By A.J. Hecht and Laura Pitts

As SEMA organizers work this week to build the 2024 SEMA Show floor [watch it come together here], exhibitors are preparing to meet with the global automotive community to showcase (and experience!) the latest innovations, technology, products, services and education available to today's automotive aftermarket professionals. Indeed, whether an established brand or just starting out, exhibiting at SEMA is the best investment to advance your brand goals. (Still need a booth? Reserve one here).

"The exposure, along with networking with other professionals in the industry [at SEMA], has been instrumental in our business," said Rob Hester, owner of Flat Out Autos, a builder and reseller of restomods, Corvettes and a variety of cool cars. "We are a small shop located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and we made the decision in 2019 to exhibit at SEMA. To say the least, we were overwhelmed with the exposure we received; it literally put us on the world map! [In fact,] we built four retro Tahoes for the Royal Family in Abu Dhabi as a direct result of our first SEMA... and in 2022, we made the Top 40 in the Battle of the Builders with our groundbreaking '22 GMC Jimmy Conversion; a huge honor."

Another exhibitor, Bangin Headlights based in Australia, echoed those thoughts, stating, "From our networking at SEMA last year, our headlights will be featured on a Netflix show as well as a high-profile build for the Power Tour later this year--details to be revealed soon. Both things would have been impossible without us being at SEMA," said George Mittal, owner of Bangin Headlights.

Recently, SEMA News gave readers a sneak peek at some of the excitement slated for this year's Central Hall Racing & Performance section (read it here), and now we've connected with the key brands that will be in Central Hall's coveted Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace. See what Showgoers will experience in-person in SEMA Show's Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, November 5-8. (Register here).

HOT ROD ALLEY

"Hot Rod Alley is where all this began! The definition of the hot rod has evolved over the years--[but] the passion is just as hot as it was 60 years ago. The competitive bar rises year after year!" said Tim McCarthy, founder and CEO, HushMat and ZyCoat. "Hot Rod Alley continues to lead the industry in craftsmanship, design, engineering and technology. It is a can't-miss section of the SEMA Show."

HushMat and ZyCoat will display their lineup of products, including the high-temperature, heat-dissipating coating Zybar.

Among the products set for the HushMat and ZyCoat Booth #23195 is an expansion of its 400,000 different year, make and model sound deadening and thermal insulation kits and the ZyClear high-temperature clear gloss coating designed to provide outstanding corrosion protection on stainless steel and coated surfaces across all applications, including marine, RV and off-road. In addition, the brand will introduce more high-performance technology on the ZyCoat side, like the high-temperature, heat-dissipating coating Zybar.

"HushMat and ZyCoat will also be part of two of the most iconic hot rod builds of our time: one representing the origin of the hot rod industry and the other the latest in hot rod manufacturing and craftsmanship! Visit the HushMat and ZyCoat Booth #23195 in Central Hall; it will be worth every second!" said McCarthy.

FiTech Fuel Injection, meanwhile, revealed some of its innovations set for display in Booth #23493, including a teaser of new product lines that won't disappoint Showgoers interested in aftermarket fuel injection.

Our source from FiTech Fuel Injection teased the "NEMESIS," which SEMA Showgoers will be able to experience in-person in the FiTech Booth #23493.

"Not only will we continue to advance the fuel-injection technology with some highly advanced developments, but we will also be adding several new lines, some of which will include oil pans, valve covers and other engine accessories. Watch out, the 'NEMESIS' is here," teased Michael Wahl, vice president of sales and marketing, FiTech. "Over the past few years, FiTech has made drastic improvements to our EFI line to become the leader in aftermarket fuel injection. With our commitment to customer satisfaction and a three-year warranty, FiTech is aiming to fulfill more of our customers' needs." 

Also in Hot Rod Alley is BedWood, the provider of custom wood pickup bed kits. In the BedWood Booth #22791, Showgoers can expect to see "a broad expansion in the vehicle fitment coverage in our line of RETROLINER real wood bed liners for late model trucks," said company founder and CEO Jeffrey Major. "Additionally, our current and future distribution partners can learn more about how we can help drive their sales with our unmatched selection, product knowledge, and simple '"one part number, one complete solution'" method of supplying an entire bed kit."

For Dynamat, the provider of noise, vibration and heat control, Vice President of Marketing and Creative Rick Artz shared the manufacturer will highlight its newly launched product called ProX, which "has tested to be the best sound deadener available today as well as products launched in 2024 prior to SEMA," said Artz. Visit the Dynamat Booth #22693 to witness the new ProX up close alongside the brand's growing automotive portfolio and beautiful builds from some of the industry's top builders.

Dynamat's new ProX is designed to be among the best sound deadeners available today and will be available to see in the Dynamat Booth #22693 at the 2024 SEMA Show.

Building some of the finest vehicles, chassis and suspension for street and performance for more than 30 years, the Roadster Shop will once again use the SEMA Show's global audience to its advantage in Booth #22477.

"Roadster Shop has always leveraged the opportunity that SEMA presents to 'kick-off' the upcoming year by debuting new and exciting chassis offerings or cutting-edge new vehicle builds, and this year will be no different; you will just have to come to the Show and see for yourself!" said Phil Gerber, owner of the Roadster Shop, who also divulged the brand will showcase its line-up of performance chassis options for muscle cars, street trucks and classic off-road trucks. In addition, "several" new Roadster Shop vehicle builds are set to make their debut on the SEMA Showfloor this year, so this is one opportunity buyers, media, influencers and professionals in the Hot Rod space don't want to miss!

RESTORATION MARKETPLACE

"SEMA Show's Central Hall has become 'the hub' for restomod with some amazing builds to show off performance-based products as well as leading trends of tomorrow," said Ross Berlanga, director of marketing, TMI Products. "The SEMA Show is a great place to discuss TMI's complete interior-in-a-box product offering to businesses of all sizes and segments, and the pricing structure that will make you money." 

Among the products in the TMI Products Booth #24477 will be its '80s muscle car interior products, including a complete interior kit for third-gen Camaros.

TMI's Berlanga told SEMA News that their team will be "rockin' great mullets" in Booth #24477 to complement its '80s muscle car interior products, beginning with a complete interior kit for third-gen Camaros. In addition, TMI will also feature the next generation of its custom configurator, allowing users to "customize one of our bucket seats with many different color and material options right from TMIproducts.com. The TMI Configurator also has matching molded door panels that can be customized, too," he added. 

Finally, the TMI TRIM Awards returns for its third year, allowing the manufacturer to spotlight the best interiors throughout the SEMA Show campus. Open to any vehicle displayed at SEMA, these awards are for builders who want to showcase their masterpieces with hand-crafted, custom interiors. Interested builders can enter at tmiproducts.com/trim-awards-2024-entry-form.

For Australia's Bangin Headlights, owner George told SEMA News that attendees can expect to see two new headlights introduced to the market. "Over the last year (including at the 2023 SEMA Show), we had dozens of requests for new products. Based on our two most popular requests, we are launching two new headlights. One is a new size/shape, and the other has a new look in 7" round headlights," he said. "We will, of course, also display our full range of 7" and 5.75" LED headlights along with our very popular intake conversion kits.

"As classic cars get older, there is a greater need to have access to great restoration products. At the same time, companies like Bangin Headlights are innovating and making modern products for the classic and RestMod scene," he concluded.

Hester, owner of Flat Out Autos, shared the brand continues to refine its offerings and will unveil three new builds in the Restoration Marketplace: a new retro '24 GMC Jimmy conversion, a '58 Corvette restomod and a '72 Cutlass restomod. 

Flat Out Autos' booth at the SEMA Show last year featured cutting-edge builds shown here. This year, the brand plans to unveil three new builds in the Restoration Marketplace: a new retro '24 GMC Jimmy conversion, a '58 Corvette restomod and a '72 Cutlass restomod.

Nowhere other than the SEMA Show can these restoration and hot-rod innovations be seen in person, under one roof, and in front of the global automotive aftermarket. "[SEMA is] like a homecoming for the automotive industry," Hester said. "No matter what your focus in the automotive industry: trucks, overlanding, audio, refinishing, old school hot rods, [whatever, SEMA] has something for everyone." 

Keep an eye on SEMA News for previews of the other SEMA Show halls that will be teeming with the latest products, services, innovations and collaborations. And be sure to secure credentials to the event by registering here.

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.

Brands and exhibitors: success in the automotive aftermarket starts with the SEMA Show. Reserve your booth here. 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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, FMVSS127, that makes automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, standard on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. by September 2029.  

According to NHTSA, "The new standard requires all cars be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour and that the systems must detect pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. In addition, the standard requires that the system apply the brakes automatically up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected." Under the rule, vehicles will be required to have an AEB system that applies the brakes automatically at any forward speed greater than 6.2 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent.

SEMA provided extensive comments to NHTSA in response to the agency's proposed rulemaking in August 2023. The finalized rule includes a SEMA-specific section focused on aftermarket modifications and references SEMA members (alterers) and repair businesses.  

Although the final rulemaking focuses on vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA concluded that alterers and repair businesses are obligated to prevent a noncompliance with FMVSS 127 created by this final rule. The rule provides some flexibility in terms of compliance for law enforcement vehicles.

Other significant elements of the new federal safety standard for AEB include:

• Deactivation of AEB will not be permitted, except in very limited law enforcement circumstances. 
• Adoption of the full collision avoidance (e.g. no contact), which requires the subject vehicles to not make contact with the lead vehicle in all AEB performance tests listed in the regulation.

The final rule did not adopt SEMA's recommendation that the rule should require automakers to share specific information, such as diagnostic codes, with consumers. 

SEMA Garage and Government Affairs staff are reviewing the final rule to better understand how it will impact our members. Once that review is complete, SEMA will be in contact with its membership to explain the details of the rule and the impact it will have on their businesses.

In the meantime, those who may be affected by this ruling or have questions may contact ADAS@SEMA.org.

A link to the NHTSA announcement and full rule can be found here: NHTSA Finalizes Rule on Automatic Emergency Braking.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, FMVSS127, that makes automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, standard on all passenger cars and light trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. by September 2029.  

According to NHTSA, "The new standard requires all cars be able to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour and that the systems must detect pedestrians in both daylight and darkness. In addition, the standard requires that the system apply the brakes automatically up to 90 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian is detected." Under the rule, vehicles will be required to have an AEB system that applies the brakes automatically at any forward speed greater than 6.2 mph when a collision with a lead vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent.

SEMA provided extensive comments to NHTSA in response to the agency's proposed rulemaking in August 2023. The finalized rule includes a SEMA-specific section focused on aftermarket modifications and references SEMA members (alterers) and repair businesses.  

Although the final rulemaking focuses on vehicle manufacturers, NHTSA concluded that alterers and repair businesses are obligated to prevent a noncompliance with FMVSS 127 created by this final rule. The rule provides some flexibility in terms of compliance for law enforcement vehicles.

Other significant elements of the new federal safety standard for AEB include:

• Deactivation of AEB will not be permitted, except in very limited law enforcement circumstances. 
• Adoption of the full collision avoidance (e.g. no contact), which requires the subject vehicles to not make contact with the lead vehicle in all AEB performance tests listed in the regulation.

The final rule did not adopt SEMA's recommendation that the rule should require automakers to share specific information, such as diagnostic codes, with consumers. 

SEMA Garage and Government Affairs staff are reviewing the final rule to better understand how it will impact our members. Once that review is complete, SEMA will be in contact with its membership to explain the details of the rule and the impact it will have on their businesses.

In the meantime, those who may be affected by this ruling or have questions may contact ADAS@SEMA.org.

A link to the NHTSA announcement and full rule can be found here: NHTSA Finalizes Rule on Automatic Emergency Braking.

By SEMA News Editors 

Check out this week's episode of the "Car Stories" podcast featuring SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola! You can listen on iHeartRadio and wherever you listen to your podcasts--or watch the full episode on the "Car Stories" YouTube channel, embedded below. 

In this episode, Spagnola discusses the future of the car community and SEMA's important role in supporting an ever-evolving industry. He also shares his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding electric vehicles. Life advice was also covered as Spagnola delves into the key elements of a successful marriage. Podcast hosts Fast & Furious star Sung Kang and car builder and driver Emelia Hartford join in on the fun, sharing their scariest ghost stories.  

Don't miss out on the full episode, now available on YouTube below: 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Alaska House of Representatives approved SEMA-supported legislation (HB 375) to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel technology by preventing a state agency, county, or city from limiting access to internal-combustion engines.   

The bill is scheduled for a Senate Committee on Transportation hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

"HB 375 is a pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-business piece of legislation," said Colby Martin, SEMA’s director of state government affairs, during the hearing. "SEMA urges the senate to support this bill and allow the automotive industry to continue delivering the freedom and choice that Alaskans deserve." 

Alaska is the latest of several states seeking similar proposals. SEMA believes that Alaskans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. 

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

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

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The Alaska House of Representatives approved SEMA-supported legislation (HB 375) to ensure consumers' choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel technology by preventing a state agency, county, or city from limiting access to internal-combustion engines.   

The bill is scheduled for a Senate Committee on Transportation hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

"HB 375 is a pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-business piece of legislation," said Colby Martin, SEMA’s director of state government affairs, during the hearing. "SEMA urges the senate to support this bill and allow the automotive industry to continue delivering the freedom and choice that Alaskans deserve." 

Alaska is the latest of several states seeking similar proposals. SEMA believes that Alaskans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation and protects jobs. 

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

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

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Jesse Stoddard, CEO of AutoStyle Marketing, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer.  

Watch the video below to learn more about Stoddard's career and passion for the industry.

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in automotive restyling?  

Jesse Stoddard: To help my friend whose husband owned a restyling business and passed away. I wanted to help her build the business to help create a legacy. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? 

JS: I like the idea of helping the members who are small-business owners like me and helping the industry even in a small way. I've met great people by being a part of things. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

JS: Network, get to know people and show an interest. Be a sincere learner. 

SN: What is your dream vehicle?  

JS: My dream vehicle is one that comfortably takes me to a five-star resort on a beach. 

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

JS: Find something you love and are passionate about and go all in. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

JS: The people. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

JS: With my family, exploring a new place or doing a new activity. 

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

SCCA Runoffs Returns to Road America

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championship Runoffs are returning to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for 2024 and 2025.

Additionally, the preliminary 2024 qualifying and race schedule has also been released. Scheduled for September 27 to October 6, several practice days will precede qualifying sessions, which will begin on October 1. All 26 Runoffs classes will feature single-class races from October 4-6. 

For more information or to see the full schedule, visit scca.com. 

INDYCAR Adds to Medical Team

INDYCAR and Indiana University (IU) Health have appointed Angela Fiege, MD to director of medical services for INDY NXT by Firestone and added sports neurologist Bert Vargas, MD to the INDYCAR Medical Team.

Angela Fiege (left), Bert Vargas (middle) and Julia Vaizer (right).

IU Health is the official healthcare provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the INDYCAR Medical Team is comprised of IU Health physicians and nurses who are experts in motorsports medicine.

Fiege is a veteran critical care and emergency medicine physician at IU Health and is also a longtime motorsports physician. She has served in various roles in motorsports, including the INDYCAR Medical team since 2010 and the AMR motorsports physicians' team for NASCAR. She has also worked at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a track physician since 2007. She will continue her role as deputy director of medical services for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, alongside Medical Director Julia Vaizer, MD. 

Vargas is the first neurologist dedicated to the INDYCAR Medical team, and his position is funded by Rev proceeds. Rev is the IU Health Foundation's annual fundraising event which takes place each May at IMS. Working in medical affairs for Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Vargas is a sports neurologist and who has led the AMR neurotrauma team for NASCAR since 2017, serves as a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee and is also a sideline unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the NFL.

For more information, visit indycar.com.

Beth Paretta Joins Formula E as VP of Sporting

The ABB FIA Formula E has appointed Beth Paretta, a distinguished leader in motorsports, as the new vice president of sporting, effective May 1, 2024.

Paretta will oversee all sporting and championship activities at Formula E, driving key stakeholder relationships and cultivating new business opportunities--working closely with the FIA, existing teams and manufacturers while attracting new participants to the series' ecosystem.

"Beth's extensive background in motorsport management and her commitment to innovation and inclusivity are invaluable assets for Formula E. As we advance into a new era with our GEN3 Evo cars and look towards the GEN4, Beth's leadership will be pivotal in steering our sporting operations to new heights and enhancing our global fan engagement," said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E.

As owner of Paretta Autosport and a trailblazer for gender equality in racing, Paretta brings more than two decades of experience in the automotive and motorsport industries to the role.

Paretta has left a significant mark on the industry, leading the women-forward Paretta Autosport team to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and serving in executive roles at major automotive firms, including Volkswagen Group, Aston Martin Lagonda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis). Her pioneering work also includes being the first woman to lead a performance brand and motorsport for a global automaker as director of marketing and operations for street and racing technology (SRT). In addition, Paretta co-founded the Women in Motorsports North America, the community of professionals devoted to supporting opportunities for women across all motorsports disciplines.

"I am thrilled to join Formula E, a pioneer at the forefront of motorsport innovation and sustainability. This role presents an exciting opportunity to influence the future of electric racing and extend the series' impact on global [electric vehicle] development and sustainable practices. I am particularly excited to continue my advocacy for gender diversity within the industry under Formula E's progressive platform."

Read the full announcement on the FIA Formula E website.

David Sanchez Joins BWT Alpine F1 Team

BWT Alpine F1 Team has appointed David Sanchez as executive technical director.

In the newly created role, Sanchez will oversee the technical department based at the team's Enstone, England, headquarters and will have overall responsibility of the performance, engineering, and aerodynamic areas of the team.  

He will manage the three key areas that fall under the recently announced three-pillared technical structure, with technical directors Ciaron Pilbeam (performance), Joe Burnell (engineering) and David Wheater (aerodynamics) all reporting to Sanchez.

Sanchez will report directly to Bruno Famin, team principal and VP, Alpine Motorsports.

For more information, visit alpine-cars.co.uk.

By SEMA News Editors

Dayco Announces New Headquarters, Appointments to Leadership Positions

Dayco, an engine products and drive systems supplier, is relocating its corporate and North American headquarters to Birmingham, Michigan, and has made several appointments to strategic leadership positions.

Joining Dayco are Michael Widgren as chief financial and administrative officer, RJ Corning as chief human resources officer, Clifton Levack as chief supply officer, Audrey Harling as vice president and managing director of North American aftermarket and global strategy and planning and Thomas Jauch, vice president and managing director of global belts OE.

The new executive leadership team will work collaboratively with Craig Frohock, CEO, to spearhead Dayco's vision and ongoing transformation, the company said. 

For more information, visit dayco.com. 

Bryan LaFlam Secures Ownership Stake in BIGSTUFF Total Power Management

Bryan LaFlam, a business development specialist and Top Sportsman racer, has acquired an ownership stake in BIGSTUFF Total Power Management, a Newark, California-based provider of electronic engine and powertrain controllers.

LaFlam will work alongside Ben Davidow, who acquired the company in 2021, as co-owner and director of operations. He will be responsible for enhancing the overall business, optimizing operations, streamlining manufacturing and strengthening the company's supply chain, the company said, while Davidow will continue to focus on product development and enhancing technical support.

For more information, visit bigstuff3efi.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

Chevrolet has already unveiled three versions of the eight-generation Corvette, but one anticipated model yet to debut is the next Corvette ZR1. While the manufacturer has not confirmed any details, SEMA News sources recently caught new images of a convertible option for the upcoming ZR1. 

The upcoming ZR1 is rumored to be the most powerful iteration in its history, according to insiders, and is expected to feature a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with higher output compared to the standard C8, as well as more aggressive bodywork and styling than the base model Corvette.

Insiders also suggest that the ZR1 will be equipped with a new, upgraded LT7 V8 engine, surpassing the current LT6 found in the C8 Z06. This new engine is rumored to be a 5.5L twin-turbocharged DOHC V8, making it the most powerful production V8 ever produced by General Motors. Power output is estimated to be between 800-850 hp, a significant increase over the 755 hp of the C8 ZR1.

The new ZR1 is also unlikely to feature a hybrid powertrain, according to sources, potentially making the C8 ZR1 the last powered solely by an internal combustion engine. Additionally, the performance model is likely to feature aerodynamic upgrades, including a front lip spoiler and rear wing.