By SEMA News Editors

 

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings; be sure to visit jobs.sema.org for the complete directory: 

 

Kanter Auto

Vintage Automotive Parts Specialist in Boonton, New Jersey

Kanter Auto seeks a professional to handle the high-level technical inquiries and bridge the gap between the company's digital presence and its physical products.

VIEW LISTING

 

Speedway Motors

Quality Control Inspector-Fabrication in Lincoln, Nebraska

The person in this role will inspect fabricated components to verify they meet engineering drawings, tolerances and specifications before reaching Speedway Motors customers, among additional duties.

VIEW LISTING

 

These are just a few of the new roles available on jobs.sema.org.

 

Employers looking to join the SEMA Career Center can do so at semajobs.com/employers/register.

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV

 

 

Second Facelift for Bentley Flying Spur

 

The current Bentley Flying Spur is in its third generation. It hit the assembly line back in 2019, with Stefan Sielaff, the man who left his mark on the 2017 Audi A7, the Mercedes CLS, the Audi Quattro Spyder and numerous Zeekr models, signing the design. Beneath the skin lies the Volkswagen Group's aging MSB platform, which is the foundation of the G2 and G3 Porsche Panamera and the third- and fourth-generation Continental.
 

Thus, one might think that because this model is no longer exactly new and has started showing its age, the company would be preparing an entirely new generation. Moreover, Bentley gave the Flying Spur a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of 2024. Nonetheless, the British automaker plans to milk its current flagship sedan for as long as possible. As a result, a second facelift is now in the works, and this was the version recently spied in action at the Nürburgring.
 

At first glance, this prototype looks quite ordinary, but as usual, the devil is in the details. As our spy photographer noted, there are entirely new headlights on deck, which look very similar to those of the latest Continental, though they are partially covered in stickers meant to replicate the look of the current clusters.

 

The grille appears to retain its size, but the pattern is new, and the front bumper also appears to be entirely new. It is home to a very wide intake on the lower end and a pair of vents below the headlights. The Flying B mascot still decorates the car's nose. The real taillights are hidden beneath more stickers at the other end, and the rear bumper and elegant skirt beneath it are likely new as well.
 

The interior of this Bentley Flying Spur appears to be under wraps, suggesting that more updates are coming here. It's not clear yet what the company has prepared for the cockpit of this latest iteration of its flagship sedan, but new dual screens, or at least new software, would be a good guess. Still, the cabin will most likely retain its elegant overall look, and the rotating display in the middle of the dashboard should remain.
 

Bentley's upcoming Flying Spur could also feature some revisions beneath the skin in order to improve certain aspects, including overall comfort, and maybe some updates in the powertrain department. However, do not expect any drastic changes in these areas, as the automaker wants to play it safe with its revised flagship sedan so this model can continue taking on the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the Rolls-Royce Ghost, two of its biggest rivals in the segment.

 

 

 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV Evokes Coachbuilt Classics

 

The all-new, all-electric Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV will come with a two-piece hood opening, evoking the coachbuilt classics that an electric SUV with a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot seems, on paper, so far removed from. Since Goodwood can't impress buyers with cylinder count, Rolls-Royce will instead create spectacle with the body, as nothing else on the planet has such a setup. Sure, it'll be less practical than a regular hood opening, but when the bellhops extract your luggage outside the Four Seasons, even Bugatti owners will be forced to take a look.
 

With such a unique front end—which still incorporates a retractable and potentially illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to prevent customers from rioting—the Rolls-Royce electric SUV will surely beat the upcoming Bentley Barnato electric SUV for theater, and if you're going to buy a six-figure EV, it ought to feel special. Of course, while this particular hood opening has already been revealed in a patent, there's no guarantee that it will necessarily conceal the owner's everyday Hermès bags.

 

 

Like the Boat Tail, it's quite possible that this front storage area could be filled with whatever the customer decides: fitted luggage, glassware and beverages, picnic baskets or anything else. In fact, that's a distinct possibility because of what Goodwood said some weeks ago, words that automotive historians of the future will take note of.
 

Rolls-Royce recently announced the Coachbuilt Collection, a series of ultra-exclusive creations for the highest echelons of its customer base, allowing the imaginations of the ultra-wealthy to run wild with effectively no limits on customization possibilities. What makes this relevant here is that the automaker also said the first creation from this program will be electric. Of course, something with two doors based on the Spectre seems more predictable, and this prototype's Cullinan-like shape isn't all that remarkable, but perhaps plenty of this vehicle's design is being hidden well by the camouflage.
 

Reportedly built on the Architecture of Luxury platform that underpins every current Rolls-Royce product, but with new BMW EV technology (which likely means Rimac technology), this SUV is expected to be capable of close to 404 miles of range, if not a little more. That should be plenty for the well-heeled city dwellers this is aimed at, and they'll be able to wow onlookers with the two-piece opening hood hands-free, as this and the tailgate are expected to be voice-activated, among other features. With this hood now evident and most of the other bodywork looking finished, we expect more vinyl camouflage to be peeled off soon, with a reveal before the end of the year.

 

 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

California's "Leno's Law" continues to gain momentum. SB 1392, authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, has passed the California State Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be considered by policy committees in the coming weeks.
 

👉 Let them hear you, California! If you live in the state, tell your Assemblymember to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute).

 

 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.
 

The bill is aimed at true collector vehicles used for shows, cruises, charitable events and historical exhibitions, not daily transportation. With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the Assembly, where continued support from enthusiasts and small businesses will be critical.

 

In an acknowledgment of the undeniable cultural importance of providing a pathway for modernizing the state's laws on collector vehicles, California’s iconic lowrider community is standing up for Leno's Law, submitting more than 1,700 letters in support of passing the bill. 

 

"Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno's Law is about protecting those who keep these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love," said letter organizer Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind, a cultural hub for the lowrider community. 

 

Additionally, the FIA, via its International Historical Commission, has sent a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to vote in favor of Leno's Law, citing the bill’s potential for preserving California's leadership in both clean air and cultural heritage. 

 

"California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture," write Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA's secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism. "SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California's cultural and economic fabric. It is intentionally bounded, does not create a broad rolling exemption, and creates only an optional pathway for qualifying collector vehicles. It ensures that rare and historic vehicles, some of which are displayed in world-renowned California museums and celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, can be preserved without undue regulatory burden."

 

"Leno's Law has always been about more than our state’s antiquated emissions tests, or the high-dollar auctioneer space that people perceive car collectors to exist within. Rather, it has always been about providing a foundation for the next generation of car enthusiasts, of acknowledging California's rich automotive heritage, and reminding us that in these divided times, our vehicles unify us and spark a joy that transcends generations and demographics," said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs. "As we share that story with lawmakers in Sacramento, there are no better allies to have by our side than the Fédération Internationale de de l'Automobile and Joseph Mendez and his lowrider family."

 

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

 

This article was originally published on May 21, 2026.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

California's "Leno's Law" continues to gain momentum. SB 1392, authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, has passed the California State Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be considered by policy committees in the coming weeks.
 

👉 Let them hear you, California! If you live in the state, tell your Assemblymember to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute).

 

 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.
 

The bill is aimed at true collector vehicles used for shows, cruises, charitable events and historical exhibitions, not daily transportation. With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the Assembly, where continued support from enthusiasts and small businesses will be critical.

 

In an acknowledgment of the undeniable cultural importance of providing a pathway for modernizing the state's laws on collector vehicles, California’s iconic lowrider community is standing up for Leno's Law, submitting more than 1,700 letters in support of passing the bill. 

 

"Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno's Law is about protecting those who keep these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love," said letter organizer Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind, a cultural hub for the lowrider community. 

 

Additionally, the FIA, via its International Historical Commission, has sent a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to vote in favor of Leno's Law, citing the bill’s potential for preserving California's leadership in both clean air and cultural heritage. 

 

"California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture," write Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA's secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism. "SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California's cultural and economic fabric. It is intentionally bounded, does not create a broad rolling exemption, and creates only an optional pathway for qualifying collector vehicles. It ensures that rare and historic vehicles, some of which are displayed in world-renowned California museums and celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, can be preserved without undue regulatory burden."

 

"Leno's Law has always been about more than our state’s antiquated emissions tests, or the high-dollar auctioneer space that people perceive car collectors to exist within. Rather, it has always been about providing a foundation for the next generation of car enthusiasts, of acknowledging California's rich automotive heritage, and reminding us that in these divided times, our vehicles unify us and spark a joy that transcends generations and demographics," said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs. "As we share that story with lawmakers in Sacramento, there are no better allies to have by our side than the Fédération Internationale de de l'Automobile and Joseph Mendez and his lowrider family."

 

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

 

This article was originally published on May 21, 2026.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

In addition to endorsing important legislation to help protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks, SEMA has also invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

 

In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by SEMA to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed HR 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have the necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches or even bike racks.
 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.

 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
 

"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Trump."

 

About the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act

Sec. 221 of HR 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
 

• Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.

 

• NHTSA's study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle's ADAS performance. 

• The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.

 

• NHTSA would also be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.

Sec. 221 (b) of HR 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.

 

Background on SEMA's Fight for the Right to Modify
 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.

 

• Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.

 

• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.

 

• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage provides advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.

 

• To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations--creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.

 

• Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sun Shock

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

In addition to endorsing important legislation to help protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks, SEMA has also invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

 

In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by SEMA to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed HR 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have the necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches or even bike racks.
 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.

 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
 

"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Trump."

 

About the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act

Sec. 221 of HR 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
 

• Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.

 

• NHTSA's study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle's ADAS performance. 

• The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.

 

• NHTSA would also be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.

Sec. 221 (b) of HR 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.

 

Background on SEMA's Fight for the Right to Modify
 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.

 

• Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.

 

• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.

 

• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage provides advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.

 

• To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations--creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.

 

• Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sun Shock

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

With a workforce that spans four generations, automotive aftermarket businesses are uniquely positioned to leverage generational diversity to build stronger collaborative teams. But doing so requires a clear understanding of how each generation communicates, what they value and what they expect in the workplace.
 

SEMA members are invited to join the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) virtual session, "Creating Positive Outcomes With Generational Differences" on Tuesday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT, where aftermarket industry leaders will share how generational differences can strengthen communication, alignment and overall business performance. Moderated by Annette Bauer, owner and CEO of The Straightline Co., the session will feature panelists Tariq Ghani, community manager at Timbren; Eliza Leon, regional performance manager at Caliber Collision; Riley Schlick, owner at CEO at Riley's Rebuilds; and Marcus Umlauff, general manager--remarketing, KINTO, fleet management at Toyota Financial Services.
 

What You'll Learn:

• How generational perspectives impact communication and collaboration.
• Practical strategies to improve team dynamics across age groups.
• Ways to turn generational differences into opportunities for growth.
• Approaches to building more inclusive and productive workplaces.
   

Don't let generational differences divide your team. Attend this free webinar and start turning generational diversity into a competitive advantage.
 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | SFIO CRACHO

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

A SEMA-sponsored effort to reform the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts continues to advance, as California SB 1069 unanimously passed the full Senate. The bill will now move to the Assembly for consideration.
 

The bill, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), aims to streamline CARB's executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts by establishing clear timelines for CARB to act on EO applications and increase transparency around review times. The bill does not change emissions requirements or limit CARB's authority to deny non-compliant products.
 

The reform effort continues to gain momentum as manufacturers and business groups voice concerns about long, unpredictable wait times that delay product launches and tie up capital. Companies investing in emissions-compliant products already pay application fees intended to support faster processing, yet many continue to face extended timelines before receiving approval.
 

SEMA continues to build industry support for the legislation as it advances through the Senate. Companies can click here to join the growing business coalition supporting the effort.
 

BACKGROUND ON CARB
 

EOs are required for many emissions-related aftermarket parts to be legally sold in California. While the standards themselves remain unchanged, companies must wait for CARB approval before bringing products to market, making the decision timeline a critical issue for the industry.
 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

 

 

Lead image background courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sharon Ball
 

 

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

A SEMA-sponsored effort to reform the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts continues to advance, as California SB 1069 unanimously passed the full Senate. The bill will now move to the Assembly for consideration.
 

The bill, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), aims to streamline CARB's executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts by establishing clear timelines for CARB to act on EO applications and increase transparency around review times. The bill does not change emissions requirements or limit CARB's authority to deny non-compliant products.
 

The reform effort continues to gain momentum as manufacturers and business groups voice concerns about long, unpredictable wait times that delay product launches and tie up capital. Companies investing in emissions-compliant products already pay application fees intended to support faster processing, yet many continue to face extended timelines before receiving approval.
 

SEMA continues to build industry support for the legislation as it advances through the Senate. Companies can click here to join the growing business coalition supporting the effort.
 

BACKGROUND ON CARB
 

EOs are required for many emissions-related aftermarket parts to be legally sold in California. While the standards themselves remain unchanged, companies must wait for CARB approval before bringing products to market, making the decision timeline a critical issue for the industry.
 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

 

 

Lead image background courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sharon Ball
 

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

 

A first-time exhibitor explains how the free event transformed his SEMA Show strategy and ROI, plus direct access to Show organizers, networking and money-saving tips.

 

Exhibitors of the SEMA Show have a lot on their plates to prepare for the world's largest automotive trade show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

 

Between booth planning, lead generation, networking and navigating the Show floor, success and ROI come down to one thing: preparation.

 

That is exactly why the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit exists.

 

The free-of-charge event gives new and returning exhibitors access to insider tips, suggestions and ideas on how to maximize their SEMA Show week. Sit down with the people who run the SEMA Show, learn what buyers and media respond to and find out exactly where exhibitors can save money on drayage, electrical and rigging.

 

Even better? Summit attendees also receive complimentary hotel accommodations (two nights, up to two company reps) and select meals.

 

Meet the Show team and get an early look at the newly remodeled Las Vegas Convention Center before it fills up in November. 

 

View the agenda and register at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

 

Ahead of the 2026 SEMA Show, SEMA News spoke with a first-time exhibitor in 2025, Alex Bohatiuk, about how attending the Summit changed the way his startup approached the Show. Bohatiuk is the founder and CEO of FixMyCarDude.com, an auto repair platform.

 

Following is an edited transcript for exhibitors to learn more about the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit:

SEMA News: How did you first discover the SEMA Show?

Alex Bohatiuk of FixMyCarDude.com:

I'm the founder and CEO of FixMyCarDude.com, which is a complete auto repair platform that connects shop owners and customers on a single real-time platform.

 

The first thing I did was Google auto expos and car expos, and of course, SEMA showed up everywhere. After exploring it, I said, "You know what? The timing's perfect."

 

SN: When did you first hear about the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit?

Bohatiuk:

When I signed up for a booth, admittedly, I had no idea there was a Summit. I started asking questions to my sales rep, who explained that it's almost like a dress rehearsal for what to expect. Attending the Summit made things easier. SEMA provided the lodging, a tight schedule, and everything was organized for us.

 

SN: Would you recommend the Summit to first-time exhibitors?

Bohatiuk:

It's a must. It's not even recommended. I would almost make the Exhibitor Summit mandatory if you want to be successful at the SEMA Show.

 

SN: Why was the Summit so valuable for your team?

Bohatiuk:

Failing to plan is planning to fail. After attending the Summit, I had a totally different perspective on how to prepare and plan for SEMA.  I don't know how you can do SEMA without attending the Summit.

 

SN: What was the biggest mindset shift you took away from the event?

Bohatiuk:

The biggest shift was realizing how fast things happen during SEMA Show week. You really need an organized plan with your team. One presenter at the Summit said something that really stuck with me: You don't have 20 minutes to spend with one person. You need to identify your ideal customer quickly.

 

SN: What did the Summit teach you about attracting the right attendees to your booth?

Bohatiuk:

We learned how important it was to identify our ideal customer.
 

For us, our ideal customer is independent repair shop owners, especially husband-and-wife-owned shops.
 

Once we understood the badge system and attendee categories better, we could focus our time more effectively, thanks to the Summit.

 

SN: Did the Summit change your strategy for the Show itself?

Bohatiuk:

Absolutely. We set a goal of 100 leads across the four days. On day one, we only had 14 leads. Then we met as a team and pivoted.

 

The next day, I got into a Ricky Bobby outfit, started taking photos with attendees and created a real buzz around our booth. We ended up with 37 leads that day. By the end of the week, we reached our goal easily. I don't think we would've known how to adapt that quickly if we hadn't attended the Summit.

 

SN: How did the Summit help improve your ROI?

Bohatiuk:

The Summit accelerated the learning curve and helped me understand what to expect in Vegas.

 

I also learned about real tools like Express Leads through Maritz. If I hadn't gone to the Summit, I wouldn't have known anything about it.

 

Instead of writing down contact information manually, we learned that exhibitors can scan badges in just a few seconds to capture a lead. We were able to review all our leads at the end of the day––that alone made a huge difference for us.

 

SN: What surprised you most about the Summit experience?

Bohatiuk:

The SEMA team really welcomed me. I felt like everyone was welcome, no matter what they were exhibiting or selling.

 

We became friends with people from seven or eight different automotive categories at the Summit. Those conversations gave us ideas we never would've thought about otherwise.

 

SN: What would you say to exhibitors considering attending the 2026 Summit?

Bohatiuk:

If you're serious about your business and you want to be successful, you've got to utilize all the tools. SEMA gives you a great starting tool with the Summit.

 

You can't just show up. You have to prepare, study and bring the right team.

 

Everyone's trying to succeed. We should make sure people have all the tools available to them––and the Summit does that in just two days.

 

---

Register to join the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit in Las Vegas this June, and the SEMA team will have the rest covered. Exhibitors enjoy complimentary event registration, a two-night hotel stay (for up to two representatives from each exhibiting company) and select meals--all courtesy of SEMA.

 

 

View the agenda and register at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.

 

Have questions about the Exhibitor Summit? Contact SEMA Show Management at 909-396-0289 or email regmgr@sema.org.

 

If you haven't heard, SEMA has launched a new customer management system ahead of this year's SEMA Show, November 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Read more about that here, or visit semashow.com/exhibitor.