By SEMA News Editors

 

In partnership with Ford, SEMA Garage in Detroit is inviting aftermarket suppliers to participate in an upcoming measuring session featuring five Ford vehicles on Thursday, September 24. RSVP now.

 

 

The session will feature the '26 Ford F-150, '26 Ford Expedition, '26 Ford Explorer, '26 Ford Maverick and '26 Ford Super Duty Tremor models, providing suppliers with an opportunity to gather measurements and evaluate vehicles for new aftermarket product development.

 

Participants will have access to 3D scanning and measurement capabilities to support product development and prototype test-fitting, along with an exclusive close-up look at the vehicles.

 

Reserve your time slot now––space is limited, and advance RSVP is required. Each company should RSVP for only one session.

 

SEMA Garage Ford Measuring Session
September 24, 2026
14655 Jib St.,
Plymouth, MI 48170
View on Google Maps.
RSVP Now.

 

For questions regarding SEMA measuring sessions, email productdevelopment@sema.org.

 

 By SEMA News Editors

 

With the lineup set and tickets on sale, there's now another reason to start planning for SEMA Fest: Payment plans are available, allowing fans to spread out the cost of attending the Friday, November 6, celebration of car culture and music at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

 

Headlined by multi-platinum punk-rock icons The Offspring, the 2026 lineup also features Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive alongside heart-pounding motorsports and automotive activations.

 

Get your tickets before they sell out at semafest.com.

 

From the Show Floor to SEMA Fest

 

The "SEMA Show Friday x SEMA Fest" ticket bundle lets your non-industry friends and family experience a full day of the SEMA Show on Friday, November 6, with "SEMA Show Friday–Public Day" passes.

 

With the bundle, enthusiasts can explore thousands of custom vehicles, new products and automotive technology from more than 2,000 brands at the SEMA Show. Then, they will head outside for the SEMA Cruise, OPTIMA drifting, the Globe of Death and rare exotics and hypercars from Supercar Saturdays Florida while the music cranks up with live performances from The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 and The Alive at SEMA Fest.

 

"SEMA Show x SEMA Fest" ticket bundles may be purchased at semafest.com, with payment plans available. SEMA Show attendees and members can purchase SEMA Fest tickets through the Registration Resource Center.

 

One ticket. One full day. From the Show floor to the SEMA Fest stage. Get your tickets before they sell out: semafest.com.

 

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com.

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com or visit the Registration Resource Center.   

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

 

By SEMA News Editors 

 

Attending the 2026 SEMA Show is already a smart investment: instead of taking multiple trips to meet suppliers, evaluate new products, attend training and network with industry leaders, attendees can accomplish it all in one place, November 3-6 in Las Vegas. 

 

And with a little planning, savvy Showgoers can stretch their budgets even further. From discounted travel and hotel rates to included education sessions and complimentary member amenities, here are some of the best ways to maximize a return on investment at the SEMA Show. 

 

Register Early and Build an Agenda for the SEMA Show

 

One of the easiest ways to save is simply registering before prices increase. The next registration deadline is Friday, September 25, when attendee badges increase from $75 to $100. 

 

When securing a SEMA Show registration, don't overlook SEMA Education, featuring dozens of complimentary sessions available to be added to a badge in just a few clicks. For those already registered, events and sessions can be added or modified in the Registration Resource Center. 

 

This year's SEMA Show features dozens of expert-led education sessions, with most included in a Show registration. Reserve seminars in advance to build a schedule around the topics most relevant to your business and avoid missing popular presentations. 

 

Read more: Explore the full SEMA Education schedule and reserve sessions. 

 

Book Through the Official SEMA Show Hotel Block 

 

SEMA Showgoers don't have to choose between earning hotel rewards and securing the best rates. 

 

Attendees who book through the official SEMA Show hotel block managed by onPeak can earn eligible hotel loyalty rewards points while taking advantage of the lowest possible rates, flexible reservation policies and convenient access to Las Vegas' top hotels. 

 

The SEMA Show team negotiates discounted hotel rates exclusively for attendees, often below publicly available pricing, and participating reservations are backed by price-match protection. 

 

Read more: Discover the benefits of booking through the official SEMA Show hotel block. 

 

 

Save on Transportation: Airfare and Las Vegas Monorail and the Las Vegas Loop 

 

SEMA Show attendees can take advantage of exclusive airfare discounts through participating airlines Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines to help get them to Las Vegas. 

 

In addition, the Las Vegas Monorail provides quick access to the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and the Vegas Loop also offers low-cost paid routes to connect nearby resorts: Resorts World Las Vegas and Westgate Las Vegas and Encore/Wynn. 

 

Read more: Find airline discount codes, Monorail savings and transportation details before booking a trip. 

 

 

Take Advantage of SEMA Membership Perks

 

SEMA members have access to the Members Lounge (North Hall room N251), providing a comfortable environment away from the activity of the Show floor with complimentary coffee, internet and printer access, device charging stations, comfortable seating, networking opportunities and more. 

 

Members can also reserve private meeting rooms, helping maximize every minute of the week. 

 

Read more: One of the best-kept secrets at the SEMA Show is reserved for members. 

 

 

Tell Your Customers and Followers You're Attending SEMA

 

One of the easiest ways to maximize your SEMA Show is to sharing plans on social media or through email. This can help customers, prospects and industry partners schedule time to meet with you during the week. 

 

SEMA offers free Digital Tools, including ready-to-post social media graphics, copy templates and logos that make it easy to promote your attendance. Download the assets, announce where you'll be and start filling your calendar before you get to Las Vegas. 

 

Discover the free digital tools and let your customers know you're in for the SEMA Show. 

 

Maximize the Return on Investment at SEMA

 

Schedule appointments with customers, suppliers and prospects before heading to Las Vegas to accomplish more in fewer days. Then use the SEMA Show floorplan--and the SEMA Show mobile app when it becomes available--to map a route across the LVCC that makes sense and avoids backtracking. 

 

And don't forget to utilize the on-campus Vegas Loop. It's a free-of-charge underground transportation system of approximately 2 mi. of tunnels accommodating a fleet of zero-emissions Tesla vehicles. Since it's designed to transport more than 4,400 attendees per hour between five stations across the 200-acre LVCC, Showgoers can't beat the convenience of this service.  

 

Attending SEMA With Your Team to Maximize ROI 

 

Companies sending a team of employees to the SEMA Show can multiply the value of the trip by dividing responsibilities. 

 

Assign team members to different product categories, education tracks or exhibitor appointments, then share notes after the Show. This way, a team can cover more ground without duplicating efforts. 

 

Like any good investment, the more thoughtfully you plan your SEMA Week, the greater the return. 

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

Ahead of a critical August 17 business meeting, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has placed on the agenda its proposed replacement tire efficiency regulations, bringing the controversial regulation one step closer to final adoption. 

 

• TAKE ACTION: SEMA is urging automotive aftermarket businesses, tire manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts to participate remotely and tell commissioners how the proposal could affect tire affordability, consumer choice and access to specialty tires. 

 

The CEC in July revised its initial proposal, following months of opposition from SEMA and a broad coalition of industry stakeholders. Those changes delayed implementation and created or expanded exemptions for several specialty-tire categories, including competition tires, qualifying winter tires and certain large off-road tires.  

 

However, significant concerns remain. Among them, SEMA remains troubled by the regulation's potential for increasing tire costs, while reducing the range of affordable replacement tires available to California consumers. Additionally, the proposed competition-tire exemption remains too narrow and could leave legitimate motorsports tires subject to standards designed for ordinary passenger tires. 

 

Make Your Voice Heard 

 

The Monday, August 17, CEC business meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT.  

• Members of the public may participate remotely through Zoom (Meeting ID: 886 5692 5780; Passcode: energy) 

 

SEMA encourages industry members to join the meeting and respectfully urge commissioners to address the regulation's remaining impacts on consumers, small businesses and specialty tire availability before moving forward. 

 

For more information or assistance preparing comments for the meeting, contact SEMA Senior Director of State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

Ahead of a critical August 17 business meeting, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has placed on the agenda its proposed replacement tire efficiency regulations, bringing the controversial regulation one step closer to final adoption. 

 

• TAKE ACTION: SEMA is urging automotive aftermarket businesses, tire manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts to participate remotely and tell commissioners how the proposal could affect tire affordability, consumer choice and access to specialty tires. 

 

The CEC in July revised its initial proposal, following months of opposition from SEMA and a broad coalition of industry stakeholders. Those changes delayed implementation and created or expanded exemptions for several specialty-tire categories, including competition tires, qualifying winter tires and certain large off-road tires.  

 

However, significant concerns remain. Among them, SEMA remains troubled by the regulation's potential for increasing tire costs, while reducing the range of affordable replacement tires available to California consumers. Additionally, the proposed competition-tire exemption remains too narrow and could leave legitimate motorsports tires subject to standards designed for ordinary passenger tires. 

 

Make Your Voice Heard 

 

The Monday, August 17, CEC business meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT.  

• Members of the public may participate remotely through Zoom (Meeting ID: 886 5692 5780; Passcode: energy) 

 

SEMA encourages industry members to join the meeting and respectfully urge commissioners to address the regulation's remaining impacts on consumers, small businesses and specialty tire availability before moving forward. 

 

For more information or assistance preparing comments for the meeting, contact SEMA Senior Director of State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock

By Ashley Reyes

 

Automotive restyling professionals still have time to register for the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) virtual general membership meeting and AI panel discussion, taking place Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT.

 

This session will kick off with a brief update on PRO member resources, events planned for the 2026 SEMA Show and the PRO Cup Challenge, before transitioning into a panel discussion on how automotive restylers can effectively apply artificial intelligence (AI) to their business.

 

Moderated by Jesse Stoddard of AutoStyle Marketing, the session will feature panelists Grant Evans of Ecoological and Noah Rhodes of AutoStyle Marketing. Together, they will share strategies for implementing AI to increase revenue, save money and save time.

 

You'll learn how to use AI for: 

• Improving customer communication and follow-up
• Creating marketing content faster
• Organizing SOPs and team knowledge
• Supporting sales and operations workflows
• Helping customers visualize upgrades before they buy

 

As AI continues to transform how restyling businesses and shops operate, now is the time to secure your spot and gain a competitive advantage. 

 

Register now.

By SEMA News Editors

 

All vehicles* in the United States market will be required to implement J1979-2 or J1979-3 automotive standards. What does that mean for you? Are you ready? Do new vehicle cybersecurity standards have you stuck in park? Many SEMA members and OEMs are working on these challenges.  

 

SEMA Garage-Detroit is proud to host DG Technologies for a technical workshop on August 24, 2026.

Join us at 12:00 p.m. EDT for a light lunch and networking, immediately followed by the technology workshop and hands-on exercises. Learn more about these topics and get answers to your advanced vehicle protocol questions from Mark Zachos, president of DG Technologies. Zachos is a J1979-2/3 expert, SAE fellow and past chair of SAE's Detroit Section, and director of vehicle cyber engineering at The University of Detroit Mercy.

 

Zachos will take you through the software-defined diagnostic standard and the basics of access control features based on J1979-2/3 standards for compliance and integration. He will also provide insights into cybersecurity principles for modern vehicle networks.

 

Model-year '27 vehicles in the United States market will become even more software-dependent and access-controlled. Understanding OBDonUDS is critical for compliance, integration, development, secure diagnostics and long-term aftermarket reliability. Knowing these standards will help you solve problems and save you time.

 

* SAE J1979-2 (OBDonUDS) becomes mandatory for all internal combustion vehicles by model-year '27, and SAE J1979-3 (ZEVonUDS) is required for all zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2027, with some exceptions.

 

Workshop Highlights include:

• Background of SAE J1979 classic, emissions compliance and global diagnostics.
• Key distinctions and use cases for J1979-2 (Updated OBDonUDS) and J1979-3 OBD diagnostic test modes for ZEVonUDS.
• Defined information on Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, DoiP and Secure Gateway Modules.
• Cybersecurity implications of diagnostic data access in modern vehicle networks.

 

To register, go to https://www.dgtech.com/product/sema-registration. Reserve today; seats are limited!

Date: August 24

Where: 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170

Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Instructor: Mark Zachos

Register before August 24.

Questions? Contact: Tyler McCurry at tmccurry@dgtech.com or 248-888-2000 x312

By SEMA News Editors

 

SEMA has officially opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, introducing a new Motorcycle category and the all-new SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout. 

 

For more than a decade, SEMA Battle of the Builders has recognized the industry’s most talented vehicle builders, providing a platform to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation behind some of the most innovative custom builds in the world. For 2026, the competition will expand its reach to include motorcycles, giving custom bike builders a dedicated opportunity to compete and earn recognition on the industry’s biggest stage. 

 

"Motorcycles have always been a vital part of the customization community, and we're excited to officially bring these builders into the SEMA Battle of the Builders spotlight," said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. "The Bike Builder Shootout creates a new platform for motorcycle builders to showcase their craftsmanship, creativity and passion while competing alongside some of the most talented custom bike builders in the industry."

 

The new SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout will feature a dedicated Motorcycle competition recognizing standout custom bikes from builders across the country. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of motorcycle industry experts based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution.

 

The inaugural judging panel will include Zach Ness of Arlen Ness Motorcycles, Jeff Holt of V-Twin Visionary and Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs, three respected leaders in the custom motorcycle community with decades of combined experience building, designing and promoting motorcycle culture. 

 

Motorcycle judges will review submissions before selecting the Top 10 finalists. Those finalists will then help determine the Top 3 category winners and select the overall Bike Builder Shootout champion, creating a competition judged by the builders and industry experts who understand the craft firsthand. 

 

"The motorcycle community has always been built on creativity, craftsmanship and a passion for creating something unique," said Judge Chairman Bob Kay. "The Bike Builder Shootout gives builders a dedicated platform to showcase the time, skill and innovation behind their machines while being recognized alongside some of the most talented builders in the industry. We're excited to be part of a program that celebrates the people pushing motorcycle customization forward."

 

The new Motorcycle category joins the four existing automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BF Goodrich Young Guns. Automotive finalists will continue to compete in their own competition and will have a separate Battle of the Builders overall winner. 

 

The expansion into motorcycles reflects SEMA's continued commitment to growing opportunities across the specialty equipment industry and expanding the powersports presence at the SEMA Show. As SEMA continues to develop its powersports footprint, the Bike Builder Shootout highlights the innovation, craftsmanship and creativity driving the future of customization. 

 

Attendees at the 2026 SEMA Show will be able to experience the Bike Builder Shootout and Battle of the Builders competition live in Center Hall, which will showcase some of the most innovative vehicles and builders in the industry. Registration details for the SEMA Show are available at semashow.com/register.  

 

The 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers will take place during the SEMA Show, Nov. 3–6, 2026, in Las Vegas. For more information or to enter, visit semabotb.com. 

 

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com or visit the Registration Resource Center.   

 

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, 2026, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.  

 

By SEMA News Editors

Dodge Revives Super Bee With 600HP Charger

The limited-production '27 Charger Super Bee Launch Edition features larger turbos, upgraded cooling, Brembo brakes and track-focused suspension. Seen here is Dodge CEO Matt McAlear at the launch event at the Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.

 

Dodge has revived the Super Bee nameplate with the 600-horsepower 2027 Charger Super Bee Launch Edition.

 

Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0L SIXPACK H.O. inline-six, the new Super Bee is the quickest and most powerful SIXPACK-powered Charger yet, with a claimed 3.6-second 0-60 mph time and 11.8-second quarter-mile.

 

Performance upgrades include 56mm Garrett turbochargers, more than 50% greater cooling capacity, 16-in. Brembo vented rotors with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, 20-by-11-in. forged wheels with 305/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, adaptive damping suspension and functional aerodynamic upgrades.

 

The limited-production model will be offered in Sucker Punch, Shady and Diamond Black. Pricing, ordering and availability will be announced later this year.

 

Dodge Charger Gets the Drift Treatment With 750HP Hemmings Builds

Two production-based Charger Scat Packs have been transformed into purpose-built drift cars with rear-wheel drive, manual transmissions and competition-focused hardware, revealed at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan.

 

Dodge has teamed with Hemmings Director of Programming Mike Musto and builder and fabricator Suppy Wejpanich of Suppy's Garage to turn two SIXPACK-powered '26 Dodge Charger Scat Packs into 750hp drift machines.

 

The Charger BOOST Coupe and four-door Charger RPM (Rapid People Mover) debuted August 7 at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. The team converted the production all-wheel-drive, automatic-transmission configuration to rear-wheel drive and installed competition-spec manual transmissions.

 

The builds also feature Turbosmart forced-induction systems, MoTeC engine management, drift-specific suspension and steering geometry, a Bulldog quick-change rear differential, full roll cages and custom hydraulic handbrakes.

 

The cars are scheduled to appear next at Gridlife in Laguna Seca, California, September 18-20, and FuelFest at Firebird Motorsports Park in Arizona, December 5.

 

The first episodes of a nine-part video series documenting the builds are available on Hemmings' YouTube channel and social-media platforms.

 

Images courtesy of Stellantis

 

Alpine Previewed Dodge Audio Concepts at Roadkill Nights

 

Alpine showcased two exclusive audio concepts created for Dodge enthusiasts at Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge.

 

Alpine returned to Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge August 7-8, at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, to unveil two early audio concepts developed specifically with Dodge enthusiasts in mind.

 

The concepts explored new approaches to premium audio integration while building on Alpine's history with Dodge, which includes supplying factory audio systems for the Dodge Viper beginning in the '90s.

 

Alpine emphasized that the concepts were not new-product announcements, but rather previews of ideas being explored by its engineering team.

 

For more information, visit Alpine's website.

 

Demco Launches Campaign to Support Farm Rescue

Demco's agricultural sector will be featured on Ryan Ellis' No. 02 car at the Hy-Vee Perks 250 in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at Iowa Speedway.

 

Demco's agricultural sector is launching the "Built to Move, Driven to Rescue" campaign in conjunction with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides hands-on, operational support to farm families in crisis.

 

As part of the campaign, Demco fully sponsored Ryan Ellis' No. 02 car at the Hy-Vee Perks 250 in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at Iowa Speedway. The initiative is designed to put a national spotlight on Farm Rescue, raise awareness among farm families that it is okay to ask for help during a crisis, increase awareness of the organization's services and turn national attention into critical funding for the farmers and ranchers who may be facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, according to the company.

 

The campaign reflects a shared commitment to supporting farmers and farm families when crisis threatens the work they depend on every day. Through a national racing platform, "Built to Move, Driven to Rescue" brings together farmers, NASCAR fans, agricultural creators, Farm Rescue volunteers, campaign partners and families who have been helped by Farm Rescue to expand awareness, build support and help keep farm families moving forward.

 

"Built to Move, Driven to Rescue" has connected with farm and racing audiences through a series of key events, beginning July 30, at AgPhD Field Day in Baltic, South Dakota, where Demco and Farm Rescue introduced the campaign car, shared donation incentives and gave attendees the opportunity to sign the car before it went to Iowa Speedway for the Hy-Vee Perks 250 on August 8.

 

At the race, a dedicated fan zone served as the campaign's headquarters, giving attendees a place to connect with Farm Rescue, hear stories of impact and participate in the fundraiser. The campaign will continue September 1–3, at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, where the replica NASCAR will be on display to build additional awareness and support for Farm Rescue.

 

For more information, visit demco-products.com.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

SEMA invites women working in any area of the automotive industry to join an upcoming virtual event for an inside look at the tools, programs and community designed to help women accelerate their careers.

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) virtual General Membership Meeting will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, September 16, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/3:00 p.m. EDT. 

 

Whether you're already an SBN member or curious about joining, this meeting is your chance to connect, learn and discover resources designed to help women succeed in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

 

Select committee leaders will share updates about networking events, volunteer opportunities, recognition programs and webinars designed to support members' professional growth. Details will also be shared about SBN events planned during the 2026 SEMA Show and PRI Show.

 

SBN membership is free and open to all women employed by a SEMA member company. If this sounds like you, don't miss your chance to level up your career and network by attending the meeting.   

 

Save your spot here or click below.