By SEMA News Editors

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), one of America's premier resources for the collective vehicle community, has established a new judging class that specifically recognizes Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles.

JDM has proven to be a fast-growing segment of the antique automobile hobby, particularly appealing to younger hobbyists. These vehicles were designed and built exclusively for Japan and never officially imported and sold in America. They are small, reasonably affordable and include unique performance and styling features of interest.  

Examples of JDM cars include the Nissan Figaro, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mazda Autozam AZ-1, Mitsuoka Le-Seyde and many others.

"We're pleased to welcome members with unmodified Japanese domestic vehicles to our national show fields and have already featured them in Antique Automobile magazine. We encourage the new crop of JDM owners to join AACA and enjoy the myriad of membership benefits and camaraderie," said AACA Vice President of Judging Dave Bowman.

AACA defines an "antique" as any 25-year-old-or-older self-propelled vehicle that is intended for passenger use. The non-profit organization based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the history, maintenance, restoration, judging and enjoyment of any and all such automobiles in the inclusive spirit of sportsmanship and good fellowship.

For more information or to join the AACA, visit aaca.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

Releasing a new product into the market is an exciting endeavor. After months--or even years--of development, finally getting to share your innovation with the world marks a pivotal moment for your brand. Equally important, however, is protecting your innovation, and patents can help. 

SEMA members are invited to a new webinar on Thursday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT. that will cover essential information on how companies can protect and monetize their intellectual property. Presented by the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), the webinar will help attendees learn how to utilize patents to protect their brand, inventions and innovations, strengthening their ability to compete and grow in the automotive aftermarket industry. 

About the Speakers  

This webinar will feature speakers Jeffrey Banyas, manager of legal production at Sisson & Banyas Attorneys at Law, and Ifti Zaim, counsel at Irwin IP LLP (now a part of Miller Johnson). 

Banyas is a licensed United States patent attorney who advises his clients on all aspects of intellectual property law. His practice encompasses licensing negotiations, enforcement, patent drafting and prosecution, trademark filing and prosecution, e-commerce, trade secret documentation and copyrights. Zaim directs his practice towards utility and design patent litigation, patent validity challenges before the Patent Trial and Appeal board, intellectual property-related customs disputes and trade-secret litigation. 

The first 20 members to register for the webinar will receive a $20 Uber Eats Voucher to use the day of the webinar--so don't wait. Register here. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant victory for automotive enthusiasts and the specialty-equipment industry, Colorado and Texas have enacted two SEMA-supported bills--Colorado House Bill (HB) 1281 and Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1816--that legalize the titling, registration and on-road use of Japanese-manufactured miniature vehicles, commonly known as kei trucks. 

Originally developed in Japan for efficient, affordable transport, kei trucks are compact utility vehicles with engines under 660cc. Despite their size, they offer surprising capability and charm--earning a loyal following among American enthusiasts. Across the United States, owners are customizing their trucks, hosting meetups and building communities around these cultural icons. 

Signed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, HB 1281 reduces regulatory ambiguity by allowing kei vehicles to be titled and registered without being disqualified based on their original design. The law eliminates unnecessary inspections and affirms the rights of owners, sellers and restoration professionals--bolstering a $3.9-billion specialty equipment industry that supports more than 17,000 jobs statewide. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 1816 into law, officially recognizing kei trucks as motor vehicles under Texas law. The bill mandates essential safety features and aligns with federal import standards by requiring vehicles to be at least 25 years old. It also formalizes the state’s 2024 decision to lift its registration ban, reinforcing support for Texas’ $24.7-billion aftermarket economy and nearly 100,000 industry jobs. 

Kei trucks are more than a trend--they represent a growing movement rooted in creativity, sustainability and cultural appreciation. These legislative wins reflect that momentum and set a precedent for other states to follow. 

SEMA remains committed to protecting the rights of enthusiasts and supporting the businesses that serve them. For more information on these bills or to get involved in kei truck advocacy, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA senior manager of state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Kei and Texas Import Society

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a significant victory for automotive enthusiasts and the specialty-equipment industry, Colorado and Texas have enacted two SEMA-supported bills--Colorado House Bill (HB) 1281 and Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1816--that legalize the titling, registration and on-road use of Japanese-manufactured miniature vehicles, commonly known as kei trucks. 

Originally developed in Japan for efficient, affordable transport, kei trucks are compact utility vehicles with engines under 660cc. Despite their size, they offer surprising capability and charm--earning a loyal following among American enthusiasts. Across the United States, owners are customizing their trucks, hosting meetups and building communities around these cultural icons. 

Signed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, HB 1281 reduces regulatory ambiguity by allowing kei vehicles to be titled and registered without being disqualified based on their original design. The law eliminates unnecessary inspections and affirms the rights of owners, sellers and restoration professionals--bolstering a $3.9-billion specialty equipment industry that supports more than 17,000 jobs statewide. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 1816 into law, officially recognizing kei trucks as motor vehicles under Texas law. The bill mandates essential safety features and aligns with federal import standards by requiring vehicles to be at least 25 years old. It also formalizes the state’s 2024 decision to lift its registration ban, reinforcing support for Texas’ $24.7-billion aftermarket economy and nearly 100,000 industry jobs. 

Kei trucks are more than a trend--they represent a growing movement rooted in creativity, sustainability and cultural appreciation. These legislative wins reflect that momentum and set a precedent for other states to follow. 

SEMA remains committed to protecting the rights of enthusiasts and supporting the businesses that serve them. For more information on these bills or to get involved in kei truck advocacy, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA senior manager of state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Kei and Texas Import Society

By Ashley Reyes

Calling all truck and off-road builders: Are you ready to showcase your talents and creativity on the aftermarket industry's biggest stage?  

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is accepting applications for its TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, in Las Vegas. 

What is the TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase?  

The TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase is a popular feature of the SEMA Show that highlights up to 10 unique truck and off-road builds on the outside walkway between North and West Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center--known as the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail. The Showcase spotlights the latest trends and products driving the light-truck and accessory industry and gives builders a rare opportunity to promote their skills to a global audience.   

What types of vehicles qualify?   

Applications are accepted in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road, electric vehicle/hybrid and CUV/crossover. Each vehicle should demonstrate superior design, craftsmanship and quality. 

Custom FN Customs' spotlights its customized '93 Mitsubishi Delica Overland in the 2024 TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase. Upfitted with more than 50 aftermarket products, the truck earned the TORA Best in Show Award voted on by SEMA Showgoers.  

What are the benefits?  

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the specialty-equipment industry. Having a vehicle included in the Showcase brings invaluable exposure for TORA member companies and puts their work in front of thousands of industry professionals, buyers and the media. It also increases awareness of the builders and manufacturers whose parts are on their vehicle. 

All selected vehicles are eligible to win the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award voted on by SEMA Showgoers. The winner will be announced in front of industry peers during the TORA SEMA Show Reception. Also, all vehicles are promoted on TORA's social-media channels and SEMA News up to and during the SEMA Show. 

Rick Wallen, owner of Custom FN Customs, accepts the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award at the 2024 SEMA Show  

Who qualifies to apply?  

Qualifying companies must be a current SEMA and TORA member, and manufacturers must be exhibiting at the SEMA Show. The cost to participate is $1,500, with $500 of that amount benefiting SEMA Cares-- the fundraising arm of SEMA that supports a variety of children's charities.  

Submit your application today.

By SEMA News Editors

Total Cost Involved Engineering (TCI)

Multi-functional '63-'87 Chevy K-10 Pro1 4x4 Chassis

Total Cost Involved Engineering (TCI), the Ontario, California-based company with more than 50 years of chassis design experience, has introduced an American-made, multi-functional '63-'87 Chevy K-10 Pro1 4x4 chassis designed for off-road or daily driving. Like TCI's recently introduced Pro1 chassis for the '69-'72 K5 Blazer, the new chassis is manufactured with TCI's triple wall frame rails featuring 10-gauge plate steel; it is fixture welded to the desired profile; and includes a front and rear four-link suspension developed with the assistance of Currie Enterprises and RockJock engineers.

The triple-wall framerail design, also known as Boxed Beam, features a third vertical wall down the middle of the frame rails designed to provide improved torsional rigidity and strength. The widened front half of the frame provides additional steering and more header clearance. Engineered as a direct replacement, the Pro1 4x4 chassis for the '63-'87 K-10 is built around a late model LS/LT engine/trans platform. It uses a driver-side output Atlas transfer case, and the chassis is offered with customizable options, including axles, steering, suspension and drivetrain, including a Currie 44 front axle, Currie 60 rear axle, RockJock high-steer arms and Fox shocks.

totalcostinvolved.com/product/1963-1987-k10-pro1-4x4-chassis/

sales@totalcostinvolved.com, 866-925-4976

Dent Fix Equipment

RIV-E Battery-Powered Systems

Dent Fix Equipment, the Los Angeles-based manufacturer of collision repair tools, has announced the expansion of its professional riveting lineup with the RIV-E Multi-Function Riveter series. While Dent Fix's pneumatic riveters, like the DF-SPR70, are designed to deliver up to 10 tons of force for demanding applications, the new RIV-E series addresses the growing need for mobility and operational flexibility in modern collision repair facilities. The RIV-E 80 delivers up to 8 tons of computer-controlled pressure. In comparison, the RIV-E 60 is designed to provide 6 tons of force--both engineered to expand repair capabilities to areas where pneumatic systems cannot reach.

Both models are designed to feature:

• Multi-Function Capability: Self-piercing, flow-form, solid, and blind (with optional adapter) rivet applications in one portable system. It also performs hole punching, rivet removal and flattening.
• Controlled Precision: Consistent, repeatable results that match OEM specifications.
• Extended Runtime: Two batteries are included, designed to provide 300+ rivets per battery charge with rapid 60-minute recharging.
• Ergonomic Mobility: Smart design enables repairs in confined spaces and elevated positions.

The RIV-E 80 and RIV-E 60 are available immediately through Dent Fix's network of authorized distributors or dentfix.com. Both models are backed by comprehensive support and integrate seamlessly with existing Dent Fix Equipment consumables.

dentfix.com/riveting

310-349-1940

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA+ is an all-access pass to the automotive world, perfect for those who love cars, trucks, racing, off-roading, wrenching and everything in between. Whether you're an industry pro or just a diehard fan of the lifestyle, joining SEMA+ is joining a community built for everyone, connecting you with like-minded individuals, industry-leading events and a roster of exclusive benefits as deep as your passion for all things automotive.  

Sign-up for SEMA+ today and you will get access to the SEMA+ Member Portal, an online clubhouse where you can explore, discover and take advantage of a full slate of benefits, which range from savings on automotive parts and products to discounts on some of your favorite lifestyle brands, including a BRAND-NEW offer from Oakley.  

Now available to all SEMA+ members, Oakley is offering a 15% discount on sunglasses, apparel and accessories--giving you a chance to save on new shades, clothes and more for your next trip to the track, trail or wherever your passion takes you. 

But that's just one of many deep discounts available to members. See the list below for just a small example of some of the exceptional savings waiting for you on the SEMA+ Member Portal: 

• SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public - $10 off advanced purchase tickets for Friday. 
• 5.11 Tactical – $15 off your next purchase of $100 worth of gear, clothing, bags, footwear and more. 
• Summit Racing Equipment – Save $10 on your next $100 purchase from the aftermarket parts and accessories retailer. 
• Edelbrock – Knock 10% off the purchase price the next time you buy a carburetor, supercharger, valvetrain components or any other part from Edelbrock's range of performance products. 

Already a member?   

👉 Login to claim your discounts on these exclusive offers.  

Not yet a member?  

Join for just $40/year ($3.33/month) and get:  

✔ Discounts on events, parts and brands.  

✔ Access to members-only perks.  

✔ Membership to SEMA's first-ever car and truck club.  

Don't miss out on these epic events and stay tuned for more event announcements coming your way. Whether you work on cars and trucks or just love them, SEMA+ is for you.  

Join now → sema.org/plus  

By SEMA News Editors

Your opportunity to take advantage of the best possible pricing for your 2025 SEMA Show badge is almost gone. Right now, online registration for qualified professional attendees is only $50 per person through TOMORROW: Friday, June 27.

On Saturday, June 28, the rate will increase to $75 per person, before increasing again on September 27 to $100 per person, both online and on-site.

This is your last chance to maximize your savings. Register now before time runs out!

The 2025 SEMA Show, taking place from November 4–7 in Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members.

Below are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year's SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo--Powered by TIA (tires) and Wheels & Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Products Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most crucial week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs that explore the industry's most significant challenges and offer immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built—network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show's mobile app to view lists of all events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances, and speakers, including date, time, and location. In addition, this year's program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings--all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You'll also have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that'll lead to real results and high-quality connections.
• Show Features: The SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; the SEMA Show Art Walk, the International Pavilion and more to be announced.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations, such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau, and vehicle demonstrations, will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional's business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

While previously only available in print to SEMA business members, SEMA magazine is now available to everyone in a digital format, including the latest issue filled with valuable insights on current industry trends, profiles on aftermarket figures and much more.

The July Speed Issue dives into speed and power, from motorsports to diesel performance. In this edition, read up on the new racing and performance products, the Fox Body boom and the aftermarket's response, growth in grassroots motorsports categories like autocross and drag and drive, trends in the modern diesel market and much more.

As a reminder, SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven’t claimed yours yet? Here’s how:

• Claim your coupon voucher HERE
• Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests
• Subscribe
• Download the SEMA magazine app
• Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge
• Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, are now open through the official hotel block and housing partner, onPeak. SEMA and onPeak have negotiated the best possible rates, giving Showgoers cost-saving benefits alongside a myriad of benefits, like fully flexible booking, possible hotel rewards points and group reservations at the best hotels in Las Vegas. SEMA Showgoers can only get the discounted rates when booking through the only official hotel provider, onPeak, here.

Following is a sampling of the discounts you can expect to find in the SEMA Show hotel block for the 2025 event.

Save more than $100 a night by staying at these hotels:

• Aria
• Caesars Palace
• The Cosmopolitan
• The Cromwell
• Embassy Suites Convention Center
• Encore at Wynn
• Fontainebleau
• Harrah's
• Horseshoe
• MGM Grand
• New York New York
• The Palazzo
• Park MGM
• Renaissance
• Springhill Suites Convention Center
• Trump
• Vdara
• The Venetian
• Waldorf Astoria
• Wynn

Save more than 50% per night at these hotels:

• Aria
• Encore at Wynn
• Fontainebleau
• Horseshoe
• MGM Grand
• The Palazzo
• Park MGM
• The Venetian
• Wynn

In addition, when you book in the official SEMA Show hotel block, not only do you benefit from cost-saving rates, exclusive amenities and outstanding service, but you are also showing support for the SEMA Show. The more rooms booked in the block, the more we can negotiate lower room rates and more concessions, which allows the SEMA Show management team to meet the needs of attendees better.

These discounts can only be secured via the SEMA Show and onPeak booking site here. Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show is now open online here.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.

For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.