Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Update: California's Ban on Motorhomes Mobilized SEMA's RV Counterparts 👀 SEMA's government affairs team has recently received a number of inquiries about the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) decision not to exempt motorhomes from their Advanced Clean Trucks rule. The Advanced Clean Trucks rule would require all medium- and heavy-duty trucks to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2036. SEMA has consistently opposed California's zero-emissions vehicle mandates in all forms, including filing a lawsuit against CARB's Advanced Clean Fleet rules in October. Read More 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAR9qTRy

SEMA Applauds President-Elect Trump's EPA Administrator Selection President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump has promised on "Day 1" to end federal electric-vehicle (EV) mandates, a major factor in the nation's decision to deliver him a second election victory. SEMA played a major role in bringing the EV mandate issue to the forefront of the election, using its Driving Force Action SuperPAC to educate American voters on the damage that such policies will cause for the nation's automotive small businesses and consumers. SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola reacted to the selection in a statement. Read the full statement below: SEMA, on behalf of its more than 7,500 members in the automotive aftermarket industry, and the nation’s millions of automotive enthusiasts, applauds President-elect Donald J. Trump’s selection of Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. SEMA urges the U.S. Senate to quickly and resoundingly confirm former Rep. Zeldin for the role of EPA Administrator. Former Rep. Zeldin, as a member of Congress and the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, sought to combat climate change while also protecting the nation’s economic prosperity through constructive dialogue about climate change, economics, energy and conservation. He was a champion of one of the automotive aftermarket industry’s previous legislative efforts to defend manufacturers, retailers and enthusiasts against EPA overreach. His actions are reasonable and clear-headed in their approach to environmental issues. SEMA stands ready to support Rep. Zeldin when the confirmation process begins in 2025, and work with him and his team to develop environmental policies that support the needs of small businesses and automotive enthusiasts nationwide. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqBfcRt2

🚨 SEMA urges President-elect Trump to stay the course and reject the previous administration’s EV mandates. While others push for these regulations, we stand for a future where all technologies can thrive, protecting consumer choice, jobs, and innovation. Read the full letter 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e6Javhm3

SEMA stood out in the crowd over last few months by taking a very public position on EV mandates: that they stifle innovation and American ingenuity, that they’re bad for our nation’s economy and our industry. SEMA is technology neutral; we believe EVs are just part of a robust solution. President-elect Trump agrees and he’s pledged to end EV mandates on “Day 1” of his new administration. Today we sent him a letter reminding him that he has our support in the face of renewed pressure from some in the automotive industry who seek to keep the Biden-Harris pro-EV policies. https://lnkd.in/g36srMcr

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Tesla Model Y Juniper, Range Rover Velar EV 👀 Read more! 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wOXM2

SEMA Research: 50% of Vehicle Accessorizers Are Young Enthusiasts! Young enthusiasts are an important part of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. According to the "2024 SEMA Market Report," half of those modifying their cars and trucks are under the age of 40, and people grow less likely to buy aftermarket parts as they get older. "There's a popular misperception that younger generations aren't into personalizing their cars," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "However, our research shows that young accessorizers are still crazy about their vehicles, although the way they interact and modify them looks different than it did years ago." Modifying vehicles gives young people an outlet to express who they are and gives them projects to share with their friends. Social media has also impacted the way the younger generation views and enjoys vehicles, whether it be posting their projects for their followers or following influencers to see their latest builds and products of choice. Aftermarket companies can benefit, both in sales and brand loyalty, by working with social-media influencers to target younger audiences and aligning their business strategies to meet the needs of customers across all age groups. 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wOVQc

2024 SEMA Show Recap: OEMs Introduce Builds, Accessory Packages on the Show Floor 🤩 The 2024 SEMA Show, which took over the Las Vegas Convention Center last week, was more than a showcase for more than 2,400 manufacturers and brands; it also featured several OEMs and automakers unveiling exciting new concepts, vehicles and accessory packages. These additions highlighted the event's commitment to innovation, bringing together cutting-edge designs and products from across the industry. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eWjbZaA2

FLN Member Spotlight: Robert Presley of Keystone Automotive Operations! The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Robert Presley, strategic account manager at Keystone Automotive Operations, as the network's newest spotlight member. Get to know Presley in his interview with SEMA News! 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wOT0A

Yesterday, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable announced new economic data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis that highlights how much of an economic driver outdoor recreation is within the U.S. economy. The data shows that outdoor recreation in 2023 generated $1.2 trillion in economic output and accounted for 5 million jobs. That’s 2.3% of the national GDP and 3.1% of U.S. employees. The BEA’s numbers verify the rapid expansion we’ve seen firsthand in the off-road and overlanding industries. Motorized recreation is a lifestyle and passion for millions of Americans; the money that OHV and overlanding enthusiasts invest in their vehicles is a key economic driver of the outdoor recreation economy. Organizations that support motorized recreation are major employers in gateway communities and throughout the country, where specialty aftermarket businesses manufacture, install, and sell parts that upgrade the safety, comfort, and performance of SUVs, trucks, and OHVs, through enhanced wheels and tires, suspension upgrades, lift kits, winches, lighting products, and more. Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is proud to support the offroad community and help our members reach the customers for whom the great outdoors is a great place to play.   https://lnkd.in/gvyTNRRt  

Relive the Electrifying 2024 SEMA Fest! The 2024 SEMA Show was a success as the four-day event featured the latest automotive innovations and trending brands, concluding on a high note with the second-ever SEMA Fest concert festival on Friday, November 8. SEMA Fest pass holders were thrilled by dynamic motorsports activations like electrifying burnouts and stunts at the OPTIMA Village. The festival's stellar musical lineup, featuring Petey, Fitz And The Tantrums, Sublime and Cage The Elephant, brought vibrant energy, making it an unforgettable finale to the event.