From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers, has been appointed chair of the SEMA and PRI Political Action Committee (PAC) following the July meeting of the SEMA Board of Directors. She takes on the role as the industry faces defining policy debates in Washington, D.C., including the fight to preserve the right to modify vehicles, motorized access to public lands and tax policies that help businesses thrive. 

The SEMA and PRI PAC is the industry's political voice in Washington and is funded entirely by personal contributions from eligible SEMA and PRI members. Every dollar raised supports candidates who understand the importance of the aftermarket and motorsports communities. 

Pendergast brings to the role a distinguished track record of leadership and advocacy on behalf of SEMA and the automotive aftermarket industry. As PAC chair, she will lead the effort to expand donor engagement and ensure SEMA and PRI are well-fortified for the legislative and policy debates ahead. 

"We're entering a new phase in our fight for the automotive aftermarket industry," said Pendergast. "The fight against EV mandates showed what we're capable of, but now we need to push even harder for the right to modify, for investment in motorsports, and for policies that support the businesses that drive this industry. The SEMA & PRI PAC is a critical tool for our industry–it's how we remain at the table in our nation's capital and enlist lawmakers to stand at our side on the issues that affect us most. I'm honored to help lead that effort. I thank Norris Marshall for providing the blueprint for PAC success that I intend to follow and expand upon." 

Pendergast succeeds Norris Marshall, founder of BluePrint Engines, who guided the PAC through a period of historic growth. Under Marshall's leadership, the PAC significantly expanded its fundraising, influence and reach. Marshall was recently elected Chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors. 

During his time as PAC Chair, Marshall helped position SEMA and PRI as the leading voices in Washington, D.C., for not only the aftermarket but also for automotive enthusiasts nationwide. With PAC support, the industry secured major victories, including helping drive Congressional action to repeal California's electric vehicle mandate, defending access to public lands, and building the bipartisan relationships necessary to ensure that the aftermarket was removed from the EPA's enforcement priority list. 

"Serving as chair of the PAC has been an incredible experience, and I'm proud of how far we've come," said Marshall. "The PAC allowed us to build real relationships in Washington and deliver wins that would have been impossible otherwise, like the end of EV mandates. Kim now has the keys to our industry's future, and I look forward to supporting her efforts to further cement SEMA as a major player in national politics." 

"Kim is a passionate and effective advocate, and I'm excited to welcome her as chair of the SEMA and PRI PAC. She's exactly the right leader at the right time," said Wade Kawasaki, executive director of SEMA and PRI PAC. I also want to thank Norris for his incredible leadership. He elevated the PAC's influence in Washington, D.C. and helped deliver monumental wins for our industry." 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Superchargers, has been appointed chair of the SEMA and PRI Political Action Committee (PAC) following the July meeting of the SEMA Board of Directors. She takes on the role as the industry faces defining policy debates in Washington, D.C., including the fight to preserve the right to modify vehicles, motorized access to public lands and tax policies that help businesses thrive. 

The SEMA and PRI PAC is the industry's political voice in Washington and is funded entirely by personal contributions from eligible SEMA and PRI members. Every dollar raised supports candidates who understand the importance of the aftermarket and motorsports communities. 

Pendergast brings to the role a distinguished track record of leadership and advocacy on behalf of SEMA and the automotive aftermarket industry. As PAC chair, she will lead the effort to expand donor engagement and ensure SEMA and PRI are well-fortified for the legislative and policy debates ahead. 

"We're entering a new phase in our fight for the automotive aftermarket industry," said Pendergast. "The fight against EV mandates showed what we're capable of, but now we need to push even harder for the right to modify, for investment in motorsports, and for policies that support the businesses that drive this industry. The SEMA & PRI PAC is a critical tool for our industry–it's how we remain at the table in our nation's capital and enlist lawmakers to stand at our side on the issues that affect us most. I'm honored to help lead that effort. I thank Norris Marshall for providing the blueprint for PAC success that I intend to follow and expand upon." 

Pendergast succeeds Norris Marshall, founder of BluePrint Engines, who guided the PAC through a period of historic growth. Under Marshall's leadership, the PAC significantly expanded its fundraising, influence and reach. Marshall was recently elected Chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors. 

During his time as PAC Chair, Marshall helped position SEMA and PRI as the leading voices in Washington, D.C., for not only the aftermarket but also for automotive enthusiasts nationwide. With PAC support, the industry secured major victories, including helping drive Congressional action to repeal California's electric vehicle mandate, defending access to public lands, and building the bipartisan relationships necessary to ensure that the aftermarket was removed from the EPA's enforcement priority list. 

"Serving as chair of the PAC has been an incredible experience, and I'm proud of how far we've come," said Marshall. "The PAC allowed us to build real relationships in Washington and deliver wins that would have been impossible otherwise, like the end of EV mandates. Kim now has the keys to our industry's future, and I look forward to supporting her efforts to further cement SEMA as a major player in national politics." 

"Kim is a passionate and effective advocate, and I'm excited to welcome her as chair of the SEMA and PRI PAC. She's exactly the right leader at the right time," said Wade Kawasaki, executive director of SEMA and PRI PAC. I also want to thank Norris for his incredible leadership. He elevated the PAC's influence in Washington, D.C. and helped deliver monumental wins for our industry." 

For more information, contact Christian Robinson, SEMA senior director of state government affairs, at christianr@sema.org.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) beginning the rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles: 

For years, we've witnessed firsthand the damage inflicted by the so-called "endangerment" finding of 2009, including its brazen use by the EPA under previous administrations and by California to mandate the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) and ban the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. ICE vehicles remain the bedrock upon which the American people--families, small businesses and automotive enthusiasts--rely to live their best, most prosperous lives, and to ban them is an affront to the American way of life. SEMA thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Trump Administration for pursuing common-sense reforms that prioritize the American people and our nation's economy. This announcement marks a significant policy shift that preserves vehicle choice and strikes a blow to the coordinated, nationwide efforts of unelected activist policymakers and environmental groups to dictate the kinds of vehicles Americans can drive. 

SEMA will provide comments in support of this proposed rule and elevate the voice of the automotive aftermarket and the millions of automotive enthusiasts who believe in liberty, vehicle choice, and a strong national economy that fosters ingenuity, innovation, and investment. 

Background

The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, the proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.  

• SEMA will review the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

SEMA has an unimpeachable track record advocating for vehicle choice and policies that empower the American businesses that make up the automotive aftermarket to innovate and bring great ideas to the market. As the leading voice in Washington, D.C., during the fight to end electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, SEMA gave voice to people to who believe in vehicle choice, beginning in 2023 via state-based efforts to preserve technology-neutral government policy, and culminating with a historic, bipartisan effort to halt a California-led effort to ban ICE vehicles through EV mandates for 40% of the nation's population.

• SEMA is not, nor will it ever be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity.  

The association will continue 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 emissions challenge. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) beginning the rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles: 

For years, we've witnessed firsthand the damage inflicted by the so-called "endangerment" finding of 2009, including its brazen use by the EPA under previous administrations and by California to mandate the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) and ban the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. ICE vehicles remain the bedrock upon which the American people--families, small businesses and automotive enthusiasts--rely to live their best, most prosperous lives, and to ban them is an affront to the American way of life. SEMA thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Trump Administration for pursuing common-sense reforms that prioritize the American people and our nation's economy. This announcement marks a significant policy shift that preserves vehicle choice and strikes a blow to the coordinated, nationwide efforts of unelected activist policymakers and environmental groups to dictate the kinds of vehicles Americans can drive. 

SEMA will provide comments in support of this proposed rule and elevate the voice of the automotive aftermarket and the millions of automotive enthusiasts who believe in liberty, vehicle choice, and a strong national economy that fosters ingenuity, innovation, and investment. 

Background

The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, the proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.  

• SEMA will review the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

SEMA has an unimpeachable track record advocating for vehicle choice and policies that empower the American businesses that make up the automotive aftermarket to innovate and bring great ideas to the market. As the leading voice in Washington, D.C., during the fight to end electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, SEMA gave voice to people to who believe in vehicle choice, beginning in 2023 via state-based efforts to preserve technology-neutral government policy, and culminating with a historic, bipartisan effort to halt a California-led effort to ban ICE vehicles through EV mandates for 40% of the nation's population.

• SEMA is not, nor will it ever be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity.  

The association will continue 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 emissions challenge. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) beginning the rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles: 

For years, we've witnessed firsthand the damage inflicted by the so-called "endangerment" finding of 2009, including its brazen use by the EPA under previous administrations and by California to mandate the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) and ban the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. ICE vehicles remain the bedrock upon which the American people--families, small businesses and automotive enthusiasts--rely to live their best, most prosperous lives, and to ban them is an affront to the American way of life. SEMA thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Trump Administration for pursuing common-sense reforms that prioritize the American people and our nation's economy. This announcement marks a significant policy shift that preserves vehicle choice and strikes a blow to the coordinated, nationwide efforts of unelected activist policymakers and environmental groups to dictate the kinds of vehicles Americans can drive. 

SEMA will provide comments in support of this proposed rule and elevate the voice of the automotive aftermarket and the millions of automotive enthusiasts who believe in liberty, vehicle choice, and a strong national economy that fosters ingenuity, innovation, and investment. 

Background

The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, the proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.  

• SEMA will review the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

SEMA has an unimpeachable track record advocating for vehicle choice and policies that empower the American businesses that make up the automotive aftermarket to innovate and bring great ideas to the market. As the leading voice in Washington, D.C., during the fight to end electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, SEMA gave voice to people to who believe in vehicle choice, beginning in 2023 via state-based efforts to preserve technology-neutral government policy, and culminating with a historic, bipartisan effort to halt a California-led effort to ban ICE vehicles through EV mandates for 40% of the nation's population.

• SEMA is not, nor will it ever be, anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity.  

The association will continue 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 emissions challenge. 

By SEMA News Editors

The following pre​​​​​​ss release comes from the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF):

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is honored to celebrate the continued generosity and partnership of two of the industry's most influential organizations: SEMA and MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

Both SEMA and MEMA have played a critical role in advancing AACF's mission, offering years of meaningful support that reflects their shared belief in strengthening the aftermarket by caring for the people behind it. Their latest contributions demonstrate not only a commitment to their respective member communities but to the health and stability of the entire aftermarket workforce.

As the largest manufacturing sector in the United States, the vehicle supplier industry represented by MEMA helps keep emergency vehicles on the road, families connected and goods moving. SEMA, representing the dynamic specialty and performance segment of the aftermarket, champions innovation, small business success and automotive passion across the country. Together, these organizations recognize that the backbone of the industry is its people.

"The success of our industry depends on the people who make it possible," said John Chalifoux, chief sustainability officer for MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association and chief operating officer of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "Our partnership with AACF helps ensure that those who dedicate their careers to the aftermarket have the support they need when life takes an unexpected turn."

"SEMA has always believed in the power of community within the aftermarket," said Mike Spagnola, CEO of SEMA. "AACF is an essential safety net for our industry, and we are proud to support an organization that provides hope and tangible help to the individuals and families who keep this industry running."

Both MEMA and SEMA are more than donors. They are trusted advisors and active participants in AACF's leadership. With representation on the AACF board of trustees, they bring strategic insight that has helped AACF grow its impact and reach across all segments of the aftermarket.

"We are incredibly grateful for the longstanding support and leadership of both MEMA and SEMA," said Jon Owens, president of AACF. "Their annual contributions and active engagement help us provide urgent financial assistance to individuals and families in crisis. This level of commitment from respected industry associations strengthens our mission and reminds those we serve that they are not alone."

For more than 65 years, AACF has served as a lifeline for automotive aftermarket professionals during times of crisis, offering confidential financial support for those affected by illness, accidents, natural disasters or other unforeseen hardships. Thanks to the leadership of MEMA and SEMA, this critical safety net continues to grow stronger.

To learn more about AACF's mission or to get involved, visit AftermarketCharity.org or contact Misty Walker at Misty@AftermarketCharity.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Garage has expanded its partnership with AUTEL by bringing its highly acclaimed, hands-on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) training to its Diamond Bar, California, location.

These in-depth, two-day sessions are designed to equip participants with critical knowledge in ADAS fundamentals, calibration procedures and reporting best practices.

As ADAS technology becomes increasingly common in today's vehicles, the need for proper calibration expertise is more important than ever. This expansion marks a major step in making high-quality ADAS training more accessible to industry professionals across the country.

📍 SEMA Garage Diamond Bar ADAS Training: 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr. Diamond Bar, California, 91765. View on Google Maps.

📅 Tuesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 6 

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" tab). Can't make it in August? Stay tuned as more training opportunities are on the horizon for later this year.

🔗 Questions? Reach out via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Fest lineup was announced, and tickets are selling fast. Don't miss your chance to see rock icons Queens of the Stone Age, legendary hitmakers The Black Crowes and alt-pop favorites Neon Trees at this year's high-octane festival of music, motorsports and car culture.

It all comes to life Friday, November 7, at the SEMA Show's Bronze Lot, immediately following the close of the 2025 SEMA Show. Ticket sales are officially open at semafest.com and currently available at the lowest possible price. Don't wait to snag your tickets--prices will go up! 

🎟️ General Admission and VIP tickets are available for SEMA Fest, which is fully open to the public--no industry credentials required! SEMA and SEMA Fest are also offering package options for the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" pass for your friends who aren't industry professionals who also want to attend the aftermarket's premier industry event.

So, whether you're here for the riffs, the rides—or both—get ready as tickets might sell out.

This is your chance to lock in your spot at one of the most unforgettable nights of the year. From full-throttle drifting demos and fan-favorite activations to a powerhouse concert lineup, SEMA Fest 2025 is the soundtrack to your adrenaline addiction.

2025 SEMA Fest tickets start at $70 (including taxes and fees). SEMA Fest ticket provider Tixr offers payment plans, where guests will pay the full ticket price in recurring payments until a final date, which is determined when purchasing the tickets. Tickets must be paid by the final payment date set for them to be valid at the event. Complete payment plan details and an agreement are available on semafest.com when purchasing tickets.

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This story was originally published on Thursday, July 31.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference will return to Anaheim, California, January 27-29, 2026, forging valuable relationships between motorsports parts manufacturers and top automotive media outlets. Exhibitor registration is open now at mediatradeconference.com.  

Three Days. 40+ Meetings. Pool of 140+ Media.

With its "speed-dating" format, the conference offers the best opportunity for motorsports, truck and off-road brands to share their news and products with the media. Manufacturers will participate in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings during the three days, exposing them to top automotive journalists, podcasters and content creators eager to share their content with their audiences. Additional networking opportunities each day will allow manufacturers and media to further their connections and expand their industry knowledge.

Watch this video to get an inside look:  

Sign Up. Grow Your Brand Awareness.

The Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early. Early-bird pricing for exhibitors is $850 until September 8 and will increase to $950 beginning September 9. Media registration will open in September. Learn more and register at sema.org/mtc, and read a recap of the 2025 event here. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 27 finalized a new trade agreement between the United States and the European Union (EU) establishing a baseline 15% tariff ahead of the August 1 deadline.

Agreement Highlights 

• Under the agreement, the United States will impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, down from the previously proposed 30%.  
• The new tariff rate applies broadly across categories such as industrial machinery, textiles, some automotive components and consumer goods.
• Pending further negotiations, a set of targeted product categories has been excluded from these new tariffs affecting "strategic" goods like airplanes, aircraft parts and semiconductor equipment.

Automotive Sector Implications

Critical raw materials are temporarily exempted from tariffs under the new deal. The scope of these exemptions will be revisited in follow-up negotiations scheduled for later this year.

The 50% tariffs previously imposed under Section 232 on steel and aluminum imports from the EU remain in place. However, both sides have agreed to open discussions on potentially converting those tariffs into a quota-based system. This is of relevance to manufacturers and importers of chassis, wheels, engine components and other parts that incorporate raw steel and aluminum.

European Union manufacturers remain concerned about tariff impacts on vehicle exports. While finished vehicles are not explicitly carved out from the 15% rate, individual member states such as Germany and Italy have confirmed they are in talks with United States trade officials to explore potential product-specific relief mechanisms. Of particular interest to the specialty aftermarket is the development of customs classifications and harmonization standards under the updated regime.

EU Commits to Spending on U.S. Goods and Investments

As part of the agreement, the EU has committed to purchasing approximately $750 billion worth of American goods over the course of Trump's second term, with emphasis on energy products, semiconductors and related technologies. These purchases are expected to include liquefied natural gas, crude oil and nuclear energy technology, and could result in increased investment in United States-based infrastructure and logistics.

In addition, the EU has pledged to invest roughly $600 billion in the United States economy, including in advanced manufacturing, critical materials and supply chain resilience. Industry stakeholders should watch for opportunities stemming from joint EU–American infrastructure and technology investment programs.

What's Next? 

Although the agreement provides short-term certainty for United States–EU trade relations, details remain fluid. Product-level tariff implementation schedules, customs rule adjustments and enforcement mechanisms are expected to be released soon. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to regularly review SEMA's government affairs communications for additional guidance by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

The agreement also outlines plans to coordinate policy on steel and aluminum supply and address overcapacity as part of a new  United States–EU "Metals Alliance." The strategic goal is to counter the impact of non-market economies such as China. This initiative could have long-term implications for raw materials pricing and availability within the automotive supply chain.

As negotiations evolve and implementation guidance is issued, SEMA will continue monitoring developments and providing members with relevant updates and analysis.

Questions? Please contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at jmejia@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock