By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

• At a Glance: SEMA and PRI continue to fight to stop unfair automotive technology mandates, most recently flying into Washington, D.C., to spread the word to lawmakers. Industry members are encouraged to join the cause.
• Get involved: To join the fight, visit SEMACRA.org to send a letter to your lawmaker.
• Use our tools: Amplify our messages with our toolkit, featuring social media assets you can deploy on your channels. 
   

SEMA Hits The Hill, Throws a Haymaker in Fight to Stop ICE Ban

Working on a tight deadline to stop California's internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, SEMA and PRI mustered a crack team of advocates to urge lawmakers to prevent California from enacting laws and mandates for the entire country. Congress is in the midst of a Congressional Review Act (CRA)-enabled examination of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act waiver to California for the state's Advanced Clean Cars II regulation.

To amplify the message of technology-neutral government and vehicle choice, a team of 31 advocates, comprised of SEMA members and automotive content creators, descended on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers and their staff members. Over the course of seven hours, members impressed upon Congress why California's ICE ban should be struck down, furthering our position on this critical matter. SEMA and PRI have published a new toolkit of posters and social media assets to help spread the word on the fight to stop the ICE ban. (Find more on those resources at sema.org/advocacy/cra and below).

Background on the Congressional Review Act

SEMA and PRI's efforts to overturn EV mandates enacted by California are at a significant moment. Federal lawmakers will use the CRA to determine the legitimacy of Clean Air Act waivers for California's Advanced Clean Cars II policy, which would effectively ban ICE and related technology and innovations. SEMA and PRI oppose these waivers and support their immediate repeal by Congress.

These proposed mandates will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs. The specialty automotive aftermarket has led to technological innovation, making vehicles more fuel-efficient, safer and appealing to consumers.

In addition, large automakers are losing billions a year in their electric-vehicle (EV) programs despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they receive from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs.

Join the cause to end EV mandates and support automotive businesses by visiting semacra.org and sending a letter to your lawmakers. Be sure also to access the ready-to-print and ready-to-post assets available to industry members below.
 

SEMA and PRI Offer 'Stop the ICE Ban' Toolkit of Assets; Join the Cause

SEMA and PRI's CRA Social Media Toolkit is designed to help industry members share their opposition to EV mandates across their digital channels and in their shops or businesses. This comprehensive toolkit provides a variety of ready-to-use assets, including printable posters, social graphics, carousel assets and sample post copy, making it easy to share key messaging with your customers and industry peers. 

Join the cause, let industry members know where you stand, and access the CRA Social Media Toolkit at sema.org/advocacy/cra.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA- and PRI-opposed bill in Arkansas that threatened to impose severe restrictions on local race tracks, has been withdrawn by its author.

This marks a significant victory for SEMA, PRI and the community of grassroots racing enthusiasts in Arkansas. To generate opposition to the bill, SEMA and PRI issued an urgent legislative alert to Arkansas motorsports businesses, race tracks and fans regarding House Bill (HB) 1564, which generated more than 7,000 letters to lawmakers. Additionally, SEMA and PRI worked with automotive celebrity Alex Taylor, an Arkansas native, on an Instagram reel promoting the letter-writing campaign, which garnered more than 400,000 views.

Arkansas lawmakers were considering HB 1564, which proposed onerous restrictions for race tracks, including new insurance requirements, limitations on noise levels, hours of operation and types of events that could be held. The bill, introduced by State Representative Wayne Long (R) and Senator Ronald Caldwell (R), sparked significant debate among legislators, community members and racing enthusiasts.

In a letter to the Arkansas lawmakers, Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director of state government affairs, highlighted that the proposed restrictions could have led to job losses and reduced economic activity in the regions where race tracks are located.

"We believe that this legislation creates unnecessary regulatory burdens that could stifle motorsports events and related businesses, risks job losses and revenue declines in communities that rely on motorsports tourism and events [and] sets a concerning precedent for government overreach into private business operations without clear justification," stated Robinson. The specialty-equipment industry contributes more than $3.42 billion in economic impact and supports nearly 15,000 jobs.

"HB 1564 threatened to undermine the positive impacts of motorsports on Arkansas's economy and community," said Robinson. "We are pleased that the bill has been pulled and urge lawmakers to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop policies that support both motorsports and local communities."

The decision to pull HB 1564 before the committee hearing is a significant win for the entire industry. The swift mobilization and the overwhelming response from the racing community played a crucial role in this outcome.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to protecting the racing community's interests and will continue to advocate for policies that support the industry and local economies. This victory demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for the motorsports community.

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA- and PRI-opposed bill in Arkansas that threatened to impose severe restrictions on local race tracks, has been withdrawn by its author.

This marks a significant victory for SEMA, PRI and the community of grassroots racing enthusiasts in Arkansas. To generate opposition to the bill, SEMA and PRI issued an urgent legislative alert to Arkansas motorsports businesses, race tracks and fans regarding House Bill (HB) 1564, which generated more than 7,000 letters to lawmakers. Additionally, SEMA and PRI worked with automotive celebrity Alex Taylor, an Arkansas native, on an Instagram reel promoting the letter-writing campaign, which garnered more than 400,000 views.

Arkansas lawmakers were considering HB 1564, which proposed onerous restrictions for race tracks, including new insurance requirements, limitations on noise levels, hours of operation and types of events that could be held. The bill, introduced by State Representative Wayne Long (R) and Senator Ronald Caldwell (R), sparked significant debate among legislators, community members and racing enthusiasts.

In a letter to the Arkansas lawmakers, Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director of state government affairs, highlighted that the proposed restrictions could have led to job losses and reduced economic activity in the regions where race tracks are located.

"We believe that this legislation creates unnecessary regulatory burdens that could stifle motorsports events and related businesses, risks job losses and revenue declines in communities that rely on motorsports tourism and events [and] sets a concerning precedent for government overreach into private business operations without clear justification," stated Robinson. The specialty-equipment industry contributes more than $3.42 billion in economic impact and supports nearly 15,000 jobs.

"HB 1564 threatened to undermine the positive impacts of motorsports on Arkansas's economy and community," said Robinson. "We are pleased that the bill has been pulled and urge lawmakers to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop policies that support both motorsports and local communities."

The decision to pull HB 1564 before the committee hearing is a significant win for the entire industry. The swift mobilization and the overwhelming response from the racing community played a crucial role in this outcome.

SEMA and PRI remain committed to protecting the racing community's interests and will continue to advocate for policies that support the industry and local economies. This victory demonstrates the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for the motorsports community.

For more information, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry have limited time left to apply for the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP), taking place at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, May 7-9. Focusing on team leadership development, the program will equip participants with the tools needed to motivate their teams and advance in their careers. Limited spots are still available. Apply by March 23 at this link.  

For three days, students will acquire Dale Carnegie's relationship-centered approach to leadership development. Through interactive lessons and breakouts, attendees will gain a comprehensive toolkit to become the type of leader required in today's workforce, as well as develop the attitudes required to be an engaging leader. 

FLN members who apply will receive a discounted rate off the standard Dale Carnegie fee. However, any individual under 40 who works for a SEMA member company can join FLN for free.  

After completing this program, participants will be able to: 

• Build effective teams
• Create a people-first culture
• Lead change
• Use the innovative process to improve results
• Commit to growth and transformation 
• Create a performance results description  

For years, Dale Carnegie's books and seminars have been the go-to resources for individuals and organizations seeking personal and professional growth. The methods learned in the program will help FLN members expand their skills to drive results in their careers and companies.  

The price of attending the program is $1,280, which includes the training program, a certificate of completion, four-nights hotel accommodations, and food and beverage during training. 

Don't miss out! View the application and apply here. 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Mercedes-AMG Developing 1,000-Plus-hp SUV

SEMA News sources recently snapped the first new images of Mercedes-AMG's new, 1,000-hp SUV currently in development.

The second model to be built on AMG's EA platform, the new SUV will be purely electric and produce more than 1,000 hp, sources said. The super SUV is expected to compete against the BMW XM and the Lotus Eletre, Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue.

Mercedes-AMG is expected to present the new EA platform at the end of 2025 and launch in 2026 with not only its own cell chemistry, but new engines. The axial flux motor is compact yet still delivers high performance. A single axial flux motor delivers 486 hp and weighs just 52 lbs.

On the EA platform, one motor is installed on the front axle and one on the rear axle. The system output of the AMG.EA models is around 972 hp.

Additionally, a version of the still-unnamed SUV is expected to have two engines on the rear axle and one engine at the front, pushing output well beyond 1400 hp, according to insiders.

Volkswagen Taigo to Get Facelift in European Markets

If its recent update to the South America-focused Nivus is any indication, Volkswagen is expected to give the Taigo a facelift for the European market. In fact, SEMA News sources recently spotted a prototype of the refreshed Taigo in the north of Scandinavia.

The VW Taigo and Nivus, both of which are based on the MQB-A0 platform, differ in terms of powertrains. While the European version is available with either a 1.0L three-cylinder or 1.5L four-cylinder engine, the South American model is limited to the small engine. When fueled with ethanol, this delivers up to 116 hp, which is surpassed in European markets by the four-cylinder and up to 150 hp.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Spotted Without Camouflage

A pioneer of electric mobility in Germany, Mercedes-Benz has long begun testing its second-generation, all-electric midsize SUV. But two things have changed since SEMA News sources last caught the car undergoing testing in August 2023: the car will no longer be called the "EQC" as Mercedes-Benz drops the "EQ" moniker for its electric vehicles (EV), and the lack of camouflage.

Although there is still some camo over the front fascia and rear lamps, the overall shape of the SUV is revealed in the new images. Expected to arrive in late 2025, the GLC will likely compete with similarly sized models from Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Tesla.

The new GLC EV will be based on the all-new, all-electric C-Class EV sedan, which is scheduled for a 2025 or 2026 launch, and was once thought to replace today's gas- and diesel-powered C-Class. Nonetheless, the GLC will come with conventional gas engines, too.

Under the sleek body is the new MB.EA architecture for medium-sized and large vehicles. Contrary to what was originally planned, the drive technology presented in the EQXX is not only finding its way into the smaller vehicles but also into the MB.EA series.

This means it will likely feature 800-V technology, a modern, efficiency-enhancing silicon-carbide inverter, radial flux motors with an expected 250 to 500 hp, rear- or all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and a two-speed gearbox to enhance economy even further. On the battery side, Mercedes will significantly increase the current energy density with a 110-kWh battery. Around 100 kWh are also conceivable in the C-Class EV saloon and this GLC EV, which ideally would be enough for almost 621 miles.

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.

This special March/April Business Issue features the 2025 SEMA Product Guide, an in-depth sit-down with SEMA Person of the Year Colby McLaughlin, a look at Blazin' Rodz cutting edge '70 Chevelle Restomod, a peek inside the PRI Show floor's speed parts and manufacturing tricks, the "SEMA Future Trends Report" 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

Continental Automotive Systems Names Mark Pascuzzo as Head of Automotive Aftermarket Sales for North America

Continental Automotive Systems has named Mark Pascuzzo as its new head of automotive aftermarket sales for North America. Pascuzzo first joined Continental in 2020, serving as a key account manager for the United States and Canada before being named regional sales manager. In his new role, Pascuzzo will manage Continental's sales team for North America, drive continued market growth, and build and maintain customer relationships.

Prior to his new role at Continental, Pascuzzo served as the regional sales director for Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. and as the director of channel sales--United States/Canada for HELLA. Pascuzzo served for six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

For more information, visit continental-aftermarket.com.

TotalEnergies Marketing USA Signs Lubricant Sponsorship Deal With Meineke Dealers Co-Op

TotalEnergies Marketing USA has signed a new supplier partnership with Meineke car care centers.

The collaboration aims to leverage TotalEnergies' products and Meineke's service to enhance the total service offering to drivers across the United States, the companies said in a statement announcing the new partnership.

Meineke's network of more than 900 stores will now offer TotalEnergies' range of lubricants.

For more information, visit totalenergies.us.

RealTruck Finalizes Vehicle Accessories Group Acquisition

RealTruck, the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based aftermarket product and accessory brand, has finalized its previously announced acquisition of Vehicle Accessories Group (VAI).

As a result of the acquisition, RealTruck now operates 30 manufacturing facilities in five countries globally, of which 24 are based in the United States. In addition, the acquisition expands RealTruck's position across a broader group of both domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers, the company said, with a full array of accessories for Jeeps, Broncos, off-road enthusiasts, SUVs/CUVs and sedans.

For more information, visit realtruck.com.

By SEMA News Editors

California car customizer and SEMA Hall of Famer Gene Winfield has passed away. He was 97.

A pioneer in custom-car culture, Winfield was born in 1927 and built his first custom car in Modesto, California, before opening Winfield's Custom Shop in Mojave, California, in 1951.

Known for his custom paint jobs, Winfield gained national recognition for his '57 Mercury, the Jade Idol, and the first fully blended paint job.

Winfield also created numerous specialty vehicles for television and feature films, including the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "Get Smart" gadget cars, the Galileo shuttlecraft from the original "Star Trek" series and many other notable examples.

Additionally, Winfield received many awards and recognitions, including the Detroit Autorama Builder of the Year, the NHRA's lifetime achievement award, enshrinement in the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and more.

Winfield was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2022.

For more on Winfield's life and accomplishments, read the SEMA Magazine article showcasing the SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named John Collier, digital marketing specialist at Diode Dynamics, as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Collier in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

John Collier: The best advice I've ever received is to embrace the snowball effect: start small, stay consistent and let the momentum build. This approach has helped me both professionally and personally by showing that even the smallest steps forward can lead to substantial progress and success.

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

JC: The innovation within the industry, where companies aren't just competing but inspiring each other to continually deliver the latest and greatest products to users, keeps me motivated and excited here at Diode Dynamics.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

JC: Exploring new hiking trails or hitting the slopes snowboarding during the winter.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

JC: I prepare for an important meeting by highlighting key points on a document and reviewing the information ahead of time to ensure clear and concise communication. I also focus on setting a clear agenda, anticipating potential questions and practicing my delivery for confidence. When needed, I collaborate with team members to align on talking points and strategies.

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?  

JC: Ken Block, for his incredible impact on the automotive community and his contributions to the snowboarding industry. His creativity and ability to push boundaries are inspiring, like when he took his Subaru onto the slopes in DC Mountain Lab 1.5. It's a perfect example of his innovative spirit blending two passions seamlessly.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member company employees under the age of 40 have two exclusive opportunities to enhance their careers through the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Programs.  

Hosted in partnership with Dale Carnegie, these programs will be held at the SEMA Garage Detroit, May 5-9, and will feature a course on individual communication and a course on team leadership. FLN members can apply for one or both courses at sema.org/fln-pdp.  

Dale Carnegie has more than 100 years of proven success in helping thousands of organizations and millions of people create positive change and successful growth. This program, which focuses on improving individual and business performance, is available to FLN members at a significant discount off the standard Dale Carnegie training fees.   

Available Courses: 

Individual Communications Course – May 5-6

In this session, attendees will learn about Dale Carnegie's methods and principles for gaining the confidence and tools to build relationships and drive results by gaining willing cooperation and commitment. Takeaways include how to communicate professionally and confidently in business situations, how to build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios and how to build rapport.   

The price is $960 per person, which includes the training program, a certificate of completion, three nights of hotel accommodations and food and beverage during training.  

Team Leadership Course – May 7-9

Dale Carnegie's unique relationship-centered approach to leadership development will provide attendees with a comprehensive toolkit that will help them become the type of leader required in today's workforce. This program combines the crucially important hard skills and proven behaviors that leaders need, while also focusing on adopting the right attitudes required to be an engaging leader. 

The price is $1,280 per person which includes the training program, a certificate of completion, four nights of hotel accommodations and food and beverage during training.  

"The FLN PDP program provided me with insight and knowledge I am unable to receive in regular training at my job," said Ryan Ehlers of Diode Dynamics on his past experience attending the program. "Professional leadership is tricky to teach yet this course laid it out in a very engaging way which helped me retain the lessons taught. The automotive industry can be very diverse, and it was great hearing the perspective of other attendees as well."  

Contact FLN Director Denise Waddingham at Deniselw@sema.org with any questions.