By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, is where the aftermarket comes together to connect and do business. For SEMA members, private meeting rooms in the SEMA Member Lounge (located in Room N251 on the second level of North Hall) offer a convenient place to take those important conversations off the Show floor.

Take the Meeting to Room N251 in North Hall

The SEMA Member Lounge gives members a place to step away from the bustling Show floor to recharge, reset and regroup. It also offers members the opportunity to book private meeting rooms for business conversations.

Meeting rooms accommodate up to 10 people and can be reserved in advance, making them useful for customer meetings, supplier discussions, team meetings or other conversations that call for a little privacy. Certain conditions, including start and end times, apply.

Members can also take advantage of the lounge itself, with amenities that include:

• Complimentary coffee.
• Internet and printer access.
• Device charging stations.
• Food available for purchase (little to no waiting in lines).
• Comfortable seating and workspace.
• Networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

With a private meeting room just steps from the Show floor, members can keep appointments on schedule without having to leave the SEMA Show campus or search for an available table or quiet corner.

Make the Most of SEMA Show Membership

The private meeting rooms are one of several benefits available through the SEMA Member Lounge during the Show. SEMA Membership also provides year-round access to market research, advocacy, business savings programs, councils, networks and other resources designed to help aftermarket businesses succeed.

For companies planning their 2026 SEMA Show schedules, membership can add another useful resource to the week––including a place to conduct business away from the crowds.

Visit sema.org/join to become a SEMA member and unlock exclusive benefits before arriving in Las Vegas. To start the application, make sure to select "Create Account" in the login box.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Fest is bringing the heat to Las Vegas with a full slate of high-octane automotive demonstrations, featured vehicles and motorsports action taking center stage alongside its 2026 musical lineup. Taking place Friday, November 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event will give enthusiasts an up-close look at the excitement of car culture, from OPTIMA drifting demonstrations and the Globe of Death to a showcase of rare supercars and hypercars from Supercar Saturdays Florida, plus a heart-pounding concert headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring. The lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive.

Featured Experiences at SEMA Fest

The evening's adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.  

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.  

Together, will the lineup of chart-topping, arena-caliber acts, SEMA Fest will deliver the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.  

Tickets for SEMA Fest are now available via semafest.com.

General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade event--typically reserved for industry insiders--alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands. 

"SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "By bringing together the world's premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note."

SEMA Fest serves as the official "closing ceremony" of SEMA Week, transforming the world's premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience. (Learn more at semashow.com).

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds and the latest in automotive products and technology.  

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.  

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.  

2026 Musical Lineup for SEMA Fest

Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright" and "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)." Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the '90s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.  

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with "The Middle," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early '00s.  

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States and remains known for crowd favorites such as "Down," "Amber" and "All Mixed Up." 

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge and attitude. 

About SEMA Fest 

SEMA Fest is where car culture, motorsports and live music converge for an adrenaline-fueled experience open to the public. Created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the world-renowned SEMA Show, SEMA Fest brings together top automotive lifestyle brands, high-performance demonstrations, custom vehicles and an all-star music lineup in Las Vegas. Held during SEMA Week on the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, the event invites enthusiasts of all kinds to experience the energy of motorsports alongside performances from chart-topping artists, fan activations, vendors, food and more. 

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com. 

About SEMA and the SEMA Show 

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by SEMA, a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org. Want to contact SEMA via phone? Call 909-396-0289. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, moving forward with new efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in California.

SEMA opposed adoption of the regulation, citing unresolved concerns about tire affordability, consumer choice and the impact on small businesses. SEMA will continue monitoring implementation of the regulation and working to protect access to affordable replacement tires and specialty products for California consumers and businesses.  

SEMA recognizes that the final proposal is significantly improved from where the rulemaking began. Following extensive engagement by SEMA and a coalition of industry stakeholders, CEC staff made several meaningful changes that addressed many of the industry's technical and specialty-product concerns. Among those changes, the Commission delayed the first phase of implementation to 2029 and the second phase to 2033, and created new exemptions for competition tires, certain winter tires, small-diameter tires and certain large off-road tires. 

Despite those improvements, SEMA continued to oppose the regulation because its central concern remained unresolved: the potential for higher replacement-tire costs for Californians. 

Replacement tires are necessary and often unexpected safety purchases. SEMA repeatedly urged the Commission to pause the rulemaking and conduct additional analysis using real-world market data before adopting standards that could increase prices or reduce the number of affordable tire options available to California drivers. Delaying implementation gives businesses more time to prepare, but it does not address the underlying affordability concern. 

A bipartisan group of 14 California state lawmakers led by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) also raised those concerns and called for the CEC to delay implementation and to reevaluate the proposal, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, product availability, tire life and other statutory requirements. 

The lawmakers also cited public polling commissioned by SEMA showing significant concern about the mandate's cost. The survey found that 79.5% of respondents were concerned about government requirements that could increase replacement-tire costs, while 68.9% preferred allowing consumers to choose among tires at different price points and performance levels rather than imposing uniform government standards. The lawmakers pointed to those findings as evidence that affordability and consumer choice remain significant concerns for families already facing rising costs. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, moving forward with new efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in California.

SEMA opposed adoption of the regulation, citing unresolved concerns about tire affordability, consumer choice and the impact on small businesses. SEMA will continue monitoring implementation of the regulation and working to protect access to affordable replacement tires and specialty products for California consumers and businesses.  

SEMA recognizes that the final proposal is significantly improved from where the rulemaking began. Following extensive engagement by SEMA and a coalition of industry stakeholders, CEC staff made several meaningful changes that addressed many of the industry's technical and specialty-product concerns. Among those changes, the Commission delayed the first phase of implementation to 2029 and the second phase to 2033, and created new exemptions for competition tires, certain winter tires, small-diameter tires and certain large off-road tires. 

Despite those improvements, SEMA continued to oppose the regulation because its central concern remained unresolved: the potential for higher replacement-tire costs for Californians. 

Replacement tires are necessary and often unexpected safety purchases. SEMA repeatedly urged the Commission to pause the rulemaking and conduct additional analysis using real-world market data before adopting standards that could increase prices or reduce the number of affordable tire options available to California drivers. Delaying implementation gives businesses more time to prepare, but it does not address the underlying affordability concern. 

A bipartisan group of 14 California state lawmakers led by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) also raised those concerns and called for the CEC to delay implementation and to reevaluate the proposal, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, product availability, tire life and other statutory requirements. 

The lawmakers also cited public polling commissioned by SEMA showing significant concern about the mandate's cost. The survey found that 79.5% of respondents were concerned about government requirements that could increase replacement-tire costs, while 68.9% preferred allowing consumers to choose among tires at different price points and performance levels rather than imposing uniform government standards. The lawmakers pointed to those findings as evidence that affordability and consumer choice remain significant concerns for families already facing rising costs. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA-sponsored California bill to create a conditional sales pathway for aftermarket emissions-related parts while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes its Executive Order (EO) review has passed the California Assembly. This is an important milestone for this bill, which SEMA believes is critical for aftermarket businesses that design and manufacture emissions-related products. 

• SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), would establish a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket parts. Manufacturers that submit a complete EO application supported by emissions testing and technical documentation could receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install qualifying products while CARB completes its final review. 

The proposal would help manufacturers bring emissions-compliant products to market faster while preserving CARB's authority to review applications and ultimately approve or deny an EO. 

The path from here is straightforward. Now that SB 1069 has passed the full Assembly, it will return to the Senate for a vote agreeing to amendments made while the bill was in the Assembly. If the Senate agrees to those changes, the bill will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Background image and feed image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A SEMA-sponsored California bill to create a conditional sales pathway for aftermarket emissions-related parts while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes its Executive Order (EO) review has passed the California Assembly. This is an important milestone for this bill, which SEMA believes is critical for aftermarket businesses that design and manufacture emissions-related products. 

• SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord), would establish a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket parts. Manufacturers that submit a complete EO application supported by emissions testing and technical documentation could receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install qualifying products while CARB completes its final review. 

The proposal would help manufacturers bring emissions-compliant products to market faster while preserving CARB's authority to review applications and ultimately approve or deny an EO. 

The path from here is straightforward. Now that SB 1069 has passed the full Assembly, it will return to the Senate for a vote agreeing to amendments made while the bill was in the Assembly. If the Senate agrees to those changes, the bill will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Background image and feed image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Ashley Reyes

There's still time to join the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) webinar, "Navigating a Leadership Change," on Thursday, September 8, at 12:00 p.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT.

Leadership change is a disruptive but common reality in the workplace, often impacting retention, morale, productivity and performance. During this session, attendees will hear from Rachel Speir of RS Marqueting, as she moderates an informative discussion with Jaclyn Bradham of Oracle Lights, Tara Demuth of R&S Truck Caps, Erika Marquez of Warn Industries and Natalie Simon of Ford. Together, they will share real examples of how they've successfully navigated change, managed uncertainty and contributed positively during leadership transitions.

You'll learn:

• How to recognize the different layers of impact during leadership changes.
• Communication strategies for setting expectations and managing uncertainty.
• Strategies to protect culture and retention.
• What managers and leaders need to succeed.
• How to support your new manager while demonstrating your expertise and value in a productive way.
• Tools to help employees stay adaptable and resilient.

Leadership changes are inevitable, but how they are managed can prepare teams for long-term success. Register now and gain the insights to handle leadership transitions, whether as an emerging leader or team member impacted by change.

Register now.

Feed Image Courtesy of Shutterstock | PeopleImages

By Ashley Reyes

Calling all SEMA Show builders and engineers: Does your vehicle build demonstrate engineering excellence?  

SEMA is accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award here.

What is the Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award?

Now in its fourth year, the award recognizes a feature vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or in a specific aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond physical appearance. The award also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and spotlighting on the connection between a vehicle's design and engineering.   

Who qualifies to enter?

Builders exhibiting a feature vehicle at the SEMA Show are eligible to apply. Entries should demonstrate technical excellence, innovative design and creative problem-solving that advances vehicle performance, functionality, safety or overall capability.

What are the benefits?

As a SEMA Industry Award recognizing standout engineering achievement, the award offers builders an opportunity to gain industry-wide recognition at the SEMA Show.

The winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, November 5, and will receive a commemorative trophy. In addition, the winning vehicle and team will be featured in SEMA Show communications, providing valuable exposure to industry professionals and the media.

What is required to enter?

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build, along with the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 28, at this link.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members have until Friday, September 4, to submit nominations for the 2026 SEMA Council & Network Awards at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

Across eight of the SEMA councils and networks are businesses and individuals whose contributions are making a meaningful impact in their aftermarket segments. The Council & Network Awards Program recognizes those who have positively influenced their communities over the past year.

Not sure who to nominate? Consider someone who demonstrates these qualities:

1. They move their aftermarket segment forward: They introduce new ideas, drive innovation or create or support programs that elevate their business or community.

2. They give back to the industry: They support SEMA council and network programs and the aftermarket industry through active participation or volunteerism.  

3. They lead with integrity: They demonstrate leadership, collaboration and a commitment to strengthening their segment and the success of those around them.  

Award recipients will be recognized during their respective council and network events at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place November 3-6 in Las Vegas. These events provide an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments in front of peers, colleagues and industry leaders.

Nominate a council or network member who deserves to be recognized before time runs out at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

Next Hyundai Tucson Gets a Boxier Look

The next-generation Hyundai Tucson has been spotted testing in the Austrian Alps ahead of its expected debut later this year, revealing a more angular design for the SUV that competes with the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.

The heavily camouflaged prototype appears to abandon the current Tucson's rounded styling and curved window line for a squarer overall shape. Up front, the prototype features vertically stacked LED headlights, lower lighting elements and what appears to be a full-width light bar. A clamshell-style hood is also visible beneath the camouflage.

The rear remains heavily disguised, although vertically oriented taillights at the outer edges are visible. An exposed exhaust outlet suggests the prototype is powered by either a gasoline or hybrid powertrain, while other reports have indicated that Hyundai is considering additional electrified powertrain configurations.

Inside, the prototype features Hyundai's latest three-spoke steering wheel, including the brand's four-dot Morse code-inspired "H" design in the center. Shift paddles and controls for driver-assistance and infotainment functions are also visible, along with a slim, high-mounted digital instrument display.

Hyundai has confirmed the new Tucson will be revealed globally later this year, with European sales expected to begin in 2027.

BMW's Next M EV Shows Its Performance Intent

BMW's revived i3 nameplate is set to expand into performance territory, with a high-performance version of the electric 3 Series undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.

While BMW has not confirmed the model's name, it has been referred to as the i3M in reports. Other possibilities include iM3 or M3, as BMW determines how the new EV fits within its performance lineup.

The prototype appears close to production specification, with camouflage concentrated on key exterior areas. Up front, the M model receives a more aggressive fascia with rectangular openings, horizontal slats and additional lower elements. The headlights carry over the narrow design of the standard i3, while the hood gains a prominent duct that could help cool electronic components.

The performance-oriented model also appears to have wider fenders, larger black wheels and drilled brake rotors. At the rear, the prototype features a diffuser and raised bumper sections whose final production purpose remains unclear.

Reports indicate the model will use four electric motors, one at each wheel, producing approximately 700 hp. The system is expected to provide torque vectoring and the ability to decouple the front axle for rear-wheel-drive operation. BMW is also developing simulated gear shifts for the EV.

The car will use BMW's Neue Klasse 800-volt EV architecture. Production reportedly could begin in March 2027, with a reveal expected before the end of this year.

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia