By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Biden recently signed the SEMA-supported "Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act" (EXPLORE Act), HR 6492, thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

The EXPLORE Act, which had strong bipartisan support throughout Congress, will increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities to help grow the outdoor recreation industry's $1.2 trillion annual economic impact.  

"SEMA thanks President Biden for signing the EXPLORE Act into law and to our congressional lawmakers for their critical support," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The opportunity of outdoor recreation is one of our nation's treasures, an asset that unites us across state and party lines. The people whose passion is to traverse the outdoors is matched only by those who innovate and develop the products that help them do so, and that's why this law is so important. It's about our economy, our quality of life and our ability to share with more people all of our nation's natural wonders." 

The EXPLORE Act directs the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create more motorized opportunities on public lands, addresses special recreation permits and fees that have been expensive and cumbersome for off-road groups to navigate on federal lands, attempts to improve visitor experiences, addresses the lack of affordable housing causing staffing shortages on public lands and transforms outdoor recreation experiences for active-duty military members, veterans and Gold Star families. 

You can find more information about the major provisions of the legislation by reviewing the section-by-section outline. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

To help women in the automotive aftermarket industry gain the tools, confidence and connections to thrive in their careers, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is hosting its Women's Leadership Forum on March 11-13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is open at sema.org/sbn-wlf.

Launched in 2022, the annual conference aims to empower women facing similar challenges in the industry by enhancing their personal development and leadership skills. Themed "Unlocking Potential," the 2025 event will feature education sessions and workshops led by subject-matter experts and aftermarket executives, with a focus on fostering networking, learning and collaboration.

"Women are essential to the automotive industry, as business leaders, marketers, shop owners, educators and so much more," said SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle. "This event will enable women to learn essential skills, connect, share their stories and create an impact that meets the needs of their teams and organizations." 

A highlight of the conference is the education program. Keynote sessions will focus on next-level leadership trends for the future and elevating impact and influence, while seminars will dive into empowering your team to take risks and innovate, strategies for optimizing personal success, unlocking competitive advantage with Generative AI and more. Additionally, action-planning sessions will be held on both days of the event to help attendees define specific actions needed to achieve their leadership goals and maintain a consistent cadence beyond the conference. ­

"All of the speakers and topics helped bring self-awareness and a reinvigorated focus on personal motivation to be better," said Kira Daczko of Universal Technical Institute on her past experience attending the event. "It was a space to share and gain empowerment with other women. Sometimes all we need is to be brought together."

In addition to the education program, the event will provide attendees with opportunities to strengthen their professional connections through networking sessions and activities scheduled throughout the event. These exercises will be invaluable for forging relationships that can evolve into alliances that provide support, advice and opportunities long after the event concludes.

SBN members receive the added benefit of a discounted rate of $599, compared to the non-member rate of $799. With limited spots available, the event provides a unique opportunity to invest in your future and grow your skills.

Visit sema.org/sbn-wlf to learn more and secure your spot today.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is hosting its annual General Membership Meeting at the 2025 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The event will take place in the Florida Ballroom of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando.  

Led by SEMA's executive staff, the meeting will enable SEMA Business Members to learn about the association's year-round benefits designed to help them succeed in the industry. Attendees will gain insight into the association's latest initiatives, tailored business-solutions and the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Employees of SEMA Business Member companies and SEMA+ members are encouraged to attend the General Membership Meeting. If you will be at the conference or in the area, don't miss this opportunity to discover new tools for business growth, as well as network with other members and SEMA staff. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. 

RSVP for the meeting here.

By SEMA News Editors

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 took place January 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Several automotive-related updates took place during the event, including the following compiled by SEMA News: 

Xpeng Aero HT Showcases Modular Flying Car

Xpeng Aero HT, the aerospace arm overseen by the Chinese EV startup Xpeng, has unveiled its Land Aircraft Carrier at CES 2025. The new-age vehicle is an electric minivan featuring a folding electrical vertical takeoff and landing area for the "flying car" component. The flying vehicle features a single-lever control system and one-touch automatic vertical takeoff.

The company plans mass production later this year, with deliveries expected in 2026, and still requires its production certificate in order to do so.

For more information, visit aeroht.com.
 

Aptera Unveils Production-Ready Solar Electric Vehicle

Aptera Motors has debuted its production-ready solar electric vehicle (sEV), the first solar-powered EV designed to eliminate the need to plug in for most daily driving needs. Aptera's sEV combines cutting-edge engineering with extraordinary capabilities: 

• Up to 400 miles of range from a single charge in under an hour. 
• Up to 40 miles of free driving per day powered entirely by sunlight. 
• Over 10,000 miles per year of solar-powered driving in sunny climates, significantly reducing reliance on grid charging. 

This event marks the first public showcase of Aptera's complete solar array, consisting of four panels strategically placed on the hood, dash, roof, and hatch of the vehicle, alongside its production body structure, which is built from carbon fiber sheet molding compound.

For more information, visit aptera.us.

Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Prototypes Make Global Debut at CES

Honda presented the world premiere of the first two models in the company's new 0 Series line of battery EVs at CES 2025: the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes. Production models based on both prototypes will launch in North America in 2026, followed by global markets. Honda also debuted its original vehicle operating system (OS), the ASIMO OS, for use in Honda 0 Series models.

Additionally, Honda announced an agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip, to be introduced on the next generation of 0 Series models in the late 2020s, as well as a new energy service through the Home Energy Management System to enable customers to enjoy a stress-free EV ownership experience with reduced environmental impact.

For more information, visit the Honda announcement.

'Toyota Woven City,' a Test Course for Mobility, Completes Phase 1 Construction and Prepares for Launch

At CES 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation announced the completion of Phase 1 construction of Toyota Woven City, its test course for mobility located at the former site of Toyota Motor East Japan's Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

The official launch of Phase 1 is planned for fall 2025 or shortly thereafter.

Woven City will be a test course for mobility where "Inventors" who share a commitment to working "for someone other than themselves" can develop, test, and validate innovative products and services, Toyota stated.

For more information, read the Toyota announcement.

Stellantis Motorsports Selects Intel as Technology Partner

Stellantis Motorsports has selected Intel as a key technology partner and is adopting the adaptive control technology into its next-generation inverter control for enhanced performance and efficiency in competitive racing environments. In this implementation, the Intel technology will control the electric motor and recover energy during braking phases. The inverter plays a crucial role during a Formula E race, where any gain in efficiency is transformed into a precious competitive advantage.

Hyundai Motor and Kia's Open Innovation Platforms Drive Global Advancement With 10 Startup Partnerships

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation's global open innovation platforms, ZER01NE and Hyundai CRADLE, participate in CES 2025 from January 7-10, 2025. This joint exhibition highlights Hyundai Motor and Kia's commitment to empowering ZER01NE and CRADLE worldwide.

ZER01NE VENTURES, Hyundai Motor and Kia's Creative Talent Platform, identifies and fosters collaborations with visionary startups to develop innovative solutions addressing societal challenges. Over the past seven years, it has invested in 107 startups through ZER01NE Fund I/II combined and executed 144 collaborative projects as of the first half of 2024. Since its inception in 2000, ZER01NE has spun off 36 in-house ventures.

Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Group's global open innovation hub, operates in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Beijing, and Singapore, leveraging the technological strengths of each region to identify and invest in emerging innovative startups. To date, CRADLE has executed 141 projects and made 46 investments.

For more information, visit the Kia announcement.

By SEMA News Editors

Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

By SEMA News Editors

Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

By SEMA News Editors

MAHLE to Sell U.S. Engineering Services Business

MAHLE has entered an agreement to sell its MAHLE Powertrain (MPT) US engineering services business, MAHLE Powertrain LLC, to the Dumarey Group.

Both parties have signed a contract to this effect at the end of 2024. The transaction includes the MPT facilities in Plymouth, Michigan, with currently around 70 employees.

The engineering services subsidiary of the MAHLE Group provides engineering and consultancy services for the design, testing, development, calibration and integration of electrified powertrain systems and hybridized internal combustion engines.

The Dumarey Group (formerly known as PUNCH Group) is a Belgium-based independent supplier for the development, integration and manufacture of competitive powertrain solutions.

For more information, visit mahle.com.

Race Winning Brands Announces Changes to Transmission Business Unit

Race Winning Brands (RWB), a manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, has announced changes to its transmission business unit, including the RevMax Torque Converters (RevMax) and Transmission Specialties (TSI) brands.

This announcement comes on the heels of Craig Stark joining the RWB family as vice president of its transmission business unit and further solidifies RWB's commitment to targeting new growth and innovation for both RevMax and Transmission Specialties, the company said.

As part of the changes, the company will move Transmission Specialties' operations from its current Aston, Pennsylvania, location to what is currently the RevMax facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. This move will better allow TSI to serve its customers of all levels, streamlining processes in manufacturing, research and development, quality, inventory and shipping, the company said, with the aim to improve the experience for TSI's partners, from jobbers and builders to end users.

Additionally, Tom Hauser has been promoted to director, business development and Fran Leverick has been promoted to manager, business development, both for RWB's transmission business unit. Hauser will oversee sales, product management, customer service and more with support from Leverick and his team focusing on both inside and outside sales.

"By leveraging collaboration, innovation and a relentless focus on quality and continuous improvement, we're streamlining operations and expanding our team to deliver industry-leading products and exceptional customer service," said Stark, VP of RWB's transmission business unit.

For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com.

GM Design Chief Michael Simcoe to Retire After 42 Years

Michael Simcoe (left) is retiring as senior vice president, GM Global Design, effective July 1, and will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt (right).

General Motors (GM) announced that Michael Simcoe, senior vice president, GM Global Design, will retire after a 42-year career with the company, effective July 1, 2025.

Simcoe will be succeeded by Bryan Nesbitt, currently executive director, Global Cadillac Design. Nesbitt will lead GM Global Design, effective July 1--becoming just the eighth GM Design chief.

Under Simcoe, GM's design studios have executed numerous award-winning products, including the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

Simcoe also championed the inception and execution of GM's flagship Design West studio campus, located on GM's Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan.

Additionally, Nesbitt led the design of Cadillac's latest concept vehicles--Opulent Velocity and SOLLEI.

For more information, visit gm.com.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Promotes JC Washbish to President and CEO

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has promoted JC Washbish, who was named as president in 2024, to the role of president and CEO, effective January 1.

In his new role, Washbish will continue to collaborate with the group's shareholders and channel partners. All Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance executive leadership teams will continue to report to Washbish.

For more information, visit alliance1.com.

Elgin Industries Announces New COO, CFO

Elgin Industries, the Elgin, Illinois-based manufacturer of engine, steering and suspension components, has named Chris Anderson chief operating officer (COO) and appointed Susan Liddi chief financial officer (CFO).

Anderson, who joined Elgin in 2000, will retain his duties as corporate executive vice president while assuming the responsibilities COO. He previously was executive vice president of the company's Elgin World Trade operating unit. 

Liddi, who joined Elgin in early 2024, had been the company's controller. 

In her new role, she will be responsible for a full range of financial, risk management, Capex, compliance and other responsibilities for the 106-year-old company.

For more information, visit elginind.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge both companies by 2026, according to a joint press conference, which would make the new entity the world's third-largest automaker, following Toyota (Japan) and Volkswagen (Germany).  

Nissan is a top shareholder in Mitsubishi Motors, which will decide whether to join the merger (or not) by the end of the month, according to the conference.

The move would be one of the most significant reshaping of the industry since the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA merger created Stellantis in 2021.

SEMA News will continue to follow this news in the coming weeks and months.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Brett Baranauckas, associate product manager at The Coats Company, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Brett Baranauckas: "It's not about what happened, it's about how you respond." This can be applied personally and professionally. We've all experienced something that we may have responded too quickly to and wish we would've taken it back. I do my best in both areas to always look at the situation as a whole and respond accordingly. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

BB: Automotive is consistently changing and growing. Starting out as a technician in 2008 during the economic crash to 2024, we've had many technological advancements, plus other positive changes in the workplace, as well. Seeing many changes is exciting, but being a part of the changes is where the reward is. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

BB: With my wife and two dogs relaxing on the couch. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

BB: Research. I try and anticipate any questions, comments or concerns that may be brought up to ensure the meeting runs smoothly. If the meeting is remote, I'll have certain windows and documents open up on another screen to make sure I have everything I need within reach. 

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

BB: Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber. I'd want to ask him about his drive and what fuels him, especially during the time of creating Uber. I'd also want to discuss competition and how he handles that and preparing for all scenarios that a company may face. 

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

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has named Auto Metal Direct (AMD) as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Auto Metal Direct's Marketing Director Jason Chandler below.  

SEMA News: How did Auto Metal Direct start?

Jason Chandler: Founder and President Mark Headrick has been an industry veteran for more than 40 years. After working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he ventured out and started Auto Metal Direct in 2007. Being a MOPAR guy, Mark saw a huge need for quality replacement body panels for late-'60s and early-'70s Dodge and Plymouth musclecars. That is how AMD got started.

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?   

JC:  As many of you may know, the development process on new product lines takes time. AMD's breakthrough moment came once our products came to market. Once customers started receiving our high-quality, OE-style replacement restoration products, we took the body-panel market by storm.

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

JC: Auto Metal Direct has come a long way from the early days of inception. The design process for new products is completely digital, reducing development time on new products as well as dialing in previous tooling. Robotics now play a huge role in our production facility, ensuring repeatability in a quality end product. Also, AMD is now headquartered in a new 318,000-sq.-ft. facility, with expansion coming soon with another 280,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2025.

SN: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.  

JC: We are growing heavily in all areas of restoration. From our well-known, premium-quality body panels to our extensive offering of interior components, we offer a lot for restoration professionals and DIY'ers alike. We strive to offer the best quality at an affordable price.

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive restoration segment?  

JC: With so many different opportunities available, get in there and try as many as possible. Find something you love to do and stick with it. Working with the ARMO council is a great way to get exposure to multiple outlets.

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.