By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide Announces Total Takeover 3: Nationwide Call to Dealers

RANDYS Worldwide has announced that its annual dealer promotional program, Total Takeover, will be held on April 11.

Now in its third year, the program invites dealers from across the nation to unite for a national takeover day for an exclusive opportunity to showcase and celebrate products from premier RANDYS Worldwide brands, including Yukon Gear & Axle, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Cognito Motorsports, Carli Suspension, Dynatrac, USA Standard Gear, Zumbrota and Van Compass.

"After two tremendously successful events, we are proud to bring Total Takeover back for a third year and what we anticipate being the biggest one yet," said RANDYS Worldwide Vice President of Marketing Neal Hollingsworth. "This program has proven to be a phenomenal platform for uniting our dealers while providing an engaging local event platform for their companies. We're excited to continue this tradition of excellence with the support of our partner brands."

Beginning on February 4, dealers are invited to register their shop at this link to receive an extensive promotional event package that will include crew shirts, banners and turn-key social-media graphics as a participant. In addition, dealers will receive product discounts on participating brands for vehicles being upgraded for the program. Dealers may register up to the March 7 deadline. The day of the event, dealers nationwide will transform their businesses into hubs of excitement, innovation and collaboration alongside their customers throughout the day.

"Total Takeover 3 is designed to elevate engagement and create interest for our dealers at a local level," added Hollingsworth. "More than just an event, this is an opportunity for dealers to connect with customers, amplify their market presence and align with the top-tier brands driving innovation in the industry. Backed by targeted marketing efforts and brand support, participants will experience a day of unparalleled exposure and growth."

For more information, visit randysworldwide.com/total-takeover-3.

CARSTAR Owners Show Resilience After Devastating Pasadena Fire

Armen and Datevig Daghlian, owners of CARSTAR Douglas Auto Body & Paint, have faced an extraordinary set of challenges following a devastating fire that tore through their home on the evening of Tuesday, January 7 in Pasadena, California.

While the fire destroyed their residence, leaving the Daghlian family effectively homeless, they have shown incredible resilience and determination as they navigate the aftermath.

Since the fire, Armen, Datevig and their children have relocated four times, moving from hotel to Airbnb in search of stable housing. Unfortunately, the local rental market has seen significant price hikes, making it even more difficult for the family to secure a permanent place to live. The financial burden has been compounded by gaps in their home insurance coverage, which, despite the family's best efforts to secure comprehensive wraparound protection, has left them struggling to cover the costs of rebuilding their home.

In the face of such adversity, Armen and Datevig's story is one of courage and compassion. On the night of the fire, with no authorities or firefighters arriving in their neighborhood, the Daghlian family took it upon themselves to alert neighbors to evacuate. They even helped an elderly neighbor evacuate his home--an act of kindness that likely saved the man's life as his home was also lost to the fire.

"That night, we had to make quick decisions and act fast to protect our family and neighbors," said Armen Daghlian, owner of CARSTAR Douglas Auto Body & Paint. "The strength of my family and the support from our community has been overwhelming. We're deeply grateful for all the help we've received, and it gives us the resilience to keep moving forward. We're committed to rebuilding--not just our home, but also the sense of stability we've always had. We couldn't do this without the love and kindness of others."

Thanks to the dedication and support of their team, the Daghlian family has been able to maintain the business that has supported them for many years. Despite the business's stability, however, the family faces a long and challenging road ahead as they rebuild their lives.

"Armen and Datevig have always been pillars of strength for their community and team," said Scott Paul, SVP of operations, US Collision. "Armen's faith amidst the chaos is truly inspiring. Their resilience in the face of such hardship lifts everyone around them. We stand by them during this difficult time, and we know the community will continue to offer support in whatever ways possible."

To support the Daghlian family, visit gofundme.com/f/daghlian-family

By Ashley Reyes

As towing best practices evolve to accommodate new vehicle modifications, understanding what may improve or hinder towing capability is essential. By staying informed on current standards, aftermarket companies can ensure that their products deliver optimal safety and performance. 

On Thursday, February 6, at 9:00 a.m. (PST), the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host a Coffee and Conversation virtual event. Attendees will engage with leading experts as they speak on a range of critical topics regarding towing best practices.

Connect with these industry experts in the conversation:

• John Rastetter, Tire Information Ambassador, Tire Rack
  • Expertise: Proper Tire Selection
• Ryan Rutledge, Director of Product Development, Air Lift Company
  • Expertise: Load Leveling
• Melanie White, CEO, Hellwig Products
  • Expertise: Sway Control

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals in the wheel, tire, suspension and brake sectors. You'll be able to share insights, discuss common challenges and build valuable relationships with industry peers.

Register here.

By Laura Pitts

The 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando last week featured quality conversations and new connections between racing brands and automotive media members and influencers.

"I can't have a bad meeting here [at the MTC] because our product line of fasteners is used everywhere. There's science behind what we make, so for a new company like ours, it's all about getting the word out about what we do," said Kevin Feeney of P1 Manufacturing, a company that has been in the market for about three years now.

SEMA News, SEMA Magazine, PRI News and PRI Magazine connected with nearly four dozen brands, many showcasing their new innovations, like a new line of brake fluid from braking experts Hawk Performance. Previously only offering brake pads and rotors, the manufacturer is now using its expertise to roll out some premium DOT 4 brake fluids, with its HP600 formula rated at a dry boiling point of 572 degrees Fahrenheit and a wet boiling point of 383 degrees Fahrenheit. Stepping it up a notch is its HP660 formula, designed to offer class-leading boiling points (608 degrees Fahrenheit dry and 383 degrees Fahrenheit wet). The roll-out is part of a more significant approach this year to educate its customers (and potential customers) on all things brakes, including for novice enthusiasts looking to "brake" into motorsports competition and longtime race teams who may not be taking the best care of their race car, tow vehicle, or even their daily driver, said Annie Last from Hawk Performance, who also shared educational articles can be found in the News & Updates part of the Hawk Performance website.
 

On that same theme, Mickey Thompson Wheels & Tires shared they are working on educating those out-of-the-know, including younger racers and newer enthusiasts, about why some tires can wear unevenly or what to do if you accidentally get motor fluid or other chemicals on your tires. More details may be found in the FAQs section of the Mickey Thompson website.

After sharing that new sizes are now available for its Baja Boss X off-road and Pro Bracket Radial competition tires, Mickey Thompson reps also unveiled an upcoming promotion on its street/strip tires in an effort to help racer's pockets at the start of the season. Beginning February 15 through March 31, 2025, customers can get $50 back by an online rebate on select street or strip tires. For more details, visit the Mickey Thompson website here.
During the Media Trade Conference, brand reps also identified current industry trends, like a burst in autocross interest across the nation, which Hawk Performance confirmed when we met them. This increased interest in autocross has spurred a new product line, HPX, that is geared toward high-performance applications. Hitting the shelves in springtime this year, the product is registered with some of the top autocross-sanctioning bodies and is designed to match (or exceed) standards in this area. "This product will be big in autocross and not as pricey as some of the current offerings," Last shared.

Autocross was also marked as a vital racing category for Centerforce Clutches. Trent McGee and Chris Thompson think the "why" behind the autocross boom can be attributed to the ease of setup for the events (you just need a track or parking lot); the speeds are not off-the-charts. Hence, autocross is safer and generally more approachable than other forms of motorsports.

QA1 brand Speedtech told us that an estimated 60% of its calls are from autocrossers looking for insights on their chassis and suspension solutions.

Echoing that sentiment was ACT's Richard Barsamian, who pointed to autocross' low barrier of cost entry as its popularity factor. "It's cheaper than NASCAR racing, you know?" he said, pointing to an increased youth interest in the category, similar to "what we're seeing in drifting."

Diesel racing is another segment that's certainly been around but is reaching new levels with record-breaking runs and healthy participation, as emphasized, of course, by Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret (HSS), a longtime supporter of the segment. "I've been saying it for a long time that diesels are coming for their gas counterparts. And that time is here. Diesels are now door-to-door with gas racers," Fischer said.

HSS currently sponsors the Outlaw Diesel Super Series, the National Tractor Pullers Association, and, most recently, the Pro Pulling League, which now dons the iconic HSS green on its logo and branding. New products for HSS include its 7000 Series EP multi-purpose extreme-pressure grease, the premium universal tractor trans-hydraulic fluid and the brand-new turbo primer to prevent oil starvation on start-up. And Fischer let PRI in on some insider information, too, sharing that HSS will soon be offering full-blown diesel fuel. "We hope to be disrupting the diesel fuel industry," he said.

P1 Manufacturing's Feeney agrees that diesel racing has expanded in recent years, noting that a lot of these racers come from the farming community with diesel trucks and equipment, all utilizing fasteners in some capacity.

Powersports is another racing category with staying power, as emphasized by Fuel Factory, who also shared that their newer fuel brand is breaking into several racing categories, including sand racing and drag racing. Its new F X7 racing fuel, introduced at the 2024 PRI Show, is engineered to be the ultimate choice for high-performance methanol. 

"We work closely with engine builders to develop our products," said Marc Wesler. "Then we get them to use our fuels" for word-of-mouth marketing. Another marketing tactic is to put the fuel to the test on the track via Fuel Factory's CFO Mia Tedesco, a former NHRA World Champion in the Super Gas category now competing in select bracket races across the nation.

Also in the fluids category, SEMA/PRI met with VP Racing, which has recently removed the word "Fuels" from its logo to better represent its growing product lines, which now include racing and high-performance lubricants and oils. VP's Kevin Parlett shared that as the company enters its 50th anniversary, it's expanding its presence in Latin America and Europe, and there will be an upcoming push to expand in Asia in 2025 and beyond.

In terms of brand identity, E3 Spark Plugs wants to be known for more than just its ignition products. E3 has been offering lightweight lithium batteries for a few race seasons now and wants to spread the word about the weight savings--and economical savings--they can provide race teams.

"The offshore powerboat teams love our batteries. They can shave 100 lbs. off of their weight with our nine-pound model. They'll run three of these on their boat and still see weight savings," E3's Chris LaCouture said.

Safety is always top of mind for SEMA and PRI, so we were happy to learn that in 2025, Simpson is partnering with INDYCAR to outfit all of the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team members, approximately 30 safety professionals including physicians, paramedics, firefighters/EMTs and nurses who are on-hand for events. As stated by Simpson's Chris Delbeck, AMR Safety is the model of safety in motorsports, so it's an honor to outfit them with some of Simpson's top-rated fire suits to keep INDYCAR racers, race teams and fans alike safe.

Delbeck also shared that Simpson and its sister safety brands under the Holley banner, including Stilo, HANS and Racequip, are expanding its trackside trailer presence at race events this year. Whether it's discovering if a racer's HANS straps are ill-fitting or if a helmet can be better padded for added comfort and endurance, a trackside presence is vital to keep safety paramount. "In racing, if you go so long without an incident, you can get complacent. So, we want to work with our series and racers to make sure they have what they need to stay safe," Delbeck said, pointing out that the rise in eCommerce means you can get your hands on safety gear easier than ever before. "All the easy ways to get safety products are great, but you might need someone in-person showing you how it works."

SEMA and PRI thank all of the companies and representatives that we met with last week:

• Aces EFI  
• Advanced Clutch Technology  
• Aeromotive Inc.  
• American Powertrain  
• Amsoil  
• Auto Metal Direct  
• Auto Meter Products  
• Automotive Racing Products  
• BMR Suspension  
• BOOSTane  
• Blueprint Engines  
• Borgeson Universal Co. Inc.  
• CVF Motorsports Inc.  
• Centerforce Clutches  
• E3 Spark Plugs  
• Eaton Performance Products  
• Fine Lines  
• Flex-a-Lite  
• Fluidampr-Vibratech TVD  
• Forged Authority  
• Fuel Factory  
• Hawk Performance  
• Holley and its performance brands including Baer Brakes, ADS, Detroit Speed, Flowmaster, Hooker Black Headers, Brothers Trucks, Classic Instruments, Mr. Gasket, Scott Drake, MSD, Racepak, NOS, AEM, ACCEL, B&M, Hurst, Edge and DiabloSport, plus its safety brands Simpson, Stilo, HANS and Racequip  
• Hoosier Racing Tire  
• Hot Shot's Secret  
• IDIDIT LLC  
• Ken Perry's Xtreme Arias LLC  
• MAHLE Motorsport 
• McLeod Racing  
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels  
• P1 Manufacturing  
• QA1 and its brands Speedtech Performance, Detroit Speed & Engineering  
• QuadLock  
• Red Line Synthetic Oil  
• Specialty Auto Parts USA  
• Tremec  
• VP Racing Fuels 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Electric BMW M3 Spotted Winter Testing in Sweden

BMW's sports division was recently spotted winter testing in Sweden with the long-awaited electric BMW M3, a model that has already been shown by the Munich-based brand and is due to arrive in 2027.

According to SEMA News sources, the M3 is equipped with wider wheel arches--although different from the ones seen in these new images—and brakes with two discs occupying the full diameter of the alloy wheels and drilled on both axles to dissipate heat more quickly.

The flush door handles are different from those on the latest batch of BMW models such as the 5-Series, according to the new images, and feature a novel break in the battery charging port cover, which is still located on the right rear side. However, there is one detail that catches the eye: the elbow of the rear doors, which has nothing to do with the Hofmeister kink that is still hidden in the rear pillar.

The interior of the sedan has already been revealed and includes a new-generation heads-up display at the base of the windshield.

According to insiders, the BMW M3 will deliver power to all four corners of the car via four motors--one per wheel--and provide traction with all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, depending on the situation. The German manufacturer has also confirmed a combustion-based M3, although it will provide less power than the rumored 600-plus hp of the electric model.

Hyundai Nexo Pioneering the Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Hyundai was recently spied testing the next-generation Nexo, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) that originally debuted in 2018.

According to new images acquired by SEMA News, the '25 Hyundai Nexo features a sleek and modern design that reflects its advanced technology. With a streamlined silhouette, aerodynamic contours and a bold front fascia, the Nexo is not only visually appealing but also optimized for efficiency. The vehicle will also be available in a range of vibrant colors.

Inside, the Nexo is expected to offer a spacious and high-tech cabin equipped with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, sources said. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system that will integrate with smartphones, offering features such as navigation, music streaming and vehicle diagnostics. Additionally, the Nexo prioritizes passenger comfort with spacious seating and advanced climate control systems. 

One of the standout features of the '25 Hyundai Nexo is its performance capabilities, according to insiders. The vehicle is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack that produces a reported 161 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.5 seconds. 

The '25 model also boasts an extended driving range, with an estimated 400 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. This makes the Nexo one of the most practical options for consumers considering a hydrogen vehicle, alleviating concerns about range anxiety that often accompanies electric vehicles. Refueling is quick and convenient, taking just a few minutes at hydrogen stations, which are becoming increasingly available in urban areas. 

Mercedes-Benz Begins Testing All-Electric V-Class

Mercedes-Benz has begun testing its all-electric V-Class, set to hit the market in 2027, according to new images.

The '27 all-electric V-Class is designed to cater to families, businesses and adventure-seekers, according to insiders, offering a spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort without sacrificing practicality.

The exterior design of the V-Class maintains the sleek, sophisticated aesthetic that Mercedes-Benz is known for, SEMA News sources said, with smooth lines and a bold front grille. The vehicle's aerodynamic shape not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to improved efficiency and range.

Under the hood, the V-Class is powered by a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain that promises impressive performance metrics, sources said. With multiple battery options available, drivers can choose the range that best suits their needs, whether for daily commutes or longer road trips. Initial estimates suggest a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge.

Genesis GV60 Preps for Production

The Genesis GV60 Magma Concept, which made its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, is now confirmed to enter production by 2025. SEMA News sources in Germany recently spotted a production-ready GV60 Magma prototype with orange callipers near Hyundai's European research and development center.

The model features advanced battery and motor technology, insiders said, along with meticulous attention to chassis, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Its widened and lowered stance will enhance stability and provide a lower center of gravity, crucial for sporty driving.

Production models within the Genesis Magma program will feature unique components designed to enhance sporty driving and comfort. These include a wider and lower body design, exclusive chassis and suspension components and a Magma-exclusive sound system. A new human-machine interface will prioritize essential data, offering an immersive driving experience, sources said.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Devon Davidson, owner of MARS of Billings, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Davidson in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?   

Devon Davidson: I wanted to own and operate my own business, and I have always loved vehicles and making them shiny.

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

DD: This is a great time to get into the automotive aftermarket industry. It is an exciting industry with amazing products to offer to your customers that keep evolving and keep it exciting. You need to have passion for both people and the vehicles you are working on.

SN: What is your dream vehicle?   

DD: I don't have one particular dream vehicle but would love to find a '69 Chevy C10 someday to completely restore and then have a nice sports car (Porsche, Corvette or Mustang) to cruise around in that is fast and shiny on the weekends!

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

DD: "Work hard, play hard," and "people first, tasks second!"

SN: What keeps you in the industry?   

DD: The people I have met and made life-long relationships with, as well as the exciting products that keep evolving that we get to bring to our local markets and help protect our customers' prized possessions.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   

DD: On a Saturday, you can find me with my family at sporting events, on the golf course hitting the little white ball around or on the lake hanging out with family and friends.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.  

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named Crystal Lawrance, vice president of KTL Restorations Inc., as the council's newest spotlight member.

Get to know Lawrance in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive restoration? 

Crystal Lawrance: Sports marketing and automotive were my only career choices from a young age.

SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for ARMO?

CL: I have been a member of ARMO for six years and I am looking to get more involved.

SEMA: What's the best advice you ever received?  

CL: My late father always had the best advice: Hold your own, don't let anyone tell you no, and if they do, it's for a good reason; be sure to 'drive it off' and think about it before you take action. (Think before you speak;just think behind the wheel first.)

SEMA: If you could do one thing over from the course of your career, what would that be? 

CL: Impact our next generation and teach them what an amazing industry we are a part of. Show others--through my own actions--the value our industry brings and encourage others to continue pursuing our way of life, long after we are gone.

SEMA: What keeps your passion going in this industry? 

CL: My clients and their enthusiasm. The pure love of automotive. Watching the youth I mentor continue to grow in our industry. We have the best jobs in the world! How could you not be passionate?

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend? 

CL: An '87 Buick Grand National (My late father's car).

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found? 

CL: Nine out of 10 times--at the shop with my husband or at an event on the road.

SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the restoration industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years? 

CL: Education in trades and continuing to fight to grow the next field of restorers, mechanics, tradesmen and tradeswomen.

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI's advocacy plates will be piled high this coming year, as efforts in Washington, D.C., and statehouses nationwide kick into high gear to support and protect the automotive aftermarket industry and grassroots racing community. To help members understand where we are focusing our energies, SEMA and PRI are pleased to share their 2025 Advocacy Agenda.

The agenda highlights a series of critical priorities, including:

• Protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles
• Halting electric vehicle mandates and preserving vehicle choice
• Preserving access to public lands for recreational use
• Shaping tax policies that help small businesses
• Defense of classic vehicles and collector rights
• Protection of small businesses from regulatory overreach.

Start by reading an introductory letter from SEMA and PRI leadership. Then, download the 2025 Advocacy Agenda to learn how SEMA and PRI are advocating on your behalf.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI's advocacy plates will be piled high this coming year, as efforts in Washington, D.C., and statehouses nationwide kick into high gear to support and protect the automotive aftermarket industry and grassroots racing community. To help members understand where we are focusing our energies, SEMA and PRI are pleased to share their 2025 Advocacy Agenda.

The agenda highlights a series of critical priorities, including:

• Protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles
• Halting electric vehicle mandates and preserving vehicle choice
• Preserving access to public lands for recreational use
• Shaping tax policies that help small businesses
• Defense of classic vehicles and collector rights
• Protection of small businesses from regulatory overreach.

Start by reading an introductory letter from SEMA and PRI leadership. Then, download the 2025 Advocacy Agenda to learn how SEMA and PRI are advocating on your behalf.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), throwing out the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Combating Auto Retail Scams Rulemaking (CARS Rule), which was designed to ensure that consumers are not subject to hidden junk fees and bait-and-switch tactics when purchasing new and used motor vehicles.

The appeals court's 2-to-1 ruling in favor of the auto dealers maintained that the CARS Rule violated procedural rules in writing the regulation without giving advance notice of the planned regulation. The FTC can appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, although it is unclear if the commission will accept the ruling or fight to maintain the rule.  

While the FTC previously delayed implementing the 2024 CARS Rule as the agency awaited a ruling from the 5th circuit, some auto dealers have used the rule's presence as a justification to limit the customization options they offered before the first point of sale. The FTC recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which clarified that the CARS Rule "does not prohibit dealers from offering products and services that provide value to customers."

The FTC's January 14 letter also noted that the commission would look at whether a consumer would benefit from an add-on service, which involves "analyzing objective standards under the circumstances, such as whether the add-on provides benefits; whether the consumer is eligible to use the add-on; whether the add-on's coverage excludes the vehicle at issue; and whether the add-on is incompatible with the vehicle at issue." 

The FTC provided clarity on the CARS Rule in response to Rep. Bishop's October 31 letter, which requested that the FTC affirm that the rule does not prohibit dealerships from offering services that consumers demand, such as window tint, paint/underbody paint coating, replacing cloth with leather seat covers, paint-protection film that scientifically reduces clear coat damage from rock chips, truck lifts, wheel and tire replacements, truck accessories, window tint that reduces ultraviolet (UV) rays, tonneau covers, spray-in bed liners and remote starts. 

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

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA), throwing out the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Combating Auto Retail Scams Rulemaking (CARS Rule), which was designed to ensure that consumers are not subject to hidden junk fees and bait-and-switch tactics when purchasing new and used motor vehicles.

The appeals court's 2-to-1 ruling in favor of the auto dealers maintained that the CARS Rule violated procedural rules in writing the regulation without giving advance notice of the planned regulation. The FTC can appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, although it is unclear if the commission will accept the ruling or fight to maintain the rule.  

While the FTC previously delayed implementing the 2024 CARS Rule as the agency awaited a ruling from the 5th circuit, some auto dealers have used the rule's presence as a justification to limit the customization options they offered before the first point of sale. The FTC recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which clarified that the CARS Rule "does not prohibit dealers from offering products and services that provide value to customers."

The FTC's January 14 letter also noted that the commission would look at whether a consumer would benefit from an add-on service, which involves "analyzing objective standards under the circumstances, such as whether the add-on provides benefits; whether the consumer is eligible to use the add-on; whether the add-on's coverage excludes the vehicle at issue; and whether the add-on is incompatible with the vehicle at issue." 

The FTC provided clarity on the CARS Rule in response to Rep. Bishop's October 31 letter, which requested that the FTC affirm that the rule does not prohibit dealerships from offering services that consumers demand, such as window tint, paint/underbody paint coating, replacing cloth with leather seat covers, paint-protection film that scientifically reduces clear coat damage from rock chips, truck lifts, wheel and tire replacements, truck accessories, window tint that reduces ultraviolet (UV) rays, tonneau covers, spray-in bed liners and remote starts. 

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

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock