By SEMA News Editors
The 2026 SEMA Show, which concludes on Friday, November 6, is revealing where the automotive aftermarket is headed next, with emerging technologies, expanding vehicle segments and new product developments creating opportunities across the industry.
Thursday's Show-floor developments highlighted the markets and technologies shaping the industry's future, from advanced propulsion and renewable fuels to off-road innovation and evolving repair requirements.
Emerging technology was the central theme in one of the SEMA FutureTech Studio sessions in Booth #24401 in Central Hall. Titled "Advanced Fuels and Propulsion: Accelerating the Future of Mobility," the sit-down featured panelists Luis Morales of SEMA; Willem Groenewald of the FIA; Cameron Wynne of the DeLorean Motor Company; and Leslie Bellas, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).
The discussion explored why the automotive industry's future will require multiple technologies rather than a single powertrain solution. And one thing was clear: While there may be a transition to new technologies happening today, that transition will take time. Aftermarket opportunities to serve existing--and new--vehicles will continue to remain significant for years to come.
FIA's Groenewald pointed to the scale of the global vehicle population, noting that approximately 70 million new vehicles are sold annually, compared with an estimated 1.4 billion vehicles already in operation worldwide.
"If 100% of a single powertrain solution is adopted today and 100% of vehicles sold are EVs, it will take 20 years to drive that transition," Groenewald said. "So nothing's going to happen in the short term, not between five or 10 years. It's going to take a very long time."
This creates opportunities for businesses that continue developing products and solutions for internal-combustion vehicles while preparing for emerging technologies. AFPM's Bellas also reinforced that point, citing approximately 290 million vehicles on U.S. roads and a median vehicle age of 12 years. Many of those vehicles, including hybrids and internal-combustion models, will continue relying on liquid fuels for years to come.
"Because those cars, typically a car sold today is still going to be on the road in the 2040s, we have to address those vehicles today," Bellas said.
Wynne, meanwhile, explained that DeLorean Motor Company is focused on keeping its existing vehicles on the road while exploring technologies that could be incorporated into future models.
"It's all about keeping cars on the road for the original car as much as possible," Wynne said. "We need to have solutions that reduce emissions without abandoning the vehicles that people already own."
He said the company has explored hydrogen, electric and other propulsion pathways as it considers future vehicle development.
The broader message for the aftermarket is that technological change doesn't necessarily mean replacing established business opportunities. Instead, it creates additional requirements for businesses to understand new products, vehicle systems and consumer needs while continuing to support the vehicles already in circulation.
New Council Broadens SEMA's Reach Across Enthusiast Markets
SEMA Week also served as an opportunity to showcase SEMA's new reach into recreation vehicles, powersports and motorcycles with the announcement of the new Recreation, Powersports and Motorcycle (RPM) Council. The initiative creates a dedicated community for businesses serving these markets while connecting them to the broader automotive aftermarket with education, events and community. Those interested in joining may fill out SEMA's interest form for more information.
The council complements the new Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section in the West Hall, reinforcing SEMA's effort to bring automotive and outdoor recreation under one roof.
Innovative Builds and Industry Talent Point to What's Next
The opportunities ahead aren't confined to one vehicle category or propulsion technology. As the vehicle population evolves, businesses that can serve today's vehicles while preparing for tomorrow's requirements will be positioned to participate in the aftermarket's next phase of growth.
One award––Best Engineered Vehicle Award––is handed out annually at the SEMA Show and recognizes the builders and designers incorporating those new technologies into builds that are appearing on the Show floor today.
This year's winner, a '77 Ford F-100 built by Kincer Customs, is a highly engineered sleeper with a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive chassis capable of underpinning '66 to '96 two-door, short-bed Ford trucks.
Made possible with 3D scanning, the SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program, teamwork and imaginative engineering, the chassis is a testament to the boundary-pushing nature of the aftermarket. Read the full story on the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award here.
But that wasn't the only vehicle award handed out on Thursday. The four finalists for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders were announced live on the Battle of the Builders stage in Central Hall, crowning the winner of each category in the industry's most competitive build competition: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck, Sport Compact/Import Performance, Young Guns and Off-Road.
Find out who claimed each category title and who is vying for the overall crown here.
The overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Builders will be announced Friday at 12:00 p.m. PT on the Battle of the Builders Stage in Central Hall Booth #24743.
Missed the third day of the 2026 SEMA Show? Catch up on the action with the SEMA Live Day 3 stream, featuring highlights and conversations from the Show floor and beyond. And be sure to subscribe to SEMA News below for daily coverage, industry news and updates throughout the 2026 SEMA Week.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.
Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.
