By SEMA News Editors

Top honors were awarded at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet by SEMA, the trade association representing the $51.8 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Winners of the prestigious awards are:

• SEMA Person of the Year: Ian Lehn, BOOSTane
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Jon Delgado, Repairify
• Content Creator of the Year: Vin Anatra, Hoonigan

Industry business owners, luminaries and media celebrated the thriving industry during the Banquet. The ultimate networking and social event was attended by industry leaders, rising stars and volunteers.

Ian Lehn (left) of BOOSTane Octane Engineering was named the 2023 SEMA Person of the Year.

The 2023 SEMA Person of the Year award went to Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane in Cincinnati, Ohio, in recognition for his volunteerism in the industry. Lehn has served in leadership positions for two different SEMA councils, works with the SEMA PAC and supports various charities. His company received the prestigious LaunchPad product of the year award in 2014.

Mike Burns (right), the 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year, presented the 2023 SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award to Jon Delgado, Repairify. 

The 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year award was presented to Jon Delgado, chief technology officer of Repairify. Delgado led the engineering of the patented asTech Rules Engine, which uses empirical data to present users with the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic scan option specific to a given vehicle. Delgado is also a key contributor and leader in ADAS calibration identifications with his adasThink solution. With the services he has delivered, shops can be confident that they are properly calibrating safety systems as required by OEM repair procedures.

The inaugural SEMA Content Creator of the Year Larry Chen (right) presented Vin Anatra, Hoonigan, with the 2023 SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award.

Vin Anatra is Hoonigan's vice president of business development and has more than 200,000 followers on his personal Instagram page. Beginning as an inexperienced kid from New York with a passion for cars, Anatra helped Hoonigan build one of the most notable and influential brands in the automotive apparel and media space..

In addition, Roy Brizio of Roy Brizio Street Rods was named the recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. 

(Left to right) Bruce Meyer, car collector and former motorcycle racer; Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award winner Roy Brizio, Roy Brizio Street Rods; and Terry L Karges Sr., Petersen Museum executive director.

The event also paid homage to the most recent SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, Steve Ames, Ames Performance Engineering; John Iannotte, Kunzman & Associates; and Mitch Williams, Rigid Industries. In addition, the evening included a moving tribute to the late Ken Block, with a talented speed artist creating a portrait of one of the industry's most influential legends created before the audience's eyes. 

"SEMA congratulates the recipients of this year's SEMA Industry Awards, which was once again the perfect place to unite the industry representing past, present and future leadership in a one-of-a-kind setting," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA announced the best new vehicles for personalization during last week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The prestigious SEMA Awards are presented annually to exhibiting OEMs to recognize automakers for supporting the aftermarket with vehicle platforms that encourage customization.

SEMA celebrated Ford, Toyota and Nissan during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last week.

One of the most highly anticipated trade shows in the country, the SEMA Show and its Monday Reveal and awards were highly attended.

The SEMA Awards are voted on by exhibiting manufacturers in six categories. Categories and this year's winners are:

• Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
• Full-Size Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
• Mid-Size Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma
• 4x4/SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco
• Sport Compact Car of the Year: Nissan Z
• Electric Vehicle of the Year: Ford Lightning

"SEMA Award-winning vehicles are setting worldwide trends in the automotive enthusiast industry," said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. "The Awards recognize the best new vehicles on the market that offer the greatest opportunities for customization. Attendees can see many of these unique award-winning vehicles during the 2023 SEMA Show."

The SEMA Awards were presented to automakers during the SEMA Show Monday Reveal, where media and exhibitors get a sneak peek at some of the vehicles debuting at the 2023 trade-only event. As the four-day Show opens, the business-to-business trade show features thousands of uniquely modified project vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the place to see latest trending products and hottest vehicles. As aftermarket manufacturers invest more in the Ford Mustang, Ford F-Series, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Bronco, Nissan Z and Ford Lightning, consumers can expect to find greater options for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Show and the vehicles and products that debuted at the 2023 event, visit semashow.com or download the official SEMA Show Mobile App.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced its Best New Products Award winners during the 2023 SEMA Show last week in Las Vegas. These awards are given to the most innovative and cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products that will be consumable in 2023.

The Team Plus Wheel Turtle Pro from Team Plus was honored as the Best New Product Awards winner in the Performance-Racing Product category at the 2023 SEMA Show.

SEMA's annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at the SEMA Show. Products are judged in 18 award categories and each category has one winner and two runners-up.

More than 1,300 products were entered into the 18 different Showcase categories to be considered for a SEMA New Product Awards this year. Winners were selected based on a variety of factors that included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability and more. 

The New Product Award Winners are:

The 2023 SEMA New Product Award winners and runners-up are as follows:

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Product

• Winner: Ultimate ADAS™, Hunter Engineering Company
• Runner Up: National CDS 360 OEM Laptop, National Calibration and Diagnostic Solutions, Pro Mobile Scan, ADAS Targeting Solutions
• Runner Up: AiDN, Diagnostic Network

Collision Repair & Refinish Product

• Winner: Goliath Test Weld Stand, Goliath Carts
• Runner Up: GUNI X Series, GUNIWHEEL LLC
• Runner Up: KECO GPR+ System, KECO Body Repair Products

Electric Vehicle Product

• Winner: '16-'21 Tesla Model S NOVA-Series LED Projector Headlights, AlphaRex
• Runner Up: Venom EV Conversion Kit, Scorpion EV
• Runner Up: Plug-N-Play Digital Sound Processor Solution for Tesla Model Vehicles, Metra Electronics

Engineered New Product

• Winner: Holley Easy Level Fuel Sender, Holley
• Runner Up: BoostGate50, Turbosmart USA
• Runner Up: ORANGETOP™ HYPERCORE LITHIUM™ Marine/RV Deep Cycle Batteries, OPTIMA Batteries

Exterior Accessory Product

• Winner: BAK Industries - X4ts Truck Bed Cover, RealTruck 
• Runner Up: '18-'20 Ford F-150 Sequential Turn Signal Animated Red LED Bar Tail Light, Spec-D Tuning
• Runner Up: RADIANCE+ POD RGBW, Rigid Industries

Interior Accessory Product

• Winner: '78-'88 RGB LED Monte Carlo/El Camino Gauge Cluster w/IQ Signal Installation Module, Intellitronix
• Runner Up: CURT Discovery™ NEXT Time-Delay Brake Controller, Lippert Curt Luverne Ranch Hand Aries UWS
• Runner Up: Fanttik DynamicClean™ V10 Apex Pivoting Car Vacuum Cordless, Fanttik

Merchandising Display

• Winner: NACHO POP Dealer Display, ARB 4x4 Accessories
• Runner Up: HitchMount LED Pod display, Diode Dynamics
• Runner Up: Green Filter Legendary Performance Now in Vibrant Colors, Green Filter

Mobile Electronics Product

• Winner: DroneMobile XC Dash Cam with Remote Start Alarm Integration, Firstech, LLC
• Runner Up: OPSIS by Stinger, AAMP Global
• Runner Up: AI Dash Cam 4K + 1080p, Horizon Brands

Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product

• Winner: '22-'23 Toyota Tundra 6-in. Stage 9 Suspension System Billet With Subframe Kit, Icon Vehicle Dynamics
• Runner Up: Advance Adapters Atlas Adapter for RAM, JEEP, Dodge 8HP Transmissions, Advance Adapters
• Runner Up: Universal Recovery Mount, SeaSucker

Packaging Design

• Winner: Formula DRIFT Premium Comfort Seat Cover, Horizon Brands
• Runner Up: Katana Plus HVLP Spray Gun, Anest Iwata Americas
• Runner Up: RetroSound® Europa Radio, Retro Manufacturing

Performance-Racing Product

• Winner: Team Plus Wheel Turtle Pro, Team Plus
• Runner Up: Dart Machinery Toyota 2JZ Engine Block, Race Winning Brands
• Runner Up: Carbon TRc Intake Manifold, Performance Design

Performance-Street Product

• Winner: Hyperformance Pistons, United Engine & Machine
• Runner Up: Universal Hydroelectric Power Steering System, EPAS Performance
• Runner Up: GM A/F/X Body Tall Hub Spindle, Ridetech

Powersports Product

• Winner: NACHO Quatro Combo, ARB 4x4 Accessories
• Runner Up: AMSOIL ATV/UTV Oil Change Kits, AMSOIL Inc.
• Runner Up: 19-plus Honda Talon UTV6 Front Brake Kit, Wilwood Disc Brakes

Street Rod/Custom Car Product

• Winner: 4, 6 and 8 Position Relay Panels, American Autowire
• Runner Up: RnR Modular Drop Knuckle, Pyramid Optimized Design
• Runner Up: Radiator/Water Pump Clamp on Compression AN Fitting (-16AN or -20AN), CVF Racing

Tire and Related Product

• Winner: Fanttik X9 Pro Portable Tire Inflator with Accessories All-in-One, Fanttik
• Runner Up: Cooper Cobra Instinct, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
• Runner Up: Baja Boss XS, Mickey Thompson Tires and Wheels

Tools and Equipment Product

• Winner: SoloSwap™ Big Block Chevy Mock Up Engine Swap Dummy Blocks, Speedway Motors Inc.
• Runner Up: TRAC TireJack/Roller Accessory Plate, TRAC/Tire Rotation Assistance Cart-Tire Jack
• Runner Up: WheelWise™ Wheel Fitment Tool, Tire Fit Size Measuring Mockup, 5-Lug Metric, Speedway Motors Inc.

Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product

• Winner: Aeroleaf for Chevy 1500, Universal Air Suspension
• Runner Up: Exhaust Manifold Kit Dodge/Ram 5.7L HEMI 1500 DS/2500 DJ/3500 D2 '09-'18 & Ram 1500 Classic DS '19-'22, BD Diesel
• Runner Up: Shellz '23 Ford Super Duty Trim Black-Out Kit, ECOOLOGICAL

Wheel and Related Product

• Winner: Defiant Wheels, DF06, 20x10, Dark Satin Charcoal, 4PLAY Wheels
• Runner Up: TR29, Voxx Products
• Runner Up: ICON ALLOYS, 17x8.5 ANZA, Icon Vehicle Dynamics

By SEMA News Editors

Dee Zee Inc. was named the 2023 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Summit Racing Equipment was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2023 SEMA Show last week in Las Vegas.

SEMA selected Dee Zee Inc. as the 2023 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year for its success in delivering high-quality products to its customers through innovation, teamwork and continuous improvements.

Announced at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, October 31, the awards are among the trade association's highest honors and recognize the recipient's outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over the past year. Each honoree was nominated by SEMA members and now joins the ranks of influential companies that embody the SEMA mission through their professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward.

Dee Zee Inc. was named Manufacturer of the Year for its success in delivering high-quality products to its customers through innovation, teamwork and continuous improvements. The company brings a diversified approach to the marketplace that involves both original equipment manufacturers, as well as aftermarket. A connector for various segments within the industry, Dee Zee Inc. is always seeking new ways to expand its product line while maintaining a high level of quality.

Dee Zee Inc. is currently working with the Britedrop program, which is owned by General Motors, to make structural aluminum components for its electric delivery vans. This program has created 150 job opportunities across three shifts.

SEMA honored Summit Racing Equipment as its Channel Partner of the Year for its strong commitment to customer service and ability to deliver products to the consumer on a timely basis.

Summit Racing Equipment was named Channel Partner of the Year for its strong commitment to customer service and ability to deliver products to the consumer on a timely basis from its well-stocked warehouse locations. A long-established and reputable destination for automotive enthusiasts, the company has put many manufacturers on the map with its consumer reach.

Summit Racing Equipment services a broad customer base, ranging from car enthusiasts and hobbyists to professional racers and mechanics.

Dee Zee Inc. and Summit Racing Equipment are among the more than 2,200 exhibiting companies that were at the 2023 SEMA Show, the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals 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.

More information can be found at semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has crowned Andy Leach's '60 Buick Invicta Custom in the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category as the winner of the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition. 

Re-live the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition; watch the recap above and catch the action during the TV special airing on The History Channel in January 2024.

It took Leach nine years to build the "X-60" custom '60 Buick Invicta out of his Cal Automotive Creations shop in Bennington, Nebraska, as he worked to maintain the car's original intentions, including details originally lost to budget constraints.

"I'm very honored to be the 2023 Battle of the Builders winner. It's a dream come true; I've been chasing this award for nearly a decade," said Leach. "The Buick was a labor of love, and I'm glad all our hard work and effort has been recognized, especially against all the stiff competition we faced. The Buick Invicta Custom 'X-60' embodies every inch of its potential and evokes emotions in the spirit of what this car stood for in 1960."

Inspired by the Jet Age B-52 (or Boeing B-52 Stratofortress), the X60 Invicta features sleek lines perfected after countless hours of thoughtful reengineering. Its refined lines and bodywork are highlighted to give the illusion of driving fast and forward. Wedged sections are present only in the front of the car, giving it the look of running downhill. Its brass trim is CAD designed and precision machined, and its one-piece, precision-machined rear bumper delivers a refined and polished flow.

In designing the interior of the car, the goal was to keep the look and feel of the '60 Buick, while elevating and polishing the visual experience. The interior is built around the iconic Invicta hardback bucket seats and center console, featuring custom logos and pockets. Custom-made pearlized leather and woven aircraft carpeting bring everything together for a seamless and aesthetically appealing ride.

The X60 Invicta stays true to its roots, outfitted with the same factory-correct 401 Nailhead engine block featured in the 1960 Buick. Featuring a crank-driven supercharger with custom-made bracketry for the blower, as well as power-steering, A/C and an alternator with a custom-made front drive, it delivers a powerful driveline and an unmatched driving experience.

The "X-60," a custom '60 Buick lnvicta and the winner of the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish, was meticulously crafted by Leach at CAL Automotive Creations.

Leach's winning build will be featured in the "SEMA: Battle of the Builders" TV special that will air in January 2024 on The History Channel. For more information, visit semabotb.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show welcomed more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) campus to network and discover the next-generation products that will drive business success, industry growth and the future of the aftermarket in the coming year.

The SEMA Show campus was overflowing with custom vehicles builds, interactive experiences and demonstrations, extensive networking opportunities and thousands of new products for buyers and exhibitors in search of the "next big thing" for their businesses. 

"The connections made and relationships built here this week will set the course for our industry," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "The Show gives our members the opportunity to build those important relationships with fellow industry professionals, both on the show floor and at dozens of other events and ensure future success."

The 2023 Show opened at a time of tremendous growth and optimism across the industry. A new "SEMA Economic Impact Report" recently found that the aftermarket industry contributes $337 billion to the American economy and creates 1.3 million jobs, employing more people than the U.S. aircraft industry and the entire motion picture and video production industry.

The industry is at the forefront of adopting policies and technologies that help reduce emissions from vehicles, fostering businesses that are on the forefront of change and innovation, while the Show serves as a critical annual platform to help small business grow, build partnerships and drive industry change.

These strong economic indicators are driving optimism among SEMA members. In the recently released "SEMA State of the Industry Report," two-thirds of industry companies report stable or growing sales over the last year, and 55% of manufacturers expect growth in the coming year. 

"The incredible support for this year's SEMA Show demonstrates that our industry is strong and thriving," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our members, many of whom are small businesses, are true drivers of growth and prosperity in the United States."

Attendees came to the SEMA Show from across the United States and around the world to make connections and discover the latest products that will power growth for their businesses. The New Products Showcase, relocated to North Hall, was a popular must-see for those seeking the latest and greatest innovations in styling and performance products from hundreds of start-ups and legendary exhibitors.

The SEMA Show is constantly evolving, a characteristic exemplified by the exhibitors. This year, more than 20% of the exhibitors were at SEMA for the first time, including Sandy Vans, a manufacturer of accessories and lifestyle products based in Chula Vista, California, that helps people get the most out of their vans and enjoy the outdoor adventurer lifestyle.

"SEMA isn't just a trade show; it's the pulse of the automotive industry, highlighting what's next," said Alan Mondus, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Vans. "We're truly excited and grateful to be joining SEMA for the first time and share our top-of-the-line van and exterior product line."

Another can't-miss exhibit was the SEMA FutureTech Studio, an expansive exhibit dedicated to renewable fuels, hybrid technology, sponsor vehicles, engaging discussions and education to keep members on the cutting edge.

Several automakers were also out in force at the LVCC, including Ford EV, Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota. Several debuted new vehicle concepts, custom builds and new parts and accessories designed for enthusiasts to personalize their rides. 

Other Show highlights included a robust education program, offering nearly 100 sessions on a wide variety of topics; the Shell "Performance Unbound" Experience, where attendees engaged with Shell scientists about the fuel maker's new and improved premium gasoline; Optima Village, an action-packed Show favorite featuring celebrity driver appearances, demonstrations, amazing project vehicles and plenty of tire smoke; the SEMA Overland Experience moved outdoors and showcased the latest trends in off-road adventure vehicles and accessories; and SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions, Product Development, an expanded interactive exhibition with live demos and knowledge to help SEMA members develop high-quality, robust, compliant products.

Battle of the Builders, a prestigious competition of the best builders in the industry, celebrated its 10th anniversary with judging taking place throughout the SEMA Show Week, narrowing the field from 40 finalists to one ultimate winner (Andy Leach's '60 Buick Invicta Custom in the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category), while connecting consumers through social media and a television show airing in January 2024. And as the SEMA Show drew to a close, SEMA Fest opened its doors and brought enthusiasts from the music and automotive worlds together for two days of music, motorsports and car culture featuring 22 diverse musical acts on two stages, demonstrations from Formula DRIFT, Hoonigan and Nitro Circus, E-gaming and more. 

To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com or download the official SEMA Show Mobile App.

By SEMA News Editors

Auto Sunroof and Leather, an automotive restyling shop in Chester, New York, is the winner of the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a program that raises awareness of vehicle accessorization for new-model vehicles. Auto Sunroof and Leather won the award for its accessory package for the '24 Subaru Crosstrek Premium.

Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather, accepted the 2023 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge award during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The competition takes place at the SEMA Show and challenges automotive restylers from throughout the country to develop an accessory package for a new-model vehicle. The winning vehicle is voted on by industry judges based on the packages' mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. The package must be completed with no more than 40 hours of labor and have a wholesale cost of no more than $12,500 to dealerships. The goal is to showcase how restylers and dealers can benefit from offering a marketable package rather than a "one-time" vehicle.

"We had a great variety of vehicles with different feels and accessories, and it really encompasses what the PRO Cup Challenge is supposed to be," said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. "It was difficult to choose the winner, but the Subaru, as far as being marketable, replicable, and profitable for their dealer, is the reason why the judges selected them."

The '24 Subaru Crosstrek Sport includes:

• 4Knines Rear Seat and Cargo Protection Package.
• Avery Dennison Hood Stripe with paw print design.
• Champion 321 Large Power Topslider sunroof.
• Katzkin Custom Leather Interior with paw print design.
• LP Adventure Lift Kit 1.5 in.
• LP Adventure wheel and tire package.
• Squatch custom emblem package.

"My team did a great job," said Chuck Graf, owner of Auto Sunroof and Leather. "I'm a dog person. I have lots of dogs and I know that people relate to it, so it's something that's definitely sellable. It should be something that's marketable to everybody. I hope that other restylers pick up on it and do the same thing."

VIP Distributing out of St. Louis, Missouri, is the winner of the PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award, a separate award that is voted on by SEMA Showgoers. VIP Distributing customized a '23 GMC Yukon XL Denali that showcases a No More Chrome Premium Blackout package, Llumar window tint, Llumar Air 80 windshield tint, ERA Paints paint brake calipers and Cardinal Paints powder coat exhaust tips. 

Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Apex Customs, ('24 Ford Mustang GT), RDM Builds ('23 Jeep Gladiator Willys), Restylers Aftermarket Specialist, Inc. ('23 GMC Sierra 1500) and Top Coverage LTD ('23 Ford F150).

Learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge at sema.org/pro-cup-challenge. For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit sema.org/PRO.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have less than a week to submit their nominations for the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards.

Nominations are due by Friday, November 10, and must recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports parts manufacturing segment of the aftermarket or to the MPMC.

The Hall of Fame nominee should demonstrate unparalleled leadership and deserve recognition for their impact on the motorsports sector. Criteria include being a current or past employee of an MPMC member company who has made significant contributions to the motorsports parts industry for more than 10 years. In December, Hall of Fame inductees will be announced and recognized at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis.

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year and maintains an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports market. To be considered for the award, the nominee must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online and must actively support the industry with positive content. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner will be announced and recognized during the MPMC Reception at the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference, which takes place January 30-February 1, at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

Don't miss your chance to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who drive positive change in motorsports. Nominate today!

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is one step closer to crowning the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish winner for this year's competition. The Top 4 builders, who represent an elite group of individuals with extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying vehicles, were celebrated on Thursday, November 2 during a special ceremony. Watch a behind-the-scenes video here:

Be sure to celebrate these builders during today's SEMA Battle of the Builders Winner Announcement, Friday, November 3, 3:30 p.m. PDT on Silver Drive.

The 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish Top 4 finalists are as follows:

4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road

Jared Hancock--'78 Jeep Cherokee Chief S

Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

Andy Leach--'60 Buick Invicta Custom

Young Guns

Charles Spencer--'69 Chevrolet C10

Sport Compact    

Jordan Henke--'87 Merkur XR4TI

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced that the recipient of the inaugural SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award is the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

Engineer Bill Cardoso of Scorpion EV with the '23 Cobra Venom, the inaugural SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award recipient.

"Venom" is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

(Left to right) Karen Salvaggio and Bill Cardoso of Scorpion EV with SEMA Show emcee Kevin Oeste during the first-ever SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award announcement.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of the market, the Team at Scorpion EV is very proud to be creating a product that can be used by the very core of our industry, which is the DIY builders, shop owners and guy or girl working in their garage at home," said Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. "This award is a recognition of the power of a team who believe in dreaming, designing and truly building the future! When you look around the Show and witness all of the incredible builds and envelope-pushing designs gracing these halls, just to be nominated for the Best Engineered Vehicle Award is a true honor."

The new-for-2023 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

Be sure to see the innovating '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV in person at the Scorpion EV Booth #24513, Central Hall, now through the end of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.