While most folks probably associate the Specialty Equipment Market Association with its annual SEMA trade show in Las Vegas, this organization also hosts many other events throughout the year. One such event this year was an open house for the new SEMA Garage.

What is the SEMA Garage? It’s a 15,000-square-foot facility filled with nearly $2 million dollars in equipment. Its primary purpose is to provide a readily accessible venue for use by industry professionals and manufacturers to perform a wide range of critical tasks necessary to compete in today’s challenging global marketplace. 

These include using a complete test cell where new aftermarket products can be evaluated on vehicles and performance gains can be measured. Today, manufacturers are faced with ever increasing burdens by the states and the federal government to develop performance parts and accessories that pass stringent emissions standards. This temperature-controlled test cell can simulate winter in the mountains, summer in the desert or anything in between. The lab is fully certified and meets all federal EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. Capabilities include emissions, fuel economy, acceleration, brake stopping distances, interior and exterior noise levels and handling.

In yet another area, a cutting edge 3D printer is available for fast prototyping, while digital race car scales for precise vehicle weight measurements are also available to race teams looking to achieve the ultimate in weight distribution. Upstairs on the second floor, there are offices and conference rooms.  All in all, a very impressive facility that will provide a wide variety of services to SEMA member companies.