SEMA VP of Events Tom Gattuso
About this episode
Tom Gattuso, VP of Events at SEMA, shares insights about the evolution of the SEMA show, which has transitioned from an industry-only event to include public access. He discusses the importance of engaging younger generations and the impact of COVID-19 on consumer interaction with manufacturers. The episode highlights the significance of nostalgia in the automotive community and how SEMA is adapting to changing market dynamics, including the introduction of SEMA Fest, which combines the show with live music. Gattuso emphasizes the need for the industry to evolve while maintaining its core passion for cars.
TOM GATTUSO, vice president of events for SEMA phones into to the shop to talk with Stacey about – you guessed it – the upcoming SEMA show this fall in Las Vegas! They dive into the history of the event, how it has changed throughout the years, what is new for this year's event, and SEMA Fest which will feature live performances from QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THE BLACK CROWES, and NEON TREES.
SEMA show
"And this will be our 48th year in Vegas, but the 58th SEMA show. We're excited about it."
The SEMA show is a big event in Las Vegas where companies show off new parts and accessories for cars. It's all about improving and customizing vehicles.
The SEMA show, or Specialty Equipment Market Association show, is an annual trade event held in Las Vegas that focuses on the automotive aftermarket industry. It showcases the latest products, trends, and innovations in vehicle customization and performance enhancements.
SEMAfest
"So we do have it set up where you can go to one of our websites, SEMAfest.com, and be able to purchase a ticket to an array of stuff."
SEMAfest is a fun event where regular people can go and enjoy car shows, see cool cars, and participate in activities related to cars.
SEMAfest is an event associated with the SEMA show that allows the public to experience automotive culture through various activities, including car displays, entertainment, and vendor booths.
Vintage Air
"if you had products from Painless or I did it or Vintage Air or somebody on your vehicle, your vehicle would be in their booth as an example to other people of what that would look like."
Vintage Air makes air conditioning systems for older cars, so you can enjoy cool air while driving a classic vehicle. They help keep these cars comfortable in hot weather.
Vintage Air specializes in aftermarket air conditioning systems for classic cars. Their products are designed to fit seamlessly into older vehicles, providing modern comfort without compromising the car's original aesthetics.
Painless
"if you had products from Painless or I did it or Vintage Air or somebody on your vehicle, your vehicle would be in their booth as an example to other people of what that would look like."
Painless makes wiring kits for cars, helping to connect electrical parts like lights and engines. They are popular among people building or restoring cars.
Painless is a company known for its high-quality wiring harnesses and electrical components for automotive applications. Their products are often used in custom builds and restorations to ensure reliable electrical systems.
Datsun 240Z
"I just rolled in a Datsun 240Z. We're getting ready to do a bunch of stuff. People are going nuts over because that's the start of the Japanese performance stuff."
The Datsun 240Z is a famous sports car from the 1970s that many people love for its speed and style. It's often restored and modified by car fans today.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic sports car produced by Nissan under the Datsun brand in the early 1970s. It's known for its lightweight design and performance, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors.
Japanese performance cars
"People are going nuts over because that's the start of the Japanese performance stuff. You have to keep looking at that and moving things."
Japanese performance cars are fast cars made in Japan that are known for being fun to drive. They became really popular in the 70s and 80s, with models like the Datsun 240Z leading the way.
Japanese performance cars refer to high-performance vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. This era saw the rise of models like the Datsun 240Z, which became iconic for their speed and handling.
Ford Mustang
"...t car or their first car memory may not be the 65 Mustang or the 67 Camaro. It may be a Datsun 240 or it co..."
Chevrolet Camaro
"...their first car or their first car memory may not be the 65 Mustang or the 67 Camaro."
The 1967 Camaro is a classic car that many people admire. It's known for being powerful and having a cool look, making it popular with car fans.
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is another classic American muscle car, introduced as a competitor to the Ford Mustang. It is celebrated for its performance and distinctive styling, becoming a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Datsun 240
"It may be a Datsun 240 or it could be one of the fast and furious generation cars."
The Datsun 240 is an older sports car made by Nissan. It's popular among car lovers because it's fun to drive and has a unique style.
The Datsun 240 is a classic sports car produced by Nissan in the 1970s, known for its lightweight design and performance. It is part of the Datsun Z series, which has a strong following among car enthusiasts today.
driveway project
"So they used to say, okay, so if that's it and you're fueling this passion, what's your driveway project going to be?"
A driveway project is when someone works on fixing up a car at home, usually an older or classic car. It can be anything from small repairs to making the car look brand new.
A driveway project refers to a car restoration or modification project that enthusiasts undertake at home, often involving classic or vintage cars. These projects can range from simple repairs to full restorations.
restoration
"So when you talk about like restoration as a place at our show, it used to be people trying to restore a car back to new old stock."
Restoration means fixing up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. This can involve a lot of work, like painting and replacing parts.
Restoration in the automotive context refers to the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often involving repairs, repainting, and sourcing original parts. This can include restoring classic cars to their factory specifications.
new old stock
"...people trying to restore a car back to new old stock. But now that can include a car that's imported from Japan."
New old stock means parts for cars that were made a long time ago but never used. People like to use these parts when fixing up old cars because they are original.
New old stock (NOS) refers to parts that were manufactured long ago but have never been used or installed. These parts are often sought after for restoration projects because they are original and fit the vehicle as intended.
imported from Japan
"...But now that can include a car that's imported from Japan. The first time we've got some leniency there."
Imported from Japan means bringing cars from Japan to other countries. Many people do this to find special or rare cars that aren't available locally.
Importing cars from Japan refers to the practice of bringing vehicles from Japan to other countries, often due to the availability of unique models and lower prices. This has become popular among enthusiasts looking for rare or performance-oriented cars.
Ford Falcon
"and somebody was very, very proud of their 65 Ford Falcon convertible."
The Ford Falcon is a car that Ford made in the 1960s. The 1965 version is a convertible, which means the roof can be opened.
The Ford Falcon was a compact car produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970. The 1965 model is particularly noted for its classic styling and was popular in the muscle car era.
McLaren P1
"And my son said, you know, I really think that McLean P1 is cool."
The McLaren P1 is a very fast and expensive sports car made by McLaren. It's known for being one of the best supercars in the world.
The McLaren P1 is a hybrid supercar produced by McLaren Automotive, known for its high performance and advanced technology. It was part of the 'Holy Trinity' of hypercars alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari.
Shelby Gt 350
"..., and I'm thinking like 69 Boss 302, you know, 65 Shelby GT 350, all the good stuff that I think of, this kid get..."
The Shelby GT350 is a special version of the Ford Mustang that was built for speed and performance. It's known for having a really strong engine and is designed for people who love racing and driving fast. Many car fans admire it because of its history and how exciting it is to drive.
The Shelby GT350 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, originally produced in the 1960s and revived in recent years. It is celebrated for its powerful V8 engine and track-focused design, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. The GT350 represents a blend of American muscle and racing heritage.
Lamborghini Gt 350
"...'m thinking like 69 Boss 302, you know, 65 Shelby GT 350, all the good stuff that I think of, this kid get..."
daily driver
"...I would say, okay, here's a perfect daily driver because I know the owner..."
A daily driver is a car that you use every day to go to work or run errands. It's usually practical and reliable, rather than just fast or flashy.
A daily driver refers to a vehicle that is used regularly for commuting or everyday tasks. It typically prioritizes reliability and comfort over performance.
Subaru BRZ
"Yeah. BRZ is like, I want to keep it forever. And I think i..."
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive and has a design that makes it feel light and agile. It’s popular because it’s not just about going fast; it’s about enjoying the ride. Many people who love cars want to keep it for a long time because of how enjoyable it is.
The Subaru BRZ is a compact sports car known for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout, which offers an engaging driving experience. Launched in 2012, it has gained a loyal following among enthusiasts for its balance and handling. Its significance lies in its focus on driving pleasure rather than sheer power.
Volkswagen Rabbit Gti
"Like I remember my first car like that was a rabbit GTI."
The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI is a sporty hatchback that is fun to drive. It's known for being quick and having a lot of personality, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI is a sporty version of the Rabbit hatchback, known for its performance and fun driving experience. It helped establish the hot hatch segment in the automotive market.
Volkswagen GTI
"...it was one of the first, it was Volkswagen's first foray into that is the first year for the GTI. And the GTI for me was this connection into a performance improvement..."
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the regular Golf car. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine that makes it faster than the standard model.
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance version of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It has become an iconic model in the hot hatch segment since its introduction in the 1970s.
air cooled Volkswagen
"...I went from air cooled Volkswagen's to water cooled Volkswagen's and just opened up this whole new world..."
Air cooled Volkswagens are older models that didn't use water to keep the engine cool. Instead, they relied on air, which made them lighter and simpler but less common today.
Air cooled Volkswagens refer to older models like the Beetle and Type 2 Bus, which used air cooling systems instead of liquid cooling. This design was simpler and lighter but has been largely replaced by water-cooled engines in modern vehicles.
water cooled Volkswagen
"...I went from air cooled Volkswagen's to water cooled Volkswagen's and just opened up this whole new world..."
Water cooled Volkswagens are newer models that use water to keep the engine cool. This is the standard way most cars work today, making them more efficient than older models.
Water cooled Volkswagens are modern models that use a liquid cooling system to regulate engine temperature. This technology allows for more efficient engine performance and is standard in most contemporary vehicles.
power band
"If you keep it in the power band, this car is really fun to drive. Yeah."
The power band is the part of the engine's speed where it works best and gives the most power. If you drive in this range, the car feels more powerful and fun to drive.
The power band refers to the range of engine speeds (RPM) where the engine produces its maximum power and torque. Staying within this range allows for optimal performance and responsiveness.
Cornwell Tools
"Anyway, if you get a chance, check out Cornwell Tools."
Cornwell Tools makes tools that people use to fix cars and do other mechanical work. They are known for making strong and reliable tools that last a long time.
Cornwell Tools is a manufacturer of high-quality hand tools and automotive repair equipment. They are known for their durable products that cater to professional mechanics and automotive enthusiasts alike.
BMW M240I
"...e been kind of bit by the BMW bug. And I drive an M240i, also a stick shift. And I really feel like pound..."
The BMW 2 Series is a small, fancy car that is designed to be fun to drive. It has a sporty feel and is known for being quick and responsive on the road. Many people enjoy it because it combines luxury with a thrilling driving experience.
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury car that emphasizes sporty performance and driving dynamics. Introduced in 2014, it has been praised for its engaging handling and powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. The M240i variant, in particular, is noted for its impressive performance and fun driving experience.
BMW M4
"...I think I'd be in the M2, M4 category because I just like the look of a two-door car. But right now I'm probably going a little bit BMW slanted just because it's my daily right now..."
The BMW M4 is a sporty two-door car that offers great performance and luxury. It's similar to the M2 but is a bit larger and more powerful, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
The BMW M4 is a high-performance version of the 4 Series coupe, featuring a powerful engine and enhanced handling characteristics. It's designed for those who want a blend of luxury and sportiness in a two-door format.
BMW M2
"...I think I'd be in the M2, M4 category because I just like the look of a two-door car. But right now I'm probably going a little bit BMW slanted just because it's my daily right now..."
The BMW M2 is a sporty two-door car that is fun to drive. It's a faster version of the regular 2 Series and is popular among car lovers for its performance.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance variant of the 2 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It's designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate a compact coupe.
Bmw 2002S
"Have you ever ventured back into the old 2002s, the old BMW 2002s and stuff?"
The BMW 2002 is an older model that many car fans love. It's known for being fun to drive and has a classic design that people appreciate.
The BMW 2002 is a classic compact car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its sporty performance and handling. It's considered one of the first true sports sedans and has a strong following among classic car enthusiasts.
BMW 528
"...writing a college paper on whether or not the BMW 528 was a good idea. It was for a marketing class."
The BMW 5 Series is a larger luxury car that is comfortable and packed with features. It’s known for being powerful yet smooth to drive, making it a favorite among people who want a nice car for both work and leisure. The 528 model is one of the versions that people often talk about for its good performance.
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been a staple of the brand since the 1970s, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. The 528 model is part of this series and is often discussed for its balance of power and efficiency. The 5 Series is significant for its role in establishing BMW's reputation in the luxury car market.
BMW M5
"and that's really when the first M5 sort of came out. That was a thing where it was like, OK, is this a good idea?"
The BMW M5 is a fast and powerful version of the BMW 5 Series. It's designed for people who want a luxury car that can also perform like a sports car.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It has become a benchmark for luxury sports sedans.
horsepower
"And it was this great age of horsepower meeting performance,"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It is a key factor in determining a car's performance and acceleration.
Pirelli
"meeting branding, Pirelli and BBS and some of those brands for the first time were called out in that genre."
Pirelli makes tires for cars, especially those that go fast or are used in racing. They're a well-known brand in the car world.
Pirelli is an Italian tire manufacturer known for high-performance tires, particularly in motorsports and luxury vehicles. They are a prominent brand in the automotive industry, often associated with racing and performance cars.
BBS
"meeting branding, Pirelli and BBS and some of those brands for the first time were called out in that genre."
BBS makes wheels for cars, and they're popular among people who want to upgrade their vehicles for better looks and performance. They're often seen on sports cars.
BBS is a German manufacturer renowned for its high-quality aftermarket wheels, particularly popular among car enthusiasts and in motorsports. Their wheels are known for their performance and aesthetic appeal.
early BMW
"So I've gone down that early BMW rabbit hole, if you will, but always tried to parlay it into some other thing I was doing because I knew there was this broader calling for me with the automotive industry."
Early BMWs are older models from the BMW brand that are known for their sporty performance and engineering. They're often loved by car enthusiasts.
The term 'early BMW' typically refers to the classic models produced by BMW in the mid-20th century, particularly those that established the brand's reputation for performance and engineering excellence, such as the BMW 2002 and the E30 3 Series.
Audi 100
"...gon Charter Academy, what learning should be. For 100 years, the Elsinore has attracted audiences from ..."
The Audi 100 is a luxury car that was made for several decades and is known for being well-built and comfortable. It helped Audi become a popular brand because of its good design and technology. People talk about it because it shows how cars have changed over the years.
The Audi 100 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was produced from the 1960s to the 1990s, known for its innovative engineering and design. It played a significant role in establishing Audi's reputation for quality and performance. The Audi 100 is often discussed for its impact on the automotive industry and its evolution into modern Audi models.
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