By SEMA News Editors

Jay Leno Talks Bugatti on 'Cars That Matter' Podcast and Video Series

Jay Leno recently joined host Robert Ross on the "Cars That Matter--Driven by Hemmings" podcast and video series for a deep dive into the world of Bugattis, French car design and the stories behind some of Leno's most cherished vehicles.

From a humble "bitsa" Bugatti Type 37--once dismissed as a parts car, now a $2M treasure--to the quirks of French cars like the Citroën DS and Talbot-Lago, Leno shares why provenance matters more than perfection. It's not just about owning rare vehicles, Leno explains on the podcast--it's about understanding their history, respecting their craftsmanship, and, above all, driving them.

For more information, visit hemmings.com, or watch the full episode below:

The podcast is also streaming on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I-CAR Marketing Wins Six Auto Car Awards

I-CAR Marketing recently received six Auto Care Awards in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer categories, recognizing several of the organization's latest marketing and communications initiatives, including its booth at the 2024 SEMA Show.

I-CAR was recognized for the following:

• Best campaign embracing diversity, equity and inclusion: Recognized for using real, diverse future technicians to attract a range of nontraditional candidates to the industry. (Collision Careers)
• Best ad campaign: Recognized for a campaign targeted at diverse industry segments. (I Count on I-CAR)
• Trade show booth: Recognized for all-encompassing sales booth, stage, hands-on demonstrations and industry collaboration. (SEMA Show)
• Training communication: Recognized for materials promoting entry-level collision repair curriculum. (I-CAR Academy Launch)
• Best campaign embracing diversity, equity and inclusion: Recognized for campaign to promote entry-level training using real, diverse students and technicians. (I-CAR Academy)
• Website design: Recognized for its website designed to attract students to the field of collision repair. (Collision Careers)

For more information, visit i-car.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Stellantis, the international automaker and parent company of the Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram and other brands, has named Antonio Filosa as its new CEO.

The company will officially elect Filosa to the Board of Directors to serve as an executive director of the company later this month and will give him full CEO authority effective June 23.

Filosa joined the Fiat Group in 1999 where he held roles of increasing responsibility, including plant manager of the Betim facility (Brazil) and head of purchasing for the Latin America region. He also served as the head of Argentina from 2016 and as COO for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Latin America region from 2018. He was appointed the South America COO for the newly created Stellantis in 2021, became Jeep brand CEO in 2023 and in October 2024 was named North America COO. His responsibilities were increased again in December 2024, when he was appointed COO for both North and South America, and further in January 2025, when he was named chief quality officer.

John Elkann will continue in his role as executive chairman when Antonio Filosa takes up his position as CEO on June 23. At that time, Antonio Filosa will also announce Stellantis’ new leadership team.

Additionally, the company has appointed Sébastien Jacquet as chief quality officer, effective immediately, succeeding Filosa.

Jacquet, who previously served as deputy chief engineering and technology officer and head of cross-car line and project engineering, has almost 25 years of experience in quality, automotive engineering and technology, research and development, and project management, and played a pivotal role in launching the company’s first multi-energy platform, STLA Medium.

For more information, visit stellantis.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI have an immediate need for information from industry members on the impact on your business of federal tax incentives, many of which expire at the end of the year.  

• CLICK HERE or below to complete our short survey to help us advocate for your business. 

Your feedback is crucial for SEMA and PRI to understand the tax provisions that are most important to your business.  

Why Now? 

Tax policy is the top issue on the congressional docket in June. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a comprehensive tax bill (details below on key tax provisions) and the U.S. Senate is now working to draft its own version of the legislation. To ensure Congress keeps the tax provisions on which the automotive-aftermarket and motorsports industries rely, SEMA and PRI must be at the table advocating for your needs today.  

Key Tax Provisions Contained in U.S. House-Passed Legislation 

The House bill includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA and PRI members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Reduced Tax Rates for Individuals: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that expire at the end of 2025. 
• 199A Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with corporations, whose profits are taxed at 20%. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. 
• Business Expensing and Research and Development: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development (R&D) in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities. 

If you have questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI have an immediate need for information from industry members on the impact on your business of federal tax incentives, many of which expire at the end of the year.  

• CLICK HERE or below to complete our short survey to help us advocate for your business. 

Your feedback is crucial for SEMA and PRI to understand the tax provisions that are most important to your business.  

Why Now? 

Tax policy is the top issue on the congressional docket in June. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a comprehensive tax bill (details below on key tax provisions) and the U.S. Senate is now working to draft its own version of the legislation. To ensure Congress keeps the tax provisions on which the automotive-aftermarket and motorsports industries rely, SEMA and PRI must be at the table advocating for your needs today.  

Key Tax Provisions Contained in U.S. House-Passed Legislation 

The House bill includes a broad array of provisions important to SEMA and PRI members and the broader business community, including: 

• Extension of 2017 Reduced Tax Rates for Individuals: The bill permanently extends the discounted tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses that expire at the end of 2025. 
• 199A Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses: The bill increases the 199A small business deduction from 20% to 23% and makes it permanent. This provision helps pass-through businesses, whose owners pay taxes as individuals, compete with corporations, whose profits are taxed at 20%. If enacted into law, small businesses, including partnerships and S corporations, will be able to subtract 23% of their qualified business income from their taxes. 
• Business Expensing and Research and Development: Renews 100% immediate expensing for equipment and machinery, 100% immediate expensing for research and development (R&D) in the United States, increased deductions for interest expenses, and supports the expansion of new production factories and growing operations in America by allowing 100% expensing for new factories, improvements to existing factories and other production facilities. 

If you have questions, contact Eric Snyder, SEMA senior director for federal government affairs, at erics@sema.org. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment industry event spent weeks plotting exhibitor booths to ensure brands could showcase their new innovations at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Now that the floorplan is live, automotive professionals, decision-makers, buyers, media members and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

Getting familiar with the floorplan is only one part of preparing for a successful SEMA Show. The road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show also begins with:

• Registration: Secure your badge to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills with education sessions. Register today at semashow.com/register. If budget is a concern for you or your company, register for your SEMA Show badge for only $50 by Friday, June 27. After that date, prices increase to $75 through September 27, when they will increase to $100.
• Booking Your Hotel: Hotel reservations are open online here. SEMA Show and partner onPeak offer Showgoers the best rates at an extensive list of the best hotels in Las Vegas.
• Securing Discounted Airline Tickets: Show organizers have secured special airline fares and discounts for trips with Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. More details here.
• Planning Your SEMA Show: Visit the SEMA Show attendee website at semashow.com/attendee to begin your SEMA Show plan with key details on Show features, like the New Products Showcase, the SEMA Battle of the Builders, SEMA Fest and much more.

Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or on-site will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at semashow.com/register. Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2025 SEMA Show.  For questions and SEMA Show registration assistance, call 508-743-8571, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET, or email AAPEXSEMA@maritz.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting a virtual General Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT, during which select committee leaders will share updates about FLN's member benefits. 

FLN General Membership Meetings are held quarterly to help young professionals in the automotive aftermarket stay updated on SEMA programs and events that can help them succeed in the industry. During the meeting, attendees will learn about networking events, volunteer opportunities, recognition programs and webinars that support professional growth.  

FLN membership is free and open to individuals under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA member company. Both current and prospective members are encouraged to attend the meeting to expand their professional network and increase their industry involvement.   

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Malerie Pike, marketing manager at Skyjacker Suspensions, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Pike was nominated by her peer, Ashtin Smart. Get to know Pike through Smart’s interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How has Malerie contributed to Skyjacker Suspensions? 

Ashtin Smart: Malerie has done a multitude of things in her six-and-a-half years at Skyjacker Suspensions. She has grown from accounts receivable all the way to marketing director because of her work ethic, new ideas and go-get-it personality. She has organized new product launches, numerous work events, marketing materials and several excellent SEMA booth displays, just to name a few. She not only excels in the office, but she thrives on the off-road trails. Whether it's making connections with industry partners or driving a Jeep on the trails, she does it all.  

SN: How has Malerie shown leadership in the industry or business? 

AS: Malerie shows leadership every single day at Skyjacker Suspensions. The most recent display of her leadership was Skyjacker's 50-year anniversary SEMA Show booth. This booth is larger than life and brought all 50 years of Skyjacker's history into a 30'-by-50' space. You can walk through and see from the very beginning to the current day, complete with photos, stories and actual products mounted onto the walls. This was a huge undertaking that took roughly two years to prepare. Malerie coordinated our team with excellence.  

SN: Tell us a success story that you can share about Malerie. 

AS: Malerie and I have planned multiple Skyjacker events, including Christmas parties, SEMA Show booth displays, hosting industry partners and off-road events. The most recent being a 50th anniversary dinner celebration in Moab, Utah, during Easter Jeep Safari. This dinner included roughly 100 of Skyjacker's closest friends and industry partners. At the dinner we had loads of food, fun and goody bags. This dinner was extremely successful and a memorable event for everyone. 

SN: How many years has Malerie been in the industry? 

AS: Five to 10 years.  

SN: What quality do you admire most about Malerie and why? 

AS: I admire Malerie's hard work ethic most of all. Being directly under Malerie as the marketing manager and sharing an office with her, I have been able to witness her drive and love for this industry daily. Since we are both third generation here at Skyjacker, it takes working hard to a whole new meaning. She takes every day with passion and endurance, truly taking advantage of every minute and opportunity. Because of Malerie's work ethic, Skyjacker has continued to grow and succeed. 

SN: Why do you think Malerie is a role model in the industry? 

AS: Malerie is a role model in this industry because she will fight to the very end for the best of Skyjacker. She is passionate, driven, determined and strives for excellence in every area. She wants to help the company grow and succeed and in this day and age that quality is very rare. It is also a challenge to be a woman in the off-road industry, and this has never been a disadvantage for her. She can roll with the men just as well as anyone. 

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. 

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Emily Reeves From Flying Sparks Garage

Instagram: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

TikTok: @imemilyreeves

Facebook: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

YouTube: @flyingsparksgarage

Follower counts: Instagram and TikTok: 233k. Facebook: 241k. YouTube: 348k.

Focus: Building adventure machines and making memories

Emily Reeves loves adventure--but she loves the memories she makes in the process even more. With her husband, Aaron, Reeves documents those adventures on her YouTube channel, Flying Sparks Garage, and shares her passion for off-the-wall projects of all kinds. Whether it's building a '69 Camaro or dropping a diesel engine in a yacht, Reeves aims to inspire everyone to pursue their passion and join them in using their voice to help protect the automotive industry.

Reeves has also continually used her own voice and platform to support the future of the aftermarket, attending the 2024 SEMA Washington Rally and supporting SEMA staff at a visit to the Capitol in March, where she met with lawmakers to advocate for the specialty-equipment and automotive industries.

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

Emily Reeves: I got into cars when I met my now husband. He was a mechanic and gearhead so if I wanted to be near him, I had to be in the shop. When we built a 350ci Small-Block Chevy for his '69 Camaro together (when I was 15!), I was hooked!

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

ER: Making memories with people I love in machines that excite me. Putting hours and massive effort into the builds and then hitting the road or water (we love boats too!) means so much to us.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community? 

ER: My favorite part has been hearing stories of how our experiences inspire others to build stuff and make memories together.

SN: As an industry content creator, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience? 

ER: Our main goal with our content is to create a space for folks to have hope for themselves, the future of the family unit, their abilities and having the guts to make their own dreams come true. We hope--by pushing ourselves through difficult circumstances in the shop and being in a positive and loving relationship despite everything--will inspire others to do the same.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

ER: The opportunity to advocate for our industry, passion, hobby and lifestyle is such an honor, but it's an honor given to each of us! Encouraging folks to speak out, send a letter through the SEMA website, comment, like and share on social media about a topic about our freedoms, means a whole lot to us. If we all work together (so speak out!), we can make a difference and sustain the growth our industry deserves.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

ER: Seeing our niece's face when we surprised her with her first project truck. The feeling that gave us-- that we have influenced the next generation of gearheads and given her something that she will work hard on for her whole life--that felt like the biggest achievement.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

ER: I am looking forward to everything in 2025! We have projects that range from diesel-swapping our yacht to getting our classic semi-truck back on the road and driving it across the country, to restoring our vintage RV and continuing weekly YouTube uploads covering all the progress. We have so much to look forward to and be grateful for.

SN: What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?

ER: Continued expansion and innovation. There are so many brilliant minds and passionate people in the automotive industry. I hope we can keep our communities strong with small businesses and keep the big companies expanding with all the moving parts.

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Emily Reeves From Flying Sparks Garage

Instagram: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

TikTok: @imemilyreeves

Facebook: @imemilyreeves, @flyingsparksgarage

YouTube: @flyingsparksgarage

Follower counts: Instagram and TikTok: 233k. Facebook: 241k. YouTube: 348k.

Focus: Building adventure machines and making memories

Emily Reeves loves adventure--but she loves the memories she makes in the process even more. With her husband, Aaron, Reeves documents those adventures on her YouTube channel, Flying Sparks Garage, and shares her passion for off-the-wall projects of all kinds. Whether it's building a '69 Camaro or dropping a diesel engine in a yacht, Reeves aims to inspire everyone to pursue their passion and join them in using their voice to help protect the automotive industry.

Reeves has also continually used her own voice and platform to support the future of the aftermarket, attending the 2024 SEMA Washington Rally and supporting SEMA staff at a visit to the Capitol in March, where she met with lawmakers to advocate for the specialty-equipment and automotive industries.

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

Emily Reeves: I got into cars when I met my now husband. He was a mechanic and gearhead so if I wanted to be near him, I had to be in the shop. When we built a 350ci Small-Block Chevy for his '69 Camaro together (when I was 15!), I was hooked!

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

ER: Making memories with people I love in machines that excite me. Putting hours and massive effort into the builds and then hitting the road or water (we love boats too!) means so much to us.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community? 

ER: My favorite part has been hearing stories of how our experiences inspire others to build stuff and make memories together.

SN: As an industry content creator, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience? 

ER: Our main goal with our content is to create a space for folks to have hope for themselves, the future of the family unit, their abilities and having the guts to make their own dreams come true. We hope--by pushing ourselves through difficult circumstances in the shop and being in a positive and loving relationship despite everything--will inspire others to do the same.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

ER: The opportunity to advocate for our industry, passion, hobby and lifestyle is such an honor, but it's an honor given to each of us! Encouraging folks to speak out, send a letter through the SEMA website, comment, like and share on social media about a topic about our freedoms, means a whole lot to us. If we all work together (so speak out!), we can make a difference and sustain the growth our industry deserves.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

ER: Seeing our niece's face when we surprised her with her first project truck. The feeling that gave us-- that we have influenced the next generation of gearheads and given her something that she will work hard on for her whole life--that felt like the biggest achievement.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

ER: I am looking forward to everything in 2025! We have projects that range from diesel-swapping our yacht to getting our classic semi-truck back on the road and driving it across the country, to restoring our vintage RV and continuing weekly YouTube uploads covering all the progress. We have so much to look forward to and be grateful for.

SN: What are you hoping to see from the industry in the next few years?

ER: Continued expansion and innovation. There are so many brilliant minds and passionate people in the automotive industry. I hope we can keep our communities strong with small businesses and keep the big companies expanding with all the moving parts.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a virtual General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. PDT/2:00 p.m. EDT, during which select-committee leaders will share updates about PRO's member benefits. 

The meeting is open to current and prospective members and will enable attendees to discover resources designed to help automotive restylers succeed in the specialty-equipment industry. Attendees will hear about programs, events and volunteer opportunities designed to support professional growth. Additionally, details will be shared about the PRO Cup Challenge taking place at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, Las Vegas.  

PRO membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the restyling and accessory markets--be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, or restylers and installers. If this sounds like you, don't miss this opportunity to take action in the industry and grow your network by getting more involved.  

Register here.