By SEMA News Editors

Yokohama Corporation North America (YCNA) has announced three organizational changes, effective immediately.

Jeff Barna, president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC), was promoted and will now also serve as president and CEO of YCNA, with expanded duties to support Yokohama Canada (YTV) and Yokohama Mexico (YTMX).

Shinichi Takimoto, who has served as chairman and CEO of YCNA for the past nine years, will assume the roles of head of Japan tire business division and head of OE tires sales and marketing division for The Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) in Japan.

Stan Chandgie, currently serving as YTC chief operating officer (COO), now also becomes YCNA COO. In this expanded role he will add YTV and YTMX to his management responsibilities.

YTC is a part of YCNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo, Japan-based YRC. YCNA oversees all Yokohama-related operations in North America, including sales and marketing, manufacturing, technical development, long-term corporate planning and investment. YTC services an extensive sales network throughout the United States.

For more information, visit yokohamatire.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Wheel Pros

Bilingual Sales Representative in Farmingdale, New York

Wheel Pros is seeking a bilingual sales representative to join its team. This position will play a pivotal role in achieving customer acquisition and revenue goals and will be tasked with helping drive sales growth at the company, identifying customer needs and qualifying leads.

The AAM Group

Product Data Specialist in Piney Flats, Tennessee

The AAM Group is hiring a product data specialist to organize, manage and maintain product data across internal databases and systems. The position will be responsible for ensuring product data consistency and accuracy with industry standards and that AAM's proprietary data enhancements are done accurately and promptly.

BluePrint Engines

CNC Advanced Setup Technician in Kearney, Nebraska

BluePrint Engines is looking for a skilled and experienced CNC advanced setup technician. The selected candidate will be responsible for setting up and operating CNC machines to produce precision parts and components. This role requires a deep understanding of CNC programming, machining processes and the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex issues.

RENNtech

Engine Builder in Stuart, Florida

RENNtech is seeking an experienced engine builder to join its team. This role is ideal for a precision-driven professional with a deep understanding of internal combustion engines and a passion for high-horsepower builds. You'll be responsible for assembling and rebuilding high-performance and race engines.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will bring SEMA members together for an open discussion on issues impacting the automotive specialty-equipment industry during its Coffee and Conversation on April 3 at 9:00 a.m. PDT. Register here.

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are virtual networking events that enable aftermarket professionals to exchange insights on key challenges shaping the wheel, tire, suspension and brake sectors. WTSBC provides a topic to start the conversation; however, participants are urged to bring forward topics that impact their business.

The interactive format offers attendees the best opportunity to expand their professional network, share their background and expertise, and gain insights from SEMA members of various professions, such as manufacturers, service providers, distributors, dealers, installers and media.

Join the conversation--register here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump unveiled his plans for tariffs on the automotive industry on March 26, impacting completed light-duty vehicles (cars, trucks and SUVs) along with some parts and components. According to the White House, a 25% tariff will be imposed on imported automobiles on April 3 and a later date for automotive parts (no later than May 3).  

The High-Level Details: 

• A 25% tariff will be applied on complete, imported passenger vehicles and light trucks 
• Key automobile parts--engines, transmissions, powertrain parts and electrical components--are also subject to the tariff. 
• Importers of automobiles under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be given the opportunity to certify their United States content, and the 25% tariff will only apply to the value of their non-United States content.  

Automobile parts that are USMCA-compliant will remain tariff-free until the United State Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with United States Customs and Board Protection (CBP), establishes a process to apply tariffs to their non-United States content. 

Resources 

• President Trump's Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts in the United States  
• White House Fact Sheet 

What We're Watching For 

The May 3 deadline for clarity on automotive parts looms large for the aftermarket industry. Much could change in the next month, and SEMA will be working with the Trump Administration to convey what our industry needs and how the tariffs will impact our members' ability to deliver high-quality, American-made parts and products to customers.  

President Trump's order also establishes a framework for additional parts to be subject to tariffs. The Secretary of Commerce will have 90 days to establish a process to include additional automobile parts within the scope of the tariffs. 

• Domestic producers of auto parts and industry associations will be able to request that the tariffs be expanded to cover additional parts that have "increased in a manner that threatens to impair the national security." 

When the Secretary receives such a request from a domestic producer or industry association, they must consult with the U.S. International Trade Commission and CBP before issuing a determination regarding whether the parts should be subject to tariffs within 60 days of receiving the request. 

Stay Tuned 

SEMA continues to monitor this developing story and share any additional updates as they are received. If you have any additional questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Updated on Thursday, March 27.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump unveiled his plans for tariffs on the automotive industry on March 26, impacting completed light-duty vehicles (cars, trucks and SUVs) along with some parts and components. According to the White House, a 25% tariff will be imposed on imported automobiles on April 3 and a later date for automotive parts (no later than May 3).  

The High-Level Details: 

• A 25% tariff will be applied on complete, imported passenger vehicles and light trucks 
• Key automobile parts--engines, transmissions, powertrain parts and electrical components--are also subject to the tariff. 
• Importers of automobiles under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be given the opportunity to certify their United States content, and the 25% tariff will only apply to the value of their non-United States content.  

Automobile parts that are USMCA-compliant will remain tariff-free until the United State Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with United States Customs and Board Protection (CBP), establishes a process to apply tariffs to their non-United States content. 

Resources 

• President Trump's Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts in the United States  
• White House Fact Sheet 

What We're Watching For 

The May 3 deadline for clarity on automotive parts looms large for the aftermarket industry. Much could change in the next month, and SEMA will be working with the Trump Administration to convey what our industry needs and how the tariffs will impact our members' ability to deliver high-quality, American-made parts and products to customers.  

President Trump's order also establishes a framework for additional parts to be subject to tariffs. The Secretary of Commerce will have 90 days to establish a process to include additional automobile parts within the scope of the tariffs. 

• Domestic producers of auto parts and industry associations will be able to request that the tariffs be expanded to cover additional parts that have "increased in a manner that threatens to impair the national security." 

When the Secretary receives such a request from a domestic producer or industry association, they must consult with the U.S. International Trade Commission and CBP before issuing a determination regarding whether the parts should be subject to tariffs within 60 days of receiving the request. 

Stay Tuned 

SEMA continues to monitor this developing story and share any additional updates as they are received. If you have any additional questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Updated on Thursday, March 27.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CAHCC) recently toured the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, getting an in-depth look at the state-of-the-art facilities and extensive resources available to the automotive aftermarket industry. The visit reinforced SEMA's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting small businesses within the industry and across the state. 

The CAHCC delegation was warmly welcomed by the SEMA Garage team, who showcased various departments and services, including product development resources, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) centers and 3D printing capabilities. The SEMA Garage offers experts and consultants who guide small businesses through their R&D and certification processes, all as a free benefit for the industry. These services are designed to help companies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market and remove regulatory roadblocks.  

"The SEMA Garage provides invaluable services that help small businesses in California get their products to market and navigate the regulatory space to obtain executive orders from CARB, allowing them to sell their parts in all 50 states," said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs. "We are grateful to Mr. Canete and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce team for taking the time to visit the SEMA Garage and learn more about our work to support the aftermarket industry." 

In California, the aftermarket represents a $52 billion industry with more than 1,000 SEMA members who generate $40.44 billion in economic impact, support nearly 150,000 jobs and contribute $6.16 billion in taxes. The SEMA Garage plays a pivotal role in equipping these businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market. 

SEMA looks forward to continued partnership with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and other industry stakeholders to drive innovation and economic growth.  

For more information or to host your lawmakers on a visit to your facility, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CAHCC) recently toured the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, getting an in-depth look at the state-of-the-art facilities and extensive resources available to the automotive aftermarket industry. The visit reinforced SEMA's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting small businesses within the industry and across the state. 

The CAHCC delegation was warmly welcomed by the SEMA Garage team, who showcased various departments and services, including product development resources, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) centers and 3D printing capabilities. The SEMA Garage offers experts and consultants who guide small businesses through their R&D and certification processes, all as a free benefit for the industry. These services are designed to help companies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market and remove regulatory roadblocks.  

"The SEMA Garage provides invaluable services that help small businesses in California get their products to market and navigate the regulatory space to obtain executive orders from CARB, allowing them to sell their parts in all 50 states," said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs. "We are grateful to Mr. Canete and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce team for taking the time to visit the SEMA Garage and learn more about our work to support the aftermarket industry." 

In California, the aftermarket represents a $52 billion industry with more than 1,000 SEMA members who generate $40.44 billion in economic impact, support nearly 150,000 jobs and contribute $6.16 billion in taxes. The SEMA Garage plays a pivotal role in equipping these businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market. 

SEMA looks forward to continued partnership with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and other industry stakeholders to drive innovation and economic growth.  

For more information or to host your lawmakers on a visit to your facility, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Neue Klasse BMW 3-Series Spotted at the Nürburgring

The BMW Group has indicated that much of the Neue Klasse electric-vehicle (EV) design and cabin experience will be transferred from electric to internal-combustion (ICE) cars and crossovers, and new images have proven those indicators right.

Captured by SEMA News sources, the images show an ICE-powered variant of the Neue Klasse sedan featuring a virtually identical design as the EV version, although with a different name: while the petrol burner will likely to be named the 3-Series, the all-electric variant will be called the i3. Both are expected to hit showrooms in 2026.

The ICE and electric variants of the future BMW compact class have restrained proportions, as has been the norm for almost all deliveries, featuring the same one-piece integrated headlights on board both prototypes of the new iX3 and the new X5. For now, the double ovoid grille is missing but is hidden in the middle.

As reflected in the images, the hood no longer rests directly over the headlights, but now on a large, sweptback beam, and temporary rear lights positioned high on the rear deck lid.

The photos don't show the shape of the fixed rear windows with the famous Hofmeister kink, but the car features colored brake calipers, indicating it has a more dynamic and sportier chassis setup compared to standard models.

The engine lineup for the ICE-powered 3-Series will match that of today's car, while the all-electric i3 will be starting with 300 hp and a new-generation battery that will offer more than 600 miles on a single charge.

Facelifts Coming for Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe 53 & 63

New images of the redesigned AMG variants of the Coupe 53 and 63 have emerged.

Clearly visible are the new inner graphics of the cars' front and rear lamps, which are reminiscent of the parent company's three-pointed star.

The decision to prolong the life span of the model is likely a result of the ongoing debate about the end of internal combustion engines in Europe and elsewhere.

We expect nothing more than a few cosmetic changes to the front and the inner graphics of the lamp units both ends of the car. These minor changes could be completed by a small makeover of the interior plus updated safety assistance systems and a revised infotainment system including bigger screens.

By Ashley Reyes

Colby McLaughlin, president of Trim Illusion Inc. and 2024 SEMA Person of the Year, will discuss how to increase sales by developing strategic relationships during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Lunch and Learn webinar on April 24, at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Register here.

McLaughlin is an industry advocate and business leader who is no stranger to building strong industry connections. He currently serves as chair of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a council that provides resources aimed at enhancing the business practices and procedures of automotive restylers.  

During this session, SEMA members will have the opportunity to engage with McLaughlin as he shares how businesses can increase sales by developing long-term business-to-business relationships, how to market a brand through SEMA and the benefits and drawbacks of mentorships.   

McLaughlin's contributions to the restyling industry and aftermarket community have yielded solutions to many problems that SEMA members face. Speaking from experience, he will share how a well-rounded and strategic network can increase sales and contribute to career advancement. 

Register for the webinar here.

The first 20 members to register will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher for the day of the webinar. 

By SEMA News Editors

California's latest Proposition 65 updates introduce major changes to product labeling, warning requirements and compliance deadlines that will affect businesses across the automotive aftermarket. With enforcement set to begin, it's crucial to understand how these new regulations impact manufacturers, retailers and distributors.

SEMA is hosting a webinar to provide the latest information on these changes and offer guidance on how to remain compliant. Industry experts will explain the new labeling requirements, online and catalog sales updates, and the key deadlines businesses need to meet.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday, April 1 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Register now to ensure your business is prepared.

Questions? Contact Christian Robinson, senior director for state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.

REGISTER NOW!