2-in. productivity screen
• 8-ft. pickup box 

F-350 SRW 4x4 Crew Cab

• 6.7L Hi Output Diesel Power Stroke
• Tremor Off Road and Lariat Ultimate Package
• Pro Power Onboard-2Kw
• Roof clearance lights
• Leather seats
• 12-in. productivity screen 
• 6-ft. pickup box 

In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage/techtransfter.

Event Dates: June 27–29, 2023 

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan. The event will require scheduled appointments.

Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per member company. A follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Visit the link below for event registration details:

Click here to register.

By SEMA Editors

As part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the education program at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, will feature all-new sessions and tracks, like the new Digital Marketing Bootcamp, which will take place Monday afternoon on October 30, before the Show's official opening Tuesday morning to provide broader access to education on what is usually considered an exhibitor "setup day."

Digital Marketing Bootcamp attendees will learn how to stay ahead of the competition in the ever-changing digital landscape and gain invaluable knowledge with expert instruction by leaders from Kahn Media, Microsoft, Rhino Reviews, Strikepoint Media, (un)Common Logic and Walser Automotive Group.

"Never before has SEMA offered such a comprehensive digital marketing program that targets the needs of specialty-equipment individuals and businesses. Whether you're new to digital marketing or a seasoned professional, the SEMA Digital Marketing Bootcamp delivers the knowledge and ideas to take your marketing campaigns to the next level and help your company thrive in this dynamic and fast-changing industry," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. 

Those that attend and complete the Digital Marketing Bootcamp sessions can also earn a SEMA Certificate of Completion if they complete at least two additional digital marketing sessions. 

SEMA Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Date: Monday, October 30, 2023  

Program Schedule: 

1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. PDT: Kick-off Keynote: Digital Persuasion 2.0-Navigating the AI Revolution by Erin King of Strikepoint Media

1:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. PDT: Workshop Session #1: The Future of Digital by Jim McKinley of (un)Common Logic 

3:15 p.m.-3:45 p.m. PDT: Workshop Session #2: Unlock the Power of AI, Black Boxing and ChatGPT by Darrell Booker of Microsoft

4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PDT: Panel: The Impending Evolution of Digital Marketing and What You Need to Do to Thrive, moderated by Dan Kahn of Kahn Media featuring panelists: 

• King of Strikepoint Media
• McKinley of (un)Common Logic
• Booker of Microsoft
• Ashley Cavazos of DeMontrond Auto Group
• Chelsea Craig of Rhino Reviews

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of partner education tracks and the overall keynote speaker. 

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.