Two big automakers could be leaving custom show
Volkswagen to attend for first time
Ford isn’t coming to one of the biggest auto events in the world. And Honda might not be coming either, depending on who you ask. That’s as the SEMA show gets ready for its 2022 event, welcoming OEMs and aftermarket manufacturers from around the world.
“Due to a change in corporate strategy, Ford and Honda will not be displaying at the 2022 SEMA Show,” SEMA organizers said in a blog post (via The Drive).
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is the trade group that represents everything that you might want to add to your vehicle. From engines to lifts, to new headlight bulbs, the SEMA show features all of them. With some of the biggest builds in the world.
The Jeep Wrangler has long been the darling of this show. Vehicles loaded with modifications we couldn’t have dreamed up fill show halls and exhibit stands. This year was expected to be the year of the Ford Bronco, with enough of them on the road now that the aftermarket has had time to make killer builds. While that will probably still happen, none of them will be at the Ford booth.
In past years, Ford has brought plenty of concepts to SEMA, including the electric Eluminator F-100 pickup. Honda has also had plenty on-hand, including a Honda Ridgeline with no roof and tracks.
While the event was brought to a halt by COVID-19 restrictions, it was back last year. And organizers say the number of confirmed spaces is now 25 percent higher than this time last year.
Ford told The Drive that it planned on having an online display instead. Honda said that despite the SEMA post, it had not yet decided if it would attend. So that automaker may show up, hinting at bringing the new Civic Type R and Acura Integra.
Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, and Nissan are all planning larger displays. Stellantis is attending and Volkswagen will attend for the first time
