AAPEX/SEMA Show 2023

November 11, 2023 09:23am

I was in Las Vegas last week for the AAPEX/SEMA Show. AAPEX is the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo, and SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association. They're two different organizations. But they are very similar, and they coordinate their conventions to be held simultaneously.

Nearly 100,000 automotive professionals attended the four day convention that included speakers, education seminars, and exhibit halls. The event's keynote speaker was National Champions Florida Gators quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow. I attended his outstanding speech but did not conduct an interview with him. Products shown at the exhibit halls ranged from paint primers to hydraulic shop lifts and everything in between. Vendors included decades-old products, new products, and prototypes of products not yet available on the market. And cars. Thousands of cars. Exotic cars, modified cars, and beautifully restored cars were all on display.

My radio show today featured interviews I recorded with a few vendors at the AAPEX/SEMA Show along with legendary race car drivers Mario Andretti and Ricky Bobby. In the last segment of the show, I spoke with Eric Snyder, the Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs for SEMA. We discussed the REPAIR Act and how it is necessary to preserve the rights of automotive consumers to get their vehicles repaired at independent shops. It's an issue that should concern everyone who owns car. Because if the big auto manufacturers and new car dealers get their way, you will lose the ability to choose who fixes or modifies your car, and you'll be forced into paying far more money to get your car worked on.

Today's radio show is now archived online as a podcast at www.TheMikeBatesShow.com/podcasts/231111