From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA has added Megan Kowalis to its Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team, bringing extensive grassroots mobilization experience to the organization's acclaimed program for mobilizing automotive enthusiasts and content creators for advocacy. As manager of digital communications and partnerships, Kowalis will lead outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive space.

 

Before joining SEMA, Kowalis spearheaded national and statewide grassroots programs for the National Alliance for Care at Home and Twenty7Fifty Public Affairs. She has a familiarity with the organization and industry, having previously supported SEMA-member advocates during Capitol Hill meetings for a 2025 fly-in.

 

"Megan brings fresh energy to this role and a proven track record of success engaging new advocates on issues that impact their businesses and lifestyles," said SEMA Director of Communications Matt Daigle. "We're excited to tap into her creativity to connect with the content creator community as we continue to grow a program that has provided tremendous value to SEMA's advocacy efforts."

 

"America's car culture is a vibrant and important part of who we are as a nation, and the people who make it great are deserve to have their voices elevated in Washington, D.C.," said Kowalis. "I'm thrilled to be working for SEMA in an official capacity and can't wait to engage with our community's content creators, who make up a critically important group of voices in our industry and for our advocacy work."

 

Kowalis, a Colorado native, holds a bachelor's degree in political science and English literature from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

 

SEMA's groundbreaking work to engage content creators on advocacy has established a network of more than 150 creators spanning car culture, from builders to racers to off-road enthusiasts, whose authenticity and passion for the automotive industry has translated well to grassroots mobilization. The program has yielded significant legislative wins at the federal and state levels, and was among the reasons SEMA was awarded the 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President's Award for Excellence in Communications.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

SEMA has added Megan Kowalis to its Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team, bringing extensive grassroots mobilization experience to the organization's acclaimed program for mobilizing automotive enthusiasts and content creators for advocacy. As manager of digital communications and partnerships, Kowalis will lead outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive space.

 

Before joining SEMA, Kowalis spearheaded national and statewide grassroots programs for the National Alliance for Care at Home and Twenty7Fifty Public Affairs. She has a familiarity with the organization and industry, having previously supported SEMA-member advocates during Capitol Hill meetings for a 2025 fly-in.

 

"Megan brings fresh energy to this role and a proven track record of success engaging new advocates on issues that impact their businesses and lifestyles," said SEMA Director of Communications Matt Daigle. "We're excited to tap into her creativity to connect with the content creator community as we continue to grow a program that has provided tremendous value to SEMA's advocacy efforts."

 

"America's car culture is a vibrant and important part of who we are as a nation, and the people who make it great are deserve to have their voices elevated in Washington, D.C.," said Kowalis. "I'm thrilled to be working for SEMA in an official capacity and can't wait to engage with our community's content creators, who make up a critically important group of voices in our industry and for our advocacy work."

 

Kowalis, a Colorado native, holds a bachelor's degree in political science and English literature from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

 

SEMA's groundbreaking work to engage content creators on advocacy has established a network of more than 150 creators spanning car culture, from builders to racers to off-road enthusiasts, whose authenticity and passion for the automotive industry has translated well to grassroots mobilization. The program has yielded significant legislative wins at the federal and state levels, and was among the reasons SEMA was awarded the 2025 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President's Award for Excellence in Communications.

By SEMA News Editors

 

RealTruck

BAKFlip MX4 EZ-Lift

 

RealTruck has announced the availability of the BAKFlip MX4 EZ-Lift, the latest addition to the brand's MX4 lineup. According to the manufacturer, the EZ-Lift requires only 10.5 lbs. of lift force, and is equipped with an oversized paddle handle for simple, one-motion unlatching, delivering a three-times reduction in lifting effort. Advanced seals and precision-fit clamps create a tight, edge-to-edge barrier to keep cargo dry, RealTruck said, and has a multi-layer aluminum construction over a high-density core to deliver a stronger, more durable surface.

realtruck.com

By SEMA News Editors

 

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with Las Vegas hotels across every price tier to offer the best nightly rates--plus exclusive perks and a simple, affordable booking process. Book now through onPeak, the SEMA Show's official housing partner, to maximize savings on your SEMA Show accommodations.

 

Even better: There's still availability, albeit limited, in different hotels* that come out to less than $150 per night, including mandatory hotel fees. These properties include:

 

• Excalibur ($93/night average)
• Luxor ($103/night average)
• Circus Circus ($110/night average)

 

Hotel reservations for the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas, can be made online at semashow.com/hotel.

 

 

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, 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.  

 

*Availability and room options are subject to change. Options available as of the publish date on June 10. For the most up-to-date offerings, visit semashow.com/hotel.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The countdown to the SEMA Show is on. Automotive professionals have just days left to secure the lowest available registration rate for the 2026 SEMA Show before badge prices increase after Friday, June 26.

 

Registering now not only saves money: it also unlocks access to hotel booking, educational sessions, special-event tickets and other planning resources designed to help attendees maximize their time in Las Vegas this November 3-6.  

 

The SEMA Show floor serves as the ultimate destination for automotive professionals of all experience levels, backgrounds and areas of focus to convene, share insights and ideas and conduct business for four days straight. 
 

Why Register Before June 26?

• Save $25 per badge before rates increase.
• Reserve hotel rooms at guaranteed lowest rates through onPeak.
• Access the Registration Resource Center immediately.
• Purchase tickets for SEMA Fest and other special events.
• Reserve seats for popular education sessions before they fill up.
• Start planning meetings, booth visits and networking opportunities months in advance.

 

Register Before June 26 and Save

Approved attendees can register for a SEMA Show badge at the lowest available rate ($50 per badge) until pricing increases (to $75 per badge) after Friday, June 26.

 

The sooner an attendee registers for the SEMA Show, the more they save. But, 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 Reservations 

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. 

 

SEMA Fest Is Back in 2026

SEMA Fest, which has featured headliners Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant, Sublime and Queens of the Stone Age, will return to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, with motorsports, music and car culture. 

 

Tickets are available now for industry members at the lowest available price ahead of the 2026 lineup announcement. 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.

 

Every dollar saved before arriving in Las Vegas is a dollar that can be invested back into your business. Register now, lock in the lowest badge rate available, and begin planning for four days of new products, industry connections, business opportunities and unforgettable experiences at the 2026 SEMA Show.

 

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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. 

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 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

 

Automotive restoration professionals still have time to register for the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) online general membership meeting and panel discussion on business best practices, taking place Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

 

During the general membership meeting, select committee leaders will share brief updates on ARMO's key initiatives and member resources. The event will then transition into a panel discussion, offering attendees a rare opportunity to learn from top restoration shop owners as they share insights into building a profitable business.

 

Moderated by Joanna Agosta Shere, president of Steele Rubber Products, the discussion will feature panelists Amy Beck of Hahn Auto Restoration, Tony D'Antonio of D'Antonio Automotive and Jesse Henke of JH Restorations Ltd. Together, they will share real-life examples of what works, what doesn't and where shops unknowingly lose time and money––and how to fix it.

 

What You'll Learn:

• Foundations of a successful business
• Financial and billing practices
• Efficient workflows and operations
• Client experience and marketing strategies

 

Whether you manage projects, cash flow or make important decisions, this session will provide you with strategies that experienced shop owners use every day to run a profitable and sustainable business.

 

ARMO membership is open to SEMA member companies serving the automotive restoration market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restorers and car clubs. To learn more or to join, visit www.sema.org/armo.

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Brian Myers, owner of RallyeRestorations & Repair, LLC, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

 

Get to know Myers in his interview with SEMA News below. 

 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Brian Myers: Some of the best advice I have received is to work for a purpose, not a paycheck. The work you do, the business you create, etc. represents you as a person. Understanding that people know you by the quality of work you do has helped me to make things right when necessary and always do quality work.

 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

BM: It is a lifestyle; building cars is one of the most challenging things you can do in this industry. Nothing you do is ever the same, learning never ends and let's be honest, there is nothing cooler out there.

 

SN: Where can you be found on Saturday? 

BM: You can find me most weekends still working in the garage. Sometimes I even find time to work on my own project vehicles!

 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

BM: Typically, I like to be prepared to take notes, ask questions and have a brief understanding of who I am meeting with and what topics it will consist of.

 

SN: If you could go to lunch with an industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

BM: Tough question, our industry is full of history and rich with technological advancements throughout the years. Carroll Shelby, a man who needs no introduction is who I would choose. Watching some of his interviews late in his life offered great insight into why I do what I do. You do it because you enjoy it (most days) and hope that one day you can look back and see that you had an impact on someone's life.

 

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Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

 

From left to right: Dystany Spurlock, Aicha Evans, Nelson "Jack" Edwards, Randy Parker and Cornelius Coffey.

 

The African American Automotive Association (AAAA) has announced the latest group of individuals to be inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026.

 

2026 AAAA Hall of Fame Inductees: Randy Parker, Nelson "Jack" Edwards, Dystany Spurlock, Aicha Evans and Cornelius Coffey.  

 

Since the AAAA's inception, its mission has been to preserve, celebrate, and elevate Black excellence within the automotive industry and motorsports, representatives of the organization said. This year, it is taking a monumental step forward. 

 

The 2026 Induction Class marks an expansion of the AAAA's scope from traditional automotive and racing sectors into the broader realm of global mobility. From the factory floors of Detroit and the high-speed banks of modern race tracks to the futuristic world of artificial intelligence and the boundless skies of aviation––this class proves that Black innovation has continuously moved the world forward, AAAA representatives said.

 

"Whether it is planes, trains, automobiles, or autonomous tech, the 2026 inductees represent the past, present, and ultimate future of global mobility," said Chris Harris, founder of the AAAA.

 

Read about each of the AAAA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inductees below:

 

Randy Parker 

 

Category: The Corporate C-Suite and OEM Leadership 

Title: First African American CEO of a Major Automaker's North American Division 

Bio: Randy Parker shattered one of the highest glass ceilings in the global automotive industry when he was appointed president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. With over three decades of distinguished automotive experience, Parker's journey to the top of the industry is a masterclass in executive excellence. Before making history at Hyundai, he climbed the ranks through vital leadership roles at General Motors, GMAC and Nissan, where he served as vice president of sales. Upon taking the helm at Hyundai, Parker became the first African American to lead a major automotive manufacturer's North American regional division. His tenure has been defined by revolutionary market growth, spearheading record-breaking sales volumes and driving the brand's aggressive, award-winning push into mass-market electrification. Parker is being inducted not only for his profound commercial impact on the global market but for serving as a vanguard for Black executive representation at the absolute pinnacle of corporate automotive leadership. 

 

Nelson "Jack" Edwards 

 

Category: Labor Foundation and Autoworker Rights 

Title: Trailblazing UAW Vice President and Civil Rights Advocate 

Bio: While engineers design cars and drivers race them, Nelson "Jack" Edwards protected the Black hands that built them. Leaving Alabama for Detroit in 1937 during the Great Migration, Edwards immediately entered the grueling forge and foundry plants of Chrysler and later the Ford Lincoln plant (Local 900). Facing systemic Jim Crow-era discrimination inside the factories, he dedicated his life to organizing and protecting workers. In 1962, Edwards made history as the first African American elected to the UAW's International Executive Board, and in 1970, he shattered the ultimate labor ceiling by becoming the first Black vice president of the UAW. Edwards fundamentally changed what it meant to be an American industrial worker. He championed the legendary "25 and Out" pension plan, which allowed foundry and forge workers––who faced toxic dust and extreme heat––to retire with full benefits after 25 years. He also secured company-funded medical exams and standardized paid time off. Beyond the shop floor, UAW President Walter Reuther sent Edwards directly to Birmingham in 1963 to stand alongside Dr. King in the Civil Rights fight, and Edwards later co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). Edwards is inducted posthumously for establishing the very human foundation upon which American automotive prosperity was built. 

 

Dystany Spurlock 

 

Category: Motorsports 

Title: Record-Breaking Drag Racer & Historic NASCAR Pioneer 

Bio: Dystany Spurlock is actively rewriting the history books across multiple racing disciplines, demonstrating a remarkable level of versatility in modern motorsports. She initially established her legacy on two wheels, showcasing elite precision on the drag strip to set multiple world records in motorcycle drag racing. Building on those achievements, Spurlock made history in 2025 by becoming only the second Black woman to compete in the prestigious NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. In 2026, Spurlock transitioned into four-wheel stock car racing, demonstrating an impressive adaptability across distinct motorsport formats. She broke monumental ground by becoming the first Black woman to compete on the ARCA Menards Series platform. Continuing her rapid ascent, she reached the national touring level by becoming the first Black woman to qualify and race in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. While Spurlock continues to write her story, she has shattered one of the final remaining "firsts" in American motorsports history, cementing her place as a historic pioneer for the next generation of drivers. 

 

Aicha Evans 

 

Category: Technology 

Title: CEO of Zoox and Pioneer in Self-Driving Mobility 

Bio: Aicha Evans perfectly embodies the reality that tech is the new horsepower. Before entering the automotive landscape, Evans spent over a decade as a powerhouse executive at Intel, rising to chief strategy officer and managing global wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 5G. In 2019, she made a historic transition to the automotive sector as the CEO of Zoox (later acquired by Amazon), becoming the first African American woman to lead an autonomous vehicle company. Crucially, Evans is not just developing software; she is running a full-scale automotive OEM. Under her leadership, Zoox designed, engineered and manufactured a brand-new, ground-up, highway-capable electric vehicle. This symmetrical robotaxi features no steering wheel or pedals, built-in four-wheel steering and has been rigorously crash-tested to meet federal automotive safety standards. Evans is being inducted for bridging Silicon Valley innovation with automotive manufacturing, proving that the future of the car belongs to software-defined mobility. 

 

Cornelius Coffey 

 

Category: The Horizon: Automotive and Aviation Bridging 

Title: Master Auto Mechanic Turned Historic Aviation Pioneer 

Bio: Cornelius Coffey's legendary career is the ultimate proof that automotive mastery is the foundational springboard for all global mobility. Long before conquering the skies, Coffey graduated at the top of his class from the Chicago School of Automotive Engineering and spent years working as a certified Auto Master Mechanic at a prominent Chevrolet dealership. When systemic racism blocked him from commercial flight schools, Coffey used his deep automotive expertise to build his first aircraft by hand, powering it with a motorcycle engine. Furthermore, it was his employer at the Chevrolet dealership who legally championed Coffey's right to enter aviation school. Coffey went on to become the first African American to hold both a pilot's and aircraft mechanic's license, founding the first Black-owned certified flight school in the U.S. and training the legendary Tuskegee Airmen—a historic legacy built entirely on an automotive foundation. 

 

Established by Harris in 2023, the AAAA is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals by offering hands-on learning experiences, industry exposure, and partnerships with key stakeholders. In 2025, the organization was integrated into the Foxxtecca brand, co-founded by Harris and Kellie Crawford, whose mission is to bridge the gap between automotive innovation and cultural expression.

 

The AAAA Hall of Fame honors the remarkable achievements of Black individuals in the automotive, transportation, and motorsports industries.

 

To learn more about the Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit aaaassoc.com/hall-of-fame. 

 

Image courtesy of AAAA

By SEMA News Editors

 

Universal Technical Institute Completes Nationwide Rollout of EV and Hybrid Training

 

Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the automotive/diesel, skilled trades, electrical and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., has announced that all its core automotive technology programs across the country now include battery hybrid electric vehicles (BHEV) and electric vehicles (EV) courses.

 

The curriculum introduces students to high-voltage vehicle operation; explains electric vehicle components, operation, diagnosis, and service; reviews electronic principles; and provides unique training in electric-battery vehicle-system operation and testing. Depending on the campus, students may train on Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5 or FIAT 500e vehicles.

 

"There are already millions of EV and BHEV vehicles on the road today, and every year that number is increasing," said UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz. "That creates an immediate and expanding need for technicians who know how to diagnose and repair these complex systems safely."

 

The campuses where BHEV and EV courses are now standard include UTI-Austin, UTI-Avondale, UTI-Bloomfield, UTI-Dallas, UTI-Exton, UTI-Houston, UTI-Lisle, UTI-Long Beach, UTI-Miramar, UTI-Mooresville, UTI-Orlando, UTI-Rancho Cucamonga and UTI-Sacramento. This curriculum will be a standard component of the automotive technology program, which launches in Atlanta and Salt Lake City when those campuses open, as well as in future locations offering the program, says UTI.

 

Universal Technical Institute Announces John Balderree as Campus President of New Salt Lake City Campus

 

UTI has announced that John Balderree has been named Campus President of its new Salt Lake City campus.

 

"John brings a strong track record of driving student success and leading high-performing teams," said Lorenz. "His experience and leadership will be instrumental as we launch our Salt Lake City campus and expand access to career-focused education in the region."

 

Scheduled to open in 2027, UTI-Salt Lake City will occupy nearly 113,000 sq. ft. at River Point Plaza, located at 1553 W. 9000 S. in West Jordan. The campus has the capacity to serve more than 3,000 students and will offer programs in aviation maintenance technology; automotive and diesel; electrical & industrial maintenance technology; electrical, electronics & industrial technology; electrical, robotics & automation; HVACR; and welding (all pending regulatory approvals, according to UTI).

 

For more information, visit uti.edu.

 

 

Elliott's Custom Trailers & Carts Opening New Indiana Location

 

Elliott's Custom Trailers & Carts, a dealer of haulers, trailers, motorcoaches and golf carts, is opening a new location near Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

Located in Brownsburg, Indiana, the new location will serve the greater Indianapolis area, including Brownsburg, Pittsboro, Avon, Speedway, Danville, Clermont and more.

 

The company will be celebrating the opening of the new dealership with a Grand Opening on Saturday, July 11. From 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. local time, the facility will have food trucks, giveaways and exclusive deals to mark the occasion.

 

For more information, visit elliottscustomtrailers.com.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Time management is one of the most valuable skills a professional can have. Combine that skill with tech-enabled learning, and it creates a major advantage for automotive aftermarket professionals looking to grow their careers, improve productivity and stay competitive in today's workforce.

 

During the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) virtual education session, "Tips and Tricks for Time Management, Study Up and Tech Advancement," on Tuesday, August 11, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT, a panel of aftermarket industry leaders will share successful time management strategies and best practices for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and technology for daily work.  

 

Designed for automotive aftermarket professionals looking to sharpen their skills and increase productivity, the session will explore methods for continuous learning and tips and tricks for creating work efficiencies.

 

Attendees will learn:

• Time management tools and approaches for busy professionals.
• How to integrate AI as a task assistant and thought partner.
•  Ways to stay current with new technologies.
• Strategies for self-directed learning and growth.

 

Moderated by Annette Bauer, the session will feature panelists Jeffrey Banyas, manager––legal production at Sisson and Banyas; Desiree Chandler, founder and creative director of DeeZee; and Amanda Van Den Elzen, founder of Racer on Demand LLC.

 

Industry professionals, particularly those early in their career or ones that are job-searching and starting with new employers, are encouraged to join the webinar.

 

Register here or click below.

 

 

 

 

 

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | NDAB Creativity