By SEMA News Editors 

SEMA+ is your all-access pass to the world of car and truck culture--built for those that love cars, trucks, racing, off-roading, wrenching and everything in between. Whether you're in the industry or simply live and breathe the lifestyle, SEMA+ connects you to exclusive perks, parts, brands and experiences. 

Now, for the first time ever, SEMA+ members get an exclusive discount on tickets for "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public," happening November 7, 2025, in Las Vegas.  

SEMA+ members get $10 off their "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" ticket (limit one per member). 

This one-day, Friday-only event opens the doors of the world's largest automotive aftermarket show to enthusiasts, giving you access to: 

• The legendary SEMA Show floor 
• Curated vehicle builds 
• Outdoor demonstrations 
• Future-shaping trends and innovation 

Join SEMA+ for $40/year ($3.33/month) and get access to: 

• Discounted ticket to "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public"
• Exclusive savings on events, gear and brands you love 
• Members-only experiences and insider events throughout the year 
• A growing community of enthusiasts in SEMA's first-ever official car and truck club 

Already a member?  

👉 Login to claim your discount code and secure your ticket. 

Not a member yet? 

Join here to claim your "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" ticket discount and unlock a year of benefits. 

Don't miss out on this epic event and stay tuned for more event announcements coming your way. Whether you work on cars and trucks or just love to ride, SEMA+ is for you. 

By SEMA News Editors
 

Bridgestone Recognized as 2024 Supplier of the Year by General Motors

Bridgestone Corporation was recognized by General Motors (GM) as a 2024 Supplier of the Year, marking the tire maker's 10th consecutive and 23rd overall recognition from the automaker. Bridgestone was awarded this distinction during GM's 33rd annual Supplier of the Year event in Phoenix, Arizona, and was one of 92 companies across 12 countries to earn GM's 2024 Supplier of the Year award out of its network of more than 20,000.

"This recognition is not only a testament to the decades of collaboration between Bridgestone and GM across our global operations, but the work we are doing each and every day to continue strengthening our partnership," said David Colletti, president of consumer original equipment tires, North America, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Our shared values and commitment to innovation and performance remain the foundation for our ongoing success."

GM's Supplier of the Year awards recognize global suppliers for their execution across key categories like safety, innovation and resilience. A global cross-functional team makes award selections based not only on an organization's performance across 2024, but also their alignment to GM's core values and ambitious goals.

"For more than 30 years, General Motors has recognized the company's top global suppliers at our annual event, spotlighting their innovation and resiliency through even the most challenging circumstances," said Jeff Morrison, global chief procurement officer at GM. "Together, we're helping bring advanced technology and the industry's broadest portfolio of vehicles to market for GM customers."

Bridgestone's Supplier of the Year recognition from GM aligns with the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," which consists of eight "Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter 'E' (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment)." By developing innovative tire solutions for GM, Bridgestone is delivering on its "Ecology" and "Extension" commitment, the company stated. Learn more at bridgestoneamericas.com and gm.com.

Honda Leaders Honored as Automotive News '100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry'

Four Honda leaders have been honored by Automotive News in its 2025 list of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry. Roxanna Metz, plant lead of the Indiana Auto Plant (IAP) of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA); Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the R&D Business Unit at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM); Bobbi Curran, vice president of procurement and manufacturing planning control at Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM); and Susan Kenny, division manager of purchasing at HCM were selected after a nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from throughout North America.

Metz leads day-to-day manufacturing operations at IAP in Greensburg, Indiana, one of the most flexible in America, where the facility's 2,600 associates produce the Honda CR-V and Civic Hatchback, including hybrid versions of both models, and a new CR-V TrailSport variant on the highest capacity, single-line Honda plant in the world. Metz started her Honda career in 2008, the year IAP began production with the Honda Civic Sedan.

Nakagawa is based in Torrance, California, where she oversees multiple divisions responsible for the design and development of Honda and Acura products and user experiences, as well as business innovation focused on new products and services, including new mobility solutions like the all-electric Honda Motocompacto e-scooter. Nakagawa joined Honda in 2016.

Curran is based in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, where she oversees the company's manufacturing strategic direction for the Honda Civic Sedan and hybrid, CR-V and CR-V hybrid. Curran started her career with Honda of Canada Mfg. in 1998.

Kenny is based in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, where she oversees direct and indirect procurement activities related to supplier quality, on-time delivery and new-model development for the Honda Civic and CR-V models. Kenny started her Honda career in 1993, and this is her second time earning the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry honor.

The 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry Award recognizes women who are leaders in the automotive field. Automotive News has published the list of the industry's top female executives every five years since 2000.

Learn more here.

Porsche Marketing VP Recognized Among Auto Industry's Leading Women

Ayesha Coker, vice president of marketing for Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), has been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Coker and her co-honorees are recognized in the May 19 issue of the magazine.

A graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the Fashion Institute of Technology, Coker began her career with PCNA in 2010 as an experiential brand event manager, responsible for planning, developing and managing major event marketing programs, including automotive shows and brand events. During her tenure at PCNA, she has held various roles within the marketing department, including manager and senior manager of events and sponsorships and director of experiential marketing. She joined the executive committee at PCNA in January 2022 as the vice president of marketing, making her the first African American and first woman of color to join the leadership team.

"I'm honored to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women who are shaping the future of mobility," says Coker. "This award is not just a reflection of my journey--it's a celebration of the bold ideas, relentless passion, and incredible teams that continue to drive this industry forward."

For more information, visit porsche.com/usa.

Ken Block Signed Photos of the HOONICORN Selling at Auction to Benefit the Block Family, Fund Celebration of Life at Petersen Automotive Museum

Donna Block, older sister of the late Ken Block, is selling two signed, framed photos of the "HOONICORN" to raise funds to attend the "Peoples Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Proceeds from the sale will additionally fund the family's Celebration of Life for Ken Block at the museum, and a donation to the 43 Institute, an initiative launched after Block's passing to help provide resources for underserved individuals interested in action sports, motorsports and the creative arts.

The framed photos signed by Ken Block will be offered as two separate listings on eBay. The seven-day auction begins on Sunday, May 25, and closes on Sunday, June 1. Each of the framed photos from the set, titled "L.A. HOONICORN," was part of a limited production of 150 prints.

For more information, email Donna Block at dcblock58@gmail.com.

Hyundai Motor Company, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Break Ground on Automotive Manufacturing Facility

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME), a joint venture between the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Hyundai Motor Company, recently broke ground on a new manufacturing facility to be built in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Saudi Arabia.

PIF owns a 70% stake in HMMME, with Hyundai holding the remaining 30%. The manufacturing plant, Hyundai's first facility in the Middle East, will roll out its first vehicle by the fourth quarter of 2026 and targets an annual production of 50,000 vehicles, the automaker said. This will include both internal-combustion-engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EV).

For more information, visit hyundai.com.

PHINIA Names Marcus Meteer as Aftermarket Senior Sales Manager—Retail

PHINIA, a provider of fuel systems, electrical systems and other aftermarket solutions, has named Marcus Meteer as its new aftermarket senior sales manager--retail.

In his new role, Meteer will lead the sales and marketing efforts for the company's Delphi-branded aftermarket product lines focusing on its retail customers.

Prior to joining PHINIA, Meteer served as the senior sales manager for retail/powersports/OEM/OES for Hitachi ASTEMO, where he was a national account manager for retail accounts. Prior to Hitachi ASTEMO, Marcus also represented Motorad and Johnson Controls in various retail segment capacities.

For more information, visit phinia.com.

Toyota Reveals All-Electric '26 bZ Woodland

Toyota has revealed a new, rugged addition to its electric-vehicle (EV) lineup with the first-ever '26 bZ Woodland.

Equipped with standard all-wheel drive with X-MODE, the bZ Woodland will have a combined system net output of 375 horsepower with a manufacturer-estimated all-electric driving range of 260 miles. It also offers 8.3-in. of ground clearance, 3,500-lb. towing capacity, and available all-terrain tires.

Visually, the '26 bZ Woodland takes the Toyota hammerhead front end with full-width LEDs and adds wide, black overfenders. It also has a slightly different vehicle profile due to nearly 6-in. of additional length and just under 1-in. of additional height in the rear, giving it more than 30 cubic feet of rear cargo space. Its standard roof rails are also a different feature, giving it even more utility for accessories like luggage or bicycle racks. It is also equipped with bZ Woodland-unique 18-inch aluminum wheels with removable covers, and all-terrain tires are available for drivers who want to take on rough roads.

For more information, visit toyota.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the newest members of its prestigious Hall of Fame: Luanne Brown, George Lathouris, John McLeod and Larry Pacey. The industry is invited to welcome them into the Hall of Fame at the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on July 25 in Universal City, California. Tickets are on sale at this link.

"The automotive aftermarket industry has grown in remarkable ways thanks to the contributions of this year's Hall of Fame inductees," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Through their leadership and innovation, they not only changed the course of the industry's history but inspired and shaped the success of those around them."  

Luanne Brown

Fueled by entrepreneurial drive and deep technical expertise, Brown founded eTool Developers in 2001, building proprietary platforms that filled critical gaps in website development and product data management. Her work empowered manufacturers, resellers, solution providers and rep agencies to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape, streamlining operations, improving data exchange and driving real business growth.  

Brown served as a SEMA Board Member from 2008-2015 and has held leadership positions in multiple SEMA communities, including SEMA Cares, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and as board liaison to the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). She has been a long-standing and supportive SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) member over the years and is vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF).  

"To be honored in this way by my industry family is amazing. I am very grateful for SEMA. This is the highlight of my career," said Brown.  

George Lathouris

A 45-year industry veteran, Lathouris is well known for his personal and professional success that has been built on customer relationships and partnerships. From his first job at American Speed Equipment in the late '70s to his last vice president position at The Warn Group, Lathouris is recognized by peers for always putting the customer first and exceeding expectations both with the customer and his fellow employees. 

Lathouris was named the 2013 SEMA Person of the Year, served as SEMA Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) (now the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Industry Alliance) chair from 2009-2013, and is credited with driving considerable growth of the SEMA Pinewood Derby benefiting SEMA Cares charities. 

"I was stunned. Time seemed to pause, and I thought in that instant that I was able to stand alongside of all of the great men and women who've made our industry such a powerhouse throughout the years," said Lathouris on receiving the news he'd been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.  

John McLeod

McLeod has been actively involved in the automotive and SEMA community for more than 23 years, starting from his earliest days working with Classic Instruments in custom automotive builds in the late 1990s, culminating with his acquisition of the company in 2001. Under his leadership, Classic Instruments evolved from a small niche operation into an industry cornerstone, continually pushing boundaries of design, technology and quality standards in automotive instrumentation. 

McLeod's personal ethos--founded on quality, integrity, and community service--shaped his influential tenure volunteering within and leading the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). His Education Days and Builders Panel initiatives fostered a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, as well as provided industry veterans an opportunity to pass on critical insights, enhancing the professionalism and knowledge base of the automotive community. 

"When you look at the list of members like Dave McClelland, Smokey Yunik, Brian Applegate, Carroll Shelby and so many more amazing people that are my heroes--people I have looked up to for so long--I am honored to share this space with them," said McLeod. "I am hopeful that I can inspire at least one young person to be part of such an amazing industry like so many of them did for me."  

Larry Pacey

Pacey's 55 years of industry experience began in 1969 when he opened National Carburetor Exchange in a 600-sq.-ft. building, rebuilding and installing carburetors in South Florida. Over a five-year period, the business evolved into a retail parts store handling many performance lines in addition to the carburetor line. In 1974, the business became a warehouse distributor carrying all performance lines and selling wholesale only. The business's name changed to National Auto Parts Warehouse Dba National Performance Warehouse (NPW), and in the early '80s it continued to expand into traditional auto parts, with additional warehouses in Orlando and West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Pacey's vision united many regional distributors under one larger, more sustainable umbrella. Today, NPW operates in more than 1,500,000-sq.-ft. of warehouse space with 23 distribution centers. NPW services more than 30,000 accounts in North America and several international markets. Pacey served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 1994 to 1996.  

"After giving what I have given to this amazing industry, it feels like a full circle moment for me," said Pacey. "I am also elated to be able to share it with my wife and my sons because I could not have done it without them. I would also like to thank SEMA for this prestigious award and all the great employees at NPW that have helped me for 56 years."

In addition to formally inducting Brown, Lathouris, McLeod and Pacey as SEMA Hall of Fame members during the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on Friday, July 25, the event will include recognition of the newly elected and outgoing SEMA Board members. Tickets are on sale at this link.

For more information, visit sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

It's Time to Vote!

★ SEMA Board of Directors Voting closes 11:59 P.M. PDT June 2, 2025 ★

The following message is from SEMA Chairman of the Board Kyle Fickler:

As a SEMA member company, you have a powerful voice in determining the future of the automotive aftermarket--a vote for the SEMA Board of Directors.

The SEMA Board of Directors is charged with guiding the strategic direction of SEMA. There is no better opportunity to ensure that the most capable people in our industry are elected than participating in the SEMA Board of Directors election.

Voting will be conducted online. Each electronic ballot includes a security code unique to each member company, providing assurance that only one ballot from each member will be counted. You are encouraged to vote for a candidate in each of the membership categories.

For the 2025 election cycle, there are five (5) open seats. One (1) open seat for Chair-Elect, three (3) open seats in the Manufacturers category, one (1) open seat in the Manufacturer’s Representative category.

To submit your company's online vote, please follow these instructions:

1. Type directvote.net/SEMA into your browser address window.
2. When prompted, enter your unique login sent via email.
3. Once validated, an introductory election letter will appear on your screen. At the bottom of the election letter, click on Go To Ballot.
4. Follow the instructions for voting and accessing candidate information.
5. Voting closes Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Sincerely,
Kyle Fickler
SEMA Chairman of the Board

If you have any questions regarding the voting process, contact Staci Bostock at (909) 978-6689 or StaciB@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at sema.org/awards.  

The SEMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in six different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Visionary 8. SEMA is accepting nominations until Friday, August 15.

"It takes hard work to grow an automotive specialty-equipment business--even more so to grow an entire industry," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. "Award nominees should exemplify outstanding professionalism and service that has propelled the industry forward."  

Nominations are open for: 

• Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or eCommerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
• Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts. 
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends. 
• Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding industry contributions and innovations. 
• Person of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to SEMA and the broader automotive specialty-equipment market. 
• Visionary 8: Honors eight emerging leaders on track to drive innovation and positive change in the automotive aftermarket industry. This award showcases up-and-coming talent, honors their accomplishments and introduces them to their community.  

The 2025 SEMA Show is where automotive icons and next-gen disruptors converge to celebrate the past, present and future of the aftermarket industry. The festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 4, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

On Thursday, November 6, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue the same day at the newly reimagined industry homecoming--SEMA Industry Honors--now staged at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and the coveted Person of the Year. 

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year--a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build--will open in August. Learn more at sema.org/awards. 

By Ashley Reyes

On Tuesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. PDT, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion on the role of product data in the automotive industry.  

Quality product data is the common thread that moves parts through sales channels. During this session, a panel of industry leaders representing data creators and users will discuss how industry standard ACES and PIES data shapes the way automotive parts are sold today, including the key data job tasks in manufacturing, data centers, distribution and retail so all areas can work in unison for their mutual benefit.  

Panelists include James O'Dell, assistant director, aftermarket education, Northwood University; Gigi Ho, vice president of technology, data and strategic initiatives, SEMA Data; Mike Kibby, content data manager, Motor State Distributing; and Brian LeBarron, marketing, dealer development, Fluidampr. Moderating the discussion will be MPMC Chair John Lambert, general manager, Speedtech.  

Discussion topics include: 

• How quality data standards shape the way products are sold.  
• Sales channel roles of ACES and PIES product data. 
• Job tasks and data partners along the sales channel. 
• Best practices for product data creators and users. 

Register here. 

Can't make the webinar? Register today to receive a copy of the recording. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. Attending is a no-brainer for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, media members, influencers and related industry members, but following are seven reasons why you need to secure their registration (available online here and at the bottom of this article) for this year's SEMA Show:

• Exhibitors: Discover the latest product and vehicle trends across dozens of product categories: Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Business Services; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Racing & Performance; Hot Rod Alley; Restoration Marketplace; Collision Repair & Refinish; Tools & Equipment; Global Tire Expo (tires) and Wheels & Wheel Accessories; and First-Time and Featured Exhibitors.
• New Product Showcase: Visit the New Products Showcase to discover thousands of the latest exhibitor products displayed in one location of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the SEMA Show mobile app's "Product Scanner" feature to scan and download product photos and exhibitor information that will remain on your app long after the SEMA Show has ended.
• Education: SEMA Show Education is the single most important week of the year to power a professional development plan for your business and career. Through sessions and unique, immersive programs exploring the industry's most significant challenges and offering immediate takeaways, there is something for every automotive professional.
• Networking: The SEMA Show is where connections are built. Network with exhibitors, industry leaders and VIPs/celebrities from more than 140 countries and regions. Use the Show's mobile app to see lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location. In addition, this year's program includes SEMA Council & Networks receptions, happy hours and meetings--all designed to help you advance your business and grow your network. You'll also meet face-to-face with others in the industry and build meaningful relationships that will lead to real results and quality connections.
• Show Features: SEMA Show is teeming with the latest innovations and trends, showcased in several dedicated areas like the SEMA Battle of the Builders; the SEMA FutureTech Studio; the outdoors Optima Village; feature vehicle displays; SEMA Garage: ADAS, Emissions and Product Development; the Collision Repair & Refinish Stage; the Overland Experience; and the SEMA Show Art Walk.
• Show Events: Unique events and activations such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the SEMA Industry Honors now at the iconic Fontainebleau and vehicle demonstrations will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.
• And much more: Of course, attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the best way to boost an automotive professional's business and career path, but be sure to make the most of your time in Vegas with ancillary events like after-hours networking and SEMA Fest, a celebration of motorsports, music and car culture. Note: Your SEMA Show badge does not provide access to SEMA Fest. Visit SEMAFest.com to stay up-to-date and discover when tickets will be available.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By SEMA News Editors

In case you missed it, SEMA has announced that the one-of-a-kind motorsports and music festival celebrating car culture, SEMA Fest, returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, following the conclusion of the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4–7.  Before the SEMA Fest music and motorsports lineup is announced, a limited number of tickets are currently available at the lowest price, but they are selling fast. Prices will only go up in the coming weeks, so buy your tickets now at semafest.com.

Held in the Bronze Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, SEMA Fest will once again blend high-octane automotive culture with top-tier live music, creating a can't-miss experience for car and music lovers alike.

All About the 'SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public' Ticket

As part of open registration for the SEMA Show (available online here), SEMA has unveiled a special opportunity: a limited number of tickets are now available, allowing the public to attend the SEMA Show on Friday, November 7, only with the purchase of the "SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public" pass. This exclusive, one-day ticket grants enthusiasts a rare chance to walk the halls of the SEMA Show, discover the newest automotive innovations and engage with industry pros at what's considered the ultimate automotive event of the year.

The new ticket option delivers the bucket list experience enthusiasts have long been asking for--all capped off with the SEMA Fest concert later that evening.

What to Expect: SEMA Show Friday + SEMA Fest

With the "SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public" ticket, attendees can:

• Explore the massive SEMA Show floor packed with cutting-edge products and thousands of custom builds.
• Experience motorsports activations and immersive car culture moments.
• Then, after the SEMA Show closes, rock out to live performances at the official SEMA Fest concert in the Bronze Lot on the SEMA Show campus.

SEMA Fest is also offering a limited number of Friday concert tickets at the lowest price available before the artist lineup is announced. In addition, package tickets are available on semafest.com for those wishing to attend both the SEMA Show and the SEMA Fest concert on Friday, November 7.

Qualifying industry insiders can make their SEMA Fest General Admission or VIP concert ticket purchase during SEMA Show badge registration at semashow.com. The general public can purchase SEMA Show Friday and SEMA Fest concert tickets at semafest.com.

Don't Miss Out

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable day--explore the SEMA Show like never before and end the night with a high-energy music festival experience.

Stay in the loop with all things SEMA Fest--sign up for updates at semafest.com.

Questions? Contact info@semafest.com. Sponsorship and partnership questions? Reach out to partnership@semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Starting in 2029, vehicle manufacturers must make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard in cars and light trucks, per the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127. The final rule applies to nearly all American light vehicles, impacting all aftermarket manufacturers that modify systems that interact with AEB.  

On June 17 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, several of SEMA's councils and networks in collaboration with the SEMA Garage will host a webinar to provide aftermarket manufacturers and install shops with a high-level overview of FMVSS No. 127, applicability, implementation timing and steps to take now to be prepared. 

Compliance requirements are less than five years out, which is a short timeline for product development. While many aftermarket products are likely to directly affect advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) functionality, members also need to understand how to quantify the impacts and risks of taking a vehicle out of FMVSS safety compliance and how ensuring compliance can save them from a lawsuit in the future. 

Register here.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), SEMA Professional Restylers Organizations (PRO), SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council and the SEMA Garage.  

By Ashley Reyes

With thousands of buyers and media set to discover the latest automotive trends and business opportunities at the 2025 SEMA Show, automotive restylers will be able to showcase their talents through a unique opportunity presented by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).  

Now in its seventh year, the PRO Cup Challenge invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. As part of the competition, six vehicles will be displayed in the PRO booth in West Hall, where each will be judged by industry experts and SEMA Show attendees for the chance to win a coveted award. The accessory package must be repeatable and profitable, have maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed, and have a wholesale cost no more than $12,500 to their dealer.   

Classic Soft Trim of Pittsburgh won the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge for its customized 2024 Toyota RAV 4. 

"From rugged off-road packages to luxury interior upgrades, the PRO Cup Challenge demonstrates the endless opportunities that exist within the automotive restyling market," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "Automotive restylers are encouraged to apply to demonstrate their innovation and showcase their ability to deliver market-ready solutions to dealerships."    

Judges will select the PRO Cup Challenge winner based on the vehicle's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. Additionally, SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.  

Auto Trim Restyling won the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award for its customized '24 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250.

Applications are due July 25. If selected, competitors must complete and submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by September 5. Apply here today and learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge at the 2025 SEMA Show here. 

PRO is looking for member manufacturers to donate parts or offer parts at a discounted price to PRO Cup Challenge applicants. This is a great opportunity to showcase your products on the vehicles that are selected for the competition. Sign up here.