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Éric Descarries
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Do You Know About SEMA?
Éric Descarries
Hits: 535
Most major newspapers and automotive publications enjoy covering and photographing the world’s biggest auto shows held in major cities around the globe. However, interest in these grand showcases has significantly declined on many levels since the infamous “pandemic.” While most of these auto shows are primarily geared toward consumers, there are a few highly specialized shows that capture the attention of professionals in vehicle maintenance, repair, or modification. Many of these events seem limited to industry insiders. And yet...
The SEMA Show in Las Vegas
The most well-known of these events is the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers’ Association), which started back in the 1960s in Los Angeles but quickly moved to Las Vegas, where its many (and massive) exhibition halls have transformed it into a mega-spectacle.
In fact, the SEMA Show is an industry-only event, requiring attendees to register in advance. But in recent years, anyone has been allowed to visit on the final day (Friday) for a reasonable entry fee — reasonable, that is, considering everything there is to see.
Most manufacturers of performance parts and related accessories — including paints and other components — are present year after year. But what truly excites auto enthusiasts are the cars and trucks on display: thousands of unique vehicles! There’s even a beauty contest for them, the famous Battle of the Builders.
In the Battle of the Builders competition, there was a Compact and Import Performance category — the winner was this 1960 Porsche by coachbuilder Tim Franklin. (Photo: SEMA)
But that’s not all. Automakers themselves also take part, often choosing the event to unveil new or special-edition models. Some of these vehicles might even make it to production!
Notably, Ford, Stellantis (Dodge and Ram), Nissan, Toyota, and many others were once again present this year with their own modified vehicles.
Ironically, another major exhibition takes place in Las Vegas at the very same time: AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo), a show focused on automotive products like oils, waxes, replacement parts, and more. It’s a space where manufacturers can showcase their offerings and answer questions from attendees — again, primarily industry and trade professionals.
Finally, one of the largest and most important sections of the SEMA Show is the Tire Pavilion, where many manufacturers — including new Chinese startups — take the opportunity to launch new products.
There are simply too many exhibitors to name them all here. So, I highly recommend visiting the official SEMA website (semashow.com) to learn more. But even better, why not consider organizing a group trip to attend next year’s show, from November 3 to 6, 2026?
This fully customized 1936 Ford is the result of the expert craftsmanship of Troy Trepanier’s workshop. The vehicle earned him the 2025 SEMA Trophy in the Battle of the Builders. (Photo: SEMA)
This 1967 Chevrolet pickup earned young coachbuilder Thomas Dickerson the title of BFGoodrich Young Guns. (Photo: SEMA)
Japanese automaker Toyota tasked its American division with building an off-road adventure vehicle based on the Tacoma, powered
by hydrogen propulsion, for SEMA. (Photo: Toyota)
Éric Descarries
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