By SEMA News Editors
Avery Dennison has introduced new electrode fixing tapes for use in the assembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Electrode fixing tapes are a specialized adhesive tape used to bind multilayer electrode constructions consisting of current collector foils, anode and cathode material and separator films in EV battery cells.
Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.
By SEMA News Editors
Kia EV3 Caught Testing in Sweden
Kia has unveiled a new concept car, the EV3, signaling plans for a compact electric SUV that draws design inspiration from their latest electric three-row crossover, the EV9. While Kia hasn't confirmed a production version of the EV3, recent photos captured by SEMA News sources in northern Sweden suggest an official announcement is imminent.
Details on the EV3's powertrain and range remain undisclosed due to the lack of confirmed production plans. However, it's anticipated that the EV3 will share key components with Kia's existing lineup of electric vehicles. The vehicle is expected to utilize Kia's 800V electrical architecture, with potential options for single- and dual-motor configurations and varying battery sizes, according to insiders.
While the production version of the EV3 is likely to closely resemble the concept in exterior design, significant changes are anticipated for the interior. The concept showcases innovative elements such as air jets replacing traditional HVAC vents on the instrument panel and a rear bench seat that folds upwards allowing for storage of bikes or scooters. The concept's mycelium-based center console material may not translate to production, but the extensive use of fabric coverings in the cabin is expected to remain a key feature.
Audi S6 and RS6 E-Tron GT
Recent photos captured in Germany hint at more electric models from Audi Sport: the RS6 e-Tron and the S6 e-Tron, both based on the upcoming all-electric A6. These prototypes, resembling the standard A6, reveal distinguishing features, such as wider wheel arches for the S6 and even wider ones for the RS6, along with upgraded brake packages featuring red calipers for the S6 and vented discs for the RS6.
A concept of the A6 unveiled in 2021 showcased a 100kWh battery and dual-motor powertrain producing 469 hp. The RS6 is expected to match or exceed the 621 hp of today's gas-powered RS6 Avant, while the S6 will fit in between, insiders said.
Audi has also hinted at an RS6 Avant after indicating that the standard A6 will offer a wagon variant, as seen in the A6 Avant E-Tron concept last year.
The A6, along with its S and RS variants, is built on Volkswagen Group's new PPE modular EV platform for high-volume luxury models. This platform recently premiered in the Audi Q6 E-Tron crossover and is anticipated to underpin S and RS variants. The A6 and S6 are both expected later this year, with the RS version likely to follow within six months to a year, sources said.
By SEMA News Editors
Attendee registration for the 2024 SEMA Show--November 5-8, Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas--opens online next week on Monday, April 29. The future of automotive will come into focus during this year's SEMA Show, which will once again offer 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 education sessions--all of which are led by top industry professionals.
Organizers recommend attendees register and book their hotels as soon as possible to start planning the best SEMA Show experience for you and your business.
"SEMA Show organizers and exhibitors are already hard at work creating a valuable experience for attendees, buyers and automotive professionals alike," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "We recommend attendees register for the Show as soon as it opens; we see the most success from those that secure their credentials early. In addition to saving money, Showgoers who register early benefit from learning about special events, opportunities and discounts."
A SEMA Show badge comes with first-hand access to thousands of brands and industry professionals across the Las Vegas Convention Center, along with access to:
SEMA is dedicated to making the Show as cost-effective as possible for all. By registering early, attendees can take advantage of the best rates and receive all the necessary information for planning their SEMA Show experience.
Register for only $40 from registration's opening on April 29 through Friday, June 28. Pricing will increase to $60 after June 28 and to $120 after September 27. Early registrants will receive their badges before the event, ensuring no wait times at the event. International badges will be mailed to approved attendees who register by September 13, and domestic badges will be mailed to approved attendees who register by September 27.
SEMA Showgoers are also strongly encouraged to secure their housing online here through onPeak, SEMA's only official hotel provider. Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rate without needing to browse the web for hours.
And SEMA Show management has announced exclusive airline discounts for those securing their travel plans to the SEMA Show. View Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines discounts exclusive to SEMA Showgoers here.
The 2024 SEMA Show floorplan will launch on Wednesday, May 15, and Showgoers can see the extensive exhibit space, applications and Show features for this year's event. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest.
By SEMA News Editors
Registration is open for this year's SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, July 24-25, Las Vegas, West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The valuable two-day event is organized by SEMA Show management for exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Registration is available online for up to two company representatives who want to take advantage of this complimentary program, and SEMA will provide housing and several meals during the event.
While undoubtedly valuable for first-time exhibitors, the Summit is also geared toward returning and long-time exhibitors of the SEMA Show. If you think you "know it all" about the Show, you'd be surprised by how much relevant business-boosting information is distributed during the program. Just take it from the industry staple BendPak, which offers vehicle lift equipment.
"If you have not attended the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, I would highly recommend attending. Trust me, you will learn so much to help maximize your investment displayed at SEMA. One of the biggest wins was sitting down with the Freeman folks. BendPak is a vehicle lift manufacturer that offers very heavy equipment, and the one-on-one meeting covered ways to help reduce material handling and other related costs," said Pat Weber, director of sales and business development for BendPak, which exhibits in four booths and assists with project vehicles at the Show. "I also really liked the break-out sessions to help with the strategies to attract customers and professionals to your booth."
Indeed, the road to the SEMA Show begins with the Exhibitor Summit, the education-packed program featuring everything a company needs to deliver the best ROI from their SEMA Show experience.
This year's Summit, now in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall, will feature new-for-2024 information straight from the people responsible for the industry-topping automotive specialty-equipment trade show.
The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is the best way to learn how to:
Register for the 2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit here. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Note: You are officially registered once you receive a confirmation email from the SEMA Show staff.
2024 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit
(Complimentary for all 2024 exhibitors; hotel and several meals provided by SEMA.)
July 24-25, 2024
West Hall Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Register here.
Exhibitors: Submit your ESRA application online today (more exhibitor resources here). And, hotel reservations for the 2024 SEMA Show are open online here. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29.
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
SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.
The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.
Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2024 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.
Builders are encouraged to frequently check the 2024 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 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, contact Laura Pitts at projectvehicles@sema.org or call 949-373-9210.
By SEMA News Editors
The Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commerical Vehicles (EnergIIZE) has opened its Hydrogen funding lane, which provides incentives for zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure equipment for medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
The lane, funded by the California Energy Commission and administered by CALSTART, will be open until May 1.
Commercial fleet users interested in deploying hydrogen fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles may be eligible for up to $4 million per project.
Fleet users or station developers must meet specific criteria to apply for funding:
For more information on the funding lane, visit energiize.org.
By RTX Wheels
Launched in 2003 in Canada, RTX Wheels is an alloy wheel brand aimed at offering diversified, high-quality models at affordable prices. Thanks to its already well-established network and product offering, RTX Wheels is one of the fastest-growing wheel brands in North America. RTX Wheels' expansion into the U.S. market in 2017 meant the opportunity to showcase its products while serving new customers and new markets.
With new models introduced twice a year, RTX is proud to be one of North America's leading alloy wheel companies. RTX offers more than 150 models segmented into four distinct series that allow the company to provide wheels for all types of cars and trucks. In particular, RTX offers a wide variety of OE-inspired rims that are direct fit and aggressive fitment options for trucks. Additionally, RTX has several Flow Forged models for the ever-growing electric car market.
To better serve our growing retailers, RTX Wheels is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest warehouse facility, strategically located in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio! This expansion marks a significant milestone in its journey and will provide enhanced efficiency and convenience for our customers for years to come.
Situated in the heart of Columbus, its 25,000-sq.-ft. warehouse boasts cutting-edge technology and ample storage capacity to accommodate your evolving needs. Whether you require seamless inventory management, swift order processing or prompt distribution, RTX Wheels' dedicated team is committed to delivering top-notch solutions tailored to exceed your expectations.
Why Columbus, Ohio? With its central geographic location and robust infrastructure, Columbus serves as a pivotal hub for logistics and commerce. By establishing a presence in this dynamic city, RTX aims to streamline logistics operations and expedite delivery timelines, ensuring your products reach their destination as fast as possible.
Here is what to expect:
The addition of this Columbus, Ohio warehouse to RTX Wheels' existing Las Vegas facility gives the company better coverage of U.S. demand and shorter delivery times!
If you would like to join the RTX Wheels dealer network, which offers quality wheels backed by an industry-leading warranty, fill out the following form.
For more information, visit rtxwheels.com and follow RTX Wheels on social media:
By Ashley Reyes
The automotive aftermarket is in a state of constant evolution, driven by new vehicle trends, consumer-spending patterns and the integration of new vehicle technologies.
The new "2024 SEMA Future Trends Report," released by SEMA Market Research, explores the landscape and evolution of the classic car market, offering valuable insights into trends and future projections.
According to the report:
The "SEMA Future Trends Report" is the latest study from SEMA that recaps the issues and outcomes that affected the industry in 2023, and how these areas are likely to affect the market in 2024 and beyond. Additional chapters include new findings on the industry's overall outlook, vehicle trends in the United States, ADAS and autonomous, and supply-chain insights.
SEMA business members can download the "SEMA Future Trends Report" for free at sema.org/research.
By SEMA News Editors
General Motors (GM) will relocate its global headquarters to Hudson's Detroit in 2025, becoming the anchor tenant at the new development in downtown Detroit, Michigan.
The new location, a 1.5-million-sq.-ft. office, retail, residential, hotel and event space, will be GM's fourth headquarters location in the city since 1911, the company said. Additionally, GM will establish a partnership with Bedrock, developer of the Hudson's Detroit property, the city of Detroit and Wayne County to explore redevelopment opportunities for the Renaissance Center site over approximately the next year, prior to GM's move to Hudson's Detroit.
GM has entered into an initial 15-year, multi-level lease for the top office floors of the Woodward Ave. office building and showcase space on the street level for GM vehicles and community activations.
For more information, visit gm.com.
RJ Valentine, the former sports car driver and Rolex 24 at Daytona winner, has launched a new brand of car care products, Valentine Performance Detailing.
The brand's lineup comprises six initial products: Quick Detailer and Waterless Wash; Heavy-Duty Degreaser; Wash and Wax Car Soap; Interior and Exterior Cleaner; Rubber, Plastic Leather and Vinyl Reviver; and Graphene and Ceramic Spray Shield.
For more information, visit valentineperformance.com.
By Ashley Reyes
The automotive industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, driven by many factors shaping the future of mobility. As most publicity on low- and zero-emissions vehicles focuses on battery electric solutions, this session will dive into the promise of near-zero and zero-emissions technologies for internal combustion engines (ICE).
During the SEMA webinar, "Alternative Fuels and Technologies for Sustainable ICE" on Tuesday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, Ricardo Chief Engineer Tobi Burek will discuss alternative fuels and technologies for sustainable ICE, including hydrogen and other clean fuels.
Attendees will learn about:
A Q&A will follow the presentation, connecting attendees with Burek live. Register today!