By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle Showcase at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, will feature an impressive lineup of standout builds demonstrating the latest trends and business opportunities in the light-truck and accessory market. Located on the outside walkway between North and West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center--known as the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail--the Showcase gives builders a platform to exhibit their skills and brand in front of thousands of aftermarket professionals, buyers and media.   

Applications for the 2025 TORA Vehicle Showcase are now open at this link. Companies interested in showcasing a vehicle must be a current SEMA and TORA member. 

"The TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase spotlights the best of truck and off-road innovation at the SEMA Show," said TORA Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It's a great opportunity for builders to gain recognition and showcase their craftsmanship on the aftermarket industry's biggest stage."

Benefits of Applying  

The TORA Feature Vehicle Showcase provides TORA member exhibiting manufacturers, and non-exhibiting builders and retailers with invaluable brand exposure opportunities. With thousands of SEMA Show attendees visiting the Showcase daily, the program not only raises awareness of the builders, but also the manufacturers’ parts that are installed on each vehicle. 

TORA council is seeking applications in the areas of SUV, side-by-side, lifted truck, lowered truck, overland, off-road, EV/hybrid and CUV/crossover. During SEMA Show week, attendees will vote for their favorite vehicle and recognize it with the TORA Best in Show Award. The winner will be recognized at the TORA Reception on Wednesday of the SEMA Show. All participating vehicles will also be featured in SEMA’s digital publications and social media leading up to, during and after the SEMA Show.   

The cost to participate in the Showcase is $1,500, with $500 of that amount benefiting SEMA Cares. Apply here.  

Contact TORA Council Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org with any questions.

By SEMA News Editors 

The road to the SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, just got smoother. MGM Resorts International and Marriott International have announced a new long-term strategic licensing agreement to launch the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. This partnership brings eight iconic MGM Las Vegas resorts available to SEMA Showgoers under the Marriott Bonvoy umbrella—just in time for attendees planning for this year's SEMA Show, taking place November 4–7. 

Starting now, individual Marriott Bonvoy members who book a stay and pay independently under a qualified rate at MGM properties can now: 

• Earn Marriott Bonvoy points or miles. 
• Receive Elite Night Credits. 
• Enjoy MGM Collection tier benefits. 

This means Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points and receive benefits at existing Marriott properties and now these Las Vegas hotels in the SEMA Show block:

Four are affiliated with existing Marriott brands:

• ARIA Resort & Casino
• Bellagio Resort & Casino
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Park MGM Las Vegas

Six MGM Resorts destinations in Las Vegas join the MGM Collection:

• Excalibur Hotel & Casino
• Luxor Hotel & Casino
• MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
• New York-New York Hotel & Casino
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Vdara Hotel & Spa Las Vegas

How to Take Advantage of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy 

SEMA Showgoers who are already Marriott Bonvoy members wanting to take advantage of this program can take the following steps: 

• Book your SEMA Show hotel through onPeak, the only official housing provider of the SEMA Show. Ensure it is a Marriott or MGM property. 
• Enter the Marriott Bonvoy number under the "Hotel Rewards" section upon check-out. 
• IMPORTANT: Be sure to also share your Marriott Bonvoy number at the front desk during check-in. 

Not yet a Marriott Bonvoy member? Signing up for Marriott Bonvoy is FREE, and includes these great benefits upon check-in: 

• Complimentary Wi-Fi at all hotel locations. 
• Easy mobile check-in on the Bonvoy App: Get notified directly when your room is ready. 
• Set up your phone as your room key (where available).  
• Chat with the hotel: Ask questions, make requests or get recommendations using the chat feature.  
• Order food: Browse the menu and order room service.  
• Obtain a copy of your hotel folio and record of chargers, if applicable (posts within three days of check-out). 

Download the Bonvoy app to learn more or get started: 

This new collaboration between MGM Resorts and Marriott International enhances your SEMA Show experience with greater flexibility, exclusive benefits, and the ability to earn valuable rewards--just by enjoying your stay in Las Vegas. 

For more information on this program, visit the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy FAQs page.  

Secure your stay for the 2025 SEMA Show through the onPeak booking site here. 

Attendee registration is open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. 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 onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

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. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Sasha Hockersmith, owner and CEO of The Lug Nut Guru, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Hockersmith in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Sasha Hockersmith: I've been with The Lug Nut Guru since its official launch in April 2024. What I enjoy most about working at The Lug Nut Guru is the chance to build something incredible with my family. My husband, the true 'Lug Nut Guru,' has unmatched knowledge and expertise in the industry, and our boys have grown into talented and capable members of the business, each bringing their own strengths and understanding. I'm excited to contribute my energy and fresh perspective while learning from their expertise. Watching how our combined skills and passion fuel the growth of our business has been deeply rewarding, and every day brings new opportunities to grow together as a family and as a company. 

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

SH: The most challenging part of running The Lug Nut Guru is finding the balance between family dynamics and business needs. Working with my husband and sons is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires clear communication and boundaries to ensure we all stay on the same page. Additionally, as a new business, managing rapid growth while keeping our standards high and staying ahead of industry trends can be a challenge. However, these challenges also push us to improve and adapt, making the journey even more fulfilling. 

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

SH: I'm new to the industry, as this is my first official job in it, but I feel like I've learned a lot through my husband's passion. His 25-plus years of experience in the automotive industry, along with his deep and broad understanding of lug nuts, wheel accessories and their associated applications, have given me great insight. His knowledge and dedication have been a huge influence on me, and I'm excited to bring my perspective to the business while continuing to learn. 

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

SH: One: resilience. Life has thrown me my share of challenges, but my ability to stay strong and push through has been essential in building The Lug Nut Guru. Whether it's navigating family dynamics or the ups and downs of running a new business, resilience has kept me moving forward and growing stronger with every hurdle. 

Two: adaptability. Stepping into the automotive industry without prior experience could have been overwhelming, but I've embraced it as an opportunity to learn and grow. My ability to adapt and take on new challenges head-on has allowed me to bring fresh ideas to the table while learning from the best--my husband and sons. 

Three: teamwork. Building The Lug Nut Guru alongside my family has taught me the value of teamwork in a whole new way. Our combined strengths make us better together, and my focus on collaboration has helped us overcome obstacles, stay united and continue reaching new heights. 

SN: eing a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

SH: I don't see being a woman in the automotive industry as a challenge. Instead, I push myself to learn as much as I can, and the more I learn, the more I have to offer. My biggest accomplishment has been embracing every opportunity to grow my knowledge and contribute in meaningful ways. Rather than focusing on barriers, I've chosen to see each new experience as a way to grow, which has helped me gain confidence and make a real impact in the business. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

SH: My biggest role model and mentor in the industry has been my husband. With his 25-plus years of experience in the automotive world, he's been a huge source of knowledge and inspiration. He has a deep understanding of lug nuts, wheels, accessories and their applications, and his passion for the industry is contagious. He's helped me learn the ins and outs of the business and encouraged me to trust my instincts--even when I'm outside my comfort zone. His guidance and support have been invaluable as I've grown into my role at The Lug Nut Guru. 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? 

SH: The best career advice I've received is to always stay curious and never stop learning. This advice has helped me both professionally and personally because it pushes me to continuously seek new knowledge and challenge myself. In the automotive industry, there's always something new to learn and staying curious has allowed me to grow in areas I never expected. It's helped me approach every situation with an open mind and adapt to changes, which has been invaluable as we build The Lug Nut Guru. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

SH: I didn't originally plan to work in the automotive industry, but being around my husband's passion and expertise for so many years sparked my interest. Once I got involved, I realized how much I enjoy learning about the technical side and the dynamics of the business. What keeps me here is the constant challenge of growing the business and the satisfaction of seeing our hard work pay off. Plus, working with my family and building something together makes it all the more meaningful. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

SH: The most influential people on my career and goals have been my husband, my kids and my mother. My husband's deep knowledge and passion for the automotive industry have inspired me to dive into this field, while my kids motivate me every day to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally. My mother has been my biggest supporter throughout my life. She took over our family business, which has been running for 75-plus years, and worked alongside her father and sister. Her hard work, intelligence and dedication have always been an inspiration, and she's thrilled to see The Lug Nut Guru become a new chapter in our family's entrepreneurial journey. After working in my family's business for 15 years, I carry her lessons with me every day as we continue to grow. And with that, I'll say: see you at the top.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes

In the last decade, the world of hot-rod design and fabrication has seen a major shift toward utilizing industrial technology to create works of art. Although CNC machines and computer-aided design (CAD) have been prevalent in the industry, especially with billet aluminum wheels and part manufacturers, smaller custom-build shops are adopting CNC equipment and beyond.  

For example, 3D scanning and printing has become a piece of equipment many shops are starting to use daily. The cost of the equipment and software is becoming more affordable and, what once needed a master technician to operate, is now getting to the point that anyone with mechanical abilities can be a pro.  

To spotlight opportunities surrounding modern technology in the hot-rod industry, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion on Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m. PDT/12:00 p.m. EDT. During the session, a panel of industry experts will discuss types of new equipment that hot-rod shops are using, skill sets that are needed to use this equipment, how technology has changed each guest's business and investments that businesses should expect to make. 

Panelists include Sean Smith, owner and lead designer of Sean Smith Designs; Jeremy Carlson, owner and lead designer of Avante-Garde Design; and Zack Ingram, owner and designer at Zrodz and Fiber Forge Composites. Moderating the discussion will be Karl Schulman, general manager of Garret's Rod Shop.  

Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

On Tuesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. PDT, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion on the role of product data in the automotive industry.  

Quality product data is the common thread that moves parts through sales channels. During this session, a panel of industry leaders representing data creators and users will discuss how industry standard ACES and PIES data shapes the way automotive parts are sold today, including the key data job tasks in manufacturing, data centers, distribution and retail so all areas can work in unison for their mutual benefit.  

Panelists include James O'Dell, assistant director, aftermarket education, Northwood University; Gigi Ho, vice president of technology, data and strategic initiatives, SEMA Data; Mike Kibby, content data manager, Motor State Distributing; and Brian LeBarron, marketing, dealer development, Fluidampr. Moderating the discussion will be MPMC Chair John Lambert, general manager, Speedtech.  

Discussion topics include: 

• How quality data standards shape the way products are sold.  
• Sales channel roles of ACES and PIES product data. 
• Job tasks and data partners along the sales channel. 
• Best practices for product data creators and users. 

Register here. 

Can't make the webinar? Register today to receive a copy of the recording. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Fortec Custom Jeeps as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Fortec Custom Jeeps' president Andreas Ulber below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Andreas Ulber: My name is Andreas Ulber. I am the founder of Fortec Custom. I have loved Jeeps since I was a kid; Jeeps with big tires and wheels intrigued me especially. This love for Jeep made me start my own business many years ago. As a student in college, I started Fortec Custom Jeeps out of the basement of my father's house in 1991. With pride, I can say that Fortec is the oldest and first Jeep custom shop in the Southeast. After more than 34 years, we still have our shop right here in Roswell, Georgia.  

SN: What was your breakthrough moment? 

AU: My first client was Roswell Jeep on Alpharetta Highway. I managed to convince the dealership to customize their Jeeps and soon the first customized Jeeps by Fortec were sold. After this, other dealerships showed interest in my conversions and the business grew into what it is today. 

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

AU: A big part of our business is Jeep dealership conversions. We work for several of them in the Atlanta area. We are adding custom packages to brand new Jeeps and the dealership then sells them to their customers. Our reach goes beyond the Atlanta area. We have customers all over the United States. Sometimes, Jeeps are even shipped to us for conversion packages. We frequently have exotic and exciting projects such as the "fastest Jeep Gladiator in the Southeast." 

SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.  

AU: Our Jeep dealerships have been selling our EINSTEIGER package for many years. EINSTEIGER is German for "Beginner with Talent." That's a tire, wheel, lift and sidebar package for Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator JT that our dealership now knows as a brand name. 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

AU: Jeep drivers are very social people and word of mouth is probably how we get most of our customers. This translates into a simple rule: take care of your customers or someone else will. Stay humble and do what you say and say what you do. 

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA issued the following statement on its relationship with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): 

We are proud to announce that SEMA has been accepted as a full member of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), to represent the United States in mobility services, tourism and advocacy. The FIA will also join SEMA as a business member, allowing the two organizations to bolster each other's work in the United States and global safety and mobility policy arenas at a time in which advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles are shaping the automotive industry in transformative ways. The emergence of these exciting, innovative automotive technologies--and the evolution of United States and global policies to meet these advancements--makes this the ideal time for SEMA and FIA to benefit from each organization's respective strengths and reach. 

While the FIA is best known in the United States as the global governing body for motor sport, including Formula One and the World Rally Championship, SEMA will not be involved in this area; instead, this partnership, focused solely on mobility policy advocacy, will give SEMA a seat at the global policy table, and FIA an advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. We are excited by this opportunity to collaborate with such an esteemed player in the automotive space, and to provide strong, proven advocacy structure and in-the-trenches support for the organizations' shared policy goals in the U.S. and abroad. 

For SEMA's member companies, this relationship will expand access to the global marketplace, along with groundbreaking research important to future product development and sales. 

SEMA since 1963 has advocated on behalf of the nation's community of automotive enthusiasts to every administration in Washington, D.C. See SEMA's 2025 Advocacy Agenda to learn more. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA issued the following statement on its relationship with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): 

We are proud to announce that SEMA has been accepted as a full member of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), to represent the United States in mobility services, tourism and advocacy. The FIA will also join SEMA as a business member, allowing the two organizations to bolster each other's work in the United States and global safety and mobility policy arenas at a time in which advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles are shaping the automotive industry in transformative ways. The emergence of these exciting, innovative automotive technologies--and the evolution of United States and global policies to meet these advancements--makes this the ideal time for SEMA and FIA to benefit from each organization's respective strengths and reach. 

While the FIA is best known in the United States as the global governing body for motor sport, including Formula One and the World Rally Championship, SEMA will not be involved in this area; instead, this partnership, focused solely on mobility policy advocacy, will give SEMA a seat at the global policy table, and FIA an advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. We are excited by this opportunity to collaborate with such an esteemed player in the automotive space, and to provide strong, proven advocacy structure and in-the-trenches support for the organizations' shared policy goals in the U.S. and abroad. 

For SEMA's member companies, this relationship will expand access to the global marketplace, along with groundbreaking research important to future product development and sales. 

SEMA since 1963 has advocated on behalf of the nation's community of automotive enthusiasts to every administration in Washington, D.C. See SEMA's 2025 Advocacy Agenda to learn more. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Donald Trump signs a Congressional Review Act resolution ending California's electric-vehicle (EV) mandate.

SEMA is expressing its profound thanks to President Trump, who today signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that will protect more than 330,000 American jobs and preserve $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal combustion engine vehicles.

President Trump, who invited SEMA to join him in the Oval Office for the signing ceremony, has now delivered on a key campaign promise in which he pledged to preserve vehicle choice for millions of Americans to decide which car or truck is right for them. In doing so, President Trump has provided a significant firewall for the nation's automotive aftermarket, a third of whom manufacture and sell products solely for internal combustion engine vehicles.

"President Trump meant what he said when he declared his intent to stop radical policymakers from depriving the American people of vehicle choice. He has proven to be a man of his word and a true champion of American innovation and ingenuity, particularly of that borne out of the automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, who was present for the signing ceremony. "This is a clear example of American government at its finest, where a bipartisan set of lawmakers set aside their differences for the sake of the American people--in this case, to strike down a bad, ill-conceived policy from California that would've shattered the nation's economy and destabilized the automotive marketplace."

Background 

SEMA is not, and never will be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

Beginning in 2023, SEMA led a national effort to educate voters and lawmakers on the damage of EV mandates on families, the working class and American small businesses. In February, when the effort to overturn the California waiver kicked into high gear, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:

• Send more than 56,000 letters to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
• Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
• Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and their staff.
• Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol.

Along the way, states not named California got wise to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Vermont each backed off policies to follow California's emissions policies while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates never take effect again.

This follows a significant financial investment by SEMA to educate voters throughout the 2024 presidential campaign via its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, with ads running the battleground states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Readers can watch President Trump participate in the bill signing ceremony on June 12, 2025, on The White House YouTube page here.

Image courtesy of The White House, YouTube

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Donald Trump signs a Congressional Review Act resolution ending California's electric-vehicle (EV) mandate.

SEMA is expressing its profound thanks to President Trump, who today signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that will protect more than 330,000 American jobs and preserve $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal combustion engine vehicles.

President Trump, who invited SEMA to join him in the Oval Office for the signing ceremony, has now delivered on a key campaign promise in which he pledged to preserve vehicle choice for millions of Americans to decide which car or truck is right for them. In doing so, President Trump has provided a significant firewall for the nation's automotive aftermarket, a third of whom manufacture and sell products solely for internal combustion engine vehicles.

"President Trump meant what he said when he declared his intent to stop radical policymakers from depriving the American people of vehicle choice. He has proven to be a man of his word and a true champion of American innovation and ingenuity, particularly of that borne out of the automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, who was present for the signing ceremony. "This is a clear example of American government at its finest, where a bipartisan set of lawmakers set aside their differences for the sake of the American people--in this case, to strike down a bad, ill-conceived policy from California that would've shattered the nation's economy and destabilized the automotive marketplace."

Background 

SEMA is not, and never will be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

Beginning in 2023, SEMA led a national effort to educate voters and lawmakers on the damage of EV mandates on families, the working class and American small businesses. In February, when the effort to overturn the California waiver kicked into high gear, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:

• Send more than 56,000 letters to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
• Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
• Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and their staff.
• Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol.

Along the way, states not named California got wise to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Vermont each backed off policies to follow California's emissions policies while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates never take effect again.

This follows a significant financial investment by SEMA to educate voters throughout the 2024 presidential campaign via its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, with ads running the battleground states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Readers can watch President Trump participate in the bill signing ceremony on June 12, 2025, on The White House YouTube page here.

Image courtesy of The White House, YouTube