By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Derek Heinemann, fabrication engineer at Crew Cab Customs, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Heinemann in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?   

Derek Heinemann: A lifelong love for Jeeps and diesel trucks.  

SN: Why did you join the TORA council?  

DH: I wanted to show my crew cab Comanche build at an upcoming SEMA event.  

SN: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

DH: "Never go against what the original engineers intended." I have spent my whole life doing the opposite. 

SN: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? What is your daily driver?  

DH: My dream truck is the one I am currently building--an '04 24v Cummins NV5600 chassis and drivetrain, with a custom crew cab Comanche body swapped on top the Cummins chassis. My daily driver is an '06 Dodge Ram 3500 24v G56. 

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates. 

By SEMA News Editors

New Independent Ownership for Dynamat

Dynamat, the sound-deadening brand based in Hamilton, Ohio, has been acquired by new CEO and Owner, Scott Monnin.

The acquisition brings the company back under independent ownership, which Monnin, the company's CFO for the past five years, says will allow Dynamat to be reshaped to more closely align with the vision and values of the company's founder.

"It's an honor to be the steward of such a strong brand. My family and I feel fortunate to be able to carry on the American manufacturing tradition that has helped to make Dynamat the world's number one aftermarket sound deadening brand," said Monnin. "Dynamat created the aftermarket sound deadening space in 1989. Through innovation and rigorous testing, our products have helped millions of cars feel and sound better. We continue to innovate today with a wide range of products for not just cars and car stereos, but for boats, RVs and the home. If you have noise in your life, we have a solution."

For more information, visit dynamat.com.

GM Announces Eyes-Off Driving, Conversational AI and Unified Software Platform

General Motors (GM) and CEO Mary Barra have unveiled new advancements across AI, robotics, energy and autonomy for the company, including a plan to bring eyes-off driving to market in 2028.

The automaker is currently planning to introduce the technology in 2028 with the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ electric SUV. GM has already mapped 600,000 miles of hands-free roads in North America, the company said, and customers have driven 700 million miles with Super Cruise without a single reported crash attributed to the system.

Additionally, beginning next year, GM vehicles will feature conversational AI with Google Gemini, making it possible to talk to your car. In the future, GM will introduce its own AI, custom-built for your vehicle. With your permission, it will be fine-tuned with your vehicle's intelligence and your personal preferences, all connected by OnStar, with features expected to include explaining one-pedal driving in your new vehicle, spotting a maintenance issue early, or finding the perfect place for dinner en route to your destination.

In 2028, GM is also planning to debut a new centralized computing platform, also starting with the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ. The single, high-speed computing core will result in 10 times more over-the-air software update capacity, plus increases in bandwidth and AI performance.

For more information, visit gm.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Black River

Booth #58191

The Matrix GT from Black River brings a new approach to truck-bed functionality, the manufacturer says, combining the security and capacity of a topper with the full-bed accessibility of a tonneau.

Equipped with a powered lift system that opens with a button, the clamshell design provides complete access to the bed from all sides, plus full height clearance. Double-walled aluminum construction combines strength, lighter weight and modern styling to perform on- and off-road.

See Black River on the SEMA Show Floor.

Cardinal Tool

Booth #39007

Cardinal Tool has announced the introduction of it 100 Series SpeedVise, a precision-engineered bench vise for automotive professionals and serious home workshop enthusiasts. At the core of the SpeedVise is its innovative quick-release mechanism, which enables rapid jaw adjustment without compromising grip strength or safety.

Built from heavy-duty ductile iron, the SpeedVise delivers outstanding strength, durability and vibration resistance, according to the manufacturer, ensuring a secure hold even under demanding workloads. Each unit is manufactured in the United States.

See Cardinal Tool on the SEMA Show floor.

Pop & Lock

Booth #58019

Debuting at the SEMA Show, the Toyota Tacoma Rear Seat Safe lockable storage solution is designed to fit seamlessly underneath the back seat of the Toyota Tacoma ('24 and up). This system provides lockable storage of valuables without sacrificing space or accessibility.

Made with powdercoated steel, the Rear Seat Safe features a drill-resistant locking system, a sleek, low-profile design and is available for '24-and-newer Toyota Tacomas. Installation requires no drilling or vehicle modifications.

See Pop & Lock on the SEMA Show Floor.

Exhibitors can post press releases--free of charge--at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. To find more relevant news quickly and efficiently, visit semashow.com/press and sort by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.

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.

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The countdown is on! Builders have less than a week to secure their spot in the running for the 2025 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award. If you’re showcasing a feature vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, now’s your chance to gain industry-wide recognition for engineering excellence before the October 29 deadline. 

Now in its third year, the award honors a featured vehicle at the 2025 SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. It also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.   

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build, as well as the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 29 at this link. 

The award winner will be announced at the 2025 SEMA Show on Thursday, November 6, in SEMA Central. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Business Members get access to an exclusive perk at the SEMA Show: a designated space to connect, refuel and recharge while on the SEMA Show floor, all week long. 

Located in North Hall, Room N251, and West Hall, booth #50027, the exclusive SEMA Member Lounges provide business members with a quiet space to connect with industry leaders, gain access to internet and printer services and charge devices, all while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee. Members can also skip the lunch lines and head over to any of the Member Lounges to grab food for purchase.

The SEMA Members Lounge also offers a convenient location to conduct meetings in a private space. Available exclusively to SEMA Business Members, TIA and SCRS members, the complimentary meeting spaces in North Hall, Room N251, and West Hall, booth #50027, offer a convenient atmosphere for members to have productive and focused conversations with small groups. Limited meeting rooms and times are available, so those interested in booking a room are encouraged to submit their reservation as soon as possible.  

Rooms can accommodate up to 10 people for a maximum of one hour at a time. Rooms can only be reserved for two non-consecutive one-hour time slots per day, per company. Meetings will start and end on the hour.

Click below to reserve a meeting room.

For Businesses: Join SEMA Business Membership

Not already a part of SEMA? SEMA Business Membership connects your company to the resources and relationships that help you build smarter and grow stronger:

• Members Lounge access (North & West Halls) at the SEMA Show to recharge, network, and meet clients.
• Business solutions that save you thousands on shipping, insurance, and software.
• SEMA Garage & SEMA Data tools to accelerate product development and data management.
• Councils & Networks to connect with peers, share expertise, and shape the aftermarket's future.
• Market Research & Advocacy, ensuring your voice is heard in Washington on both state and federal levels.

Visit "Member Central" located outside Members Lounge N251 to get started or explore more at sema.org/membership-business. 

Questions about SEMA Membership, or exclusive Member-only benefits during SEMA Show? Contact 240-ASK-SEMA or customercare@sema.org.

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

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. 

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas, is quickly approaching. One of many valuable tools offered for 2025 SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees alike is the SEMA Show App, a must-have for anyone attempting to maximize their time at the aftermarket's premier industry event in just under three weeks. (Don't want to use the app? Additional SEMA Show tools are detailed below.)

Now available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the SEMA Show app puts all the information you need for a successful week at the 2025 SEMA Show directly at your fingertips, including schedules, maps, exhibitor lists and more. But there's more to the app than meets the eye.

Here are nine things you can do with the help of the SEMA Show App to maximize your 2025 event:

1. Interact With Vehicles and Exhibitors on the Show Floor

There will be hundreds of featured vehicles spread throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) during Show week, and the SEMA Show app will let you find out everything you need to know about each one. Simply scan a vehicle's QR code and it will all appear right there with info on the year, make and model, plus details on the sponsoring exhibitor and products used in the build.

2. Navigate the LVCC With Turn-By-Turn Directions

No cell service and have a can't-miss meeting in another hall? Can't find the booth with the must-see build? No need to worry because the SEMA Show app can find you the quickest, easiest route from one spot on the Show floor to another--all without the need of a GPS or a signal. Just enter an exhibitor name or room nearest your location, then type in where you want to go and the app will give you a step-by-step route keeping you on schedule and on your way. Never lose track of where you're at with easy access to floorplans of all SEMA Show halls, plus how/where they connect to make passage from hall to hall as easy as possible.

Even better, using this feature is designed to work with you, requiring little battery. Just download once, and you're good to go all SEMA Week! 

3. Keep a Detailed Schedule of Must-Attend SEMA Show Events

The SEMA Show app offers the ability to create a personalized schedule of all the SEMA Show events you want to attend, whether it's a SEMA Education session, networking event, vehicle reveal, live demonstration or any of the other exciting events happening all week long.

4. Discover Top New Products Debuting at the SEMA Show...

Preview all of the products entered into the New Products Showcase before you see them in-person at the display and on the Show floor. Complete with detailed information and photos, the app will also show you exactly where in the Showcase the product is located, plus direction to the exhibitors booth on the LVCC floor.

5. ...And Track the Products You Want to Learn More About

The app transforms your phone into a scanner when you visit the New Products Showcase, creating a list of all the products you want to know more about, as well as a map of where the manufacturers are located on the Show floor so you can gather more information, see the product again and discuss the item directly with the experts.

6. Search for Manufacturers With a Comprehensive List of SEMA Show Exhibitors

Looking for a specific exhibitor? Search by company name using the comprehensive list of all SEMA Show exhibitors found in the app. You can also search by Show section or product category.

7. Meet Your Automotive Heroes or Learn From Industry Experts

All the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers are conveniently listed in the SEMA Show app, guaranteeing you'll know when, where and how to meet your favorite driver, builder or influencer, or see can't-miss presentations from industry experts during the Show's many educational opportunities.

8. Monitor the SEMA Show Social Media Accounts

Keep up with the official SEMA Show social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube, so you don't miss any of the action from the SEMA Show Floor.

9. Transportation: Find the Best Way to Arrive to the SEMA Show

There are plenty of ways to get to and from the SEMA Show. Use the app to get all the information on the many transportation options, including the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare, Vegas Loop, hotel shuttles, taxis and more.

How to Download the 2025 SEMA Show App

Click here to download the iOS version from the Apple App Store and here to download the Android version from the Google Play store. 

Additional 2025 SEMA Show Tools and Resources

Beyond the SEMA Show app, attendees have access to a robust suite of online tools and resources designed to help plan their time at the event. Nearly everything found within the SEMA Show mobile app, including exhibitor listings, floorplans, education schedules, event updates and more, is also available at SEMAShow.com. The website serves as the central hub for all Show information, offering comprehensive details on the Registration Resource Center, travel, registration, celebrity appearances, and how to purchase tickets to special events. Whether users are finalizing logistics before arriving in Las Vegas or navigating the Show floor on-site, SEMAShow.com provides a reliable, easy-to-access companion throughout the week.

And say hello to Bessie, SEMA's AI-powered chatbot that helps attendees make the most of their Show experience. Available 24/7, Bessie complements SEMAShow.com, the SEMA Show mobile app, and all on-site signage to provide quick, accurate answers to frequently asked questions. Chatting with Bessie is easy—simply text 833-338-3101, download the SEMA Show mobile app, visit SEMAShow.com, or scan any of the QR codes located throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center campus to access Show information anytime, anywhere.

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is now available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

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. 

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

With more than 2,000 exhibitors, the SEMA Show continues to be the place where business gets done. From groundbreaking technology and next-generation tools and products to expert-led education and face-to-face networking, the Show offers everything automotive aftermarket professionals need to stay competitive in today's fast-changing landscape. It's where relationships are built, products are evaluated, strategies are sharpened and opportunities come to life.

Qualified individuals can register for a SEMA Show badge at semashow.com/register for just $100. 

The following are just a preview of stories and updates from SEMA Show exhibitors. For more, visit semashow.com/press:

Lemons Headers Bringing Lizzy Musi 'Norma Jeane' Tribute Camaro to SEMA Show

Lemons Headers will exhibit at the SEMA Show for the first time this November, debuting the Lizzy Musi "Norma Jeane" Tribute Camaro. The project was built in collaboration with Pat Musi and the Musi family to honor the late Lizzy Musi's legacy in drag racing. The vehicle will be displayed at Booth #23655 in the Central Hall.

Over the past year, Lemons Headers and the Musi family have worked together to complete the build. "Norma Jeane" is a restomod reimagining of the Camaro Lizzy raced on "Street Outlaws: Gone Girl" and "No Prep Kings," a car that helped establish her reputation in the no prep community.

"Working with Pat and the Musi family on 'Norma Jeane' has been both a joy and deeply emotional," said Chuck MacDougall of Lemons Headers. "Lizzy's authenticity inspired people far beyond the starting line. This car is our way of saying thank you--and ensuring her influence keeps accelerating new fans into the sport."

As one of Lizzy's longtime sponsors, Lemons Headers worked closely with her throughout her racing career. The tribute build blends modern performance with design elements reminiscent of the car she raced.

"We're grateful to Lemons Headers and everyone who poured their hearts into this," added Pat Musi. "Lizzy raced with passion and purpose. 'Norma Jeane' reflects that spirit, and we're proud to share it with the fans who loved her."

The "Norma Jeane" Tribute Camaro will be unveiled at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The build commemorates Lizzy Musi's contributions to drag racing and celebrates her lasting influence on the sport.

Road Armor and Meyer Distributing to Giveaway a Ford Raptor

Road Armor, the provider of premium vehicle protection and aftermarket innovation, has joined forces with Meyer Distributing for a giveaway. Together, they're giving dealers the chance to win a brand-new Ford Raptor.

A company release stated the following information:

Renowned for its jaw-dropping performance, cutting-edge tech, and unmistakable presence, the Raptor mirrors the bold spirit that fuels both Road Armor and Meyer Distributing. This giveaway isn’t your average promotion, it’s a full-throttle celebration of the truck community and the loyal customers who keep it roaring. The Ford Raptor Giveaway is open exclusively to dealers who participate through Meyer Distributing. Every qualifying order becomes a golden ticket for a chance to take the wheel of this legendary machine. There are no gimmicks, just a real opportunity to claim a truck that's built to conquer highways and backroads with equal swagger. The winner will be chosen live at SEMA 2025, the premier automotive products trade show, in Las Vegas. Join Road Armor and Meyer Distributing at Booth #57035 in West Hall for the big moment on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. PST. Customers and attendees are invited to gather for the live drawing as one lucky entrant drives away in a Raptor destined to turn heads.

ORACLE Lighting Partners With Tint World Automotive Styling Centers

ORACLE Lighting, the provider of quality, innovative lighting solutions, has announced a partnership agreement with Tint World Automotive Styling Centers.  Through this collaboration, Tint World franchisees will gain streamlined access to over 25 years of design and development expertise, allowing consistency across the system. 
"At Oracle Lighting, we've built our reputation on delivering innovative, high-quality lighting solutions that enhance both performance and style," said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO and Co-Founder of Oracle Lighting. 
"This partnership with Tint World allows us to extend that commitment to an even broader audience, giving franchisees reliable access to our products while ensuring drivers everywhere can experience the quality, safety and customization Oracle is known for.” 
Oracle Lighting's catalog includes headlights, taillights, fog lights, halo kits, off-road lighting, LED accent lights, and custom lighting accessories, all designed to elevate style, safety, and performance. With a streamlined design-to-support process and an industry-leading warranty, Oracle provides Tint World franchisees with dependable, high-quality solutions that can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of their customers. 
“Working with Oracle Lighting represents our expending presence nationwide and building strategic partnerships that help our customers and system,” said Jonathan Norman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Tint World. "Combining Oracle Lighting’s 25+ years of innovation in the lighting industry with our established systems, we're able to deliver a positive advantage to our franchisees." 
Tint World is actively seeking multi-unit investors and motivated individuals for franchise opportunities. For more information, visit tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities.  

Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, is available online here. Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $100 per person, with badge pickup on-site on the SEMA Show campus. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. 

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. 

For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. Sign up for updates on SEMA Fest at semafest.com. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A proclamation by President Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their parts, including engines, transmissions, tires and chassis components. President Trump’s action also imposes a 10% tariff on imported buses (i.e. school buses, transit buses and motorcoaches). The tariffs apply to the impacted trucks, buses and parts that enter the United States or are withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on November 1, 2025.  

• Read the White House's fact sheet here.

Highlights of This Recent News

• A 25% tariff will apply to the full value of imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks ranging from Class 3 through Class 8 vehicles, including large pickup trucks, moving trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, and tractors for eighteen-wheelers. This will have a big impact on the work truck segment of our industry.  
• Medium- and heavy-duty trucks that qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be subject to tariffs on the non-U.S. content of the vehicle. 
• Medium- and heavy-duty truck parts that are covered by USMCA will not be subject to tariffs until the U.S. Department of Commerce establishes a process to apply tariffs to the non-U.S. content of the parts. 
• The tariffs do not stack on top of existing steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles and auto parts on tariffs from Canada, Brazil, Mexico or India. 

The tariffs are designed to protect the U.S. trucking and bus-manufacturing industries and are being imposed under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. According to the White House, imports of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, their key parts and buses are now deemed to pose a potential “threat to national security,” and the Trump Administration has responded with new duties.  

• Click here to read the full executive action. 

The Executive Action also includes a section designed to reduce the tariff impacts on automakers that manufacture vehicles in the United States yet source parts and components from around the world.  

• The action extends and expands a tariff offset program that allows companies assembling motor vehicles domestically to claim a credit worth 3.75% of the MSRP of those vehicles for 2025 through 2030. This credit helps to offset the 25% tariffs on imported parts and give automakers time to reshore their parts supply.  
• Previously, this offset was scheduled to expire after two years. The action notes that a similar credit will be introduced for truck-engine producers, though it will take effect later. 
• The 3.75% offset reflects the duty that would be owed when a 25% tariff is applied to 15% of the value of a U.S.-assembled automobile. 

SEMA's government relations team is closely monitoring updates from the White House. If you have any questions, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A proclamation by President Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks and their parts, including engines, transmissions, tires and chassis components. President Trump’s action also imposes a 10% tariff on imported buses (i.e. school buses, transit buses and motorcoaches). The tariffs apply to the impacted trucks, buses and parts that enter the United States or are withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on November 1, 2025.  

• Read the White House's fact sheet here.

Highlights of This Recent News

• A 25% tariff will apply to the full value of imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks ranging from Class 3 through Class 8 vehicles, including large pickup trucks, moving trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, and tractors for eighteen-wheelers. This will have a big impact on the work truck segment of our industry.  
• Medium- and heavy-duty trucks that qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be subject to tariffs on the non-U.S. content of the vehicle. 
• Medium- and heavy-duty truck parts that are covered by USMCA will not be subject to tariffs until the U.S. Department of Commerce establishes a process to apply tariffs to the non-U.S. content of the parts. 
• The tariffs do not stack on top of existing steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles and auto parts on tariffs from Canada, Brazil, Mexico or India. 

The tariffs are designed to protect the U.S. trucking and bus-manufacturing industries and are being imposed under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. According to the White House, imports of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, their key parts and buses are now deemed to pose a potential “threat to national security,” and the Trump Administration has responded with new duties.  

• Click here to read the full executive action. 

The Executive Action also includes a section designed to reduce the tariff impacts on automakers that manufacture vehicles in the United States yet source parts and components from around the world.  

• The action extends and expands a tariff offset program that allows companies assembling motor vehicles domestically to claim a credit worth 3.75% of the MSRP of those vehicles for 2025 through 2030. This credit helps to offset the 25% tariffs on imported parts and give automakers time to reshore their parts supply.  
• Previously, this offset was scheduled to expire after two years. The action notes that a similar credit will be introduced for truck-engine producers, though it will take effect later. 
• The 3.75% offset reflects the duty that would be owed when a 25% tariff is applied to 15% of the value of a U.S.-assembled automobile. 

SEMA's government relations team is closely monitoring updates from the White House. If you have any questions, contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA/PRI and a coalition of 339 small businesses are urging Congress to secure passage of the "Warrior Right to Repair Act," a component of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (read more here). The bill would ensure the U.S. military can repair and maintain the equipment that it owns, a mission-critical protection of military readiness and our warfighters' ability to quickly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions and needs. 

• In their letter, the coalition's automotive aftermarket businesses remind lawmakers that the industry of which they are a part is comprised of American businesses who deliver precision manufacturing, technical innovation and high-performance engineering, and is thus uniquely positioned to help the Department of Defense meet its sustainment and readiness goals.  

"Outdated restrictions are holding us--and the Department of Defense--back right now," the letter says. "This is about ensuring the government can maintain and repair what it already owns. It’s about making sure the Department of Defense has access to every capable partner in the country to keep our military mission ready."

• Read the full coalition letter. 

BACKGROUND 

If passed, the Warrior Right to Repair Act (Section 863 of H.R. 3838and Section 836 of S. 2296) will: 

• Expand competition for sustainment contracts to include more U.S. businesses; 
• Drive innovation in repair processes and specialty component production; 
• Improve readiness by reducing sole-source delays and equipment downtime; 
• Lower costs for taxpayers through competitive sourcing and open access to repairs; and  
• Strengthen the defense industrial base by bringing in capable, agile suppliers.

The automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries are overwhelmingly comprised of small businesses whose products are shining examples of America's engineering superiority and unparalleled ability to innovate. Many businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry, including specialty equipment manufacturers, aftermarket innovators and precision part suppliers, have the capability, capacity, and technical expertise to: 

• Rapidly reverse-engineer and produce specialty components and hard-to-source parts; 
• Deliver cost-effective and customized solutions on accelerated timelines; 
• Provide flexible, decentralized repair capacity to reduce downtime and increase resilience; and 
• Expand the defense sustainment ecosystem through supplier diversity and small business participation. 

For more information, visit sema.org.