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Car Show

My First-Time SEMA Show Experience: A Life-Changing Affair

As a lifelong car enthusiast, attending the SEMA show has always been a dream come true. This year, I finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand and it was an absolute blast. From the incredible builds to the passionate people, SEMA is truly a one-of-a-kind event.

Uncover the Future of Enthusiasm at SEMA

SEMA - An Annual Trade Show with a Big Impact

The Specialty Equipment Market Association primarily focuses on helping industry professionals do their jobs to the best of their ability. Despite the many uncertainties the industry is facing, SEMA is alive and doing well. With 160,000 people in attendance this year and more than 2,400 vendors, it has officially surpassed pre-COVID numbers. It's not just an annual trade show; it's a celebration of car culture and innovation. 1: SEMA serves as a platform for aftermarket brands to showcase their latest and greatest products. Surrounded by amazing builds and attended by all the biggest influencers and celebrities in the space, it has a unique charm. The exclusivity of being a business-to-business affair makes it even more desirable. 2: Mike Spagnola, the SEMA CEO, emphasizes that no matter what type of vehicle - EV, internal combustion engine, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels - the industry will continue to push the envelope. This shows the adaptability and resilience of the automotive industry.

Hank O'Hop - Meeting with Companies and Making Connections

As The Drive's commerce editor, part of my job is meeting with companies to evaluate products. At SEMA, I had the opportunity to shake hands with reps and CEOs from various companies, pitching The Drive's brand. It was a busy but exciting experience. 1: Every day was filled with meetings and discussions about different products and collaborations. From impact wrenches to independent front suspension systems, I got to see the latest offerings in the automotive aftermarket. 2: The response from some big-name companies was overwhelming. We made some great connections and laid the groundwork for some exciting projects in 2025. It was a great start to the year.

Taking It All In - The Amazing Builds

There is no shortage of amazing builds to look at at SEMA. As a Mopar nut, I was particularly taken by the sudden rise in appreciation for classic Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars. 1: Everywhere I looked, there was a second-generation Charger that made my heart skip a beat. The Joe Dirt replica at the ACES Fuel Injection booth served as a benchmark for my own Charger. It made me realize that I need to step up my game. 2: The Ringbrothers' 1970 Plymouth Barracuda dubbed Infected was an absolute sight to behold. Their insane skill and attention to detail were on full display. And the Grand National, INVADR, with its detuned V6 producing over 1,200 horsepower and capable of 1,800 horsepower on full boost, was the talk of the show.

In the Right Place - Surrounded by Passion

Perhaps the most incredible thing about the SEMA show is the sense of passion and energy in the air. Everywhere you look, there are celebrities signing autographs, people showcasing amazing builds, and suppliers talking about game-changing technology. 1: I felt like I was in the right place when I saw familiar faces in the crowd. Surrounded by icons and heroes, I realized the impact they have had on me and the industry. It was a moment of profound self-enlightenment. 2: Watching Tanner Foust work his magic in a professional drift car reminded me that even I need to loosen up and have more fun with my car. SEMA is not just about cars; it's about the community and the love for all things automotive.

Your essential guide to understanding the implications of the 2024 US election on Washington and the global stage. Dive deep into the world of politics and economy as we explore the latest developments and their impacts.

Stay Informed with the White House Watch

Elon Musk's Tesla and California's Tax Rebates

Elon Musk's Tesla might find itself on the sidelines when it comes to lucrative tax rebates in California. The Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, has proposed measures that could potentially exclude larger companies like Tesla. These proposals are part of Newsom's broader strategy to shield California from the potential rollback of green subsidies by President-elect Donald Trump. If Trump follows through on his pledge to eliminate the federal EV tax credit, which can be worth up to $7,500 for purchased or leased vehicles, California is ready to set up its own scheme. As Newsom said, "We're not turning back on a clean transportation future — we're going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don't pollute."

Newsom's spokesperson revealed that the proposals would include a "market cap" element. This could potentially exclude Tesla, despite the fact that Tesla is the only company manufacturing its EVs in California. Musk took to his social media platform X to express his disbelief, writing "Even though Tesla is the only company who manufactures their EVs in California! This is insane."

Newsom and Musk's Past Clashes

Newsom and Musk have had their fair share of conflicts on X. In July, the world's richest man vowed to relocate two of his companies, SpaceX and X, from California to Texas in response to a law that prohibits school districts in the state from notifying parents about a child's gender identification change. In 2021, Musk had already moved Tesla's headquarters out of California to Austin, Texas, citing frustrations with California's Covid-19 policies and high housing costs as reasons for the move.

Despite these past disputes, Tesla remains a significant player in California. The Tesla Model Y holds the top spot as the best-selling vehicle in the state, with 105,693 registered in the first nine months of 2024 and a 11% market share. The Toyota RAV4 comes in second with 49,810 sales. Tesla's Model 3 sedan is also a popular choice, being the second-best selling electric or hybrid vehicle after the Model Y. However, this year, Tesla's sales in California have fallen by almost 13%, despite a slight increase in total EV sales. This has led to a decrease in Tesla's market share from 63% in 2023 to 55%.

Dealers suggest that Musk's increasingly outspoken and divisive political views on social media have had an impact on demand in the predominantly liberal state. Combined with his support for Trump in the election, it seems to have affected Tesla's sales.

Tesla's Stock Performance

Tesla shares took a hit on Monday, falling by 4%. However, since Trump's re-election on November 5, Tesla's shares have still surged by about 40%. This shows the complex relationship between Tesla and the political landscape.

As we continue to monitor these developments, it's clear that the intersection of climate change, business, markets, and politics is a crucial area to keep an eye on. Stay tuned for more updates from the FT's Climate Capital section.

Hope Sellars, a junior at Calvary Christian School, showcases her meticulously restored 1960 VW Beetle. This remarkable feat began in 2011 when she was just 4 years old and first laid eyes on a classic car at the Champaign Cruisers Car Club. Her desire to own and restore a vintage Beetle led her on a four-year journey of hard work and dedication.

From Rusty Shell to Priceless Beauty

At the age of 12, Hope spotted a tarnished 1960 VW bug on Craigslist and purchased it for $960. It was a rusty, incomplete shell with no motor or interior, but she saw its potential. With the help of her family, especially her dad David who taught her about restoration, she set to work. Over the years, she learned various skills such as body work, installing seat kits and glass, shooting paint, and welding. The car had endured years of exposure to rain and snow in a three-sided barn, leaving it severely rusted. Yet, Hope's determination prevailed. She put in about $4,500 of her own money earned through babysitting, mowing, and working around the house. Today, the car is worth approximately $15,000, a testament to her hard work.

Recognition in the Classic Car Circuit

Hope's efforts did not go unnoticed. She earned two honors at the annual Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. The Leading Lady Award from MK Insurance and the Shining Star Award recognized her abilities and perseverance. In early June, she attended the five-day Hot Rod Power Tour and was asked to display her bug in the Continental Tires vendor booth at Bowling Green, Kentucky. There, she met Bob Ashton, who was passionate about seeing the younger generation work on cars and invited her to the nationals. Alongside her cousin Owen and his restored 1948 F-1 Ford truck, they added their vehicles to a row of cars fixed up by kids their age and participated in a questions-and-answers panel.

Young and Female in a Male-Dominated Field

Being so young and female meant Hope received a lot of attention at the nationals. People stopped by to watch her and David assemble a new motor for her car live at the show, which is not common. This experience led to an interview for an upcoming podcast. Her dad's words, "She accomplished a goal that many people start and never finish. Let your kids dream their dreams and work hard for it," resonate with her. Although she enjoys restoring cars and might take on another Volkswagen someday, she sees it more as a hobby than a career. Currently, she is interested in attending Cedarville University to pursue a degree in biblical counseling.