From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A proclamation by President Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their parts, including engines, transmissions, tires and chassis components. President Trump’s action also imposes a 10% tariff on imported buses (i.e. school buses, transit buses and motorcoaches). The tariffs apply to the impacted trucks, buses and parts that enter the United States or are withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on November 1, 2025.  

• Read the White House's fact sheet here.

Highlights of This Recent News

• A 25% tariff will apply to the full value of imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks ranging from Class 3 through Class 8 vehicles, including large pickup trucks, moving trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, and tractors for eighteen-wheelers. This will have a big impact on the work truck segment of our industry.  
• Medium- and heavy-duty trucks that qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be subject to tariffs on the non-U.S. content of the vehicle. 
• Medium- and heavy-duty truck parts that are covered by USMCA will not be subject to tariffs until the U.S. Department of Commerce establishes a process to apply tariffs to the non-U.S. content of the parts. 
• The tariffs do not stack on top of existing steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles and auto parts on tariffs from Canada, Brazil, Mexico or India. 

The tariffs are designed to protect the U.S. trucking and bus-manufacturing industries and are being imposed under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. According to the White House, imports of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, their key parts and buses are now deemed to pose a potential “threat to national security,” and the Trump Administration has responded with new duties.  

• Click here to read the full executive action. 

The Executive Action also includes a section designed to reduce the tariff impacts on automakers that manufacture vehicles in the United States yet source parts and components from around the world.  

• The action extends and expands a tariff offset program that allows companies assembling motor vehicles domestically to claim a credit worth 3.75% of the MSRP of those vehicles for 2025 through 2030. This credit helps to offset the 25% tariffs on imported parts and give automakers time to reshore their parts supply.  
• Previously, this offset was scheduled to expire after two years. The action notes that a similar credit will be introduced for truck-engine producers, though it will take effect later. 
• The 3.75% offset reflects the duty that would be owed when a 25% tariff is applied to 15% of the value of a U.S.-assembled automobile. 

SEMA's government relations team is closely monitoring updates from the White House. If you have any questions, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA/PRI and a coalition of 339 small businesses are urging Congress to secure passage of the "Warrior Right to Repair Act," a component of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (read more here). The bill would ensure the U.S. military can repair and maintain the equipment that it owns, a mission-critical protection of military readiness and our warfighters' ability to quickly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions and needs. 

• In their letter, the coalition's automotive aftermarket businesses remind lawmakers that the industry of which they are a part is comprised of American businesses who deliver precision manufacturing, technical innovation and high-performance engineering, and is thus uniquely positioned to help the Department of Defense meet its sustainment and readiness goals.  

"Outdated restrictions are holding us--and the Department of Defense--back right now," the letter says. "This is about ensuring the government can maintain and repair what it already owns. It’s about making sure the Department of Defense has access to every capable partner in the country to keep our military mission ready."

• Read the full coalition letter. 

BACKGROUND 

If passed, the Warrior Right to Repair Act (Section 863 of H.R. 3838and Section 836 of S. 2296) will: 

• Expand competition for sustainment contracts to include more U.S. businesses; 
• Drive innovation in repair processes and specialty component production; 
• Improve readiness by reducing sole-source delays and equipment downtime; 
• Lower costs for taxpayers through competitive sourcing and open access to repairs; and  
• Strengthen the defense industrial base by bringing in capable, agile suppliers.

The automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries are overwhelmingly comprised of small businesses whose products are shining examples of America's engineering superiority and unparalleled ability to innovate. Many businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry, including specialty equipment manufacturers, aftermarket innovators and precision part suppliers, have the capability, capacity, and technical expertise to: 

• Rapidly reverse-engineer and produce specialty components and hard-to-source parts; 
• Deliver cost-effective and customized solutions on accelerated timelines; 
• Provide flexible, decentralized repair capacity to reduce downtime and increase resilience; and 
• Expand the defense sustainment ecosystem through supplier diversity and small business participation. 

For more information, visit sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA/PRI and a coalition of 339 small businesses are urging Congress to secure passage of the "Warrior Right to Repair Act," a component of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (read more here). The bill would ensure the U.S. military can repair and maintain the equipment that it owns, a mission-critical protection of military readiness and our warfighters' ability to quickly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions and needs. 

• In their letter, the coalition's automotive aftermarket businesses remind lawmakers that the industry of which they are a part is comprised of American businesses who deliver precision manufacturing, technical innovation and high-performance engineering, and is thus uniquely positioned to help the Department of Defense meet its sustainment and readiness goals.  

"Outdated restrictions are holding us--and the Department of Defense--back right now," the letter says. "This is about ensuring the government can maintain and repair what it already owns. It’s about making sure the Department of Defense has access to every capable partner in the country to keep our military mission ready."

• Read the full coalition letter. 

BACKGROUND 

If passed, the Warrior Right to Repair Act (Section 863 of H.R. 3838and Section 836 of S. 2296) will: 

• Expand competition for sustainment contracts to include more U.S. businesses; 
• Drive innovation in repair processes and specialty component production; 
• Improve readiness by reducing sole-source delays and equipment downtime; 
• Lower costs for taxpayers through competitive sourcing and open access to repairs; and  
• Strengthen the defense industrial base by bringing in capable, agile suppliers.

The automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries are overwhelmingly comprised of small businesses whose products are shining examples of America's engineering superiority and unparalleled ability to innovate. Many businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry, including specialty equipment manufacturers, aftermarket innovators and precision part suppliers, have the capability, capacity, and technical expertise to: 

• Rapidly reverse-engineer and produce specialty components and hard-to-source parts; 
• Deliver cost-effective and customized solutions on accelerated timelines; 
• Provide flexible, decentralized repair capacity to reduce downtime and increase resilience; and 
• Expand the defense sustainment ecosystem through supplier diversity and small business participation. 

For more information, visit sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA/PRI and a coalition of 339 small businesses are urging Congress to secure passage of the "Warrior Right to Repair Act," a component of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (read more here). The bill would ensure the U.S. military can repair and maintain the equipment that it owns, a mission-critical protection of military readiness and our warfighters' ability to quickly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions and needs. 

• In their letter, the coalition's automotive aftermarket businesses remind lawmakers that the industry of which they are a part is comprised of American businesses who deliver precision manufacturing, technical innovation and high-performance engineering, and is thus uniquely positioned to help the Department of Defense meet its sustainment and readiness goals.  

"Outdated restrictions are holding us--and the Department of Defense--back right now," the letter says. "This is about ensuring the government can maintain and repair what it already owns. It’s about making sure the Department of Defense has access to every capable partner in the country to keep our military mission ready."

• Read the full coalition letter. 

BACKGROUND 

If passed, the Warrior Right to Repair Act (Section 863 of H.R. 3838and Section 836 of S. 2296) will: 

• Expand competition for sustainment contracts to include more U.S. businesses; 
• Drive innovation in repair processes and specialty component production; 
• Improve readiness by reducing sole-source delays and equipment downtime; 
• Lower costs for taxpayers through competitive sourcing and open access to repairs; and  
• Strengthen the defense industrial base by bringing in capable, agile suppliers.

The automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries are overwhelmingly comprised of small businesses whose products are shining examples of America's engineering superiority and unparalleled ability to innovate. Many businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry, including specialty equipment manufacturers, aftermarket innovators and precision part suppliers, have the capability, capacity, and technical expertise to: 

• Rapidly reverse-engineer and produce specialty components and hard-to-source parts; 
• Deliver cost-effective and customized solutions on accelerated timelines; 
• Provide flexible, decentralized repair capacity to reduce downtime and increase resilience; and 
• Expand the defense sustainment ecosystem through supplier diversity and small business participation. 

For more information, visit sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Experience SEMA Fest 2025 on Friday, November 7, where live music meets motorsports mayhem. This one-night-only event features chart-topping bands and adrenaline-pumping automotive activations you won’t find during the rest of the week at the SEMA Show.

Queens of the Stone Age will headline SEMA Fest 2025 with a high-energy set that's guaranteed to shake the SEMA Show stage. Known for hits like "No One Knows," "Go With the Flow," "Little Sister" and "The Way You Used to Do," the multi-platinum band will bring their iconic sound to one of the industry's most anticipated nights of the year. The Black Crowes will shift the crowd into party mode when they hit the stage to perform some of their greatest hits live, including "She Talks to Angels," "Hard to Handle," "Remedy" and more. Neon Trees, known for their chart-topping anthems like "Animal" and "Everybody Talks," will start the lineup of bands with their signature mix of infectious pop-rock and vibrant stage presence. 

But SEMA Fest is more than just a concert--it's a full-throttle celebration where music meets motorsports. Between sets, fans can check out wild custom builds, jaw-dropping drifting demos and burnouts, lifestyle vendors, and the kind of festival vibes you can only find among like-minded enthusiasts during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

SEMA Fest officially opens on Friday at 9:00 a.m. PST with heart-pounding motorsports activations like HOONIGAN (Silver Lot 3), Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem (Silver Lot 1), HorsePower Rodeo (Diamond Lot), and OPTIMA Unleashed (Bronze Lot).

Where else can you see this incredible music lineup combined with heart-pounding motorsports--all with a single ticket? For just $90 (including fees!), attendees can experience three top-tier bands, high-octane automotive activations, and the energy of Las Vegas in one unforgettable day.

Arrive early to take full advantage of everything happening on campus. Please note that parking will be unavailable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and SEMA Cruise street closures may be in effect. Therefore, early arrival is highly recommended to enjoy the full SEMA Fest experience.

2025 SEMA Fest Fan Details

Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations through the official SEMA Show housing partner, onPeak, to access exclusive rates and benefits at top Las Vegas hotels at compass.onpeak.com/e/63SEM2025HIR/0.

Please note that parking will be unavailable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and SEMA Cruise street closures may be in effect. Therefore, we highly recommend arriving early to enjoy the whole SEMA Fest experience.

Guests may use nearby off-campus lots (subject to daily fees and availability):

• Piero's Italian Cuisine – 355 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Westgate – 3009 Joe W Brown Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Residence Inn – 3225 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Courtyard Las Vegas – 3275 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• SpringHill Suites – 2989 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Fontainebleau – 2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Embassy Suites – 3600 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

Oversized vehicle parking inquiries should be directed to each property. Additional nearby parking options may also be found through apps such as Parkopedia and SpotHero. 

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com.
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This story was originally published on October 21, 2025. Prices subject to change.

By SEMA News Editors

Experience SEMA Fest 2025 on Friday, November 7, where live music meets motorsports mayhem. This one-night-only event features chart-topping bands and adrenaline-pumping automotive activations you won’t find during the rest of the week at the SEMA Show.

Queens of the Stone Age will headline SEMA Fest 2025 with a high-energy set that's guaranteed to shake the SEMA Show stage. Known for hits like "No One Knows," "Go With the Flow," "Little Sister" and "The Way You Used to Do," the multi-platinum band will bring their iconic sound to one of the industry's most anticipated nights of the year. The Black Crowes will shift the crowd into party mode when they hit the stage to perform some of their greatest hits live, including "She Talks to Angels," "Hard to Handle," "Remedy" and more. Neon Trees, known for their chart-topping anthems like "Animal" and "Everybody Talks," will start the lineup of bands with their signature mix of infectious pop-rock and vibrant stage presence. 

But SEMA Fest is more than just a concert--it's a full-throttle celebration where music meets motorsports. Between sets, fans can check out wild custom builds, jaw-dropping drifting demos and burnouts, lifestyle vendors, and the kind of festival vibes you can only find among like-minded enthusiasts during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

SEMA Fest officially opens on Friday at 9:00 a.m. PST with heart-pounding motorsports activations like HOONIGAN (Silver Lot 3), Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem (Silver Lot 1), HorsePower Rodeo (Diamond Lot), and OPTIMA Unleashed (Bronze Lot).

Where else can you see this incredible music lineup combined with heart-pounding motorsports--all with a single ticket? For just $90 (including fees!), attendees can experience three top-tier bands, high-octane automotive activations, and the energy of Las Vegas in one unforgettable day.

Arrive early to take full advantage of everything happening on campus. Please note that parking will be unavailable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and SEMA Cruise street closures may be in effect. Therefore, early arrival is highly recommended to enjoy the full SEMA Fest experience.

2025 SEMA Fest Fan Details

Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations through the official SEMA Show housing partner, onPeak, to access exclusive rates and benefits at top Las Vegas hotels at compass.onpeak.com/e/63SEM2025HIR/0.

Please note that parking will be unavailable at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and SEMA Cruise street closures may be in effect. Therefore, we highly recommend arriving early to enjoy the whole SEMA Fest experience.

Guests may use nearby off-campus lots (subject to daily fees and availability):

• Piero's Italian Cuisine – 355 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Westgate – 3009 Joe W Brown Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Residence Inn – 3225 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Courtyard Las Vegas – 3275 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• SpringHill Suites – 2989 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Fontainebleau – 2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
• Embassy Suites – 3600 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

Oversized vehicle parking inquiries should be directed to each property. Additional nearby parking options may also be found through apps such as Parkopedia and SpotHero. 

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com.
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This story was originally published on October 21, 2025. Prices subject to change.

By SEMA News Editors

Filmmaker and car enthusiast Sung Kang, known for his role as Han in "The Fast and the Furious" film franchise, is bringing a sneak peek of his upcoming film "DRIFTER" to the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Kang wrote, directed and starred in the story of a solitary janitor who finds redemption and belonging through the competitive drifting scene. Set to be released in 2026, the film reflects his belief that cars can bring people together through creativity and purpose. 

At the SEMA Show, visitors will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at "DRIFTER" and see the film's hero car "Lola," a Toyota Corolla AE86, up close. Fans can explore the craftsmanship behind the cars, experience the excitement of drifting culture brought to life on the show floor and hear about the film before its official release. Kang will hold daily Q&A sessions and meet fans. 

"SEMA represents everything that is important to me about car culture," Kang said. "It is a place where passionate enthusiasts come together with the aftermarket industry to build a strong car community. I am thankful to everyone for the years of support that helped me make my dreams come true with 'DRIFTER.'" 

Kang's connection to car culture runs deep. He has previously debuted several celebrated builds at the SEMA Show, including the award-winning Fugu Z Datsun 240Z, the Project Underdog Ford Maverick built with high school students and the Doc Z. This year, he returns to SEMA with the Fugu Z for its 10-year anniversary and the debut of his latest creation, the Veilside 240Z nicknamed 78.  

"Experiences like Sung Kang's 'DRIFTER' at the SEMA Show illustrate why this event is the premier destination for automotive enthusiasts and industry leaders," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "It brings together creativity, car culture and innovation in a way that highlights the passion driving this community." 

"'DRIFTER' offers attendees a rare chance to step into the world of cinematic car culture," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From seeing multiple builds of Lola the AE86 to engaging the creative minds behind the project, it's an immersive experience that brings the film's energy to life on the Show floor." 

Kang will also serve as host of the debut of SEMA Industry Honors, taking place Thursday, November 6, at the BleauLive Theater inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The event highlights achievements and contributions within the automotive community and underscores Kang's role as a respected voice in the industry. 

There's Still Time to Register for the 2025 SEMA Show 

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

Filmmaker and car enthusiast Sung Kang, known for his role as Han in "The Fast and the Furious" film franchise, is bringing a sneak peek of his upcoming film "DRIFTER" to the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Kang wrote, directed and starred in the story of a solitary janitor who finds redemption and belonging through the competitive drifting scene. Set to be released in 2026, the film reflects his belief that cars can bring people together through creativity and purpose. 

At the SEMA Show, visitors will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at "DRIFTER" and see the film's hero car "Lola," a Toyota Corolla AE86, up close. Fans can explore the craftsmanship behind the cars, experience the excitement of drifting culture brought to life on the show floor and hear about the film before its official release. Kang will hold daily Q&A sessions and meet fans. 

"SEMA represents everything that is important to me about car culture," Kang said. "It is a place where passionate enthusiasts come together with the aftermarket industry to build a strong car community. I am thankful to everyone for the years of support that helped me make my dreams come true with 'DRIFTER.'" 

Kang's connection to car culture runs deep. He has previously debuted several celebrated builds at the SEMA Show, including the award-winning Fugu Z Datsun 240Z, the Project Underdog Ford Maverick built with high school students and the Doc Z. This year, he returns to SEMA with the Fugu Z for its 10-year anniversary and the debut of his latest creation, the Veilside 240Z nicknamed 78.  

"Experiences like Sung Kang's 'DRIFTER' at the SEMA Show illustrate why this event is the premier destination for automotive enthusiasts and industry leaders," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "It brings together creativity, car culture and innovation in a way that highlights the passion driving this community." 

"'DRIFTER' offers attendees a rare chance to step into the world of cinematic car culture," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "From seeing multiple builds of Lola the AE86 to engaging the creative minds behind the project, it's an immersive experience that brings the film's energy to life on the Show floor." 

Kang will also serve as host of the debut of SEMA Industry Honors, taking place Thursday, November 6, at the BleauLive Theater inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The event highlights achievements and contributions within the automotive community and underscores Kang's role as a respected voice in the industry. 

There's Still Time to Register for the 2025 SEMA Show 

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

As specialty-equipment industry manufacturers once again prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists at the forefront and take advantage of the many programs available to exhibitors that are designed to help your brand increase exposure and improve ROI.

In order to help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, here are some exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates, including several set for later this week. 

• October 23: Last Day Freight Will Be Accepted at the Freeman Warehouse Without Penalty
• October 23: Hanging Sing/Banner Shipments to Advance Freeman Warehouse
• October 23: New Product Showcase Shipments to Advance Freeman Warehouse
• October 24: Photography Order -- Expo Ease
• October 24: Plant and Floral Order -- Expo Ease

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Have questions or need help? Call us at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, at 508-743-8571 or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Danny Cowan, regional sales manager at Keystone Automotive Operations, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Danny Cowan: "Excel at what you can control," which is a quote from Justin Forsett. This advice has helped me focus my energy where it truly matters, not just with work but in my personal life. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

DW: The consistent changes and customer relationships.  

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

DW: Spending time with family, normally outdoors, whether its hiking or going to cars and coffee together. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

DW: Knowing the goal, understanding the audience, organizing key points clearly and anticipating questions so you walk in confidently and ready to lead.  

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

DW: Ken Block. He created a global fanbase through his Gymkhana video series, all while co-founding DC Shoes and inspiring a new generation of drivers with fearless creativity and style. 

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