The only tire recognized in its category, N’Fera Sport’s runner-up finish underscores Nexen’s engineering credibility, and builds off the excitement of a week of Nexen LIVE conversations connecting product proof with racers, builders, OEM voices, and creators.
LAS VEGAS (November 5, 2025) – Nexen Tire America opened the 2025 SEMA Show this week with the N’Fera Sport UHP Summer tire earning runner-up in the SEMA New Product Showcase -- the only runner-up and the only tire honored in its category of 40+ tires entered into the competition. It’s a clear signal of where Nexen is headed this week: purposeful engineering, plain-spoken explanations of what that feels like on the road, and a brand presence built to be remembered. The SEMA recognition also adds to the N’Fera Sport’s growing list of wins and test results, including the Red Dot Design Award (2024 Product Design) and nods from Auto Bild Sportscars (2025), ADAC Online (2025), GTÜ (2025), Sport Auto (2023), Auto Bild Sportscars (2022), and Auto Bild (2022).
“We build tires to solve problems drivers actually feel, like quiet cabins, confident wet braking, stability under load, and predictable behavior at the limit,” said Aaron Neumann, Head of Nexen Tire America’s Tech Center. “This New Product Showcase result tells us our engineering targets are landing with the people who scrutinize products most. The rest of the week is about putting that outcome in front of everyone on vehicles they can see, with drivers and builders who can describe the technology behind it in simple terms.”
So far this week, the stage has welcomed names that pull new audiences into the tire conversation, including Ponz Pandikuthira (SVP, Product & Planning, Nissan America), Rebelle Rally drivers Tobi Hlavnicka and Sedona Blinson, artists like Mister Cartoon and Mike Giant, Team Nexen off-road racers Woody Rose Jr. and Chris Van Den Elzen, Matt Simpson (Executive Director, Accessories & Personalization, Ford), Marcus Umlauff (General Manager, Truck, Toyota), and Zach Luke (President, Rockford Fosgate) -- each adding a perspective on how vehicles should look, feel, and perform, and discussing their take on the state of the auto industry. Hosted by Mike Caudill of Chasing Horsepower, the Nexen Live stage is pulling in SEMA attendees throughout the week for open conversations with leaders across the automotive industry.
Thursday’s lineup keeps the momentum going with conversations with Myles Kovacs (Co-founder of DUB Magazine Owner and TIS Wheels), talking culture and trend-setting; Andy McMillan (VP of Sales, Lucas Oil) on reliability and maintenance that keep performance consistent; Stuart Wilson (CEO, Velocity Restorations) on premium restomod choices; Teia Collier (Founder/Editor, A Girls Guide to Cars) on clear consumer benefits; Erik Barnlund (CEO & Co-Owner, Maxlider Brothers Customs) on classic truck drivability; Eric Smart, Pat Topolinsky, and Anthony Serrao (PowerNation Studios) on what resonates with DIY audiences; Ryan Mottinger (Champ Off-Road driver who runs Nexens professionally) on grip and predictability under pressure; and Talena Handley (Girlie Garage) with simple, confidence-building DIY tips – all alongside other industry voices rotating onto the stage. Friday morning, the stage features Team Overland Her from the Rebelle Rally, followed by Jenna Fribley and Liza Beres.
Around the stage, the booth brings the story to life. Attendees can see a full lineup of Nexen tires up close – including the award-recognized N’Fera Sport – and the vehicles that make the case in real time: OE showcase builds like a Porsche Panamera and a Jeep Wrangler that come with Nexens, Team Nexen race trucks, and an RBW electric roadster showcasing the EV-compatible N’Priz S. Attendees can also enter to win a set of Nexen tires – a giveaway exclusive to SEMA guests – and check the schedule on the screens for Nexen Live segments throughout the day.
Find the Nexen Tire booth in the Silver Lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center (Booth 84110) outside the South Hall and right in front of the Hoonigan Burnyard. Come by to catch the Nexen Live conversations, learn about Nexen technology, and get a closer look at the tires and vehicles on display.