New SEMA Garage offers first-ever ADAS testing facilities

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened its SEMA Garage East, in Plymouth, featuring what SEMA calls the "first-ever" research facility dedicated to testing and understanding how the aftermarket is impacted by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The 45,000-square-foot facility features a large ADAS technology center and an installation center, and will be expanded to include a four-wheel chassis dyno lab and another dyno lab capable of testing diesel and gasoline tailpipe emissions, SEMA said at the facility's opening this week.

Like the existing SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., the Plymouth facility — which is nearly triple the size — will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers.

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"The SEMA Garage Detroit is a game changer in helping aftermarket manufacturers develop products for today's sophisticated automobiles," Ben Kaminsky, general manager of the new facility, said.

"We will be collaborating with auto makers, suppliers and key players in the industry to conduct some groundbreaking research. We are really going to be able to take product development and testing capabilities to a whole new level."

The new SEMA Garage is located in a renovated existing structure that SEMA acquired in April 2021. Plymouth is a city of about 9,000 located 25 miles west of Detroit. SEMA estimates there are at least 80 automotive companies located in and around Plymouth.

SEMA did not disclose its investment in the project.

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Similar to the facility in Diamond Bar, the SEMA Garage in Plymouth will feature exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center for members to use.

Since opening in 2014, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar has helped manufacturers to secure more than 600 executive orders (EOs) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) — more than any other testing facility.

The new facility will offer all SEMA members complimentary access to automotive garage tools and equipment for aftermarket product development, R&D, prototyping, and measuring sessions. Additionally, the facility is available for trainings, how-to/installation videos, product reveals, and production video and photography.

Moreover, 5,000 square feet will be devoted exclusively to research on ADAS, SEMA said.

The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.

"The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities for our member companies and SEMA," Kaminsky said. "We will be able to elevate our current offerings by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area."

The Plymouth facility features new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools, and engineering software.

The lab can accommodate a 48-inch all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and includes a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB's new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.

"SEMA Garage provides manufacturers access to tools and equipment without the exorbitant individual costs," Kaminsky said. "Manufacturers no longer need to rely on trial and error for their product development, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. SEMA Garage Detroit will enable more manufacturers access to our resources."

Through the SEMA Garage's resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks.

For more information, see semagarage.com.