From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of government and public affairs, and Tony D'Antonio, the CEO of D'Antonio Automotive in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and host of Lost Classics on Last Chance Garage, recently met with the members of the U.S. House of Representatives' Blue Dog Caucus.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the aftermarket: calibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to reflect the modified state of a car, truck or SUV after its ride height and/or profile has been modified. Bailey-Chapman and D'Antonio discussed why this issue is important and the necessity for Congress to enact legislation that enables aftermarket businesses to properly calibrate ADAS, which is crucial for modifying newer vehicles. Blue Dog members were also eager to discuss policy solutions to encourage more young men and women to enter the trades by addressing the barriers that many young automotive entrepreneurs face when seeking the necessary financing to start their own businesses.  
 

 

In its advocacy on behalf of the industry, SEMA's government affairs team continually finds new and creative ways to represent its members, the industry as a whole and the interests of automotive enthusiasts. Accordingly, SEMA was honored that the House Blue Dog Caucus, which comprises ten fiscally responsible and pragmatic House Democratic members, invited us to speak to their members.  

• The Blue Dogs proudly note that the positions they take as a caucus are common sense and consistent with the mainstream values of the American public and are dedicated to transcending party lines to get things done for the American people, such as ensuring a strong national defense for our country and pursuing fiscally responsible policies. 

"Thanks to Blue Dog Chair Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) for inviting Tony and me to speak to the Caucus," said Bailey-Chapman. "It was an honor to speak to their members about the issues that matter to the automotive aftermarket. I enjoyed the thoughtful dialogue with the Blue Dog Caucus and look forward to continuing to work with their members to stand up for the interests of our industry."  

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Chair of the House Blue Dog Caucus (center), speaks with Alex Taylor (left) and Emily Reeves (right) during the 2024 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The racing and performance industry is gathering THIS WEEK at the 2025 PRI Show, December 11-13, in downtown Indianapolis for three days of connection, innovation, development and planning for the race season ahead. Get a sneak peek of the Show below with previews of new parts and products, planned activations, celebrity appearances, Show-week events, educational opportunities and a lot more. 

 

PRI Paddock Takes Center Stage at the 2025 PRI Show

 

PRI has announced a major enhancement to the 2025 PRI Show with the debut of the PRI Paddock, a new activation at the grand entrance of the Indiana Convention Center. A centerpiece of the experience is the Show's iconic hanging car, this year represented by the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by four-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown, continuing a long-standing PRI tradition. 

The Paddock includes a live stage featuring exclusive live interviews, and standout vehicles representing the breadth of racing disciplines at the Show, including a BMW M4 GT3 EVO from SRO GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, a Honda Civic from SCCA Time Attack, a TRAD PRO4 custom off-road truck from Amsoil Champ Off Road, a Schnee-Lawson Sprint Car from the High Limit Racing Series and a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano from Formula Drift. It reflects PRI's commitment to supporting the entire racing community from grassroots competitors to professional teams and manufacturers while connecting attendees with the industry leaders and innovators shaping motorsports. 

Throughout all three days of the PRI Show, the PRI Paddock stage will host driver appearances, industry conversations, expert interviews and opportunities for fans to interact with some of the most influential voices in motorsports. Attendees may also see a surprise visit from a favorite racing driver or team owner. 

Click here for more information, including a full schedule of appearances on the PRI Paddock stage.

 

T.O.P.S. HQ Presented by MyRacePass.com Empowers Track Professionals

 

Motorsports track operators, promoters and sanctioning body leadership and staff will have a dedicated headquarters to conduct business, learn from industry leaders, and grow their professional networks at the 2025 PRI Show.  

 

Happening in rooms 240–245 of the Indiana Convention Center, T.O.P.S. HQ Presented by MyRacePass.com will offer over 42 sessions and learning opportunities designed to help race track professionals strengthen their business. Beyond the educational sessions, the relaxed setting provides the ideal place to engage in peer-to-peer discussions, schedule meetings, take a break, and connect with peers. T.O.P.S. HQ Presented by MyRacePass.com is also supported by Gearhead Events and PJH Trackbite. 

Race tracks play a vital role in motorsports, serving as launchpads for young people to discover the sport, for competitors to sharpen their skills, and for local economies to thrive. According to the 2024 PRI State of the Racing Market Report, 50%​ of race tracks earn more than half of their revenue ​from races, underscoring the importance of staying competitive and adapting to industry shifts. 

Featured Presentations and Events  
 

• Morning Coffee by Gearhead Coffee (Dec. 11-13, Room 242).  
• Industry Leadership Forum (Dec. 11 at 3 pm): A panel of leaders will discuss strategies for attracting the next generation to the sport.  
• Successful Auto Racing Promotion (Dec. 12 at 3 pm): A panel of master promoters will share lessons learned.  
• Friday Continental Breakfast (Dec. 12 at 8:30 am): Enjoy breakfast compliments of Geobrugg, DZE USA LLC, Tecpro Barriers, TrackWalk, and the FOD Control Corp.  
• B.S. & Brews Happy Hour (Dec. 12 at 4:30 pm): Join fellow track operators and peers for beer, snacks, and "big stories." The event is sponsored by MyRacePass.com, RPM Promoters Workshop – Racing Promotion Monthly, Professional Motorsports Solutions, TicketSpice, and PJH Trackbite.  

 

Education Topics  
 

• Legislative Updates: Learn how to master your political universe using the PRI Economic Report and paths to incubating the Nuisance Law.  
• Marketing, Social Media, and Promotion: Explore updates in technology for ticketing, scoring and event management; content engagement; AI best practices; and digital marketing.  
• Racing Roundtables: Hear from industry experts in road racing, karting, oval paved, off-road, dirt track, and dirt late model facilities.  
• Track Operation Breakouts: Hear from announcers and race officials, plus attend sessions on enhancing the fan experience and better understanding race insurance. 
• Trends and Tactics in Motorsports Safety by ICMS: Join sessions covering EV racing, what's new in safety, NFPA 610, and finding and keeping safety crews.  

For more information, including a full schedule of T.O.P.S. HQ events and education sessions, click here.

 

2025 PRI Show Brings Multiple Sim Racing Events and Competitions to Indianapolis

 

The 2025 PRI Show features a showcase of sim racing, esports innovation and hands-on motorsports experiences with multiple activations at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Leading organizations, including DALLARA-AK ESPORTS, Podium 1, SIMCraft, SRO America and Team America/Init Esports, will bring professional-grade simulators, competitive events and educational programming to attendees during the Show.

SRO America Expands the SIM Racing Arena

SRO America returns to the 2025 PRI Show with an expanded SIM Racing Arena, putting the spotlight on the fast-growing world of sim racing and motorsports innovation. The event features daily invitational races with top esports competitors competing on professional-grade rigs, including Fanatec Clubsport GT cockpits, DD-Plus Direct Drive bases, Clubsport pedals and MSI 49-inch monitors powered by high-performance MSI gaming PCs. These setups provide the precision, realism and performance used by professional drivers worldwide.

All competitions will stream live on SRO Motorsports Twitch and GTWorld YouTube, giving fans across the globe front-row access to the action. Beyond racing, the arena offers interactive demos, hands-on experiences with cutting-edge sim hardware, educational sessions and panel discussions with industry experts, highlighting the latest advancements in sim technology and its growing influence on the motorsports industry.   

Podium 1 Showcases Turnkey Systems, New Products and Pro Driver Activations

Podium 1 brings a full lineup of professional-grade sim technology to the PRI Show, giving attendees the chance to test industry-leading 6DOF, 4DOF and 3DOF motion systems featuring Qubic Motion Systems and Vero Motion platforms. The activation includes multiple new product unveilings, including the Simucube SC3 Pro, Simucube Co-Pedals, BDH Active Shifter, VPG Porsche Wheel and more.

Special guest Tony Kanaan joins the Podium 1 lineup alongside the Arrow McLaren NTT INDYCAR SERIES team, offering attendees opportunities to meet the racing legend and compete against his lap times for chances to win official McLaren items. Autograph sessions with Kanaan are scheduled for Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 2:00-2:30 p.m., and Friday from 10:00-10:30 a.m. A McLaren Arrow IndyCar and a Radical SR3XXR will also be on display for photo opportunities.

Team America Debuts the Nation's Best at PRI Show -- Powered by Init Esports

Team America, powered by Init Esports, is bringing the nation's top sim-racing competitors to the PRI Show for an in-person showdown. The top 12 athletes from the 2025 TEAM AMERICA Talent Scouts Competition powered by MOZA Racing have earned their place in the national finale at the PRI Show. On Saturday afternoon they will go head-to-head in the TEAM AMERICA Time Trial Challenge racing live on MOZA Racing equipment in front of manufacturers, media and motorsport leaders. PRI attendees can also compete by setting hot laps at the Team America booth on Thursday and Friday for a chance to earn one of the final spots on the Saturday grid.

"Team America is all about taking our incredible online community and putting it side-by-side in real life, and there's no better place to do that than at PRI," said Stefy Bau, founder of Init Esports.

DALLARA-AK ESPORTS Gets Attendees Behind the Wheel

DALLARA and AK Informatica launched DALLARA-AK ESPORTS earlier this year, a joint venture aimed at establishing Indianapolis as a global hub for sim racing. At the PRI Show, attendees can compete on Assetto Corsa Competizione simulators, racing GT cars on historic tracks. The activation gives fans a chance to experience the precision and excitement of professional-grade sim racing while engaging with one of motorsports' most innovative partnerships.

For more information, click here.

 

PRI Show Spotlight: Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard Fame to Display Rally Vehicle

 

Photo courtesy of Chris Allen/Chris Creation Machine.

 

Vivian Campbell of Def Leppard will bring his "miRAGE" Mitsubishi Mirage R4, which competes in the American Rally Association, to the PRI Show. He will also appear in the PRI Paddock for a live interview on Saturday, December 13.

If a correlation can be made between playing the guitar at the highest level in a world-renowned rock band and driving a rally car then Vivian Campbell has found a way to work it out. Both require absolute commitment to perform on each stage, plus finesse and skills beyond normal comprehension that can deliver euphoria.  

Veteran rock guitarist Campbell has excelled at his melodious craft in one of the world's most famous bands for more than 30 years. He also played in Dio on the band's first three albums, was a member of Whitesnake during the band's big-hair heyday in the latter '80s and was an original member of Northern Ireland's Sweet Savage. 

While Campbell has earned his reputation as an exceptional guitarist and made a career by playing music, that wasn't enough. Now, he is fulfilling his childhood dreams of racing lore and feeding that passion as an adult in rally racing. Campbell competes in the American Rally Association (ARA) and will bring his rally car to the 2025 PRI Show, where you can see it on display in the Green Lobby of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) in Aisle 7100 in between Hammertown and the PAC Lounge. You can't miss it. It will be covered with Def Leppard logos and the logos from other bands he's played in over the years. 

In addition, he will be interviewed live at the PRI Paddock, located in the Yellow Hall at the Capitol Avenue entrance of the ICC, on Saturday, December 13, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

To read the full interview with Campbell, click here.

 

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Registration for 2025 PRI Show

The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the world, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media and others. To register, book hotel accommodations and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.

The following is a message to SEMA Members from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola about the 2026 Board of Directors nominations, which are now open to SEMA members online here:

Dear SEMA Member,

As a valued member of the association, we invite your recommendations for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Please take a moment to submit the name of an individual you believe would be an excellent candidate by completing and submitting a Nomination Form.
 

A strong board ensures strong leadership and an association that effectively serves its members. We encourage your participation in the nomination process--our industry has many exceptional professionals who would be a tremendous asset to the board, and your recommendations help bring these individuals to the attention of the nominating committee.
 

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due by January 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
 

Thank you for your engagement and continued support of the association.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

This article was originally published on Tuesday, December 2.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

President Trump has announced plans to significantly roll back federal fuel-economy standards to levels established prior to the Biden Administration.  
 

Using the federal rulemaking process, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposes relaxing federal fuel-economy standards for model-year (MY) '22-'31 light-duty vehicles to 34.5 miles per gallon (mpg), down from the 50.4 miles per gallon threshold set by the Biden Administration. Under the proposed rule, the unwinding would be complete by 2031; additionally, crossovers and small SUVs would be reclassified as passenger vehicles, rather than as light trucks.
 

• Click here to read the White House's fact sheet on the Reset of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards.

 

SEMA supports the proposed standards, which help automakers to produce vehicles that the marketplace demands. While aftermarket businesses are not subject to CAFE standards, this proposal is expected to provide automakers with the flexibility they need to produce the types of vehicles that are embraced by automotive enthusiasts and are often modified.

This policy shift follows the adoption of the "One, Big Beautiful Bill" in July, which eliminated penalties assessed to automakers that failed to meet fuel-economy targets. This represented a significant change in federal law and reflects a broader move by President Trump and congressional Republicans to provide automakers with greater flexibility to produce and sell vehicles based on consumer demands. It is also a significant move away from previous federal policies that pushed OEMs and consumers to favor electric vehicles over those with internal combustion engines.

SEMA will review the proposed CAFE regulation and provide official comments to DOT on the proposal (the comment deadline will be in mid-January).

 

This story was originally published on December 4, 2025.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

President Trump has announced plans to significantly roll back federal fuel-economy standards to levels established prior to the Biden Administration.  
 

Using the federal rulemaking process, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposes relaxing federal fuel-economy standards for model-year (MY) '22-'31 light-duty vehicles to 34.5 miles per gallon (mpg), down from the 50.4 miles per gallon threshold set by the Biden Administration. Under the proposed rule, the unwinding would be complete by 2031; additionally, crossovers and small SUVs would be reclassified as passenger vehicles, rather than as light trucks.
 

• Click here to read the White House's fact sheet on the Reset of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards.

 

SEMA supports the proposed standards, which help automakers to produce vehicles that the marketplace demands. While aftermarket businesses are not subject to CAFE standards, this proposal is expected to provide automakers with the flexibility they need to produce the types of vehicles that are embraced by automotive enthusiasts and are often modified.

This policy shift follows the adoption of the "One, Big Beautiful Bill" in July, which eliminated penalties assessed to automakers that failed to meet fuel-economy targets. This represented a significant change in federal law and reflects a broader move by President Trump and congressional Republicans to provide automakers with greater flexibility to produce and sell vehicles based on consumer demands. It is also a significant move away from previous federal policies that pushed OEMs and consumers to favor electric vehicles over those with internal combustion engines.

SEMA will review the proposed CAFE regulation and provide official comments to DOT on the proposal (the comment deadline will be in mid-January).

 

This story was originally published on December 4, 2025.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.
 

Hawk Performance

Sales Manager in Medina, Ohio

The high-performance friction product manufacturer is seeking a sales manager to plan and manage all sales activities within an assigned market.

 

BluePrint Engines

Engines Product Manager in Kearney, Nebraska

This role will drive the new product commercialization process and product life cycle for the crate engine manufacturer.

 

The AAM Group

Marketing & Training Manager in Piney Flats, Tennessee

The AAM Group is searching for a marketing and training manager to support the growth and success of its newest program, the Diesel Pro Network.
 

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Whether you're an employer or an industry professional, the SEMA Career Center offers powerful tools—like resume writing help, coaching and employer search features for job seekers, plus free internship postings and affordable access to qualified candidates for employers. Get started at jobs.sema.org. 

SEMA makes no representation or warranty of any kind concerning the reliability or accuracy of information provided directly or indirectly on or through semajobs.com or its related sites. All information is provided on an "as-is" basis. Users of this site do so at their own risk. Read more Terms & Conditions here.

By SEMA News Editors

 

Dorman Strengthens Industry Support with $25,000 Donation to AACF
 

 

Dorman Products has strengthened its support of aftermarket families experiencing sudden hardship with a recent donation of $25,000 to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), the organization announced.
 

The gift continues Dorman's tradition of giving back and reinforces the company's commitment to the people who power the automotive aftermarket, AACF representatives said.

"Dorman has been a loyal and compassionate partner for many years," said AACF President Jon Owens. "Their continued generosity helps ensure AACF can respond quickly and meaningfully when an aftermarket family finds themselves in crisis. Their support directly strengthens our ability to deliver help when it's needed most."

AACF provides emergency assistance to individuals and families across every segment of the automotive aftermarket who are facing life-changing challenges such as medical emergencies, catastrophic accidents, natural disasters, or unexpected financial crises. The foundation's support has eased the burden for hundreds of families nationwide.

"At Dorman, we believe in doing what's right for the people who make our industry thrive," said Dorman Chief Human Resources Officer Scott Leff. "Supporting AACF is our way of standing beside our aftermarket family when life takes an unexpected turn. We're proud to help advance AACF's mission and ensure that families in need have somewhere to turn."

As a Champion Donor, Dorman joins a dedicated group of partners whose generosity empowers AACF to continue its work and expand its reach to more families across the country.

For more information or to become a Champion Donor contact Misty Walker, Misty@AftermarketCharity.org.

 

Hispanic Motor Press Reveals 2026 Vehicle Award Winners at L.A. Auto Show
 

The Hispanic Motor Press announced the winners of the 2026 Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) during the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.
 

The 16th annual HMPA program recognized the best new model-year '26 vehicles in five categories for Hispanic car buyers, with awards presented to executives from each winning manufacturer.

"With so many brands and models to choose from, and manufacturer advancements in technology, safety features, infotainment and cleaner mobility, we help guide Hispanic car buyers, who represent one in four of new-vehicle purchases," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president of the Hispanic Motor Press. "The United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, making it culturally vital to reach this consumer in their own language."

The 2026 HMPA vehicle winners as best of their class are:
 

• Best EV: Hyundai IONIQ 9
• Best Family Car: Kia Carnival
• Best SUV: Toyota RAV4
• Best Pick-Up Truck: RAM 1500
• Best Luxury: Lincoln Navigator

All 2026 HMPA finalist vehicles offer a positive overall ownership experience and are considered the most significant automobiles in the market, as they meet the needs and desires of Hispanic consumers. The 16 auto manufacturers voluntarily submitted their entries, and the 16-member jury panel evaluated vehicles during an 8-month testing period from January to September 2025. Evaluation criteria included safety of occupants, technology integration, ergonomics, overall content and price.

The 2025 HMPA Jury Panel is comprised of independent Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators and industry influencers.

For more information, visit hispanicmotorpress.org.

Sponsored by FiTech Fuel Injection

FiTech Fuel Injection is excited to announce that the Nemesis 4500 1600 HP EFI System is now shipping.
 

Engineered for high-horsepower applications and built with real-world performance in mind, the Nemesis combines race-ready capabilities with a high-flow throttle body engineered for both drivability and wide-open throttle domination.

Delivering 1820 CFM at 20.4 inH₂O and 2146 CFM at 28 inH₂O, the Nemesis provides the airflow needed for today’s boosted, nitrous and naturally aspirated race engines. Its parabolic entry and massive 2.300-in. throttle blades ensure crisp throttle response at low speeds while unlocking maximum top-end power.

The Nemesis is a complete EFI system. Each kit comes fully equipped with 8 injectors, dual IAC motors, a primary shaft TPS, 3-bar TMAP compatibility, ECU, wiring harness and all essential sensors—everything required to control up to 1,600 hp* with confidence. Available in raw aluminum finish compatible with gas and E85, or hard anodized matte black finish that’s compatible with E85-plus and methanol, making it suitable for a broad range of performance fuels.

Built on a CNC-machined aluminum body for precision and durability, the Nemesis is ready for any strip or competition use. Every system is backed by FiTech's three-year limited warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

For more information, visit FiTechEFI.com or call (951) 340-2624.

*Horsepower rated based on naturally aspirated gasoline, with utilizing a fuel system (pump, hoses, etc.) that supports that power.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
 

Same, But Different: BMW Continues Parallel Development of 3-Series and i3 Sedans
 

 

BMW 3-Series prototype
 

BMW has dozens of new and refreshed vehicles in the works, including the future 3-Series and its electric-vehicle (EV) sibling, the i3.

Although it's reasonable to assume that both models share the same construction, the gas-powered and electric sedans actually feature different architectures. The EV sits on a dedicated electric-powered platform, while the gas-powered 3-Series utilizes an updated variant of BMW's CLAR platform.

Due to the "Neue Klasse" design at the front and rear, which mixes some traditional-inspired styling cues with new lines, the '27 BMW 3-Series and future i3 will look very similar. However, there are a few distinct differences between the two. For instance, the EV model will have a more upright roofline and a slightly flatter trunk design, whereas the gas-powered 3-Series will sport a roofline that is a bit more arched toward the rear.
 

 

BMW 3-Series prototype
 

Even the placement of the fuel filler door and charging port will be different. Sure, they both sit on the right rear quarter-panel of each respective model, yet on the i3, it is located closer to the taillight rather than the rear door, whereas on the 3-Series, the fuel filler door sits closer to the front. This further suggests that the two models do not share that much between them, at least on the outside, yet we expect them to have similar interiors, which will also include the pillar-to-pillar display.
 

BMW's next-gen 3-Series will launch with an updated powertrain family, which will also include a new M350 and a fresh M3. The former is expected to offer more than 400 hp, whereas the latter might exceed 600 hp, with some outlets claiming that it might boast almost 700 hp in total from its electrified assembly.
 

 

BMW i3 prototype
 

An iM3 is also in the making as an EV alternative to the gasoline-fed M3, which will supposedly feature four electric motors that kick out a combined 700-plus hp. However, this information hasn't been confirmed. The lesser i3 models will likely share the same powertrain setup with the latest iX3 crossover, including the dual-motor assembly rated at 463 hp found in the 50 xDrive variant, with a 108.7-kWh battery pack that enables a range of close to 500 miles in the high-rider.
 

The new i3 and 3-Series might be '27 models when they hit the market, whereas the iM3 and M3 could debut for the '28 model year.

 

Facelift Coming for Gas-Powered Mercedes-Benz GLC

 

 

Last redesigned in 2022, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is preparing for a mid-cycle refresh that brings forth the star-motif signature lighting introduced by the redesigned CLA. But weirdly enough, the first prototypes of the facelifted GLC don't have starry taillights.
 

Pictured in GLC SUV and GLC Coupe forms, the facelift is masked up front exclusively. In addition to revised front lighting units, Mercedes-Benz designers worked their magic on the radiator grille and bumper. An interior update should be on the menu, especially when taking into consideration that the CLA is available with a passenger screen.

Similar to the CLA, the internal-combustion GLC should receive fourth-generation MBUX infotainment with the Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The compact sedan is equipped with a 10.25-in. digital instrument cluster and 14 in. of touchscreen infotainment, with the optional passenger display matching the central screen.
 

Currently running third-gen MBUX infotainment, the GLC is also primed to receive MBUX Surround Navigation and MB.DRIVE Parking Assist. On the powertrain front, German media has reported that both the AMG versions will be discontinued in 2026. Similar to the C43 and C63, the upcoming models are getting an electrified inline-six powertrain.

The AMG version of the M256 already powers the likes of the GT 43, CLE 53 and E 53 HYBRID, with the latter packing a combined 604 hp in boost mode. Lower down the spectrum, the GLC SUV and GLC Coupe should continue to rely on four-pot engines with either plug-in hybrid or 48-volt assistance.

Most or all current powertrain options will be updated to meet Euro 7 regulations, with Mercedes-Benz denying the BMW engine deal rumor that was first reported by German business publication Manager Magazine. The report claimed that Mercedes was in advanced talks with BMW to purchase B48 engines for plug-in hybrid applications.
 

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Melissa Scheu, sales manager at Unlimited Performance, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Scheu 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? 

Melissa Scheu: I have been working in the family business for 15 years, with the last 12 years being full-time. In 1985, my parents opened a local speed shop. Rather than going to daycare like most kids my age did, I spent my days hanging out with the mechanics and running around the shop while both my parents worked. 

The part I enjoy most is that no day is the same. The type of business my family has built over the years allows for the flexibility of having each day not like the last. We pride ourselves in specializing in a diverse range of different projects, including complete drivetrain restorations and mods on race cars. 
 

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

MS: The most challenging part of the job is trying to always deliver the best product, job and up-to-date information for our customers, while being a female in a male-dominated industry. We are constantly learning, growing and trying to be knowledgeable in all different aspects of this industry. 
 

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

MS: Professionally, I have been in the industry for 15 years, with my first industry job being a parts driver. 

When it came time to start working, I started as a parts driver in the family business. As time went on, I moved to stock/parts girl, then into a service writer position for the shop side of the business. After five years of managing the shop, I transitioned into the sales side of the business. I eventually took on managing the storefront and looking after all purchasing for the company. I also took on marketing, building and managing our social media pages, assisting in developing our website, attending local trade shows/car shows and planning shop events. 
 

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

MS: I believe my determination, patience and integrity have contributed to where I am today. These qualities feed my drive to learn and develop myself professionally, while staying true to myself through honesty and taking pride and ownership in the work that I do. 
 

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

MS: I think the biggest challenge for me was being seen as an equal by peers and customers. And most importantly, being allowed to have a voice in a conversation while being respected. 

I will be the first to admit that I do not know everything. But I will always be pushing myself to learn and grow. The more I can experience, the more I can bring to the position and the business. I believe that as a female in this industry, we need to give ourselves grace. There will be days we will feel defeated but tomorrow is a new day. 
 

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

MS: My dad. He has and continues to be my biggest role model. After watching both my parents build their business, the hard work and dedication it took, it has always been something I have admired. I have been extremely fortunate to have such an incredible person in my corner, being my biggest supporter and always cheering me on. The countless hours he has spent teaching me and encouraging me with endless patience is remarkable. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him knows just what an amazing and kind person he is. The knowledge and passion he has for this industry is immeasurable. 
 

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

MS: I think the best advice I was ever given was not given in relation to a career, but when I attended the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School. He told us in his classroom session that there were three things to remember to be successful: be calm, have confidence and have control. I think this applies to life in general, not just in racing. It is something that I say to myself all the time in different moments of life. Keep calm on the bad or difficult days, have confidence in yourself that you can accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to, and to have control of what is in front of you. Take control of constant learning, being organized and remember to have fun and enjoy the life you are living. 
 

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

MS: Growing up around an automotive shop along with the drag racing world, it all unfolded naturally. Besides working personally in the industry, I grew up drag racing alongside my father and older brother. I started in JR Dragsters and then went on to get my Top Dragster license. Having grown up around cars, it has always been a passion of mine. It's in my blood. Getting to be involved in racing with my father and brother has been a shared hobby and something we do as a family, so working within the industry is an extension of the passion we all share. 
 

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

MS: I don't think I have just one specific person who has been the most influential. I would say watching other women within our industry has been the biggest impact for me to push forward to new goals. There are so many incredibly talented women within the automotive and drag racing world that it fuels my drive to experience and learn more each day. 

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