By SEMA News Editors

Tire Rack Welcomes Scott Clark as CEO

Tire Rack, the online tire retailer, has named Scott Clark as its new CEO.

Clark transitions from a career with Michelin, where he previously served as CEO of Michelin North America, and most recently as executive vice president and member of the group executive committee in France, a role in which he oversaw the worldwide car, two-wheel and motorsports tire businesses.

Current CEO Michael Joines will continue to have a leadership role with the company, transitioning to the role of executive chairman, with a focus on strategies that will help expand and accelerate the growth of the business.

Clark will relocate to work at Tire Rack's South Bend, Indiana, headquarters, officially taking the reins on April 21.

For more information, visit tirerack.com.

Take 5 Oil Change Launches New 'Take 5 Clive' Advertising Campaign Nationwide

Take 5 Oil Change has launched a national advertising campaign with a new brand character at its center, "Take 5 Clive."

"With Take 5 Clive, we're bringing our differentiated customer experience to life in a way that's fun, relatable and showcases the great value of our offering," said Mike DeTrana, vice president of marketing at Take 5 Oil Change. "Clive is a representation of how we want customers to feel when they discover how simple and convenient their oil change experience can be. Through humor and real-life moments, this campaign highlights what makes our brand and service stand out--speed, friendliness and simplicity."

Through this campaign, Clive will also share fun and practical content, including the "Clive's Top Five" series, where he highlights his top road trip snacks, car maintenance hacks and time-saving tips. The campaign is rolling out across digital, social, TV, audio and in-store channels.

Click here to watch the first 30-second TV spot, or find more information at take5.com.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Ferrari Working on First All-Electric Sportscar

Ferrari is planning to unveil its first all-electric model at the end of 2025 and go to market with the electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand recently confirmed to Autoweek, but did not go so far as to confirm any details.

Newly acquired images show a prototype of the Ferrari EV testing in Sweden using a modified body from the Maserati Levante. However, it's still yet to be confirmed that the production vehicle will really resemble the SUV. The Italian marque also used the Levante for the Purosangue prototypes, which, now in production, differs significantly from the Maserati.  

According to Ferrari, the car is intended to be fun to drive and appeal to both Ferrari customers and newcomers to the brand. Ultimately, the new EV will be built in the new e-factory on the Ferrari campus in Maranello, Italy. A new production line is being built there, which is scheduled to go into operation in the spring. Production is to start with combustion models before the electric car is added in 2026. Ferrari also wants to produce batteries, motors and axles for upcoming electric cars. The battery cells, on the other hand, are to come from suppliers.

Korean KGM Torres Pickup Concept Coming to Life

KGM is the new brand name of Korean car manufacturer Ssangyong, following its takeover by the KG Group. Since 2018, Ssangyong/KGM has been selling a midsize pickup based on the Ssangyong Rexton under the name "Musso." That car's successor, presumably called the Torres pickup, had been shown as a concept at the beginning of 2024 and will go into series production unchanged, as well as with an electric drivetrain. SEMA News sources stationed in northern Sweden recently snapped the first shots of the production version testing on a frozen lake.

The new pickup is based on the platform of the Ssangyong Torres, the brand's latest SUV, and is available in select markets in Europe as the electric Torres EVX, and as a model with a 1.5L gas engine. For the Torres pickup pictured here, which is moving to a passenger-car platform with a self-supporting body, the wheelbase has been extended in order to achieve a length of up to 17 ft.

Apart from confirming the start of series production this year, and a picture of the new vehicle from the side, KGM has not yet provided any information on the new Torres pickup. However, the electrically powered pickup will most likely adopt the drive technology of the Torres EVX, which includes a battery with 73.4 kWh storage capacity and a drive unit with 152kW/207hp output.

According to the automaker, the Torres pickup will be launched in the first quarter of 2025, with exports to Europe and other markets at a later date.

Hot Wheels on Ice: New Shots of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV

When the original Porsche Cayenne debuted as a '03 model, brand purists cried foul. However, it quickly fit among Porsche's lineup of sports cars and became one of the brand's best-selling models. Now, the mid-size SUV stands at yet another crossroads as Porsche prepares the first Cayenne EV.

Many details about the new Porsche Cayenne EV SUV and Coupe are still unknown, and although the coupe model has been photographed in various locations throughout the last months, SEMA News sources have captured the first shots of the coupe on ice.

Sources know the Cayenne EV will eventually replace the entire lineup of the outgoing gasoline-powered Cayenne models. Still, they're not sure if it will retain the same trim-level structure. More than likely, Porsche will offer a base and a Turbo, as is with the Macan.

More Power, More Sportiness: Kia Will Come With the KV3 GT

The Kia EV6 GT showcases remarkable specifications, featuring (an approximately) 367hp rear motor paired with (an approximately) 218hp front motor, yielding a total output of around 585 hp. This power enables the EV6 GT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (approximately 0 to 62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds. 

Spy photos of a test vehicle parked somewhere in northern Sweden showcase a more aggressive bumper design and the inclusion of 19-in. tires, compared to the 17-in. tires found on the standard model, which is designed to optimize driving range. Yellow calipers and GT-branded seats with yellow stitching complete the sporty character of what's designed to be the most powerful EV3 yet.

By Ashley Reyes

Complex assemblies, such as engines, transmissions and suspension systems, often have tight tolerances and clearances. To successfully design these assemblies, product developers must understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and how to make manufacturable parts at a reasonable cost, while ensuring that their assemblies will always perform reliably. Calculating potential stack-ups during this process can be cumbersome and complex, but software can help. 

On Tuesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m. PST, the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) will host the webinar "Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis Software" to introduce aftermarket engineers to the latest tools for optimizing GD&T to achieve profitable quality. 

In this session, John Zhang, technical product manager at Siemens, will provide an overview and demo of the capabilities of software tools in this space. Attendees will gain insight into available tools, how they work, and what the results of an analysis look like.  

Discussion topics include:  

• Can I stick to my "as-is" process? 
• How do I know this type of simulation is representative of reality? 
• How much time does it take to become an expert? 
• How much time does a typical study with the software take? 

Since 2007, Zhang has been focused on developing Model-Based Quality (MBQ)--a product portfolio from Siemens for GD&T design and realization--and has helped numerous manufacturers digitalize their dimensional management workflow and use cases. Don't miss this chance to tap into his expertise.

Register today.  

By SEMA News Editors

KW Suspensions Named Official Suspension Partner for SRO Motorsports America, Partners With Ryan Tuerck

KW Suspensions, the German suspension component provider, has been named the official suspension partner of SRO Motorsports America and its series, including GT World Challenge America, GT America, Pirelli GT4 America and TC America.

As part of this collaboration, KW will be prominently featured across each of the series championships. Their presence will extend to event production elements and series materials, and will be featured in TV broadcasts and livestream coverage.

Additionally, the brand has partnered with Formula DRIFT (FD) driver Ryan Tuerck to provide his FD Rain-X Toyota GR Corolla with ST Suspension XTA plus 3 coilovers for the 2025 season and supply Tuerck with products from across the KW Automotive brand family for his portfolio of builds and competition vehicles.

Tuerck is currently collaborating with engineers from KW Automotive Group to develop custom suspension systems for some of his signature builds. These include the Mobil 1 heritage Stout project, featuring a bespoke Belltech suspension, a '90s rally-inspired Toyota Celica with a Reiger Rally Suspension and the upcoming Formula Supra, which is set to undergo testing for Time Attack with a specially developed KW Suspensions race setup.

For more information, visit kwsuspensions.net.

TRD U.S.A. Unveils 2025 Driver Development Program Lineup

TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) has unveiled its 2025 Toyota Driver Development (TD2) lineup. The accomplished program continues to spotlight up-and-coming talented drivers. Last year, graduate Christopher Bell finished in the top five of the NASCAR Cup Series point standings for the third straight season.

This season’s talented TD2 lineup is focused across three motorsports disciplines: stock car, grassroots dirt and sports car. Drivers representing Toyota include Jade Avedisian, Brent Crews, Jacob Denney, Tyler Gonzalez, Taylor Gray, Corey Heim, Buddy Kofoid, Cannon McIntosh, Kiko Porto, Isabella Robusto, Gio Ruggiero, William Sawalich, Gresham Wagner and Westin Workman.

For the complete details, read the Toyota announcement here or visit toyota.com/racing.

By SEMA News Editors

BRP and Tread Lightly! Launch Responsible Rider Masterclass

BRP, the parent company of Can-Am and other powersports, motorsports and marine brands, is partnering with Tread Lightly!, the nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, to launch the Responsible Rider Masterclass.

The Responsible Rider Masterclass is a series of online trainings that aims to empower riders of the global powersports community to ride safely and responsibly, to look out for each other and to safeguard trails and playgrounds.

The first module in the training series is available for all snowmobilers. Additional trainings, covering off-road, on-road and on water, will be launched in the coming months.

For more information, or to see the first module in the series, visit responsiblerider.com.

Dayco Welcomes Andy Poorman as Head of Sales North America Aftermarket

Dayco, the engine products and drive systems supplier, has appointed Andy Poorman as the company's new head of sales for the North America aftermarket.

Poorman will report directly to Audrey Harling, vice president and managing director, North America aftermarket and global strategy. Poorman will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to achieve sales targets, enhance relationships with channel partners, and identify portfolio growth opportunities in Dayco's key markets across the United States and Canada.

He joins Dayco from Wolo Manufacturing, where he served as vice president of sales.

For more information, visit na.daycoaftermarket.com.

Goodyear Names David Anckaert Chief of Product Strategy and Planning

Goodyear, the Akron, Ohio-headquartered tire manufacturer, has named David Anckaert as its chief of product strategy and planning.

Anckaert joined Goodyear in 2000 and has held positions in research and development, sales and marketing. In 2018, he was named vice president, commercial Europe, and after that, served as vice president, consumer replacement Europe. Most recently, Anckaert served as vice president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa consumer business.

In his new role, Anckaert will lead Goodyear's product roadmap and lifecycle planning, leveraging data-driven market insights to identify opportunities, drive innovation and develop a winning global product portfolio, the company said. He will report to CEO and President Mark Stewart.

For more information, visit goodyear.com.

SBI Hires Anthony Cole as Business Development Manager

S.B. International, the Nashville-based supplier of cylinder head components, has hired Anthony Cole as its new business development manager.

Cole brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including roles at Year One, Inc., the Eastwood Company, Mustangs Unlimited and Holley Performance Brands, where he served as a business unit leader.

In his new role, Cole will focus on the company's recent acquisition of Precision Engine Parts (PE). His responsibilities will include identifying new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, conducting market research and developing sales strategies.

For more information, visit sbintl.com.

BorgWarner Included on 2025 Forbes List of America's Best Employers

BorgWarner, the mobility company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has been included on the Forbes list of America's Best Employers 2025. It is the sixth time the company has appeared on the list.

The award is presented in collaboration with Statista, a statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Forbes and Statista selected America's Best Employers 2025 through an independent survey from a sample of more than 217,000 United States employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the United States. More than 6.5 million employer evaluations were considered. The final score is based on two types of evaluations: personal (those given by employees themselves) and public (those given by friends and family members of employees, or members of the public who work in the same industry), with a much higher weighting for personal evaluations. 

"We are honored to receive this recognition and are deeply proud of the incredible team we have built at BorgWarner," said Tania Wingfield, chief human resources officer, BorgWarner. "Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this award reflects our ongoing dedication to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. We believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives, and this recognition is a testament to that philosophy."

The full award list can be viewed on the Forbes website.

Gold Eagle Promotes CFO Kevin Krueger to Chief Financial and Investment Officer

Gold Eagle Company, the Chicago-based parent company of STA-BIL, 303, HEET and Hot Shot's Secret, has promoted CFO Kevin Krueger to chief financial and investment officer (CFIO).

In his new role, Krueger will now focus on developing the company’s long-term investment strategy and managing corporate investments and acquisitions.

Krueger joined Gold Eagle Company as a controller in 2013 and was promoted to CFO in 2016.

For more information, visit goldeagle.com.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Off-Road-Focused Hyundai Palisade XRT Bound for United States

Hyundai has unveiled the latest iteration of the Palisade, the Korean automaker's flagship SUV, but SEMA News sources recently caught new images of the yet-to-be-revealed rugged XRT model.

Retaining the engine range of the standard model--a 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine offering 281 hp in standard configuration or 334 hp with hybrid power--the XRT model will be differentiated by modified bumpers, front and rear, wider sills, plastic cladding around the wheelhouses and off-road-focused tires.

More details will be released at a later date.

Mercedes-Benz Spotted Testing Next-Generation GLB

Spy photographers have caught a few camouflaged prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz GLB during development testing in Germany, giving SEMA News a first taste of what’s coming.

The bodywork is entirely covered in camouflage, but the proportions strongly suggest we’re looking at the successor of the three-row GLB rather than the hatchback-style GLA. The SUV appears to have a sleeker design compared to its predecessor, incorporating Mercedes’ new styling language.

The front end features slimmer LEDs flanking a large grille that appears to be mounted lower on the front bumper. The greenhouse has been slightly tweaked, as with the upright tail, disguised with fake taillight stickers.

Mercedes’ entire future compact lineup will ride on the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform, which is compatible with ICE and EV powertrains.

The fully electric models could offer the option between a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp, or a dual-motor setup with 375 hp. The EV will likely be available with 58 kWh and 85 kWh battery packs, although its driving range will be shorter than the 466 miles expected from the more aerodynamic CLA.

The ICE-powered lineup will include a mild-hybrid 1.5L four-cylinder gas engine and a small electric motor inside the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combustion engine is expected to be offered with different outputs, rated at 134 hp, 161 hp and 188 hp, with an additional 27 hp from the electric motor.

Like the current GLB, the new model will offer both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. An AMG performance version is on the horizon, likely with some form of hybrid assistance for extra power and efficiency, according to insiders.

BMW M5 Set for a Facelift

SEMA News sources have captured new spy shots of a BMW M5 cold-weather testing in a refreshed look echoing the "Neue Klasse" design originally intended for the German company's electric vehicles (EV).

The photos show almost a completely new model of the M5, signaled by the level of camouflage on the bodywork, with sheetmetal covering up features such as the longitudinally running central hood crease. However, the distinctive Hofmeister crease on the rear door is not hidden, indicating it is not as new as it looks at first glance.

The headlights will be integrated into a transverse piece, as well as the narrow kidney grilles, while the bumper features large air intakes, and the alloy wheels are equipped with ceramic brakes. The sports sedan does not yet have production lights, according to the images, instead making use of temporary lights.

Although unconfirmed, the M5 is expected to feature the new panoramic display system of the 10th generation iDrive.

Due in 2027, the M5 will likely be a high-powered plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Volkswagen Tera Micro-SUV for India, South America Surfaces in Scandinavia

Spy shots of Volkswagen's small SUV for India and South America—the Tera—have surfaced, featuring a thinly disguised prototype testing on icy roads in Scandinavia.

Based on the same platform as the new Skoda Kylaq, the Tera will have decent ground clearance, as demonstrated by the new images. It will also be similar in looks to other new Volkswagen models, including the third-generation Tiguan, with a slim upper grille, slim LED headlights and a chunky front bumper.

Although not a coupe SUV, the Tera will get a sloping roofline and stubby taillamps. The Tera will also get large windows and the beltline will curve upwards towards the C-Pillar.

The powertrain details of the Tera are yet to be announced but it won’t be surprising to see Volkswagen use its 1.0L TSI engine with 114 hp mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

By SEMA News Editors

A big part of planning a successful week at the SEMA Show is securing the best accommodations for your needs. Location, low price, amenities and ratings will all be important factors in determining the right place to stay for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

To make the process as quick, easy and affordable as possible, Show organizers have once again partnered with onPeak, the official hotel provider of the SEMA Show, to offer not only offer the best nightly rates, but plenty of other unparalleled perks. Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online at this link. 

See the top five benefits of booking you 2025 SEMA Show hotel through our only official partner, onPeak, below:

• Earn Hotel Rewards Points 

We know how important and valuable your hotel rewards points can be and how quickly they can add up when you travel to events and trade shows. That's why your reservation at an official hotel counts towards your hotel loyalty program. Simply enter in your rewards number when securing your reservation and you're all set. The benefits are endless when you book in the block. 

• Deep Value & Discounts 

We work hard to negotiate the lowest available nightly rates--even below the hotel's rack rate. It will be hard to beat our rates, so forget about spending hours searching online for a great deal--just book through onPeak. 

• Fully Flexible Booking   

We know plans change so that's why there are no change fees and no full pre-payment required at the time of booking, unlike most other booking channels. You can make changes or cancel your reservation without penalty until October 9, 2025.  

• Easy Group Bookings 

Book your entire group--large or small--in real-time, with immediate confirmations. Nab the rooms you need now and log in later to assign specific guests. Rooms can be selected based on your team's specific nights and stay patterns, and you can manage payment for your whole block or guarantee each room with separate credit cards--it's that easy. 

• A Sustainable Hotel Stay 

The official SEMA Show hotel provider, onPeak, is available to help you find confidence in living a sustainable lifestyle. View hotel's sustainability plans on their website at onpeak.com/sustainability and read up on a few helpful travel tips at blog.onpeak.com. 

Hotel reservations for the 2025 SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--are now open online here. Registration for the 2025 SEMA Show will open on Monday, April 28.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Industry members have until Friday, March 14, to submit their nominations for induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame, the association's highest honor, at sema.org/hof. The SEMA Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding persons in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or association's growth.

"SEMA's Hall of Fame is a tribute to the leaders and changemakers who have propelled the industry forward in extraordinary ways," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "Each year, we seek to identify new individuals whose vision and accomplishments disrupted the status quo, set new benchmarks for excellence and left an undeniable mark on the industry's success."

Established in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame is one of the association's longest-standing programs. To date, 180 individuals have been inducted, each exemplifying innovation, leadership and positive change within the industry. These trailblazers have played a pivotal role in advancing the aftermarket industry through their dedication and passion.

Nominee qualifications include:

• The candidate must have made contributions that extended beyond the local level and reached throughout the national and/or international level.
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must have conducted himself/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty industry.
• The candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the SEMA Show during the year of induction or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

SEMA is also accepting nominees that have been employed by the association or have served as a contractor and/or vendor of SEMA. In addition to meeting the above qualifications, the nominee must have no less than one year of total separation from SEMA in any and all capacities, arrangements or relationships.

The 2025 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July.

Nominations are due by Friday, March 14, at sema.org/hof. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org. To view a list of SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees, visit this link.

By Kenny Wright

Meet new customers. Promote Your Brand. Sell more products.

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4–7, Las Vegas, will showcase the best brands in the aftermarket and the biggest gathering of buyers and decision-makers commanding serious buying power.

The entire industry will be at the Show--including your target customer. Will your brand be there?

"SEMA is a lot of different things, but it is definitely the single largest gathering of performance brands in the world," said Jason Bruce, a 2024 SEMA Show exhibitor. "There is no better place to meet and see customers and promote your products than the SEMA Show."

Reserve your 2025 SEMA Show booth here, and learn more, including why to exhibit, at semashow.com/exhibitor.

By SEMA News Editors

Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced a new fuel-cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel-cell system is part of its continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.

The all-new system is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines, Toyota said. Additionally, the new system features improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a reduction in costs compared to the prior version.

In addition to passenger vehicles, the system will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America and China after 2026 at the earliest.

Toyota shared the main features of the third-gen FC system include:

• Improvement in durability, up to 2x that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.
• Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the prior generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.
• Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.

The third-gen FC system was unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, February 19, at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan. Toyota, like others in the industry including SEMA, views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality. 

For more information, read the Toyota announcement here.