By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Lou Lobsinger, national sales director at American Expedition Vehicles, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Lobsinger in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Lou Lobsinger: I've been in the racing and performance industry my entire career, but I only recently entered the off-road industry. You don't get to see so many epic mountain roads and trails in the racing industry!

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

LL: It's important to me that my team here at AEV is aligned on industry initiatives and joining TORA is a great way to stay up to date.

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket? 

LL: Always be asking good questions.

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

LL: My dream truck is the Truckhouse BCR. My daily driver is AEV JL370 392 Final Edition Wrangler.

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

By SEMA News Editors

Are you interested in learning more about ADAS operation and calibration? Join AUTEL for a 2-day, in-person training event at the SEMA Detroit Garage on January 14-15, 2025. This comprehensive program is designed for all experience levels, providing valuable insights and hands-on learning opportunities.

Click HERE to reserve your spot.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has expressed its appreciation of the Supreme Court of the United States for granting a writ of certiorari for a critical question in the case of "Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. EPA," which SEMA requested earlier this year via an amicus brief. In granting the writ, the court agreed to decide the important question of whether some business interests and trade organizations, including members of the automotive aftermarket, have standing to make a legal claim that California's Clean Air Act waiver allows the state to set rules that reduce demand for their products.

The court agreed to hear an appeal of a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit holding that the plaintiffs did not have a legal right to challenge the waiver.

Specifically, the case stems from a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel's prior dismissal of a challenge to electric vehicle (EV) mandates on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked standing. To sue in federal courts, there needs to be a concrete injury because of a defendant's actions. If the Supreme Court rules that the plaintiffs have standing, the D.C. Circuit would have to address the merits (i.e., whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can let California regulate automotive carbon dioxide emissions). This is a fortuitous question, given President Joe Biden's anticipated extension of California's waiver through 2035.

The court declined to hear a challenge to the legality of the waiver itself. 

SEMA's amicus brief, filed in August, argued that California's non-technology-neutral regulation that limits sales of internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles will have a devastating impact on the automotive aftermarket, effectively killing, rather than fostering innovation that can help produce cleaner, safer automobiles.

"SEMA is pleased that the nation's highest court acknowledges the significant public interest in the question raised in Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. EPA: that California is wrong to pursue internal combustion engine bans, and that lower courts who have affirmed the state's ability to do so in fact ruled in error," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA looks forward to the Supreme Court's full review of this matter and is confident that justice will prevail on behalf of American innovation and ingenuity."

As an organization, SEMA champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity and will continue its efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the carbon emissions challenge.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA has expressed its appreciation of the Supreme Court of the United States for granting a writ of certiorari for a critical question in the case of "Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. EPA," which SEMA requested earlier this year via an amicus brief. In granting the writ, the court agreed to decide the important question of whether some business interests and trade organizations, including members of the automotive aftermarket, have standing to make a legal claim that California's Clean Air Act waiver allows the state to set rules that reduce demand for their products.

The court agreed to hear an appeal of a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit holding that the plaintiffs did not have a legal right to challenge the waiver.

Specifically, the case stems from a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals panel's prior dismissal of a challenge to electric vehicle (EV) mandates on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked standing. To sue in federal courts, there needs to be a concrete injury because of a defendant's actions. If the Supreme Court rules that the plaintiffs have standing, the D.C. Circuit would have to address the merits (i.e., whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can let California regulate automotive carbon dioxide emissions). This is a fortuitous question, given President Joe Biden's anticipated extension of California's waiver through 2035.

The court declined to hear a challenge to the legality of the waiver itself. 

SEMA's amicus brief, filed in August, argued that California's non-technology-neutral regulation that limits sales of internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles will have a devastating impact on the automotive aftermarket, effectively killing, rather than fostering innovation that can help produce cleaner, safer automobiles.

"SEMA is pleased that the nation's highest court acknowledges the significant public interest in the question raised in Diamond Alternative Energy LLC v. EPA: that California is wrong to pursue internal combustion engine bans, and that lower courts who have affirmed the state's ability to do so in fact ruled in error," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SEMA looks forward to the Supreme Court's full review of this matter and is confident that justice will prevail on behalf of American innovation and ingenuity."

As an organization, SEMA champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity and will continue its efforts to preserve Americans' rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to design, manufacture and bring to market products that help solve the carbon emissions challenge.

Sponsored by FiTech Fuel Injection

Unwrap Savings With FiTech's Hot Rod Holidays Sale 

The holidays are here and FiTech Fuel Injection is delivering a sleigh-full of savings with its annual Hot Rod Holidays Sale. Whether you're restoring a classic musclecar or tuning up a project car, now is the perfect time to invest in high-performance fuel-injection systems, accessories and more--all at special holiday prices. 

Why Upgrade This Holiday Season? 

The Hot Rod Holidays Sale isn't just about discounts--it's about investing in quality components that elevate your build. With FiTech's industry-leading products, you'll enjoy: 

• Improved performance: Enhance throttle response, power delivery and fuel efficiency. 
• Easy installation: User-friendly designs make upgrades straightforward, even for DIYers. 
• Unmatched support: Backed by FiTech's three-year limited warranty and expert tech support. 

Limited Time, Maximum Value 

The Hot Rod Holidays Sale runs through the end of the season, but these deals won't last forever. Don't miss your chance to save big while stocking up on premium parts for your next project. 

How to Shop the Sale: 

• Online: Visit FiTech's website to explore the full range of discounted products. 
• Retailers: Check with FiTech's authorized dealers for in-store savings and availability. 

By SEMA News Editors

PRI

Associate Editor in Diamond Bar, California

PRI is seeking a new associate editor to contribute to the content and production of PRI Magazine across all platforms. The selected candidate will resource and assemble relevant, high-quality content, writing regular editorial features and departments as assigned by editor.

SEMA

Membership Growth Director in Diamond Bar, California

SEMA is seeking a qualified candidate to fill its available Membership Growth Director. The selected candidate will be responsible for maximizing growth in membership and retention by developing and executing strategic initiatives. This role uses industry insights and data analysis to expand market share and enhance the value of association membership.

Goodridge

National Sales Manager Aftermarket Manufacturers in Mooresville, North Carolina

Goodridge is searching for a national sales manager to drive the growth of its business with existing and new North American two- and four-wheel aftermarket parts manufacturers. The selected candidate for this role must be able to demonstrate a strong technical sales background to build relationships with aftermarket parts manufacturers.

National Sales Manager Aftermarket Distributors

This role will be responsible for driving the growth of business through existing and new partnerships with North American two- and four-wheel aftermarket distribution partners.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named MARS of Billings as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with MARS of Billings' owner Devon Davidson below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Devon Davidson: MARS of Billings started as a franchise business in January 2002. My cousin, Ward Lien, and I bought the M.A.R.S. (Mobile Appearance Reconditioning Service) franchise for Billings, Montana.

We really wanted to own our business and were intrigued by the automotive industry. We started in mobile trailers doing interior and exterior cosmetic reconditioning for used car dealerships. We improved our skills by working on used car inventory [and] making them more sellable; fixing paint chips, scratches, bumpers, windshields and leather seats, as well as installing pinstriping.

We eventually rented our first facility and then hired my brother, Lance Davidson, to operate our third mobile unit. In year five, my cousin and his wife decided to move to the Seattle area for her career. At that point, we bought out Ward [Lien], and he started his own M.A.R.S. business in the Auburn, Washington, area, which is still operating. We then decided to purchase our first facility and open our doors to the general public. We grew our team in this facility as well as added new services such as spray-in bedliners, paint-protection film, bolt-on accessories, leather kits, heated seats, remote starters and window tint.

In 2018, we built our dream facility (22,500 sq. ft.) on the west end of Billings and now employ 39 "Martians" and have continued to expand our service offerings and customer base. We have a state-of-the-art automotive detailing department and are the RestorFX (Paintless Clearcoat Repair) dealer here, as well as the ValuGard Underbody Corrosion Protection dealer. We also now install and calibrate windshields and install commercial and residential window films. We have been detailing and protecting airplanes, RVs, semis and boats with our vehicle-specific ceramic coatings. All in all, we are the one-stop shop, and our tagline is: PROTECT. RESTORE. ACCESSORIZE.

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

DD: MARS of Billings in 2024 is working hard to continue to provide top-notch customer service and quality work to our broad customer base. We are focused on expanding a few new services we have brought on in the past year, including windshield replacement and calibration, windshield protection film, ValuGard Underbody Corrosion Protection, RestorFX Paintless Clear Coat Repair and our MARS home services, including window film and surface protection products.

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

DD: We are proud of many products we provide at MARS of Billings, but we are most proud of our XPEL protective products. We have had a relationship with XPEL since 2007 and are now an exclusive partner with them throughout the MARS Nation community! We provide all of their protective products throughout our customer base, including Automotive PPF, Tint, and Ceramic Coatings; Home/Office Window Film and Home Surface Protective Products; Boeing-approved Aviation Ceramic Coatings and Marine PPF, Tint, and Ceramic Coatings.

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

DD: If you have a passion for people and the automotive aftermarket industry, you can have a very rewarding and successful career if you join a company with a great culture. If you want to start your own business, MARS Nation has four different franchisees: MARS Automotive, MARS Home, MARS Marine and MARS Aviation. Check out our offerings at themarsnation.com.

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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California's Air Resources Board (CARB) announced last week that it will delay enforcement of its climate reporting requirements for 2026, providing relief to businesses navigating the state's SEMA-opposed Climate Accountability Package. 

The Climate Accountability Package, passed in 2023, includes SB 253 and SB 261, which set reporting requirements for large companies doing business in California. SB 253 applies to companies with over $1 billion in annual revenue and mandates public reporting of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions starting in 2026, with Scope 3 reporting beginning in 2027. These reports aim to create transparency regarding direct and indirect emissions from companies' operations. 

SB 261 requires companies with annual revenue exceeding $500 million to file biennial reports assessing their climate-related financial risks. These disclosures must align with standards set by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and are intended to provide stakeholders insight into how businesses address and manage climate risks. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom initially expressed doubts about meeting these deadlines and signed SB 219 in 2024, extending CARB's timeline to finalize reporting standards to July 1, 2025. Despite this, the 2026 reporting requirement remained intact. 

CARB's recent notice allows companies to report FY 2025 emissions using existing processes as of December 5, 2024, without facing penalties for incomplete data, provided they demonstrate good faith compliance. 

SEMA joined the business community in opposing these mandates in 2023, citing their burden on businesses and rushed timelines. This enforcement delay offers companies more time to document practices and prepare for clearer guidance next year. 

SEMA will continue to engage this issue and advocate for practical solutions to support its members. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

California's Air Resources Board (CARB) announced last week that it will delay enforcement of its climate reporting requirements for 2026, providing relief to businesses navigating the state's SEMA-opposed Climate Accountability Package. 

The Climate Accountability Package, passed in 2023, includes SB 253 and SB 261, which set reporting requirements for large companies doing business in California. SB 253 applies to companies with over $1 billion in annual revenue and mandates public reporting of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions starting in 2026, with Scope 3 reporting beginning in 2027. These reports aim to create transparency regarding direct and indirect emissions from companies' operations. 

SB 261 requires companies with annual revenue exceeding $500 million to file biennial reports assessing their climate-related financial risks. These disclosures must align with standards set by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and are intended to provide stakeholders insight into how businesses address and manage climate risks. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom initially expressed doubts about meeting these deadlines and signed SB 219 in 2024, extending CARB's timeline to finalize reporting standards to July 1, 2025. Despite this, the 2026 reporting requirement remained intact. 

CARB's recent notice allows companies to report FY 2025 emissions using existing processes as of December 5, 2024, without facing penalties for incomplete data, provided they demonstrate good faith compliance. 

SEMA joined the business community in opposing these mandates in 2023, citing their burden on businesses and rushed timelines. This enforcement delay offers companies more time to document practices and prepare for clearer guidance next year. 

SEMA will continue to engage this issue and advocate for practical solutions to support its members. 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

SCCA and PRI Join Forces to Expand Motorsports Access to All

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and PRI have announced a new partnership at the 2024 PRI Show aimed at driving the growth of United States motorsports. This collaboration will provide both PRI and SCCA members with benefits from each organization, fostering greater opportunities within the motorsports community.

Through this partnership, SCCA members who join PRI as an individual member will receive an exclusive membership rate, with a portion of their PRI annual membership supporting the SCCA Scholarship Fund. Additionally, SCCA members will enjoy a 20% savings on business memberships to PRI. With their PRI membership, SCCA members will gain access to a variety of exclusive offers from PRI's membership partners.

This partnership also aligns SCCA with the SEMA-PRI Regulatory and Legislative Advocacy efforts, as well as offering PRI presence at one or more of SCCA's National Championship events. SCCA, meanwhile, will exhibit at the 2025 PRI Show.

This announcement comes just one day after SCCA President and CEO Mike Cobb and IMSA President John Doonan took part in a PRI-hosted session entitled "Attracting and Training the Next Generation of Motorsports Leaders" in the T.O.P.S. HQ (Tracks, Operators, Promotors and Sanctioning Bodies Headquarters) during the 2024 PRI Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"The partnership between PRI and SCCA is a natural one, especially considering that both organizations have the same goal of accelerating grassroots motorsports in the United States," said Cobb. "Thanks to this partnership, SCCA members will have access to PRI's resources, which include not only discount programs and access to a broad array of potential supplier partners but also to the latest industry news that is relevant to the hobby they hold so dear."

As part of this partnership, SCCA and PRI members will see relevant content from the other organization appear on their websites and in their e-newsletters. PRI members will also have the opportunity to join and participate in thousands of SCCA events each year.

"This partnership with the SCCA marks a significant step forward in uniting and strengthening the motorsports community," said PRI President Michael Good. "By combining the strengths of PRI and SCCA, we're creating new opportunities for enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses to grow and thrive in the U.S. motorsports landscape. Together, we're fueling the future of racing."

The announcement was made at the 2024 PRI Show in downtown Indianapolis. Relive the event on the PRI website here.
 

Announced at 2024 PRI Show: 'PRI Magazine' Now Available on Your Mobile Device

PRI has announced that, for the first time ever, PRI Magazine is now available to everyone at no cost in a digital format. While previously only available in print to Champion-level PRI members, the publication is now available digitally across the globe. Whether you're an industry member staying on top of trends or a racing enthusiast interested in learning more about the industry, the digital magazine is available in current and past issues.

Read more and claim your free subscription here.

Read more racing industry news on performanceracing.com/industry-news.