From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The landmark, SEMA-supported bill to preserve Americans' ability to modify their vehicles has reached an important milestone, with members of a key congressional committee considering the merits of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688). This bipartisan legislation would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines to ensure that automotive businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified.

• The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing, titled "Examining Legislative Options to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety, Ensure Consumer Choice and Affordability, and Cement U.S. Automotive Leadership," represents a key step for SEMA's top federal legislative priority, where it was discussed alongside other bills that strengthen motor vehicle safety, ensure consumer choice and affordability and cement American automotive leadership.

Bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) spoke in support of her bill, which would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires the guidelines to establish ADAS test procedures that enable aftermarket businesses to properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

SEMA submitted a statement for the record, outlining the critical need for lawmakers to pass HR 6688.

"Millions of Americans modify and customize their vehicles to enhance their vehicles' safety, performance and comfort. Their reasons for modifying vary. For some, it's a means for doing business and earning a livelihood; for others, it's how they recreate or express themselves. Regardless of their needs and preferences, it is imperative that evidence-based calibration and testing procedures are in place to ensure that ADAS is properly functioning for the protection of people both inside and outside the vehicle," wrote SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Those who choose to modify or customize their vehicles are no less deserving of enjoying the safety benefits of ADAS than vehicle owners who choose to keep their vehicles in their stock condition."

Background

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

This legislation is crucial to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

The bill is also timely, because a forthcoming federal mandate that would require new, model-year '29 vehicles to feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the United States.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Korawat Photo Shoot 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The landmark, SEMA-supported bill to preserve Americans' ability to modify their vehicles has reached an important milestone, with members of a key congressional committee considering the merits of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688). This bipartisan legislation would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines to ensure that automotive businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified.

• The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing, titled "Examining Legislative Options to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety, Ensure Consumer Choice and Affordability, and Cement U.S. Automotive Leadership," represents a key step for SEMA's top federal legislative priority, where it was discussed alongside other bills that strengthen motor vehicle safety, ensure consumer choice and affordability and cement American automotive leadership.

Bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) spoke in support of her bill, which would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires the guidelines to establish ADAS test procedures that enable aftermarket businesses to properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

SEMA submitted a statement for the record, outlining the critical need for lawmakers to pass HR 6688.

"Millions of Americans modify and customize their vehicles to enhance their vehicles' safety, performance and comfort. Their reasons for modifying vary. For some, it's a means for doing business and earning a livelihood; for others, it's how they recreate or express themselves. Regardless of their needs and preferences, it is imperative that evidence-based calibration and testing procedures are in place to ensure that ADAS is properly functioning for the protection of people both inside and outside the vehicle," wrote SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Those who choose to modify or customize their vehicles are no less deserving of enjoying the safety benefits of ADAS than vehicle owners who choose to keep their vehicles in their stock condition."

Background

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

This legislation is crucial to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

The bill is also timely, because a forthcoming federal mandate that would require new, model-year '29 vehicles to feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the United States.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Korawat Photo Shoot 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The landmark, SEMA-supported bill to preserve Americans' ability to modify their vehicles has reached an important milestone, with members of a key congressional committee considering the merits of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (HR 6688). This bipartisan legislation would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create guidelines to ensure that automotive businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified.

• The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade hearing, titled "Examining Legislative Options to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety, Ensure Consumer Choice and Affordability, and Cement U.S. Automotive Leadership," represents a key step for SEMA's top federal legislative priority, where it was discussed alongside other bills that strengthen motor vehicle safety, ensure consumer choice and affordability and cement American automotive leadership.

Bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) spoke in support of her bill, which would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires the guidelines to establish ADAS test procedures that enable aftermarket businesses to properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

SEMA submitted a statement for the record, outlining the critical need for lawmakers to pass HR 6688.

"Millions of Americans modify and customize their vehicles to enhance their vehicles' safety, performance and comfort. Their reasons for modifying vary. For some, it's a means for doing business and earning a livelihood; for others, it's how they recreate or express themselves. Regardless of their needs and preferences, it is imperative that evidence-based calibration and testing procedures are in place to ensure that ADAS is properly functioning for the protection of people both inside and outside the vehicle," wrote SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Those who choose to modify or customize their vehicles are no less deserving of enjoying the safety benefits of ADAS than vehicle owners who choose to keep their vehicles in their stock condition."

Background

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require NHTSA to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

This legislation is crucial to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

The bill is also timely, because a forthcoming federal mandate that would require new, model-year '29 vehicles to feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the United States.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Korawat Photo Shoot 

By Ashley Reyes

Manufacturers and content creators planning to attend the 2026 SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference are encouraged to secure their spot for the upcoming virtual session, "MPMC Lunch and Learn: Aligning Creators and Manufacturers," happening Thursday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

This one-hour session will deliver practical, actionable insights to help motorsports brands and creators work together more effectively ahead of the 2026 conference. Speakers Lisa Cabalqunito, director of creative services at DriveShop, and Derek Drake, CEO at DriveShop, will break down what's changing in creator partnerships across the motorsports segment and how brands can get the best return on their content investments.

Attendees will learn:

• How to balance authenticity with brand messaging
• What's new in contracts, compensation and usage terms
• Which KPIs matter most when evaluating creator campaigns

The session is designed for manufacturer marketing teams, PR professionals, brand reps and independent creators looking to build stronger, more productive collaborations in 2026.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA business members have a chance to help shape the organization's next year of initiatives and guide its future direction by attending the 2026 General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, January 28, during the MPMC Media Trade Conference in Anaheim, California. This can't-miss event is membership's best opportunity to share feedback with SEMA that will help inform its plans for 2026; register for the 2026 General Membership Meeting here.

Open to all SEMA business members, the General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, at 5:15 p.m. PST in the Media Trade Conference Ballroom at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South in Anaheim, California.

The annual meeting provides members with an opportunity to receive updates on association initiatives, learn about priorities for the coming year, connect with fellow industry professionals and share feedback that helps guide SEMA's future direction. Not yet a SEMA business member? Those interested may join SEMA membership prior to the event. More information on how to join is below.

The General Membership Meeting will be held in conjunction with the MPMC Media Trade Conference, scheduled for January 27–29, 2026, in Anaheim. Attendance to the conference is not required to participate in the membership meeting.

About SEMA Business Membership 

SEMA supports its 7,000-plus business members with a wide range of tools and resources designed to help companies succeed in the automotive aftermarket. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, jobber, distributor, rep or installer, SEMA provides members with opportunities to make more informed business decisions, strengthen marketing efforts, reduce costs through group purchasing, and connect with key industry businesses and leaders. For more information and to join SEMA business membership, visit sema.org/membership-business. Questions? Contact AJ Carney, senior director, membership, at ajc@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Time is running out to apply for the SEMA Annual Contribution Program, which helps fund initiatives that support and grow the automotive aftermarket industry. The final deadline to submit is Friday, January 16. 

Apply today. 

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. Through the Annual Contribution Program, applicants can raise awareness of their mission, highlight key projects or issues and strengthen their relationship with SEMA and the broader aftermarket community. 

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2026 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by Friday, January 16, 2026, at this link. 

By Ashley Reyes

Time is running out to apply for the SEMA Annual Contribution Program, which helps fund initiatives that support and grow the automotive aftermarket industry. The final deadline to submit is Friday, January 16. 

Apply today. 

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. Through the Annual Contribution Program, applicants can raise awareness of their mission, highlight key projects or issues and strengthen their relationship with SEMA and the broader aftermarket community. 

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2026 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by Friday, January 16, 2026, at this link. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is equipping automotive aftermarket professionals with skills to be more effective communicators in their organizations with its Professional Development Program, happening May 14-15, 2026, at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.  

Hosted in partnership with the renowned Dale Carnegie organization, the program focuses on enhancing individual communication, providing participants with a tailored framework for public speaking, active listening and relationship-building.

Participation is limited and open to the first 25 SEMA members that apply here.

Key takeaways of the course include:  

• The Fine Art of Getting Along with People: Understand the impact attitude has on success, access communications skills and style and learn what constitutes winning business conversations. 
• Gain Cooperation and Build Relationships: Learn how to engage others with pertinent questions, access listening skills for different types of listeners and practice listening at the highest level.  
• Build Rapport and Credibility: Explore the factors that reflect on your image, identify ways to build rapport and earn respect, and learn to give sincere praise and appreciation.   
• Communicate with Confidence: Learn how to deal with difficult conversations with diplomacy and tact, practice giving and receiving constructive criticism and learn how to maintain composure under pressure.
• The Power of Influence: Understand the persuasion process, recognize and overcome resistance from others and practice influencing and persuading.

More than 100 professionals have already graduated from the program--many of whom have credited the experience for helping them earn promotions and improve communication within their teams. In addition to the learning module, the program features group breakouts and networking opportunities that will connect attendees with peers that face similar challenges.

Registration is $960 for FLN Members and $1,060 for SEMA Members. The program includes the full training curriculum, a certificate of completion, three nights of hotel accommodations (May 13–15) and food and beverage during training.

Secure your spot before it's gone.

By Ashley Reyes

There is still time for aftermarket organizations to apply for the SEMA Annual Contribution Program helping to fund initiatives that support the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. Through the Annual Contribution Program, applicants can raise awareness of their mission, highlight key projects or issues and strengthen their relationship with SEMA and the broader aftermarket community. 

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2026 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by Friday, January 16, 2026. 

Click here or below to apply. 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Malco Automotive

National Sales Manager in Barberton, Ohio

The national sales manager is responsible for leading and executing the sales strategy of the domestic automotive business, managing and mentoring a team that includes three regional sales managers and a business development manager. This role focuses on achieving sales targets, driving business growth, expanding market share and ensuring customer satisfaction across all regions.

Driven Performance

Technician in Addison, Illinois

Driven Performance, a restoration, repair and customization shop, is seeking a technician to join its team. The classic auto technician will assist with engine repairs, upgrades and swaps, brake and suspension repairs and upgrades, full restorations, fabrication and more.

Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum

Administrative Coordinator in Rancho Dominguez, California

The administrative coordinator will be responsible for managing and distributing information among co-workers, volunteers and external clients. The role includes answering phones, emails, writing correspondence and performing various administrative tasks, reporting directly to the executive director.

Image courtesy of Virrage Images/Shutterstock