By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and PRI are proud to announce that their magazines are now available in a fully digital format, making industry-leading content more accessible than ever. The first digital issues of both SEMA magazine and PRI Magazine debuted last month. Importantly, print editions of both magazines will continue to be offered, ensuring readers can enjoy their preferred format.

This transition allows the magazines to significantly expand their coverage and share information to more industry professionals across the country and around the world. Readers can enjoy the same high-quality content from anywhere, on any device, providing greater flexibility and convenience. By offering a digital option, both organizations are ensuring that their valuable insights, updates and industry perspectives are available to members and professionals around the world.

The new digital platform, powered by Zinio, provides readers with an exceptional experience, combining user-friendly navigation with advanced tools. Key features include cross-platform Single-Sign-On (SSO) for seamless access, text-to-speech functionality for on-the-go accessibility and an intuitive article search service powered by IBM Watson's Natural Language Understanding (NLU) technology.

"We're excited to make SEMA magazine available in digital format, giving our readers more ways to access the content they trust," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "This expansion ensures that we can connect with even more professionals across the industry no matter where they are--whether they're at their desks, traveling or anywhere in between."

PRI President Michael Good shared similar enthusiasm, stating, "The digital format of PRI Magazine allows us to broaden our reach and connect with a wider audience while maintaining the high-quality content our readers have come to expect. At the same time, we remain committed to continuing the print edition for those who prefer it."

To subscribe to the digital version of SEMA magazine, click here; to subscribe to the digital version of PRI Magazine, click here.

By SEMA News Editors

RealTruck, the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based aftermarket product and accessory brand, has entered a strategic agreement to acquire the Vehicle Accessories Group.

Headquartered in Mesquite, Texas, Vehicle Accessories Group manufactures a variety of vehicle accessories, including all-weather floor mats, running boards, protective door edge guards, splash guards, body side moldings, bumper protectors and door sills. The acquisition expands RealTruck's position across a broader group of both domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers, the company said.

The acquisition will allow RealTruck to bring more products to Vehicle Accessories Group customers, the company said, leveraging its services to assist dealers in driving sales of the combined product portfolio. Additionally, it will expand RealTruck's manufacturing capabilities, according to a statement announcing the acquisition.

"We are excited about bringing together two companies that complement one another and look forward to accelerating growth for both businesses," said Carl-Martin Lindahl, CEO of RealTruck. "Further, this acquisition supports our strategic plans to grow the entire market by inspiring more people to bring their vehicle to life by accessorizing their vehicles."

"RealTruck will deliver resources, expertise and global reach for our business operations, our products, and to the benefit of our existing customers," said J Pearson, executive chairman, Vehicle Accessories Group. "Simply put, joining the RealTruck family accelerates our future growth.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. 

For more information, visit realtruck.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Sarah Duran, brand manager at KW Automotive North America, the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Duran was nominated for a spotlight feature by her industry peer, Matt Behrnes. Get to know Duran through Behrnes' interview with SEMA News below.

SEMA News: How has Duran contributed to the company?

Matt Behrnes: Sarah has always strived to be the best she can be. Whether that be turning wrenches, product and technical knowledge or business aptitude. Her dedication to herself to become better has benefitted the company daily for years.

SN: How has Duran shown leadership in the industry or business?

MB: One part of Sarah's story that I always admired was when she held the customer service manager position. She led a young, very green group of young men. You didn't have to watch it directly; you could see the maturity and growth shown by the young men she led in their day-to-day actions that she was making a huge impact on their careers.

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Duran.

MB: Sarah, herself, is a success story. I have watched her join the company at an entry-level customer service position and work her way up the ladder to lead/manage a full male sales and technical support staff on to now brand manager overseeing all engineering, marketing and sales activities for the entire Belltech Sport Trucks brand.

SN: How many years has Duran been in the industry?

MB: 10-plus years.

SN: What quality do you admire most about Duran and why?

MB: Sarah's drive is her most admirable quality to me. It is what has taken her to the professional level she is today in leading one the industry's most recognized and successful suspension brands in the market.

SN: Why do you think Duran is a role model in the industry?

MB: Sarah is a role model in the industry because she does not back down to any new challenge and the word "quit" is not in her vocabulary. She tackles all challenges and opportunities with class and professionalism with a smile on her face.

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 SEMA News Editors

QruisinPCH—the creators of the Quarantine Cruise known as one of the largest car cruises in the nation—will unite the 42 Foundation, the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association and Foundation for the Hotrods 'N Helos Classic Car Show on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

This inaugural event, presented by Optimum First Mortgage, will celebrate the best of SoCal's car culture: hot rods, classics, customs, vintage, trucks, old muscle and more, all set against the scenic backdrop of Huntington Beach, California. These prized vehicles will be displayed alongside law enforcement and privately owned helicopters, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. For car enthusiasts and aviation fans alike, this is a rare opportunity to see stunning vehicles, helicopters and the industry's leading supporting brands come together in a picturesque beachside setting.

Highlights also include vendors, an extensive VIP hospitality area, local food trucks, live entertainment and more. Vehicle registration is now open, and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available for this first-time event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the 42 Foundation, which, since 2000, has provided more than $1.4 million in support to law enforcement programs, community aid, and the well-being of Huntington Beach Police Officers Association employees and their families.

To learn more and to register, visit hotrodsnhelos.com.

Compiled by SEMA Magazine Editors

The New Product Showcase (NPS) continues to be one of SEMA Show's most anticipated and visited features. Players in the automotive aftermarket leverage NPS by exploring new gadgets, hardware and software to capitalize on the latest equipment and predict upcoming trends. This year, more than 1,600 products were showcased, and more than 1,500 were eligible for special recognition across 18 award categories, a significant increase from last year's entries. Products are judged for their innovation, manufacturing quality, consumer appeal, marketability, technical dominance and more. These are the New Product Award winners to be honored through 2025...

To read the complete article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to SEMA Magazine on Zinio here.

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "BEST IN SHOW: Category Winners from the SEMA New Product Showcase" here and more SEMA Show coverage in the January/February 2025 issue here.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Biden recently signed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), HR 6492, thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

The EXPLORE Act, which had strong bipartisan support throughout Congress, will increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the outdoor recreation industry's $1.2 trillion annual economic impact.  

"SEMA thanks President Biden for signing the EXPLORE Act into law and to our congressional lawmakers for their critical support," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The opportunity of outdoor recreation is one of our nation's treasures, an asset that unites us across state and party lines. The people whose passion is to traverse the outdoors is matched only by those who innovate and develop the products that help them do so, and that's why this law is so important. It's about our economy, our quality of life and our ability to share with more people all of our nation's natural wonders." 

The EXPLORE Act directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For additional information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Biden recently signed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), HR 6492, thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

The EXPLORE Act, which had strong bipartisan support throughout Congress, will increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the outdoor recreation industry's $1.2 trillion annual economic impact.  

"SEMA thanks President Biden for signing the EXPLORE Act into law and to our congressional lawmakers for their critical support," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The opportunity of outdoor recreation is one of our nation's treasures, an asset that unites us across state and party lines. The people whose passion is to traverse the outdoors is matched only by those who innovate and develop the products that help them do so, and that's why this law is so important. It's about our economy, our quality of life and our ability to share with more people all of our nation's natural wonders." 

The EXPLORE Act directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

For additional information on the EXPLORE Act, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org.  

By Ashley Reyes

To help women in the automotive aftermarket industry gain the tools, confidence and connections to thrive in their careers, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting its Women's Leadership Forum on March 11-13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is open at sema.org/sbn-wlf.

Launched in 2022, the annual conference aims to empower women facing similar challenges in the industry by enhancing their personal development and leadership skills. Themed "Unlocking Potential," the 2025 event will feature education sessions and workshops led by subject-matter experts and aftermarket executives, with a focus on fostering networking, learning and collaboration.

"Women are essential to the automotive industry, as business leaders, marketers, shop owners, educators and so much more," said SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle. "This event will enable women to learn essential skills, connect, share their stories and create an impact that meets the needs of their teams and organizations." 

A highlight of the conference is the education program. Keynote sessions will focus on next-level leadership trends for the future and elevating impact and influence, while seminars will dive into empowering your team to take risks and innovate, strategies for optimizing personal success, unlocking competitive advantage with Generative AI and more. Additionally, action-planning sessions will be held on both days of the event to help attendees define specific actions needed to achieve their leadership goals and maintain a consistent cadence beyond the conference. ­

"All of the speakers and topics helped bring self-awareness and a reinvigorated focus on personal motivation to be better," said Kira Daczko of Universal Technical Institute on her past experience attending the event. "It was a space to share and gain empowerment with other women. Sometimes all we need is to be brought together."

In addition to the education program, the event will provide attendees with opportunities to strengthen their professional connections through networking sessions and activities scheduled throughout the event. These exercises will be invaluable for forging relationships that can evolve into alliances that provide support, advice and opportunities long after the event concludes.

SBN members receive the added benefit of a discounted rate of $599, compared to the non-member rate of $799. With limited spots available, the event provides a unique opportunity to invest in your future and grow your skills.

Visit sema.org/sbn-wlf to learn more and secure your spot today.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is hosting its annual General Membership Meeting at the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The event will take place in the Florida Ballroom of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando.  

Led by SEMA's executive staff, the meeting will enable SEMA Business Members to learn about the association's year-round benefits designed to help them succeed in the industry. Attendees will gain insight into the association's latest initiatives, tailored business-solutions and the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Employees of SEMA Business Member companies and SEMA+ members are encouraged to attend the General Membership Meeting. If you will be at the conference or in the area, don't miss this opportunity to discover new tools for business growth, as well as network with other members and SEMA staff. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. 

RSVP for the meeting here.

By SEMA News Editors

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 took place January 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Several automotive-related updates took place during the event, including the following compiled by SEMA News: 

Xpeng Aero HT Showcases Modular Flying Car

Xpeng Aero HT, the aerospace arm overseen by the Chinese EV startup Xpeng, has unveiled its Land Aircraft Carrier at CES 2025. The new-age vehicle is an electric minivan featuring a folding electrical vertical takeoff and landing area for the "flying car" component. The flying vehicle features a single-lever control system and one-touch automatic vertical takeoff.

The company plans mass production later this year, with deliveries expected in 2026, and still requires its production certificate in order to do so.

For more information, visit aeroht.com.
 

Aptera Unveils Production-Ready Solar Electric Vehicle

Aptera Motors has debuted its production-ready solar electric vehicle (sEV), the first solar-powered EV designed to eliminate the need to plug in for most daily driving needs. Aptera's sEV combines cutting-edge engineering with extraordinary capabilities: 

• Up to 400 miles of range from a single charge in under an hour. 
• Up to 40 miles of free driving per day powered entirely by sunlight. 
• Over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving in sunny climates, significantly reducing reliance on grid charging. 

This event marks the first public showcase of Aptera's complete solar array, consisting of four panels strategically placed on the hood, dash, roof, and hatch of the vehicle, alongside its production body structure, which is built from carbon fiber sheet molding compound.

For more information, visit aptera.us.

Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Prototypes Make Global Debut at CES

Honda presented the world premiere of the first two models in the company's new 0 Series line of battery EVs at CES 2025: the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes. Production models based on both prototypes will launch in North America in 2026, followed by global markets. Honda also debuted its original vehicle operating system (OS), the ASIMO OS, for use in Honda 0 Series models.

Additionally, Honda announced an agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip, to be introduced on the next generation of 0 Series models in the late 2020s, as well as a new energy service through the Home Energy Management System to enable customers to enjoy a stress-free EV ownership experience with reduced environmental impact.

For more information, visit the Honda announcement.

'Toyota Woven City,' a Test Course for Mobility, Completes Phase 1 Construction and Prepares for Launch

At CES 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation announced the completion of Phase 1 construction of Toyota Woven City, its test course for mobility located at the former site of Toyota Motor East Japan's Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

The official launch of Phase 1 is planned for fall 2025 or shortly thereafter.

Woven City will be a test course for mobility where "Inventors" who share a commitment to working "for someone other than themselves" can develop, test, and validate innovative products and services, Toyota stated.

For more information, read the Toyota announcement.

Stellantis Motorsports Selects Intel as Technology Partner

Stellantis Motorsports has selected Intel as a key technology partner and is adopting the adaptive control technology into its next-generation inverter control for enhanced performance and efficiency in competitive racing environments. In this implementation, the Intel technology will control the electric motor and recover energy during braking phases. The inverter plays a crucial role during a Formula E race, where any gain in efficiency is transformed into a precious competitive advantage.

Hyundai Motor and Kia's Open Innovation Platforms Drive Global Advancement With 10 Startup Partnerships

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation's global open innovation platforms, ZER01NE and Hyundai CRADLE, participate in CES 2025 from January 7-10, 2025. This joint exhibition highlights Hyundai Motor and Kia's commitment to empowering ZER01NE and CRADLE worldwide.

ZER01NE VENTURES, Hyundai Motor and Kia's Creative Talent Platform, identifies and fosters collaborations with visionary startups to develop innovative solutions addressing societal challenges. Over the past seven years, it has invested in 107 startups through ZER01NE Fund I/II combined and executed 144 collaborative projects as of the first half of 2024. Since its inception in 2000, ZER01NE has spun off 36 in-house ventures.

Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Group's global open innovation hub, operates in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Beijing, and Singapore, leveraging the technological strengths of each region to identify and invest in emerging innovative startups. To date, CRADLE has executed 141 projects and made 46 investments.

For more information, visit the Kia announcement.