By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Mazda North American Operations, SEMA Garage is inviting aftermarket suppliers to participate in an upcoming SEMA Garage SoCal measuring session featuring two Mazda vehicles on June 18.
 

Highlighted by the availability of the all‑new '26 Mazda CX‑5, this session is intended to support supplier measurement activities to enable the development and evaluation of new accessory concepts and products.
 

The primary focus of the CX‑5 measuring session will be exterior appearance accessory development. However, Mazda welcomes accessory concepts and ideas for both exterior and interior applications for future consideration.
 

To optimize on‑site time and vehicle availability, a '26 Mazda CX‑50 will also be available during the session. The CX‑50 product focus will emphasize outdoor, adventure and activity‑oriented accessory opportunities.

A Mazda representative will be on site throughout the session to support supplier engagement, answer questions and provide clarification related to vehicle specifications and accessory development considerations.
 

Reserve your time slot now––space is limited, advanced RSVP is required.

SEMA Garage Mazda Measuring Session
June 18, 2026
1577 Valley Vista Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
View on Google Maps

If you have any questions regarding our SEMA Measuring Sessions, please email productdevelopment@sema.org.

SEMA Membership offers real savings, real benefits and real tools to help your business grow, like access to SEMA Garage services and much more. Join SEMA today at sema.org/membership-business. 

Images courtesy of Mazda

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and ORBA applaud President Trump's new executive order, which is a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.

Trump has rescinded Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land for close to 50 years now. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure and multiple-use management moving forward.

SEMA and ORBA have been working with a coalition of recreation, industry and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and have participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.

While the new executive order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.

For recreationists, businesses and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, this action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access and multiple-use management on America's public lands.

Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but the announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.

SEMA and ORBA look forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.

Read the White House executive order here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Monica Garza 73

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA and ORBA applaud President Trump's new executive order, which is a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.

Trump has rescinded Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land for close to 50 years now. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure and multiple-use management moving forward.

SEMA and ORBA have been working with a coalition of recreation, industry and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and have participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.

While the new executive order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.

For recreationists, businesses and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, this action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access and multiple-use management on America's public lands.

Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but the announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.

SEMA and ORBA look forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.

Read the White House executive order here.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Monica Garza 73

By SEMA News Editors
 

AAM Group Recognizes Suppliers and Members

The AAM Group honored Comp Specialties as its 2026 Member of the Year and presented 10 supplier awards during the organization's annual Membership Meeting held in Kingsport, Tennessee.
 

Each year, AAM makes this selection based on six key metrics: active participation, growth as a percentage, marketing participation, participation in group buys, pro rebates participation and new supplier support. In recognition of its win, Comp Specialties received a custom trophy and an exclusive painting.
 

"We were very pleased to recognize Comp Specialties, a member that continues to demonstrate what exceptional AAM partnership looks like," said AAM President Tim Odom. "The award is evaluated across six core performance categories, and Comp Specialties delivered impressive results in each one. With the addition of a new category this year, new supplier support, they stood out immediately as a leader. Their commitment to collaboration, responsiveness, accessibility and helping new suppliers succeed reflects the kind of engagement and support that strengthens our entire network."
 

The AAM meeting also saw awards given to the winners in each of the following individual categories: 
 

• Active Participation: DIX Performance
• Growth as a Percentage: Motor State Distributing
• Marketing Participation: AllPro Distributing
• Group Buys: Midwest Wheel
• New Supplier Support: Comp Specialties
• PRO Rebates Participation: Tri-State Enterprises, Inc.

The supplier awards were presented to the following organizations:
 

• Most Valuable Partner Award: Lippert
• Full Growth Throttle Award: Baja Designs
• Pavement Pioneer Award: RealTruck
• Most Influential Marketing Award: DECKED
• Aftermarket Visionary Award: RealTruck RetraxPro EZ-OFF
• Excellence in Education: Gen-Y Hitch
• Group Impact Award: RealTruck
• Driven by Data Award: ORACLE Lighting
• Rookie of the Year Award: 3D MAXpider
• Most Impactful Parts Pro Partner: Mishimoto

Ambassador Award Winners
 

AAM also named seven recipients of the Ambassador Award, given to key individuals who exemplified their commitment to our shared mission of growing the aftermarket as a unified league.
 

2026 Supplier Champions
 

• Matt Sims - Baja Designs
• John Robinson - Lippert
• Dallas Donovan - Dee Zee
   

2026 Member Champions
 

• Ray Hagar - RPT Distributing
• Darren Pritchard - Lordco
• Greg Murphy - Midwest Wheel
• John DeBlasio - AllPro Distributing

BMW Speedtop Concept Coming to Life

At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, the BMW Group presented an exclusive concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. Our recent spy shots of a prototype testing on the German Nürburgring prove how far BMW has come.
 

The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions. "A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it's standing still," Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said last year. The Speedtop is characterized first and foremost by its profile, which is highly unique in the automotive industry. "In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially the Touring models."
 

The Speedtop shares its eye-catching design language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited production run.

The concept car's engine ensures it excels not only in terms of design but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW.
 

"Back in 2024, the presentation of the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and automotive enthusiasts," said Bernd Körber, senior vice president of BMW brand and product management. "This led to a strictly limited production run of 50 units. Thanks to this positive response, we decided last year to also offer the BMW Concept Speedtop in a limited production run of 70 units." A prototype of the vehicle has now been spotted testing publicly.

Ferrari Continues Work on First All-Electric Sportscar

Almost every brand now has at least one electric car in its lineup, with only pure sports car manufacturers still lagging behind. However, in Ferrari's case, this is set to change soon, as its first electric model is due to be unveiled before the end of this month.
 

Ferrari boss Benedetto Vigna confirmed the plans to the British magazine Autocar. Vigna did not reveal whether it will be a sports car, a sedan, a crossover or an SUV. However, these prototype images of the car testing in Italy may provide some clues.

Ferrari's first electric car has already covered several thousand miles in public-road testing, according to reports. The photographed prototype finally wears the production body, though it remains hidden under heavy plastic camouflage that leaves plenty of room for imagination and interpretation.
 

According to Vigna, the car is designed to be fun to drive and is intended to appeal to both existing Ferrari customers and newcomers to the brand. "People buy a Ferrari because they have a lot of fun with it. They don't buy a Ferrari because A, B, C, D or a single element is right. It's a combination of things," Vigna said.

In any case, customers will need deep pockets. According to a report by Reuters, the car will cost more than half a million dollars, equivalent to at least 450,000 euros. This does not include extras and customization, which usually account for 15% to 20% of the Ferrari's price. According to the report published last June, Ferrari is also developing a second electric car in addition to its first battery-electric vehicle.

Ferrari's electric vehicle will be built in the new e-factory on the company's campus in Maranello. Ferrari also plans to produce batteries, motors and axles for its upcoming electric vehicles there. The battery cells themselves, however, will come from suppliers.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia 

By SEMA News Editors

Get inside the world of the automotive aftermarket with free digital access to SEMA magazine, now available to everyone. The latest issue is packed with industry insights, trend analysis, standout builds and stories from the people driving enthusiast car culture forward.
 

In the May/June 2026 issue, readers will get an exclusive look at the passion, craftsmanship and innovation fueling the aftermarket industry, including an in-depth conversation with renowned builder Troy Trepanier about Fenderless, the stunning winner of the 2025 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish at last year’s SEMA Show. Additional coverage includes:

   • The SEMA Visionary 8 Awards: Nominations Open for Aspiring Young Leaders

   • Retro Revivals: Are Imports the Next Big Movement in Restomod Culture?

   • State of the Automotive Art: Auto Restoration and Hot-Rodding Trends

   • Drag Racing's Phoenix: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Import Drag Racing

   • Building(s) for the Future: How SEMA Garage Is Helping Members Innovate

As a reminder, SEMA magazine is now available to everyone--at no cost--online by claiming your complimentary subscription. Haven't claimed yours yet? Here's how:
 

   • Claim your coupon voucher HERE

   • Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your automotive interests

   • Subscribe

   • Download the SEMA magazine app

   • Sign in to access a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge

   • Start reading!

For step-by-step instructions on how to claim your free SEMA magazine subscription, click HERE.

By SEMA News Editors

FIA Sustainable Innovation Series Launches 2026 Global Program in Montréal

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, hosted its Sustainable Innovation Series (SIS) in Montreal, kicking off the 2026 edition ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

Leaders from motorsports, technology, government and academia gathered to discuss one of the defining challenges of our time: How do we build transport systems that are safer, cleaner and smarter for everyone?

Supported by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the event brought the Series to life under the theme "Track-to-City: Sustainable Innovation in Motorsports and Mobility," focusing on the technologies and partnerships that deliver practical change.

Motorsports has long been a proving ground for road innovation, from ABS brakes to advanced tire technology. Today, that same transfer is helping accelerate sustainable fuels, electric vehicle batteries, hydrogen performance and data-led transport systems that can improve safety, reduce emissions and ease congestion.

Willem Groenewald, FIA secretary general for Mobility, Sustainability and Tourism, said: "Motor sport has always been a proving ground for the precision thinking and technological ambition the world needs today. Through the Sustainable Innovation Series, we are making that connection explicit and actionable. The tools that make racing safer and more efficient can also save lives on public roads and cut emissions in our cities. The FIA was proud to launch this year's Series in Montreal."

Tim Shearman, CAA president and FIA deputy president for Mobility, said: "Montreal is an ideal place to launch the 2026 FIA Sustainable Innovation Series, bringing together a strong mobility and innovation ecosystem alongside an iconic motor sport event. Road safety, congestion, climate resilience and reliable transport affect people every day, and the discussions showed how data, AI and innovation can move beyond the track to deliver real-world benefits."

The Montreal program featured keynote addresses, expert panels and strategic exchanges on predictive mobility systems, AI-driven road safety and data governance. Speakers included representatives from the FIA, Formula 1, Transport Canada, Google and official FIA partners Siemens and Tomorrow.io.

The Sustainable Innovation Series will next convene at the FIA World Endurance Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, taking the discussion into new regions, industries and communities of practice.

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Joins S&P SmallCap 600 Index

Good news for the industry: Universal Technical Institute, Inc., one of the primary feeder schools for motorsports technicians, has announced it has joined the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, effective prior to the opening of trading on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index seeks to measure the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and signals stronger credibility and financial performance for the company.

"Our inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index represents a significant achievement for our company, students, and shareholders and reflects the successful execution of our North Star strategy to date," said Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. "As the significant demand for skilled-collar and healthcare professionals is accelerated by AI-driven investments reshaping the economy, we believe UTI is uniquely positioned to continue to train the workforce of the future. We are pleased to see the progress in our business model recognized by the broader investment community."

Universal Technical Institute's North Star strategy is a multi-year initiative to address America's skilled labor shortage. The company's industry-aligned training programs are offered at two divisions: Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which focuses on transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy education; and Concorde Career Colleges, which specializes in health professions.

Now in Phase II, the North Star strategy's core tenets of growth, diversification and optimization include opening multiple campuses annually between 2026 and 2029; launching 10-20 new programs annually at existing campus locations; and enhancing its operations to make the most efficient use of resources, according to UTI.

In March, the company opened UTI-San Antonio, its first-ever campus focused exclusively on skilled trades programs, with offerings in welding and an electrical training suite of robotics, industrial maintenance and electrical/electronics, among other focuses.

Later this summer, the company will open UTI-Atlanta, its first campus in Georgia that will offer multiple training programs supported by advanced classrooms and specialized labs for automotive, diesel, aviation, electrical, robotics and automation, plus HVACR and welding.

In addition, the company has also announced plans for a new UTI campus in Salt Lake City. All campuses are subject to regulatory approvals.

For more information, visit uti.edu.

By SEMA News Editors

The New Product Showcase is one of the most important destinations at the SEMA Show. It's where innovation is celebrated, discovery is constant and attendees instinctively slow down to explore what's new. It's also where SEMA makes a clear promise to exhibitors: your product will be seen.
 

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show? Entries for the New Products Showcase will be open soon. Stay updated on all of the latest SEMA Show information with SEMA News and semashow.com.
 

What's been historically difficult to prove is how often those products were actually seen and if that visibility translated to meaningful engagement.
 

That challenge led SEMA to partner with FastSensor to measure the New Product Showcase at the most recent SEMA Show, pairing the energy of the floor with behavioral data to understand how attendees truly experienced the space and how that value could be communicated back to exhibitors.
 

FastSensor's data validated the Showcase's role as a discovery engine. Over the course of the show, the Showcase generated more than 620,000 brand impressions and nearly 614,000 exhibit hall attendees walked just outside the Showcase footprint. Positioned near a major hall entrance, the space delivered sustained, high-density visibility repeatedly throughout the show. Visibility was only the starting point.
 

FastSensor also revealed that thousands of people entered the Showcase. Inside the space, engaged visitors spent meaningful time exploring products and sections. On average, these visitors spent 21 minutes in the New Products Showcase, far beyond a quick pass-through. Nearly 45% of the qualified visitors engaged even more deeply, exploring specific product sections or multiple sections with sustained dwell.
 

Reviewing the data, SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins captured the opportunity clearly.

"It's really interesting to see where the audience eyeballs are actually gathering. And as attendees engage with products in the Showcase, it became an invitation to visit the Exhibitor's booth to learn more," Tompkins said.

When FastSensor layered engagement data onto the floor plan using heatmaps and journey analysis, the story became even clearer. Central, hands-on product areas consistently drove higher engagement and longer dwell.
 

The data also challenged exhibitor assumptions about their product placement within the Showcase.
 

As SEMA Trade Show Operations Manager Justine Hubbard noted, "Though the SEMA Show is bustling in all areas and sections, we did have exhibitors who didn't think they were in a good spot. Seeing the heatmap––where their area was a bright red engagement hotspot––completely changed that conversation."
 

For the first time, SEMA could separate product performance from perception and validate placement decisions with objective proof. The impact went beyond a single report.
 

"SEMA had been looking for a solution to track attendee data in this marquee area to help promote the value of the Showcase in new ways. We found that with FastSensor," said Hubbard.
 

The New Products Showcase has always delivered buzz and discovery. What FastSensor added was clarity––giving SEMA a new way to explain, defend and elevate the value of the Showcase with evidence to match the experience.
 

Want to take advantage of this powerful lead generator at the 2026 SEMA Show? New Products Showcase entry forms will open soon. Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest updates. 
 

FastSensor is the official data and measurement partner of the SEMA Show and offers a variety of solutions to track engagement for exhibitors. Visit hs.fastsensor.com/sema-2026 to learn more.

By SEMA News Editors

Joe Hrudka, the Cleveland-born founder of Mr. Gasket Co. and SEMA Hall of Famer, passed away on May 24, 2026. He was 87. Joe founded the company with his brother, Tom Hrudka.
 

An accomplished drag-racer himself, Hrudka used his own '57 Chevy as a rolling test bed for the development of specialized, heat-resistant gaskets for his race cars before ultimately launching Mr. Gasket Co. in 1964.
 

Selling the gaskets out of the trunk of his car, word got around to other drivers, and soon Hrudka was literally "Mr. Gasket," selling the sealers, at first under the Speed Specialties name, then as Mr. Gasket Co., selling a line of head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, oil pan gaskets and fasteners. Today, the Mr. Gasket brand is part of Holley Performance Brands.
 

In addition to being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1980, Hrudka was a SEMA Memorial Scholarship subfund sponsor and member of the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Traci Hrudka, niece of Joe Hrudka and daughter of Tom Hrudka, shared the following message on social media (edited for length):

To all who knew him, his extraordinary and legendary accomplishments in the entire racing and performance industry are all well known and revered.

Joe's biggest passion in the industry was taking care of racers, and being an avid racer himself, he knew where the need was and made sure it was done.

Joe's mentor and inspiration was Chris "The Greek" Karamesines, and his hero was John Force. Oh, how many times he would call me when John was at a race, putting his two cents in. 

The industry just became a lot dimmer with his loss, yet the legacy will always shine brightly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe Hrudka's name to The Alzheimer's Association. Read Hrudka's full obituary.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive restylers can showcase their skills at the 2026 SEMA Show by entering the SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, presented by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).
 

The SEMA PRO Cup Challenge is the aftermarket industry's premier competition spotlighting the creativity, craftsmanship and passion of automotive restylers. The deadline to apply is July 24 at www.semapcc.com.
 

"The PRO Cup Challenge is the best program for automotive restylers to gain industry recognition, build connections and boost their brand," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "It's where automotive customization takes center stage and restylers are celebrated and awarded for their unique talents and ideas."
 

How The PRO Cup Challenge Works

Restylers can choose any popular new-model vehicle as the base, then create and install a package of accessories designed to appeal to a mass audience. The goal is to appeal to as broad an audience as possible to show fellow restylers, dealers and accessory manufacturers the value of designing a marketable package rather than a "one-time" vehicle.
 

Six shops will be selected to compete following a review of all entries, and those competing will have their vehicle showcased in the PRO booth #50237 in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall during the SEMA Show.
 

Applications must meet the following package requirements:
 

• The accessory package must take 50 hours or less to install.

• The cost of the accessory package should not exceed $14,500.

• Builders must be present at the SEMA Show to discuss builds during judging in the PRO Cup Challenge Booth and at the PRO Happy Hour.
 

Awards and Judging

At the Show, a panel of expert judges will select the PRO Cup Challenge winner based on vehicle marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. Showgoers can also vote for their favorite build, recognizing it with the People's Choice Award. The competition will culminate on Wednesday, where the winner of both Awards will be announced at the PRO Booth Happy Hour.
 

Ready to Stand Out? Apply Today

If you're ready to join the ranks of automotive restylers who have already benefited from increased exposure, access to a network of top restylers and B2B partnerships with accessory manufacturers and dealers, now your chance to make your mark.
 

Apply now to showcase your expertise, grow your brand and compete alongside the best in the industry. The deadline to enter is July 24, 2026.