By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Massachusetts' Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced plans to enforce the state's expanded “right to repair” law, which was passed overwhelmingly by Massachusetts voters in 2020, starting on June 1, 2023. Right to repair has been on hold in Massachusetts for over two years as the result of a decision by the state’s former Attorney General to delay enforcement of the law pending a federal lawsuit from automakers, where U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock has delayed ruling on the matter six times.

The right to repair law will take effect in June as a result of Attorney General Campbell filing a “notice of intent to terminate non-enforcement stipulation” of the law, which expands the categories of information that automakers are required to make available to independent repair shops, including telematic data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the manufacturer. The 2020 law requires automakers selling vehicles in Massachusetts to equip 2022 and newer vehicles that use telematics systems with a standardized, open-access data platform. The law also provides vehicle owners and their independent repair shops of their choice with access to real-time telematic information, such as crash notifications, remote diagnostics, and navigation.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. The bill is critically important to stopping CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to go into effect.

“SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “While electric vehicle technology expands clean transportation options, SEMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make the internal-combustion engine (ICE) a reliable, affordable and clean option for millions of consumers.”

It is critically important that the EPA does not permit CARB’s ZEV regulations to take effect, as it could lead to 17 other states that have followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules adopting similar proposals. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road.

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative that asks them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by cosponsoring the bill.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Representative John Joyce (R-PA) introduced H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in response to the California Air Resources Board’s plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. The bill is critically important to stopping CARB’s plans to ban ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive federal preemption provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for California’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to go into effect.

“SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “While electric vehicle technology expands clean transportation options, SEMA will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry that has helped make the internal-combustion engine (ICE) a reliable, affordable and clean option for millions of consumers.”

It is critically important that the EPA does not permit CARB’s ZEV regulations to take effect, as it could lead to 17 other states that have followed all or part of California’s previous clean-car rules adopting similar proposals. California requires 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold to be zero-emissions starting in 2026, increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. In 2022, zero-emissions vehicles made up about 16% of new cars sold in California. The rule also sets durability, warranty and other provisions on zero-emissions vehicles. However, the rule does not impact the sale or use of used diesel- or gas-powered vehicles already on the road.

Click here to send a letter to your U.S. Representative that asks them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by cosponsoring the bill.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization named Pro-Speed Autoworks as the council's newest member spotlight company. Pro-Speed Autoworks is a full-service vehicle performance and customization shop for classic cars and trucks.

Get to know the story of their business in SEMA’s interview with company owner Pete Kianka, below.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?

Pete Kianka: I founded Pro-Speed Autoworks in 2013. I was a line mechanic for most of my career and always had a strong love for musclecars and hot rods. I decided to go out on my own doing restoration work for a few clients and eventually the business grew substantially. From just me renting a bay in another shop to 22-plus employees and 25,000 sq. ft. between two shops, it’s grown larger than I ever imagined it would.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

PK: My breakthrough moment was realizing that most clients want the classic look and feel but with the modern power, safety and conveniences that we can add – restomods. My second breakthrough realization was learning that you cannot go it alone. Use all resources that are available to you, and build strong partnerships along the way.

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

PK: We have dozens of builds in flight. One shop focuses on "in-and-out" work – smaller jobs like brake upgrades, repairs, exhaust, suspension upgrades, etc. The other two shops focus on "big builds" and body work. We have five chassis swap projects underway (mostly Roadster Shop), several LS swaps and several modern Hemi swaps in progress.

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

PK: We recently completed a ‘70 Dodge Coronet for a client – full restoration, plus major modernization and performance upgrades. We swapped in a Gen 3 Hemi engine and customer-built twin turbo system. The car was sponsored by Dakota Digital at SEMA 2022 as a Feature Vehicle and got a huge amount of positive attention.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?

PK: You have to know the restoration process and business inside and out, but I suggest you also look for alternate revenue generators. Smaller jobs keep the cashflow moving and a parallel business offering that coincides with your core business is a good way to add steady cash between payment lags. We do indoor car storage for classic and exotic cars to help with cashflow and additional indoor vehicle storage space for our service customers. It would be hard to do the volume we do without it.

To learn more about Pro-Speed Autoworks, visit their website at prospeedautoworks.com.

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

By Ashley Reyes

Building connections with the right people at the right time could take your career or business to new levels.

To provide an atmosphere for companies in the wheel and tire market to network and address industry related issues, the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council will host an Ambassador Meeting at the SEMA Garage in Detroit on April 3.

By investing time to establish new connections and attend the event, attendees will:

• Create valuable in-person connections with wheel and tire members of different backgrounds and expertise.
• Openly share challenges that their company is experiencing, providing a chance to gain feedback and learn from others.
• Discover new trends and business opportunities in the wheel and tire sector that they may be missing out on.
• Share their input on how the WTC can help them further succeed in the marketplace.

Participants will also have an opportunity to be educated on aftermarket wheel and tire opportunities in the electric-vehicle space. A council reception will follow from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., giving attendees a chance to mix and mingle in a relaxed environment.

Secure your spot now.

By Ashley Reyes

More than 450 applications have been received for the 2023–2024 SEMA Scholarship Program. The program—which issues funds to students and recent graduates who aspire to lead the industry—needs volunteers to assist with reviewing applications and selecting winners.

Becoming a SEMA scholarship judge is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the industry and connect to the next generation of up-and-coming automotive talent. The entire evaluation process is online and easy to do. There is great flexibility and a variety of time commitment options, so volunteers can create a schedule that works best for them.

SEMA members who are interested in giving back are invited to submit a SEMA Scholarship Judge Application today. Judging begins April 3 and continues until May 15.

For general details about the SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program, visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

All-new, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews from the newest SEMA Battle of Builders competition will premiere Sunday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m. (EST) on the FYI channel.

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care” began with 240-plus vehicle builders and culminated during the 2022 SEMA Show last November in Las Vegas. In addition to featuring the winner and finalists, the one-hour television special highlights many new, up-and-coming builders and includes all-new stories and footage chronicling their journeys to the SEMA Show.

“This was one of the best and most exciting SEMA Battle of the Builders competitions yet,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “The TV special is a chance for those who did not attend the SEMA Show to see what happened at the Show, and for those at the Show to relive the excitement and even discover some of what they may have missed.”

Since 2015, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has shined the light on vehicle builders who have already proven their talents by showcasing their vehicles at the SEMA Show. With the world’s best vehicle builders competing against one another, the contest is considered by many to be the ultimate battle.

The television program is hosted by Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and features Cam Miller, Ryan Basseri, Jeremiah Prophet and Kyle Kuhnhausen as industry experts selecting the top 12 builders in four categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Luxury & Exotics; 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road; and Young Guns—a category for builders age 29 and under. Viewers will see the judges narrow the competitors down to 12, and then the top 12 finalists vie among themselves to select the final winner.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is accepting product entries for its 2023 ARMO Hot Products Showcase, taking place at the Spring Carlisle, April 21–22.

The Hot Products Showcase is a popular feature of the Spring Carlisle event where consumers go to view the hottest and most sought-after restoration products, straight from some of the biggest manufacturers in the industry.  

Participation in the Showcase is free and exclusive to ARMO-member manufacturers, and allows them to:  

• Gain on-site product exposure to an estimated 100,000+ Spring Carlisle attendees.
• Obtain increased visitors to their booth if exhibiting at Spring Carlisle.
• Enter for a chance to win a New Product or People's Choice Award.

Located in the big tent in front of the stage, north side of the grandstand, the Showcase is the best place for manufacturers to share their newest innovations and best product offerings. Participants may choose to ship their products in advance with a return label, or drop off their products on-site. New product award winners will be recognized at the SEMA Show in November.

For details and to enter the Showcase, visit the ARMO Hot Products Showcase website. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has named AWE as this week’s member spotlight company. Get to know their story in SEMA’s interview with AWE Vice President Jesse Kramer.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

Jesse Kramer: AWE started as an installer of performance parts in 1991. AWE was originally called “Air and Water Enterprises,” and was founded by Todd Sager, who still remains as the president and CEO today. The company began with early air-cooled Volkswagens, grabbing a name for itself in the underserved Euro performance space.

Before long, the brand moved into Audi and Porsche—focusing on everything from big power kits to exhaust manufacturing. In 2010, the company began a strategy to further refine what the brand meant: high-performance parts manufacturing, focused on exhausts, intakes and intercoolers, and we jettisoned tangential offerings.

In 2016, AWE began its next chapter by moving beyond just European vehicle parts, with the entrance into the Mustang exhaust space. This paved the way for AWE to become known as not just a household name in the European exhaust, intake and intercooler performance space, but also the broader aftermarket. Today, we have about 80 superstars creating AWE brand performance products that are sold globally through our preferred network of dealers, online and from our state-of-the-art headquarters outside of Philadelphia.

The brand manufactures performance parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Porsche, Subaru, McLaren, Volkswagen, RAM, Dodge, Chevrolet, Jeep and Honda. Since 1991, AWE's elite team of researchers, engineers, innovators and drivers have track-tested and introduced premium performance upgrades for some of the finest automobiles in the world.

SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?

JK: There are definitely a few. First, was the patenting of AWE’s drone cancelling solution, 180 Technology. Making an exhaust fit is one thing, making it unlock performance, last forever, and sound the part outside of the cabin while keeping the interior virtually drone-free are quite another thing. 180 Technology is now patented, and it’s featured in almost all of the exhaust suites offered catalog.

The second break through was entering the off-road and truck market with unique exhaust offerings for Jeep, Bronco, TRX, Tacoma, Silverado, F-150 and more. Lastly, I feel like every day is a breakthrough—this is a team that does not accept “standard.” We have a core value that is “We Build Better,” and it applies to everything from the latest Tacoma exhaust to go-to-market strategies. We love competition. And we love winning.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now and projects you are working on.

JK: Today, we’re heavy into development of many new product lines for the off-road market, mostly circling the AWE 0FG exhaust line. We’re innovating special solutions that are as much about high-clearance as they are about the sound that people have come to expect from AWE. We’ll do all of this while not turning our backs on our roots in Euro and Supercars—we’re engineering everything from McLaren exhaust to the new Jeep 392, and we’re bringing something special to every application.

SEMA: Tell us about a product that you are proud of.

JK: I’m partial to our Bronco exhaust line. The innovation on this one was extra strong. We kept dealers in mind: 2.3T, 2.7TT, two-door and four-door applications—all covered via one exhaust. We made it 3 in. We engineered a bespoke mounting bracket allows for 2.3T installation without bumper removal. We included an AWE BashGuard in every configuration to provide best-in-class clearance on the fly, we made tip options that are downright unique, and we even chose locking collars for exhaust hangers to prevent movement.

All handcrafted from CNC mandrel-bent, U.S.-sourced .065-in.-wall T304L stainless steel, proudly engineered, designed and manufactured in-house, in the United States with a Perfect Fitment Guarantee—AWE No CEL Guarantee and Lifetime warranty. I do love this line. But we have so many children, how can you choose one?

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JK: Many people entering the industry feel that because they are car people they will do well in the aftermarket. But that’s not it. Lots of people love cars. The key is to have a specialty—one that could be applied to any industry—then apply it to your passion in automotive. Not the other way around. Otherwise you’re letting the tide take you. Become an expert, layer in passion, and boom, you’re a sought-after entity in this fun world we’re all living in!

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

By SEMA Editors

With just four weeks to go before the Priority Booth Space Selection deadline, more than 1,000 exhibiting companies are investing in their future, preparing to strengthen key relationships and generating more brand visibility by exhibiting at in the 2023 SEMA Show.

Organizers expect the number to increase to more than 2,000 by Show time. See who is exhibiting.

There is no other automotive experience that unites new and iconic manufacturers, qualified buyers, and global media to create authentic life-long business connections.

To take part in the May 1–17 Priority Booth Space Selection Process, you must submit your Exhibitor Services Rental Application and deposit by Monday, April 3.

For more information, visit www.semashow.com/whyexhibit. To reserve a booth, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.