By SEMA News Editors

Thermo-Tec Automotive, the Greenwich, Ohio-based high-performance heat- and sound-insulation product provider, has released its new and improved product catalog. The new catalog is more than just a product listing; it's a comprehensive resource that includes guides like: 

• What Is Basalt? A detailed explanation of basalt, a volcanic rock used in some of its high-performance products. Learn about its properties, benefits and why it's an excellent choice for heat insulation. 
• Why Use Exhaust Wrap? An informative guide on the benefits of using exhaust wrap, including improved performance, reduced under-hood temperatures, and protection for components. 
• Measuring Your Turbo. Instructions on how to accurately measure your turbo to ensure you select the correct turbo cover for optimal performance and protection. 
• Which Product Should I Use? A visual guide showcasing where Thermo-Tec's various products are best utilized. This handy chart makes it easy to match the right product to your specific needs. 
• Multi-Use Products. A section dedicated to Thermo-Tec's versatile products and their multiple applications, helping you and your customers get the most out of an investment. 

"We are thrilled to offer this new catalog to our customers," said Randy Pugh, marketing coordinator at Thermo-Tec Automotive. "Our goal is to provide not only top-quality products but also valuable information that helps our customers make informed decisions and get the best performance from their vehicles. This catalog is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and customer service." 

The catalog is available now and can be downloaded from the Thermo-Tec website or requested in print by contacting Thermo-Tec Automotive.

In addition, Thermo-Tec has also announced the launch of its newly updated online website and store, thermotec.com. The revamped website features a fresh, modern design with improved functionality to enhance the user experience. New photography showcases the high-quality products that Thermo-Tec is known for, while the categorized product listings make it easier than ever for customers to find exactly what they need, according to the company.

For more information, visit thermotec.com. 

 Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show has been open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Set for November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 SEMA Show will once again reveal the future of the aftermarket as attendees connect with thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing the latest products, trends and technology in the industry.

Finding reasons to attend the 2024 SEMA Show is easy, including countless product innovations from new and iconic exhibitors, the latest custom vehicle trends and professional skill-enhancing education sessions led by top industry experts. Attendees can also partake in one-of-a-kind events and features, like the New Product Showcase, the No. 1 destination for discovering the hottest products in the automotive aftermarket industry, the dynamic Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish highlighting the techniques of influential builders, the world-class lineup of SEMA Education seminars and sessions, the newer Overland Experience showcasing customized vehicles in their intended environments and much more (more details can be found at semashow.com/attendee).

To assist professionals in demonstrating the Show's value to their employers, management offers a customizable sample letter to highlight specific benefits relevant to your business or market segment. This ensures that you can effectively communicate the potential impact on your day-to-day responsibilities and long-term business growth​​. View the SEMA Show sample letter to your boss as a PDF here.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV Spotted Ahead of Launch

SEMA News sources recently caught new images of the first all-electric AMG sports car, the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT.

The production version of the AMG Vision concept car from spring 2022, the upcoming electric sports car is built on the AMG.EA platform, which features an axial flux electric motor and is paired with a high-performance high-voltage battery.

The four-door model boasts an ultra-flat body with lines reminiscent of the Mercedes EQXX, according to the new images. The front features a closed grille, likely painted in the body color and seamlessly integrated into the front of the sedan. It is flanked by three-part LED headlights, which reflect the Mercedes star and are connected by a horizontal light strip.

The rear features a sharply beveled spoiler lip with an active spoiler, visually extending the silhouette. There is also a light strip at the rear for various light displays. Other highlights include a long wheelbase, a sharply inclined A-pillar placed far forward, a short front overhang, a slightly longer rear overhang and widely flared fenders.

'26 RAM HD Shows Off New Looks in Colorado

The upcoming RAM HD was spotted by SEMA News sources in Colorado, offering a glimpse at its refreshed exterior and updated interior.

The new images reveal significant changes, including slimmer headlights influenced by the '25 RAM 1500 and a redesigned grille.

Inside, the center stack has been updated with a new infotainment screen, which appears to be similar in size to the current 12-inch display, sources said, although the buttons and overall layout appear to be all new.

Many of the tech enhancements introduced in the Ram 1500 are expected to be integrated into the updated HD models. Although the full range of these changes remains under wraps, development is well underway, and more information is expected to surface soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

By SEMA News Editors

The specialty equipment aftermarket will converge in Las Vegas for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8. As exhibitors gear up to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of critical deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below. 

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form. But note, placing Freeman orders before the Tuesday, October 1 discount deadline, which offers discounted prices off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• August 14: Show Directory listing information.
• August 14: Pocket Guide company listing.
• August 16: Press/Media Conference application.
• August 16: Pocket Guide ad placement reservations.
• August 23: Show Directory ad space reservations.
• September 6: Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 6: Celebrity Appearance Notification (to be included in printed Show material).
• September 6: Hanging Sign Design Notification Form to Show management.
• September 6: Multi-level Booth Design Notification (required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger).
• September 13: Booth Vehicle Display Application (Vehicles displayed in booth).
• September 27: Exhibitor Registration Due for domestic exhibitors (to receive badges in the mail).
• October 1: Freight – Freeman Warehouse – First day to accept advance freight.
• October 1: Internet/Telephone Order (advance rate) – Cox Business.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

By SEMA News Editors

Join the SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program and unlock your product innovation with access to more than 63,000 original OEM CAD files and 1,000-plus high-quality 3D scan files from manufacturers including Cadillac, Can-Am, Cummins, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lincoln, Nissan, Polaris, Scion, Tesla, Toyota and more!

Click here to join or contact garage@sema.org for more information.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Modern Driveline

Technical Sales Representative in Caldwell, Idaho

Modern Driveline is seeking a technical sales representative to join its team. Responsibilities include answering phone calls, writing estimates, answering technical questions, coordinating with the shipping and logistics department and more.

Aldan American

Sales and Customer Support Specialist in Signal Hill, California

The ideal candidate for this position will handle customer inquiries, resolve issues and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. Frequent tasks include providing information on products and services, processing orders, returns and exchanges, collaborating with the sales and technical teams and more.

Full Blown Kustoms

Fabricator and Designer in Denver, Colorado

This custom automotive shop is searching for an experienced fabricator and coachbuilder to join its team. Multiple years of experience in TIG welding, metal shaping, metal finishing, restorations, chassis, suspensions, CNC and CAD is preferred.

Kahn Media

PR/Marketing Intern in Moorpark, California

Kahn Media is seeking a public relations and marketing intern to join its team. Applicants should currently be enrolled in or just graduated from a journalism, social media, communications or public relations program. The selected candidate will assist with pitching stories about clients to media outlets, creating content for client social media channels and more.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the results of its council and network select committee elections for the 2024-2026 volunteer term.

Select committee volunteers work alongside SEMA staff to help lead and guide the association’s nine council and network communities and play a critical role in developing and executing resources that advance the careers and businesses of its members.

Newly elected and incumbent select committee volunteers are listed below. Visit each council and network’s respective homepage to view their full leadership roster. 

SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• Joanna Agosta Shere, Steele Rubber Products (Chair, incumbent)
• Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital (incumbent)
• Randall Bates, Auto Custom Carpets (Immediate Past Chair, incumbent)
• Blake Burgy, Moss Motors, Ltd. (incumbent) 
• Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct (new)
• Chris Compton, Distinctive Industries (Chair-Elect, incumbent)
• Jeff Farina, American Vintage Hot Rods (incumbent)
• Gabe Flores, Classic Industries (new)
• Matthew Laszaic, National Parts Depot (incumbent)
• Todd McClure, The Stop Shop (incumbent)

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

• Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative LLC (new)
• Jaclyn Bradham, Hemmings (incumbent)
• Beth Brennan, Kahn Media (incumbent)
• Kelli Gallagher, Dee Zee Inc. (new)
• Cora Jokinen, Torq-Masters Industries, Inc. (incumbent)
• Love Lontoc, KW Automotive North America, Inc. (incumbent)
• Natalie Simon, Ford Motor Company (incumbent)

SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

• Chris Crecelius, Edelbrock Group (incumbent)
• Brian Herron, Opus IVS (new)
• Scott Lowe, High Xpectations (incumbent)
• Wendy Miles, Leach Co LLC/TheAutoBuilder.com (new)
• Karen Salvaggio, Scorpion EV (incumbent)
• Justin Starkey, VMP Performance (new)

SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN)

• Kia Aghai, Warn Industries (incumbent)
• Tara Demuth, R&S Truck Caps and Auto Accessories (new)
• Dallas Johannes, Restoration Parts Unlimited Inc.–RPUI (new)

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• Lana Chrisman, Lions Automobilia Foundation & Museum (incumbent)
• Amy Fitzgerald, Cool Hand Customs (incumbent)
• Chris Holstrom, Chris Holstrom Concepts (new)
• Kevin Oeste, V8 Speed and Resto Shop (new)
• David Page, Edelbrock Group (incumbent)
• Don Young, Auto Custom Carpets (new)

SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• Nolan Jamora, ISKY Racing Cams (incumbent)
• Brian Lebarron, Fluidampr (new)
• Karen Orlandi, Procharger Superchargers (new)
• Michael Sanders, Edelbrock (new)

SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• Jessica Crossman, Micorp Custom Auto & Truck (new)
• Steve Gilmore, Ford Motor Company (incumbent)
• Josh Ullrich, Restylers Aftermarket Specialist Inc. (incumbent)

SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

• Hollie Calvert Fowler, Seattimesyndicate (new)
• Chris Gramelspacher, Adventure Lifestyle Group (new)  
• Randall Speir, RS Marqueting (incumbent)
• Dave Williams, Go Rhino-Big Country (incumbent)

SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC)

• Matthew Harris, Custom Wheel House (incumbent)
• Michael Malloy, Turn 14 Distribution (new)
• Jeremy Purick, Rock Krawler Suspension (new)
• Ryan Rutledge, Air Lift Company (new)

To learn more about SEMA Councils and Networks, visit www.sema.org/volunteer.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Tmat as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Thomas Carton, Tmat marketing coordinator, below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of Tmat. How did the company start?  

Thomas Carton: Tmat was originally devolved by the Timura family in North Royalton, Ohio, but after current owner Kenny Austin purchased his first Tmat system for a camping trip to Alaska with his kids, he knew he needed to get involved. 

After taking over the product line in October 2023, Austin has been hard at work bringing Tmat to market, working closely with the Timura family who continue to manufacture and ship Tmat from their factory in Ohio. One of Austin's first big moves was a push towards engineering new accessories and testing the existing offerings for maximum versatility. His focus paid off! 

After showcasing the Tmat product at the Moore Overlanding and Off-Road Expo in April of 2024, news of the Tmat's amazing capabilities suddenly got out. Orders were flowing in and, more importantly, so was feedback. Using that feedback, Austin and the engineering team developed and tested a half-dozen new and powerful Tmat accessories, which are now coming to market. 

The future for Tmat looks bright as it continues to simplify cargo management for thousands of truck and SUV owners worldwide.  

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

TC: Today at Tmat, we are focusing on expanding the Tmat System with more accessories such as our Bucket Blockers, DIY 2x6 Divider Anchors and patent-pending Snap Fit DIY Anchors. It is our mentality that good cargo-management systems are built around our customers favorite equipment rather than the other way around. As we continue to expand and improve our accessory offerings with new and innovative solutions, we are relying on our beta testers and the aftermarket community to provide feedback on our latest advances. 

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

TC: The best advice for professionals getting started in the aftermarket could very well be "listen to your customers." Ask them what it is that they need to simplify or enhance their experience with their vehicles and then aim to fulfill that need. 

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

With less than 90 days until the annual trade-only event, the countdown to the 2024 SEMA Show has begun. The SEMA Show, which takes place November 5-8 in Las Vegas this year, is the largest automotive aftermarket trade event in the world. You can make history by securing a badge and attending the most prominent industry event!

At the 2024 SEMA Show, you can:

• Discover the latest automotive products, accessories and services from more than 2,400 brands.
• Experience live demonstrations, exclusive product unveilings and trending vehicle builds.
• Network with industry leaders and professionals from around the globe.
• Attend in-person education seminars and workshops to stay ahead and develop essential skills that boost your career or business.
• And so much more!

If you're serious about all things automotive and aftermarket, you must attend this year's SEMA Show!

Attendee, buyer and media registration for the 2024 SEMA Show has been open at semashow.com/register. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of travel discounts (more details here) and Show badge discounts. Registration is only $60 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, September 27. After, the price will increase to $120 per approved badge. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register.

Securing a badge is one of the first stops on the road to the SEMA Show. Organizers also encourage attendees and exhibitors to secure their travel plans as soon as possible. Hotel reservations are open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. Airline discounts exclusive to SEMA Showgoers are also available through Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.

To assist professionals in demonstrating the Show's value to their employers, management offers a customizable sample letter to highlight specific benefits relevant to your business or market segment. This ensures that you can effectively communicate the potential impact on your day-to-day responsibilities and long-term business growth. View the SEMA Show sample letter to your boss as a PDF here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA's "Visionary 8" recognizing the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry. Nominations can be submitted until August 30 at this link.

SEMA has recognized the rising stars of the industry since 2012 through the "35 Under 35" program. "Visionary 8" will build upon that success by spotlighting eight recipients on track to become leaders in the industry. The recognition is one of the association's most coveted accolades, honoring the up-and-coming talent on track to drive innovation in the automotive aftermarket for future generations.

"'Visionary 8' will maintain the '35 Under 35' legacy while enhancing the quality of representation that is given to our industry's rising stars," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "The list is now more competitive than ever, and the selection process will be even more rigorous."

Nominees must be SEMA members, should have active industry involvement, and demonstrate the talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership that is needed to become a future driver of the industry. The age criteria remains 35 and under.

"Visionary 8" recipients will serve as subjects of in-depth feature articles in an upcoming issue of SEMA Magazine.   

SEMA is currently accepting nominations for its inaugural "'Visionary 8'" honorees through August 30.

To submit a nomination or for more information, view the nomination form.