Ford pulling out of 2022 SEMA show; Honda undecided

The Specialty Equipment Market Association recently announced that Ford and Honda have pulled out of the upcoming 2022 SEMA Show, but only one of the automakers has confirmed the statement.

Mike Levine, Ford’s North America Product Communications Director, said in an email that Ford has indeed decided not to sponsor a display at this year’s show, which is scheduled for November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are proud to support the automotive aftermarket industry and collaborate closely with its members, however we are taking a new approach to the SEMA show,” Levine says. “Instead of our traditional display, we look forward to showcasing our winning portfolio of vehicles digitally online, as well as at Ford events and shows.”

Levine says Ford will release additional details at a future date.

Meanwhile, Honda/Acura Midwest Public Relations representative Lynn Seely says that contrary to SEMA’s press release, Honda has not decided about its participation in the 2022 event. “We have long-standing ties with the aftermarket community,” Seely wrote in an email, “and (we) are looking at ways to engage with this key audience as we launch enthusiast models like the all-new Honda Civic Type R and next-generation Acura Integra.”

SEMA’s announcement about the loss of the two automakers was included in a press release that focused on increased vendor participation. Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales, says that with 1,000,000 square feet of exhibitor space already committed, “confirmed spaces are running 25 percent above 2021.” In addition, SEMA revealed that Chevrolet, Hummer, GMC, Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan will have larger exhibitor displays than in previous years.

The release continued: “Due to a change in corporate strategy, Ford and Honda will not be displaying at the 2022 SEMA Show. We appreciate their long-time support, and while many of us are going to miss their participation at this year’s show, we are excited to see the Show take on a new look in Central Hall. SEMA will continue to collaborate with both Ford and Honda on various SEMA programs, such as Tech Transfer and Measuring Sessions in 2022 and beyond.”

SEMA has not yet replied to a request for clarification.