By SEMA News Editors

 

Every successful business has a plan for the future, and for thousands of automotive aftermarket executives, business owners, buyers and decision-makers, that plan includes the 2026 SEMA Show.

 

Returning to Las Vegas, November 3-6, the industry's premier trade event brings together the newest products, emerging trends and the people driving the future of the automotive aftermarket in one destination.

 

Whether you're evaluating new suppliers, strengthening customer relationships or looking for the next opportunity to grow your business, the SEMA Show delivers four days of face-to-face meetings and firsthand access to the products and ideas shaping the industry.

 

Register Now to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Badge

 

Approved attendees can register for a SEMA Show badge for just $75 now through September 25. After, the price increases to $100.

 

The sooner an attendee registers for the SEMA Show, the more they save. Early registrants can also get a head start on their SEMA Show plan, with access to the Registration Resource Center to print receipts, register a spouse, book hotels, reserve a spot in one of dozens of educational sessions, purchase tickets to events like SEMA Fest, the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, SEMA Industry Honors, and more.

 

 

 

How to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Hotel

 

Hotel reservations are open through SEMA's only official housing partner, onPeak. Bookings made in the official SEMA Show block are eligible for hotel loyalty and member programs and are guaranteed to be the lowest possible prices available. That's right: organizers will price-match if you happen to find a lower rate, so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block at semashow.com/hotel. 

 

 

How to Save on Airfare to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with several airlines to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show. 

 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners––detailed at the link below––attendees can take advantage of airfare savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event. 

 

 

How to Save on the Las Vegas Monorail and The Vegas Loop During SEMA

 

Las Vegas Monorail

 

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops Showgoers off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and Sahara.

 

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

 

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

 

The Las Vegas Loop

 

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

 

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

 

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

 

SEMA Fest Is Back in 2026

 

SEMA Fest––which recently announced an all-star lineup featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and 311––returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, with motorsports, music and car culture. 

 

Qualified SEMA Show attendees can add SEMA Fest tickets directly through the Registration Resource Center when securing a Show badge.

 

Non-industry friends and family can purchase tickets now at SEMAFest.com, along with passes for the one-day "SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public," a bucket-list experience for automotive enthusiasts.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee, buyer and media registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

SEMA is accepting nominations for its prestigious industry awards recognizing companies and individuals within the automotive aftermarket whose leadership, innovation and service have left a meaningful impact. The nomination deadline is Friday, August 14, at www.sema.org/awards.

 

The SEMA Industry Awards are among the association's highest honors and recognize the recipient's outstanding contributions to the specialty equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in five different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and the Visionary 8.

   

To be considered, a nominee must exhibit professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward.

 

Why Nominating Matters

 

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business, and even more so to grow an entire industry. Nominating a deserving candidate helps ensure that those who best embody SEMA's mission are recognized for their impact. In doing so, SEMA can inspire continuous innovation, encourage industry involvement and strengthen the businesses and people that keep the aftermarket thriving.  

 

When considering a nominee, members should look for individuals and companies whose contributions extend beyond their own business and are helping advance the automotive aftermarket at large. Ideal candidates may include companies demonstrating outstanding business practices, individuals driving the industry forward through new innovations and ideas or volunteer leaders who dedicate their time to advancing industry initiatives and mentoring others.

 

If you know a company or individual that deserves industry-wide attention for their contributions, submit a nomination by Friday, August 14, at www.sema.org/awards.  

 

2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry's Best

 

The 2026 SEMA Show, held November 3-6 in Las Vegas, will bring together automotive icons and next-gen disruptors to celebrate the past, present, and future of the aftermarket industry. The festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, November 3, 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 5, 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 during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated 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 and 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 www.sema.org/awards. 

By SEMA News Editors

Limited spots remain for August's SEMA Garage Diamond Bar AUTEL ADAS trainings, with an exclusive third day available.

As demand for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) expertise continues to rise, SEMA Garage is once again partnering with AUTEL to deliver hands-on, in-depth training designed to keep repair professionals ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. These highly sought-after sessions focus on ADAS fundamentals, calibration techniques and proper reporting practices--skills that are becoming increasingly critical as more ADAS-equipped vehicles enter the market.

 

The next opportunity to participate in this training takes place at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, where space is limited and registration is filling quickly. SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12, with an optional expanded third day of training on Thursday, August 13, at the facility located at 1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. (View on Google Maps). 

 

For attendees looking to take their training even further, SEMA Garage now offers an exclusive expanded third day of instruction. The optional Day 3 on August 13 builds on the two-day curriculum by applying diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness to real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Rather than standalone lectures, participants work through hands-on exercises designed to reinforce confidence and accuracy in the field. To participate, select the "3-Day" option when registering on the Autel website. Note: The "Day 3" option requires an additional fee. 

 

How to Reserve Your Spot 

 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website by: 

• Visiting autel.us/autel-academy.
• Select ADAS TRAINING.
• Navigate to the "California" tab, and click REGISTER.

 

Previous SEMA Garage AUTEL training sessions sold out quickly, and organizers encourage early registration, especially for the limited-capacity Detroit event.

 

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

Winners of the last year's 2025 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund were celebrated at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

 

SEMA has announced the winners of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursuing automotive-related careers pay for college tuition and helps employees of SEMA member companies pay off student loans. This year, SEMA awarded a combined total of $100,000 in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards to 50 individuals.   

 

The SEMA scholarship and loan forgiveness programs help foster the next generation of automotive industry leaders by supporting students and recent graduates as they begin their education and careers.  

 

"We were impressed by the knowledge and passion for the industry that shined through the applications of this year's winners," said SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. "By selecting 50 winners, we are supporting 50 careers that will have a positive impact on the future of the automotive aftermarket, and we couldn't be prouder of the people we've selected to chart the course."  

 

More than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students since the program's establishment in 1984. Online applications for next year's awards will open January 1, 2027, at sema.org/scholarships. 

 

2026 SEMA Scholarship Award Winners: 

 

Recipient (Institution, Major) – Award Designation (if applicable) 

 

• Mark A. Alvarez (Pitt Community College, Automation Technology)  
• Jayden Amos (University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering) – FLN Award   
• Aaron H. Bastian (Old Dominion University, Mechanical Engineering Technology) – Wally Parks Award  
• John Bedell (The University of Texas at Austin, Aerospace Aeronautical) 
• Drake B. Bellessa (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering) – ETTN Award  
• Farrah Berry (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering) 
• Maxwell W. Caldwell (Pittsburg State University, Career & Technical Education)  
• Christopher P. Choquette (Grand Canyon University, Business) 
• Danika M. Cox (Michigan Technological University, Mechanical Engineering) – Trudy Thompson Award  
• Clancy J. Cummings (McPherson College, Automotive Technology) – HRIA Award  
• Avery H. Driscoll (Colorado School of Mines, Materials Engineering) – Jim A. Borre Award  
• Jack Freeman (University at Buffalo, Mechanical Engineering) – Chris Raschke Award  
• Evan A. Grossardt (WyoTech, Autobody Collision) – TORA Award  
• Ethan Hammontree (Southern Methodist University, Business)   
• William B. Herman (University of Notre Dame, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Luke M. Higginbotham (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering) – Steve Woomer Award  
• Ryan M. Hoff (Florida State College at Jacksonville, Engineering)  
• Jadyn Jessen (University of Central Florida, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Evan C. Jezek (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding) – Joseph B. Amato, Sr. Award  
• Braydon M. Kennedy (Anderson University, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Jordan Lei (University of Waterloo, Computer Engineering)  
• Maxwell A. Mamishev (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Electrical Engineering)  
• Cristian B. Martins (McPherson College, Automotive Technology) – ARMO Award  
• John B. Morris (McPherson College, Automotive Restoration)  
• William O. Nollette (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Mechanical Engineering) – WTSBC Award  
• Thomas Olayvar (Los Angeles Pierce College, Automotive Technology) – PRO Award  
• Cole Paradis (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automation Technology) – Mike Kunzman Award  
• Julia M. Pieri (Florida State University, Accounting)  
• Camden G. Rassel (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technician) – Melvin Burton Award  
• Katarina Schafer (Mohawk College, Mechanical Engineering Technology) – SBN Award  
• Elle E. Scranton (California State University-Fullerton, Business, Management) – Leo Kagan Award  
• Cameron J. Seals (University of Maryland Global Campus, Automotive Technology)   
• Samantha Septer (Belmont Abbey College, Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies) 
• Atticus Temple (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)  
• Cameron T. Tolbert (Heartland Community College, Automotive Technician) – Dave Killackey Award  
• Isabel S. Tuman (Weber State University, Automotive Technology) – Nat Danas Award  
• Ethan F. Watrous (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Automotive Engineering and Technology) – Joe Hrudka Award  
• Shaun T. Weaver (Purdue University-Main Campus, Motorsports Engineering) – Dan Borré Award   
• Grant T. Wilson (Ohio State University-Main Campus, Chemical Engineering) – Harlan Felder Award  
• Isaac SK Yong (Purdue University-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)   

 

2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners: 

 

Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major) 

 

• Elizabeth Busniewski (MagnaFlow, Northwood University, Automotive Aftermarket) 
• Leslie P. Fitch (Coats Company, Mid-Continent University, Business, Management)  
• Kristi Fogwell (AMS OSRAM Sylvania, University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, Marketing)  
• Austin M. Holland (King Shocks, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Dallas Johannes (ALP USA – SoffSeal, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Data Analysis)  
• Teresa Lang (Stellantis, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Engineering)  
• Jordan Mosher (Diode Dynamics, Lindenwood University, Advertising and Strategic Communications)  
• Hailey J. Petsch (Honda, Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Mechanical Engineering)  
• Michael L. Sanata (JEGS. High Performance, Kent State University at Kent, Fine Arts)  
• Carly E. Truhler (Motor State Distributing – Lane Automotive Inc., Indiana University-Bloomington, Business)  

 

Online applications for next year's awards will open January 1, 2027, at sema.org/scholarships. 

 

By SEMA News Editors

Brian Pagel joins SEMA's executive team to support member engagement, business growth and continued investment in programs that advance the specialty-equipment industry.

 

SEMA has announced that Brian Pagel has joined the organization’s executive leadership team as Chief Revenue Officer, a strategic role focused on strengthening SEMA's ability to serve its members, support industry growth, and advance the association’s long-term mission.

 

In this role, Pagel will work closely with SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, the Board of Directors and the executive leadership team to align business strategy with mission delivery, operational excellence and long-term organizational sustainability. His responsibilities include supporting SEMA's marketing, sales, membership, events and revenue management functions, while helping ensure the association continues to invest in programs, services and initiatives that benefit members and the broader specialty-equipment industry. 

 

"Brian brings the experience, industry knowledge and strategic mindset needed to help SEMA deliver even greater value to our members and the broader specialty-equipment community," said Spagnola. "As a nonprofit association, our focus is on reinvesting in programs, advocacy, events, research, education and services that help our industry succeed. Brian's leadership will help ensure we are building the resources, partnerships and opportunities needed to support our members today and into the future."

 

Pagel brings extensive experience leading business development, strategic partnerships, events, media brands, and growth initiatives across the trade association and B2B event sectors. Most recently, he served as executive vice president at Emerald, where he was responsible for business development tied to strategic association partnerships, new acquisition opportunities, and the management of a portfolio of 64 B2B trade shows, hosted buyer events, conferences, and companion assets. In that role, he managed a 200-person portfolio with 10 direct reports and $130 million in P&L responsibility, while driving sustained improvements in portfolio performance, including double-digit EBITDA growth in three of the past four years.

 

"I'm honored to join SEMA and support its work on behalf of the specialty-equipment industry," said Pagel. "SEMA has a powerful mission, a passionate membership and an important role in helping businesses innovate, grow and succeed. I look forward to working with Mike, the Board and teams across the association to strengthen member value, build meaningful partnerships and ensure SEMA continues investing in programs and opportunities that move the industry forward."

 

Pagel will help develop and implement a multi-year strategy aligned with SEMA's organizational goals, establish performance metrics, support membership growth and retention and work with department leaders on planning, goal development and operational priorities. He will also help align member engagement and business-development efforts with SEMA's marketing, communications and brand positioning. 

 

The appointment reflects SEMA's continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and ensuring the association is positioned to meet the evolving needs of its members and the industry. Pagel will report to Spagnola and serve as a key member of SEMA's senior leadership team. 

 

This article was published on August 3, 2026.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Exhibitors at the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, are offering products, parts and services for builders preparing vehicles that will be displayed at this year's SEMA Show.

 

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list, found at semashow.com/products-for-project-vehicle-builders, connects qualified builders with confirmed 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors interested in supplying products for project vehicles.

 

Builders seeking products should contact exhibitors directly using the contact information provided.

 

The list is open exclusively to 2026 SEMA Show exhibitors. To be included, exhibitors must complete the form located in the Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual at exhibitor.semashow.com.

 

Qualified builders are encouraged to check semashow.com/products-for-project-vehicle-builders regularly, as new submissions are added on an ongoing basis.

 

All product placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Every project vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show must be supported by a current 2026 SEMA Show exhibitor.

 

Note: Listings are published on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibitors must use the official Project-Vehicle Builders form to participate; email submissions will not be accepted. Inclusion in the list does not guarantee product placement or vehicle placement at the 2026 SEMA Show. Exhibitors are responsible for verifying that a builder is affiliated with a vehicle that will be displayed at the Show. For more information, contact projectvehicles@sema.org.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Women in the automotive aftermarket are invited to connect, learn and explore the art of wine during an upcoming event hosted by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

 

Registration is open now for "Virtual Wine Night: Scent and Savor," taking place via Zoom on Thursday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Designed as a relaxed, interactive networking event, the session will enable members to build professional connections and learn how aromas, flavors and food pairings influence the wine tasting experience.

 

Leading the event will be Kate Norris, award-winning winemaker and co-owner of Division Wine Making Company. She will be joined by Kelsy Hill, owner of KelsyKate LLC, co-owner at blipshift, chief marketing officer at Raglan and head of operations at Hyperfest, as well as Cora Jokinen, president of Torq-Masters Industries. Together, they will guide attendees through an interactive tasting using common wines, foods and pantry items.

A recommended shopping list and tasting guide will be emailed to attendees upon registration. Participants are encouraged to purchase one sparkling white wine and one pinot noir, along with a selection of foods that represent various flavor profiles.  

Whether you're already an SBN member or curious about joining, this event will open the door to valuable industry connections and free wine education.

Secure your spot.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

For three decades, the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) has provided motorsports parts manufacturers the opportunity to take part in up to 42 focused, half-hour meetings with media professionals during its three-day Media Trade Conference. Registration for the 2027 event, taking place February 2-4, in Orlando, Florida, is open now at mediatradeconference.com.

 

Unlike larger events like the SEMA Show or PRI Show where manufacturers are focused on connecting directly with buyers, the Media Trade Conference offers a dedicated environment for manufacturers to establish quality relationships with the storytellers who can put their products, innovations and company news in front of the right audience.

 

"This industry is built on networking, and the connections you make [at the Media Trade Conference] can last a lifetime," said Don Meziere of Meziere Enterprises. "We're all passionate about the motorsports industry, performance, car culture and clean builds. Everyone here has something to teach and something to learn. That's what makes the Media Trade Conference special––bringing like-minded people together to share and exchange ideas."

 

While traditional print publications remain an important part of the media landscape, consumers today are increasingly turning to social media, podcasts and video content to learn about new products. The Media Trade Conference gives brands direct access to the content creators and media professionals who will drive coverage and purchasing decisions in 2027.

 

Register Early and Save 

 

Manufacturer registration is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members.

 

Exhibitors can save on registration by signing up before the September 8 early-bird pricing deadline. Media registration will open in October. To learn more and to register, visit mediatradeconference.com.

By SEMA News Editors

MAHLE Starts Series Production of Battery Cooling Plates in Spain

 

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its launch and its 25 years as part of the global automotive supplier, the MAHLE plant in Montblanc, Tarragona, Spain, has commenced series production of a new project: a battery cooling plate for electric vehicles. The cooling plates are designed to ensure temperatures below 104°F and uniform heat distribution across battery cells for electric vehicles, supporting the performance, fast-charging capability and longevity of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. 

 

The site has received an investment to upgrade and transform its operations in an effort to produce up to 15,000 units per week with a total workforce of 750 employees, MAHLE stated in a release.

 

"The launch of this project has required a transformation of the plant, which we have successfully executed in record time. Within one year, we were ready for production... and we are ready to further expand the site should demand require it," said Roger Gombau, plant manager of MAHLE Montblanc.

 

Despite appearing to be a straightforward component, the battery cooling plate demands a highly automated process with minimal manual handling due to stringent requirements regarding corrosion resistance, surface quality and cleanliness.

 

MAHLE also said new technologies were integrated into the production line, such as the cathodic dip coating process (e-coating), which is an automated immersion coating method that provides strong corrosion protection, excellent adhesion and uniform coverage.

 

In addition, MAHLE is working with the Conca de Barberà Regional Council to connect the plant with students and educators, in an effort to foster interest in technical careers and explore vocational training and dual education programs aligned with industrial needs.

 

For the complete details, read the MAHLE announcement.

 

AACF Appoints Graham Rouse to Board

 

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the appointment of Graham Rouse, vice president of marketing for North America at Valvoline Global Operations, to its board of trustees. Rouse will also serve on AACF's development committee.

 

Rouse brings more than a decade of experience in brand management and marketing leadership. At Valvoline, he leads strategic brand and growth initiatives across the North American automotive aftermarket. He has also held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, where he helped drive commercial strategy and growth initiatives for billion-dollar global brands.

 

"We're pleased to welcome Graham to the AACF board of trustees," said John Kairys, executive director of AACF. "His marketing expertise, strategic perspective and proven ability to help leading brands grow will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation. We look forward to the ideas and leadership he will bring as we continue building awareness of AACF and reaching more people throughout the aftermarket."

 

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

 

Dutch Auto Auctions Launches Reverse-Auction Marketplace for Collector Vehicle

 

A new online marketplace for enthusiast and collector vehicles has entered the market with the launch of Dutch Auto Auctions.

 

The platform introduces a reverse auction model that differs from traditional online vehicle auctions: Rather than placing progressively higher bids, buyers monitor a vehicle's declining price and choose when to complete a purchase.

 

According to the company, the marketplace focuses primarily on collector cars, classic vehicles and specialty automotive assets rather than daily-driver or fleet vehicle liquidations. The platform includes AI-assisted vehicle listings, seller-controlled pricing parameters and shorter auction durations.

 

Users can create accounts, browse current and upcoming listings, save favorite vehicles and receive real-time auction updates. Additional features include price prediction tools and live auction activity intended to increase engagement throughout each sale.

 

Dutch Auto Auctions' release shared that its goal is to provide an alternative online marketplace that emphasizes pricing transparency and a simplified buying and selling process for collectors and automotive enthusiasts.

 

For more information, visit dutchautoauctions.com.

 

BorgWarner Appoints Rajesh Kalathur to Board of Directors

 

 

BorgWarner has announced that Rajesh Kalathur has been appointed to its board of directors.

 

"Raj's extensive global leadership experience across finance, information technology, operations and sales will be invaluable to our Board," said Alexis P. Michas, non-executive chairman of the Board of BorgWarner.

 

Kalathur most recently served as president of John Deere Financial and chief information officer of Deere & Company, which produces agricultural, construction, forestry, turf and power systems and other solutions. He joined Deere & Company in 1996 and retired in 2026.

 

For more information, visit borgwarner.com.

 

AutoZone Names Sharpley Senior VP of Finance

 

AutoZone has announced that Grace Sharpley, vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis, has been promoted to senior vice president, finance. She joins the company's executive committee and reports to Jamere Jackson, chief financial officer.

 

Sharpley is a 12-year veteran of the company. During her AutoZone career, she has held several leadership roles in audit and finance, including vice president, strategy, plus vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis.

 

"We are very pleased to announce Grace's promotion and addition to the Executive Committee. Her leadership, expertise and consistent delivery of strong results position her well to help us drive continued growth at AutoZone," said Phil Daniele, president and CEO.

 

For more information, visit autozone.com.

 

Valvoline Names Two New Board Members

 

Valvoline has announced the election of Katherine Fogertey, former CFO of Shake Shack, and Scott Mezvinsky, CEO of the KFC Division of Yum! Brands, to its board of directors.

 

The board appointed Fogertey to serve as a member of the board's Audit Committee and Mezvinsky to serve as a member of the board's Governance and Nominating Committee.

 

"Katie's deep financial expertise, capital markets and investor insights, and successful track record using data analytics and driving operational excellence align seamlessly with our long-term strategic vision. Likewise, Scott's extensive experience leading global consumer brands, scaling both U.S. and international franchise networks, and executing large-scale growth strategies will provide invaluable insight to our board and guidance to our executive team. Together, their combined expertise brings fresh, vital perspectives to our board that will be instrumental in creating long-term shareholder value," said Richard J. Freeland, chairman of the board.

 

For more information, visit valvoline.com.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is hosting a webinar focused on SEMA Garage product development tools and resources. Taking place on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:30 a.m. PT/1:30 p.m. ET, "Built for TORA: Discover the Benefits of the SEMA Garage," will cover available professional-grade engineering tools, testing capabilities and regulatory expertise that will help members bring products to market fast and with greater confidence.

 

With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage serves as a national product development and validation resource. During the webinar, attendees will hear from SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Jim Moore and SEMA Garage General Manager Ben Kaminsky as they offer a look into product development tools and services available to the truck and off-road industry.

 

The webinar will cover advanced vehicle technology and ADAS resources, emissions testing and compliance support, access to accurate vehicle data, measuring sessions and training centers, and introduce attendees to the SEMA Garage team dedicated to helping members accelerate innovation, navigate industry challenges and grow their businesses.

 

As vehicles become more advanced and regulated, this webinar will not only help manufacturers stay product compliant but get ahead of the curve.

 

Register today.