By SEMA News Editors

The buzz is real: Recent coverage of the SEMA Show confirms strong demand for the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade event, taking place Las Vegas, November 3-6.

Automakers, manufacturers, service providers and brands have committed to filling up much of the 1.1 million sq. ft. inside and some 1 million sq. ft. outside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The nearly sold-out Show floor underscores the continued strength of the automotive aftermarket and positions the 2026 SEMA Show as the industry's most anticipated business event.

Attendees can also look forward to the return of fan-favorite attractions including the Battle of the Builders, SEMA FutureTech Studio and New Products Showcase, along with an expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section in West Hall.

Want a closer look? View the latest SEMA Show floorplan and see which exhibitors have already secured their space.

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with Las Vegas hotels across every price tier to offer the best nightly rates--plus exclusive perks and a simple, affordable booking process. Book now through onPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing partner, to maximize savings on your SEMA Show accommodations.

Even better: There's still availability, albeit limited, in different hotels* that come out to less than $115 per night, including mandatory hotel fees. These properties include:

• Excalibur ($93/night average)
• Luxor ($103/night average)
• Circus Circus ($110/night average)

Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, can be made online at semashow.com/hotel.

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

*Availability and room options are subject to change. Options available as of the publish date on June 10. For the most up-to-date offerings, visit semashow.com/hotel.

By SEMA News Editors

RealTruck

FRC-4000 Retractable and Removable Truck Bed Cover

The RealTruck FRC-4000 Retractable and Removable Truck Bed Cover has been announced as a winner of the iF Design Award 2026—given by the independent iF Design Foundation in Germany—for its innovative design as the industry's first removable, retractable truck bed cover offering 100% bed access when removed, according to the manufacturer.

APEX & Ascend Truck Caps

Following its debut at the 2025 SEMA Show, RealTruck has launched its APEX FGC-5000 Cap, featuring large windows and a streamlined, SUV-like silhouette. Equipped with patent-pending InvisiLatch on the rear hatch, the cap offers no-touch opening functionality and a two-tone color-matched paint finish, as well as shatter resistant tempered glass, a frameless sliding front window, carpeted interior and interior lighting. Now available for current-generation Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 short beds, with expanded fitment options scheduled to follow throughout the year.
 

realtruck.com

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

Toyota 4Runner ('10-'24) and FJ Cruiser ('10-'14) XD Forged Tie Rods

New XD Forged Tie Rods from ICON Vehicle Dynamics for Toyota 4Runner ('10-'24) and FJ Cruiser ('10-'14) feature inner tie rods and ball studs CNC machined from 4140 chromoly with metal-on-metal bearing surfaces, providing increased durability over factory components, the company said. Adjustment threads are 12% larger in diameter compared to stock. The outer tie rod is forged steel and has the same profile as the stock tie rods, and the tie-rod end is a beefier, metal-on-metal joint that is greaseable for extended service life.

iconvehicledynamics.com 

 By SEMA News Editors 

The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala returns for its 50th anniversary and an elevated evening celebrating the individuals who have shaped––and continue to define––the automotive aftermarket industry.  
 

Set for Friday, July 24, at the Renaissance Newport Beach, in Newport Beach, California, the annual Gala stands as one of SEMA's most prestigious traditions, highlighted by the SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 induction ceremony, which this year will recognize four industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $52.65 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry. 

"These four individuals have poured their time, talent and passion into building this industry. Their contributions have shaped what the aftermarket is today, and we're proud to recognize the impact they've made––both on the businesses they've led and on the people who have been lucky enough to cross their path," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.  

Save your spot at the event by purchasing tickets and get to know the inductees below before you can celebrate alongside them and industry professionals at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala next month.

Doug Dwyer

With a career spanning 60 years across wheels and tires, motorsports marketing, media strategy and brand development, Dwyer's industry contributions reflect a rare combination of technical insight, professional integrity and service to others. He started his career working for Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing Tires at age 16, served in the Army, and went on to build a strong leadership career at Appliance Industries, Weld Wheels and TrueSpoke Wire Wheels. As a partner in Bryson Dwyer Inc., he continued to strengthen professional standards and build lasting brand identities, always emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship and respect for both the product and the customer. As a SEMA volunteer, he organized and participated in numerous events and programs and was inducted into the 2023 Wheel & Tire Council--WTC (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council--WTSBC) Hall of Fame for his industry impact.   

Jay Leno 

A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early '80s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube--Jay Leno's Garage--and launching his own line of detailing products--Jay Leno's Garage Advanced Vehicle Care--to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA's global presence. He's also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as "Leno's Law," legislation aimed at modernizing the state's smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.    

Ellen McKoy

McKoy has devoted nearly five decades of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, beginning as co-owner of Skycoach Customizing in Long Island, New York, in 1975. Throughout her career, she has served as an entrepreneur, journalist, consultant and industry advocate. Through volunteer service, she served on the SEMA Board of Directors, created and advanced the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and founded the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN). McKoy was a SEMA executive from 1994-2009. Skilled in institution building, she volunteered for SEMA following her tenure with the association, consistently identifying and addressing opportunities where members needed stronger organization, education or representation. Today, she continues to provide editorial, marketing and public relations services to aftermarket companies as founder of EMK Marketing.   

Dennis Overholser

Overholser founded Painless Performance Products in 1990 to provide racers, hot rodders and automotive enthusiasts with easier and safer wiring solutions. His career is marked by a deep-rooted passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products, backed by years of industry volunteerism and legislative advocacy. Overholser served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2001-2006, chaired the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), volunteered for HRIA's precursor--the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA)--and was inducted into both the  Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (now the Motorsports Products & Media Council--MPMC) and HRIA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his industry involvement and contributions.  

Whether you're a longtime participant or attending for the first time, the Gala offers a meaningful way to engage with the leaders and legacy of the SEMA community. From networking during the reception to the formal program and recognition moments, the evening is designed to bring the industry together to honor past achievements and inspire future innovation. 
 

Seating is limited, and full tables are available for those looking to attend as a group. 

2026 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala
Reception: 5:45 p.m.–6:45 p.m. PDT
Program: 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. PDT 
Location: Renaissance Newport Beach 
4500 MacArthur Blvd.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660 
Tickets and details: sema.org/gala 

Cocktail or semi-formal attire is required. Attendees must be at least 16 years old to participate. 
 

For questions or more information, visit sema.org/gala or contact Kristin Goodwin at kristing@sema.org. 

Production-Spec Audi Nuvolari Spotted in Camouflage

The Nuvolari is Audi's first supercar with a high-performance hybrid powertrain. Limited to 499 units, with 1,001 hp and a top speed of more than 217 mph, the Formula 1-inspired Nuvolari is the most powerful and fastest production car in Audi's history. At the same time, with this super sports car, the four rings are presenting the first production model of their new design philosophy.

The Audi Nuvolari was recently unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix. Now, a production-spec prototype has been spotted at the Nürburgring in unusual camouflage. This makes it clear that the production car corresponds in virtually every aspect to the concept car shown on the Côte d'Azur.

Forever Young: The Range Rover Sport Receives a Facelift

Plagued by reliability issues and last year's production hiatus, Land Rover is attempting to start fresh. This means both new models and a number of mid-cycle facelifts.
 

The Range Rover, the brand's second-best-selling model line, is also getting the attention it deserves with a mid-cycle refresh, according to findings from our spy photographer. Not long ago, we saw the fullsize Range Rover testing with full-body camouflage during winter development. It is expected to receive a new front fascia along with a completely redesigned cockpit, judging by recent Velar prototypes.

Range Rover Sport fans don't need to worry about being left behind. This latest batch of spy photos confirms that Land Rover is extensively updating its model lineup, and the Range Rover Sport is also expected to receive a facelift for the '27 or '28 model year.
 

These recent photos showcase a heavily camouflaged prototype--only the pillars and roof are free of the dizzying wrap pattern--undergoing testing in Germany. The front end has been comprehensively refreshed with updates to the grille, bumper and headlights. Additional changes are expected inside, while at the rear, a new taillight design appears to be in development. A revised shape for the dual-exhaust outlets is also visible, and minor updates are expected for the bumper as well.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

By SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for July's SEMA Garage Diamond Bar AUTEL ADAS trainings, with an exclusive third day available to book for both sessions

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, both SEMA Garage locations are 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 both SEMA Garage Diamond Bar and SEMA Garage Detroit. Space is limited and registration is filling quickly for both sessions.

SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, July 16, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (View on Google Maps). Only a limited number of seats remain for the session. 
 

SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session later in the month on Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22, and is also offering an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, July 23, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170. (View on Google Maps). Only a limited number of seats remain for the session. 
 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on July 16 and July 23 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 on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

How to Reserve Your Spot 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website by: 

• Visiting autel.us/autel-academy.
• Select ADAS TRAINING.
• Navigate to the "California" tab for SEMA Garage Diamond Bar sessions or the "Detroit" tab for SEMA Garage Detroit sessions and click REGISTER.
   

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration.
 

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.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Fest––which returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, for a high-energy night of motorsports, music and car culture––is just a month away from dropping a massive artist lineup. But why wait and pay more?

Pre-sale tickets are now on sale, giving you the absolute lowest price before the secret's out. Get ready for incredible motorsports demos and killer music on November 6, and put the ultimate exclamation point on your SEMA week by purchasing tickets now at the lowest available price before the 2026 lineup is announced.
 

Non-industry friends and family can purchase tickets now at SEMAFest.com, along with passes for the one-day "SEMA Show Friday–Open to the Public," a bucket-list experience for automotive enthusiasts.
 

SEMA Fest––which has featured chart-topping headliners Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, Sublime and Queens of the Stone Age––will combine live music with high-impact motorsports activations on the SEMA Show campus, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that blends performance, entertainment and car culture.

Beyond the entertainment, SEMA Fest connects the industry with the enthusiast public, giving builders and manufacturers a platform to engage directly with consumers who influence trends and purchasing decisions.
 

It also reflects SEMA's commitment to evolving its events––blending business, culture and community to keep the aftermarket at the forefront of innovation.

Bands will be announced next month.

Buy tickets now through the SEMA Registration Resource Center or at SEMAFest.com. Sign up there for updates on the 2026 lineup. For partnership opportunities, contact info@semafest.com.

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 is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The public is overwhelmingly in support of providing the U.S. military with the right to repair its equipment and vehicles, according to a new survey commissioned by SEMA.
 

According to the survey, 78.9% of respondents support the military's ability to repair its own equipment. When asked about the Warrior Right to Repair Act, bipartisan legislation under consideration by Congress for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act that would provide the military with the right to repair, 73.5% of voters said they would support the legislation.
 

The survey also includes the first-ever assessment of the public's opinions of battlefield modifications of military equipment, an associated issue raised recently by military leaders during congressional testimony. When presented with a question on the necessity of adapting equipment to meet evolving battlefield conditions, 72.4% of voters agree that military personnel should have the authority to modify their equipment, not just repair.
 

The survey was commissioned by SEMA from May 14-17, with a +/- 2.9% margin of error. The survey sample was 1,090, with the exception of the question on modification, for which the sample size was 1,168. This survey was conducted online by occam™ by AlphaROC.
 

"The data reveals an overwhelming, unambiguous public mandate: Americans strongly believe the U.S. military should have the right to repair its own equipment," wrote SEMA Political Director Lauren Wilbor. "Voters express deep concern over both taxpayer costs and defense contractor lobbying, along with impacts on military readiness."

Read SEMA's full polling memo here.

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
 

• Strong bipartisan support for military right to repair, with 84.1% of Republicans, 78.2% of Democrats and 76.2% of Independents in support of allowing the military to repair its own equipment.
   
• Military right to repair remains a "silent issue," with 76.5% of voters unaware of contract rules that restrict military units from repairing their own equipment.
   
• Voters demand common sense on the battlefield, with 66.5% stating their belief that if a military vehicle breaks down in a combat zone, service members should be allowed to repair it in the field.
   
• Conversely, just 10% of respondents believe military units should be required to wait for manufacturer-authorized technicians.
   
• Voters, when educated on the outcome of previous attempts to provide the military with the right to repair, overwhelmingly (71.8%) expressed concern with how defense contracting decisions are made.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Ryanzo W. Perez

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The public is overwhelmingly in support of providing the U.S. military with the right to repair its equipment and vehicles, according to a new survey commissioned by SEMA.
 

According to the survey, 78.9% of respondents support the military's ability to repair its own equipment. When asked about the Warrior Right to Repair Act, bipartisan legislation under consideration by Congress for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act that would provide the military with the right to repair, 73.5% of voters said they would support the legislation.
 

The survey also includes the first-ever assessment of the public's opinions of battlefield modifications of military equipment, an associated issue raised recently by military leaders during congressional testimony. When presented with a question on the necessity of adapting equipment to meet evolving battlefield conditions, 72.4% of voters agree that military personnel should have the authority to modify their equipment, not just repair.
 

The survey was commissioned by SEMA from May 14-17, with a +/- 2.9% margin of error. The survey sample was 1,090, with the exception of the question on modification, for which the sample size was 1,168. This survey was conducted online by occam™ by AlphaROC.
 

"The data reveals an overwhelming, unambiguous public mandate: Americans strongly believe the U.S. military should have the right to repair its own equipment," wrote SEMA Political Director Lauren Wilbor. "Voters express deep concern over both taxpayer costs and defense contractor lobbying, along with impacts on military readiness."

Read SEMA's full polling memo here.

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
 

• Strong bipartisan support for military right to repair, with 84.1% of Republicans, 78.2% of Democrats and 76.2% of Independents in support of allowing the military to repair its own equipment.
   
• Military right to repair remains a "silent issue," with 76.5% of voters unaware of contract rules that restrict military units from repairing their own equipment.
   
• Voters demand common sense on the battlefield, with 66.5% stating their belief that if a military vehicle breaks down in a combat zone, service members should be allowed to repair it in the field.
   
• Conversely, just 10% of respondents believe military units should be required to wait for manufacturer-authorized technicians.
   
• Voters, when educated on the outcome of previous attempts to provide the military with the right to repair, overwhelmingly (71.8%) expressed concern with how defense contracting decisions are made.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Ryanzo W. Perez

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:

Forgeline Motorsports

Plant Manager in Dayton, Ohio

Forgeline Motorsports is seeking an experienced plant manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across its production facility.
 

View Listing

Z2 Motorsports

Automotive Fabricator in New Britain, Connecticut
 

Z2 Motorsports is looking for an experienced automotive fabricator will be responsible for designing, modifying and fabricating components for custom vehicle builds.
 

View Listing

Steele Rubber Products
 

Manager of Sales Growth and Partnerships in Denver, North Carolina

Steele Rubber Products is seeking a manager of sales growth and partnerships to help expand its market presence, strengthen customer relationships and contribute to the future growth of its sales organization.
 

View Listing

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Gorodenkoff