By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Chad Cole, director of automotive sales at Blue Ox, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Cole in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?   

Chad Cole: I grew up in the automotive industry. My dad had a '79 Bronco, and I remember going to car shows thinking it was the coolest vehicle of all time. Fast forward to my 16th birthday; I had a '91 Bronco, fully lifted with rims, tires, fender flares--you name it! That's what I love about the industry--seeing people express their creativity through their vehicles.

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

CC: I joined to network and connect with members across the industry while being part of a mission that helps shape its future

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?   

CC: Good question. I have a few, but the one that comes to mind the most is: "You make your own luck."

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle?    

CC: I'm a big fan of EarthRoamers! I drive a '20 Tundra; the lift and tires aren't as big as my '91 Bronco, but it still has "the look."

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.  

By SEMA News Editors

New research by SEMA sheds light on future and emerging trends impacting the automotive aftermarket, whose annual $337 billion economic impact is a key driver of the American economy.

• The annual report delivers critical insights to SEMA's 7,500 member businesses who develop, manufacture, and market parts and accessories that improve safety, performance, and comfort for the nation's automotive enthusiasts.

View the complete report here. Highlights and analysis of the report follow, but first, be sure to join us for our webinar on Wednesday, February 19, where we will discuss the latest economic and automotive trends, as well as share forecasts for the rest of the year and beyond. RSVP here.

Industry and Economic Outlook

What's Trending

• As we move further from the volatile pandemic era of sales growth spikes and downshifts, we should expect to see a more normal growth rate around 3%-4%, driven by:
  • Increased consumer spending on their vehicles.
  • A jump in sales and revenue expectations as interest rates improve and inflation cools.
  • Investments to diversify supply chains that pay dividends by preserving market stability.
• Challenges emerge from stagnant vehicle costs and interest rates, coupled with consumers fiscally stressed by cost increases for auto insurance and repairs.
  • Motor-vehicle insurance jumped 14% for the 12 months preceding October 2024.
  • Costs of motor-vehicle repair increase by 7.3% over the same period.
• Tariffs are an X factor and could dramatically increase costs and exert pressure on the automotive aftermarket industry.

SEMA Says: "A whole lot of our consumers took on vehicle projects and modifications during COVID, so you used up some of the demand that might have come a year or two later," said Gavin Knapp, director of SEMA Market Research. "Obviously, continuing inflation and high prices have also affected people, and there will be questions going forward about how long that will continue with possible tariffs and things like that. The expectation is we'll stay at current growth levels in 2025 and then return to our industry's usual 4%–5% growth rate next year and going forward."

Vehicle Trends in the United States

What's Trending

• Vehicle prices have stabilized, albeit at elevated levels, meaning continuously climbing inventory could drive down prices.
  • In October 2024, the average transaction price for a new vehicle was $48,117.
• Demand for electric vehicles will stall, with manufacturers adjusting accordingly.
• More cars will be equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and sensors, impacting how vehicle owners interact with their vehicles (including modifications and accessorizing).

SEMA Says: "As of last year, vehicle inventories had been climbing for a while, but there hasn't been much demand," notes Matt Byun, SEMA's market manager. "If you keep getting cars on the lot, eventually you're going to have to start selling them. But the surprise is OEMs aren't lowering their costs. Instead, they're scaling back their production a bit."

Potential Tariff Impacts

What's Trending

• Tariffs are a looming specter, with the potential to increase costs for OEMs, part manufacturers and consumers.
• Most of the exposure is likely to small- and midsized parts manufacturers, who rely on international supply chains for some of their components and materials.
  • Prices for parts affected by tariffs would be more extreme because of supply chains built around imports from Mexico and Canada, both of whom are highly integrated into the United States auto industry.
  • Between 2020-2023, prices for parts imported to the United States increased 5.9%, due to higher prices for electrical and electronic equipment.
• Tariffs disproportionately impact businesses that pay upfront for goods and services, with small- and medium-sized companies potentially experiencing cash-flow issues, delayed payments, and reduced capacity and inventory.

SEMA Says: "It's important to understand how President Donald Trump has historically used tariffs, which he sees as negotiating tools to create leverage against other nations on issues unrelated to trade, like immigration and defense spending," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Tariffs with big numbers, like 25% or higher, are often introduced by President Trump at the negotiating table, or even publicly, but he also has shown a willingness to withdraw or suspend them when a deal is reached. As a result, what you see in the headlines does not always materialize."

Consumer Demographics

What's Trending

• America is getting older but drivers are increasingly younger.
  • There are more licensed drivers under the age of 25 today than there were two decades ago.
  • Younger drivers are tapping into the used-car market more frequently, due to rises in the cost of new vehicles.
• Young people drive the automotive accessories market and tend to live more enthusiast-oriented lifestyles.
  • More than 60% of specialty-equipment sales in 2023 came from accessorizers under the age of 45.

SEMA Says: "If you look at the nation's demographics, we are getting much, much older, and the 65-plus demographic is getting much larger," Knapp said. "How that plays for our market is interesting. It keeps more cars on the road because there are more drivers over time. But that older demographic is also a lower-spending segment for our market. They have money but are less likely to wrench on their car."

Alternative Powertrains and EVs

What's Trending

• Automaker investments in electric vehicle (EV) powertrains persist, but consumer demands are spurring cuts in EV production.
• EVs continue to be viewed as luxury products, with the high upfront costs outweighing incentives in consumers' minds.

SEMA Says: "The EV hype has been a bit overblown, and some of the electrification market's growth has shifted into hybrids," Knapp explains. "As Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda has said, for everything it takes to build one pure EV, you can make 10 hybrids, but it's still an open question whether hybrids are an interim step or a long-term play."

ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles

What's Trending

• While fully self-driving vehicles remain a long way off, ADAS features are becoming increasingly prevalent in Americans' vehicles.
  • While very few vehicles had automatic emergency-breaking capabilities in 2015, well over 90% of new vehicles from model-year '23 featured such a system.
  • Automatic emergency braking, which was non-existent before 2015, can now be found in more than 67 million vehicles on the road.

SEMA Says: "ADAS is really affecting the vehicle market; there is a broad mass of cars and trucks already on the road that have these features onboard," says Byun. "For example, as of May 2018, all new OEM passenger cars and light trucks were required to have backup cameras. In model-year '22, more than 90% had collision warning systems."

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) is pleased to announce its annual ambassador meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at the PRI Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana (1255 N Main St., Speedway, IN 46224). Registration is open now at this link.  

WTSBC ambassador meetings are a great opportunity to meet the council's select committee, network with members at large, and take part in education sessions tailored to wheel, tire, suspension and brake aftermarket professionals. While WTSBC's virtual events are a great resource for networking online, the annual ambassador meeting provides an unmatched opportunity to collaborate, learn and establish new industry connections face-to-face.  

"PRI headquarters is the perfect setting where general members and non-members alike can come together to learn about a variety of subjects that are all applicable to them," said WTSBC Chair-Elect Brett Kinsfather. "Attendees can work the room in a variety of different ways, whether that be through question-and-answer sessions, sitting next to somebody or attending the closing networking reception."   

The event will kick off with member introductions and WTSBC select committee updates, followed by education sessions where attendees will learn about important legislative updates, ADAS modifications, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) changes and available resources from PRI. 

The event will conclude with a networking reception that will help members further enhance their industry connections.

Anyone in the aftermarket industry can attend the event for free. Register here.  

Contact WTSBC Council Director Nicole Bradle at Nicoleb@sema.org with any questions.   

By SEMA News Editors

The design team at Mopar has created an exclusive, limited-edition and collectible vehicle for off-roading enthusiasts in 2025 that is based on a concept truck that appeared at the 2024 SEMA Show.

The Mopar '25 Package for the Ram 1500 RHO, with exclusive content inside and out, continues the annual factory-vehicle customization program, now in its 16th year, for the performance and service brand of Stellantis.  

"The inspiration for the new Mopar '25 flows directly from the concept truck we showed at the SEMA Show last November, which generated strong positive feedback on how well the Ram 1500 RHO was 'Moparized' by our design team," said Darren Bradshaw, senior vice president, Stellantis Parts and Services – North America. "We're proud to continue our annual Mopar customization program with innovations and exclusive appearance features that our enthusiast customers and collectors crave."  

Building on the latest addition to the Ram sport truck lineup, the truck features an extensive slate of appearance and performance upgrades and accessories.

Riding on off-road-ready 35-in. tires mounted to 18-by-9-in. beadlock-capable wheels, the Mopar '25 Package also includes a fully integrated, bed-mounted spare-tire carrier, RamBar accessory bar, off-road-style running boards and Mopar Blue tow hooks front and rear. The truck-bed surface is protected by a black, Mopar spray-in textured bedliner. 

The Mopar '25 Ram 1500 RHO is powered by the all-new 3.0L Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo (SST) engine. The 3.0L Hurricane High Output engine is rated at 540 hp and 521 lb.-ft. of torque. The new powertrain is 150 lbs. lighter than the previous performance model and features a more balanced weight distribution, the manufacturer said. Performance numbers include 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph.

The independent front suspension system is tuned for off-road use, and also features Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks. The standard rear suspension features adaptive damping and a five-link coil system, as well as differing frame hard points from the standard Ram 1500, which offer an extra 14 in. of rear axle travel.

Inside, the Mopar '25 Ram 1500 RHO also includes interior upgrades from the standard RHO Level 1 Equipment Group.

Production will be limited to 250 units.

For more information, including a comprehensive list of upgrades and enhancements, visit mopar.com.

By Ashley Reyes

This upcoming Sunday, March 23, is the last opportunity for young aftermarket professionals to apply for the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP), taking place at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan, May 7-9. Focusing on team leadership development, the program will help participants cultivate a leadership mindset and equip them with the tools to advance in their careers. Apply now at this link.

For three days, students will learn about Dale Carnegie's relationship-centered approach to leadership development. Through interactive lessons and breakouts, attendees will acquire strategies to become the type of leader required in today's workforce, as well as develop the attitudes of an engaging leader.

FLN members who apply will receive a discounted rate off the standard Dale Carnegie fee. However, any individual under 40 who works for a SEMA member company can join FLN for free.

After completing this program, participants will be able to: 

• Build effective teams.
• Create a people-first culture.
• Lead change.
• Use the innovative process to improve results.
• Commit to growth and transformation. 
• Create a performance results description.  

For years, Dale Carnegie's books and seminars have been the go-to resources for individuals and organizations seeking personal and professional growth. The methods learned in the program will help FLN members expand their skills to drive results in their careers and companies.  

"I had an excellent experience in the program," said Robert Fisher of Power Automedia on his experience attending the PDP. "I walked away with a lot of invaluable skills that I can take back to my current employer and help me develop myself as a professional leader in the industry."  

The price of attending the program is $1,280, which includes the training program, a certificate of completion, four-nights of hotel accommodations, and food and beverage during training. 

Don't miss out! View the application and apply here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The United States Department of Treasury recently announced that the agency will not "enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against United States citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either."  

The Treasury Department's executive action is noteworthy and a win for small businesses that would have been required to file BOI reports with the department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by March 21, 2025. On February 18, FinCEN issued a notice that reset the filing deadline for most companies to file BOI reports in response to a court ruling from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. However, the filing requirement is now moot.  

Moving forward, the Treasury Department plans to issue a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the regulation to limit BOI reporting requirements to foreign companies only.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The United States Department of Treasury recently announced that the agency will not "enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against United States citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either."  

The Treasury Department's executive action is noteworthy and a win for small businesses that would have been required to file BOI reports with the department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by March 21, 2025. On February 18, FinCEN issued a notice that reset the filing deadline for most companies to file BOI reports in response to a court ruling from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. However, the filing requirement is now moot.  

Moving forward, the Treasury Department plans to issue a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the regulation to limit BOI reporting requirements to foreign companies only.  

For more information, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA's senior director of federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Employees of SEMA member companies have a unique opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact on the automotive aftermarket industry by volunteering on a SEMA council or network select committee. Applications are open now through Friday, April 18, at sema.org/volunteer.   

Each of the nine SEMA councils and networks is led by a select committee, a small group of volunteers who donate their time, passion and expertise to help create valuable programs for their membership. They work alongside SEMA staff to shape initiatives, opportunities and events throughout the year, while gaining invaluable leadership experience and business relationships along the way.   

How Volunteering Works  

Select committee volunteers meet online and in person throughout the year to develop resources tailored to their market segment. It's a great opportunity to share ideas and provide input for programs, events, and educational opportunities that support industry growth and awareness.

The Impact  

Many of the programs that benefit SEMA members today would not exist without the help of select committee volunteers. By taking on a leadership role, volunteers can make a meaningful impact beyond their day jobs, helping deliver solutions to the ongoing and emerging needs of their market segment.   

The Commitment     

• Term length: Two years.   
• Time commitment: Five–10 hours per month.   
• Meetings: Attend monthly select committee meetings, an annual long-range planning meeting and a council summit every other year. These meetings are where all the brainstorming happens and where your contributions come to life.  

Eligibility Requirements      

• Employed by a current SEMA member company.  
• Willing to become a member of the council or network in which you are interested in volunteering.  
• Have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and experience, and a passion for giving back to the industry.  

"Volunteering has given me the opportunity to learn something new every day and has given me a family in the industry," said Hannah Neal of Automotion Customs. "Every time I am in a meeting or with this group of people, I come back to the shop with new ideas that need to be implemented into our business model." 

Apply Today   

Applications to volunteer on a SEMA council and network select committee are being accepted until April 18. Learn more about the nine specialized communities and how you can make a difference at sema.org/volunteer.   

By Ashley Reyes

Distinctive Industries has been manufacturing quality OEM interiors for classic cars, trucks and specialty vehicles since 1969. They are among the first companies to offer aftermarket replacement automotive interiors, enabling car collectors and enthusiasts to maintain and restore their vehicles to their original glory. 

In 2024, the company earned industry recognition when the CTX Buddy Bench Seat Vertical Inserts with Cupholders was voted Best New Interior Product in the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

SEMA News recently spoke with Distinctive Industries Sales Manager Chris Compton, who shared the story behind the bench seat, and how other restoration parts manufacturers can benefit from displaying their products in the ARMO Hot Products Showcase at the 2025 Spring Carlisle in April.  

SEMA News: Can you tell us what inspired the product's creation?   

Chris Compton: Older trucks have always had uncomfortable seating, lacking any extra storage areas, not to mention the lack of cup holders. As popular as the truck market has become, a seat of this type was needed. This seat mixes the comfort of bucket seats and the look of a bench and also has a center armrest with cup holders that will fold up for a lower storage compartment. To top it all off, it also allows a third seating position. This is a modern take on an older design. We manufacture this seat entirely in our factory, from raw materials to the finished product. 

Distinctive Industries' CTX Buddy Bench Seat Vertical Inserts with Cupholders was voted Best New Interior Product in last year's SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

SN: Why did you decide to showcase the bench seat at Spring Carlisle instead of Distinctive Industries' other products?  

CC: We displayed four total products in the 2024 Hot Products Showcase, but we knew this seat would be the hit of the interior category. It was very new and had not received much public exposure; attendees loved it and gave us a lot of great feedback. 

SN: What did winning the Best New Interior Product award mean to you and your team?  

CC: This meant we achieved our goal and lived up to our expectations. This honor elevates our product to a higher standard and introduces it to a wider audience of individuals and companies. Winning an award voted on by car and truck people validates the integration of modern technology into older vehicles.  

SN: Is Distinctive Industries planning to display anything in this year's Hot Products Showcase? If so, what are you bringing?  

CC: We do have a few products that will be entered into the 2025 Hot Products Showcase. This year we will have some consoles and console accessories for display--more of the modern creature comforts into the classics. 

SN: Why would you recommend other ARMO members participate in the 2025 Showcase?  

CC: Almost every person at Spring Carlisle is a car and truck enthusiast, so other than the SEMA Show, there is no better event to display a product. All the eyes on your products are potential customers, and participating increases brand awareness and displays proof of craftsmanship. These are the reasons we continue to participate in this wonderful event. 

2025 ARMO Hot Products Showcase Product Entries Now Open 

Registration is now open to ARMO members who would like to have their products included in the Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 23-25. 

Program participation is free to ARMO members; manufacturers are responsible only for shipping their products in advance with a return label, or dropping off and picking up their products on-site.  

During the event, Carlisle attendees will vote for their favorite products in the categories of exterior, interior, engine, accessory item, drivetrain/brakes/suspension and People's Choice. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November.  

Click here to start the product submission process.  

For more information on the ARMO Hot Products Showcase, visit here.  

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Spotted in Germany

Although rumored to be discontinued, SEMA News sources recently spotted an all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake undergoing road tests in Stuttgart, Germany, confirming the development of the compact family car with hybrid and electric powertrains.

Built on the MMA platform, the hybrid powertrain will be comprised of a 1.5L four-cylinder gas engine and 1.3-kWh battery pack and motor paired with a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The other option will be a battery-electric model with two available batteries: a lithium iron phosphate pack with a 58-kWh capacity and a nickel manganese cobalt pack with 85 kWh. According to Mercedes-Benz, the entire electric powertrain has the potential for a range of more than 460 miles.

All-electric models will feature an electric-drive motor on the rear axle producing 268 hp and a two-speed gearbox designed to improve efficiency at higher speeds.

The design of the new model will be a more streamlined version of the outgoing CLA sedan and estate. The overall silhouette won't change much, but some of the design details will. Like other models in the modern Mercedes-Benz range, the new CLA will use the brand's three-pointed star motif in its lighting.

BMW 7-Series Undergoing Extensive Facelift

SEMA News sources have spotted the first prototype of the BMW 7-Series and i7 Facelift in the north of Scandinavia.

Around three years after the launch of the seventh-generation 7 Series, the prototype hints at an upcoming facelift that could hit the market as soon as this fall.

What will change on the engine side in the BMW 7-Series and i7 is still unclear, according to insiders, but the wide range of drive systems in the current model is likely to be found in the facelifted luxury sedan.

In addition to the combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, BMW will also be offering multiple variations of purely electric drive systems again with the i7 Facelift.

Visually, the prototype of the BMW 7-Series and i7 Facelifts does not allow any concrete conclusions to be drawn. However, the fact that the car is completely wrapped in camouflage foil--as seen in the new images--means that the facelift appears to entail far-reaching changes. The front end could take up the kidney-grille design of the BMW 5 Series G60. The headlights and rear lights have been stripped down to the bare essentials, which also hints at a significant redesign. The tailpipes, on the other hand, are clearly recognizable and point to the BMW M760e xDrive.

As the side windows are also camouflaged, BMW seems to have some plans here too. A major infotainment update to bring the technology up to date is realistic.

'26 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Readies for Showrooms

Recently spotted undergoing testing in Sweden, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is set to hit dealer showrooms next year. This fourth generation of the body-on-frame SUV, which can accommodate up to seven passengers, shares its platform with the latest version of the Triton, known as the L200 in Europe.

The Pajero Sport is marketed under various names, including the Shogun Sport in the UK and the Montero Sport in other regions.

Featuring a front-end design similar to the Triton, the redesigned Pajero Sport boasts a ladder frame chassis with enhanced torsional rigidity--Mitsubishi claims a 60% increase. The new model has also grown in size, with an overall length and width increase of .5 in and 2.9 in., respectively.

At the rear, the heavily camouflaged prototype showcases triangular taillights reminiscent of the '90s Lancer models. It also features a single exhaust outlet and a massive tow hitch ball with an electrical socket. Notably, the prototype lacks a fuel cap and has camouflage covering its wheels.

Inside, the cabin will see updates including a new 9-in. touchscreen infotainment system. Similar to the Triton, it will have physical controls for temperature, fan speed, volume and satellite navigation. However, prospective buyers should expect a significant amount of gloss-black plastic trim on the center console.

Under the hood, the Pajero Sport will likely offer a range of 2.4L engines paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The least powerful option is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine from the 46G family.

For those seeking more torque, there will be two diesel options: single- and twin-turbo versions of the 4N16 engine, producing between 150 to 200 hp. The gasoline engine will deliver around 130 hp.

Rumors suggest that the premiere of the '26 model is slated for the second half of 2025.