By Laura Pitts
If there's one thing that's certain about vehicle technology, it's that it continuously evolves. That evolution is both a blessing and a curse for the $337 billion automotive aftermarket: new tech opens new horizons, but it can also create new hurdles for aftermarket companies.
That's why SEMA Garage teamed up with tool supplier Autel for its new-for-2025 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) academy. Available at both SEMA Garage Detroit and SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, these two-day courses are selling out far in advance, and the demand isn't stopping.
Participants learn essential knowledge of ADAS fundamentals, calibration procedures and reporting best practices with both classroom instruction and hands-on calibration experience straight from the SEMA Garage floor.
"It's pretty clear that if these are selling out, that means there's a big demand for this type of education," said Matt Emge, in-house product development engineer at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar. "Newer vehicles have all kinds of sensors on them. And if you touch anything on a vehicle, even just a lift kit, it can really change what those sensors are seeing on the road."
As ADAS becomes standard across modern vehicles, proper calibration and understanding of these complex systems have become mission-critical for aftermarket professionals. These systems depend on precise calibration to operate safely and effectively, and any modification, no matter how small, can affect their proper functioning.
"ADAS is not slowing down, and it's not going anywhere. There's absolutely a need for ADAS education as we see the number of ADAS-equipped cars growing and the percentage of repairs needing these services," said Chris Gutierrez, product and training academy director at Autel Automotive Intelligence USA.
"Granted, ADAS has been in cars for the last 30 years, but it's been mainly specialty, high-end, specific cars. As these new, ADAS-equipped daily drivers are coming out of their extended warranties and no longer being serviced by the dealership, local repair shops are going to be the first to experience ADAS issues," Gutierrez continued. "To truly get an understanding of what you're doing when you repair or modify a vehicle, what your commitment is going to be, these courses become important."
Regulatory Context: NHTSA's Upcoming AEB Mandate
Though ADAS knowledge is critical today, right now, "there's not a lot of framework or guidance for it," Emge said. "But that will change in the future."
It's true: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced new federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS No. 127), where, by September 2029, vehicle manufacturers must make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard in cars and light trucks. This is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's broader strategy designed to "address the crisis of deaths on our roads."
"FMVSS No. 127 will be a federal safety standard when it's implemented. No ifs, ands or buts. There has been some pushback on this, specifically from the automakers, but everyone in the automotive industry agrees that ADAS technology is a good thing. It might not be consistent, but it is a good thing. It does help prevent accidents. Therefore, ADAS is not going anywhere," said Luis Morales, director of vehicle technology and product development at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar.
"So, whether we like it or not, our industry members that are making suspension, aftermarket bumpers, anything that influences how a vehicle stands, accessories that are outside of the vehicle that potentially could come in front of a camera or a radar system--all of those manufacturers are going to be impacted by this because they have to work around these new standards," Morales continued. "If you're lifting a truck, you can't simply say, 'Well, I think it works.' That won't work when these new standards are implemented."
FMVSS No. 127 is still subject to legal hurdles, but these rules introduce additional challenges for manufacturers, installers, and professionals working with modified vehicles or aftermarket systems, making the SEMA Garage and Autel Academy collaboration even more vital.
Booking Future Sessions at SEMA Garage
Demand for the AUTEL Academy ADAS training has been high since its launch earlier in 2025, and future sessions at both SEMA Garage Detroit and SEMA Garage Diamond Bar are expected to sell out quickly. And as Gutierrez emphasized, these trainings are "for everyone in the industry. This most recent class included automotive service techs, training leadership from a large multiple-shop owner (MSO), shop owners, an engineer, educators, and even an insurance group. I usually have a representative from the sales and distribution side as well," he said.
Industry professionals are encouraged to book early to secure their spot now.
- SEMA Garage Detroit: November 18-19, Plymouth, Michigan
- SEMA Garage Diamond Bar: December 9-10 is SOLD OUT at press time, standby for more dates at this location
RSVP for an upcoming session on the Autel website here (simply navigate to the "Detroit" or "California" tab under the first event), and keep an eye out for additional sessions in the coming weeks.
Learn More About SEMA Garage, ADAS at the 2025 SEMA Show
Attendees of the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, will have additional opportunities to deepen their understanding of SEMA Garage, starting with the SEMA FutureTech Studio located in Central Hall, Booth #24401. View on the floorplan here.
In addition, SEMA Garage is hosting two special education sessions relating to ADAS:
Advancing ADAS Compliance: Overcoming Challenges in Modified Vehicles
Date(s): Tuesday, November 4, at 3:30 p.m. PST and Thursday, November 6, at 3:30 p.m. PST
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center | Upper South Hall | Booth #31255
Gain a technical edge as vehicle dynamics and ADAS subject-matter experts explore the challenges and develop solutions for achieving ADAS safety compliance on modified vehicles. This session will unpack the latest developments shaping the next generation of vehicle safety and performance systems, including NHTSA's 2026 NCAP dynamic validation testing updates, the proposed FMVSS No. 127 federal mandate on automatic emergency braking (AEB), and the ongoing SAE International Vehicle Dynamics Systems OBD task force's efforts toward standardization to ensure future adaptability for vehicle modifications. Attendees will also gain insight into the latest ADAS testing and validation programs from the SEMA Garage, providing engineers and manufacturers with actionable guidance to maintain compliance and innovation in an increasingly complex vehicle technology landscape.
Panelists include Marcus McDaniel, ADAS Test Engineer for Transportation Research Center Inc. and Bernard Carr, owner of CARRMERICA.
ADAS: Shaping the Future of Aftermarket Products
Date: Thursday, November 6, at 1:00 p.m. PST
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center | Room N257
Join industry experts as they explore the challenges surrounding ADAS technology and the evolution of traditional aftermarket products. Discover how aftermarket companies are adopting system diagnostics, calibration and testing practices to tackle these issues. The discussion will also cover liability concerns from both manufacturer and installer viewpoints, along with upcoming federal regulations set to shape the industry.
Panelists include:
- Greg Adler, 4 Wheel Parts, CEO
- Ted Moncure, Hoonigan, VP of Engineering & Product Development
- Brunno Moretti, Ascential Technologies (Burke Porter), President of ADAS Solutions
- Jordan Piening, Transportation Research Center Inc., Road Performance Evaluation, Director
- James Rodis, OEM Calibration Inc., Process, Procedure and Training Manager
- Christie Iannetta, Nelson Mullins, Focusing on Automotive Regulation and Transportation Safety Solutions, Partner (Former NHTSA senior trial attorney)
SEMA ADAS Showcase Returns to Upper South Hall in 2025
Don't forget, the SEMA ADAS Showcase is the Show's central hub for cutting-edge knowledge, live demonstrations and real-world collaboration related to all-things-ADAS. From repair pros and modifiers to toolmakers and engineers, this Show feature is a can't-miss destination for anyone looking to learn more about the fast-changing world of ADAS.
Located in Upper South Hall, booth #31255 (view on the floorplan here), attendees of the ADAS Showcase will:
- Dive into 30-minute expert-led sessions from leading brands, SEMA and more covering the latest ADAS trends and solutions.
- Get hands-on, vital training from equipment providers and trainers.
- See live calibration demos with real-world scanning and diagnostics.
- Learn proven best practices for setup, environment control and OEM compliance and standards, to bring back to your customers.
Education sessions will cover a range of topics, including Advancing ADAS Compliance: Overcoming Challenges in Modified Vehicles delivered by the SEMA Garage, The Challenges of Aftermarket Product Development and Vehicle ADAS By Hunter Engineering, Understanding The ADAS Software: Diagnostics, Calibration, and Adjustments led by RevvADAS and Advancing ADAS Compliance: Overcoming Challenges in Modified Vehicles, to name just a few.
To see the full education and demo schedule, visit semashow.com/ADAS-showcase-education-schedule.
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