SEMA Magazine August 2025

As the association’s highest recognition program, the SEMA Hall of Fame stretches back 56 years to the induction of Paul Schiefer in 1969. The owner of Schiefer Manufacturing, he developed flywheels and clutches that transformed racing performance and safety. Since that first inductee, SEMA has continued to pay tribute each year to industry trailblazers whose innovation, dedication and character have enhanced the stature of, or significantly contributed to, the industry and/or our association’s growth. At our Leaders and Legends Gala this July 25 in Universal City, California, we will proudly add four new names to this distinguished honor roll. All have been energetic industry champions, and it’s easy to see why the SEMA Hall of Fame Task Force found each of them highly deserving: Luanne Brown has actively and passionately…

SPEED OF AIR PISTONS DURAMAX LML GM 6.6 DIESEL PISTON soapistons.com SOA tech includes Cerakote TB coating with optional Line-2-Line Skirt Coating. SOA kits come with a Total Seal gapless second ring with its own PVD Chromium Boron ring pack. These features reduce emissions, lower exhaust temperatures up to 200°F, lower operating noise and offer double-digit savings potential in fuel economy. AMERICAN AUTOWIRE EIGHT-WAY REVERSING RELAY KIT americanautowire.com Equipped with 40-amp relays and designed to supply the reversing power needed to operate power windows, convertible tops, seats, antennas or any other motor-controlled accessory that requires the ability to reverse polarity. Matching color coding of relays and wiring makes installation a breeze. A four-relay version is also available. DYNOJET RESEARCH POWER VISION 3 dynojet.com Power Vision 3 eliminates the clutter and…

One of the most frequently asked questions from SEMA members is, “My business is nowhere near the nation’s capital. What can I do to make a difference in Washington, D.C.?” The answer is simple: personal relationships with federal and state lawmakers are the most effective tools you have to influence public policy and protect the automotive aftermarket’s future. Moreover, hosting a congressional visit at your facility is an especially powerful way to build the foundation for a longlasting relationship with your elected officials. SEMA’s Government Affairs staff is ready to support you throughout the process, including helping to draft and send your lawmakers an invitation to tour your business, drafting a pre-event briefing for you and the lawmaker’s office, and handling day-of logistics in close coordination with you and your…

The road to SEMA Hall of Fame recognition is a challenging one. To be considered, a potential nominee must have served the specialty automotive industry for at least a decade. Next, the candidate must make a significant impact on the aftermarket, enhancing the industry’s and/or association’s stature and growth. Nominated by specialty-automotive peers, Hall of Fame candidates are then vetted by a special task force and approved by the SEMA Board of Directors. Traditionally, only one to four individuals are ultimately recognized each year. Since the first Hall of Fame induction in 1969, just 180 have made the list. Rather, make that 184. This year, SEMA adds four new members to the prestigious circle: Luanne Brown, George Lathouris, John McLeod and Larry Pacey. Their official inductions are scheduled for the…

In production plants across America, a “smart manufacturing” revolution is underway, representing a significant leap forward in automation not seen since the early Industrial Age. Guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors, mechanical arms swing into action, soldering, milling, drilling, testing and inspecting parts with futuristic dexterity, intelligence and autonomy. Meanwhile, in facility warehouses, drones and other automatons buzz and hum about, storing, retrieving, boxing and loading finished goods for shipping. And this is just the beginning. Already, Tesla and other big-tech companies are busy developing humanlike ‘droids capable of even more common workplace tasks. Yes, the brave new world of robotics is no longer the future—it’s now, and it’s accelerating rapidly. Comprising the backbone of a U.S. market sized at approximately $52.65 billion, specialty-equipment manufacturers aren’t sitting this…

“YOU’RE GOING TO COME TO THE SHOW, AND YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW BEFORE YOU CAME IN.” Everyone can agree it’s been a rollercoaster year for the automotive aftermarket—both domestic and international. Good or bad, high or low, there have been moments blurring the outlook, affecting business leaders’ forecasting and decision-making for their operations. It’s times like these that SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso and Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins remind members of the aftermarket that while they navigate challenges, they can also set their businesses on a course for growth while future-proofing them against prospective obstacles. Navigating this dynamic industry through constantly evolving terrain might seem intimidating, but in challenging times, one thing remains consistent: the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is your…