By SEMA News Editors

Undisguised! The Porsche Panamera Facelift

The redesigned '28 Porsche Panamera is on its way, and the first thing that catches the eye is just how little effort the German manufacturer has gone to in concealing it. Compared with the last sighting of the Panamera during the recent winter testing, the prototype is covered with just a few patches of black adhesive tape here and there and little else, allowing the updated front and rear bumpers to be seen clearly, along with some subtle styling changes.

Porsche has revamped the front end, which now features a cleaner design highlighted by the new horizontal bar within the air intake and slightly different lower brackets. Above, the headlights retain their current shape, but the illuminated Porsche crest has been moved toward the inner corner of the windshield––a detail already spotted on the first test cars caught during winter testing.

The upper section of the windshield has also changed, with a different sensor layout, suggesting more driver-assistance features than ever before. There are no changes to the side profiles, but there are changes to the rear. The bumper has been redesigned and the taillights appear to borrow elements from the new electric Cayenne, with a strip of black tape covering the brand name in the center, just as on that model.

What's more, this model is no ordinary version. It features center-lock forged alloy wheels and four round exhaust tailpipes, suggesting it is one of the sportiest versions in the Panamera range: the GTS.

Inside, the '28 Panamera retains its digital instrument cluster beneath a typical visor, although the mystery centers on the center console, which could conceal the digital controls for the new electric Cayenne, rather than buttons. This will only be possible if Porsche has fitted the same electronic architecture as in the electric SUV, which we won’t know until its unveiling.

If confirmed, it would be yet another casualty of the crusade against the physical button––a trend that’s all the rage in the industry but rather unhelpful when you’re traveling at 124 mph and want to turn up the heating. Incidentally, one of the key features of the new Panamera will be more refined comfort, thanks to the overhaul of one of the most sophisticated suspension systems in the segment, capable of actively controlling the body’s pitch and roll movements.

The Panamera will remain a combustion-engine model, although its six-cylinder and V8 engines will have to incorporate a degree of electrification. The German manufacturer will optimize its plug-in hybrids to the full to comply with Euro 7 regulations, while also offering greater electric range and improving battery charging speeds.

Bearing in mind that the third-generation Panamera was unveiled in late 2023 in Shanghai, and that we are approaching the halfway point of its life cycle, the sports sedan will make its debut in mid-2027, going on sale closer to 2028. With camouflage reduced to a minimum, the unveiling seems imminent, but this phase will drag on for months while final adjustments and quality checks are carried out.

If you’re looking for a revolution, this Panamera won’t deliver it, although it is intended to boost sales in the luxury market and try to offset the Taycan’s poor sales figures. It’s clear that the German brand has opted for refinement rather than taking risks, and the updated Panamera may well prove to be a pleasant surprise.

Dressing Up for the Next Decade: Facelift for the Range Rover

On the market since 2022, the fifth-generation Range Rover, code-named L460, is up for a facelift. Our man at the German Nürburgring racetrack has snapped these shots of the revised model that is likely to debut sometime in 2027 or 2028.

With new electrified gasoline and diesel engines on offer since 2023, the makeover of the Rangie will likely be limited to some minor changes outside––like headlight and taillight signatures and redesigned bumpers front and rear––plus modernized tech features for connectivity, navigation and entertainment.

The Range Rover will continue with ICE power––but also as a pure electric vehicle. Besides, it will also be available with an extended wheelbase––for five or seven passengers.

By SEMA News Editors

Love the automotive world? Make it part of your career.

SEMA is looking for talented professionals who want to bring their skills, ideas and passion to an organization connected to the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Explore the current openings and apply for a position that could take your career in a new direction: View current SEMA job opportunities.

As the leading voice for the global aftermarket, SEMA represents more than 7,000 member companies involved in creating, buying, selling and using specialty-automotive products. SEMA supports the industry through market research, product-development resources, education, networking, legislative advocacy and other programs that help businesses and professionals succeed.

SEMA also organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the premier trade event for the specialty-equipment industry.

The aftermarket is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, generating nearly $337 billion in economic impact, supporting 1.3 million jobs nationally and producing nearly $53 billion in annual parts sales.

View current SEMA job opportunities.

For more information, visit sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA revealed new details regarding its advocacy strategy for 2027 last week, releasing its 2027 Advocacy Agenda at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The advocacy agenda is an important piece of SEMA's acclaimed efforts to inform and engage its members on the federal and state issues that impact the automotive aftermarket industry and the nation's enthusiasts. 

Missed last week's announcement? View the SEMA 2027 Advocacy Agenda. 

The advocacy agenda annually serves as a reference point throughout the year, with SEMA providing regular updates on the progress of the issues outlined within. 

Issues outlined in the advocacy agenda fall under a series of "rights" that American aftermarket businesses and automotive enthusiasts are owed and deserve: 

• The Right to Modify, ensuring the sustainability of the automotive aftermarket industry. 
• The Right to Race, protecting racetracks and the future of motorsports. 
• The Right to Preserve, sharing our automotive heritage with the next generation. 
• The Right to Explore, keeping America's public lands accessible for motorized recreation. 
• The Right to Build, ensuring America's skilled workers, small businesses, and domestic manufacturers can thrive. 
• The Right to Choose, protecting consumer choice in the automotive space. 

"It's important to remember that even as we face nationwide uncertainty in Congress and the states because of the results of the midterm elections, SEMA has always delivered impactful advocacy on behalf of the automotive aftermarket industry and enthusiasts across the United States, regardless of who is in power," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "As long as we maintain an engaged group of advocates and continue to tell the story of how our industry resonates on an economic and cultural scale, SEMA will remain well-positioned to secure laws and policies that will help aftermarket businesses and their customers thrive."

To learn more, visit sema.org/advocacy. 

By SEMA News Editors

Planning is underway for the 2027 SEMA Show, and businesses can now apply for exhibit space through the 2027 Official Exhibitor Services Portal. The priority booth space deadline is February 1, 2027.

Exhibitor benefits include up to 500 lbs. of complimentary material handling for booths 800 sq. ft. or smaller, one complimentary New Products Showcase entry, official directory and mobile app listings, and access to SEMA Show Education sessions.

A minimum 25% deposit is due upon submission of an exhibit space rental application.

The SEMA Show space draw runs March 1–17, exhibitor registration opens April 28, and final booth payment is due August 2.

Businesses planning to exhibit at the 2027 SEMA Show are encouraged to apply early to secure preferred space before prices increase on February 2.

Apply and learn more: semashow.com/reserve-booth-2027.

By SEMA News Editors

More than a thousand new products serving all corners of the aftermarket debuted during the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas.

A must-see stop for any SEMA Show attendee, the New Products Showcase in Lower South Hall, Booth #41271 brought together most of those products in one place, giving Showgoers an up-close look at the automotive innovations hitting the market this year. 

Didn't get a chance to see everything? Want a second look at a product that caught your eye? You're in luck, because SEMA has gathered all of the products submitted to the New Products Showcase into one convenient location online. Entered into different categories, users can filter by product type, like off-road/4-wheel-drive, exterior accessories, merchandising display, tools and equipment, and even New Product Winners.

SEMA announced the winners of its SEMA Show New Product Awards at the 2026 SEMA Show. The awards recognize outstanding new aftermarket products being brought to market and featured in the New Products Showcase during the SEMA Show

More than 1,300 products competed for top honors across 15 New Products Showcase categories. Judges selected one winner and two runners-up in each category.

Entries were evaluated on innovation, manufacturing quality, consumer appeal, marketability and technical achievement. Together, the honorees offer insight into the emerging technologies, consumer demands and trends expected to influence vehicle customization, performance and personalization in 2027.

See the 2026 SEMA New Product Award honorees below:

Car Care & Protection Product

• WINNER: Barrel FX (Barrel FX)
• Runner-Up: Code Blocker (Cability Inc.)
• Runner-Up: Stinger Chemical Clay Bar (Stinger Chemicals)

Collision Repair & Refinish Product

• WINNER: WebTools (Celette)
• Runner-Up: Ionizer Pro (Bossauto Innova)
• Runner-Up: Innovative Truck Cab Protectors (Innovative Tools & Technologies)

Emerging Technology Product

• WINNER: NAPA XcceleratoR XR Training Goggles (NAPA TRACS, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA Autotech Training)
• Runner-Up: AF300-TKX Manual Drive Unit (Formosa EV)
• Runner-Up: EstimateIQ + BOT (OEC)

Engineered New Product

• WINNER: Black Widow (Hard-n-Fast Racing Products Inc.)
• Runner-Up: ORACLE Lensless: Re-Engineering the LED Headlight-3rd-Gen Toyota Tacoma (ORACLE Lighting)
• Runner-Up: Ridetech Bolt-On 4-Link (Ridetech)

Exterior Accessory Product

• WINNER: RIV MR52 AirTopper (FLATED LLC)
• Runner-Up: '19-'22 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Projector Headlight (Spec-D Tuning)
• Runner-Up: T103 PLUS 4-Channel Dash Cam With Dual Configurable Blind Spot Cameras (TYPE S)

Interior Accessory Product

• WINNER: 5-1/2-in. '66-'77 Ford Bronco/'61-'67 F-100 Gauge Cluster GPS Speedometer + Tach (SPEEDHUT)
• Runner-Up: Center Console Refrigerated Cooler (General Motors Accessories)
• Runner-Up: 69 Firebird RGB Control Panel (Vintage Air LLC)

Package Design & Display Product

• WINNER: Mini Mid-Rise Air-Topper Display (FLATED LLC)
• Runner-Up: 5-in. Handheld Bidirectional Diagnostic Tool (GEARWRENCH)
• Runner-Up: The Vault: Launch Kit (Max Sensor)

Performance––Racing Product

• WINNER: FAST LS XCR LS3 Intake Manifold 112 MM (Edelbrock, COMP Cams, TCI, FAST, Russell, Lunati) 
• Runner-Up: Weld On Stainless Shield Insulation Kit and Welder (Design Engineering, Inc.)
• Runner-Up: VMP Leviathan Air to Water Intake Manifold (VMP Performance)

Performance––Street Product

• WINNER: Differential Brace System for '15-'27 Mustang With Differential Cooler Option (Livernois Motorsports & Engineering)
• Runner-Up: COBB Tuning-CAN Gateway for Factory ECU Sensor Expansion (Auto Meter)
• Runner-Up: TSP Ford Godzilla Carbon Fiber EFI Intake Manifold With Fuel Rails (Top Street Performance)

Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle Product

• WINNER: BLUE INFLATiQ by RIMiQ All-In-One Portable Tire Inflator-QwikFlow Technology (All-Fit Automotive/RIMiQ)
• Runner-Up: MOBUL Fishing Rod Holder (Forged Authority Off Grid)
• Runner-Up: '26 M8 Harley Supercharger Kit (ProCharger Superchargers)

Street Rod & Custom Car Product

• WINNER: Chevrolet LS3 Downdraft Short-SDS52 ETA4 Kit (Jenvey Dynamics Ltd.)
• Runner-Up: CPR POWERPACK PRO (OPTIMA Batteries)
• Runner-Up: Vapor Trapper (Vapor Trapper)

Tire & Related Product

• WINNER: Sens-Rite (Bartec TPMS)
• Runner-Up: MIGHTY MINI by RIMiQ Small Tires Pump-Dirt Bikes, Bicycles, Camping & More (All-Fit Automotive/RIMiQ)
• Runner-Up: Hoosier TrackAttack Pro ECE R117 (Hoosier Racing Tire)

Tools & Equipment Product

• WINNER: CarCal QuickCal 5.0 Full System and Targets (ADAS Depot)
• Runner-Up: HAZLOK Magnetic Safety Barrier System (30 ft. Length | Yellow/Black) (ESCO)
• Runner-Up: KNECT Ratcheting 17-in-1 Interchangeable Low-Profile Socket Wrench Set (Klein Tools)

Truck & Off-Road Product

• WINNER: Roof Top Tent Leveling Mounts V1.5 (Flat Peak, Roof Top Tent Leveling Mounts)
• Runner-Up: ICON Vehicle Dynamics-XDCV Performance Axles (RANDYS Worldwide)
• Runner-Up: Showa SPIRE 2.5 ARC 2 Universal Coilover Piggy Back Performance Shock (Showa Performance)

Wheel & Related Product

• WINNER: 4-Piece Carbon Fiber Sleeve Metric Lug Socket Set (CTA Tools)
• Runner-Up: Vintage Muscle 18x8 (KG1 Forged)
• Runner-Up: Forged Life FL04 Kingpin (Vision Wheel)
   

You can see all the New Product Award winners––and thousands of additional products debuting in the aftermarket––online. Visit semashow.com to view the full, searchable catalog of new products.

By SEMA News Editors

Entertainer, industry advocate and 2026 SEMA Hall of Fame member Jay Leno and SEMA Live host Chris Jacobs talk at the SEMA Live presented by AutoZone stage at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6, brought the automotive aftermarket together for four days of incredible vehicles, new-product introductions, industry connections and nonstop action at the Las Vegas Convention Center. SEMA Live Presented by AutoZone captured the excitement throughout Show week, bringing viewers exclusive interviews, vehicle reveals, product demonstrations, industry conversations and more.

Missed a broadcast or want to revisit the action? Watch all four full-day SEMA Live broadcasts, along with the SEMA Cruise coverage, below.

2026 SEMA Show Day 1: Tuesday

2026 SEMA Show Day 2: Wednesday

2026 SEMA Show Day 3: Thursday

2026 SEMA Show Day 4: Friday

2026 SEMA Show SEMA Cruise

The 2026 SEMA Show may be over, but the connections, ideas and industry momentum continue. The aftermarket will reunite in Las Vegas for the next SEMA Show, November 2–5, 2027. Companies interested in exhibiting can learn more at semashow.com/reserve-booth-2027 and through the 2027 Official Exhibitor Services Portal. For additional Show information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2026 SEMA Show concluded four days of product discovery, business development and automotive culture at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together more than 150,000 industry professionals from 140 countries and more than 2,200 exhibiting brands, including 400 first-time participants. 

The event served as a global marketplace for the automotive aftermarket, an industry that generates $383 billion in annual economic impact, supports 1.25 million jobs and produces $107.7 billion in wages nationwide. Across the Show campus, manufacturers, buyers, builders, educators, and media connected around the products, technologies and relationships driving the market forward. 

"The SEMA Show reflects the scale, creativity and economic importance of the automotive aftermarket," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. "This year's event built on that foundation with an expanded powersports and motorcycle presence, advancements in emerging propulsion technologies, automation, and smart manufacturing, and new opportunities to connect with consumers. Those developments underscore the strength of the market and the opportunities emerging across the industry."

New Products Translate Technology Into Practical Solutions

The 2026 SEMA Show highlighted an automotive aftermarket focused on turning emerging technologies into practical, market-ready solutions. Thousands of new products were introduced in the New Products Showcase and across the Show floor, reflecting advances in AI-enabled repair tools, advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) calibration equipment, connected technology and performance components.

Key trends included the growing use of artificial intelligence to streamline repair procedures and shop operations; greater integration of technology, durability and functionality into truck, off-road and powersports products; and continued improvements in performance and comfort for classic vehicles. Together, these innovations demonstrate how manufacturers are responding to evolving customer needs while creating new opportunities for aftermarket businesses.

Automakers Use SEMA As a Launch Platform  

Major automakers and performance organizations participated throughout the week, reinforcing the Show's role as the global meeting place where original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket innovation intersect.

• Ford Motor Company unveiled a '66 Ford Racing R125 Mustang Fastback, a heritage-inspired vehicle built with Ford Racing parts to mark the organization's 125th anniversary.
• Honda Racing Corp. (Honda/Acura) showcased the recently unveiled Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck, Passport TrailSport Baja Chase and HRC Performance Parts for the Civic Type R, Integra Type S and Passport TrailSport.
• Mitsubishi unveiled its 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition in a global debut.
• Nissan unveiled new Frontier, Pathfinder, Armada concepts, along with a Sentra Spec-V and two enthusiast-inspired Z concepts.
• Stellantis, through Dodge, Jeep and Mopar, unveiled its Jeep® Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept, showcased its Jeep® Wrangler BUZZCUT concept and introduced an all-new series of crate engine packages through Direct Connection, the factory-backed performance arm of Stellantis' SRT performance division.
• Toyota introduced its Snowhunter Concept lineup, featuring the Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia.

Expanded Powersports Section Broadens Business Opportunities

The expanded Powersports, Side-by-Side (SxS) and Adventure Lifestyle section featured dirt bikes, motorcycles, side-by-sides, trailers, tow vehicles, gear and adventure-lifestyle products. The section brought together established brands and industry organizations, including Harley-Davidson, Kymco USA Inc., Kawasaki Motors Corp., Yamaha Watercraft, Inferno Eyewear, Denago, Shock Therapy, the National Powersports Dealers Association and more.

Its placement gave attendees opportunities to explore new business categories while providing a high-visibility platform for exhibitors such as Massimo Motor, a manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles, UTVs, ATVs and innovative mobility solutions.

"We're really excited to be here because we launched the Sentinel 1500, as well as the Warrior 1500," said Massimo Motor Vice President of Dealer Development Ron Luttrell. "It was the first time the public had seen them, so launching at SEMA was important to us. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for both of those units, the brand and the other units we displayed." 

The SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers expanded in 2026 with the addition of the Bike Builder Shootout, recognizing standout motorcycle builds. More than 70 motorcycles were entered into the competition with Steven Iacona earning the inaugural championship for his customized Harley Davidson Knucklehead.

"I am truly grateful for this honor," Iacona said. "The entire event was incredible. The competition was difficult, but I will absolutely be back next year. Thank you to everyone at SEMA for inviting custom bike builders to participate. It was amazing."

Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals  

Preparing the next generation of industry talent was another key theme of the 2026 SEMA Show, with hands-on experiences and education connecting students with career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket.

In the inaugural Ford Custom Garage Ultimate Build Competition, six Washtenaw Community College students brought an attendee-designed Ford Bronco to life, building the vehicle live in the Ford booth before its Friday reveal.

The SEMA Show Student Program also reached a milestone, attracting more than 1,000 students, an all-time high. Education sessions highlighted workforce development strategies and ways companies can connect with emerging talent and recruit future employees.

The program was part of SEMA Education, which featured more than 90 education sessions across multiple SEMA-led and partner tracks, delivering the latest ideas and skills to business owners and professionals from across the world.

Top Builders Earn Industry Honors

Eddie Pettus won the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers with his '70 Chevrolet Chevelle.

Thomas Kincer of Kincer Chassis won the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award for his '77 Ford F-100. The annual award recognizes a feature vehicle at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering.

Friday Expands Industry-Consumer Connection

On Nov. 6, SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public welcomed enthusiasts to experience the exhibit halls, vehicle builds and demonstrations. The SEMA Cruise carried Show vehicles out of the convention center, while SEMA Fest continued the celebration with performances by The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive.

SEMA Live Extends Global Reach  

SEMA Live presented by AutoZone delivered 32 hours of scheduled coverage from the Show campus on SEMA's YouTube and Facebook channels. Coverage included product and vehicle reveals, interviews, outdoor demonstrations, Battle of the Builders and the SEMA Cruise. Highlights and on-demand coverage from the 2026 event are available through SEMA's YouTube and Facebook channels. 

Looking Ahead

Building on the momentum of this year's event, SEMA will continue to stand as the economic engine that powers an automotive aftermarket united by passion, delivering business support, regulatory armor and cultural relevance crucial for industry success. The SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas Nov. 2–5, 2027, marking its 60th anniversary and bringing the entire aftermarket community together under one roof to celebrate six decades of innovation and showcase what's next for the industry.

About the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks, side-by-sides, and two-wheel vehicles. Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org, 909-396-0289.

Planning is underway for the 2027 SEMA Show, and businesses can now apply for exhibit space through the 2027 Official Exhibitor Services Portal. The priority booth space deadline is February 1, 2027. 

The SEMA Show space draw runs March 1–17, exhibitor registration opens April 28, and final booth payment is due August 2.

Apply and learn more: semashow.com/reserve-booth-2027. For additional SEMA Show information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The Wheel Group (TWG)––the Ontario, California-based designer, developer and owner of aftermarket wheel, tire, accessory and off-road brands––has added Nick Garza as territory sales manager. Garza will be based out of TWG's Columbus, Ohio, branch and brings 18 years of automotive industry experience with a strong track record in leadership, customer service and business development to the role.

"We're excited to welcome Nick to TWG," said Chance Martin, TWG's director of sales, Northeast. "He brings a tremendous amount of experience, and he understands the business from the ground up. His background in operations, customer service and developing people will be a real asset as we continue building our team and growing our business across the Northeast."

In his new role at TWG, Garza will work directly with dealers and customers throughout his territory to strengthen relationships, develop new business and connect customers with TWG's extensive portfolio of aftermarket wheels, tires, accessories and off-road products.

"After 18 years in the industry, I'm excited to take on a new challenge and bring my experience to The Wheel Group," said Garza. "I have always believed that success comes down to taking care of customers, developing strong teams and building relationships that last. TWG has an impressive portfolio of brands and lots of room to grow, and I am looking forward to working with our dealers, learning their businesses and helping them take advantage of the opportunities ahead."

Prior to joining TWG, Garza held positions at Discount Tire, where he advanced through a series of leadership positions, ultimately serving as an operations manager.

For more information, visit thewheelgroup.com.

By SEMA News Editors

From award-winning vehicle builds and breakthrough products to industry leadership and rising talent, the 2026 SEMA Show, November 3–6, in Las Vegas, celebrated the people, companies and innovations moving the automotive aftermarket forward.

Across the Show, industry awards recognized outstanding achievement in craftsmanship, engineering, creativity, business leadership and more. From the industry's top builders and content creators to standout manufacturers and emerging leaders, this year's honorees represent the talent and innovation driving the future of the automotive aftermarket.

Explore the complete list of 2026 SEMA Show award winners and revisit the announcements celebrating this year's top industry achievements.

2026 SEMA Show Awards:

• New Product Award Winners Announced at 2026 SEMA Show
• SEMA Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and More: Aftermarket's Top Leaders and Innovators Recognized at 2026 SEMA Industry Honors
• SEMA Honors Advanced Clutch Technology and Motor State Distributing With 2026 Industry Awards
• 2026 Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award: Kincer Chassis '77 Ford F-100
• Crush Customs Makes PRO Cup Challenge History at 2026 SEMA Show

2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care:

• Pettus Wins 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders, Iacona Crowned Bike Builder Shootout Champ
• The Final Four: 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Top 4 Revealed
• SEMA Battle of the Builders Field Narrowed to Top 12
• SEMA Reveals Battle of the Builders Top 40, Bike Builder Shootout Top 3

The 2026 SEMA Show may be over, but the connections, ideas and industry momentum continue. The aftermarket will reunite in Las Vegas for the next SEMA Show, November 2–5, 2027. Companies interested in exhibiting can learn more at semashow.com/reserve-booth-2027 and through the 2027 Official Exhibitor Services Portal. For additional Show information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors 

The 2026 SEMA Show, which concludes on Friday, November 6, is revealing where the automotive aftermarket is headed next, with emerging technologies, expanding vehicle segments and new product developments creating opportunities across the industry. 

Thursday's Show-floor developments highlighted the markets and technologies shaping the industry's future, from advanced propulsion and renewable fuels to off-road innovation and evolving repair requirements. 

Emerging technology was the central theme in one of the SEMA FutureTech Studio sessions in Booth #24401 in Central Hall. Titled "Advanced Fuels and Propulsion: Accelerating the Future of Mobility," the sit-down featured panelists Luis Morales of SEMA; Willem Groenewald of the FIA; Cameron Wynne of the DeLorean Motor Company; and Leslie Bellas, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM).  

The discussion explored why the automotive industry's future will require multiple technologies rather than a single powertrain solution. And one thing was clear: While there may be a transition to new technologies happening today, that transition will take time. Aftermarket opportunities to serve existing--and new--vehicles will continue to remain significant for years to come.  

FIA's Groenewald pointed to the scale of the global vehicle population, noting that approximately 70 million new vehicles are sold annually, compared with an estimated 1.4 billion vehicles already in operation worldwide. 

"If 100% of a single powertrain solution is adopted today and 100% of vehicles sold are EVs, it will take 20 years to drive that transition," Groenewald said. "So nothing's going to happen in the short term, not between five or 10 years. It's going to take a very long time." 

This creates opportunities for businesses that continue developing products and solutions for internal-combustion vehicles while preparing for emerging technologies. AFPM's Bellas also reinforced that point, citing approximately 290 million vehicles on U.S. roads and a median vehicle age of 12 years. Many of those vehicles, including hybrids and internal-combustion models, will continue relying on liquid fuels for years to come.  

"Because those cars, typically a car sold today is still going to be on the road in the 2040s, we have to address those vehicles today," Bellas said. 

Wynne, meanwhile, explained that DeLorean Motor Company is focused on keeping its existing vehicles on the road while exploring technologies that could be incorporated into future models. 

"It's all about keeping cars on the road for the original car as much as possible," Wynne said. "We need to have solutions that reduce emissions without abandoning the vehicles that people already own." 

He said the company has explored hydrogen, electric and other propulsion pathways as it considers future vehicle development. 

The broader message for the aftermarket is that technological change doesn't necessarily mean replacing established business opportunities. Instead, it creates additional requirements for businesses to understand new products, vehicle systems and consumer needs while continuing to support the vehicles already in circulation. 

New Council Broadens SEMA's Reach Across Enthusiast Markets 

SEMA Week also served as an opportunity to showcase SEMA's new reach into recreation vehicles, powersports and motorcycles with the announcement of the new Recreation, Powersports and Motorcycle (RPM) Council. The initiative creates a dedicated community for businesses serving these markets while connecting them to the broader automotive aftermarket with education, events and community. Those interested in joining may fill out SEMA's interest form for more information.   

The council complements the new Powersports/SxS/Lifestyle section in the West Hall, reinforcing SEMA's effort to bring automotive and outdoor recreation under one roof. 

Innovative Builds and Industry Talent Point to What's Next 

The opportunities ahead aren't confined to one vehicle category or propulsion technology. As the vehicle population evolves, businesses that can serve today's vehicles while preparing for tomorrow's requirements will be positioned to participate in the aftermarket's next phase of growth. 

One award––Best Engineered Vehicle Award––is handed out annually at the SEMA Show and recognizes the builders and designers incorporating those new technologies into builds that are appearing on the Show floor today. 

This year's winner, a '77 Ford F-100 built by Kincer Chassis, is a highly engineered sleeper with a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive chassis capable of underpinning '66 to '96 two-door, short-bed Ford trucks.  

Made possible with 3D scanning, the SEMA Garage Tech Transfer program, teamwork and imaginative engineering, the chassis is a testament to the boundary-pushing nature of the aftermarket. Read the full story on the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award here. 

But that wasn't the only vehicle award handed out on Thursday. The four finalists for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders were announced live on the Battle of the Builders stage in Central Hall, crowning the winner of each category in the industry's most competitive build competition: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck, Sport Compact/Import Performance, Young Guns and Off-Road.  

Find out who claimed each category title and who is vying for the overall crown here. 

The overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Builders will be announced Friday at 12:00 p.m. PT on the Battle of the Builders Stage in Central Hall Booth #24743.  

Missed the third day of the 2026 SEMA Show? Catch up on the action with the SEMA Live Day 3 stream, featuring highlights and conversations from the Show floor and beyond. And be sure to subscribe to SEMA News below for daily coverage, industry news and updates throughout the 2026 SEMA Week.  

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. For more information, visit semashow.com, the Registration Resource Center, or the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan.    

Tickets are also available for SEMA Fest, the celebration of car culture and music on Friday, November 6, 2026, on the SEMA Show campus. Secure tickets or learn more at semafest.com.