By Ashley Reyes

There is still time for aftermarket organizations to apply for the SEMA Annual Contribution Program helping to fund initiatives that support the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. Through the Annual Contribution Program, applicants can raise awareness of their mission, highlight key projects or issues and strengthen their relationship with SEMA and the broader aftermarket community. 

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2026 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by Friday, January 16, 2026. 

Click here or below to apply. 

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.

Malco Automotive

National Sales Manager in Barberton, Ohio

The national sales manager is responsible for leading and executing the sales strategy of the domestic automotive business, managing and mentoring a team that includes three regional sales managers and a business development manager. This role focuses on achieving sales targets, driving business growth, expanding market share and ensuring customer satisfaction across all regions.

Driven Performance

Technician in Addison, Illinois

Driven Performance, a restoration, repair and customization shop, is seeking a technician to join its team. The classic auto technician will assist with engine repairs, upgrades and swaps, brake and suspension repairs and upgrades, full restorations, fabrication and more.

Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum

Administrative Coordinator in Rancho Dominguez, California

The administrative coordinator will be responsible for managing and distributing information among co-workers, volunteers and external clients. The role includes answering phones, emails, writing correspondence and performing various administrative tasks, reporting directly to the executive director.

Image courtesy of Virrage Images/Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for January's Diamond Bar AUTEL ADAS training, with an exclusive third day available only in California.

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, SEMA Garage is once again partnering with AUTEL to deliver hands-on, in-depth training designed to keep repair professionals ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. These highly sought-after sessions focus on ADAS fundamentals, calibration techniques and proper reporting practices, skills that are becoming increasingly critical as more ADAS-equipped vehicles enter the market.

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 14, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, January 15, at the facility located at 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765. (View on Google Maps here). Only a limited number of seats remain for the January session. 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage Diamond Bar now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on January 15--available exclusively at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar--builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the “3-Day” option when registering.

Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

Professionals who are unable to attend the Diamond Bar session still have another opportunity coming up in the Midwest. SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170. (View on Google Maps here).

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" or "Detroit" tab). Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration, especially for the limited-capacity Diamond Bar event.

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

More SEMA Garage training opportunities will be announced later in 2026.

By SEMA News Editors

BluePrint Engines

GM LS-Compatible 427ci Crate Engine

Supercharged by a Magnuson TVS2650 supercharger and controlled by a Holley Terminator X Max system, the latest addition to the BluePrint Engines Builder Series delivers a reported 830 hp and 800 lb.-ft. of torque, according to the manufacturer. To suit a wide range of builds, the supercharged 427ci LS-compatible package is available with a choice of a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual or a Gearstar 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission.

blueprintengines.com

Edelbrock

EZ-Street EFI System

Edelbrock has introduced its new EZ-Street EFI System, engineered to provide an affordable and user-friendly upgrade for V8 engines originally equipped with a carburetor, the company says. Each unit arrives fully preassembled and pressure-tested, complete with integrated injectors, throttle position and manifold sensors, fuel rails, linkage, Bosch 4.9 wideband oxygen sensor, ECU, wiring harness with simple four-wire hookup and detailed installation instructions.

edelbrock.com

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.

All-New CEER Brand, Car Spotted for First Time

CEER, the all-new, state-owned Saudi Arabian electric car brand, has started to test its new SUV, recently spotted for the first time by SEMA News sources.

Founded in 2022, this new electric car brand does not have its own technologies, but it does have significant backing behind it and has secured electric cars, such as the one in these spy photos. Last summer, it was revealed that CEER had signed technology collaboration agreements with Rimac, BMW, Hyundai Transys and also Foxconn. While it will receive the powerful high-performance electric propulsion system from Nevera from the Croatians, it will obtain various components from the Germans, while the Koreans will supply a compact 'three-in-one' electric motor.

Additional manufacturers will provide CEER with electrical architecture, infotainment systems and connectivity. Other technologies--such as rear-view cameras-- will stand out for their futuristic design, sources said. The Saudi manufacturer has not shown any official previews of any of their production cars, although it has emphasized that its business model will focus on sedans and SUVs. As it stands, these are actually the first images of a production version SUV with gullwing doors.

The gullwing doors, plus the aerodynamic shape of the prototype, together with the huge, steeply raked windscreen, are all features typical of an electric car that will not come cheap. CEER is keeping completely quiet about any details of this first electric car, which it plans to unveil in '26 and which is currently undergoing testing at a secret test facility somewhere in Europe, with no information available on its performance and specifications.

SUV for the City: All-New, All-Electric Skoda Epiq

Photographers near Barcelona, Spain, have spotted a prototype of the upcoming '26 Skoda Epiq, the Czech company's smallest city SUV with electric power.

A concept of the new model had been shown previously, and it appears many of the design cues will make it into production: large air intakes in the front bumper, Skoda's flat power dome across the hood, as well as the light designs in the front and rear.

Skoda calls the new design language "Modern Solid," and the Epiq will be the first model to feature a "Modern Solid" interior, made with durable and practical materials, state-of-the-art technology and practical solutions.

According to Skoda, the Epiq will be available with two different battery sizes. The larger of these will offer a range of up to 250 miles. All other technical specifications shall be announced at a later date.

The compact crossover city runabout is being built in Pamplona, Spain, as part of a joint development and production project between the VW Group brands Skoda, Cupra and Volkswagen.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is equipping automotive aftermarket professionals with skills to be more effective communicators in their organizations with its Professional Development Program, happening May 14-15, 2026, at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.  

Hosted in partnership with the renowned Dale Carnegie organization, the program focuses on enhancing individual communication, providing participants with a tailored framework for public speaking, active listening and relationship-building.

Participation is limited and open to the first 25 SEMA members that apply here.

Key takeaways of the course include:  

• The Fine Art of Getting Along with People: Understand the impact attitude has on success, access communications skills and style and learn what constitutes winning business conversations. 
• Gain Cooperation and Build Relationships: Learn how to engage others with pertinent questions, access listening skills for different types of listeners and practice listening at the highest level.  
• Build Rapport and Credibility: Explore the factors that reflect on your image, identify ways to build rapport and earn respect, and learn to give sincere praise and appreciation.   
• Communicate with Confidence: Learn how to deal with difficult conversations with diplomacy and tact, practice giving and receiving constructive criticism and learn how to maintain composure under pressure.
• The Power of Influence: Understand the persuasion process, recognize and overcome resistance from others and practice influencing and persuading.

More than 100 professionals have already graduated from the program--many of whom have credited the experience for helping them earn promotions and improve communication within their teams. In addition to the learning module, the program features group breakouts and networking opportunities that will connect attendees with peers that face similar challenges.

Registration is $960 for FLN Members and $1,060 for SEMA Members. The program includes the full training curriculum, a certificate of completion, three nights of hotel accommodations (May 13–15) and food and beverage during training.

Secure your spot before it's gone.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2026 SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum, happening March 3-5, in San Diego, California, is slated to be one of the most impactful events for females in the automotive aftermarket. 

Centered around the theme, "From Insight to Impact," the Forum will feature all-new education courses, workshops, breakouts and networking opportunities designed to strengthen skills in high-performance leadership. Built for women in the industry by women in the industry, the Forum will deliver the skills to influence teams, improve workplace dynamics and strengthen leadership presence in the traditionally male-dominated aftermarket industry.  

Educational Opportunities  

The education program kicks off on Wednesday, March 4, with an inspiring keynote on how resilience and collaboration fuel authentic leadership, empowering women to rise together and drive meaningful change in the industry. Education courses to follow will help attendees define influence in the modern era and lead boldly, while workshops will delve into emotional intelligence, vulnerability, accelerating with AI and trusting the unknown.  

The momentum continues Thursday, March 5, with keynotes on leading with authenticity and purpose and boundary setting as an essential leadership skill. Supporting the day's program are fireside chats on what it takes to lead at the highest level, and workshops centered on effective communication, the power of empathy, turning discomfort into dialogue and the power of active listening.   

Expert Speakers 

Speakers and panelists include accomplished automotive aftermarket leaders, business owners and C-suite executives who will share their best-kept leadership insights. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and years of experience, they will share actionable strategies designed to help attendees elevate their organizational value.  

Speakers and panelists include Katherine Abraham, director of marketing at Ironman 4x4; Jaclyn Bradham, chief revenue officer at Oracle Lighting; Lisa Bartley, leadership expert, consultant and executive coach; Tara Demuth, manager at R&S Truck Caps & Auto Accessories; Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO and co-founder of Oracle Lighting Technologies; Cora Jokinen, president of Torq-Master Industries; Kristy Lake, vice president of human resources at SEMA; Emily Miller, founder of Rebelle Rally; Kannan Parekh, chief architect at Allion Technologies; Kathryn Reinhardt, president at Kreative Marketing; Dr. Kelleigh Shankel, founder of Limelight Technologies; Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Products; and Denise Ypina, master trainer at Dale Carnegie. 

Community Building  

A speed networking event, along with breakfasts and lunches, are scheduled throughout the week to help attendees strengthen their industry connections. In an industry that is fueled by passion and community, these experiences will provide opportunities to exchange insights, seek advice and build meaningful relationships with supportive, like-minded women.   

Laurel Brown, who attended the 2025 Forum, said "As I work with mostly men, I appreciate the opportunity to network with other women in the same position I am and be able to learn from their successes as well."  

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Early registration for the SBN Women's Leadership Forum is just $799 for SBN members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from electric vehicle (EV) mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks; wrapping a vehicle; installing larger wheels and tires; or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive. The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock