By SEMA News Editors

 

 

The motorsports community is mourning a big loss. Kyle Busch, a generational talent who rose to become a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s greatest drivers, passed away on Thursday. He was 41.

Busch's death, which was announced by the Busch family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, marked a sudden, staggering blow to the motorsports community. His team had indicated earlier Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness.

 

Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, where he won two Cup Series titles (2015, 2019) and 63 races––a figure that ranks ninth on the circuit's all-time win list. His numbers across the other two national NASCAR series are record-setting, with 102 victories in what is now called the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and 69 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.

 

The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR made the following joint statement: "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

 

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.' Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

 

"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

 

Busch drove for three Hall of Fame team owners in Cup, getting his start with Hendrick Motorsports as a heralded rookie in stock-car racing's big leagues in 2005. He joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, establishing a long-running partnership that made him the face of Toyota's NASCAR endeavors. He spent the final stages of his career with Childress, arriving in 2023 and taking the reins of the No. 8 Chevrolet.

 

At each phase of his career, Busch was a polarizing figure among fans––intensely popular for his adoring supporters and booed loudly by his detractors. He entered the sport as a brash teenager with the nickname "Shrub" as the younger brother to Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, but the alias of "Rowdy"––a nod to one of the main characters in "Days of Thunder" and to his aggressive style––is what stuck with him.

 

Kyle Thomas Busch was born May 2, 1985, into a racing family in Las Vegas. His father, Tom, was a mechanic who raced locally after he and his wife, Gaye, relocated from Schaumburg, Illinois. His brother, Kurt, was seven years older and set a competitive benchmark for him to aspire to on the track.

 

Kyle Busch followed many of the same steps that his brother did in accelerating up the racing ladder––family go-karts on makeshift tracks in cul-de-sacs and parking lots, Legends Cars at the Vegas bullring before a move to full-bodied Late Model competition. Kurt hinted at the impact his brother would make in 2001: "You think I'm a pretty good race car driver? Wait until you see my brother. He's the best driver in the family."

 

Kyle Busch's path to NASCAR was also in line with his brother’s career arc, and Kyle joined his team when he signed with team owner Jack Roush as a 16-year-old junior in high school. That deal was derailed shortly after it began, when NASCAR raised its minimum age requirements to 18 for national-series competition in 2001.

 

The rule-mandated break from Roush also gave the younger Busch an opportunity to "step out of the shadow of Kurt," he said, to forge his own identity. "I need to be my own person and make my own way and show everybody that I can drive," he told the Associated Press in 2003, the same year he signed on to Rick Hendrick's organization.

 

Showing everybody his talent came quickly. Busch made his O'Reilly Series debut for Hendrick on May 24, 2003, finishing second to Matt Kenseth at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He made a splash when he entered the series full-time the next year, winning five races and finishing second overall to Martin Truex Jr.

 

As those victories began to accumulate, Busch created what would become a patented celebration, punctuating each win with a showman’s bow. The gesture served as a tribute to his roots as a Vegas native but also a flourish like a magician appearing from the smoke of another triumphant burnout.

 

Busch reached the Cup Series with a six-race audition in 2004 before a full-fledged rookie campaign the next year, paired with crew chief Alan Gustafson in the No. 5 Chevrolet. He became the premier series' youngest winner in his 31st Cup start, prevailing at Auto Club Speedway for the first of four wins he’d collect in his three full seasons with Hendrick.

 

Busch made what would become a pivotal move after Hendrick signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the 2008 season, aligning with Coach Joe Gibbs and Toyota in another blockbuster deal. Busch was already becoming an established Cup Series star, but the combination of his colorful No. 18 car with M&M's sponsorship became one of the sport's most recognizable.

 

 

His 15-year association with Joe Gibbs Racing was one of the sport’s most successful tenures, with at least one victory in each of those seasons. Busch scored 56 of his 63 Cup Series wins with the former NFL coach, adding 90 more O'Reilly wins and a series championship in 2009.

Busch also made his mark during that time as a team owner in the Craftsman Truck Series, fielding trucks for himself and a host of future Cup stars. His Kyle Busch Motorsports entries won 100 races from 2010 to 2023, adding two championships––one with Erik Jones in 2015 and another two years later with Christopher Bell.

 

Busch left JGR after the 2022 season and a series of drawn-out negotiations, starting a new chapter with Childress and joining the Chevrolet camp in the No. 8 Camaro. The agreement seemed to be a tenuous one, struck nearly a dozen years after Childress initiated a post-race physical altercation in the Kansas Speedway garage. The Hall of Fame team owner made it known that the bygones had passed, making a humorous reference to his "hold my watch" comment before their scuffle as he gave Busch his own timepiece as a welcoming gift.

 

Busch won three races in the No. 8 Chevy in the first half of the 2023 season but was mired in the longest dry spell of his career at the time of his passing. His final Cup Series win came June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

 

Kyle Busch is survived by his parents and his wife, Samantha, whom he married on New Year’s Eve in 2010, and two children––son Brexton, who turned 11 on Monday, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

 

SEMA sends its condolences to the Busch family. 

 

Lead photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

 

Second photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The strength and momentum of the global automotive aftermarket are on full display in the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan, now live on the SEMA Show website at semashow.com/floorplan. Spanning the full spectrum of specialty equipment, from performance and racing to trucks, SUVs and off-road, powersports, accessories, tools and equipment and emerging technology, the layout reflects an industry continuing to innovate, investing with confidence and preparing to exhibit at this year's Show.

 

 

Exhibitor commitments have already surpassed 1 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space and include more than 2,000 brands ready to welcome a global audience to Las Vegas and the newly renovated convention center November 3-6. Through the support and growth of the aftermarket, the SEMA Show consistently ranks as one of the largest and best-attended trade shows in the country. 
 

The floorplan reflects broad-based participation across segments and makes a clear statement about the specialty-equipment marketplace: companies are innovating, launching and scaling. As the industry continues to evolve, the 2026 SEMA Show is designed to connect buyers with the brands, products and people driving the aftermarket forward.
 

"The 2026 SEMA Show floorplan reflects a resilient, growing global aftermarket, one that continues to invest in innovation, product development and new customer connections," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "What you see on the floorplan is a powerful statement about the industry. Brands are showing up with purpose, and buyers are coming because this is where business gets done and trends take shape."
 

Major OEM Participation Adds Momentum to 2026

The 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation from major automakers and performance organizations, reinforcing the event's role as the global meeting place where original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket innovation intersect. Participating OEMs for 2026 include Ford Motor Company, Honda Racing Corp. (Honda/Acura), Mitsubishi, Nissan, Stellantis (with representation from Dodge, Jeep and Mopar) and Toyota North America.
 

"The enthusiast community is central to Ford Motor Company; we are a passion brand in every segment that we participate in. And the way we win with our audience is to meet them where they are, and they're at SEMA," said Ford Customization Executive Director Matt Simpson. "We are thrilled this year to increase our investment and presence at SEMA to show off what we're working on, from our latest Ford Custom Garage offerings, to our growing Ford Racing Parts business, to our heritage crate engines."
 

"This year, Ford will engage SEMA enthusiasts on a new level, offering consumers unprecedented opportunities to compete and customize directly with Ford," said Simpson. "We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and partners and to see firsthand how we are bringing vehicle customization to the masses at an impressive scale."
 

Signature Experiences Return, Built for Discovery, Competition and What's Next

 

A strong floorplan is only part of the story. The 2026 SEMA Show will bring back key experiences that drive product discovery, spotlight craftsmanship and explore emerging trends shaping the industry. The New Products Showcase will highlight the latest launches and solutions across categories. Battle of the Builders will return to celebrate elite vehicle builds and the creativity that defines the aftermarket. The FutureTech Studio will offer a forward-looking window into advanced vehicle technologies and the ideas influencing what comes next for the aftermarket.

 

"Attendees are going to feel the momentum the moment they hit the halls: more product discovery, more hands-on experiences and a layout that makes it easy to navigate and find the solutions they came for," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "Whether you're here to source new products, meet with suppliers or see the industry's best builds and latest tech, 2026 is set up to deliver a week that's productive, energizing and inspiring."

 

"SEMA Week" Experience: Business First, Public Friday and SEMA Fest Friday Night

 

The 2026 SEMA Show will anchor a broader "SEMA Week" experience, beginning with the business-focused trade show early in the week, transitioning to public access on Friday, November 6, and concluding Friday night with SEMA Fest, a signature celebration of automotive culture and music that extends the energy of the show beyond the exhibit halls.
 

Qualified attendees can secure a SEMA Show badge for $50 through June 26. Attendees are also encouraged to make hotel reservations at the guaranteed lowest available rates through SEMA's official hotel provider.
 

While space is limited, high-quality exhibit locations remain available. Visit semashow.com/exhibitor or email sales@sema.org for more information.

 

---

 

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 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; be sure to visit jobs.sema.org for the complete directory: 

 

Kanter Auto

Vintage Automotive Parts Specialist in Boonton, New Jersey

Kanter Auto seeks a professional to handle the high-level technical inquiries and bridge the gap between the company's digital presence and its physical products.

VIEW LISTING

 

Speedway Motors

Quality Control Inspector - Fabrication in Lincoln, Nebraska

The person in this role will inspect fabricated components to verify they meet engineering drawings, tolerances and specifications before reaching Speedway Motors customers, among additional duties.

VIEW LISTING

 

These are just a few of the new roles available on jobs.sema.org.

 

Employers looking to join the SEMA Career Center can do so at semajobs.com/employers/register.

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV

 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

 

Second Facelift for Bentley Flying Spur

 

The current Bentley Flying Spur is in its third generation. It hit the assembly line back in 2019, with Stefan Sielaff, the man who left his mark on the 2017 Audi A7, the Mercedes CLS, the Audi Quattro Spyder and numerous Zeekr models, signing the design. Beneath the skin lies the Volkswagen Group's aging MSB platform, which is the foundation of the G2 and G3 Porsche Panamera and the third- and fourth-generation Continental.
 

Thus, one might think that because this model is no longer exactly new and has started showing its age, the company would be preparing an entirely new generation. Moreover, Bentley gave the Flying Spur a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of 2024. Nonetheless, the British automaker plans to milk its current flagship sedan for as long as possible. As a result, a second facelift is now in the works, and this was the version recently spied in action at the Nürburgring.
 

At first glance, this prototype looks quite ordinary, but as usual, the devil is in the details. As our spy photographer noted, there are entirely new headlights on deck, which look very similar to those of the latest Continental, though they are partially covered in stickers meant to replicate the look of the current clusters.

 

The grille appears to retain its size, but the pattern is new, and the front bumper also appears to be entirely new. It is home to a very wide intake on the lower end and a pair of vents below the headlights. The Flying B mascot still decorates the car's nose. The real taillights are hidden beneath more stickers at the other end, and the rear bumper and elegant skirt beneath it are likely new as well.
 

The interior of this Bentley Flying Spur appears to be under wraps, suggesting that more updates are coming here. It's not clear yet what the company has prepared for the cockpit of this latest iteration of its flagship sedan, but new dual screens, or at least new software, would be a good guess. Still, the cabin will most likely retain its elegant overall look, and the rotating display in the middle of the dashboard should remain.
 

Bentley's upcoming Flying Spur could also feature some revisions beneath the skin in order to improve certain aspects, including overall comfort, and maybe some updates in the powertrain department. However, do not expect any drastic changes in these areas, as the automaker wants to play it safe with its revised flagship sedan so this model can continue taking on the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the Rolls-Royce Ghost, two of its biggest rivals in the segment.

 

 

 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV Evokes Coachbuilt Classics

 

The all-new, all-electric Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV will come with a two-piece hood opening, evoking the coachbuilt classics that an electric SUV with a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot seems, on paper, so far removed from. Since Goodwood can't impress buyers with cylinder count, Rolls-Royce will instead create spectacle with the body, as nothing else on the planet has such a setup. Sure, it'll be less practical than a regular hood opening, but when the bellhops extract your luggage outside the Four Seasons, even Bugatti owners will be forced to take a look.
 

With such a unique front end—which still incorporates a retractable and potentially illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to prevent customers from rioting—the Rolls-Royce electric SUV will surely beat the upcoming Bentley Barnato electric SUV for theater, and if you're going to buy a six-figure EV, it ought to feel special. Of course, while this particular hood opening has already been revealed in a patent, there's no guarantee that it will necessarily conceal the owner's everyday Hermès bags.

 

 

Like the Boat Tail, it's quite possible that this front storage area could be filled with whatever the customer decides: fitted luggage, glassware and beverages, picnic baskets or anything else. In fact, that's a distinct possibility because of what Goodwood said some weeks ago, words that automotive historians of the future will take note of.
 

Rolls-Royce recently announced the Coachbuilt Collection, a series of ultra-exclusive creations for the highest echelons of its customer base, allowing the imaginations of the ultra-wealthy to run wild with effectively no limits on customization possibilities. What makes this relevant here is that the automaker also said the first creation from this program will be electric. Of course, something with two doors based on the Spectre seems more predictable, and this prototype's Cullinan-like shape isn't all that remarkable, but perhaps plenty of this vehicle's design is being hidden well by the camouflage.
 

Reportedly built on the Architecture of Luxury platform that underpins every current Rolls-Royce product, but with new BMW EV technology (which likely means Rimac technology), this SUV is expected to be capable of close to 404 miles of range, if not a little more. That should be plenty for the well-heeled city dwellers this is aimed at, and they'll be able to wow onlookers with the two-piece opening hood hands-free, as this and the tailgate are expected to be voice-activated, among other features. With this hood now evident and most of the other bodywork looking finished, we expect more vinyl camouflage to be peeled off soon, with a reveal before the end of the year.

 

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

California's "Leno's Law" continues to gain momentum. SB 1392, authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, has passed the California State Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be considered by policy committees in the coming weeks.
 

👉 Let them hear you, California! If you live in the state, tell your Assemblymember to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute).

 

 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.
 

The bill is aimed at true collector vehicles used for shows, cruises, charitable events and historical exhibitions, not daily transportation. With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the Assembly, where continued support from enthusiasts and small businesses will be critical.
 

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

California's "Leno's Law" continues to gain momentum. SB 1392, authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, has passed the California State Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the State Assembly, where it will be considered by policy committees in the coming weeks.
 

👉 Let them hear you, California! If you live in the state, tell your Assemblymember to vote YES on Leno's Law (it only takes a minute).

 

 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption.
 

The bill is aimed at true collector vehicles used for shows, cruises, charitable events and historical exhibitions, not daily transportation. With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the Assembly, where continued support from enthusiasts and small businesses will be critical.
 

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org. Sign up for SEMA Action updates at semahq.org.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

In addition to endorsing important legislation to help protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks, SEMA has also invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

 

In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by SEMA to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed HR 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have the necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches or even bike racks.
 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.

 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
 

"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Trump."

 

About the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act

Sec. 221 of HR 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
 

• Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.

 

• NHTSA's study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle's ADAS performance. 

• The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.

 

• NHTSA would also be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.

Sec. 221 (b) of HR 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.

 

Background on SEMA's Fight for the Right to Modify
 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.

 

• Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.

 

• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.

 

• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage provides advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.

 

• To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations--creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.

 

• Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sun Shock

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

In addition to endorsing important legislation to help protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks, SEMA has also invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

 

In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by SEMA to protect vehicle owners' right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed HR 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have the necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches or even bike racks.
 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.

 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
 

"This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends," said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. "Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Trump."

 

About the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act

Sec. 221 of HR 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
 

• Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.

 

• NHTSA's study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle's ADAS performance. 

• The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.

 

• NHTSA would also be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.

Sec. 221 (b) of HR 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.

 

Background on SEMA's Fight for the Right to Modify
 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.

 

• Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.

 

• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.

 

• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the SEMA Garage provides advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.

 

• To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations--creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.

 

• Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sun Shock

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

With a workforce that spans four generations, automotive aftermarket businesses are uniquely positioned to leverage generational diversity to build stronger collaborative teams. But doing so requires a clear understanding of how each generation communicates, what they value and what they expect in the workplace.
 

SEMA members are invited to join the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) virtual session, "Creating Positive Outcomes With Generational Differences" on Tuesday, June 9, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT, where aftermarket industry leaders will share how generational differences can strengthen communication, alignment and overall business performance. Moderated by Annette Bauer, owner and CEO of The Straightline Co., the session will feature panelists Tariq Ghani, community manager at Timbren; Eliza Leon, regional performance manager at Caliber Collision; Riley Schlick, owner at CEO at Riley's Rebuilds; and Marcus Umlauff, general manager--remarketing, KINTO, fleet management at Toyota Financial Services.
 

What You'll Learn:

• How generational perspectives impact communication and collaboration.
• Practical strategies to improve team dynamics across age groups.
• Ways to turn generational differences into opportunities for growth.
• Approaches to building more inclusive and productive workplaces.
   

Don't let generational differences divide your team. Attend this free webinar and start turning generational diversity into a competitive advantage.
 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | SFIO CRACHO

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

A SEMA-sponsored effort to reform the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts continues to advance, as California SB 1069 unanimously passed the full Senate. The bill will now move to the Assembly for consideration.
 

The bill, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), aims to streamline CARB's executive order (EO) process for aftermarket parts by establishing clear timelines for CARB to act on EO applications and increase transparency around review times. The bill does not change emissions requirements or limit CARB's authority to deny non-compliant products.
 

The reform effort continues to gain momentum as manufacturers and business groups voice concerns about long, unpredictable wait times that delay product launches and tie up capital. Companies investing in emissions-compliant products already pay application fees intended to support faster processing, yet many continue to face extended timelines before receiving approval.
 

SEMA continues to build industry support for the legislation as it advances through the Senate. Companies can click here to join the growing business coalition supporting the effort.
 

BACKGROUND ON CARB
 

EOs are required for many emissions-related aftermarket parts to be legally sold in California. While the standards themselves remain unchanged, companies must wait for CARB approval before bringing products to market, making the decision timeline a critical issue for the industry.
 

If you have any questions or are interested in supporting the effort, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

 

 

Lead image background courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Sharon Ball