By SEMA News Editors

First Look at New Range Rover EV

SEMA News sources recently captured the first shots of the first medium-sized, all-electric Range Rover, set to hit the market in 2025.

Believed to be the successor to the Range Rover Velar, the vehicle is redesigned as a sleek, luxurious electric SUV to rival the new Porsche Macan EV, according to insiders, boasting significantly improved endurance, performance and practicality.

This new Range Rover will use Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) electrified modular architecture (EMA), which will also power its upcoming lineup of EVs. It will be the first of several electric Land Rover models to roll off the production line in Halewood, United Kingdom, the company said, with EV successors to the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport following shortly after. The transformation of the factory into an EV production facility is underway, and production of the electric Velar is expected to start before 2025.

Initially designed to accommodate hybrid powertrains, the EMA has now been confirmed for exclusive use in electric vehicles, including the Velar, Evoque and Discovery Sport successors.

While specific technical details remain confidential, the EMA platform is expected to be focused on road performance than the MLA structure, which will underpin electric variants of the full-sized Range Rover and Discovery, sources said.

Toyota Caught Benchmarking Tesla Cybertruck

SEMA News sources recently caught Toyota benchmarking the newest electric pickup truck on the market, the Tesla Cybertruck.

The Cybertruck's distinctive design makes it easily recognizable on the road. It was spotted leaving a Toyota facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and returning hours later.

Interestingly, the Cybertruck being benchmarked by Toyota wears Texas plates, even though the benchmarking activities are happening in Michigan. Both Tesla and Toyota have manufacturing plants in Texas. Tesla's Gigafactory Texas in Austin produces the Model Y and Cybertruck, while Toyota's plant assembles the full-size Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.

The Texas plates suggest one of two possibilities: either Toyota purchased the Cybertruck and registered it in Texas, or Tesla loaned the vehicle to Toyota for benchmarking purposes.

Aston Martin DBS Breaks Cover

Aston Martin is preparing to transform the V12-powered DBS into a true supercar, more clearly differentiated from the DB12 and Vantage.

New images of the supercar--which could revive the Vanquish name--show that it is based on the DB12 but has undergone a major visual overhaul to hint at the extra power. According to SEMA News sources, there are new hood vents to keep the 12-cylinder engine cool, a wider grille and a new splitter that hints at improved downforce. The rear is fitted with a larger diffuser to improve aerodynamics and the two-outlet exhaust system has been replaced with four tailpipes, hinting at the extra cylinders.

A similar arrangement was already in place on the DBS 770, where the output of the V12 was increased to 759 hp, but it remains to be seen whether Aston will increase the displacement beyond the 5.2-L engine of the previous model, according to insiders.

Any increase in performance will likely be enhanced by a suspension that builds on the setup of the DBS 770 Ultimate, with reinforced dampers and an increase in stiffness at both ends to improve cornering behavior.

2025 GMC Terrain Drops Heavy Camo, Reveals All-New Interior

SEMA News sources recently managed to capture the upcoming 2025 GMC Terrain undergoing testing on public roads and were able to also expose the all-new interior.

Notable exterior changes include a refreshed front fascia with updated lighting with a new iteration of GMC’s signature C-shaped headlamps, featuring a single lighting cluster positioned around the upper corners of the fascia. Additionally, the grille has been redesigned, maintaining GMC's characteristic broad design, with a rectangular section likely designated for the GMC badge.

Inside, the 2025 GMC Terrain's interior design will draw inspiration from the cockpit layout of the 2024 GMC Acadia, according to the images. Central to this design is a vertically oriented, portrait-style infotainment screen serving as the focal point. Positioned at the bottom of the screen will be an integrated volume knob, accompanied by a row of switches and hard buttons for controlling the vehicle's HVAC system.

Below the screen, drivers will find an inductive phone charging pad for convenient device charging. Situated beneath the charging pad will be a floating center console, offering additional storage options.

An official debut is expected later this year.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA-member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) motor vehicles by 2035.

Specialty-equipment businesses and industry supporters sent more than 5,000 letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to the EPA in opposition to the agency providing a waiver for ACC II.  

The letters, part of the EPA's official public comment period as the agency considers granting California a waiver to allow the ban on new gas-powered vehicles, convey the impact ACC II--which is effectively a national mandate--would have on small businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 17 other states have historically followed all or part of California's low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle regulations, the waiver allowing the state to ban the sale of non-ZEV vehicles would have a harmful effect on the U.S. economy and nearly half the country's population that resides in the affected states. If implemented, ACC II would devastate small businesses that manufacture and sell performance and accessory products that upgrade ICE engines and drivetrains, a key segment of the industry that contributes $112 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA is committed to playing a central role in helping our members reduce carbon emissions through continued advancements in vehicle technology. However, the association strongly opposes government mandates that prohibit or limit the sale of ICE vehicles and select electrification as the technology of choice. In January, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, along with several SEMA members, testified at the EPA's public hearing to express opposition to granting California a waiver to implement ACC II. During his testimony, Spagnola stressed that ACC II would significantly disrupt automotive supply chains and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops.  

"This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly," said Spagnola in his testimony. "While the federal government is helping some parts of the automotive industry, small businesses aren't receiving billions of dollars in government funds to fund their electric vehicle programs. For many specialty-aftermarket businesses, which are not receiving government subsidies and can't afford to sustain massive losses, requiring all new vehicles sold to be ZEV by 2035 poses an existential threat."  

ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for the regulations to take effect. If the regulation is finalized, it will essentially block out other technologies and innovations already underway in the industry to help achieve lower automotive emissions goals.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA-member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) motor vehicles by 2035.

Specialty-equipment businesses and industry supporters sent more than 5,000 letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to the EPA in opposition to the agency providing a waiver for ACC II.  

The letters, part of the EPA's official public comment period as the agency considers granting California a waiver to allow the ban on new gas-powered vehicles, convey the impact ACC II--which is effectively a national mandate--would have on small businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 17 other states have historically followed all or part of California's low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle regulations, the waiver allowing the state to ban the sale of non-ZEV vehicles would have a harmful effect on the U.S. economy and nearly half the country's population that resides in the affected states. If implemented, ACC II would devastate small businesses that manufacture and sell performance and accessory products that upgrade ICE engines and drivetrains, a key segment of the industry that contributes $112 billion annually to the U.S. economy.  

SEMA is committed to playing a central role in helping our members reduce carbon emissions through continued advancements in vehicle technology. However, the association strongly opposes government mandates that prohibit or limit the sale of ICE vehicles and select electrification as the technology of choice. In January, SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, along with several SEMA members, testified at the EPA's public hearing to express opposition to granting California a waiver to implement ACC II. During his testimony, Spagnola stressed that ACC II would significantly disrupt automotive supply chains and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops.  

"This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly," said Spagnola in his testimony. "While the federal government is helping some parts of the automotive industry, small businesses aren't receiving billions of dollars in government funds to fund their electric vehicle programs. For many specialty-aftermarket businesses, which are not receiving government subsidies and can't afford to sustain massive losses, requiring all new vehicles sold to be ZEV by 2035 poses an existential threat."  

ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for the regulations to take effect. If the regulation is finalized, it will essentially block out other technologies and innovations already underway in the industry to help achieve lower automotive emissions goals.

By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide is bringing back its Total Takeover event for a second year.

Building on last year's inaugural Total Takeover--which highlighted Yukon Gear & Axle--the company will feature a larger lineup of brands for Total Takeover 2. 

In 2023, Total Takeover saw Yukon Gear & Axle partner with more than 100 dealers across the country to offer special pricing on products and installation with support from Yukon Gear & Axle marketing. 

Total Takeover 2 will feature three new brands: ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Dynatrac and Carli Suspension. Dealers who join the program will receive multiple benefits, including custom marketing graphics tailored to their businesses, discounts on participating brands, crew T-shirts and shop banners. Furthermore, brand marketing groups will collaborate closely with the installers on social-media initiatives, ensuring widespread awareness within their local communities. 

"We were very excited about how the Yukon Total Takeover supported our installers in building their brands and their business in their local market," said Neal Hollingsworth, vice president of marketing at RANDYS Worldwide. "The day gave the shops a reason to put on an event, invite customers in for show and tell, provide lunch and just have a reason to celebrate the day."

Installers interested in participating in the Total Takeover 2 can visit randysworldwide.com/total-takeover-2 for more information.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Restyler Connect as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the story of the company in the SEMA News interview with Restyler Connect's owner Josh Poulson below. 

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Josh Poulson: I partnered with Tom Waitzman of DPS Automotive in Chicago to create a better way for restylers to sell accessories to car dealers. We felt we could also build a software platform for shops to run their business. 

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?  

JP: When we realized all of the problems we were solving for restylers and shops.  

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

JP: We currently have a software that you can run your entire business off of that also integrates with different accounting software. We have also integrated a way to sell accessories to car dealers and allow online orders to simply come into the software and create a work order. 

SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.  

JP: No more data entry multiple times! Your customer can order parts, which are then uploaded into the work order, the schedule, the installer interface, and the invoice. 

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

JP: Always look to innovate and solve problems for people and you will be successful. 

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Organization (ARMO) will highlight new and innovative products from top restoration and hot-rod manufacturers through its Hot Products Showcase, scheduled for April 18-20, 2024, at the Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The dedicated feature will be on display in the ARMO tent, located between the stage and the grandstands. Learn how to display your product here.

Attendees who visit the tent will vote for their favorite new products.

Showcase participation is free and open to ARMO-member companies as a benefit of membership. Manufacturers gain exposure from displaying their newest innovations in a prime location, while consumers and media can easily access and view new products that are hot in the market.

"Every day, manufacturers are pushing the envelope to create cutting-edge products that enhance the look, feel and safety of classic cars," said ARMO Council Director Marcy Yanus. "The ARMO Hot Products Showcase is our way of getting our members' products in front of a mass audience, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of the automotive restoration industry."

The annual showcase is comprised of dozens of products, ranging from wheels and tires to bench seats and floor mats, connector kits, dash pads, radiators and more. Manufacturers can ship their products in advance with a return label or drop off their products on-site. ARMO sets up and takes down the products' display, providing the manufacturer with a seamless, minimal-effort experience.

Carlisle attendees who visit the tent will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new products in multiple categories, with the winners recognized via SEMA channels and honored at the ARMO Reception at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The awards provide added value to the showcase, expanding the member companies' brand and product reach.  

Product registration is open now until April 5. Submit your products at sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase.

By SEMA News Editors

World Racing Group Acquires American Sprint Car Series

World Racing Group, the Concord, North Carolina-based sanctioning body and parent company of the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar brands, has acquired the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) from series founder Emmett Hahn.

The 2024 ASCS National Championship season will feature 40 stops across 10 states, including the 360 Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa. Additionally, regional ASCS action will also continue in its 12 regions spanning 14 states, according to the announcement.

For more information, visit ascsracing.com.

FIA Appoints 5 Women to Lead WMSC Commissions

During the recent FIA World Motor Sport Council, members approved the appointments of five women as either commission presidents or chairpersons.

Pernilla Solberg, Sweden, was appointed president of the FIA World Rally Championship Commission, while Emilia Abel, Estonia, was named president of the FIA Road Sport Committee, and Burcu Cetinkaya, Turkey, was elected chair of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission. Additionally, Elise Racette, Canada, was chosen as chair of the FIA Volunteers and Officials Commission, and Natalie McGloin, United Kingdom, was re-appointed as chair of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission.

For more information, visit fia.com.

FIA Presents Vision for Future Hydrogen Fuel Technologies

As part of its energy transition plan, the FIA, based in Paris, France, is continuing the development of hydrogen-fueled power units across different disciplines and competitions.

As the next phase of development, the international motorsports governing body will focus its efforts and contributions on developing solutions using hydrogen stored in liquid form. Given the tank’s characteristics, lower volume and weight compared to compressed gas tanks, liquid storage form is better suited to the demanding environment of motorsport competitions, according to the organization. This also allows the powertrain layout to remain closer to the one of a conventional combustion-powered car compared with vehicles accommodating compressed gas tanks.

For more information, visit fia.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The exhibitor space rental agreement for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8 in Las Vegas, is now open online.

The deadline to submit booth agreements (and deposits) and be included in the priority booth space selection is Friday, March 29.

The SEMA Show team will begin the booth plotting process from April 29 through May 15. Companies that submit their agreements and deposits by the March 29 deadline will be eligible for early space selection, where exhibitors select their booth location at the Show based on exhibitor seniority.

"After a successful SEMA Show in 2023, we are seeing an increase in demand for exhibit space across all categories, so we advise you to submit booth agreements early to ensure your brand is represented at the 2024 SEMA Show," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director.

For more information on exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. For more information, visit semashow.com.

By SEMA News Editors

LIQUI MOLY USA Names New Sales VPs

LIQUI MOLY USA has promoted Dave Bibb and Lenny Levac to vice president of sales for the United States and Canada.

Dave Bibb (left) and Lenny Levac.

In their new roles, Bibb (United States) and Levac (Canada) will assist in shaping the future of the sales department and driving the success of the company.

"Dave Bibb and Lenny Levac have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and expertise driving sales efforts forward," said CEO Sebastian Zelger. "Their strategic vision, unparalleled work ethic, and commitment to excellence have not only contributed significantly to LIQUI MOLY USA’s growth but have also served as an inspiration to their colleagues. I am more than happy for them."

For more information, visit liqui-moly.com.

Bring a Trailer Launches Android App

Automotive auction platform Bring a Trailer has launched a new mobile app for Android users in the Google Play store.

The app, which follows the initial debut on the Apple App Store last year, allows community members to access Bring a Trailer in a mobile-first environment that includes the website's key features.

Mirroring the functionality of its Apple equivalent, the Android app spotlights freshly listed and popular auctions, premium and no-reserve listings, bidding activity and model pages, and also provides customizable alerts.

For more information, visit bringatrailer.com.

The Drive Revives YouTube Channel

The Drive automotive media brand has relaunched its YouTube channel, formerly known as DRIVE.

Founded in 2012, the revamped YouTube channel will offer a range of content, including a documentary series profiling enthusiasts and their cars, and a hosted explainer series breaking down stories from the past, present and future of cars and transportation.

For more information, visit thedrive.com.

Legacy EV Launches Powertrain Kit for Under $10K

Legacy EV, a provider of aftermarket electric vehicle (EV) applications and educational programs, has introduced an EV electrification kit for under $10,000.

The kit is developed from the powertrain components of a Nissan Leaf, repurposing components of the first EV available to the mass market, the company said.

In addition to using the Nissan components, the Legacy EV kit includes an aftermarket vehicle control unit that manages charging, motor control, brake lights, reverse lights, pre-charging, HV relays and more. Installation can include the existing gearbox to run half-shaft axles for front-engine, front-wheel-drive or rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive donor vehicles. Alternatively, it utilizes a TorqueBox for single-speed gear reduction, or a manual transmission adaptor plate if owners want to retain the factory transmission.

For more information, visit legacyev.com.

Advanced Clutch Technology Wins Turn 14 Distribution 2023 Supplier of the Year Award

Turn 14 Distribution, the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based performance parts distributor, has named Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) as its 2023 Supplier of the Year.

The Supplier of the Year award is presented annually to Turn 14 Distribution's leading supplier to recognize its merit in the industry and its role in the supply chain. Turn 14 Distribution considers all aspects of its relationship, the company said, focusing on sustainable long-term relationships. Advanced Clutch Technology embodied the essence of the award, committing itself to sales growth, product innovation and collaboration with Turn 14 Distribution throughout the year, distributor representatives said.

Advanced Clutch Technology designs, engineers and develops clutch kits and flywheels for track and street performance applications.

For more information, visit turn14.com or advancedclutch.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is showing signs of resilience and strength amidst the recovering U.S. economy and is poised for growth in 2024 and beyond, according to the new "2024 SEMA Future Trends Report."

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment parts are projected to have increased about 1% in 2023. With the economy showing signs of strength and improvement towards the year's end, SEMA anticipates a similar stable growth trend heading into 2024, with a full return to normal annual sales growth of 3%-4% projected for 2025.

The "2024 SEMA Future Trends Report" is the association's latest study that recaps the issues and outcomes that affected the industry in 2023 and how these areas are likely to affect the market in 2024 and beyond. 

"While challenges persist, SEMA's research found several indicators suggesting that the market will continue to strengthen as it returns to normal growth," said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. "The report offers valuable insight into our latest forecast for industry growth. It also highlights key factors influencing consumer spending and business outcomes to help companies stay ahead of the curve."

Additional report highlights include: 

• Even with some conflicting indicators, the U.S. economy is currently growing while showing strong employment and spending trends.
• With inflation dropping, the Federal Reserve System should begin reducing interest rates in 2024, which will further lower the total cost for financed goods, like automobiles.
• New- and used-vehicle prices leveled out in 2023 as the supply chain stabilized, though costs are still high for consumers. 
• While electric vehicle (EV) sales will continue to grow, most companies have slowed their production forecasts for electrics.
• Motor vehicle insurance, along with vehicle maintenance/repair, saw some of the largest price increases in 2023, making transportation a significant cost in daily life. 
• Cars are becoming more advanced with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) installation rates rising every year. More than 91% of new vehicles sold had collision warning or collision mitigation built in by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 

Despite some uncertainty, most companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic and expect sales to remain level or grow over the next year. A 23% growth in 2023 SEMA Show attendance over 2022 is a strong indicator that the industry is committed to introducing new products and expecting robust sales in the market.

SEMA Business Members can download the "2024 SEMA Future Trends Report" for free at sema.org/research.

The report is the focus of the webinar "SEMA Future Trends: Outlook for 2024 and Beyond," taking place on March 19, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Register for the webinar here.