Ford and Honda Will not Be at SEMA This Yr

Attendees at this 12 months’s SEMA present will not be seeing any wild OEM-built Broncos or Civics this 12 months as a result of each Ford and Honda—arguably two of the most important names in tuner tradition—have determined to sit down this 12 months’s present out.

“As a consequence of a change in company technique, Ford and Honda is not going to be displaying on the 2022 SEMA present,” reads a SEMA weblog put up. “We admire their long-time assist, and whereas many people are going to overlook their participation at this 12 months’s present, we’re excited to see the present tackle a brand new look in Central Corridor. SEMA will proceed to collaborate with each Ford and Honda on numerous SEMA packages, comparable to Tech Switch and Measuring Classes in 2022 and past.”

In individual at the least, this implies no factory-modified Mustangs, Mavericks, F-150 Lightnings, Accords, or Civics. Honda’s absence is very stunning given the corporate is making ready to launch two vehicles which might be proper up the alley of the SEMA crowd: the Acura Integra and the next-gen Civic Kind R.

Modified Ford followers, nevertheless, could possibly catch some SEMA-style motion from the Blue Oval on-line and on the automaker’s personal occasions as a substitute. After I requested the corporate why they weren’t coming to SEMA correct this 12 months, a Ford spokesperson replied, “We’re proud to assist the automotive aftermarket business and collaborate carefully with its members, nevertheless we’re taking a brand new strategy to the SEMA present. As an alternative of our conventional show, we stay up for showcasing our profitable portfolio of automobiles digitally on-line in addition to at Ford occasions and exhibits. We’ll share extra particulars later.”

Honda has but to reply to my request for remark however I am going to replace this story when it does.

The SEMA present will happen on the Las Vegas Conference Heart from Nov. 1 to 4. The group says Chevy, GMC (Hummer included), Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Stellantis, and newcomer Volkswagen can be round to indicate off their factory-modded rides, idea vehicles, and equipment.

Acquired a tip or query for the writer? You may attain him right here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com