By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members attending King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California, are invited to a cross-council networking mixer hosted by the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Future Leaders Network (FLN), SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC). The mixer will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST inside the Hammertown VIP tent. 

The mixer is a great opportunity for attendees to grow their professional network, discover resources to enhance their business or simply connect with peers in a relaxed environment. Select committee leaders will be on-site to share volunteer and education opportunities, targeted professional development programs and upcoming in-person and virtual events that members can look forward to in 2026.   

If you are attending King of the Hammers, don't miss your chance to join great conversations with great company. Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged.

Register here.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

• SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 14, (with an optional third day of training on Thursday, January 15) at the facility located at 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765.
• SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170.

🆕BIG NEWS: attendees at the Diamond Bar location can now opt into an exclusive third day of training, available only at that facility. The optional Day 3 on January 15--available exclusively at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar--reinforces the objectives from the two-day curriculum by layering diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness onto real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Concepts are applied through hands-on exercises rather than taught as standalone lectures. To participate in the 3rd day of ADAS training at SEMA Garage Diamond Bar, choose the "3-Day" option when signing up. 

Note: "Day 3" option requires additional fee. 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" or "Detroit" tab). Can't make it in January or February? Stay tuned for more training opportunities later in 2026.

The most recent SEMA Garage AUTEL sessions sold out quickly, so organizers recommend signing up NOW!

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from EV mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (H.R. 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (H.R. 2231/ S. 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive.  The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025, and our advocates showed up in force as we elevated to heights previously unseen by the automotive aftermarket.

Here's your 2026 SEMA/PRI advocacy wrap-up:

• More than 125,000 letters to Congress
• More than 3,000,000 voters reached
• Two pro-race track victories (North Carolina and Iowa)
• Two anti-race track bills defeated (Arkansas and Oregon)
• 330,000 jobs protected from EV mandates
• Biggest-ever increase of SEMA & PRI PAC Red Line Keyholder donors

Preserving Vehicle Choice

SEMA was at the White House when President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution that revoked California's a 2024 waiver that allowed the state to ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles, not only in California but in 12 other states. SEMA's successful campaign even won international accolades, with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) presenting SEMA with its first President's Award for Excellence in Communication for our unyielding efforts to mobilize the automotive community against EV mandates.

Ensuring Your Right to Modify

In a watershed moment for American car culture, SEMA secured the introduction of the "ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act" (H.R. 6688) in the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time that Congress has introduced legislation to protect vehicle owners' right to modify. If passed, this bipartisan bill would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified, which is critical to being able to safely modify new vehicles, including common modifications like installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires or installing a winch, bull bar or an aftermarket bumper.

Protecting the Right to Race

SEMA and PRI took the checkered flag in a handful of efforts to protect race tracks nationwide. SEMA halted legislation in Oregon and Arkansas that would have shut down important local tracks, and in North Carolina and Iowa, helped establish new protections that will enable race tracks to stay open and fight back against nuisance complaints. SEMA and PRI also laid the groundwork for forthcoming action to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation via the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (H.R. 2231/ S. 2462).

Maintaining Access to Public Lands

SEMA kicked off 2025 with a win for the off-road community, as President Biden signed into law the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), which improves the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands. And the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a SEMA-supported effort to preserve motorized access to Oceano Dunes, the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Telling Your Story About Tariffs

SEMA has used its platform to share with the Trump Administration and lawmakers how tariffs are impacting your business. SEMA met with the Department of Commerce to discuss survey data collected from our member businesses on tariff impacts and continues to communicate how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

SEMA helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American small businesses and will help the aftermarket thrive.  The law includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, the 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for research and development and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA made significant gains in the fight to modernize California's smog-check laws to help collectors of classic vehicles. This effort, dubbed Leno's Law, earned bipartisan support and represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades.

Protection of Small Businesses from Regulatory Overreach

SEMA backed a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. Our improved relationship with the EPA was never more evident than when EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited with SEMA leaders at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Want to learn more? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming 2026 Advocacy Agenda, visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest news and resources, and give a follow to SEMA Action on Instagram to be a part of our growing community of advocates.

Image courtesy of Tupungato, Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA invites women working in any corner of the automotive industry to join an upcoming virtual event on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for an inside look at the tools, programs and community designed to help women accelerate their careers in the specialty-equipment market.

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) virtual General Membership Meeting, will take place on via Zoom on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 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. Exciting details will also be shared about the SBN Women’s Leadership Forum happening March 3-5, 2026, in San Diego, California.

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.

To learn more about SBN, visit sema.org/sbn.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.

'26 Porsche 718 Cayman EV Prototype Offers New Details

SEMA News sources recently captured new images of the next-generation Porsche Cayman electric vehicle (EV).

The all-electric iteration of the 718 aims to blend the brand's performance heritage with cutting-edge technology and sustainability, according to insiders, with multiple new features expected from the new model.

The Porsche 718 series, which includes the Boxster and Cayman, has long been celebrated for its exceptional handling, lightweight construction and thrilling driving dynamics. With a focus on performance, the new models are expected to deliver exhilarating acceleration and precise handling, insiders said.

The design of the '26 Porsche 718 EV appears to reflect modern interpretations of the classic 718 silhouettes. Expect to see sleek lines, a low stance and an aerodynamic profile that enhances efficiency and performance. While the overall shapes may remain familiar, the EVs will incorporate unique design elements that distinguish them from their gasoline-powered predecessors, such as a closed-off front grille and distinctive lighting signatures.

At the heart of the new Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman will be a state-of-the-art electric powertrain. While specific details are still under wraps, industry insiders anticipate a dual-motor setup that will provide all-wheel drive and instantaneous torque delivery. This configuration could enable Boxster and Cayman to achieve 0-60 mph times in the realm of 3 seconds or less.

Porsche is also expected to utilize advanced battery packs that offer a balance of high energy density and lightweight construction, ensuring that the vehicle remains agile and responsive, insiders said. Additionally, fast-charging capabilities will likely be a priority, allowing drivers to recharge their vehicles quickly and efficiently during long journeys.

Inside the Porsche 718, the cabin will likely feature high-quality materials, ergonomic design and a driver-focused layout. A digital cockpit with a large infotainment display will provide access to a range of connectivity features, navigation and performance data.

Porsche is also expected to integrate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and convenience.

Facelift Coming for Mercedes-AMG SL 63

While Mercedes-AMG is working on the successor of the GT, the company seems to be planning a facelift for the GT's stablemate, the SL. SEMA News sources at the German Nürburgring caught an early prototype of what appears to be an updated version of the SL 63.

So far, modifications seem to be limited to the front fascia, but insiders expect the rear to receive a makeover, too, as well as a fresh look for the interior. Together with the tweaked design will come tech updates for driver assistance systems, as well as connectivity and entertainment.

What's unclear so far is if AMG will squeeze more power out of the 4-L V8 engine. With 585 hp up to 616 hp it isn't exactly weak today, but with so much electric competition producing up to 1,000 hp, more power would definitely be appreciated by customers.

By SEMA News Editors

COBB Tuning

COBB Accessport ECU V3 for Ford Bronco Raptor and Ranger Raptor

COBB Tuning has released its new Accessport ECU for the '22-plus Ford Bronco Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor with a standard OBD2 flashing process. The new ECU allows vehicle owners to flash engine and transmission calibrations from home, monitor real-time data, switch maps and work directly with COBB-certified ProTuners to tailor performance for daily driving or aggressive off-road use, according to the company. Currently 49-state legal, with California (CARB) approval pending.

cobbtuning.com

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

Sway Bar Link Kits for '03-'24 Toyota 4Runner

The new sway bar links for '03-'24 Toyota 4Runner and associated platforms are engineered to match the stock sway bar link length but feature a more robust construction and maintenance-free ball joints to ensure smooth, consistent movement through the entire range of suspension travel. This results in improved on-road handling and more predictable performance off-road, the company says. Each link is finished with a durable clear zinc plating to guard against corrosion and backed by ICON's limited lifetime warranty.

iconvehicledynamics.com

By SEMA News Editors

NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle, 55

Greg Biffle, a long-time NASCAR driver who won championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and won 19 Cup Series races, has unfortunately passed away alongside his wife Cristina, son Ryder and daughter Emma in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, NASCAR officials confirmed. He was 55.

NASCAR released the following statement:

"NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.

Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.

On the track, Greg's talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg's entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life."

A Vancouver, Washington, native, Biffle, often called "The Biff," was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers during the 2023 season and won 19 races in a 15-year Cup Series career that spanned 515 starts, nearly all for car owner Jack Roush. In his climb up the NASCAR ladder, he became champion in both the Xfinity Series (2002) and the Craftsman Truck Series (2000).

Biffle's name, however, became more prominent after Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and damage across the Southeastern United States in late September 2024, as he shared with PRI News earlier this year.

"The way it started was, I got a Facebook message that there was a family stuck up in North Carolina. They were in an Airbnb and had no power, no food, no supplies--out of baby formula, diapers, things like that. I was getting ready to leave for a trip, but I thought, if I don't go get the helicopter out and try to reach them, who's going to? Once I got in the air and posted that I was trying to reach them, I got about 4,000 messages back," Biffle shared with PRI News.

"What we saw from the air was hard to put into words. If you think about a couple of hundred miles in almost every direction, every road, every bridge, every power line, gone. The water wasn't 10 or 12 feet deep. It was 50 or 60 feet deep over the roadway. It took everything in its path: bridges, homes, entire towns. What started as rescuing one family turned into 11 days, flying from daylight to dark every day. And we started with two helicopters, then eight, then 20, then 35. By Day Four or Five, we had 75 to 80 aircraft flying across western North Carolina and surrounding states."

"People I didn't even know were calling me, offering helicopters, supplies, fuel. My phone was getting 600 texts a day. People just showed up. Cars lined up at the airport, dropping supplies. Volunteers came out of nowhere," Biffle continued before pointing out his racing DNA helped bring him to the rescue. "Race teams operate differently than normal businesses. They deal with problems that you can't plan for. They don't punch in at 9:00 and punch out at 5:00. They'll do whatever it takes to get the job done. That's just part of our DNA."

PRI sends its condolences to the Biffles' family and friends. For more on Greg Biffle's life and career, visit nascar.com.

Image courtesy of NASCAR | Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The following is a message to SEMA Members from SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola about the 2026 Board of Directors nominations, which are now open to SEMA members online here:

Dear SEMA Member,
As a valued member of the association, we invite your recommendations for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Please take a moment to submit the name of an individual you believe would be an excellent candidate by completing and submitting a Nomination Form.

A strong board ensures strong leadership and an association that effectively serves its members. We encourage your participation in the nomination process--our industry has many exceptional professionals who would be a tremendous asset to the board, and your recommendations help bring these individuals to the attention of the nominating committee.
 

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due by January 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
 

Thank you for your engagement and continued support of the association.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola

SEMA President and CEO

This article was originally published on Tuesday, December 23.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

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 opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com.