By SEMA News Editors

GM Names Duncan Aldred President of North America Business

General Motors (GM) has promoted Duncan Aldred to lead the company's North America region.

Aldred, who recently has been VP, commercial growth strategies and operations, becomes GM senior VP and president of North America, effective immediately.

Alred will join the GM senior leadership team, and report to Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president, global markets.

In his 33-year career with GM, Aldred has held a range of leadership roles in vehicle sales, services and marketing. In 2010, he was named chairman and managing director of Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, before shifting to lead Opel global sales, marketing and aftersales in 2013.

In 2014, he was appointed VP of global GMC and Buick, where he led the growth of both brands, including the launch of the Buick Avenir and GMC AT4 sub-brands.

In 2024, Aldred was named to his recent position, where he focused on modernizing customer experience and creating growth opportunities across our products and services, the company said, including GM Energy, GM Envolve, OnStar, customer care and aftersales, and digital sales and service.

For more information, visit gm.com.

Old World Industries Acquires Mexico-Based J&J Lubricantes

Old World Industries (OWI), the Illinois-based parent company of PEAK antifreeze and BlueDEF, has acquired J&J Lubricantes, a manufacturer and distributor of automotive coolants, oils and other lubrication products based in Monterrey, Mexico.

The acquisition expands on the two companies' 25-year partnership and unlocks new growth potential across Mexico for OWI, company representatives said, including the local manufacturing and distribution of OWI's flagship products. Additionally, the acquisition will allow OWI to better address customer needs in the Mexican market, according to the company.

This local presence will bring improved lead times, speed up the time to market for new products and enhance support for customers, the company said. Additionally, OWI aims to introduce products that meet regional demands by expanding its distribution footprint, packaging updates, formulation improvements and new technologies.

"We're excited to grow with our customers and take a bigger role as the right solutions provider for quality coolants, DEF, oils and other lubricants in Mexico," said Greg Noethlich, CEO of OWI. "We are continuing to invest in bringing quality products and technologies with simplified supply chain solutions to our customers."

For more information, visit owi.com.

ORACLE Lighting Welcomes Jaclyn Bradham as Chief Revenue Officer

ORACLE Lighting, the Metairie, Louisiana-based provider of automotive lighting solutions, has welcomed Jaclyn Bradham as its new chief revenue officer (CRO).

Bradham brings more 15 years of sales leadership experience to the role, including significant time in the automotive media and publishing industries. Most recently, she served as vice president of media revenue and sales at Hemmings, the automotive magazine publisher and classic vehicle marketplace. At Hemmings, she led efforts across multimedia content, digital platforms, and sales strategy, implementing CRM systems, launching new media products and training high-performing sales teams, the company said.

In her new role, Bradham will oversee revenue strategy and sales operations across all channels, with a focus on optimizing performance, enhancing partner success and scaling ORACLE's presence in new and existing markets, the company said.

"I'm thrilled to be joining a company with such a bold vision and a values-driven culture," said Bradham. "ORACLE Lighting has built an incredible reputation for innovation and quality, and I look forward to working alongside this talented team to unlock new opportunities, drive growth and deliver even more value to our customers and partners."

For more information, visit oraclelights.com.

Meyer Distributing Opens New Location in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Meyer Distributing Canada has opened a new location in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

"Our Winnipeg expansion highlights our ongoing commitment to bringing Meyers best in class inventory right to the doorstep of our customers," said Patrick Lavallée, Meyer Canada's sales manager for Western Canada. "From traditional automotive accessories to specialty commercial and collision parts, Meyer has you covered. Call us today at 800-456-3451 for English or 866-457-6225 for French, and let us help you expand your offerings and diversify."

"We are very excited to connect Manitoba and Saskatchewan to Meyer truck service," said Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer Canada. "From Winnipeg to Brandon to Regina to Saskatoon to Prince Albert and more--our drivers are coming to you. When we can pick up returns while dropping off new orders and handle big and bulky parts ourselves, the quality of service is just much better."

For more information, visit meyerdistributing.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Planning for the 2025 SEMA Show is well underway, but there's still time for interested exhibitors to secure exhibit space on the SEMA Show floor, November 4-7 in Las Vegas. Now is the perfect time to claim your place at the industry's premier event!

Whether debuting new products, looking to boost brand visibility or expanding into new markets, exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts brands in front of thousands of qualified buyers, media, influencers and industry pros who live and breathe the aftermarket.

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel," said John Meyers of KICKER Stillwater Designs. "On the internet, you just don't get that experience."

Why Exhibit at SEMA?

• Elevate Your Brand: From startups to established companies, the SEMA Show delivers unmatched exposure to an audience that drives the automotive aftermarket forward.
• Meet Your Customers Face-to-Face: Reconnect with existing clients, forge new relationships, and get real-time feedback that can shape your product and business strategy.
• Break Into New Markets: The vast reach of the SEMA Show opens the door to domestic and international sales opportunities through direct interaction with retailers, distributors and decision-makers.
• Launch Your New Products: Launching new products? The SEMA Show is the best place to unveil parts and products—where media coverage, foot traffic, and excitement ensure maximum visibility.

Exhibitor Resources Now Available

New and returning exhibitors can access tools and support to help them plan a successful Show. From feature vehicles to budget checklists to promotional strategies, everything an exhibitor could need is at your fingertips.

Resources for the 2025 SEMA Show exhibitors are now available online at semashow.com/exhibitor. Learn more here.

Among the several exhibitor resources is the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a free program on June 25-27 in Vegas and the best way to get the most ROI. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

To reserve your booth and get started on the road to the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

FOX Factory

Race Series Shocks for Tacoma, 4Runner

FOX Factory Race Series' shocks designed for the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota 4Runner feature a patented Internal Bypass Technology designed to increase the shock's damping capacity, giving comfort and confidence in rough terrain without the extra packaging room that comes with external bypass shocks. A 3-in. diameter won't fit in the wheel well of these vehicles either, which is why Internal Bypass is tuned to generate nearly 100% more force in the bottom-out zone compared to a 2.5 monotube, according to FOX Factory.

ridefox.com

Professional Detailing Products (PDP)

Original Wheel Sheeld

PDP's Original Wheel Sheeld has been updated to fit wheel sizes up to 24 in., providing an easy and effective solution for protecting your clean wheels from tire dressing overspray, according to the manufacturer. With easy customization and application, Wheel Sheeld eliminates the need to re-clean wheels after detailing and safeguards brake rotors from exposure to silicone-based products.

professionaldetailingproducts.com

Wilwood

Aero-DM Direct Mount Brake Kits for '22-'24 Mercedes-Benz 2500 Sprinter Van

Wilwood has engineered new front and rear Aero-DM direct-mount bolt-on brake kits for '22-'24 Mercedes-Benz 2500 Sprinter Van applications. Developed specifically for ease of installation and reduced cost, according to the manufacturer, the kits will work with most 17-in. and larger wheels. These kits are designed to be fully compatible with factory front- and rear-brake mounting positions, master cylinders and ABS computer systems.

wilwood.com

By Ashley Reyes

Applications are still open for women-owned businesses and organizations dedicated to advancing women to host an activation in the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) booth at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, in Las Vegas.  

The SBN booth is the premier destination for women at the SEMA Show to network, learn, and engage with the broader female automotive aftermarket community. Selected booth partners will host educational and networking activations inside the booth, contributing to the education and advancement of women and connecting their brand with thousands of industry professionals, enthusiasts and members of the media.  

Eligible companies must be a SEMA member business or organization, be women-owned or -operated (51% owned and involved in the day-to-day decisions and long-term decision-making), and support the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket.  

SBN aims to feature multiple partner activations to provide an engaging, exciting, and inclusive environment for attendees. Applications close Saturday, March 10. Learn more and apply here.  

Contact SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at 909-323-2149 or nicoleb@sema.org with any questions.  

By Ashley Reyes

Everyone strives to excel at work, but there's always room for growth and improvement. Whether it's refining skills, enhancing productivity or addressing feedback, navigating these areas can sometimes be challenging. 

On Tuesday, May 13, at 12:00 p.m. PDT, several of SEMA's councils and networks will host the webinar, "The Untold Truth: What Leaders Think (But Rarely Say)," to help aftermarket professionals learn strategies for elevating their professional performance. Registration is open at this link. 

The session brings together a panel of aftermarket leaders and executives who will share actionable tips, proven strategies and practical recommendations to help professionals put their best foot forward, manage tough feedback and identify areas of improvement. 

Panelists include Shawna Bacon, executive assistant at Oracle Lighting; Megan Cook, chief administrative officer at Power Automotive Media; and Lauren McCullough, founder and CEO at Tromml. Moderator Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO at Oracle Lighting, will guide the discussion and facilitate the question-and-answer period. 

Tailored to aftermarket professionals who are seeking next-level career growth, this session will provide attendees with tools and insights for performing their best. Register here. 

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), and the SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC).  

By SEMA News Editors

Attendee registration is now available online here for the 2025 SEMA Show—November 4-7, in Las Vegas. 

From cutting-edge vehicle builds to the latest innovations in the automotive aftermarket, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas is where the world gathers every year to experience the energy, passion and innovations that define the specialty-equipment aftermarket. (Learn more about why attend at semashow.com/attendee).

Organizers recommend attendees and buyers start planning early to get the best SEMA Show experience and maximize your ROI. Going into the Show with a plan will not only help you have a successful week on the Show floor but allow the benefits of the event to reverberate long after the 2025 SEMA Show comes to a close.  

Luckily, SEMA Show organizers have helped to compile a variety of tools and resources to help you save on Show essentials, like airfare, hotel accommodations and even registration. Learn more below:

How to Apply for Registration

Approved attendees can secure their SEMA Show badge for only $50 online now through Friday, June 27. After the deadline, the registration price will increase to $75. 

How to Save on Your 2025 SEMA Show Hotel

SEMA Showgoers are strongly encouraged to secure their housing online here through onPeak, SEMA's only official hotel provider. Booking a 2025 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak allows attendees and exhibitors to claim hotel loyalty rewards points and book their entire group online with immediate confirmation--knowing they've secured the lowest rates possible for the event without needing to browse the web for hours. 

How to Save on Airfare for the SEMA Show

SEMA Showgoers can claim exclusive airline discounts for their trip to the 2025 SEMA Show. With these deals straight from exclusive SEMA Show partners--detailed at the bottom of this article--you can save big on your plane tickets for this year's event.

Alaska Airlines: 

• Discount: 7% off published fares. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Friday, October 31--Saturday, November 8, 2025.
• Online Reservations: Visit alaskaair.com and enter discount code ECMO139. 
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Alaska Airlines Group Desk at 1-800-445-4435. Note that a $15 per person ticketing fee will be applied to phone reservations.

Delta Airlines: 

• Discount: Special fares for SEMA Showgoers.
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here.
• Phone Reservations: Contact the Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST, and refer to Meeting Code NY3RX. (No service fee for reservations booked and ticketed through the listed phone number).

United Airlines: 

• Discount: Up to 2% to 10% based on origin location. 
• Valid Travel Dates: Thursday, October 30--Sunday, November 9, 2025. 
• Online Reservations: Visit the special link here, or use discount code ZPKE658685.
• Phone Reservations: Please note that a service fee will be collected per ticket when booking by phone. Contact United Meetings at 1-800-426-1122 and provide the representative with the following information:
  • Z Code: ZQT8.
  • Agreement Code: 615759.

SEMA Show International Attendees Seeking a Travel Visa

For those traveling from outside of the United States, SEMA can offer a letter of invitation for approved attendees. The online registration form must be completed before a visa letter can be issued. The letter will only be prepared using the individual's name and company name as listed in their registration record.

For more information, visit the Registration FAQs section of SEMAShow.com/attendee and scroll down to "I need a visa to enter the United States. How can I get a letter of invitation?"

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show. 

From the Washington, D.C., office

SEMA, on behalf of the nation's automotive aftermarket industry and millions of automotive enthusiasts across the U.S., issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives' 246-164 vote to overturn California's Clean Air Act waiver for the state's Advanced Clean Cars II policy (a.k.a. electric-vehicle ((EV)) mandates or internal combustion engine ((ICE)) vehicle ban): 

If you're going to force 40% of the nation to do your bidding, you better deliver a stronger policy than California's Advanced Clean Cars II, which will cripple the economy, force families into vehicles they can't afford, and saddle communities with an untenable, impractical edict with which to contend. California would have you believe there is a pot of gold at the end of the EV rainbow, in the form of millions of jobs installing chargers and expanding the grid, but in truth California would have on their hands the blood of an entire, legacy automotive industry that Americans have grown to rely upon and trust. 

Lawmakers in the House on both sides of the aisle see through these lies and understand what's at stake, and we thank them for slamming the door on EV mandates by voting in favor of a Congressional Review Act resolution to strike down California's Clean Air Act waiver. Their bipartisan vote will preserve vehicle choice nationwide, particularly at a time when people are keeping vehicles longer, using them to transport their families, and kickstart businesses and careers. 

We're on to the Senate. It's time for Senate Republicans and Democrats to stand up, declare that California does not speak for our nation, that the Golden State's policies are not solutions to our country's issues, and that it is not partisan to say, "I believe in American ingenuity, not mandates." The Senate must now vote to reclaim what California has stolen: our nation's ability to bring all options to the table in service of solving the carbon emissions conundrum. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

ACT NOW: SEMA made it easy for industry members to make their voices heard on this crucial matter with just a few clicks. Learn more ⁠here or click below to support automotive technology innovation.

BACKGROUND  

SEMA represents the automotive aftermarket industry, a third of which are businesses that are entirely dependent on products for ICE vehicles. To enact an ICE vehicle ban through EV mandates would represent a significant hit to the nation's economy by causing irreparable harm to an industry that annually delivers a $337 billion economic impact and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs through domestic manufacturing and sales.  

• 33% of the nation's automotive aftermarket industry is ICE-dependent, representing more than $100 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, and impacts roughly 330,000 jobs.  

SEMA is not 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.  

SEMA and a coalition of 335 small businesses from the automotive aftermarket in early April urged House of Representatives and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.  

During the 2024 presidential campaign, SEMA, through its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, educated voters about the damaging impact of EV mandates, and the profound importance of empowering the automotive aftermarket to develop innovative solutions to carbon emissions using American ingenuity.  

SEMA serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,500 member companies that create, buy, sell and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit sema.org. 

From the Washington, D.C., office

SEMA, on behalf of the nation's automotive aftermarket industry and millions of automotive enthusiasts across the U.S., issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives' 246-164 vote to overturn California's Clean Air Act waiver for the state's Advanced Clean Cars II policy (a.k.a. electric-vehicle ((EV)) mandates or internal combustion engine ((ICE)) vehicle ban): 

If you're going to force 40% of the nation to do your bidding, you better deliver a stronger policy than California's Advanced Clean Cars II, which will cripple the economy, force families into vehicles they can't afford, and saddle communities with an untenable, impractical edict with which to contend. California would have you believe there is a pot of gold at the end of the EV rainbow, in the form of millions of jobs installing chargers and expanding the grid, but in truth California would have on their hands the blood of an entire, legacy automotive industry that Americans have grown to rely upon and trust. 

Lawmakers in the House on both sides of the aisle see through these lies and understand what's at stake, and we thank them for slamming the door on EV mandates by voting in favor of a Congressional Review Act resolution to strike down California's Clean Air Act waiver. Their bipartisan vote will preserve vehicle choice nationwide, particularly at a time when people are keeping vehicles longer, using them to transport their families, and kickstart businesses and careers. 

We're on to the Senate. It's time for Senate Republicans and Democrats to stand up, declare that California does not speak for our nation, that the Golden State's policies are not solutions to our country's issues, and that it is not partisan to say, "I believe in American ingenuity, not mandates." The Senate must now vote to reclaim what California has stolen: our nation's ability to bring all options to the table in service of solving the carbon emissions conundrum. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

ACT NOW: SEMA made it easy for industry members to make their voices heard on this crucial matter with just a few clicks. Learn more ⁠here or click below to support automotive technology innovation.

BACKGROUND  

SEMA represents the automotive aftermarket industry, a third of which are businesses that are entirely dependent on products for ICE vehicles. To enact an ICE vehicle ban through EV mandates would represent a significant hit to the nation's economy by causing irreparable harm to an industry that annually delivers a $337 billion economic impact and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs through domestic manufacturing and sales.  

• 33% of the nation's automotive aftermarket industry is ICE-dependent, representing more than $100 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, and impacts roughly 330,000 jobs.  

SEMA is not 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.  

SEMA and a coalition of 335 small businesses from the automotive aftermarket in early April urged House of Representatives and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.  

During the 2024 presidential campaign, SEMA, through its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, educated voters about the damaging impact of EV mandates, and the profound importance of empowering the automotive aftermarket to develop innovative solutions to carbon emissions using American ingenuity.  

SEMA serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,500 member companies that create, buy, sell and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

Every year, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas brings the automotive aftermarket world together to see the latest products, innovations and technology that are shaping the future of the industry. The SEMA Show is where trends are born, connections are made and deals happen. For savvy exhibitors, one of the smartest moves they can make is to participate in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase--the No. 1 destination for SEMA Show buyers and a value-packed program designed to maximize visibility and drive booth traffic. And with the first product entry always free of charge, there's no excuse not to participate in this program that gets your products in front of media members, buyers, builders, business owners and more professionals.

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel. Because on the internet, you just don't get that experience," said John Myers of KICKER Stillwater Designs.

Submissions are now at semashow.com/newproducts, and all exhibitors are encouraged to review the rules and submit early.

In addition to the product display on-site at the SEMA Show, every product is professionally photographed, promoted across official SEMA Show channels, and listed in a year-round online gallery that continues to generate exposure long after the Show ends. Even better, the 2025 SEMA Show app gives attendees and buyers the ability to scan items in the New Products Showcase (using the Product Scanner feature) and instantly map out where to find each exhibitor on the SEMA Show floor.

Even better, all eligible new product entries are considered for the 2026 SEMA New Product Awards and the SEMA Show Media's Choice Awards, providing even more brand exposure and recognition.

Enter your company's products at semashow.com/newproducts today! 

Exhibitors can continue to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show plans with the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM), which is now available online. The entire ESM is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

In addition, exhibitors should consider attending the complimentary 2025 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. SEMA will provide hotel rooms for up to two employees free of charge from June 25-27, in Las Vegas, and provide proven strategies straight from Show organizers to get the most ROI of the November event. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

Still have questions? Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2025 SEMA Show? Get started at semashow.com/buyabooth.

Note: Attendee registration is now open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Exhibitors receive a certain allotment of badges for staff members based on booth size. To register additional staff members, exhibitors can do so for $50 per badge through Friday, June 27. After, the registration price will increase. Register here. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Left to right: West Virginia (WV) State Senator Chris Rose; WV State Senator Mark Maynard; Tierra Hubbard, SEMA senior manager for state government affairs; WV State Senator Ben Queen.

In a major victory for vehicle choice, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey on April 24 signed into law SB 573, a landmark automotive bill strongly supported by SEMA that prohibits the state from limiting the use, sale or purchase of motor vehicles based on their energy source. The bill effectively blocks potential future bans on internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

SEMA's position on electric vehicle (EV) mandates is clear: innovation should be driven by consumer choice and industry ingenuity, not by restrictive government mandates. Government, therefore, should remain technology neutral.

West Virginia's law is a significant win for the specialty equipment industry. It ensures that businesses can continue to develop and sell performance- and emissions-related products for all types of vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric. It preserves West Virginians' freedom to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs while supporting a diverse, thriving aftermarket industry.

SEMA will continue to advocate for similar laws at both the state and federal levels, protecting consumer rights and promoting an open, competitive landscape for automotive innovation.

For more information, please contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.

This story was originally published on Thursday, May 1.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock