From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here. 

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections, and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Every year, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas brings the automotive aftermarket world together to see the latest products, innovations and technology that are shaping the future of the industry. The SEMA Show is where trends are born, connections are made and deals happen. For savvy exhibitors, one of the smartest moves they can make is to participate in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase--the No. 1 destination for SEMA Show buyers and a value-packed program designed to maximize visibility and drive booth traffic. And with the first product entry always free of charge, there's no excuse not to participate in this program that gets your products in front of media members, buyers, builders, business owners and more professionals.

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel. Because on the internet, you just don't get that experience," said John Myers of KICKER Stillwater Designs.

Submissions are now at semashow.com/newproducts, and all exhibitors are encouraged to review the rules and submit early.

In addition to the product display on-site at the SEMA Show, every product is professionally photographed, promoted across official SEMA Show channels, and listed in a year-round online gallery that continues to generate exposure long after the Show ends. Even better, the 2025 SEMA Show app gives attendees and buyers the ability to scan items in the New Products Showcase (using the Product Scanner feature) and instantly map out where to find each exhibitor on the SEMA Show floor.

Even better, all eligible new product entries are considered for the 2026 SEMA New Product Awards and the SEMA Show Media's Choice Awards, providing even more brand exposure and recognition.

Enter your company's products at semashow.com/newproducts today! 

Exhibitors can continue to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show plans with the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM), which is now available online. The entire ESM is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

In addition, exhibitors should consider attending the complimentary 2025 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. SEMA will provide hotel rooms for up to two employees free of charge from June 25-27, in Las Vegas, and provide proven strategies straight from Show organizers to get the most ROI of the November event. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

Still have questions? Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2025 SEMA Show? Get started at semashow.com/buyabooth.

Note: Attendee registration is now open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Exhibitors receive a certain allotment of badges for staff members based on booth size. To register additional staff members, exhibitors can do so for $50 per badge through Friday, June 27. After, the registration price will increase. Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Chris Demers, retail sales manager at Mobile Car Pro, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Demers in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?   
Chris Demers: My love for cars. It runs in the family; my grandfather used to own an auto parts store. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?   
CD: I joined to get more attention for Mobile Car Pro. I am hoping it helps shine a light on all the great services our team offers. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?   
CD: Find out what you are most passionate about in this space; there are a lot of options.  

SN: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend? 
CD: A BMW M3 Competition. You'll see me passing you on the left.  

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?   
CD: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry?   
CD: The amazing team I have around me at Mobile Car Pro. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   
CD: Watching Boston sports.   

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 Ashley Reyes

SEMA Council & Network award nominations are now open, offering multiple opportunities to honor outstanding businesses and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their niche industry segments during the past year.  

Why Your Nomination Matters:

Each of the nine SEMA Councils & Networks exists to advance, promote and protect the industry segments and communities that they represent. Within each of their memberships are standout businesses, visionary leaders, and passionate volunteers who work year-round to elevate the stature of their market segments and support the people with whom they work. Through their collaboration and commitment, they spearhead important projects, design and execute the launch of new products, or develop solutions that address a gap in the industry.  

Submitting an award nomination helps SEMA Council & Network leadership identify outstanding members who deserve to be spotlighted and honored for their accomplishments. Council & Network Awards are the only awards presented at the SEMA Show that honor successes made within distinct sectors of the automotive aftermarket, inspiring growth and innovation, celebrating remarkable achievements and building stronger, more connected communities.  

Award winners will be announced and honored at each council's and network's reception or lunch at the 2025 SEMA Show. These celebrations bring members together to network and celebrate standout contributors in their respective industries. With the 2025 SEMA Show quickly approaching, now is the time to make sure that your nominations are submitted for consideration.  

To view the list of SEMA Council & Network awards and submit your nomination, visit sema.org/cn-awards.   

By Ashley Reyes

The Industry Cup Challenge, a beloved SEMA tradition, is returning to the SEMA Leaders and Legends Gala pre-banquet reception on July 25 in Universal City, California. Combining automotive passion with friendly competition, the challenge invites SEMA member companies to sponsor and race miniature pinewood derby cars in thrilling downhill action for a good cause.  

The goal is to be first; however, everyone walks away a winner knowing that their contributions directly benefit the three SEMA Cares partners: the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer; Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse; and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.  

Sign-ups for the 2025 SEMA Industry Cup Challenge are open here. Last year, the Challenge raised $17,000 and SEMA Cares wants to beat that goal in 2025, but they need your help!  

Kindness in Action   

The Industry Cup Challenge features competitors in five different categories: warehouse distributions, manufacturers, media, sales rep agencies, and service providers. Companies from each category will race to be number one in their division. The winners of each category will then race head-to-head to be crowned the 2025 Industry Cup Challenge champion. (If a sponsoring company cannot attend the Gala, a SEMA Cares volunteer will race the company's pinewood car on their behalf for the chance to win)  

The winning company will then take home the Industry Cup Challenge perpetual trophy with their company name engraved on it among past winners. In a Stanley Cup-style tradition, the trophy will be returned next year, giving the winner a chance to defend their title.  

Join the challenge here!

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive enthusiasts will have the opportunity to connect with leading hot-rod parts manufacturers and learn about new products, systems, and installation best practices during the upcoming Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days. 

Taking place at the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, July 31-August 1, the latest installment of the program will feature 12 educational seminars designed to advance the skills and knowledge of hot-rod professionals. 

The seminars are an excellent opportunity for hot-rod professionals, builders and enthusiasts to ask questions, gain clarification on products and better understand how to streamline their hot-rod builds. All seminars are free to NSRA Street Rod Nationals attendees and registration is not required. See the full seminar schedule below. 

HRIA Education Days at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals (all times EDT)

Thursday, July 31 
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Room B102: Holley "100 Years of Carburetors" 
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Room B101: American Autowire "Tips to Choose the Correct Wiring for Your Project" 
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Room B101: Vintage Air "The Basics of Hot-Rod and Musclecar Air Conditioning" 
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Room B102: QA1 "Suspension 101 – How to Improve Your Ride" 
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., Room B102: Holley Sniper "Fuel-Injection System and the Sniper 2!" 
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Room B102: Ididit "Steering Columns and So Much More!" 
 

Friday, August 1 
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Room B101: Flaming River "New Products and Options in Steering" 
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Room B102: Speartech "Making Your LS LT Installation Simple" 
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Room B102: BluePrint Engines "New Products to Improve Your Hot Rod" 
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Room B102: Edelbrock Racing "Modern Supercharges and Reliable Horsepower" 
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., Room B102: Wildwood "Brake System Basics" 
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Room B102: Holley MSD "Making a Hot Rod Safe and Reliable With the Right Ignition Products" 
 

HRIA Happy Hour 

HRIA will also host its open meeting and happy hour on Wednesday, July 30, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. EDT at Room B102. Open to current and prospective HRIA members, the meeting will feature an invaluable opportunity to network with other hot-rod businesses and learn about HRIA's initiatives and member benefits. Drinks and snacks will be provided. 

Register for the Happy Hour here.  

Learn more about HRIA Education Days at sema.org/hria-education-days. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Brittaney Rea, marketing manager at Battery Tender, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Rea was nominated by her peer, Alex Matyuf. Get to know Rea through Matyuf's interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: How has Brittaney contributed to Battery Tender?   
Alex Matyuf: Brittaney is the heart of the marketing department. She works tirelessly to ensure that the marketing efforts at Battery Tender are top-notch and up to the highest standard while also constantly providing encouragement and support to the rest of the marketing team. Her job duties span marketing, e-commerce, sales and public relations as she wears multiple hats for our small 20-person company. With Brittaney as the forefront of the marketing team, she has helped to significantly increase the revenue and visibility of Battery Tender. 

SN: How has Brittaney shown leadership in the industry or business?  
AM: During my first day on the job, Brittaney told me that she will always stand by her team's decisions and come to our defense if we ever needed it. I've seen multiple examples of her doing exactly this throughout my time at Battery Tender. My best example of this is when I received some push back from leadership on a press release I wrote that was optimized for SEO. Brittaney had already reviewed and approved the release and stood her ground that the release was acceptable as-is and eventually leadership agreed and ended up liking what we sent out. 

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Brittaney.   
AM: Brittaney is successfully bringing our new, innovative Charge N Start unit to SEMA. This battery charger and jump starter combo will make its first public appearance at SEMA thanks to Brittaney's hard work and dedication to pushing for this unit to become available in early 2025. 

SN: How many years has Brittaney been in the industry?  
AM: Five to 10 years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Brittaney and why?  
AM: Brittaney is the most driven person I know. She works tirelessly to help Battery Tender to the point where you would think the company is hers. When you work closely with Brittaney, her passion for Battery Tender being a trusted, constant voice in the automotive industry is contagious. For example, Brittaney is truly working around the clock with our CEO and our VP of Global Sales to ensure that Battery Tender is doing everything it can to remain a leader in the industry. While her work-life balance is (even she'll admit) non-existent, you can tell how much this company means to her. 

SN: Why do you think Brittaney is a role model in the industry?  
AM: Brittaney exemplifies what it means to be a confident force as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She's always sure of herself, speaks her mind and will interject if she feels something is not right. She has a love for the automotive industry as a whole and is extremely knowledgeable. You'll find Brittaney at concours events like Greenwich, PVGP, Amelia and Boca, even presenting an award at the Greenwich Concours this year on behalf of Battery Tender. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The tariffs issue remains a fluid, rapidly evolving issue. Below is the latest straight from D.C., but first:

SEMA is seeking updated feedback on how tariffs affect businesses in the industry. If you are an executive, owner, or authorized business representative, please take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will significantly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

U.S. Tariff Policy Escalates as Trump Targets Canada, EU, and Mexico 

After a week marked by rapid escalations in United States trade policy, President Donald Trump threatened sweeping new tariffs on imports from Canada, the European Union (EU) and Mexico, sparking newfound concern among manufacturers, trade partners and United States allies. The threats, if implemented, would represent a significant shift in the current tariff landscape. At its core, the threatened tariffs have serious implications for the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and broader global supply chains. 

Canada Tariff Threat 

The most immediate development came late on July 10, when Trump announced in a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the U.S. would impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, starting August 1. Trump's letter cites fentanyl trafficking as the reason for the policy shift, and makes clear that the tariffs could be "modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country." This suggests that Trump intends to maintain his preferred tactic of using tariff threats as diplomatic leverage. 

• According to the Trump administration, the new 35% rate will apply only to goods that do not meet USMCA rules of origin for duty-free trade. USMCA-compliant products--including many vehicles and parts--are currently exempt from both the 25% and 35% tariffs. As of now, Canadian and Mexican parts that do not meet USMCA standards face a 25% tariff, but that rate would jump to 35% under the proposed policy. 

According to media reports, Trump administration officials are still finalizing the list of affected goods and that "no final decisions have been made," though USMCA-exemptions are expected to remain in place. 

• Notably, auto parts that fall outside of the USMCA's requirements but are not on the United States' list of targeted auto components would also be subject to the higher tariff. 

This latest move follows a series of escalating trade duties with Canada. Canada had previously threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on July 21 if the U.S. did not reverse its decision to raise steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%. Canada has since walked back that threat, as it reassesses its position amid the broader fallout from the tariffs. 

Impact on Europe and Mexico 

In two separate July 13 letters, Trump threatened 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico, both with an August 1 start date. These new rates would increase existing tariffs on both trading partners--up from 20% on EU goods and 25% on Mexican products. 

• Together, the EU and Mexico account for roughly one-third of all U.S. imports, with the U.S. importing $605 billion from the 27 EU member nations and $505 billion from Mexico in 2024. The new tariffs represent a dramatic uptick in pressure on two of America's most significant trade relationships. 

As with Canada, the rationale behind these tariffs remains partly tied to fentanyl trafficking concerns, particularly with respect to Mexico. 

Other Nations 

Trump, in a July 10 interview with NBC News, said that countries not receiving a direct tariff letter would also face increased tariffs--potentially up to 20%, double the current 10% rate. This marks a broader and more aggressive application of tariffs as a default tool of U.S. trade policy. 

• Though prior administrations had typically wielded tariffs as a narrow remedy for trade imbalances or unfair practices, the Trump strategy appears to frame them as baseline expectations for all foreign exporters unless special exemptions are negotiated. 

Implications and Outlook 

The specialty aftermarket is watching closely, as many manufacturers rely on integrated North American production networks that span across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. 

• Industry analysts caution that fluctuations in tariffs could destabilize supply chains and increase consumer prices. 

While USMCA-compliant products are currently shielded from the steepest penalties, the burden of compliance--particularly in complex industries like auto manufacturing --remains high. Any changes in what qualifies as "compliant" could expose additional imports to higher duties and affect pricing and availability. 

Furthermore, the lack of clarity about final implementation and the use of tariffs as a negotiating tool tied to non-trade issues (such as drug enforcement) introduce additional uncertainty. Trade partners are now forced to choose between making concessions on non-economic matters or facing financial penalties on billions in exports. 

The August 1 deadline now looms large. Whether these threats materialize into permanent policy or remain leverage in future negotiations will determine the longer-term impact on both U.S. industry and global trade dynamics. 

SEMA Collecting Data 

SEMA continues to gather feedback from aftermarket industry businesses on how tariffs impact your ability to ship goods and products and import the materials and components you need. Executives, owners and business representatives: Take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will greatly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

Questions? Please reach out to Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager for federal government affairs at jmejia@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on Tuesday, July 15.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock