By SEMA News Editors

Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

By SEMA News Editors

Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

By SEMA News Editors

MAHLE to Sell U.S. Engineering Services Business

MAHLE has entered an agreement to sell its MAHLE Powertrain (MPT) US engineering services business, MAHLE Powertrain LLC, to the Dumarey Group.

Both parties have signed a contract to this effect at the end of 2024. The transaction includes the MPT facilities in Plymouth, Michigan, with currently around 70 employees.

The engineering services subsidiary of the MAHLE Group provides engineering and consultancy services for the design, testing, development, calibration and integration of electrified powertrain systems and hybridized internal combustion engines.

The Dumarey Group (formerly known as PUNCH Group) is a Belgium-based independent supplier for the development, integration and manufacture of competitive powertrain solutions.

For more information, visit mahle.com.

Race Winning Brands Announces Changes to Transmission Business Unit

Race Winning Brands (RWB), a manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, has announced changes to its transmission business unit, including the RevMax Torque Converters (RevMax) and Transmission Specialties (TSI) brands.

This announcement comes on the heels of Craig Stark joining the RWB family as vice president of its transmission business unit and further solidifies RWB's commitment to targeting new growth and innovation for both RevMax and Transmission Specialties, the company said.

As part of the changes, the company will move Transmission Specialties' operations from its current Aston, Pennsylvania, location to what is currently the RevMax facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move will better allow TSI to serve its customers of all levels, streamlining processes in manufacturing, research and development, quality, inventory and shipping, the company said, with the aim to improve the experience for TSI's partners, from jobbers and builders to end users.

Additionally, Tom Hauser has been promoted to director, business development and Fran Leverick has been promoted to manager, business development, both for RWB's transmission business unit. Hauser will oversee sales, product management, customer service and more with support from Leverick and his team focusing on both inside and outside sales.

"By leveraging collaboration, innovation and a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement, we're streamlining operations and expanding our team to deliver industry-leading products and exceptional customer service," said Stark, VP of RWB's transmission business unit.

For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.

GM Design Chief Michael Simcoe to Retire After 42 Years

Michael Simcoe (left) is retiring as senior vice president, GM Global Design, effective July 1, and will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt (right).

General Motors (GM) announced that Michael Simcoe, senior vice president, GM Global Design, will retire after a 42-year career with the company, effective July 1, 2025.

Simcoe will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt, currently executive director, Global Cadillac Design. Nesbitt will lead GM Global Design, effective July 1--becoming just the eighth GM Design chief.

Under Simcoe, GM's design studios have executed numerous award-winning products, including the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

Simcoe also championed the inception and execution of GM's flagship Design West studio campus, located on GM's Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan.

Additionally, Nesbitt led the design of Cadillac's latest concept vehicles--Opulent Velocity and SOLLEI.

For more information, visit gm.com.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Promotes JC Washbish to President and CEO

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has promoted JC Washbish, who was named as president in 2024, to the role of president and CEO, effective January 1.

In his new role, Washbish will continue to collaborate with the group's shareholders and channel partners. All Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance executive leadership teams will continue to report to Washbish.

For more information, visit alliance1.com.

Elgin Industries Announces New COO, CFO

Elgin Industries, the Elgin, Illinois-based manufacturer of engine, steering and suspension components, has named Chris Anderson chief operating officer (COO) and appointed Susan Liddi chief financial officer (CFO).

Anderson, who joined Elgin in 2000, will retain his duties as corporate executive vice president while assuming the responsibilities COO. He previously was executive vice president of the company's Elgin World Trade operating unit. 

Liddi, who joined Elgin in early 2024, had been the company's controller. 

In her new role, she will be responsible for a full range of financial, risk management, Capex, compliance and other responsibilities for the 106-year-old company.

For more information, visit elginind.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge both companies by 2026, according to a joint press conference, which would make the new entity the world's third-largest automaker, following Toyota (Japan) and Volkswagen (Germany).  

Nissan is a top shareholder in Mitsubishi Motors, which will decide whether to join the merger (or not) by the end of the month, according to the conference.

The move would be one of the most significant reshaping of the industry since the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA merger created Stellantis in 2021.

SEMA News will continue to follow this news in the coming weeks and months.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Brett Baranauckas, associate product manager at The Coats Company, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Brett Baranauckas: "It's not about what happened, it's about how you respond." This can be applied personally and professionally. We've all experienced something that we may have responded too quickly to and wish we would've taken it back. I do my best in both areas to always look at the situation as a whole and respond accordingly. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

BB: Automotive is consistently changing and growing. Starting out as a technician in 2008 during the economic crash to 2024, we've had many technological advancements, plus other positive changes in the workplace, as well. Seeing many changes is exciting, but being a part of the changes is where the reward is. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

BB: With my wife and two dogs relaxing on the couch. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

BB: Research. I try and anticipate any questions, comments or concerns that may be brought up to ensure the meeting runs smoothly. If the meeting is remote, I'll have certain windows and documents open up on another screen to make sure I have everything I need within reach. 

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

BB: Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber. I'd want to ask him about his drive and what fuels him, especially during the time of creating Uber. I'd also want to discuss competition and how he handles that and preparing for all scenarios that a company may face. 

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's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has named Auto Metal Direct (AMD) as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Auto Metal Direct's Marketing Director Jason Chandler below.  

SEMA News: How did Auto Metal Direct start?

Jason Chandler: Founder and President Mark Headrick has been an industry veteran for more than 40 years. After working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he ventured out and started Auto Metal Direct in 2007. Being a MOPAR guy, Mark saw a huge need for quality replacement body panels for late-'60s and early-'70s Dodge and Plymouth musclecars. That is how AMD got started.

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?   

JC:  As many of you may know, the development process on new product lines takes time. AMD's breakthrough moment came once our products came to market. Once customers started receiving our high-quality, OE-style replacement restoration products, we took the body-panel market by storm.

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

JC: Auto Metal Direct has come a long way from the early days of inception. The design process for new products is completely digital, reducing development time on new products as well as dialing in previous tooling. Robotics now play a huge role in our production facility, ensuring repeatability in a quality end product. Also, AMD is now headquartered in a new 318,000-sq.-ft. facility, with expansion coming soon with another 280,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2025.

SN: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.  

JC: We are growing heavily in all areas of restoration. From our well-known, premium-quality body panels to our extensive offering of interior components, we offer a lot for restoration professionals and DIY'ers alike. We strive to offer the best quality at an affordable price.

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

JC: With so many different opportunities available, get in there and try as many as possible. Find something you love to do and stick with it. Working with the ARMO council is a great way to get exposure to multiple outlets.

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates.  

By SEMA News Editors

In an effort to support those affected by the New Year's Day attack, New Orleans, Louisiana-based ORACLE Lighting has announced that on Friday, January 10, 100% of profits from all online orders placed on oraclelights.com will be donated directly to support the victims and their families through the United Way. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling and more. 

Additionally, throughout the entire month of January, customers can further support this effort by using the promo code 'NOLA' at checkout for any order placed on oraclelights.com. All proceeds from these orders will also be donated directly to the victims and their families through the United Way.

For more information or to place an order, visit oraclelights.com.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as Speaker of the House, but not before a group of holdout lawmakers made a series of precise demands in exchange for their support, including a commitment to end EV mandates. In a letter to Johnson, 11 GOP lawmakers whose support was not assured prior to the vote listed a reversal of EV mandates and other Biden-Harris policies among their legislative requirements to which Johnson must adhere to maintain their support.

The letter outlines the following among its demands:

Reverse Biden-Harris policies immediately, including disastrous and expensive student loan bailouts, inflationary EV mandates and Green New Deal subsidies to unleash American energy, massive subsidization of unhealthy foods in the food stamp program to make Americans healthy again and save taxpayer dollars, and much more.

Johnson will hold a tenuous grasp on the gavel as the 119th Congress gets underway; under the House rules packaged, just nine lawmakers are required to force a vote to vacate the speakership.

SEMA, meanwhile, wasted no time pounding the pavement in the new Congress. The Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team spent the first day meeting lawmakers and staff from two dozen offices, including new, "freshman" lawmakers, along with proven veterans who are already champions of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Keep following SEMA News for the latest advocacy updates affecting the industry.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as Speaker of the House, but not before a group of holdout lawmakers made a series of precise demands in exchange for their support, including a commitment to end EV mandates. In a letter to Johnson, 11 GOP lawmakers whose support was not assured prior to the vote listed a reversal of EV mandates and other Biden-Harris policies among their legislative requirements to which Johnson must adhere to maintain their support.

The letter outlines the following among its demands:

Reverse Biden-Harris policies immediately, including disastrous and expensive student loan bailouts, inflationary EV mandates and Green New Deal subsidies to unleash American energy, massive subsidization of unhealthy foods in the food stamp program to make Americans healthy again and save taxpayer dollars, and much more.

Johnson will hold a tenuous grasp on the gavel as the 119th Congress gets underway; under the House rules packaged, just nine lawmakers are required to force a vote to vacate the speakership.

SEMA, meanwhile, wasted no time pounding the pavement in the new Congress. The Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team spent the first day meeting lawmakers and staff from two dozen offices, including new, "freshman" lawmakers, along with proven veterans who are already champions of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Keep following SEMA News for the latest advocacy updates affecting the industry.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA-member company employees have an exclusive opportunity to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Loan forgiveness applications are open now and run through March 1 at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program issues $2,000 awards to individuals who are paying off a degree or certification from a college, university or career tech school in the United States or Canada. Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company, demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry and have a minimum of $2,000 in student loans in order to be eligible.  

"It's SEMA's mission to help our member companies succeed and prosper, and that also means supporting the employees behind those companies so that they can focus on their careers," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "We invite everyone who qualifies to apply to take advantage of this program."

SEMA Loan Forgiveness eligibility requirements and the application can be found at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org.