By SEMA News Editors

Come Showtime this year, the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with the latest products, innovations, technology, displays and services from specialty-equipment market brands during the SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas. Exhibitors can now maximize their impact on the Show floor by entering their products, packaging and merchandising displays into the SEMA Show New Product Showcase, the top destination for media members, buyers, decision-makers and automotive professionals to source the hottest products from the Show floor in one convenient location.

Submissions for the 2024 SEMA Show New Product Showcase are now open online at SEMAshow.com/newproducts. Show organizers recommend reading the complete rules and regulations online here.

Entering the SEMA Show New Product Showcase is a no-brainer: the first entry is always free of charge and can help build brand awareness, boost booth traffic and generate quality sales leads. And if you're looking to expand to markets beyond the United States, the SEMA Show provides a platform to launch products in 140 represented countries and territories, a reach that is amplified in the New Product Showcase.

In addition, each product entry will have a dedicated QR code to help attendees learn more details and find the exhibitors' booth number, serving as a lead generation tool for participating exhibitors. The SEMA Show team also professionally photographs every product entry and highlights it in several promotions, including SEMA News, the official SEMA Show mobile app and the New Products Showcase gallery on SEMAShow.com. The gallery is promoted throughout the year as a resource for buyers and media to find the latest innovations even after Showtime. 

All entries are considered and eligible for a New Products Showcase award, providing even more brand exposure and recognition. Enter your company's products at SEMAshow.com/newproducts today!

Exhibitors: Learn key dates and find applications and submissions, such as the SEMA Show New Product Showcase, in this year's updated Exhibitor Service Manual. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

Still have questions? No problem! Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Integrated vehicle electronics now means all systems are sharing data across several different networks. Making changes to a vehicle (ride height, performance, braking, infotainment, etc.) could have unintended consequences if you do not know or understand the relationship between electronic control units (ECUs).

Automotive aftermarket engineers, product developers or any SEMA member who uses a scan tool for development or product validation, are invited to the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) webinar on Tuesday, June 4, at 1:00 p.m. PDT/4:00 p.m. EDT to learn about new vehicle communications standards.

Attendees will hear from Bob Augustine, Opus IVS's vice president of business development, as he presents the fundamentals of the currently used controller area network (CAN bus) and how they are being upgraded/migrated to faster standards as the need for more data computing increases.

While the currently used CAN bus communication protocols are very robust and stable, the advent of data fusion across network ECUs requires faster data transmission and lower latency. The two newer protocols, FD CAN and DoIP, are already on vehicles on the road and will require updated hardware to communicate with the laptop.

Register here for the webinar "Vehicle Communications Standards Update, presented by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)."

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Rebel Off Road as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Bond Gilmer, Rebel Off Road's president, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Rebel Off Road. How did the company start?  

Bond Gilmer: I began Rebel Off Road in 2010 during the recession. There were many obstacles and growing pains. Being an unknown company, I had to rely on my expertise and knowledge to set Rebel Off Road apart from the other companies that were already in the industry. I did a lot of events like Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, King of the Hammers (KOH) and Jamborees, and began traveling across the country for these events, where I would let the quality of the workmanship and the components that I used for the builds speak for themselves. 

SN: Was there any kind of breakthrough moment for your company? 

BG: For Rebel Off Road, the biggest growth will come from the overland category as this is really where the whole family can get into the outdoors and outdoor travel. Having a rig that is capable of letting the entire family experience this great country's backroads and trails and lets them explore with confidence and ease will drive the company's direction. 

SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about? 

BG: We have a new partnership with Alpine USA with more details soon to be released. We're really excited about three build projects that are in the works. Briefly, we're building a stretched two-door Jeep Wrangler JL built specifically for rock crawling. We're also working on a new Jeep Gladiator build for the overland scene that will be next level with its functionality and capabilities. Lastly, a large military vehicle was built for promotion and to tow the new JL out to trails in Southern California. 

SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket? 

BG: Focus on the customer and what they are truly seeking to build. We pride ourselves on helping our customers reach their goals right the first time.  

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates 

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

Honda has opened a new research and development (R&D) facility in India to accelerate electrification in the country. 

The Bengaluru Solution R&D Center will incorporate advanced mobility technologies into electrified-vehicle development more quickly, and work on software and connected services by adopting technologies and ideas of research and development companies, according to the OEM. 

Additionally, the Solution R&D Center will partner with companies for new ideas to develop new services and businesses that go beyond the scope of existing businesses and products from a long-term perspective.

For more information, visit honda.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, at 9:30 a.m. PDT/12:30 p.m. EDT.

During the meeting, the MPMC select committee and SEMA Membership Director AJ Carney will provide valuable information on exclusive perks and business-building resources available to MPMC members. Additionally, Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of public and government affairs, will offer insight into supporting the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC). The event will conclude with a Q&A session, connecting event participants with the speakers.

All current and prospective MPMC members are encouraged to join the meeting, as it's a great way to get involved in the industry and learn what MPMC membership has to offer. 

Secure your spot for this informative event by registering here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting a networking mixer at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona. The event will take place on Thursday, May 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MST in the Oasis Bar and Food Court.

FLN members are invited to attend the mixer, where they will grow their professional network and learn about career-building resources for young professionals in the automotive specialty-equipment market. Attendees will meet the FLN select committee, discover open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships with peers and pros in the overlanding space. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Industry members aged 39 and under are invited to attend. It's a great way to introduce yourself and learn about FLN membership's many offerings. 

RSVP here.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, with the best value rates now available through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

Looking for a quiet, no-frills hotel stay? Several non-casino properties are offering discounted rates for SEMA Show guests. Check these out and book with onPeak today!

Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is open online here for qualified attendees. SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all, so registration fees are only $40 through Friday, June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) into law to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a more straightforward path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified in support of the bill while the legislature was considering it. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.  

With its ambiguous 2-in. suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the previous law created roadblocks for all involved. Uncertainty plagued vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential.  

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement.  

"SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This legislation clears ambiguity and promotes innovation, benefiting both businesses and enthusiasts. We're proud to support Georgia's commitment to a vibrant automotive aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots.  

The enactment of SB 352 solidifies Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry.  

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

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SEMA-supported legislation (SB 352) into law to modernize and improve the state's laws on vehicle suspension modifications, offering a more straightforward path for safe enjoyment, economic opportunity and responsible innovation. SEMA testified in support of the bill while the legislature was considering it. The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2024.  

With its ambiguous 2-in. suspension height limit based on an unavailable "factory recommendation," the previous law created roadblocks for all involved. Uncertainty plagued vehicle owners, law enforcement and businesses in the aftermarket industry, creating fertile ground for legal challenges and stifling the sector's growth potential.  

SB 352 charts a clear course forward. It replaces the subjective 2-in. limit with an objective standard: measuring the vehicle's height from the ground to the frame. This simple change brings much-needed transparency and consistency to enforcement.  

"SEMA applauds Governor Kemp and Georgia lawmakers for enacting SB 352, a vital step in modernizing vehicle suspension laws. This legislation clears ambiguity and promotes innovation, benefiting both businesses and enthusiasts. We're proud to support Georgia's commitment to a vibrant automotive aftermarket industry," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots.  

The enactment of SB 352 solidifies Georgia's position as a welcoming destination for off-road enthusiasts and a leader in fostering a responsible and innovative automotive specialty equipment industry.  

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