Gearing Up for Innovation: An Inside Look at SEMA 2024

SEMA 2024 transformed Las Vegas into an automotive wonderland, showcasing the industry’s most exciting innovations and bringing together leaders from across the automotive aftermarket sector. Bill Baker and Jim Hammons from Rover ERP were there to experience it firsthand, and their insights paint a picture of an industry that’s more vibrant and innovative than ever.

Scale and Energy: SEMA’s Unprecedented Growth

“Every single convention hall was completely full, plus they had things at some of the hotels and other places,” Jim observed, highlighting the show’s massive scope. The energy was palpable, with packed halls and exhibitions spilling into nearby venues. Even finding parking became an adventure – their usual “secret lot” was completely full, a first-time occurrence that emphasized just how much the show has grown.

Innovation Meets Tradition: The Restomod Revolution

One of the most striking trends at SEMA 2024 was the seamless fusion of classic automotive design with cutting-edge technology. Jim highlighted several groundbreaking products:
  • Modern steering columns with integrated electronics that fit perfectly into classic vehicles, featuring cruise control, wiper controls, and lighting adjustments on the column – just like modern vehicles
  • A standalone wiring harness that enables the new GM/Ford 10-speed transmission to be installed in virtually any vehicle – “You could put that transmission into a Model T with this thing,” Jim noted
  • US Wheel’s innovative rally series wheels, which combine classic aesthetics with modern engineering: “These are wheels that look like the old classic wheels that came on those vehicles, but they’re built with modern technology to make them even stronger than the old ones”

The Electric Evolution

The EV revolution made a strong showing, with numerous solutions for classic car enthusiasts looking to go electric. Notable innovations included:
  • GM and Chrysler’s electric engine offerings for classic vehicles
  • Retrovolt’s breakthrough system that converts EV data for classic instrument clusters, allowing vintage gauges to display modern electric vehicle information
  • Specialized diagnostic tools for EV conversions, including battery and coolant leak detectors

Tech That Transforms

The show highlighted how modern technology is enhancing every aspect of the automotive experience:
  • Advanced cellular boosters that transform vehicles into mobile signal amplifiers
  • Modern sound systems designed to fit classic dashboards without modification
  • Dynamic LED lighting systems that add personality while meeting all safety requirements
  • Precision CNC stitching for custom interiors, as demonstrated by TMI’s award-winning designs

Industry Trends and Growth Areas

Several sectors showed particularly strong growth:
  • Vehicle wrapping demonstrations dominated nearly half a convention hall
  • Paint care innovations, with both established brands and newcomers introducing new formulations
  • Diagnostic equipment and instrumentation advancing rapidly
  • Eddie Motorsports’ award-winning slimline jacks, demonstrating how even basic tools are being reimagined

Partnership Power

The show provided valuable opportunities to connect with industry partners. “We were thrilled to see our partners’ booths packed with visitors,” Bill noted. The success of partners using Rover ERP solutions sparked an exciting possibility: “Maybe we’ll put a little booth together and have everybody come together for a bigger presence next year,” Jim suggested.

Looking Ahead

SEMA 2024 demonstrated that the automotive aftermarket industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Whether it’s classic car restoration, EV conversion, or cutting-edge diagnostics, the industry is embracing innovation while respecting tradition.
For Rover ERP and our partners, the show reinforced the importance of providing flexible, powerful solutions that can adapt to these rapid changes. Our comprehensive suite of tools, including Rover Sales and Rover Scan, helps businesses stay ahead of industry trends and manage their operations efficiently.
The enthusiasm and innovation on display at SEMA 2024 suggest an exciting future for the automotive aftermarket industry. We’re already looking forward to SEMA 2025 and the opportunity to help our partners continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this dynamic sector.