Lucas Bell 
Trade shows are a fairly common occurrence across several different industries, but none are quite as exciting as the SEMA Show. One of the largest events held in Las Vegas every year, this automotive aftermarket convention brings thousands of part suppliers, builders, and media folks together to celebrate our passions for modifying vehicles. Not ones to be left out of such an event, automakers themselves tend to get in on the action. Thanks to a new report from the SEMA staff, we now have a bit of information related to Stellantis’ plans for the 2021 iteration of the show. More specifically, we have some information about the requirements builders will need to follow in order to be a part of the Stellantis Project Vehicle Program for Ram, Jeep and Dodge products.
While Stellantis may be a newly formed entity, FCA was no stranger to the SEMA Show in previous years. Whether you’re talking about Dodge muscle cars, Jeep SUVs or Ram trucks, they are always well represented on the convention center floor. And despite the merger, it doesn’t appear that this will change. In fact, Stellantis is asking builders to consider utilizing a wide-range of their current products, including the following:
- Jeep Wagoneer
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
- Jeep Gladiator
- Ram 1500 TRX
- Ram 2500 Mega Cab
- Ram 2500 Power Wagon
- Ram 3500 Chassis Cab
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
Builders who want to be a part of the Stellantis Project Vehicle Program will have quite a few hoops to jump through. The automaker has rolled out a ton of criteria that the companies will have to adhere to, which isn’t entirely a shock considering they’ll be supplying vehicles for the builds. These criteria include everything from massive liability insurance policies, detailed reports of their social media presence and exposure, to detailed plans related to the build and how it will adhere to the brand’s identity. Stellantis will also be supplying Mopar and Jeep accessory parts that the builders must use for the project car. Furthermore, the shops have to agree to destroy the vehicles after the automaker has gotten the promotion they want out of the build, which is somewhat of a bummer. That said, nothing that is really out of the ordinary for these types of projects.
While further details are unavailable at this time, this Stellantis Project Vehicle Program could end up being an awful lot like what Ford does with its own project vehicle program, yielding to an impressive array of vehicles spread across the brand’s massive showroom floor exhibit. And for the 2021 SEMA Show, that’s expected to include both the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Bronco Sport.
If you are an aftermarket performance shop looking to challenge yourselves, the Stellantis Project Vehicle Program could offer you just that. And while there are some hoops to jump through, the vehicles will be seen and enjoyed by thousands of folks at the show and online, which is really what this whole car scene is about.
