By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are invited to recommend industry leaders to serve the Association online by Friday, January 5.  

 The following seats are open for the 2024 election:

• Manufacturer (two open seats) 
• Distributor/Retailer (two open seats) 
• Service (one open seat) 

"A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need your help to bring them to the attention of the nominating committee."

Submit your nomination form here. Be sure to include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, including background, experience and achievements.

Note: your SEMA business membership must be active and in good standing to be eligible.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting an online General Membership Meeting on Thursday, December 14, 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST. 

Open to aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under, the meeting will be the ideal time to hear about FLN's current priorities for members, which include upcoming events, member resources and its 2024 professional development program. Attendees will connect with the Select Committee, discover volunteer opportunities and learn about the network's events at the 2023 SEMA and PRI Shows. 

All current and prospective members are encouraged to attend, as it's a great way to tap into resources to enhance one's career and business. 

Register here. 

By SEMA News Editors

In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '24 Toyota Tacoma on December 11-13. 

The event will include four different Tacoma trim levels: TRD Sport, TRD PreRunner, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. SEMA members will have the opportunity to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle's public release.  

'24 Toyota Tacoma Measuring Session

December 11-13, 2023

SEMA Garage in Southern California

1577 Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

View on Google Maps.

Click here to RSVP!

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Due to high demand, each event day will be divided into four sessions, where attendees will have a two-hour window with the vehicles. Each company will have the opportunity to bring up to three employees. Please only RSVP for one session, per company. 

For more information, visit the RSVP link or contact measuringsessions@sema.org. Don't delay; spots are filling up fast. RSVP now!

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named December Ross, customer service manager at Melling Tool Company, as the network's newest spotlight member.     

Get to know Ross in her interview with SEMA News below.    

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

December Ross: Put your feet to the pavement and do the work. The ones that get ahead are the ones that are doing what no one else is, actually working! It's true, when you reach out, you get results. The phone can be your friend.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry?    

DR: The people. I enjoy both the people I work with and our customers. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?     

DR: With my family and friends. I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 2021, nothing beats spending time with him! 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?     

DR: Research; I make sure to familiarize myself with the subject being covered. I go in with an open mind, ready to learn, listen and encourage feedback if I have a presentation. 

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

DR: Paula Flowers, a strong, knowledgeable women and leader. She saw a need and went after her dream, started a successful engine parts warehouse. I feel she is a pioneer and helped shape the automotive industry warehousing history. 

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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a surprising move, Delaware has decided not to impose a ban on the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.

After the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control finalized regulations to adopt California's latest motor-vehicle emissions laws through 2032, the state stopped short of banning the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles beginning in 2035. 

This new initiative will require automakers to deliver an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for sale in Delaware, reaching 82% by model-year '32. The initial proposal, which was shot down, envisioned a 100% ZEVs target by 2035.

The change comes just days after Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont pulled his state's similar regulation, highlighting the ongoing debate over the pace and scope of ZEV adoption. Both Delaware and Connecticut have historically followed California's tailpipe laws.  

SEMA believes that Delaware's residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions. 

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a surprising move, Delaware has decided not to impose a ban on the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.

After the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control finalized regulations to adopt California's latest motor-vehicle emissions laws through 2032, the state stopped short of banning the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles beginning in 2035. 

This new initiative will require automakers to deliver an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for sale in Delaware, reaching 82% by model-year '32. The initial proposal, which was shot down, envisioned a 100% ZEVs target by 2035.

The change comes just days after Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont pulled his state's similar regulation, highlighting the ongoing debate over the pace and scope of ZEV adoption. Both Delaware and Connecticut have historically followed California's tailpipe laws.  

SEMA believes that Delaware's residents, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions. 

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

CARS Tour Announces zMAX as New Title Sponsor

The CARS Tour Late Model Series has signed zMAX Micro-lubricant, based in Harrisburg, North Carolina, as its new entitlement sponsor for the 2024 season and beyond.

The ownership group, which consists of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, also released the 2024 series schedule and confirmed the renewal of FloRacing as its official streaming partner for all 19 events.

For more information, including the full 2024 schedule, visit carsracingtour.com.

Toyota Unveils Camry XSE for NASCAR Cup Series

Toyota has revealed its new NASCAR Cup Series Camry XSE race car that will debut during the 2024 season. The Camry XSE follows the Toyota Camry TRD Next Gen, which won 18 races and 25 poles during the last two seasons.

The new body styling was crafted to replicate the 2025 Toyota Camry.

Designed as a collaboration between Toyota, Toyota Racing Development and Calty Design, the body styling characteristics were crafted to replicate the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE as closely as possible, the manufacturer said.

Eight Toyota Camry XSEs will compete on track during the 2024 season.

For more information, visit the Toyota Racing website.

American Late Model Series Merges With Iron-Man Late Model Series

The American Late Model Series has merged with the Iron-Man Late Model Series and will rebrand as the Valvoline American Late Model Iron-Man Series.

The series will compete under DIRTcar Late Model technical and tire rules, series officials said, and feature races in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. A 2024 schedule is currently under development.

Chris Tilley will manage day-to-day operations of the series.

For more information, visit imdirt.net.

For additional racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website. 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

Rudy's Performance Parts

Marketing Manager in Burlington, North Carolina

Rudy's Performance Parts, a retailer and manufacturer specializing in diesel performance and other products, is seeking a marketing manager to develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement.

Zeder Corporation

Internal Sales Support Officer in Ontario, California

The Australia-based suspension component manufacturer is looking for an internal sales support officer to lead customer prospecting, follow-up and initial customer contact in support of Zeder's existing external sales managers.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources recently encountered a possible prototype of the Ford Maverick during testing near Detroit, Michigan.

The Maverick was adorned with camouflage, mainly on the front and rear ends, and features an EPA exhaust tip. According to sources, it's possible the front-end camouflage conceals new performance enhancements for engine breathing and cooling, while the rear end suggests the presence of new taillights. A side view of the prototype suggests a slightly lower stance compared to current Maverick variants.

The shots fuel speculation about the possibility of an upcoming high-performance ST variant for Ford's compact pickup. There are also rumors, sources said, that such a model is part of Ford's future plans.

By SEMA News Editors

The Ferrari F250 hypercar was recently spotted testing near Maranello, Italy, according to SEMA News sources. Although heavily disguised, the sighting revealed more of the LaFerrari successor’s bodywork and details.

The recent sighting near Maranello, Italy, revealed new details about the F250 hypercar. 

Insiders indicate that development is still ongoing, with a finished product still a long way off. However, new details have emerged, including the doors shape, allowing for easier access to the cockpit and lending the car a Le Mans prototype aesthetic.

The hypercar is rumored to be powered by a V6 hybrid.

Expected to launch by 2026, the prototype is equipped with a significant aerodynamic package featuring an aggressive rear wing, cooling ducts and other hidden aero components.

The mechanical package is still unknown, sources said, but a V6 hybrid power unit is expected.

The F250 will be a limited-series production car, according to sources, with around 600 units planned.