By Ashley Reyes

Even amid the economic uncertainty of the last year, 55% of automotive aftermarket manufacturers are reporting expected growth in the coming year, up from only 44% last Fall, according to the new "SEMA State of the Industry-Fall 2023 Report," which is now available for download at sema.org/market-research.

The report is the latest study in the "SEMA State of the Industry" biannual series that explores the current state of the automotive specialty equipment industry, including how businesses are doing, key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities along with an outlook for 2024 and beyond.

"Our latest 'SEMA State of the Industry' report shows that despite inflation and current economic turmoil, including the UAW strike, aftermarket sales continue to grow," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "While there has been softening sales for some firms, two-thirds of industry companies are reporting stable or growing sales over the last year."

Other key findings from the report include: 

• Even with inflation and other uncertainty in the market, one-third of manufacturers report double-digit growth over the last year.
• Inflation continues to impact the industry, with more than half of manufacturers indicating their prices have increased in the last year. Nearly 90% of companies say that increased supplier costs are the key driving factor.
• New-vehicle sales continue to rebound, projected more than 16 million in 2024, though an extended UAW strike could further restrict supply.
• The truck sector continues as the top market for the industry, with the majority of manufacturers and retailers viewing the off-road segment as a growth opportunity.

As the automotive specialty-equipment market continues to evolve, the report will provide aftermarket companies with the data and insights they need to navigate the industry's landscape and make more informed business decisions. SEMA Business Members can download the report for free at sema.org/market-research. 

In addition, attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are invited to attend the "State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions" education seminar, Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. PDT in the North Hall, Room N256. Led by SEMA Market Research Director Knapp, the seminar will help attendees gain an understanding of how the specialty-equipment market has fared in 2023 and where it is headed going into 2024. Register for the seminar at this link.

By Kenny Wright

What will auto fuel and power sources look like in the future? How soon will these changes happen? What are the challenges faced when developing and distributing alternative fuel? Learn the answers to these and many more topics at the SEMA Show's all-new Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel in the North Hall, Room N258, Thursday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT. Register here.

Engage with global industry leaders and subject-matter experts as they reveal details on the application, benefits and integration of alternative fuels, plus the practical and scalable solutions that can fast-track the decarbonization process through these technologies.

The moderator for this event will be Margaret Hoover, political commentator, strategist, and host of PBS' Firing Line with Margaret Hoover. Featured panelists will include:

• Michael Boe-BorgWarner: vice president and general manager global aftermarket, BorgWarner Emission, Thermal and Turbo Systems.
• Tuomo Isokivijxrvi: CEO at StepOne Tech Ltd. and co-founder of eFlexFuel.
• Zachary Santner: manager of product engineering and fuels for Sunoco Performance Products.
• Indresh Mathur, PhD: director of innovations and customer solutions for Monument Renewables.
• James Williamson: executive regional business manager for emissions systems at AVL.
• Elaina Farnsworth: speaker, author and agent for Change in Electrification and 21st Century Infrastructure and CEO of SkillFusion. 

This group of experts will discuss alternative fuels and their manufacturing processes; the application of alternative fuels in the automotive industry; emerging technologies and decarbonization targets; and the infrastructure and policies needed for mass adaptation. 

Learn about the challenges--and solutions!--behind developing, practicing and scaling a renewable alternative fuel. The first-ever Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel will be an enlightening and thought-provoking event, so register now and don't miss out on this opportunity to glimpse the future of automotive fuel technology.

The Future of Automotive Fuel Technology Event Info:

Thursday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. PDT

North Hall–N258

Register here.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SEMA-supported  legislation (AB 436) into law to allow automobile cruising activities to return statewide. Previously, local authorities were authorized to pass ordinances that regulated or prohibited cruising.  

Authored by Assembly Member David Alvarez (D-San Diego), this effort follows a resolution approved by the legislature last year to celebrate the history and culture of automobile cruising and encourage local officials and law enforcement to work with local car clubs to conduct safe cruising events. The new law will go into effect January 1, 2024. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards, which celebrate and acknowledge 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.

Nominations are due November 10. Don't miss your chance to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who drive positive change in motorsports. Nominate today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has announced the finalists for three of its prestigious Industry Awards that honor and celebrate the automotive aftermarket's most impactful leaders. Presented at the SEMA Show, the awards recognize a company or person for their outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The award finalists include:  

Channel Partner of the Year  

• Meyer Distributing 
• Motor State Distributing 
• Summit Racing Equipment 

Manufacturer of the Year 

• Dee Zee Inc. 
• QA1 
• Turbosmart 

Content Creator of the Year 

• Alex Taylor, Drag Racer, TV personality 
• Christopher Polvoorde, Off-Road Driver 
• David Freiburger, TV personality 
• Vaughn Gittin Jr., RTR Team Owner, Driver 
• Vin Anatra, Hoonigan 

The Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year Awards will be announced alongside the new-product award winners during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 a.m. PDT at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

SEMA Person of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced during the Industry Award Banquet on Thursday, November 2, at 6:00 p.m. PDT in the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The winner of the new Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will be announced earlier that same day in SEMA Central.  

Secure your tickets for the Kickoff Breakfast or Industry Award Banquet here.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is gearing up to showcase thousands of the newest automotive performance products from more than 2,200 exhibitors in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Before you hit the Show floor, plan to start your SEMA Show experience with the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, October 31, at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. PDT. Tickets are available here.

Network with a global automotive community before sitting down with a plated breakfast, entertainment and special presentations. This year's event will be hosted by emcee and longtime SEMA Show favorite Jarod DeAnda, who is known for his work with Formula Drift, Ford, Harley-Davidson, Hot Wheels, Snap-On, Nitrocross and more. 

As part of the Kickoff Breakfast, SEMA will welcome onstage Ant Anstead--the English TV presenter, motor specialist, car builder, designer and artist best known for for presenting many automotive TV shows for more than a decade--and Tanner Foust, the American professional racing driver, stunt driver and TV host. Foust is known for his diverse racing portfolio across rally, drift, ice racing, time attack, rallycross and hill climbing. He even secured the win in the Exhibition Class in the 2023 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo.

At the 2023 Kickoff Breakfast, the pair will recount how they built and engineered Foust's Pikes Peak-winning car in only 100 days--a process that mirrors what thousands of SEMA members go through to create new innovations and builds for market and the SEMA Show. 

Join the 2023 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast to hear first-hand accounts of how Ant Anstead and Tanner Foust built this Pikes Peak-winning car in only 100 days.

"We are so excited to share the passion, process and results that went into building the car that won Pikes Peak, one of the most dangerous races in the world. Under scrutiny, intense deadlines, the risk of failure and many twists and turns, we were able to innovate and overcome, much like SEMA members do to bring a new product to market," said Anstead to SEMA News.

The celebration will continue with the official announcement of the New Product Showcase Awards winners. A total of 18 winners from as many different categories (listed below) will be recognized, alongside a special presentation of the Manufacturer of the Year, the Channel Partner of the Year (finalists below) and an innovation and perseverance award.

New Product Showcase Awards winners will also be honored at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 2. (Banquet tickets are available online). New Product Showcase Awards runner-ups will be celebrated in the Media Center on Tuesday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT.

Be sure to secure a seat at the industry's homecoming event, the 2023 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast. Tickets are available here!

2023 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast

• Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
• Tuesday, October 31
• Doors open: 7:00 a.m. PDT
• Breakfast service begins: 7:15 a.m. PDT
• Program begins: 7:30 a.m. PDT

2023 SEMA Show Manufacturer of the Year Finalists

• Dee Zee Inc.
• QA1
• Turbosmart

2023 SEMA Show Channel Partner of the Year Finalists

• Meyer Distributing
• Motor State Distributing
• Summit Racing Equipment

2023 SEMA Show New Product Showcase Awards Categories

• Exterior Accessory Product 
• Interior Accessory Product 
• Engineered New Product* 
• Performance-Street Product** 
• Performance-Racing Product 
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product 
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product 
• Tools and Equipment Product 
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product 
• Packaging Design 
• Merchandising Display 
• Mobile Electronics Product 
• Powersports Product 
• Tire and Related Product 
• Wheel and Related Product 
• Collision Repair & Refinish 
• Electric Vehicle Product 
• Advanced Driver Assistance System Product (ADAS) 

*Engineered New Product: Products in this category demonstrate innovative engineering development and advanced state-of-the-art technology in their field. 

**Performance-Street Product: products in this category must make provisions for all required emissions controls. Other emissions-related products should be entered in the Performance-Racing category.

By SEMA News Editors

Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Turn 14 Distribution, one of the industry leaders in performance parts distribution, has announced the appointment of the president of Owned Brands as Robert Schuetz.

Schuetz is an established leader within the performance aftermarket and OE industries with prior experience at Warn Industries, Ohlins USA and KW Automotive North America, where he held executive leadership positions.

Schuetz will oversee the establishment, structure, development, and daily operations of Turn 14's owned brands team with its headquarters in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. He will lead the product development, R&D, brand management and marketing of the manufacturing brands the company has acquired through its Tucker Powersports purchase.

"I'm excited to be a part of the rebirth of the brands we've acquired from Tucker Powersports, and I look forward to earning the trust of our longstanding partners and internal team as we seek to maximize our potential in each respective marketplace," said Schuetz.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

RealTruck Acquires Mountain Top

RealTruck, the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and an online destination for truck, Jeep, Bronco and off-road enthusiasts, has acquired Mountain Top, the designer and manufacturer of truck bed accessories outside North America. Based in Denmark, Mountain Top supplies major OEMs and sells truck accessories throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. 

The acquisition accelerates RealTruck's international expansion and complements its recent acquisition of Mexico-based brand Go Rhino.

"We're delighted to bring Mountain Top into the RealTruck family to power our international expansion and growth," said RealTruck CEO Carl-Martin Lindahl. "We look forward to working with the Mountain Top team to build upon their global relationships and expand the reach of our products around the world."

For more information, visit realtruck.com.

By SEMA News Editors

See the latest news from exhibitors of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all. Registration is still available online for $120 through the event date. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!  

And, it's never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

Steer Smarts to Reveal 'Ice Cold' Jeep Wrangler 4xe Build

Steer Smarts, the provider of innovative steering solutions, has announced its collaboration with Jeep and Mopar for a one-of-a-kind Jeep Wrangler 4xe guaranteed to generate a buzz! This vehicle will embody all core elements near and dear to Jeep and Jeep enthusiasts while adding a unique and creative spin to the vehicle that hasn't been done before, the company stated. The final result will be an exciting and captivating build that draws people in, promoting positive interactions and a unique experience.

In teaming up with Steer Smarts, Jeep asked that they create a fun, exciting and memorable vehicle that helps highlight the 4xe's hybrid system. The goal is to utilize this vehicle to further illuminate the Wrangler's historic off-road prowess and showcase Jeep's commitment to creating the greenest SUV brand available.

"We are really excited to work with Jeep and the rest of the awesome brands on this build," said Jay Velthoven, general manager at Steer Smarts. "We genuinely hope that this vehicle inspires and excites everyone who has a chance to interact with it, and we look forward to taking it to a bunch of shows in 2024 and seeing enthusiasts enjoy this unique experience!" 

Steer Smarts and Jeep will unveil the completed build at the Steer Smarts Booth #57227 in the West Hall on Tuesday, October 31, at 9:45 a.m. PDT. Steer Smarts will also livestream the reveal on its Instagram (instagram.com/steersmarts). For the complete details, visit the Steer Smarts blog post.

ORACLE Lighting Shares Progress on LMTV SEMA Build

ORACLE Lighting has announced its light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV) build is garnering lots of attention. The goal of the project build was to create a highly reliable and equally capable global expedition vehicle that could get users comfortably off-grid for extended durations. ORACLE Lighting also wanted to make a functional meeting space for the many events they attend every year, which meant it also had to serve as a rolling showcase for its LED lighting technology and products.

For this project, ORACLE decided to use the Stewart & Stevenson M1979, the U.S. Army's replacement for its aging fleet of 2.5-ton trucks.

A stout 6.6L Caterpillar turbo powers it backed by a Allison seven-speed transmission. Giant 46-in. tires with a central tire inflation system allow it to roll over most off-road obstacles, and its smaller dimensions let it fit on most trails. It is even EMP-proof to survive an electromagnetic pulse attack or to settle in for an extended nuclear winter.

Get the complete details in the ORACLE Lighting blog post or visit the ORACLE Lighting Booth #20555 in the Central Hall.

Saddle Tramp Set to Launch New Audio System Kits and More

Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics will introduce new plug-and-play audio systems and speaker upgrade kits for select '14-'22 Harley-Davidson motorcycles along with universal chasing LED light strip kits in the Metra Electronics Booth #60031 in the West Hall. The audio systems will be sold exclusively to brick-and-mortar dealers for in-store sales only, so be sure to get a glimpse of these products on the SEMA Show floor. Meanwhile, the kits pair Infinity Kappa Perfect PowerSports amplifiers and speakers from HARMAN with Saddle Tramp DSP Processor system integration and installation equipment. 

For the complete details, visit the Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics release.

Visit the Metra Electronics Booth #10539 in the North Hall and Metra Electronics' off-roading and powersports products in Booth #60031 in the West Hall. 

Axxess to Simplify Product Line SKUs, Update Vehicle Fit Guide Ahead of 2023 SEMA Show

Axxess by Metra Electronics has announced that the brand has begun simplifying and restructuring its vehicle-specific interface product line, focusing on condensing the number of SKUs on the market. This process will ultimately benefit dealers and installers of Axxess products, making it easier to quickly locate the correct integration solution for the job at hand. This initiative will begin ahead of the SEMA Show, where the brand will display its new, revamped interface products in the Metra Electronics Booth #10539 in the North Hall.

Another significant part of this plan will be an overhaul of Axxess's Vehicle Fit Guide, which is the primary tool available to installers to search the brand's product line for the appropriate interface to fit their audio installation needs.

For the complete details, visit the Metra Electronics blog post.

By Kenny Wright

SEMA is proud to present "A Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport," a lively session slated for the Main Stage at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

Willy T. Ribbs and Beth Paretta.

Willy T. Ribbs is a legendary race car driver who defied barriers and made history in the world of motorsports. On Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show Main Stage, he will be joined by moderator Beth Paretta during a special fireside-style chat featuring an in-depth and personal look into the life of an American racecar champion, innovator and living legend, along with insights and stories that can only be told by Ribbs himself.

Join Ribbs as he recounts his incredible life story as a pioneer in racing, being the first Black driver to qualify for the legendary Indianapolis 500 and win a major professional race in the United States; driving a Formula One racecar; and in 2022, being named Formula One ambassador for diversity and inclusion. Through his courage and resilience, Ribbs shattered barriers and paved the way for generations of racecar drivers, forever changing the landscape of motorsports.

Today, Ribbs works tirelessly with organizations like Formula One, advocating for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. Recently, he was also the subject of a feature-length biographical documentary film, "UPPITY: The Willy T. Ribbs Story." 

Paretta is the CEO and team principal of Paretta Autosport, the first woman-owned, woman-driven and woman-forward team in IndyCar history. Prior to launching the team, Paretta held leadership roles across operations, marketing and finance at Volkswagen Group, Aston Martin and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Paretta is also a board member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the global Marketing Delegate for the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, and was named an Industry Influencer by the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2023.

The can't-miss "Fireside Chat with Legendary Race Car Driver and DEI Ambassador for Formula One, Willy T. Ribbs, and Beth Paretta of Paretta Autosport" is available to all SEMA Show attendees. Registration is encouraged and available here. Sign up today!

Event Info

A Fireside Chat

Thursday, November 2 • 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PDT

Location: N258

Click here to register and add to your My Show Planner calendar.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola has submitted comments outlining concerns about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed  corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years '27-'32. If finalized, NHTSA's proposal will force automakers to rapidly expand sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to avoid paying an estimated $14 billion in fines. The agency maintains that the proposal would align CAFE standards with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) proposed multi-pollutant standards, which SEMA strongly opposed earlier this year. SEMA opposes the Biden Administration's continued efforts to issue regulations that effectively mandate the production of EVs and limit consumer choice.  

Click here to read SEMA's official comment to NHTSA. 

Among other things, highlights of NHTSA's proposed fuel economy standards for model-years '27-'32 would require: 

• A 2% per year improvement in fuel efficiency for cars and a 4% per year improvement for light trucks. 
• Automakers to meet a 58 miles per gallon (mpg) average by 2032. 
• A 10% improvement per year for commercial pickup trucks and work vans for model-years '30-'35. 

"SEMA members want to continue to be part of the solution to making vehicles more efficient and reducing emissions," said Spagnola. "The best way to accomplish this goal is to let the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve."  

NHTSA is expected to finalize its CAFE rulemaking in early 2024. You can read more about SEMA's efforts to protect the interest of the specialty automotive aftermarket by visiting sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans.