From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a sizable step forward for car enthusiasts, burgeoning collectors and SEMA members as a whole, "Leno's Law" (SB 712) in California has cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now heading to the floor for a full vote.

Sponsored by Senator Shannon Grove and backed by renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno, SB 712 aims to exempt collector cars that are 35 years or older from the state's stringent smog check requirements. This bill is a significant step towards preserving California's rich automotive heritage and supporting the specialty automotive aftermarket industry and promises to reduce regulatory barriers to keep classic cars on the road.

Voice your support for "Jay Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses.

Tell legislators to pass the bill now (it only takes a minute)!

Carrying bipartisan support with it to the Senate floor is crucial for SB 712 ahead of a full vote. "This legislation is a win for car collectors and the automotive industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It recognizes the importance of preserving our automotive heritage while supporting the specialty-equipment market." 

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.  

By SEMA News Editors

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola:

Dear SEMA Member:

Since its founding, SEMA has been a member- and volunteer-driven trade association for an innovative industry determined to forge its own future. Although a professional staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of SEMA programs and services, it is volunteers who set the association’s priorities and direction, notably through an elected Board of Directors. This gives you, the SEMA member, a tremendous voice in advancing the goals and initiatives that matter most to you, your business and the industry.

We realize your time is of the essence, but it is important that you take a few minutes right now to read the candidates bios at sema.org/2025-bod-candidates. This is your opportunity to have a voice and choose who will represent your company's best interests.

Your company’s primary contact will be receiving your election ballot for the 2025 SEMA Board of Directors by Monday, May 19.  We urge you to open this email to cast your vote. If you have not received your ballot, please request your voter log-in via this link.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together we will build a strong industry!

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

By SEMA News Editors

Attending the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, is a no-brainer for any industry professional.

It's where the entire aftermarket comes together to not only do business but celebrate the innovation and ingenuity of the industry with thousands of new products, groundbreaking vehicles, endless networking opportunities and industry-leading educational opportunities straight from your aftermarket peers.

So why keep all of those benefits to yourself?

Your entire team can benefit from attending the SEMA Show--and so can your business. Here's how:

• Discover the products your customers will be asking for. With more than 2,400 exhibitors and thousands of new products on display, the SEMA Show is the ultimate destination for spotting the next big thing in the automotive aftermarket. Bringing more of your team means covering more ground, evaluating more innovations and identifying the products that can take your business to the next level. Plus, a diverse team brings a range of insights--helping you zero in on what your customers will want next.
• Strengthen team alignment and cross-functionality. When everyone--from marketing to engineering--can witness innovations up close and hear about relevant information from experts in seminars, it strengthens company collaboration and cohesion. 
• Accelerate professional development. Get new employees up to speed on what's happening in the automotive aftermarket, including up-and-coming innovations and current challenges. Plus, they can take advantage of SEMA's industry-leading education programs. Led by top industry experts, these sessions help your entire team develop essential skills and gain valuable insights on industry trends that will help drive your business forward long after the Show comes to a close.
• Invest in the future of the industry. Empower the next generation of industry leaders by immersing them in the latest trends, technologies and relationship-building opportunities that can have a meaningful impact on your business.
• Demonstrate your company's commitment to growth. Send a signal to industry members that your team is showing up in full force. You're not just attending--your entire team is here to do business and grow. 
• Identify future leaders. The SEMA Show can serve as a proving ground to see who steps up, represents the company well and absorbs new knowledge. 
• Strengthen team morale. Bringing your team to the SEMA Show can improve motivation and loyalty to help junior members feel valued and included.

Attendee registration is open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment industry event spent weeks plotting exhibitor booths to ensure brands could showcase their new innovations at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Now that the floorplan is live, automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

Getting familiar with the floorplan is only one part of preparing for a successful SEMA Show. The road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show also begins with:

• Registration: Secure your badge to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills with education sessions. Register today at semashow.com/register.
• Booking Your Hotel: Hotel reservations are open online here. SEMA Show and partner onPeak offer Showgoers the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
• Securing Discounted Airline Tickets: Show organizers have secured special airline fares and discounts for trips with Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.
• Planning Your SEMA Show: Visit the SEMA Show attendee website at semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Products Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders, SEMA Fest and much more.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 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.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.  For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Mercedes-Benz was recently spotted testing the next-generation GLB in Germany ahead of its 2026 debut.

The new model is retaining some, but not all of its predecessor's boxy looks, and will adopt the German automaker's new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) architecture, offering a wider range of mild-hybrid and full-electric powertrains.

In new images obtained by SEMA News, the vehicle's bodywork is entirely covered in camouflage, but the proportions strongly suggest we're looking at the successor of the three-row GLB rather than the hatchback-style GLA. The SUV appears to have a sleeker design compared to its predecessor, incorporating Mercedes’ new styling language.

The front features slimmer LEDs flanking a large grille that appears to be mounted lower on the front bumper. The greenhouse has been slightly tweaked, as with the upright tail.

Mercedes' entire future compact lineup will ride on the new MMA platform, which is compatible with internal-combustion-engine (ICE) and electric powertrains. We already know most of the options for the upcoming CLA, which will likely find their way under the hood of the GLB.

The fully electric models that will eventually replace the EQB could offer the option between a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp, or a dual-motor setup with 375 hp. The electric models will likely be available with 58-kWh and 85-kWh battery packs, although its driving range will be shorter than the 460 miles expected from the more aerodynamic CLA.

The ICE-powered lineup will include a mild-hybrid 1.5L four-cylinder gas engine and a small electric motor inside the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The combustion engine is expected to be offered with different outputs, rated at 134 hp, 161 hp and 188 hp, with an additional 27 hp from the electric motor.

Like the current GLB, the new model will offer both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. An AMG performance version is also on the horizon, according to sources, likely with some form of hybrid assistance for extra power and efficiency.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a pivotal development for businesses of all sizes, but especially small businesses, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping legislative package, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," that renews and expands several long-standing pro-growth tax incentives. The House passage of the bill represents a significant milestone for Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump as they seek to deliver on several key campaign promises to support the business community. 

The Senate is beginning its work on its own version of the bill, and the differences between the two will be negotiated later this year. 

About the House Bill 

The House bill, which narrowly passed by a 215 to 214 margin, includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. This provision would eliminate tax on earned tips, overtime pay, create a car loan interest deduction of up to $10,000 for tax years 2025 to 2028, and also includes tax relief for seniors. 
   
• 199A Deduction: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with businesses that are taxed at the 20% corporate tax rate. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. The House Ways and Means Committee estimates this provision will create more than 1 million small business jobs annually and generate $750 billion in economic growth for small businesses. 
   
• Business Expensing and R&D: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities.   
   
• Regulatory Reforms and Cost Controls: The bill includes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and repeals several green energy tax incentives, measures aimed at reducing federal outlays and curbing long-term spending growth. 
   

How the Process Will Unfold 

House Republicans employed a process known as budget reconciliation to move the legislation forward, providing the Senate an opportunity to pass the bill with a simple majority, since reconciliation bills are not subject to the filibuster and thus do not require 60 votes to end debate prior to a vote. Now, Senate Republicans must either pass the House bill or make changes to it, which would require the House to vote on the Senate version of the bill. 

Both chambers must pass the same bill text in order for the legislation to advance to the president for his signature.  

Remaining Hurdles 

While House passage of the bill is a significant step, especially in light of the Republican's five-seat majority, the bill's path forward is complex. In addition to extending the 2017 tax law, the House bill includes a few provisions that are divisive among the Republican caucus, including: 

• State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap: After intense negotiations with members from high-tax states, House leaders included a provision to increase the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning up to $500,000. 
   
• Work Requirements and Spending Offsets: Fiscal conservatives in the House secured language to strengthen Medicaid work requirements and accelerate the rollback of green energy incentives. 
   

As Senate deliberations begin, SEMA and other stakeholders across the industry will monitor for changes or inclusions of key provisions. The clock is ticking, with congressional leaders aiming to deliver a final bill to the president's desk before the Fourth of July holiday to avoid any disruptions related to the statutory debt ceiling.  

Next Step 

SEMA will continue to provide timely updates, analysis and advocacy on behalf of our members as the bill moves through the Senate and into conference negotiations. Stay tuned for more as we continue to advocate for pro-growth, pro-business policies in Washington, D.C. 

For additional information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a pivotal development for businesses of all sizes, but especially small businesses, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping legislative package, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," that renews and expands several long-standing pro-growth tax incentives. The House passage of the bill represents a significant milestone for Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump as they seek to deliver on several key campaign promises to support the business community. 

The Senate is beginning its work on its own version of the bill, and the differences between the two will be negotiated later this year. 

About the House Bill 

The House bill, which narrowly passed by a 215 to 214 margin, includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. This provision would eliminate tax on earned tips, overtime pay, create a car loan interest deduction of up to $10,000 for tax years 2025 to 2028, and also includes tax relief for seniors. 
   
• 199A Deduction: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with businesses that are taxed at the 20% corporate tax rate. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. The House Ways and Means Committee estimates this provision will create more than 1 million small business jobs annually and generate $750 billion in economic growth for small businesses. 
   
• Business Expensing and R&D: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities.   
   
• Regulatory Reforms and Cost Controls: The bill includes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and repeals several green energy tax incentives, measures aimed at reducing federal outlays and curbing long-term spending growth. 
   

How the Process Will Unfold 

House Republicans employed a process known as budget reconciliation to move the legislation forward, providing the Senate an opportunity to pass the bill with a simple majority, since reconciliation bills are not subject to the filibuster and thus do not require 60 votes to end debate prior to a vote. Now, Senate Republicans must either pass the House bill or make changes to it, which would require the House to vote on the Senate version of the bill. 

Both chambers must pass the same bill text in order for the legislation to advance to the president for his signature.  

Remaining Hurdles 

While House passage of the bill is a significant step, especially in light of the Republican's five-seat majority, the bill's path forward is complex. In addition to extending the 2017 tax law, the House bill includes a few provisions that are divisive among the Republican caucus, including: 

• State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap: After intense negotiations with members from high-tax states, House leaders included a provision to increase the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning up to $500,000. 
   
• Work Requirements and Spending Offsets: Fiscal conservatives in the House secured language to strengthen Medicaid work requirements and accelerate the rollback of green energy incentives. 
   

As Senate deliberations begin, SEMA and other stakeholders across the industry will monitor for changes or inclusions of key provisions. The clock is ticking, with congressional leaders aiming to deliver a final bill to the president's desk before the Fourth of July holiday to avoid any disruptions related to the statutory debt ceiling.  

Next Step 

SEMA will continue to provide timely updates, analysis and advocacy on behalf of our members as the bill moves through the Senate and into conference negotiations. Stay tuned for more as we continue to advocate for pro-growth, pro-business policies in Washington, D.C. 

For additional information, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Garage has expanded its partnership with AUTEL by bringing its highly acclaimed, hands-on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) training to its Diamond Bar, California, location.

These in-depth, two-day sessions are designed to equip participants with critical knowledge in ADAS fundamentals, calibration procedures and reporting best practices.

As ADAS technology becomes increasingly common in today's vehicles, the need for proper calibration expertise is more important than ever. This expansion marks a major step in making high-quality ADAS training more accessible to industry professionals across the country.

📍 SEMA Garage Diamond Bar ADAS Training: 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr. Diamond Bar, California, 91765. View on Google Maps.

📅 Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" tab). Can't make it in June? Stay tuned as more training opportunities are on the horizon for later this year.

🔗 Questions? Reach out via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

By Ashley Reyes 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Whitney Williams, marketing specialist at Fox Factory, the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Williams was nominated for a spotlight feature by her peer, Miranda Hald. Get to know Williams through Hald's interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Whitney contributed to Fox Factory? 

Miranda Hald: Whitney has made countless contributions to our company, going above and beyond in every way. Her authenticity, compassion and selflessness make her an invaluable part of our team. She consistently dedicates her time and effort to managing our events, always giving her best, no matter the task at hand. 

SN: How has Whitney shown leadership in the industry or business? 

MH: Whitney has demonstrated strong leadership as she's worked her way up from the ground level. Each year, she embraces new challenges, striving to grow both personally and professionally. When given the opportunity to manage events and take on a leadership role, she exceeded all expectations—delivering outstanding results and proving her ability to lead, plan and successfully manage projects on her own. 

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Whitney. 

MH: Whitney's success extends far beyond her professional achievements—it's defined by how she treats those around her, both at work and at home. She is an incredible mother to her children and a loving wife to her husband. Despite juggling the demands of her career, event travel and daily responsibilities, she manages it all with grace. She still finds time to make others feel special, whether it's baking cupcakes or surprising colleagues with their favorite drink. Whitney embodies the roles of wife, mother, friend and co-worker with excellence. 

SN: How many years has Whitney been in the industry? 

MH: Three to five years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Whitney and why? 

MH: I admire her heart--her kindness, compassion, giving spirit and unwavering positivity. Her strength, passion, ambition and thoughtfulness are truly inspiring. 

SN: Why do you think Whitney is a role model in the industry? 

MH: Whitney is a true role model in this industry, consistently proving her worth, while continually learning more about the field and herself. Every day, she grows in her career, overcoming challenges and believing in herself, even when others may not. She thinks outside the box and is willing to contribute to the team and put them on her back. She's truly inspiring to watch. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA today is rejoicing in the successful, bipartisan effort to end electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, the result of a monumental, years-long effort to educate voters and lawmakers on the importance of preserving vehicle choice in the United States. By halting a California-led effort to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles through EV mandates for 40% of the nation's population, the Senate, and before it the House of Representatives, have shown courage in the face of radical policymakers, and exhibited confidence in American innovation and ingenuity borne out of the automotive aftermarket industry. 

• California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation jeopardized a significant sector of the American economy. A third of the specialty automotive aftermarket is based on ICE technology. Today's Senate vote to end California's national EV mandate and ICE vehicle ban protects $100 billion of annual economic impact to the nation's economy and the more than 330,000 American jobs these policies threatened. With its actions, Congress has safeguarded this important hub of innovation and American engineering prowess, providing stability for millions of American households employed by the aftermarket.  

"SEMA thanks the lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who stood up for Americans' freedom to determine which vehicles are best for them," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "We thank those in the nation's community of automotive enthusiasts and the aftermarket businesses who engaged in the advocacy process, many for the first time, to remind lawmakers that this is the United States of America, not the United States of California. Congress' vote gives the nation's automotive marketplace much-needed stability, which will deliver renewed investment and sufficient resources to aid our industry in doing what we do best: innovating the future of automotive technology. 

"This victory would not be possible without the courage and fortitude shown by Majority Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson to look beyond the opposition's lies and underhanded effort to undermine the will of the people," Spagnola said. "We look forward to President Trump putting an end to this nightmarish EV mandates policy with his signature and thus fulfill an important promise he made to the American people." 

SEMA STEERS THE CONVERSATION ON EV MANDATES AND ICE VEHICLE BANS 

SEMA was, and never will be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge. 

Beginning in 2023, SEMA led a national effort to educate voters and lawmakers on the damage of EV mandates on families, the working class, and American small businesses. In February, when the effort to overturn the California waiver kicked into high gear, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to: 

• Send more than 56,000 letters to lawmakers in the House and Senate 
• Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation 
• Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and their staffs 
• Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol  

Along the way, states not named California got wise to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont each backed off pledges to follow California's emissions policies while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates never take effect again. 

This follows a significant financial investment by SEMA to educate voters throughout the 2024 presidential campaign via its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, with ads running the battleground states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.