By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Quick Polls are opportunities for the industry to give us feedback on current topics and help drive the work that SEMA does. We work better with input from our members.

Will you help us understand the benefits landscape? Please take our latest three-to-five-minute SEMA Quick Poll. 

This short poll will help us get a pulse check on the market, and we will report the findings back here in a few weeks. The quick poll will only take a few minutes and it will help us understand your insights into key topics. 

Click the button below or click HERE to take the SEMA Quick Poll.

Also, check out our latest industry report, the "2025 SEMA Market Report," for the latest data on the size and scope of the specialty-equipment market.  You can access all our market research reports at: www.sema.org/research.

Your answers to a SEMA Quick Poll are anonymous and will only be reported as combined totals with all other responses. We appreciate your support for our efforts to better understand the market. 

By SEMA News Editors

Hyundai Motor Company and General Motors (GM) have announced plans for their first five co-developed vehicles, marking a significant milestone in their previously announced strategic collaboration.

The two companies will co-develop four vehicles for the Central and South American market, including a compact SUV, car and pick-up, as well as a mid-size pick-up, all with the flexibility to use either internal combustion or hybrid propulsion systems. Hyundai and GM will also co-develop an electric commercial van for North America.

Hyundai and GM expect sales of the co-developed vehicles to be more than 800,000 vehicles a year once production is fully scaled.

GM will lead the development of the mid-size truck platform, while Hyundai will lead on the compact vehicle and electric van.

The two companies will share common platforms and develop unique interiors and exteriors consistent with their respective brands.

Design and engineering work is underway on the new vehicles for the Central and South American markets, which will launch in 2028. The electric commercial van will be manufactured in the U.S. as early as 2028.

"Hyundai's strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets," said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want--beautifully designed, high-quality, safety-focused vehicles with technology they appreciate."

Shilpan Amin, GM senior VP and global chief procurement and supply chain officer, said the vehicles announced today are targeted at the largest segments in the Central and South American markets, as well as the commercial segment in North America.

"By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster and at lower cost," Amin said. "These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale."

The two companies also plan joint sourcing initiatives in North and South America for materials, transport and logistics. Further areas for potential joint operations include raw materials, components and complex systems.

Hyundai Motor and GM also agreed to explore collaboration on low-carbon emissions steel as part of their commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Following the signing of a framework agreement in September 2024, the companies continue to assess additional joint vehicle development programs for global markets, as well as collaboration opportunities across propulsion systems, including internal combustion engines, hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

For more information, visit gm.com and hyundai.com.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA+, the membership for anyone who has a passion for cars, trucks, racing or wrenching, is the best way to stay connected with the car community and offers an all-access pass to some of the aftermarket's premier events.

That includes FuelFest, the nationwide celebration of horsepower, music and family, which is offering an exclusive discount for SEMA+ members when it pulls into Utah State Fair Park in Salt Lake City later this month for a full day of high-octane action.

Access your SEMA+ member benefit portal today to receive 10% off general admission, car registration and premium car registration tickets, and join your fellow gearheads on August 16 in Salt Lake City for a day of drag racing, drifting, special guest appearances and all kinds of non-stop action.

FuelFest - Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah | August 16, 2025

Utah State Fair Park

Already a member?  

👉 Login to claim your discounts on these exclusive offers. 

Not yet a member? 

Join for just $40/year ($3.33/month) and get: 

✔ Discounts on events, parts and brands. 

✔ Access to members-only perks. 

✔ Membership to SEMA's first-ever car and truck club. 

Don't miss out on these epic events and stay tuned for more event announcements coming your way. Whether you work on cars and trucks or just love them, SEMA+ is for you. 

Join now → sema.org/plus 

By SEMA News Editors

Attendees at the 2025 SEMA Show, held November 4-7 in Las Vegas, will have several opportunities to develop new skills, connect with industry leaders, and foster business strategies as part of this year's SEMA Education Program. The fully reimagined lineup of free, expert-led training sessions will bring value and insight to the thousands of industry professionals in attendance at the world's leading automotive trade show.

Hosted in the centrally located, recently renovated North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Education Program will run from Tuesday, November 4, through Thursday, November 6, offering a dynamic experience that complements the high-energy learning environment experienced on the Show floor.

"We invite all attendees and exhibitors to advance their professional and business growth during the Show," said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. "The SEMA Show has always provided learning and self-advancement opportunities through education, and this year we are offering free sessions within eight education tracks to address the key subjects that are influencing the aftermarket today."

Education Tracks 

The eight education tracks categorize sessions according to subject matter, allowing attendees to easily find programs that fit their professional interests:

• Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends: Explore the current state of the specialty-equipment market and the long-/short-term impacts of top trends.
• Emerging and Executive Leadership: The Dale Carnegie Organization will illustrate how to listen and communicate with a workforce that encompasses differing generations, and the SEMA Women's Leadership Symposium will empower leaders with the skills, mindset and strategies needed to drive exceptional performance.
• Inside the Shop: Technicians, shop managers and builders will discuss trends and challenges that shop owners currently face.
• Legislative and Regulatory: Learn about current changes and misconceptions in emissions compliance. Discover how to manage risks, ensure compliance and drive business success.
• Sales and Marketing: Understand how to engage your audience using Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, and gain insights from top industry sales and marketing experts.
• Small Business Strategy: Find hacks and tools to help grow your business. Learn how to leverage AI, use cloud computing and entrepreneurial operating systems (EOS), or run a functional family business while avoiding a feud.
• Talent Management: Turn your team into a well-run machine by learning how to hire and retain young talent through training, management and motivation.
• Vehicle Technology: Stay up-to-date on the latest changes in advanced fuels and powertrains, suspension technology and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Partnered Programs

Training sessions, both free and fee-based, from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will broaden the range of specialized courses offered at the 2025 SEMA Show:

• I-CAR will host courses on MIG welding, safety protocols for working on electric vehicles with high-voltage systems and modifying or repairing cars with ADAS functionalities.
• TIA will offer sessions that can help tire retailers protect themselves from liability, navigate the current employment market and retain talent.
• SCRS will show attendees how to put their business on a path of maximum efficiency, gain an online presence and identify incoming trends and technologies.

"The SEMA Education Program embodies our commitment to empowering the automotive community through knowledge, innovation and collaboration," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "With free, expert-led sessions tailored to every corner of the industry, this year's program is more dynamic than ever."

Sign up for education sessions while registering for the Show or log into your Registration Resource Center to add sessions to your agenda. For more information about the 2025 SEMA Show Education Program and to get involved, visit www.semashow.com/education. For information about the 2025 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. To view this year's floorplan, log on to www.semashow.com/floorplan.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump's August 1 deadline for new deals with international trade partners has come and gone. Here's where things stand, with analysis of the impact on the automotive aftermarket industry.

• The White House issued a July 31 Executive Order expanding tariffs on a broad range of foreign goods, including automotive components central to the specialty aftermarket industry.  
• While several notable trading partners—most notably the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines—have recently secured trade deals with the U.S. that lock in lower tariff rates, many other countries now face increases in duties effective August 7 that are likely to affect supply chains and pricing.  
• The new tariff rates apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption on or after August 7, at 12:01 a.m. (EDT), unless the product is in its final mode of transit before that date and is withdrawn for consumption before October 5. 

The White House issued a separate Executive Order that increases the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) fentanyl tariff on Canadian exports noted covered by USMCA from 25% to 35% (effective on August 1). The order also adds a 40% additional tariff for goods that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines have been transshipped to another country to evade tariffs.  

Below is a list of countries subject to recent tariff rate changes. 

^{*Subject to a separate IEEPA tariff.
**Additional 40% IEEPA tariff.
***Effective August 1.
****No tariff added if the U.S. tariff rate is over 15%; anything under 15% is raised to 15%.}

Copper Tariff Increase 

The U.S.  imposed a 50% tariff on "all imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products," effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on August 1.  

• Click here for CBP's list of the tariff codes subject to the 50% Section 232 tariff on copper. The list is at the bottom of the page in a Word document titled "CopperHTSlist073125." 

U.S. Appeals Court Reviews IEEPA Tariffs

Legal questions surrounding the administration's authority to impose IEEPA tariffs continue to develop. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral arguments on July 31 in the case where judges questioned the federal government's use of IEEPA.  

• It's unclear when the court will issue a decision, although it's anticipated that the U.S. Supreme Court will make the final decision on IEEPA. The contested tariffs remain in force pending appeal. Any decision to invalidate them could force a realignment of customs penalties or trigger refund obligations, particularly if parts were misclassified or duties were improperly layered. 

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at jmejia@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Trump's August 1 deadline for new deals with international trade partners has come and gone. Here's where things stand, with analysis of the impact on the automotive aftermarket industry.

• The White House issued a July 31 Executive Order expanding tariffs on a broad range of foreign goods, including automotive components central to the specialty aftermarket industry.  
• While several notable trading partners—most notably the European Union (EU), Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines—have recently secured trade deals with the U.S. that lock in lower tariff rates, many other countries now face increases in duties effective August 7 that are likely to affect supply chains and pricing.  
• The new tariff rates apply to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption on or after August 7, at 12:01 a.m. (EDT), unless the product is in its final mode of transit before that date and is withdrawn for consumption before October 5. 

The White House issued a separate Executive Order that increases the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) fentanyl tariff on Canadian exports noted covered by USMCA from 25% to 35% (effective on August 1). The order also adds a 40% additional tariff for goods that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines have been transshipped to another country to evade tariffs.  

Below is a list of countries subject to recent tariff rate changes. 

^{*Subject to a separate IEEPA tariff.
**Additional 40% IEEPA tariff.
***Effective August 1.
****No tariff added if the U.S. tariff rate is over 15%; anything under 15% is raised to 15%.}

Copper Tariff Increase 

The U.S.  imposed a 50% tariff on "all imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products," effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on August 1.  

• Click here for CBP's list of the tariff codes subject to the 50% Section 232 tariff on copper. The list is at the bottom of the page in a Word document titled "CopperHTSlist073125." 

U.S. Appeals Court Reviews IEEPA Tariffs

Legal questions surrounding the administration's authority to impose IEEPA tariffs continue to develop. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral arguments on July 31 in the case where judges questioned the federal government's use of IEEPA.  

• It's unclear when the court will issue a decision, although it's anticipated that the U.S. Supreme Court will make the final decision on IEEPA. The contested tariffs remain in force pending appeal. Any decision to invalidate them could force a realignment of customs penalties or trigger refund obligations, particularly if parts were misclassified or duties were improperly layered. 

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs, at jmejia@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's nine council and network communities are accepting nominations for their prestigious awards that will be presented at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas. Industry members who would like to recognize a leading company or individual who has made exceptional contributions to their niche industry segment during the past year can submit their nominations at sema.org/cn-awards.  

Celebrating businesses, leaders, innovators, mentors and more, SEMA Council and Network Awards not only spotlight achievements made in various pillars of the industry but provide a platform in which members are honored for their unique strengths, dedication to excellence and unwavering passion that drives the automotive aftermarket forward.   

Below are tips for submitting a standout nomination:   

1. Be specific. Avoid broad statements like "they're a great leader" or "they work hard." Review the award criteria and list the nominee's specific achievements that align with the goal of the award. For example, was there a specific product that they helped innovate or launch? What initiative did they lead that improved their industry segment? Were there specific people they helped mentor? Providing concrete examples will help the nominee stand out. 
    
2. Highlight their impact. Share what makes nominee a hero of their segment. Describe the state of the industry before their contributions were made, and where the industry is now because of them. Highlighting their impact will make the nomination memorable and meaningful.  
    
3. Tie their contributions to the mission of the Council or Network. SEMA Councils and Networks exist to advance, promote and protect the industry segments and communities that they represent. Share how your nominee's efforts supported the broader goals of the council or network. Emphasize any volunteerism or advocacy efforts that contributed to the council or network's growth and reach.  

Award winners will be announced and honored at each Council's and Network's reception or lunch at the 2025 SEMA Show. These celebrations bring members together to network and celebrate standout contributors in their respective industries. With the 2025 SEMA Show quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure that your nominations are submitted for consideration.  

To view the list of SEMA Council and Network awards and submit your nomination, visit sema.org/cn-awards.  

By SEMA News Editors

The performance aftermarket and motorsports industry are mourning the loss of an off-road pioneer. Walker Evans, 86, passed away on August 3 following health complications. A 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee and one of off-road racing's most decorated drivers, Evans was a five-time Baja 1000 winner and a 21-time championship title holder with more than 150 wins to his name. His legacy was forged behind the wheel and under the hood--collaborating with automakers like Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge, and later founding Walker Evans Racing, which became a vital supplier of performance shocks and wheels for the off-road and powersports industries.

Walker Evans was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2022. Hear from Evans as he recounts his early career and Walker Evans Racing.

Evans helped introduce off-road racing to mainstream audiences, competing in both long-distance desert events and short-course series across the United States, from Riverside, California, to Crandon, Wisconsin. He also played a role in launching NASCAR's Truck Series before returning to his off-road roots. His business acumen and passion for innovation influenced countless racers and entrepreneurs alike. Evans is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and son, Evan.

Evans lived for performance and pushed the limits of possibility. His contributions--on the track and in the shop--leave a lasting legacy for generations of motorsports professionals and fans.

Walker Evans was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2022. Seen here is the tribute video shown at the induction ceremony. 

By SEMA News Editors

The performance aftermarket and motorsports industry are mourning the loss of brand ambassador and racer, Chris Raschke. Raschke, 60, passed away August 3 following a crash at Bonneville Speed Week in Tooele County, Utah, while piloting the Speed Demon streamliner. The Speed Demon team recently achieved a best run of 459.734 mph last year and was seeking a historic 500-mph record attempt in 2025. Officials from the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and local authorities are investigating the accident and its cause, according to reports. SCTA also posted the following press release:

At approximately 3:03 p.m. MT today, driver Chris Raschke, age 60, was attempting a speed record and lost control of his landspeed vehicle at approximately the 2.5-mile. Chris was treated by medical professionals at the scene. Unfortunately, Chris passed away from his injuries. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Known for his technical brilliance, Raschke was a staple in both landspeed racing and the engine-building community. He joined ARP in 1996 and rose to become the director of sales and marketing, helping shape the company's reputation as one of the most trusted names in fasteners. He had also recently taken over as Speed Demon's full-time driver after the passing of his close friend and industry icon George Poteet. The Speed Demon is a piston-powered landspeed vehicle powered by a twin-turbocharged 555-cubic-inch Chevy.

More than a racer or a brand ambassador, Raschke was a mentor, educator and unrelenting student of speed. Whether in the pits, at trade shows or on a seminar stage, he lit up the room with energy, generosity and deep technical know-how. He is survived by his wife, Connie Patterson, and children Kenny, Kristoph and Carly, and grandchildren.

SEMA sends its condolences to the Raschke family.
 

By Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is officially at the halfway mark of our 2025 GRIDLIFE partnership, and the momentum has never been stronger. From the first green flag at Carolina Motorsports Park to the high-speed thrills at Road America, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge has become a home base for our customers and partners alike. 

For the uninitiated, GRIDLIFE is more than just a race series. It's a full-throttle motorsports festival that fuses competitive racing, high-energy music, and an unmatched car culture. With time attack, drifting, HPDE sessions, and an inclusive, community-driven atmosphere, GRIDLIFE events deliver an immersive experience for both drivers and fans.

The partnership with GRIDLIFE is no accident. This strategic alignment is rooted deep in Turn 14 Distribution's understanding of the industry and its customers. GRIDLIFE is the leading grassroots event series, blending energy, performance, and culture into an experience that defines today's automotive community. It's a natural fit for Turn 14 Distribution, and exactly the kind of environment where the brand wants to show up and make an impact.
 

To complement that energy and reward the partners and customers who help drive Turn 14 Distribution's success, the company introduced the Turn 14 Partner Lounge. This exclusive hospitality space has already welcomed over 100 customers and dealers per race, and Turn 14 Distribution is only getting started. Specifically located in the paddock to deliver premium views, this space features catered breakfast, handcrafted coffee from an on-site barista, and daily lunch service throughout the event. This is an ideal hub for staying close to the action while enjoying a first-class experience.

GETTING STARTED

GRIDLIFE kicked off the 2025 season at Carolina Motorsports Park, with competitors and spectators eager to come out of winter hibernation. The racing action was intense, as track conditions varied wildly through the day with cool mornings giving way to warm, southern afternoons, and, of course, the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. The Turn 14 Partner Lounge debuted with a clear view of Turn 1, and the livestream on a big screen to follow the action around the track. The lounge provided welcome morning warmth in the form of hot coffee, espresso, and assorted handcrafted beverages from a skilled barista, the owner of Sidecart Coffee in central Florida, who will be present for every round this season. As the morning dew gave way to afternoon sun, the drinks turned iced and the tent provided welcome shade for Turn 14 Distribution's customers and partners. 
 

Next up, GRIDLIFE returned to Road Atlanta for a Special Stage event held in conjunction with Formula DRIFT. GRIDLIFE wheel-to-wheel and Time Attack racing classes and intense exhibition drifting filled the full course through the morning and early afternoon, transitioning to Formula DRIFT's competition at The Keyhole to round out the day. Turn 14 Distribution guests were treated to a suite in The Tower, making for an unforgettable stay and the perfect way to enjoy the weekend. 

At Midwest Festival, where it all started 12 years ago, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge was alive with energy. Thousands of fans descended on Gingerman Raceway for a weekend packed with music, motorsports, and community, and the lounge quickly became the go-to retreat for Turn 14 Distribution's customers and partners. Positioned trackside between Turn 1 and Turn 2, the Partner Lounge offered unbeatable views as drivers flew down the straight and started drifting sideways from turn to turn. Guests lined the edge of the tent, just feet from the action, taking it all in from one of the most exciting spots on the circuit.
 

Mid-Ohio delivered plenty of drama with shifting weather, soaking rain, thick foggy mornings, and intense summer heat. But while the conditions tested drivers on track, Turn 14 Distribution's guests stayed cool, dry, and well-fed from the comfort of the fourth floor of the Ohio Tower. This elevated space provided panoramic track views and a welcome escape from the elements. Each morning kicked off with a full-service hot breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, bagels, and donuts, ensuring guests were fueled up and ready for a full day of racing action.

Most recently, at Road America, the Turn 14 Distribution team set up in the Finish Line Tower, featuring an air-conditioned, multi-level suite complete with an outdoor viewing deck and roof access to see even more of the track. The suite was a welcome respite from the midwestern heat and humidity and provided an excellent view of every race's start and finish. The sound of full-throttle race cars accelerating down the straight after exiting the eponymous Turn 14. The Summer Apex Festival lived up to its name and was the largest event so far this season. 

PREMIUM HOSPITALITY BACKED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS

The lounge wouldn't be what it is without the support of Turn 14 Distribution's incredible sponsor partners. Special thanks to:

• Hawk Performance
• ARP
• Radium Engineering
• Aeromotive
• AST Suspension and Moton Suspension
• Gates

Together, these brands help Turn 14 Distribution deliver a hospitality experience that reflects the best of what the aftermarket community has to offer.

FULL SPEED INTO THE SECOND HALF

With deep roots in aftermarket performance, Turn 14 Distribution knows exactly what race weekends demand. From wrenching in the paddock to pushing limits on track, the pace is intense, and having a place to recharge makes all the difference.

So, with four high-energy events behind and five more to go, Turn 14 Distribution is only getting started. From Circuit Legends at Lime Rock Park to the season finale at Pitt Race, the Turn 14 Partner Lounge will continue to be where drinks and stories are shared and the motorsports passion comes to life. 

Anyone planning to attend an upcoming event should contact their Turn 14 sales or marketing representative. If space allows, Turn 14 Distribution would love to host more guests trackside.

Hope to see you at the next green flag!

UPCOMING GRIDLIFE EVENTS

Circuit Legends
Lime Rock Park, CT
August 15–17

Chicagoland
Autobahn Country Club, IL
September 12–14

Laguna Festival
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, CA
September 26–28

Pitt Race
Pittsburgh International Race Complex, PA
October 17–19

For more information, visit Turn14.com.