Tabla de contenidos para October 2025 en SEMA Magazine

We are proud to announce that SEMA was recently accepted as a full member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to represent the United States in mobility services, tourism and advocacy. In addition, the FIA is joining our association as a business member. This is a big development that will bolster each organization’s work in the domestic and global safety and mobility policy arenas. While “mobility” may not be a word typically associated with SEMA, it does impact our member businesses. The term encompasses advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles, which are transforming the automotive industry. Ultimately, we view the emergence of these automotive innovations as exciting and filled with potential opportunity. WHILE “MOBILITY” MAY NOT BE A WORD TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SEMA, IT IS A CONCEPT…

In the wake of SEMA’s successful effort to halt a California-led electric vehicle (EV) mandate, it becomes possible to envision policy implications and project business expectations more clearly. For the performance aftermarket, certain motorsports, the broader automotive industry, even SEMA itself, the end of widespread EV mandates means that some things will change—while some things will stay the same. To review, it helps to start at the beginning. SEMA isn’t anti-EV—just look at the sheer volume of EVs on display at the annual SEMA Show. Moreover, the SEMA Show’s FutureTech Studio further highlights the association’s technology-agnostic philosophy toward EVs and other emerging vehicle propulsion alternatives. Insofar as SEMA has referred to recent regulations as “EV mandates,” in reality they were ultimately bans on internal combustion engines (ICEs). “We’re not saying…

The countdown has begun as we enter the closing weeks leading to the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where you will be exhibiting alongside thousands of automotive manufacturers and have access to 160,000 specialty-equipment market professionals. As Show Week approaches, you’re probably thinking there’s still time to lock in details such as lodging, promotional packages, freight plans, etc. You’re correct; however, important deadlines are fast approaching, and some will be redlining by the time this issue hits your desk. We’ll review some upcoming cost-saving dates you won’t want to miss, including freight shipments through Freeman, New Product Showcasing, ad spacing and more. Offering further insight and final tips before your excursion to Las Vegas are SEMA’s Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso and Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins, who…

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology advances, engines and powertrains transform, but the driver’s need to modify and enhance their vehicle never deviates. Looking at the automotive landscape, we are blessed with variety. The modern American consumer-enthusiast can choose from a century’s worth of automotive innovation, and the aftermarket can supply endless modifications and performance enhancements to make any vehicle unique. For a while, this was only directed toward internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but now, we have a new power technology to propel the specialty-equipment market. THE LONG ROAD TO GET HERE Consumers in the electric vehicle (EV) space are no different than those who are more inter-ested in ICE vehicles. Most EV enthusiasts even come from the ICE world. They, too, search for…

From the pulsating dashboards of musclecars to the sleek, touch-enabled screens of today’s electric vehicles, the world of automotive audio has embarked on a remarkable transformation. This report traces that evolution, exploring how car sound systems grew from humble push-button radios to become cutting-edge centers of technology, entertainment and personalization. Along the way, industry experts share insights on market trends, user experience and the emerging role of high tech in tuning every drive into sonic perfection. Dive in as we uncover the past, present and future of car audio—and discover how the quest for the perfect in-cabin soundtrack has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry. LOOKING BACK Your humble author bought his first car way back in the late ’80s. It was a ’68 Mercury Cougar with rippled bodywork and a…

In January 1965, racing driver and Sports Car Graphic magazine editor Jerry Titus landed what would be an historic assignment: Join racers Ken Miles and Bob Bondurant at Willow Springs Raceway to put some laps on a prototype Mustang that Shelby American was turning into an SCCA B/Production race car. Petersen Publishing Company Photographer Darryl Norenberg captured on film what Titus called “a six-hour ‘let’s-see-what-breaks’ run.” The Mustang was a hit at its April 1964 launch, but Ford Division Chief Lee Iacocca believed he could sell even more Mustangs if it were involved in racing. This was the era of Ford’s “Total Performance” marketing, when the maker literally sold cars on Monday that won races on Sunday. But when Iacocca wanted the SCCA to classify the Mustang as a sports…

NICK SOPRANO ’15 SENSUALE CATEGORY: SPORT COMPACT, IMPORT PERFORMANCE, LUXURY & EXOTIC Inspired by the legendary cars from the golden age of motorsports, Nick Soprano designed and engineered a vehicle invoking the spirit of ’60s Italian design. Harnessing the essence of that era, it’s powered by a ’60s vintage alloy 4.4L Ferrari V12 engine partnered to a five-speed transaxle through a torque tube. Chrome-moly oval tubing makes up the chassis and is supported by fully adjustable Heim jointed suspension on gas coilover shocks. With a custom interior featuring vintage-racing-inspired leather seats inside and out, this car has earned the name Sensuale. SAM COLLINS ’68 PORSCHE 911 CATEGORY: YOUNG GUNS Sam Collins made a gutsy move throwing an American motor into this classic Porsche. Collins squeezed an LS1 into the engine…

It’s been 58 years since the very first interpretation of the SEMA Show took place beneath the grandstands of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Dubbed the High Performance and Custom Trade Show, the inaugural event saw 98 exhibitors gather under the cover of those ballpark stands. Almost six decades on and, incredibly, the SEMA Show’s footprint now spans more than 1 million sq. ft. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. It’s the epicenter of the automotive aftermarket industry and the backbone of SEMA’s efforts throughout the year. We recently sat down with SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso to learn more about the Show’s evolution and future trajectory. SEMA Magazine: How many SEMA Shows have you been involved in? Tom Gattuso: This will be my 14th SEMA Show as…

Amid the challenges of economic headwinds and rapidly evolving vehicle technologies, U.S. consumers spent $52.65 billion accessorizing and modifying their automobiles last year, according to the newly released “2025 SEMA Market Report.” Available free to SEMA members ($2,000 for non-members) at sema.org/research, the annual report provides detailed looks at the consumer behaviors, market trends and industry product sales currently shaping the aftermarket landscape. Among its many findings, the report reveals that pickups remain the top accessorized vehicles but identifies crossovers (CUVs) as the fastestgrowing area of opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry. Meanwhile, electric-vehicle (EV) adoption rates are slowing as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have reasserted their dominance—at least for the foreseeable future. As for the industry’s consumers, the report confirms that younger enthusiasts are still highly engaged in the…

STATE UPDATE PENNSYLVANIA—EXHAUST NOISE: SEMA is seeking changes to proposed legislation after lawmakers in Pennsylvania introduced a bill that would ban exhaust cutouts, bypasses and similar devices if they increase a vehicle’s noise. The bill as proposed fails to clearly define these terms and would also establish vague and subjective standards for vehicle noise, creating legal uncertainty and the potential for inconsistent enforcement. SEMA’s government affairs team is working to amend the bill to incorporate specific decibel limits to ensure effective enforcement while protecting responsible vehicle owners and members of the aftermarket community from unintended penalties. NORTH CAROLINA—MOTORSPORTS: The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill that would shield racetracks from nuisance claims brought by nearby property owners, provided the facility secured the necessary permits and vested rights before…

The 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala brought together the specialty-equipment market community for a powerful evening of celebration, reflection and recognition on Friday, July 25, in Universal City, California. The annual event, hosted by industry voice Kevin Oeste, honored new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, celebrated industry milestones and recognized incoming and outgoing Board members—all while highlighting SEMA’s focus on advocacy, innovation and community. “The annual Leaders & Legends Gala is a time-honored SEMA event celebrating our industry’s spirit of volunteerism and achievement,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “We again congratulate our 2025 Hall of Fame inductees along with our incoming and outgoing Board members whose service to the association is deeply appreciated.” CELEBRATING SUCCESS Spagnola kicked the evening off with a powerful address celebrating one of the most…

New technologies create fresh opportunities for savvy business owners, but taking advantage of them requires staying up-to-date on the latest innovations in the aftermarket automotive industry. Our industry is currently facing a range of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, innovative powertrains and automated systems. As new-vehicle technology continues to evolve, so does SEMA’s commitment to keeping SEMA Show attendees at the forefront of cutting-edge developments. At the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 4–7, the FutureTech Studio (Central Hall booth #24401) will give attendees a firsthand look at the newest technologies, groundbreaking ideas, and industry pioneers shaping the future of mobility. “The idea of FutureTech Studio is for SEMA Show attendees to see something groundbreaking and revolutionary,” says Luis Morales, SEMA director of vehicle technology and product…

The recent adjournment of Connecticut’s legislative session provided an opportunity for Moroso Performance Products to host State Sen. Christine Cohen and State Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo for a tour of its Guilford headquarters. Both lawmakers serve as co-chairs of the Transportation Committee, which plays a vital role in shaping policies impacting the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. Connecticut’s specialty-equipment aftermarket contributes significantly to the state’s economy by annually generating $3.79 billion in economic output, supporting more than 13,323 jobs and providing $1.26 billion in wages and benefits. The visit offered a valuable chance for the Moroso team to engage directly with legislators, highlight important industry issues, showcase innovation, and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the automotive aftermarket. The primary focus of the conversation centered on supporting local racetrack facilities, including efforts…

“MOBILE-FIRST DESIGN MEANS CREATING A WEBSITE WITH MOBILE USERS IN MIND FIRST AND THEN SCALING IT UP FOR LARGER SCREENS…” With 4.7 billion people across the globe now using smartphones, according to BackLink (backlinko.com), ensuring that you’re fully optimizing your short-form promo videos for mobile has never been more critical. Observes Bohdana Muzyka, lead business analyst, TechMagic, an IT services firm: “Incorporating a mobile-first design is imperative due to the exploding growth of mobile use over the years.” Louis Pretorius, regional account director for Bird Marketing, a digital marketing services provider, agrees: “With more than half of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, businesses must prioritize the mobile user experience to stay competitive.” “Mobile-first design means creating a website with mobile users in mind first and then scaling it…