By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has recently established a new, centralized Customer Care Team to deliver an elevated customer experience designed to make getting help easier and faster than ever with a new contact number and email.

Whether you're a member, part of the industry or just curious about SEMA, the Customer Care Team is ready to provide fast, accurate and hassle-free support.
 

How to contact the Customer Care Team:
 

Call: 240-ASK-SEMA (240-275-7362)

Email: customercare@sema.org
 

From answering your questions to connecting you with the right resources, the Customer Care Team is here to ensure you get the assistance you need, whenever you need it.

By SEMA News Editors

Hemmings and San Francisco Artist Jeremy Fish Debut Limited-Edition Collaboration Celebrating California Car Culture

Hemmings, known as the world's largest online collector car marketplace, is entering new creative territory with its first artist collaboration. The company has partnered with San Francisco illustrator Jeremy Fish to design a limited-edition T-shirt and poster honoring California's deep connection to car culture.

"This illustration was inspired by my love and long-standing fascination with the volume of amazing classic cars that have survived in California," said Fish.

The design, debuted at the Hemmings Motor Club Rally in Paso Robles, blends California state flag motifs with a classic late-'70s Ford Bronco, reimagined in Fish's iconic style. The limited-edition design reflects Hemmings' commitment to bridging its more than 70-year legacy with contemporary culture and expanding its reach to new generations of enthusiasts.

"This collaboration marks an important moment for Hemmings," said Dan Stoner, creative director at Hemmings. "Jeremy's work captures the spirit of California in a way that speaks to both lifelong collectors and younger fans who are discovering classic cars for the first time. It shows how art and automotive culture can come together to celebrate tradition while creating something fresh."

Fish's appreciation for Hemmings runs deeper than the collaboration itself. In 2020, he discovered and purchased an exceptionally preserved '87 Toyota Corolla on the Hemmings marketplace—a Toronto import with fewer than 19,000 miles. "In my ongoing search, I found what may be one of the most immaculate daily-driver Corollas in the world," said Fish. "It's nice to have a 40-year-old car that's this reliable. I really appreciate Hemmings for making that kind of find possible."

Fish is a San Francisco–based illustrator and fine artist who has spent nearly three decades shaping the city's visual culture. His work spans galleries and museums worldwide as well as collaborations in skateboarding, streetwear, music and public art. Known for storytelling through a cast of whimsical yet eerie characters, Fish has earned notable honors, including San Francisco City Hall's first artist-in-residence in 2015 and Major League Baseball's inaugural artist-in-residence with the San Francisco Giants in 2024.

Hemmings' partnership with Fish represents a broader effort to connect the brand with the art, culture and lifestyle communities that fuel today's car culture.

The limited-edition T-shirt ($20 MSRP), poster ($10 MSRP; appears to be sold out at press time) and more Hemmings products are available at hemmings.com/store. To learn more about Jeremy Fish, visit sillypinkbunnies.com. 

Chip Foose Invites Contest Entries to Restore Vehicle Lost to California Wildfires

Coulson Aviation announced the launch of the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new initiative was created to support California wildfire survivors by restoring a vehicle damaged during the 2024–2025 fires. Automotive design icon and TV star Chip Foose joined Wayne and Britton Coulson on stage to reveal the program and personally invite affected residents to apply.

The contest will award one wildfire survivor a professionally restored vehicle, completed with guidance from Chip Foose and executed by Coulson Autosports. With up to $100,000 in parts and labor on offer, it's hoped the team can help return a valued vehicle to the road, whether it is a family heirloom, a daily driver or a significant car damaged by the fires.

"This is about helping someone rebuild something that mattered to them," said Foose. "Cars hold memories. They represent family, milestones and identity. Being part of a project that helps someone move forward after such a devastating loss is incredibly meaningful to me."

Coulson Aviation created the contest as an extension of its wildfire response mission. The company is best known for operating the world's largest aerial firefighting fleet, and its crews witnessed firsthand the personal toll wildfires took on the communities.

How to Enter

The contest is free to enter and open to California residents who were directly impacted by the 2024–2025 wildfires. Entrants are asked to submit photos and/or video of their damaged vehicle along with a short explanation of why the restoration matters to them.

Key dates include:

• Contest launch: November 20, 2025
• Final entry deadline: January 20, 2026
• Finalists selected: Late January 2026
• Public voting period: February 1-15, 2026
• Winner announced: March 1, 2026
• Vehicle reveal: 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show, or shortly after

Full contest rules and entry details are available at rise.coulsonaviation.com.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies Announces Supply Agreement With Less Common Metals and Solvay

Arnold Magnetic Technologies, a Rochester, New York-based manufacturer of high-performance magnets and precision components, announced a supply agreement with Less Common Metals and Solvay to secure a reliable source of high-quality, Western-origin rare earth materials for the production of advanced permanent magnets.

According to the company, the agreement signals Arnold's commitment to strengthening the rare earth supply chain and ensuring long-term stability for customers in aerospace, defense, automotive and energy markets.

These supply chain developments complement Arnold's ongoing capital investments in Switzerland and expanded manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, positioning the company to serve multiple markets worldwide in a commercially competitive fashion.

For more information, visit arnoldmagnetics.com.

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Garage continues to host engaging, hands-on events in partnership with AUTEL. These two-day training sessions focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and help participants gain valuable knowledge on fundamentals, calibration techniques and necessary reporting practices. As the number of ADAS-equipped vehicles continues to grow, mastering the proper calibration of these systems is becoming increasingly vital. 

• SEMA Garage Diamond Bar will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, January 13, and Wednesday, January 14, at the facility located at 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765.
• SEMA Garage Detroit will host its next AUTEL ADAS training session on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, at the facility located at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI, 48170.

🆕BIG NEWS: attendees at the Diamond Bar location can now opt into an exclusive third day of training, available only at that facility. Day 3 reinforces the objectives from the two-day curriculum by layering diagnostics, decision-making and liability awareness onto real-world ADAS calibration scenarios. Concepts are applied through hands-on exercises rather than taught as standalone lectures. To participate in the 3rd day of ADAS training, choose the "3-Day" option when signing up.

👉 Reserve your spot now at the Autel Academy website: autel.us/autel-academy (select ADAS TRAINING, then click the "California" or "Detroit" tab). Can't make it in January or February? Stay tuned for more training opportunities later in 2026.

The most recent SEMA Garage AUTEL sessions sold out quickly, so organizers recommend signing up NOW!

Want more details? Read a recap article here, or reach out to Autel via email to academy@autel.com or visit autel.us/autel-academy for details.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Cameron Lewis, marketing director at KC Turbos, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Lewis in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Cameron Lewis: "Get it right the first time, that's the main thing." This saying, from a Billy Joel song, is something my mother would sing to me whenever my brothers and I felt like slacking on something. It has become a core value for me to always strive to "get it right" right from the start. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

CL: Passion and my love for all things automotive related. I have been a diehard gearhead since I was a little kid and can't see myself doing anything else for a living if it isn't related to cars or trucks in some manner. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

CL: In my garage, working on the next project. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

CL: Make a pre-plan, review it on paper and review it again in my head. Preparation is a major factor for success. 

SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

CL: Bruno Sacco, the original designer for some of the most iconic '80s and '90s Mercedes-Benz cars. I have a soft spot for that era of Mercedes-Benz, owning and racing one, and would love to talk about some of the design inspirations he drew from to create such timeless cars. 

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing exclusive industry insight to the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show--January 30-Feburary 1, 2026, in Pomona, California--with a panel discussion focused on careers in the hot-rod industry.

Designed to spotlight the people, skills and opportunities driving the hot-rod market, this session will give attendees a first-hand look at how passion for hot rods can translate into meaningful and long-lasting careers. 

The panel will take place on Friday, January 30, at 12:00 p.m. PST in Building 9 at the Pomona Fairplex, and will feature a conversation with industry experts and builders highlighting the wide range of career paths available across the automotive aftermarket. Panelist information will be announced closer to the event. 

Ideal for industry professionals and lifelong enthusiasts, the panel offers an opportunity to ask questions, gain practical career advice and better understand the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket. 

If you are attending the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, save the date to learn, grow and connect.

By Jaclyn Sunseri, 2025 Forum Participant

Participating in the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum was a defining experience in my professional development, one that challenged me to rethink what effective leadership truly looks like. This event is designed to empower women in the automotive and manufacturing industries, and it did that for me.

The program combines tactical leadership sessions with emotional intelligence development, self-reflection and community building. Each segment of the agenda contributed to reshaping how I lead, influence and inspire others within my organization and industry.

The 2025 event opened with an atmosphere of warmth and energy, bringing together an incredible group of professionals. The reception and networking sessions created an immediate sense of connection among professionals who shared a drive to grow and lead authentically.

The first keynote, "Creating Your Community and Finding Inspiration," presented by Brenda Wells, set the tone for the days ahead. She emphasized the importance of cultivating intentional relationships that encourage accountability and growth. Her insights inspired me to redefine how I approach mentorship within my own team, moving beyond guidance to build mutual relationships grounded in trust, feedback and shared purpose.

One of the most transformative moments came from Crystalyn Aucoin's interactive session, "Overcoming, Surviving and Thriving." Her vulnerability and perspective on navigating adversity resonated deeply. It reaffirmed that flexibility, empathy and authenticity are essential components of modern leadership. The session inspired me to create an environment where my team feels safe to share challenges, seek support and learn through vulnerability.

The leadership track sessions led by Julie Couret, including "Unstoppable Teams" and "High-Performance Leadership," offered a powerful framework for sustaining team excellence. Couret's principles reinforced the value of clarity, consistency and empowerment. I returned to my organization with a renewed focus on aligning individual goals to broader company objectives, ensuring that every team member can see how their contribution drives company success.

An impactful inclusion in the forum was Dale Carnegie's teachings on emotional intelligence and engagement. The session "Employee Engagement: You Are the Critical Factor," challenged me to lead with influence rather than authority. It reminded me that great leadership begins with listening and empathy. These lessons prompted me to integrate new recognition practices and to measure success not only by performance metrics but also by morale and engagement.

Brenda Wells' closing keynote, "The Art of Executive Presence," tied everything together. Her insights on presence, poise and vision underscored the importance of leading with both confidence and composure. She encouraged us to "hold the vision and trust the process," a message that continues to shape how I navigate periods of transformation and uncertainty.

The SBN Women's Leadership Forum is a catalyst to executive change and empowerment. It sharpened my leadership skills, strengthened my emotional intelligence and expanded my professional community. Most importantly, it reminds me daily that true leadership isn't about position or title; it's about purpose, presence and the ability to elevate others along the journey.

Registration Now Open for 2026

The SBN Women's Leadership Forum returns in 2026 with all-new programming that will empower women in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success. Taking place March 5–7 in San Diego, California, the Forum will bring female professionals together for dynamic education sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities that will spark new insights on what it means to be an impactful leader.   

Early registration is just $799 for SBN members and $999 for non-members through February 1. After that, pricing increases to $899 for SBN members and $1,099 for non-members up until the day of the conference. Explore the full program and register now at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf.  

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA is calling on passionate members like you to get involved and make an impact! Volunteer now for Members-at-Large positions across SEMA's nine councils and networks. 

Serving as a volunteer leader is your opportunity to: 

• Expand your network – Connect with fellow industry professionals and leaders. 
• Shape the future – Influence programs, events and resources that move the industry forward. 
• Build your skills – Gain leadership experience and professional development. 
• Give back – Contribute your expertise to help others in the community. 
• Be recognized – Stand out as an engaged, committed industry advocate. 
• Have a voice – Represent your segment and share ideas that matter. 

Your participation helps strengthen the community that drives us all forward. 

👉 Apply today to become a Member-at-Large Volunteer and help guide the future of your industry. 

SEMA's Councils and Networks: 

• Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) 
• Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) 
• Future Leaders Network (FLN) 
• Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) 
• Motorsports Performance & Media Council (MPMC) 
• Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) 
• SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) 
• Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) 
• Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) 

Together, we drive the industry forward. 

SEMA is calling on passionate members like you to get involved and make an impact! Volunteer now for Members-at-Large positions across SEMA’s nine councils and networks. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place in Las Vegas, November 3-6, 2026. Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate new ideas, technologies and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry's complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legislative and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Talent management
• Vehicle technology
• Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by February 13, 2026, at semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens in Spring 2026; to sign up for notifications, visit here. For more information, visit semashow.com.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act (HB 6688) by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and cosponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

SEMA worked closely with lawmakers from both parties to secure bipartisan support for the legislation, which ensures that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified. This legislation is critical to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires, or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

• The bill is timely because a forthcoming federal mandate requires new, model-year '29 vehicles feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the U.S.

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

• "SEMA thanks Rep. Harshbarger for her leadership and Reps. Vasquez, Obernolte and Torres for their strong support for ensuring vehicles with ADAS can be modified without compromising the integrity of these important safety systems. The introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is a landmark moment for anyone who owns, repairs, or modifies a vehicle," said Jim Moore, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. "Americans deserve confidence that those critical systems will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, even after repairs or customization. Currently, the industry lacks clear standards governing ADAS calibration, and aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners need access to the necessary calibration information and procedures needed to keep modern safety features functioning. This bill marks a critical step forward in the name of vehicle safety and is a major step forward in protecting the American people's right to modify the vehicles they own."

BACKGROUND

• SEMA's research indicates that more than 50 million cars and trucks in the United States are modified or accessorized each year, a number that both underscores the urgent need for ADAS standards that account for real-world vehicle modifications and the significant number of consumers who modify their vehicles.
   
• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.
   
• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in the SEMA Garage to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.
   
• The SEMA Garage hosted more than 70 professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.
   
• SEMA has released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. The findings help manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.
   

You can read the full ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA is celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act (HB 6688) by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and cosponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

SEMA worked closely with lawmakers from both parties to secure bipartisan support for the legislation, which ensures that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified. This legislation is critical to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires, or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

• The bill is timely because a forthcoming federal mandate requires new, model-year '29 vehicles feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the U.S.

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model-year '28. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

• "SEMA thanks Rep. Harshbarger for her leadership and Reps. Vasquez, Obernolte and Torres for their strong support for ensuring vehicles with ADAS can be modified without compromising the integrity of these important safety systems. The introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is a landmark moment for anyone who owns, repairs, or modifies a vehicle," said Jim Moore, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. "Americans deserve confidence that those critical systems will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, even after repairs or customization. Currently, the industry lacks clear standards governing ADAS calibration, and aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners need access to the necessary calibration information and procedures needed to keep modern safety features functioning. This bill marks a critical step forward in the name of vehicle safety and is a major step forward in protecting the American people's right to modify the vehicles they own."

BACKGROUND

• SEMA's research indicates that more than 50 million cars and trucks in the United States are modified or accessorized each year, a number that both underscores the urgent need for ADAS standards that account for real-world vehicle modifications and the significant number of consumers who modify their vehicles.
   
• Beginning in model-year '29, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA's FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.
   
• SEMA has invested more than $25 million in the SEMA Garage to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan, the Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.
   
• The SEMA Garage hosted more than 70 professionals from the customization, collision and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.
   
• SEMA has released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels and suspension components influence sensor reliability. The findings help manufacturers, installers and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.
   

You can read the full ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act here.