Tabla de contenidos para August 2025 en SEMA Magazine

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…

While most businesses realize that YouTube has become a staple in video promotion, fewer realize just how powerfully sophisticated the network has grown in recent years. These days, YouTube has expanded to offer never-before-seen tools for personalization, cashing in on the podcast frenzy, facilitating in-video purchasing (so that users never need to leave the platform) and much more. The following features are the latest recommendations from YouTube marketing experts and others who are maximizing their use of the updated medium. Hyper-Personalize Videos Using YouTube AI: A marketer go-to for years now, hyper-personalization has come to YouTube in a big way. Brands can use new YouTube hyper-personalization tools to ensure company videos align with trending topics, change up scripts based on viewer demographics, and perform A/B testing of the YouTube thumbnail…

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…

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…

“We choose to use our powers for good.” Suzanne Edmonds sounded like a superhero. In a way, she is. She’s the secretary of the Route 66 Car Club of Flagstaff, Arizona. She and the club’s president, Lou Arminio, explained why their club is involved with philanthropic activities. “It’s a way to be somewhat selfless and be a good humanitarian, a good citizen and demonstrate that we’re valuable members of the community,” Arminio said. “We can’t provide the direct services that these other worthy agencies can provide, but we can have their back. That’s how we show the community we care about all of you, whether you’re a car enthusiast or not.” The club raises money through a car show, raffles and other fundraising events, then distributes it to charities in…

SEMA Show attendees seeking to sharpen and tune their knowledge and skills within the industry should explore the many programs offered by SEMA Education. This Show feature comprises courses designed to develop new skills, inform industry members, and foster business strategies in an engaging classroom setting at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) during Show Week. Understandably, some attendees may hesitate to leave the Show floor, but SEMA classes and seminars are worth their time in gold, and most are only an hour long, so you can get right back into the action. In addition, several educational experiences and activations can be found in key Show areas, so it’s a good idea to check out the many options. SEMA Education runs a three-day schedule, from Tuesday, November 4, to Thursday,…

Ed Pink earned the nickname “The Old Master” for his ability to find power in drag-race Hemis and countless other engines he built over his long and varied career. He was one of two “old masters” the performance and custom automotive community lost in the spring of 2025. Influential car customizer Gene Winfield passed away in early March at the age of 97; 94-year-old Pink followed him in late April. Winfield was born in Missouri in 1927 and moved with his family to Modesto, California, in 1929. Pink was born in Los Angeles in 1931. Their life circumstances put them in the epicenter of the booming post-World War II car culture. PINK, THE MASTER OF ENGINES Pink went to high school in the same Los Angeles neighborhood where Vic Edelbrock…

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…

“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…

The ideas, names, logos and inventions of your company are valuable property and often can be legally protected for your exclusive use. But many SEMA-member companies are unaware of the types of intellectual property (IP) their company generates, how to go about protecting them or how to decide exactly which protective investments could be appropriate. The task of optimizing IP protection will vary from company to company. Perhaps the single most important piece of advice the association can offer is to seek qualified council—both when IP issues arise and, ideally, well in advance of any possible entanglements. One such entity is the Ohio-based law firm of Sisson and Banyas, which specializes in IP protection. The firm exhibits at the SEMA Show, and Manager of Legal Protection Jeffrey Banyas is a…

STATE UPDATE CALIFORNIA—ENHANCED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY: California State lawmakers are considering a SEMA-opposed bill that would establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for certain household hazardous waste prod ucts, including automotive products like lubricants, oils, antifreeze, cleaners, waxes and degreasers. The bill would impose substantial financial burdens on small businesses within the specialty automotive aftermarket if enacted. The bill awaits consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. COLORADO—KEI TRUCKS: Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law that legalizes the use of kei trucks on state roads. This bill allows these vehicles to be titled, registered and operated, provided they meet specific safety and emissions standards. Kei trucks are prohibited from driving on roads with speed limits over 55 mph or on limited-access highways. Drivers can apply to register their…