By SEMA News Editors
Hemmings Announces Encore to Hemmings Motor Club Rally: The Driving Experience for Enthusiasts
Hemmings Motor Club (HMC) is hosting a three-day, backroads driving event through California's central coast next month: the HMC Rally: Paso Robles, scheduled for October 24-26 in Paso Robles, California.
The three-day rally invites drivers to embark on a curated road trip through Central California's most scenic and spirited backroads, offering an opportunity to share the road--and passion for cars--with a like-minded community of collector car enthusiasts, organizers said.
Participants will depart from either the San Francisco Bay Area or northern Los Angeles County on Friday, October 24, for a 220-mile route through stunning backroads, arriving in Paso Robles for a hosted welcome reception. Saturday, October 25, features a 230-mile Central Coast loop, including a mid-route burger stop and an evening fireside chat with motorsports legend Brock Yates Jr. and Hemmings' own Mike Musto. The rally concludes Sunday morning, October 26, with a spirited 50-mile drive to the Pacific coast for a proper sendoff.
For more information, visit hmn.com/HMCRally.
Henkel Expands Flagship Manufacturing Facility in South Dakota
Henkel--the Brandon, South Dakota-based provider of adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and manufacturer of consumer brands including LOCTITE and BERGQUIST--announced the expansion of its North American flagship manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota. With an investment of approximately $30 million and additional support from the state's government and economic development organizations, the site has nearly doubled in size, expanding from 35,000 to 70,000 sq. ft.
"This expansion marks a significant milestone in Henkel's journey to support the long-term growth of the EV and electronics markets with sustainable, high-performance solutions," said Bjoern Jackisch, senior vice president, Operations & Supply Chain, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "Our investment in Brandon reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships--with our customers and the community. We are proud to strengthen our footprint in North America and contribute to the future of mobility."
The expansion includes the installation of additional mixers, enabling high-volume production of advanced thermal management and adhesive solutions. These technologies are essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and ensuring the long-term performance, safety and durability of automotive batteries and electronic components. The upgraded facility now has the capacity to produce thermal management materials at a robust scale, supporting the long-term growth of the EV and electronics market across North America, the company stated in a release.
Henkel's Brandon facility is the first in its North American Adhesive Technologies business to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the most widely recognized green building rating system. The project is registered with the certification goal of LEED Silver®.
"This expansion is more than an investment in infrastructure – it's a testament to what is possible when industry, government and community come together with a shared vision," said Marcel Fleck, senior vice president, Automotive Components, Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
The Brandon facility, originally constructed in 2009, employs more than 100 staff members today.
For more information, visit henkel-northamerica.com.
Ford Racing Returns to the 2025 Rebelle Rally
The Rebelle Rally has announced the return of Ford Motor Company as a Silver Partner for the third consecutive year. In addition, Ford will again field five factory teams taking on the 1,600-plus-mile course in the Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor:
2025 Ford Factory Teams
- Team 131 – Karisa Haydon / Trista Smith
- Team 132 – Bailey Campbell / Sedona Blinson
- Team 150 – Shelby Hall / Rori Lewis
- Team 188 – Laura Wanlass / Penny Dale
- Team 199 – Melissa Clark / Kathryn Reinhardt
In addition to its factory teams, Ford is launching the inaugural Rebelle Rally Ford Grassroots Program in 2025, providing support for seven privateer teams competing in Ford vehicles.
"Having Ford return as a partner means so much to us," said Rebelle Rally Founder and Director Emily Miller. "They continue to show up not only for the rally and our organization, but for their customers who take on this challenge. Their new Grassroots Program is an incredible extension of that support, giving privateer teams the opportunity to feel part of something bigger while still chasing their own adventure."
The event takes place in California and Nevada, consisting of nine days of competition across a wide variety of terrain, altitudes and temperatures, putting stock manufacturer vehicles to the ultimate test. Technical inspections will take place on October 8 in Mammoth Lakes, California, with the final finish scheduled for October 17. Follow the teams and learn more at rebellerally.com.
For more on Ford, visit ford.com.
ASE and AACF Announce New Partnership to Expand Support for ASE Certified Professionals
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) have formed a new partnership designed to expand support for ASE Certified professionals and their families facing unexpected hardships.
The initiative, launched under the theme "Support Beyond Certification," reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the entire technician community--not only through professional excellence but also through personal resilience and security, according to organization representatives.
Since 1972, more than a quarter of a million professionals have earned ASE Certification, the industry's standard credential across automotive service, parts, collision, truck, school bus and transit bus segments. AACF complements ASE by serving as the industry's safety net since 1959--providing emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in the automotive aftermarket affected by illness, injury, natural disasters or other life-changing events.
"ASE is dedicated to ensuring that service professionals are recognized for their skills and commitment to excellence," said Jennifer Holland, assistant vice president of marketing, ASE. "Through this partnership with AACF, we're extending that support beyond the test—giving technicians and their families a trusted resource when life takes an unexpected turn."
"This partnership bridges the gap between professional recognition and personal support," said John Kairys, executive director, AACF. "Together with ASE, we are reinforcing to every technician that they are not only valued for their skills but cared for as individuals. This is what it means to truly support our aftermarket family."
The collaboration will include coordinated communications to ASE Certified professionals, raising awareness of AACF's services and resources. Joint initiatives will feature co-branded campaigns, social media outreach and integration of AACF information into ASE certification and recertification touchpoints. ASE will also join AACF in supporting key events during AAPEX/SEMA Show Week, further demonstrating the industry's united commitment to its workforce.
For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org/asecares.
The AAM Group Launches N-Store TV PRO, Custom Branding for In-Store Video Platform
The AAM Group has launched N-Store TV PRO, an upgrade to its in-store video platform that gives local jobbers new customization options.
Already a proven sales tool, N-Store TV transforms any showroom into a nonstop product showcase by streaming high-quality videos from automotive brands directly to customers. The free version works with any Roku-enabled device, allowing jobbers to set up quickly and start selling.
The new PRO version introduces features that enable shops to take control of their showroom experience. Businesses can now display their own logos, create custom graphics and promote services or specials alongside supplier videos. The result is a professional, on-brand showroom that enhances credibility and helps drive more sales.
"Jobbers have been asking for a way to put their personal stamp on N-Store TV, and we're excited to deliver with PRO," said AAM Vice President of Operations David Ayers. "By giving shops the ability to brand their showroom experience, we're helping them stand out to customers and maximize every sales opportunity."
Headquartered in Piney Flats, Tennessee, The AAM Group manages product purchasing and marketing for distributors, jobbers and suppliers affiliated with four flagship retail marketing programs: Engine Pro, Parts Pro, Performance Corner and Total Truck Centers.
For more information, visit theaamgroup.com.
