By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Kentucky legislature passed SEMA-supported legislation prohibiting the state from adopting California's motor-vehicle emissions standards, which bans the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. The bill now awaits approval or veto from Governor Andy Beshear. 

SEMA believes Kentuckians, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families.  

Click here to send a letter to Gov. Beshear in support of the bill.  

For more information, please contact Kiley Chapley at Kileyc@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

The 58th annual SEMA Show is scheduled for November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To ensure that exhibitors have an opportunity to choose the ideal booth space, Show organizers encourage prospective exhibiting companies to participate in the priority selection process by submitting an exhibitor space rental agreement (ESRA) by Friday, March 29. Exhibitors who do so will qualify for the early booth plotting process, which will occur from April 29 through May 15. 

While space applications are accepted at any time leading up to the event in November, submitting an ESRA and deposit by March 29 will give exhibitors the first opportunity to select their booth locations for the upcoming SEMA Show.

"Success for SEMA Show exhibitors starts with the priority selection process. By getting your applications in by the deadline, exhibitors can shift their focus to planning their Show experience and registering their staff," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Show trade show director. 

For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

By SEMA News Editors

Organizers have announced exclusive airline discounts for attendees, media members, influencers and exhibitors securing their travel plans for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. With these deals straight from SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save up to 10% on your airline costs for this year's event. 

Hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29.

Exhibitors, there is still time to get involved in the booth space priority selection process; submit your ESRA application by Friday, March 29. The SEMA Show team will begin the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15 (more exhibitor resources here).

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show.

Available 2024 SEMA Show airline discounts:

Alaska Airlines

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: October 27-November 8, 2024.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMK491 
• Phone Reservations: Contact Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. A $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations. 

Delta Air Lines 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the Delta Air Lines special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3PY. There is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the 800 number.

United Airlines 

• Discount: 2% to 10% off based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: November 2-11, 2024. 
• Online Reservations: Click on discount code ZPKE658685 or visit the special link here. 
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide them with the following information: 
  • Z Code: ZPKE.
  • Agreement Code: 91765. 

For more information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, SEMA Garage announces the debut of SEMA Garage TechTalks, and a new measuring session featuring the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.

RSVP NOW.

The new SEMA Garage TechTalk events will provide a forum where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and SEMA-member aftermarket manufacturers come together to discuss future accessory opportunities, integration, trends, technology, marketing and business opportunities.

This Mustang event will combine two different vehicle teams representing the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Ford Mustang Mach-E platforms. This combination will provide attendees with a great opportunity to learn and engage with subject-matter experts (SMEs) from battery electric to high-performance internal combustion powertrains. Each vehicle team will be accompanied by a group of vehicle representatives, including the chief program engineer, vehicle integration, marketing and branding, and engineering.

In addition, this event will feature an exclusive measuring session opportunity alongside of the vehicle SMEs, where attendees will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with both vehicles, which feature two different trim levels each.   

Event Details:

Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Location: SEMA Garage Detroit
14655 Jib St. Plymouth, MI 48170

Agenda: 

• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST: 

Moderated Panel Discussion.

Subject Presentation & Open Discussion.

• 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. EST:

Networking Lunch.

• 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EST:

 Vehicle Measuring Session Opportunity.

RSVP NOW.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is accepting product entries for its Hot Products Showcase, scheduled for April 17-19, 2024, at the Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The feature, which highlights new and innovative products from manufacturers in the restoration and hot-rod space, will be on display in a prime location between the stage and the grandstands. ARMO member companies that would like to enter the showcase have until April 5 to submit their products at this link.  

Open exclusively to ARMO member companies at no cost, the showcase gives manufacturers a unique opportunity to highlight their latest innovations in a dedicated, high-traffic area. With thousands of automotive consumers and enthusiasts on-site, it's the best place to maximize product exposure at one of the world's largest and most prominent collector car events. 

Manufacturers are only responsible for shipping their products in advance with a return label or dropping off and picking up their products on-site. ARMO sets up and takes down the products' display, providing the manufacturer with a seamless, minimal-effort experience.

All products are automatically entered for a chance to win a new product award, with the winners recognized via SEMA channels and honored at the ARMO Reception at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The awards provide added value to the showcase, expanding the member companies' brand and product reach.  

Learn more about the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, or enter your products by the April 5 deadline, at sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase.

By SEMA News Editors

Holley Rebrands to Holley Performance Brands

Holley Performance Products, the Bowling Green, Kentucky-based manufacturer of high-performance products, is rebranding to Holley Performance Brands.

The change aims to underscore the company's expansion beyond its previous classic muscle and truck focus, Holley representatives said, and will allow Holley Performance Brands to better serve a wider customer base with specialized products and services, enhancing its market adaptability and consumer engagement.

In the coming weeks and months, Holley Performance Brands will transition to its new branding and update visual touchpoints across its branded and marketing assets. 

For more information, visit holley.com.

Skip Barber Acquires SRX, Hires Don Hawk as Chief Strategy Officer

The Skip Barber Racing School, headquartered in Alton, Virginia, announced today that it has acquired Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a short-track racing series featuring current and former racing legends.

Since the inaugural season of SRX in 2021, the Skip Barber Racing School has served as the official logistics partner for the series, responsible for the care, maintenance and transport of all series vehicles throughout the season.

Additionally, Former Superstar Racing Experience CEO Don Hawk will join the Skip Barber Racing School as the organization's new chief strategy officer.

Hawk will lead the growth and development of the Skip Barber Racing School brand, which includes racing schools, safe-driving academies, formula car race series and a professional race team operating in SRO and IMSA.

More details regarding the 2024 season will be revealed at a later date, according to the announcement.

For more information, visit skipbarber.com.

Meyer Distributing Names 2023 Manufacturers, Factory Reps and Person of the Year

Meyer Distributing--the wholesale distributor with 99 locations across the United States and Canada--has announced its 2023 manufacturer, factory reps and person of the year. 

"As a 100% family-owned and operated business, we realize how important and impactful it is to recognize strong partners," said Cody Ziegler, vice president of sales for Meyer Distributing. "[Last year] was another rewarding year across many of our business segments, and we want to give a shout-out to those folks. Hard work, determination and perseverance are just a few qualities needed to achieve goals and expectations despite any obstacles we might encounter."

Meyer Distributing has awarded the following:

• Truck Accessory Manufacturer of the Year: Access Bed Covers
• Performance Manufacturer of the Year: Air Lift Performance
• Tire & Wheel Manufacturer of the Year: Method Race Wheels
• RV & Towing Manufacturer of the Year: Blue Ox
• 4x4 & Off-Road Accessory Manufacturer of the Year: Hi-Lift Jack
• 4x4 & Off-Road Suspension Brand of the Year: Bilstein
• Commercial & Fleet Brand of the Year: Weather Guard
• Industrial Supply Brand of the Year: Streamlight Inc.
• Vehicle Detail & Protection Brand of the Year: Chemical Guys
• 12V & Audio Brand of the Year: Massive Audio
• Outdoor & Recreation Person of the Year: Jake Montoya
• Performance & Truck Factory Rep of the Year: Tony West
• Tire & Wheel Factory Rep of the Year: Alan Kung
• Marine Brand of the Year: Bob's Machine

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Kansas legislature passed a SEMA-supported bill to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel by preventing a state agency, county or city from limiting access to internal combustion engines. The bill now awaits final approval or veto by Governor Laura Kelly. 

SEMA believes that Kansans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution last year, but this year’s bill will codify this into law.  

Use this link to send a letter to Governor Kelly supporting this pro-industry legislation. 

For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Kansas legislature passed a SEMA-supported bill to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel by preventing a state agency, county or city from limiting access to internal combustion engines. The bill now awaits final approval or veto by Governor Laura Kelly. 

SEMA believes that Kansans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution last year, but this year’s bill will codify this into law.  

Use this link to send a letter to Governor Kelly supporting this pro-industry legislation. 

For more information, contact Colby Martin at SAN@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report focused on how changes in vehicle technologies affect competition and consumer choice in the vehicle repair market. The "Vehicle Repair: Information on Evolving Vehicle Technologies and Consumer Choice" report was commissioned at the request of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce.

The GAO consulted and reviewed data provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), independent repair stakeholders, auto manufacturers, dealerships, consumer interest groups and other stakeholders such as cybersecurity experts. The report found that if independent repair shops face limitations in access to the data and tools needed for repair, consumers will have fewer repair choices, pay higher repair costs and face the inconvenience of longer wait times or having to travel further for repairs. 

SEMA is advocating for Congress to pass legislation to ensure that consumers and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry have the right to repair and modify motor vehicles. The SEMA-supported H.R. 906, the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act," is a bipartisan bill that would ensure that the aftermarket industry will continue to have access to the tools and repair information necessary to produce and install parts used to repair cars, trucks and SUV, including those with telematics. SEMA is advocating for the Energy and Commerce Committee to expand the bill to codify and protect our right to modify motor vehicles. Of note, we are seeking changes to the bill to: 

• Prevent vehicle manufacturers from employing any technological, legal or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom or modify a vehicle. 
• Ensure that motor vehicle owners and their designees can access cryptographic or technologically protected vehicle-generated data and safety-critical vehicle systems. 
• Amend how the bill defines "critical repair information and tools" to include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) recalibrations necessary to return a vehicle to operational specifications. 

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and has 50 bipartisan co-sponsors, including 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats. The U.S. House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce passed the REPAIR Act in November and the bill awaits consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report focused on how changes in vehicle technologies affect competition and consumer choice in the vehicle repair market. The "Vehicle Repair: Information on Evolving Vehicle Technologies and Consumer Choice" report was commissioned at the request of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce.

The GAO consulted and reviewed data provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), independent repair stakeholders, auto manufacturers, dealerships, consumer interest groups and other stakeholders such as cybersecurity experts. The report found that if independent repair shops face limitations in access to the data and tools needed for repair, consumers will have fewer repair choices, pay higher repair costs and face the inconvenience of longer wait times or having to travel further for repairs. 

SEMA is advocating for Congress to pass legislation to ensure that consumers and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry have the right to repair and modify motor vehicles. The SEMA-supported H.R. 906, the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act," is a bipartisan bill that would ensure that the aftermarket industry will continue to have access to the tools and repair information necessary to produce and install parts used to repair cars, trucks and SUV, including those with telematics. SEMA is advocating for the Energy and Commerce Committee to expand the bill to codify and protect our right to modify motor vehicles. Of note, we are seeking changes to the bill to: 

• Prevent vehicle manufacturers from employing any technological, legal or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom or modify a vehicle. 
• Ensure that motor vehicle owners and their designees can access cryptographic or technologically protected vehicle-generated data and safety-critical vehicle systems. 
• Amend how the bill defines "critical repair information and tools" to include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) recalibrations necessary to return a vehicle to operational specifications. 

The REPAIR Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) and has 50 bipartisan co-sponsors, including 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats. The U.S. House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce passed the REPAIR Act in November and the bill awaits consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support and expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify vehicles.  

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org or visit sema.org/advocacy/right-to-repair.