The SEMA Show was held Oct. 30- Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), it is the premier trade show geared to help small businesses succeed, according to show organizers. This four-day, trade-only event had approximately 162,000 attendees and enabled automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers to debut new products and to connect with industry buyers from all over the world.

In addition to connecting manufacturers with buyers at the SEMA Show, the show also offers educational seminars, networking opportunities, live demos, and hands-on workshops.

Those exhibiting and attending the show include manufacturers of automotive accessories including everything from engine parts to tires and rims and of course automotive coatings – arguably one of the most important components in the auto refinish world.

All of the top automotive refinish companies exhibited at SEMA – with eye-catching booths featuring numerous custom designed cars, motorcycles and more.

One of the highlights at BASF’s booth was 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible painted by legendary builder Chip Foose of Foose Design. This customized car was painted using BASF’s Glasurit 90 line featuring Tropical Turquoise Pearl (BASF Glasurit Custom Foose Mix) and a clear coat. Another eye-catching car at the BASF booth was a 1974 Plymouth Duster rebuilt by Goolsby Customs. The car was painted with the Glasurit 55 line featuring Glasurit Goolsby Edition Kaspar White, Dark Valencia Orange and a clear coat.

Attendees visiting AkzoNobel’s booth were able to view famous custom cars from hot rod builder Dave Kindig, learn about the McLaren/AkzoNobel partnership and request and observe product demonstrations.

AkzoNobel’s 10-year partnership with McLaren was on full display with a custom-painted car. The relationship began in 2008 when AkzoNobel became the official supplier of paint solutions for McLaren Racing. McLaren has used the company’s premium Sikkens brand for its F1 cars ever since. AkzoNobel has also been a technology partner to McLaren Automotive since 2012, with all McLaren road cars being fully painted in the company’s products.

“Working with partners like McLaren is a perfect example of our commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation,” said Keith Malik, Key Account Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “We’re proud to have partnered with them for ten years and demonstrate our shared passion for high-performance technologies and performance.”

The PPG exhibit focused on the combination of advanced refinish products, custom builders and imagination.
More than 100,000 domestic and international industry professionals attend the annual SEMA show. The much-anticipated event provides attendees with product demonstrations, networking opportunities, educational seminars and more; PPG is always an enthusiastic exhibitor.

“SEMA is the industry’s big show, and we like being part of it,” said Cristina Fronzaglia-Murray, PPG manager, marketing communications. “This is where everyone gathers to see what’s new, what’s hot, where the industry is going. And every year the painters and builders amaze us with their creative and ingenious use of PPG products. The PPG booth is open to all SEMA visitors. Come to see us, meet the industry’s leaders and check out some really wild wheels.”

Axalta teamed up with Karma Automotive to display the Axalta-painted Revero in Axalta's during the 2018 SEMA Show.

The Karma Revero is a luxury electric vehicle with an innovative and stylish design that is complemented by the colors it comes in, including Corona Del Sol, Borrego Black, Ocean Veil, and more. As the exclusive exterior paint supplier to Karma, Axalta will feature the Revero and its environmentally-inspired collection of color.

"The Revero on display features a color named 'Corona Del Sol' which translates to 'crown of the sun.' It's a rich shade of red that really has to be seen to be believed,” Axalta's North American Color Marketing Manager Nancy Lockhart said.
 
"The Karma Revero is the world's most exclusive grand touring luxury electric vehicle and is as visually dynamic as it is exhilarating to drive," said Jim Taylor, Karma Automotive's chief revenue officer. "Few cars in the world can match the stunning design, luxury and efficiency of the Revero. Our business and product plan is driven in part by collaborating with partners like Axalta whose expertise help us accelerate product development and differentiation."
 
Next year’s event will take place Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.