From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Last week SEMA hosted a delegation from Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, bringing together global mobility experts, automotive media and SEMA leadership to highlight new opportunities in vehicle safety policy, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology and aftermarket innovation. This is the first time representatives from FIA have visited the SEMA Garage.
Earlier this year SEMA was accepted as a full member into FIA, with FIA joining SEMA as an association member, to advance mobility and safety policy in the United States and internationally.
The two-day program began with Ride and Drive Event featuring SEMA member-modified vehicles to the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio, where the group also met with representatives from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The event was followed by a media roundtable and facility tour at the SEMA Garage, during which a measuring session took place.
A Shared Commitment to Vehicle Safety
During the visit, FIA leaders including Willem Groenewald, secretary general for mobility and sustainability, and Tim Shearman, deputy president for mobility, underscored the importance of global cooperation in advancing vehicle safety standards. They emphasized the impact of American and global vehicle safety policy and the shared goals across our two organizations, and one that drives true innovation.
The TRC tour offered FIA a firsthand look at North America's most advanced independent vehicle testing facility, where NHTSA and leading automakers conduct crash, durability and advanced technology testing.
Showcasing SEMA's ADAS Research and Development
The highlight of the visit was the ADAS Technology Center at the SEMA Garage, where FIA leaders toured specialized labs dedicated to recalibrating and testing modern driver-assist systems. The facility enables manufacturers to verify that common modifications, such as lifting or lowering vehicles, do not compromise ADAS functionality.
As such safety technologies become standard across new vehicles, the SEMA Garage plays a critical role in ensuring aftermarket products integrate without compromise. Through its collaboration with FIA, SEMA is helping keep policymakers focused on this evolving issue, ensuring clear guidance is established in an area of policy that remains largely undefined.
