By SEMA News Editors

In case you missed it, SEMA has announced that the one-of-a-kind motorsports and music festival celebrating car culture, SEMA Fest, returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 7, following the conclusion of the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4–7.  Before the SEMA Fest music and motorsports lineup is announced, a limited number of tickets are currently available at the lowest price, but they are selling fast. Prices will only go up in the coming weeks, so buy your tickets now at semafest.com.

Held in the Bronze Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, SEMA Fest will once again blend high-octane automotive culture with top-tier live music, creating a can't-miss experience for car and music lovers alike.

All About the 'SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public' Ticket

As part of open registration for the SEMA Show (available online here), SEMA has unveiled a special opportunity: a limited number of tickets are now available, allowing the public to attend the SEMA Show on Friday, November 7, only with the purchase of the "SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public" pass. This exclusive, one-day ticket grants enthusiasts a rare chance to walk the halls of the SEMA Show, discover the newest automotive innovations and engage with industry pros at what's considered the ultimate automotive event of the year.

The new ticket option delivers the bucket list experience enthusiasts have long been asking for--all capped off with the SEMA Fest concert later that evening.

What to Expect: SEMA Show Friday + SEMA Fest

With the "SEMA Show Friday--Open to the Public" ticket, attendees can:

• Explore the massive SEMA Show floor packed with cutting-edge products and thousands of custom builds.
• Experience motorsports activations and immersive car culture moments.
• Then, after the SEMA Show closes, rock out to live performances at the official SEMA Fest concert in the Bronze Lot on the SEMA Show campus.

SEMA Fest is also offering a limited number of Friday concert tickets at the lowest price available before the artist lineup is announced. In addition, package tickets are available on semafest.com for those wishing to attend both the SEMA Show and the SEMA Fest concert on Friday, November 7.

Qualifying industry insiders can make their SEMA Fest General Admission or VIP concert ticket purchase during SEMA Show badge registration at semashow.com. The general public can purchase SEMA Show Friday and SEMA Fest concert tickets at semafest.com.

Don't Miss Out

This is your chance to be part of an unforgettable day--explore the SEMA Show like never before and end the night with a high-energy music festival experience.

Stay in the loop with all things SEMA Fest--sign up for updates at semafest.com.

Questions? Contact info@semafest.com. Sponsorship and partnership questions? Reach out to partnership@semafest.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Starting in 2029, vehicle manufacturers must make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard in cars and light trucks, per the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127. The final rule applies to nearly all American light vehicles, impacting all aftermarket manufacturers that modify systems that interact with AEB.  

On June 17 at 1:00 p.m. PDT, several of SEMA's councils and networks in collaboration with the SEMA Garage will host a webinar to provide aftermarket manufacturers and install shops with a high-level overview of FMVSS No. 127, applicability, implementation timing and steps to take now to be prepared. 

Compliance requirements are less than five years out, which is a short timeline for product development. While many aftermarket products are likely to directly affect advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) functionality, members also need to understand how to quantify the impacts and risks of taking a vehicle out of FMVSS safety compliance and how ensuring compliance can save them from a lawsuit in the future. 

Register here.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), SEMA Professional Restylers Organizations (PRO), SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council and the SEMA Garage.  

By Ashley Reyes

With thousands of buyers and media set to discover the latest automotive trends and business opportunities at the 2025 SEMA Show, automotive restylers will be able to showcase their talents through a unique opportunity presented by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).  

Now in its seventh year, the PRO Cup Challenge invites automotive restylers to design an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. As part of the competition, six vehicles will be displayed in the PRO booth in West Hall, where each will be judged by industry experts and SEMA Show attendees for the chance to win a coveted award. The accessory package must be repeatable and profitable, have maximum labor hours of 40 hours per package installed, and have a wholesale cost no more than $12,500 to their dealer.   

Classic Soft Trim of Pittsburgh won the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge for its customized 2024 Toyota RAV 4. 

"From rugged off-road packages to luxury interior upgrades, the PRO Cup Challenge demonstrates the endless opportunities that exist within the automotive restyling market," said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. "Automotive restylers are encouraged to apply to demonstrate their innovation and showcase their ability to deliver market-ready solutions to dealerships."    

Judges will select the PRO Cup Challenge winner based on the vehicle's marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity and profitability. Additionally, SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People's Choice Award.  

Auto Trim Restyling won the 2024 PRO Cup Challenge People's Choice Award for its customized '24 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250.

Applications are due July 25. If selected, competitors must complete and submit a build sheet with the basic idea of their package by September 5. Apply here today and learn more about the PRO Cup Challenge at the 2025 SEMA Show here. 

PRO is looking for member manufacturers to donate parts or offer parts at a discounted price to PRO Cup Challenge applicants. This is a great opportunity to showcase your products on the vehicles that are selected for the competition. Sign up here.

By SEMA News Editors

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on May 15, 2025. For the latest SEMA Show information, visit semashow.com. To register for the 2025 SEMA Show, visit here.

SEMA has announced that 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 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.

But planning out your Show is only one part of preparing for a successful SEMA Show. The road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show 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.
• 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 Product 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 onsite 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 SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road featuring

Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvester

Instagram: @dirtnerdsoffroad, @thedirtdrive, @dirtnerds_motors

Facebook: @thedirtdrive, @dirtnerdsmotors

YouTube: @dirtnerdsoffroad

TikTok: @dirtnerdsoffroad

Focus: Off-roading, overlanding and 4x4

Tim Germinario (left) and Tom Sylvester of The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road.
 

Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvester eat, sleep and breathe all things off-road. The pair are owners of Dirt Nerd Motors, an off-road shop in Sterling, Virginia, helping others pursue their passion for the great outdoors. In their spare time, they host the "Dirt Drive Podcast," educating and informing listeners on issues facing the off-road community. Now, Germinario and Sylvester are aiming to use their platform--and proximity to Washington, D.C.--to be a voice for that community and help preserve public lands and improve outdoor access.

Get to know the "Dirt Drive Podcast" hosts in their interview with SEMA News below:

Listen to episodes of the "Dirt Drive Podcast" with Karen Bailey-Chapman and Matt Daigle from SEMA's Washington, D.C., office, and SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. 
 

How did you get into the automotive industry?

Tim Germinario: I've been a lifelong auto enthusiast, starting with my first car. It was a '84 Jeep CJ-7 that my dad passed down to me when I started driving. We would wrench on it just to keep it alive and trying to restore it. We'd cruise around the woods, and everyone in high school drooled over that Jeep. I have had a few Jeep projects over the years and continue to wrench on things. My current projects are my '98 Jeep XJ and '71 Camaro LS-Swap.

Tom Sylvester: I grew up watching the classic car TV shows like "Monster Garage" and "Overhaulin'". I knew immediately that I wanted to work with custom cars in some way. I fell in love with Jeeps and off-roading early and that eventually led to the opening of our off-road shop, Dirt Nerds Motors. I attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology for Automotive Restoration and Automotive Management and have been in the industry my entire adult life.

What's been your biggest motivator? 

The podcast grew from us all being close friends and going on four-wheeling trips together. We'd sit around the fire pit and tell stories or answer questions for folks we met on the trail. We had multiple strangers tell us we'd be a great podcast. Fast forward a few years and we have more than 150 episodes recorded and released weekly. We've been able to meet some incredible people in the industry and we can't wait to see what the next 150 episodes bring. We'll continue to try and educate and involve as many people as we can. We love keeping our followers informed as best as we can and helping advocate for our sport and hobby.

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

The people are what make the automotive community amazing. We focus on 4x4s and off-roading and that specific community highlights what it means to be an enthusiast. We've never been on the trail and needed help and not had strangers stop and make sure we're ok. The friends that we've gained from this become family quickly. The long cross-country trips and overcoming the challenges of off-roading build incredible relationships. I know the rest of the niches in the car culture can all relate to that. Whether it's wrenching parties, borrowing or trading parts and tools, or just waiting for the tow truck with them is what makes this community the best.

As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?  

The off-road community faces a ton of challenges, ranging from land-use rights, cost of ownership issues and land stewardship. Our goal is to educate our audience on everything we can. We aren't necessarily to all-knowing experts but we try and bring those experts in to help. It's fun for us because we get to learn with our audience while getting those messages out and setting an example of being good stewards of the land. There is also massive growth in off-road racing and motorsports. As fans of the sport, we like to raise awareness and bring coverage to our audience. We want our sport and hobby to continue to grow in a safe and sustainable manner. We plan to continue to reach people in a fun but meaningful way.

Why is advocacy important to you?

Being close to Washington, D.C., we can be a voice for our community. The off-road space is extremely diverse and, in my opinion, misunderstood by the non-automotive folks. We are viewed as wanting to take our big trucks out in the woods and knock down our forests or wreck the beautiful streams, but, we are the exact opposite of that. We enjoy all the beautiful, undisturbed sights nature has to offer. Being able to get out and drive to new trailheads for hiking, finding incredible campsites or an amazing view is why we do this. Being able to contribute our voices and represent our community is an honor and we hope to get more involved in preserving our public lands and our ability to access them.

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

It's hard to pick out one specific moment. We've met so many great people and even met some role models and industry icons that have influenced us over the years. I'd have to loop the whole of 2024 into the biggest moment. We had a great year getting involved in many events and attending the PRI Show. The PRI Show was the first event we attended as true credentialed media, and it sparked incredible opportunities for us.

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

The year is off to a hot start for us with events we're hosting and planned trips. We've got the first week of November highlighted for the 2025 SEMA Show. We've got some cool ideas for content and are hoping to be able to execute all of them. I hope everyone follows along for our goofy yet educational shenanigans.

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

There isn't much we're hoping for other than more growth in both the industry side and hobbyist side. Off-roading and overlanding have so much to offer, from amazing travel experiences to learning new skills. We love seeing new people come into the community and dive headfirst into the lifestyle. 

Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road featuring

Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvester

Instagram: @dirtnerdsoffroad, @thedirtdrive, @dirtnerds_motors

Facebook: @thedirtdrive, @dirtnerdsmotors

YouTube: @dirtnerdsoffroad

TikTok: @dirtnerdsoffroad

Focus: Off-roading, overlanding and 4x4

Tim Germinario (left) and Tom Sylvester of The "Dirt Drive Podcast" and Dirt Nerds Off-Road.
 

Tim Germinario and Tom Sylvester eat, sleep and breathe all things off-road. The pair are owners of Dirt Nerd Motors, an off-road shop in Sterling, Virginia, helping others pursue their passion for the great outdoors. In their spare time, they host the "Dirt Drive Podcast," educating and informing listeners on issues facing the off-road community. Now, Germinario and Sylvester are aiming to use their platform--and proximity to Washington, D.C.--to be a voice for that community and help preserve public lands and improve outdoor access.

Get to know the "Dirt Drive Podcast" hosts in their interview with SEMA News below:

Listen to episodes of the "Dirt Drive Podcast" with Karen Bailey-Chapman and Matt Daigle from SEMA's Washington, D.C., office, and SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. 
 

How did you get into the automotive industry?

Tim Germinario: I've been a lifelong auto enthusiast, starting with my first car. It was a '84 Jeep CJ-7 that my dad passed down to me when I started driving. We would wrench on it just to keep it alive and trying to restore it. We'd cruise around the woods, and everyone in high school drooled over that Jeep. I have had a few Jeep projects over the years and continue to wrench on things. My current projects are my '98 Jeep XJ and '71 Camaro LS-Swap.

Tom Sylvester: I grew up watching the classic car TV shows like "Monster Garage" and "Overhaulin'". I knew immediately that I wanted to work with custom cars in some way. I fell in love with Jeeps and off-roading early and that eventually led to the opening of our off-road shop, Dirt Nerds Motors. I attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology for Automotive Restoration and Automotive Management and have been in the industry my entire adult life.

What's been your biggest motivator? 

The podcast grew from us all being close friends and going on four-wheeling trips together. We'd sit around the fire pit and tell stories or answer questions for folks we met on the trail. We had multiple strangers tell us we'd be a great podcast. Fast forward a few years and we have more than 150 episodes recorded and released weekly. We've been able to meet some incredible people in the industry and we can't wait to see what the next 150 episodes bring. We'll continue to try and educate and involve as many people as we can. We love keeping our followers informed as best as we can and helping advocate for our sport and hobby.

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

The people are what make the automotive community amazing. We focus on 4x4s and off-roading and that specific community highlights what it means to be an enthusiast. We've never been on the trail and needed help and not had strangers stop and make sure we're ok. The friends that we've gained from this become family quickly. The long cross-country trips and overcoming the challenges of off-roading build incredible relationships. I know the rest of the niches in the car culture can all relate to that. Whether it's wrenching parties, borrowing or trading parts and tools, or just waiting for the tow truck with them is what makes this community the best.

As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?  

The off-road community faces a ton of challenges, ranging from land-use rights, cost of ownership issues and land stewardship. Our goal is to educate our audience on everything we can. We aren't necessarily to all-knowing experts but we try and bring those experts in to help. It's fun for us because we get to learn with our audience while getting those messages out and setting an example of being good stewards of the land. There is also massive growth in off-road racing and motorsports. As fans of the sport, we like to raise awareness and bring coverage to our audience. We want our sport and hobby to continue to grow in a safe and sustainable manner. We plan to continue to reach people in a fun but meaningful way.

Why is advocacy important to you?

Being close to Washington, D.C., we can be a voice for our community. The off-road space is extremely diverse and, in my opinion, misunderstood by the non-automotive folks. We are viewed as wanting to take our big trucks out in the woods and knock down our forests or wreck the beautiful streams, but, we are the exact opposite of that. We enjoy all the beautiful, undisturbed sights nature has to offer. Being able to get out and drive to new trailheads for hiking, finding incredible campsites or an amazing view is why we do this. Being able to contribute our voices and represent our community is an honor and we hope to get more involved in preserving our public lands and our ability to access them.

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

It's hard to pick out one specific moment. We've met so many great people and even met some role models and industry icons that have influenced us over the years. I'd have to loop the whole of 2024 into the biggest moment. We had a great year getting involved in many events and attending the PRI Show. The PRI Show was the first event we attended as true credentialed media, and it sparked incredible opportunities for us.

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

The year is off to a hot start for us with events we're hosting and planned trips. We've got the first week of November highlighted for the 2025 SEMA Show. We've got some cool ideas for content and are hoping to be able to execute all of them. I hope everyone follows along for our goofy yet educational shenanigans.

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

There isn't much we're hoping for other than more growth in both the industry side and hobbyist side. Off-roading and overlanding have so much to offer, from amazing travel experiences to learning new skills. We love seeing new people come into the community and dive headfirst into the lifestyle. 

Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show organizers have recently launched a variety of resources for 2025 SEMA Show exhibitors--available at semashow.com/exhibitor--designed to help them maximize ROI while exhibiting at the automotive aftermarket's premier event, November 4-7, Las Vegas.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts brands in front of thousands of qualified domestic and international buyers and the most influential members of the media from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. (Still need a booth? Secure one here).

To maximize ROI, exhibitors can utilize the Exhibitor Service Manual on semashow.com/exhibitor. The entire Exhibitor Service Manual 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. 

Below is a preview of the valuable resources to get exhibitors on the road to a successful 2025 SEMA Show.

1. Feature Vehicles

Found under "Vehicle/Car Display Opportunities," exhibitors can learn more about the rules, regulations and requirements for displaying a vehicle on the SEMA Show floor outside of a booth. New-for-2025: The deadline to submit Feature Vehicle applications is Friday, July 25, 2025. An additional labor fee will be charged to vehicles unable to operate/require a vehicle tow. Click here to read up on the Feature Vehicle guidelines or submit an application. 

2. New Products Showcase

Found under "Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships," exhibitors can submit products to the New Products Showcase--the top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show--to build brand awareness and generate leads. The first product entry is always free for exhibitors, so it's a no-brainer to enter. Find more information on submitting a product, packaging or merchandising display here and complete an application for a new or featured product here. 

3. Budget Checklist

Found under "About the Show," the SEMA Show budget checklist is an essential tool for all participating exhibitors, but especially first-timers. Calculate all confirmed and projected fees for everything from booth space; exhibit design and building; electrical; freight and material handling and related services; plus marketing and staff expenses.

4. Deadlines List

Found under "About the Show," the SEMA Show deadline checklist provides key dates for exhibitors, including deadlines and rate increases.

5. Contact Information

Contact Information gives exhibitors a chance to contact Show organizers to help them succeed with categories like booth vehicles, feature vehicles, banquet tickets, the New Product Showcase, meeting rooms and more.

6. Parking at the SEMA Show

SEMA Show parking information is beneficial for exhibitors with trailers and those looking to discover where they can park leading up to and during the event.

7. LVCC Booth Services - Freeman

This section addresses Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) booth needs, including power, carpet, fixtures, freight, A/V and computer rentals, cleaning, signs and graphics and more. Note that exhibitors placed in Westgate Las Vegas should utilize the "Westgate Hotel - Booth Services" section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

8. LVCC Booth Services - Other Approved Vendors

Access the approved vendors for lead retrieval, catering, insurance, vehicle detailing, tent and canopy rental, internet and telephone, photography, and more. Note that exhibitors placed in the Westgate Las Vegas should utilize the "Westgate Hotel - Booth Services" section.

9. Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships

This section provides successful marketing opportunities at the SEMA Show, including advertising opportunities, press conference applications, products for project-vehicle builders, PR opportunities, on-site sponsorships, celebrity appearances and directory upgrades. In addition, the application for the New Product Showcase appears here.

10. Guidelines & Policies

Discover essential information, including applications, fees, payments, permits, safety requirements and more.

11. Material Handling/Shipping Information

Learn the ABCs of Shipping a SEMA Show booth, direct-to-Show site shipping labels, freight services, marshaling yard delivery information, advance warehouse shipping labels, domestic shipping and international shipping, New Products shipping labels, material handling/drayage, outbound shipping, and heavy machinery.

12. 2025 SEMA Exhibitor Summit

Among the several exhibitor resources is the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a free program on June 25-27 in Vegas and the best way to get the most ROI. Exhibitors new and returning, can take advantage of SEMA value-added programs; use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth; save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses; work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI; learn to properly plan and budget expenses and explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods. Hotel rooms will be provided for up to two guests in this valuable program; you can't afford to miss it!

Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

Attendee registration is now open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Questions? Call 909-396-0289 or email sales@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Air Flow Research

175cc Small Block Mopar Cylinder Heads for LA Engines

Air Flow Research (AFR) has introduced new cylinder heads for 175cc small-block Mopar LA engines. Engineered for '64-'92 318, 340 and 360 LA engines, these cylinder heads feature precision-designed intake and exhaust runners with an as-cast finish, and redesigned water jackets to provide improved cooling in high-stress areas, according to the manufacturer.

airflowresearch.com

Cosmo Tires

Kurrent Premium Touring Tire

Cosmo Tires has announced that its new tire model, the Kurrent Premium Touring tire, is now available. This electric-vehicle-ready tire features a designed sidewall aesthetic, as well as a patented treadwear indicator on the center rib. According to the manufacturer, geometric isolation offers a smoother, quieter ride, while the proprietary directed super silica compound aims to deliver a longer life and enhanced traction.

tiregroup.com

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

CDXS Coilovers and Complete Suspension Systems

ICON Vehicle Dynamics is now offering new CDXS Compression Damping Dual Speed shocks and coilovers, and associated complete suspension systems for '24 Toyota Tacoma applications. The new systems offer independent compression damping adjustability for both high-speed and low-speed shock velocity, as well as height-adjustable coilovers, remote reservoirs and more.

'25 Toyota 4Runner Skid Plates

The manufacturer also recently introduced new front and transmission skid plates to protect critical drivetrain components on the '25 Toyota 4Runner. The front skid plate integrates closely with the stock front bumper, providing protection rearward to the differential crossmembers, ICON Vehicle Dynamics says. The transmission skid plate continues the protection to the transmission crossmember. Both plates are CNC laser-cut and precision-brake formed from 5052 aluminum alloy plate.

iconvehicledynamics.com

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Truck'n America as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Truck'n America's marketing director Kelly Morrison below.  

SEMA News: Tell us the story of your shop.  

Kelly Morrison: In 1975, Truck'n America was founded in Maryland by a father and son team--Chuck Morrison Jr., a veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and his son Chuck Morrison III, a laid-off construction worker. They were inspired by the truck cap and had an idea that they could make some money selling them in the area.  

True to our roots, we are a family-owned and -operated business to this day. Brothers Chuck Morrison IV and Dan Morrison are the administrators and operators of the modern-day Truck'n America and carry on their grandfather and father's legacy of excellent customer service and product knowledge. 

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

KM: The father and son team first set a goal of selling just one truck cap a day to simply "get by." They found that through a combination of demand and excellent customer service, they were soon smashing that goal and selling two a day, then three, then four and beyond. By 1983, they had expanded to four locations in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas, which quickly became 13 locations all the way up and down the East Coast.  

Today, Truck'n America operates five locations in Maryland and Virginia. Our team and employee retention are the key to our success. Our newest manager has been with us for 15 years and our most senior manager has been with us for 32 years. Combined, our team has more than 150 years of truck-cap/truck-accessory industry experience. 

Our breakthrough moment, along with being one of the first to sell truck caps in our geographical area, was recognizing that at the end of the day, integrity and customer service is and always will be of utmost importance. We pride ourselves on the thousands of happy customers that have come through our doors and driven away with a product they need from people that they can rely on. This is what keeps them coming back and has kept us in business for half of a century. 

SN: Tell us about a package/product that you are proud of.  

KM: 2025 is our 50th year in business. We are still selling truck caps, but our selection of products has expanded to include all kinds of pickup truck, SUV, Jeep and auto accessories, trailers and towing accessories, tonneau covers, work truck and work van accessories, UTVs and more.  

We are currently working on bringing our business into the modern day, putting efforts into digital, social media and video marketing, strengthening our image and brand voice, and keeping up with industry trends. We are also focusing on training the next generation of product experts, our sales team, installers and management to carry on our legacy of unparalleled customer service and industry expertise. 

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

KM: Our advice for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket is to place your focus on delivering outstanding service. Competition is inevitable, but at the end of the day, customers will always stay loyal to the business that treated them right, went above and beyond, and made them confident about their choice to do business with you. 

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 SEMA News Editors

The 2025 SEMA Show is now accepting submissions to participate in the 2025 SEMA Show Bin Program, which offers automotive publications a simple way to gain mass exposure for their magazine.

Showcase your magazine where it matters--the aftermarket's premier event--and make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show’s 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors.

In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, participants will get to display and distribute their publication at the 2025 SEMA Show.

Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers--act now and submit your details here.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on May 15, 2025. Submissions for the Bin Program at the 2025 SEMA Show are now closed. Questions? Contact Lynne Johnson, SEMA Marketing Director, Agency and Creative Services, at lynnej@sema.org.