Massive Changes Coming for Hyundai Kona

 

One of Hyundai's most popular small SUVs is about to undergo major changes. It was previously understood that the Hyundai Kona was due for a minor facelift, but it now appears it will receive a comprehensive set of updates, effectively making it an all-new generation.

 

There is no official word yet on when this next-generation Kona will come to market, but it is rumored to arrive next year, with testing appearing to be at an advanced stage.

 

According to insiders, the new Kona will be dramatically redesigned compared to the outgoing model. It features boxy proportions and sharp bodywork creases, similar to the Crater concept revealed by Hyundai late last year. This gives it a more imposing stance than the current Kona. There is also a new front lighting and grille design to further distinguish the model.

 

Hybrid variants of the Kona are expected to receive the same setup found in the recently unveiled Kia Seltos SUV. The new Seltos is available with a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine and electric motor setup, ditching conventional gasoline variants for the new generation.

 

This could foreshadow a similar move for the next-generation Kona. The current version is available with gasoline, hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The vehicle will target tech-savvy buyers with a new software system and a combined 12.3-in. digital driver display and 12.3-in. central touchscreen.

 

Performance Variant of the VW ID. 3 Neo Under Development

 

Volkswagen hasn't revealed the ID.3 Neo GTX yet, and given the introduction of the ID. Polo GTI last month, its name could be changed to ID.3 Neo GTI to better align the newcomer with Volkswagen's smaller electric performance hatchback.

 

Spied largely devoid of camouflage and stickers on German streets, the successor to the ID.3 GTX adopts a mouth-like design for the lower front bumper intake. Moving away from the diamond-mesh setup of the previous iteration, the redesign also features an optimized rear bumper with a revised aerodynamic diffuser.

 

The ID.3 Neo GTI prototype in this photo set appears sharper overall, trading softer lines for more angular styling. The interior should largely mirror the non-GTI models, including material-quality upgrades that incorporate higher-grade materials on the door panels and dashboard.

 

To match its potential new badge, Volkswagen may also incorporate GTI accents throughout the cabin, along with plaid upholstery and red accents for added flair. With the second facelift, Europe's largest automaker has also reintroduced several physical controls. Naturally, an updated software architecture should be included among the standard features.

 

Considering that Volkswagen gave the ID.3 GTX rear-wheel drive and the ID. Polo GTI front-wheel drive, chances are the automaker hasn't changed the powertrain formula for the ID.3 Neo GTI. The performance model could utilize the APP550 drive unit with more than 322 hp and 402 lb.-ft. of torque on tap.

 

This drive unit features a stator with hairpin technology that allows more copper to be packed into the slots. Cast and machined specifically to withstand the higher structural loads created by the additional torque compared to the previous design, the APP550's case houses a dual-circuit cooling system in which heated oil is cooled externally via a dedicated heat exchanger.

 

The stator's outer casing is also enclosed in a water-cooled heat-sink jacket, ensuring proper cooling even under high loads. Produced at the Kassel plant in Germany, this drive unit is connected to a 79-kWh battery that supports DC fast charging at up to 183 kilowatts. The battery is expected to carry over to the '27 ID.3 Neo GTI with few, if any, improvements to either the pack or charging system.

 

Capable of accepting 11 kW of AC power, the ID.3 Neo also features a vehicle-to-load system that can discharge up to 3.6 kW through the official Type 2 adapter. While it may be a performance model, the ID.3 Neo GTI could offer this functionality as well.

 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

By SEMA News Editors

 

FIA Concludes Productive Rally US Candidate Event

 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, has announced the conclusion of the seven-day Rally US candidate event, marking an important step in the process for the FIA World Rally Championship's (WRC) potential return to the United States for the first time since 1988.

 

The potential return would represent one of the championship's most significant calendar developments in decades, reestablishing the WRC in one of the world's largest sport, media and automotive markets.

 

It would also create a major opportunity to grow rallying in North America, connecting the championship with new fans, partners and manufacturers in a country with a deep motorsports culture and an increasingly active rally community.

 

Organized in collaboration with the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), the seven-day candidate event took place from June 11-17, and saw FIA delegates from the sporting, safety and medical departments assess Rally US' preparedness and planning for a potential FIA World Rally Championship round, while working closely with local officials and operational teams involved in the event's development.

 

The seven-day program began at Southern Ohio Forest Rally, a round of the American Rally Association National Championship (ARA), where FIA delegates observed the delivery of an existing national-level rally and engaged directly with the U.S. rally community. The visit also allowed delegates to review sporting procedures, safety protocols, medical provisions and operational structures at a national-level event, working closely with ARA officials, local organizers and operational teams involved in the delivery of national-level events.

 

Following the visit to Southern Ohio Forest Rally, the delegation traveled south to Tennessee and Kentucky to examine key elements of the proposed WRC round. The four-day assessment program included sporting and safety reviews of proposed stage locations, a review of local medical facilities and visits to the proposed service park and ceremonial start locations in Knoxville and Nashville, where representatives from WRC Promoter also presented plans for fan activations, media production and wider promotional activity.

 

 

With the candidate event now complete, the FIA will finalize its delegates' reports and share its findings over the coming months. These findings will support the next stage of Rally US's proposed inclusion in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar, marking the completion of an important first step towards the WRC's return to the United States.

 

"Having the opportunity to work so closely with the FIA and WRC Promoter over this last week has been incredibly valuable to Rally US and America's return to the FIA World Rally Championship. The cooperation between the Rally US team, ACCUS, the ARA and their counterparts in the FIA and WRC Promoter has been really impressive. From the moment everybody arrived at Southern Ohio Forest Rally, where the delegation was able to see what a round of America's national championship looks like, all the way through a busy schedule of stage and location visits here in Tennessee and Kentucky, the positivity and cohesiveness has been fantastic," said Rally US promoter Matt Crews. "We've made great strides towards the ultimate goal of bringing the FIA World Rally Championship back to America and we're looking forward to the next steps now."

 

All photos courtesy of FIA.

 

 

FIA Seeks Partners for Sanctioned ESports Championships

 

FIA has also launched a "call for proposals" to find promoters and organizers of FIA-sanctioned Esports Championships.

 

As one of the most accessible and affordable forms of competition, Esports will play a major role in the FIA's plan to increase global motorsports participation and create new pathways into motorsports. 

 

The call for proposals aims to identify suitable partners with whom the FIA can work on the continued development of its Esports strategy.

 

Proposals are expected to outline potential Esports Championship concepts, including:

• overall format.
• venues and locations for on-site finals.
• geographical scope.
• a commercial strategy that ensures long-term financial stability for Esports.

 

Sim racing is experiencing a massive growth in popularity, attracting not only casual gamers and motorsports enthusiasts but also professional racing drivers such as Max Verstappen and Esports competitors from all over the world. 

 

The FIA MENA Esports Championship in 2025 generated 111 million views, and more than 6,000 drivers from 159 countries have already registered to take part in the first FIA Esports Global Rally Tour in May, with finalists competing live on stage at this year's FIA Awards in Shanghai in December.

 

The FIA's Esports strategy has the potential to unlock significant commercial opportunities while opening access to motorsports competition.

 

"Esports represents one of the most accessible and rapidly growing forms of competition, creating new pathways for people around the world to engage with [motorsports]. This call for proposal[s] marks an important milestone in the development of the FIA's Esports strategy as we identify opportunities that will support sustainable growth and attract new audiences and competitors," said H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA.

 

"The launch of this public call for proposal marks an important step in identifying experienced organizers and promoters capable of delivering FIA Esports Championships that meet the highest standards of excellence, integrity, innovation, and audience engagement," FIA Esports Commission President Niroshan Pereira said. "Through this initiative, we aim to establish a transparent and ambitious framework that will support the sustainable growth of competitive Esports under the FIA umbrella while fostering collaboration across the wider Esports ecosystem."

 

For more information, including how to fill out a call for proposal document, visit the FIA announcement.

 

 

Third Wave of NHRA Commemorative Tickets Features Legends

Set to close out the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series regular season in style for its 75th anniversary campaign, NHRA officials announced the next group of commemorative tickets for the final four races of the regular season.

 

The special commemorative tickets will continue to feature NHRA legends past and present at the final four regular-season events during the celebratory year, including Brittany Force (Sonoma), Jim Dunn (Seattle), Ron Capps (Brainerd) and Shirley Muldowney, Joe Amato and Darrell Gwynn (Indianapolis).

 

The collector's item gives fans a chance to celebrate 75 years of NHRA Drag Racing and the memorable moments and legendary drivers that have filled the past seven-plus decades of NHRA action.

 

The special ticket for the next four races to close out the 2026 regular season will include these NHRA legends:

 

• Sonoma: Brittany Force will be the featured driver at the Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals presented by PowerEdge on July 17-19 at Sonoma Raceway. Force, a two-time world champion, won at the popular track in 2022 en route to her world title and also made an incredible run of 343.16 mph at the track last year, setting the record at the time.
• Seattle: Jim Dunn will be on the featured commemorative ticket for the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals on July 24-26 at Pacific Raceways. Dunn, the legendary team owner, has been involved in the sport for more than 75 years. He was a two-time runner-up in Seattle and tuned his Funny Car to a win in 2008 with Tony Bartone behind the wheel.
• Brainerd: Funny Car’s Ron Capps will be the featured commemorative ticket for the NHRA Brainerd Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. Capps, a three-time Funny Car world champ, has enjoyed immense success at the facility, winning seven times at the track.
• Indy: Shirley Muldowney, Joe Amato and Darrell Gwynn will be on the collector’s ticket at the world’s biggest drag race, the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, which takes place Sept. 2-7 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. The race will honor the historic legacy of Muldowney, a three-time world champion; Amato, a four-time Top Fuel champ; and former Top Fuel great Gwynn. 

 

Each commemorative ticket will be available for purchase online all year and will be distinctive to each race during NHRA's milestone 2026 campaign. Previous tickets have included legends like Kenny Bernstein, Don Prudhomme, Don Garlits and Matt Hagan.

 

Next week’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals will feature Ohio native and NHRA legend Jim Head as one of the honored legends in Norwalk. The legendary driver and team owner will be on the commemorative ticket, while Doug and Connie Kalitta will also be honored during the race.

 

At the events, fans can scan the on-site signs to purchase the commemorative ticket. The one-of-a-kind souvenir and collector’s items will also be available for purchase with a clear display holder. Each commemorative ticket will only be offered this season during NHRA’s 75th Anniversary celebration.

 

The final group of commemorative tickets will be released in the coming weeks for the six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs (Michigan; Rockingham, North Carolina; St. Louis; Dallas; Las Vegas; and Pomona 2).

 

Next week in Norwalk, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 26, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 27 at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday, June 28.

 

To purchase tickets to Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. 

 

Image courtesy of NHRA

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jessenia Quinonez, co-owner at Ceramic Bros Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.

 

Get to know Quinonez in her interview with SEMA News below. 

 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Jessenia Quinonez: I've been with Ceramic Bros for about seven years. What I enjoy most is I get to dabble with a little bit of everything––from managing the business to being an installer. Every day is a new day, and it never gets boring. Being an entrepreneur is not an easy task, so I greatly enjoy the challenge.

 

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

JQ: Not having enough time in a day. There are so many gears that make a successful business grow, so not having enough time can make things a bit challenging.

 

SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

JQ: I've been in the automotive industry for 23 years. I started as a receptionist at Westbury Toyota, New York. Throughout the years, I made my way through many positions because of my willingness to learn. My favorite position was being a customer relations manager because I was able to understand customer expectations and the importance of meeting those expectations every time. This allowed me to bring my experience to my own business and allow me to serve others and deliver flawless customer service.

 

SN: What qualities helped you get to where you are today? 

JQ: Motivation to become a better version of myself. I enjoy the grind and keeping myself busy. I am driven by intellectual curiosity to learn anything I can get my hands on.

 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

JQ: Being a woman in a male-dominated industry presents unique challenges, particularly when holding leadership responsibilities and working alongside predominantly male counterparts. I experienced this firsthand while working in a body shop environment, where I was responsible for quality control.
 

My background in sports rehabilitation as a licensed massage therapist sharpened my attention to detail and trained my eyes to identify subtle imperfections in finished work. As a result, I consistently held projects to high standards, even when that meant rejecting work and returning it to repair status. At times, these decisions were met with resistance, not due to a lack of accuracy, but due to misconceptions rooted in gender bias.
 

Unfortunately, this is a reality many women face in male-driven industries. Rather than allowing it to deter me, I chose resilience, continuing to uphold quality, remain professional and push forward with determination and integrity.

 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

JQ: Right now, I am learning a new trade. I just recently got back from Tinter Battles in Houston, Texas and let me tell you: the culture that has been created by those behind the scenes has blown me out of the water. It doesn't matter which manufacturer you represent or whether you're a female tinter or now––seeing everyone come together and learn from one another was a breath of fresh air. Marco Cazorla, the window film trainer for Xpel, is an extraordinary instructor and my mentor. I've learned so much from watching him and taking in all his tips and tricks in person and on social media. He has instilled such confidence in me that I am ready for the challenge. As a newbie to the film-tinting industry, I feel the love and have become part of a huge family.

 

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? 

JQ: Stay focused on what you're doing and where you're going. Everything else is just noise.

 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

JQ: I did not always envision a career in the automotive industry; rather, I found my way into it organically. What drew me in was the electric energy of car culture and the strong sense of community within it. Whether attending a local car meet or a major event like the SEMA Show, the shared passion is unmistakable and continually reignites my enthusiasm for the industry.

 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

JQ: Throughout my life, my father has been my greatest source of inspiration and guidance. His unwavering work ethic, dedication and discipline have shaped my values and approach to challenges. He taught me the importance of staying focused on my own path, regardless of external distraction. His influence has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional growth.

 

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Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) helps marketing professionals work smarter, faster and more efficiently. But when it comes to marketing to specialized communities like the motorsports industry, knowing which AI tools and workflows are best to use is not always clear.  

 

On Thursday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT, the SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) will host a general membership meeting and panel discussion focused on AI best practices for motorsports marketing.

 

The session will kick off with a brief update on MPMC member benefits before transitioning into a keynote presentation led by department chair, marketing at University of the Aftermarket Dr. Alisha Beckrow, and director of corporate education at University of the Aftermarket––Northwood University James O'Dell.  

 

Following the keynote will be an expert-led panel discussion moderated by Brian LeBarron, B2B marketing and dealer development at Fluidampr and featuring panelists Justin Cesler, founder of Driveline Studio, and Krista Lamb, director of business intelligence at DeatschWerks.

 

You'll learn:

• How AI can support motorsports brands' marketing efforts.
• Successful examples of AI being used in motorsports marketing.
• Which AI tools and workflows are worth the time (and which aren't).
• Simple ways to get started with AI in motorsports marketing.
• Best practices for implementing AI into content.

 

As AI shifts the way businesses operate, now is the time to secure your spot and get ahead.  

 

🎁 Bonus incentive: The first 25 members to register will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher to use the day of the event.

 

Register today.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Attendee registration for the 2026 SEMA Show is officially available at the lowest possible price point––but not for much longer. Prices will increase after next week's deadline (more on that, below). 

 

Set for November 3-6 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show delivers an attendee experience unlike any other, bringing together thousands of world-class vehicle displays alongside even more of the newest automotive aftermarket products from both emerging and established exhibitors.  

 

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. 

 

How to Register for the 2026 SEMA Show 

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.

 

In short, 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.

 

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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, 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

 

The Industry Cup Challenge, a beloved SEMA tradition, is returning to the SEMA Leaders and Legends Gala cocktail hour on Friday, July 24, in Newport Beach. Combining automotive passion with friendly competition, the challenge invites SEMA member companies to sponsor and race miniature pinewood derby cars in thrilling downhill action for a good cause.  

 

The goal is to secure first place; however, everyone walks away a winner knowing that their contributions directly benefit the three SEMA Cares partners: the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.  

 

 

Sign-ups for the 2026 SEMA Industry Cup Challenge are open here. Last year, the Challenge raised $29,010. SEMA Cares wants to beat that goal in 2026, but they need your help!  

 

Driving Change Together

 

The Industry Cup Challenge features competitors in five different categories: warehouse distributions, manufacturers, media, sales rep agencies and service providers. Companies from each category will race to be number one in their division. The winners of each category will then race head-to-head to be crowned the 2026 Industry Cup Challenge champion. (If a sponsoring company cannot attend the Gala, a SEMA Cares volunteer will race the company's pinewood car on their behalf for the chance to win.)  

 

The winning company will take home the Industry Cup Challenge perpetual trophy with their company name engraved on it among past winners. In a Stanley Cup-style tradition, the trophy will be returned next year, giving the winner a chance to defend their title.  

 

Ready to turn your competitive spirit into meaningful impact? Join here!

By SEMA News Editors

 

Facilities for longtime SEMA member Mid America Motorworks––the supplier and manufacturer of parts and accessories for Corvette and air-cooled Volkswagens––have sustained major damage following a devastating tornado in Effingham, Illinois.

 

The tornado tore across North Effingham County on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, with no reported deaths, according to local reports.

 

"First and foremost, our family and our staff are safe," said Michael Yager, son of founder Mike Yager, on a Mid America Motorworks Facebook video.

 

"We pretty much lost everything: our corporate building, our outbuildings, our inventory, our computer system.

 

"We're just asking that people don't show up while we're in the cleanup process and navigating everything that's going to come in the coming days and weeks.

 

"We appreciate all the phone calls, emails, most of them have gone unanswered, but not unnoticed. The Volkswagen and the Corvette communities are super strong. I know they'll have our back when the time comes. Appreciate the thoughts and comments, and we'll be back with you."

 

Photo of the recent tornado damage at Mid America Motorworks courtesy of longtime Mid America photographer Ed Baumgarten via local news site TheXRadio.com.

 

The Volkswagen Fun Fest and future events at the property have been canceled.

 

Mid America Motorworks was opened in 1974 by Mike Yager, and since then, it has supplied thousands of restoration and performance products to enthusiasts worldwide. The business operates alongside the MY Garage Museum, which is home to an array of rare and one-of-a-kind Corvettes and Volkswagens, including the last C4 Corvette and the Herbie vehicle from the 2005 film "Herbie: Fully Loaded."

 

SEMA sends its support and best wishes to the Mid America Motorworks family and staff.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

Did you know SEMA Membership starts at $100* and gives automotive aftermarket companies the tools, connections and resources to help their business grow, save and compete?

 

The easiest way to take advantage of these benefits is by logging into SEMA.org and navigating to the "My Benefits" page.

 

From industry-specific resources and networking opportunities to discounts on leading business solutions, the benefits portal serves as a central hub for members.

 

This month's spotlight benefits available to SEMA business members include software and programs that put artificial intelligence (AI) to work for you.

 

As AI continues to reshape how companies operate, SEMA members can access exclusive savings on powerful business platforms that use AI to automate tasks, improve decision-making and increase efficiency, including:

 

NetSuite

NetSuite is a cloud-based business management platform that combines enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and financial management tools in a single system. It's embedded and generative AI capabilities are designed to help automate workflows, analyze business data and streamline day-to-day operations.

 

SEMA members can save on NetSuite's Starter, Standard and Premium editions, along with a three-year price cap following the initial Software as a Service (SaaS) term––all in the benefits portal.

 

Ramp

Members can also access exclusive savings on Ramp, an AI-powered finance automation platform that helps businesses reduce manual work across expense management, accounts payable and financial operations. Ramp's technology is designed to automate routine processes, minimize errors and provide actionable insights that help companies make smarter financial decisions.

 

Access Industry Resources Built for the Automotive Aftermarket

 

Beyond business software discounts, SEMA membership connects members with programs and services created specifically for the automotive aftermarket.

 

Members can download SEMA Market Research reports, access SEMA Data resources, connect with councils and networks, and take advantage of SEMA Garage services and member pricing. These tools provide valuable industry intelligence, product development support and networking opportunities to help businesses grow.

 

Maximize Your SEMA Membership

 

Whether you're looking to leverage AI-powered business solutions, gain market insights or connect with industry peers, SEMA membership is your gateway to the full range of membership benefits.

 

Don't leave valuable resources unused. Log in to your SEMA Member Portal today and explore the tools, connections and exclusive savings available to help your business succeed.

 

Join SEMA today at sema.org/membership-business. 

 

 

*Dues are based on your annual sales and business type.

 

Background image courtesy of Shutterstock 

 

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^{SEMA is not affiliated with, nor does it sell or thoroughly evaluate the products, services, and companies listed. SEMA provides this information to SEMA members for their evaluation and consideration and does not endorse or sponsor any company, product, or service. SEMA takes no responsibility for, and makes no representation, warranty, or assurance as to the accuracy, quality, reliability, or completeness of the products or services offered.}

 

 By SEMA News Editors

 

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, November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

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

 

Airline Discount Codes for 2026 SEMA Show Attendees

All codes are valid for travel dates October 27 through November 9, 2026.

Can't view the table? Scroll to the bottom of it for the text-only details.

AIRLINE	DISCOUNT	CODE	PHONE	WEBSITE
Alaska Airlines	7% off published fares	CMO943	800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations)	Click here to visit alaskaair.com.
Delta Air Lines	3%, 5%, or 8% discounts*	NY4K4	800-328-1111***	Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.
Southwest Airlines	Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred	Company ID: 90253240	N/A	Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.
United Airlines	2%, 5%, or 7% discounts*	ZS5W757550	800-426-1122**	Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Alaska Airlines
7% off published fares 
October 27-November 9, 2026 
CMO943
800-445-4435 (fee applies to phone reservations)
alaskaair.com

 

Delta Air Lines
3%, 5%, or 8% discounts*
October 27 - November 9, 2026
NY4K4
800-328-1111***
Click here to book on the Delta Air Lines website.

 

Southwest Airlines
Up to 10% off Choice Extra and Choice Preferred
October 31-November 9, 2026
Click here to book on the Southwest Airlines business website.

 

United Airlines
2%, 5%, or 7% discounts*
October 27-November 9, 2026
ZS5W757550
800-426-1122**
Click here to book on the United website.

 

 

Don't forget to book your hotel through the SEMA Show's official provider, onPeak, to secure the best rates, flexible booking options and rewards points. Skipping the official block could mean leaving money--and perks like MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy rewards points--on the table, so lock in your room early to make the most of your 2026 SEMA Show experience. Book here or click the button below:

 

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. 

 

*Depending on fare class, applicable in most regions.
 

**United Airlines' Meetings Reservation Desk from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday (closed for major U.S. holidays) at 800-426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for United Meetings reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.
 

***You may also call Delta Meeting Network at 800-328-1111, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4K4. Please note there is no service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the Delta Airlines' reservation 800 number.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) are hosting a networking event for industry members during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The event will take place on August 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. ET at the Staybridge Suites.  

 

Benefits of Attending:
 

• Build B2B relationships with truck and off-road manufacturers, builders, retailers and media representatives in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
   
• Learn about SEMA council and network programs, events and resources that support business growth.
   
• Get updates on advocacy efforts impacting the truck and off-road market and how you can support the cause.
   
• Discover volunteer opportunities that have real industry impact.    

 

As SEMA councils and networks continue to guide and shape the future of the automotive aftermarket, attending the mixer is a great way to get involved and build a stronger, more connected community.  

 

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here. 

To learn more about SEMA Councils and Networks, visit www.sema.org/volunteer.