By Ashley Reyes

QA1 President and CEO Melissa Scoles and representatives from QA1 accept the 2024 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year award.

In honor of the dedication and hard work that drives the automotive specialty-equipment industry, SEMA is accepting nominations for its 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award. Presented at the SEMA Show--November 4-7, Las Vegas--the award honors a manufacturing business that has made outstanding contributions to the specialty-automotive industry during SEMA's fiscal year of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. 

"The automotive aftermarket industry relies on manufacturers to drive innovation, bolster economic growth, and champion careers that advance the industry," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. "Submitting a nomination is a great way to help us identify a company that has gone above and beyond in these areas and that is worthy of this prestigious recognition." 

To be considered, a company must: 

• Be from the automotive aftermarket industry 
• Be a SEMA member and actively involved (e.g., utilizes association benefits, service of councils/networks, task forces, committees, board etc.) 
• Demonstrate outstanding business practices 
• Establish innovative processes and products 
• Exhibit a high degree of corporate responsibility by investing in and contributing to their local community 
• Display workforce excellence and invest in the well-being of their employees 
• Provide outstanding service to their customers 
• Demonstrate high-quality retail displays and packaging 
• Have complete and high-quality product data and provide new product data sets in a timely manner 
• Do an outstanding job protecting their brand equity 

SEMA is also accepting nominations for other prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at sema.org/awards until Friday, August 15. The SEMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in six different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Visionary 8. 

The 2025 SEMA Show festivities will shift into gear on Tuesday, November 4, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

On Thursday, November 6, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA's Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue the same day at the newly reimagined industry homecoming--SEMA Industry Honors--now staged at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry's biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year and the coveted Person of the Year. 

Learn more about the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year award and other SEMA industry awards currently accepting nominations at sema.org/awards. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA and PRI PAC is pulling into Norwalk, Ohio, June 27-29 for an exclusive weekend at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals--and you're invited to join us for a VIP experience.

SEMA and PRI PAC is offering premium race seating, a catered hospitality tent with open bar and behind-the-scenes access, all in support of the PAC that defends motorsports, your right to modify and the future of our industry.

This year alone, SEMA and PRI PAC supporters have helped secure major legislative victories in Oregon, Arkansas, Iowa and New Hampshire, stopping bills that would have threatened racetracks and undercut our racing community. This event is a chance to celebrate those wins, maintain our momentum and fortify for the next fight.

Make your SEMA and PRI PAC contribution to be eligible for this unparalleled opportunity.

To RSVP or learn more, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director for state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA and PRI PAC is pulling into Norwalk, Ohio, June 27-29 for an exclusive weekend at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals--and you're invited to join us for a VIP experience.

SEMA and PRI PAC is offering premium race seating, a catered hospitality tent with open bar and behind-the-scenes access, all in support of the PAC that defends motorsports, your right to modify and the future of our industry.

This year alone, SEMA and PRI PAC supporters have helped secure major legislative victories in Oregon, Arkansas, Iowa and New Hampshire, stopping bills that would have threatened racetracks and undercut our racing community. This event is a chance to celebrate those wins, maintain our momentum and fortify for the next fight.

Make your SEMA and PRI PAC contribution to be eligible for this unparalleled opportunity.

To RSVP or learn more, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI's senior director for state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

Jay Leno Talks Bugatti on 'Cars That Matter' Podcast and Video Series

Jay Leno recently joined host Robert Ross on the "Cars That Matter--Driven by Hemmings" podcast and video series for a deep dive into the world of Bugattis, French car design and the stories behind some of Leno's most cherished vehicles.

From a humble "bitsa" Bugatti Type 37--once dismissed as a parts car, now a $2M treasure--to the quirks of French cars like the Citroën DS and Talbot-Lago, Leno shares why provenance matters more than perfection. It's not just about owning rare vehicles, Leno explains on the podcast--it's about understanding their history, respecting their craftsmanship, and, above all, driving them.

For more information, visit hemmings.com, or watch the full episode below:

The podcast is also streaming on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I-CAR Marketing Wins Six Auto Car Awards

I-CAR Marketing recently received six Auto Care Awards in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer categories, recognizing several of the organization's latest marketing and communications initiatives, including its booth at the 2024 SEMA Show.

I-CAR was recognized for the following:

• Best campaign embracing diversity, equity and inclusion: Recognized for using real, diverse future technicians to attract a range of nontraditional candidates to the industry. (Collision Careers)
• Best ad campaign: Recognized for a campaign targeted at diverse industry segments. (I Count on I-CAR)
• Trade show booth: Recognized for all-encompassing sales booth, stage, hands-on demonstrations and industry collaboration. (SEMA Show)
• Training communication: Recognized for materials promoting entry-level collision repair curriculum. (I-CAR Academy Launch)
• Best campaign embracing diversity, equity and inclusion: Recognized for campaign to promote entry-level training using real, diverse students and technicians. (I-CAR Academy)
• Website design: Recognized for its website designed to attract students to the field of collision repair. (Collision Careers)

For more information, visit i-car.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Stellantis, the international automaker and parent company of the Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram and other brands, has named Antonio Filosa as its new CEO.

The company will officially elect Filosa to the Board of Directors to serve as an executive director of the company later this month and will give him full CEO authority effective June 23.

Filosa joined the Fiat Group in 1999 where he held roles of increasing responsibility, including plant manager of the Betim facility (Brazil) and head of purchasing for the Latin America region. He also served as the head of Argentina from 2016 and as COO for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Latin America region from 2018. He was appointed the South America COO for the newly created Stellantis in 2021, became Jeep brand CEO in 2023 and in October 2024 was named North America COO. His responsibilities were increased again in December 2024, when he was appointed COO for both North and South America, and further in January 2025, when he was named chief quality officer.

John Elkann will continue in his role as executive chairman when Antonio Filosa takes up his position as CEO on June 23. At that time, Antonio Filosa will also announce Stellantis’ new leadership team.

Additionally, the company has appointed Sébastien Jacquet as chief quality officer, effective immediately, succeeding Filosa.

Jacquet, who previously served as deputy chief engineering and technology officer and head of cross-car line and project engineering, has almost 25 years of experience in quality, automotive engineering and technology, research and development, and project management, and played a pivotal role in launching the company’s first multi-energy platform, STLA Medium.

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI have an immediate need for information from industry members on the impact on your business of federal tax incentives, many of which expire at the end of the year.  

• CLICK HERE or below to complete our short survey to help us advocate for your business. 

Your feedback is crucial for SEMA and PRI to understand the tax provisions that are most important to your business.  

Why Now? 

Tax policy is the top issue on the congressional docket in June. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a comprehensive tax bill (details below on key tax provisions) and the U.S. Senate is now working to draft its own version of the legislation. To ensure Congress keeps the tax provisions on which the automotive-aftermarket and motorsports industries rely, SEMA and PRI must be at the table advocating for your needs today.  

Key Tax Provisions Contained in U.S. House-Passed Legislation 

The House bill includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA and PRI members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Reduced Tax Rates for Individuals: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that expire at the end of 2025. 
• 199A Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with corporations, whose profits are taxed at 20%. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. 
• Business Expensing and Research and Development: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development (R&D) in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities. 

If you have questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI have an immediate need for information from industry members on the impact on your business of federal tax incentives, many of which expire at the end of the year.  

• CLICK HERE or below to complete our short survey to help us advocate for your business. 

Your feedback is crucial for SEMA and PRI to understand the tax provisions that are most important to your business.  

Why Now? 

Tax policy is the top issue on the congressional docket in June. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a comprehensive tax bill (details below on key tax provisions) and the U.S. Senate is now working to draft its own version of the legislation. To ensure Congress keeps the tax provisions on which the automotive-aftermarket and motorsports industries rely, SEMA and PRI must be at the table advocating for your needs today.  

Key Tax Provisions Contained in U.S. House-Passed Legislation 

The House bill includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA and PRI members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Reduced Tax Rates for Individuals: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that expire at the end of 2025. 
• 199A Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with corporations, whose profits are taxed at 20%. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. 
• Business Expensing and Research and Development: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development (R&D) in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities. 

If you have questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment industry event spent weeks plotting exhibitor booths to ensure brands could showcase their new innovations at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Now that the floorplan is live, automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

Getting familiar with the floorplan is only one part of preparing for a successful SEMA Show. The road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show also begins with:

• Registration: Secure your badge to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills with education sessions. Register today at semashow.com/register. If budget is a concern for you or your company, register for your SEMA Show badge for only $50 by Friday, June 27. After that date, prices increase to $75 through September 27, when they will increase to $100.
• Booking Your Hotel: Hotel reservations are open online here. SEMA Show and partner onPeak offer Showgoers the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
• Securing Discounted Airline Tickets: Show organizers have secured special airline fares and discounts for trips with Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.
• Planning Your SEMA Show: Visit the SEMA Show attendee website at semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Products Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders, SEMA Fest and much more.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. 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.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.  For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting a virtual General Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT, during which select committee leaders will share updates about FLN's member benefits. 

FLN General Membership Meetings are held quarterly to help young professionals in the automotive aftermarket stay updated on SEMA programs and events that can help them succeed in the industry. During the meeting, attendees will learn about networking events, volunteer opportunities, recognition programs and webinars that support professional growth.  

FLN membership is free and open to individuals under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA member company. Both current and prospective members are encouraged to attend the meeting to expand their professional network and increase their industry involvement.   

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Malerie Pike, marketing manager at Skyjacker Suspensions, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Pike was nominated by her peer, Ashtin Smart. Get to know Pike through Smart’s interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Malerie contributed to Skyjacker Suspensions? 

Ashtin Smart: Malerie has done a multitude of things in her six-and-a-half years at Skyjacker Suspensions. She has grown from accounts receivable all the way to marketing director because of her work ethic, new ideas and go-get-it personality. She has organized new product launches, numerous work events, marketing materials and several excellent SEMA booth displays, just to name a few. She not only excels in the office, but she thrives on the off-road trails. Whether it's making connections with industry partners or driving a Jeep on the trails, she does it all.  

SN: How has Malerie shown leadership in the industry or business? 

AS: Malerie shows leadership every single day at Skyjacker Suspensions. The most recent display of her leadership was Skyjacker's 50-year anniversary SEMA Show booth. This booth is larger than life and brought all 50 years of Skyjacker's history into a 30'-by-50' space. You can walk through and see from the very beginning to the current day, complete with photos, stories and actual products mounted onto the walls. This was a huge undertaking that took roughly two years to prepare. Malerie coordinated our team with excellence.  

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Malerie. 

AS: Malerie and I have planned multiple Skyjacker events, including Christmas parties, SEMA Show booth displays, hosting industry partners and off-road events. The most recent being a 50th anniversary dinner celebration in Moab, Utah, during Easter Jeep Safari. This dinner included roughly 100 of Skyjacker's closest friends and industry partners. At the dinner we had loads of food, fun and goody bags. This dinner was extremely successful and a memorable event for everyone. 

SN: How many years has Malerie been in the industry? 

AS: Five to 10 years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Malerie and why? 

AS: I admire Malerie's hard work ethic most of all. Being directly under Malerie as the marketing manager and sharing an office with her, I have been able to witness her drive and love for this industry daily. Since we are both third generation here at Skyjacker, it takes working hard to a whole new meaning. She takes every day with passion and endurance, truly taking advantage of every minute and opportunity. Because of Malerie's work ethic, Skyjacker has continued to grow and succeed. 

SN: Why do you think Malerie is a role model in the industry? 

AS: Malerie is a role model in this industry because she will fight to the very end for the best of Skyjacker. She is passionate, driven, determined and strives for excellence in every area. She wants to help the company grow and succeed and in this day and age that quality is very rare. It is also a challenge to be a woman in the off-road industry, and this has never been a disadvantage for her. She can roll with the men just as well as anyone. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.