By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major reversal, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont this week said an electric-vehicle (EV) mandate was no longer under consideration for the state.

Connecticut, as a CARB state, had sought--and failed--to phase out all new sales of internal-combustion engines by 2035, and was also adhering to current Biden Administration Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, which say 56% of new cars must be electric by 2032. 

"No," Lamont told reporters when asked if EV mandates were still on the table. "We were following the federal standards, and I think the federal standards are no more," referring to the expected Trump Administration action to void the current EPA tailpipe emissions rule. 

The decision represents a major advocacy win for SEMA and its members. SEMA is not anti-EV, but rather believes that government should remain technology-neutral in its efforts to support carbon emissions reductions. Mandates favor single modes of technology, stifling innovation and kneecapping efforts to develop other promising solutions. 

SEMA invested heavily to educate Connecticut residents and lawmakers about the dire impact of EV mandates on their state, commissioning a poll showing overwhelming disapproval of a state ban on gas-powered vehicles, and running an advertisement that aired statewide and online to highlight the automotive aftermarket's innovative work to improve vehicles and encourage the use of alternative fuels. SEMA also highlighted Connecticut's vibrant automotive aftermarket industry, whose annual economic impact exceeds $3.79 billion, and supports more than 13,000 jobs, $1.26 billion in total wages and benefits, and $195 million in state and local taxes paid. 

By Ashley Reyes

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 below. 

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

Robert Presley: People buy from people; it's about relationships first and foremost. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

RP: Passion. I find it exciting to be selling products that I was saving to buy as a teenager. I love that the aftermarket has a corner for everyone, and it allows personalities to shine through different vehicles, modifications and accessories. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

RP: Turning wrenches, at a car event or maybe playing golf. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

RP: I believe preparation equals success. I make sure I have a detailed agenda and understand who the audience is and what the purpose or goal of this meeting is. 

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

RP: Carroll Shelby. I've been a self-acclaimed Ford fan as long as I can remember, and who did more for Ford Performance and racing? 

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 SEMA News Editors

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Refresh Spotted at the Nürburgring

Photographers recently captured new images of the refreshed Porsche 911 GT3 RS in development at the Nürburgring.

In addition to visible updates to the front bumper and headlights, the rear will see significant changes, including redesigned corner air outlets on the bumper and new taillights, matching updates across the 911 lineup. Other updates were made to the diffuser, according to the images.

Interior photos aren't yet available, but it's expected that the entire series will switch to an all-digital instrument cluster, including the GT3 RS, although additional interior changes are anticipated to be minimal.

The 4.0L naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine is expected to remain unchanged.

Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' Breaks Cover Night Testing In Europe

SEMA News sources recently caught the first images of the Tesla Model Y Juniper, expected to debut in early 2025.

The Model Y Juniper is expected to feature a new rear light bar spanning the back of the vehicle, complete with Tesla branding--an addition that sets the Juniper model apart from previous Model Y and Model 3 versions. In the front, new headlights have a "C-shaped" appearance using LED matrix technology and adaptive capabilities, according to sources.

Inside, the Juniper upgrade will use premium materials and feature an updated center console with dual wireless charging, an improved armrest and extra storage options. Tesla may also introduce cooled seats and ergonomic adjustments. Insiders are also expecting the removal of traditional steering column stalks, similar to the latest Model 3, with essential controls shifted to the steering wheel.

Range Rover Velar Electric Spied Testing In Spain

A camouflaged prototype of the Range Rover Velar electric vehicle (EV) was recently spotted testing in Spain sporting sleeker headlights, a coupe-like roofline and a tapered rear profile. The enhanced design features include slim taillights, flush door handles and a distinct double-finned aerial.

Jaguar Land Rover JLR has positioned the Velar EV as a luxury offering on its new EMA platform. However, with the cooling demand for EVs in 2024 and high interest in JLR’s PHEV models, the release timeline for the Velar Electric and other EMA-based EVs may be pushed back, according to sources.

Expected to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, the Velar Electric will likely retain the original Velar’s footprint, promising both on-road performance and off-road capability, insiders said. The Velar Electric will feature a long wheelbase, bold roofline and aerodynamic front fascia, hinting at a spacious interior that may even accommodate three rows of seating.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the recipients of its Visionary 8 honor program, recognizing rising stars who are making a positive impact within the automotive aftermarket. 

New for 2024, the SEMA Visionary 8 program honors eight young professionals aged 35 and under who are on track to change and/or advance the automotive specialty-equipment market. Criteria include having active industry involvement and the demonstrated talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership that is needed to become a driver of the industry. 

"This year's honorees have a passion for the industry and a work ethic that is truly inspiring," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. "We are proud to recognize their fresh perspectives, dedication to personal advancement and out-of-the-box thinking that is pushing the industry forward." 

Each Visionary 8 recipient was recognized at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be featured in an in-depth article in an upcoming issue of SEMA magazine. 

The 2024 SEMA Visionary 8 are: 

• Cavan Cameron, car designer and student, Horizon Motorsports 
• Joe Gregory, project engineer-TrailFX, LKQ Specialty Product Group 
• Nicole Hamilton, director of marketing, Engaged Media 
• Zack Hampton, owner, Chromotize 
• Melanie Henry, communications and traffic manager, Martin & Company Advertising 
• Solomon Lunger, founder, Solos MFG 
• Kevin Sayo, founder, Dongar Technologies LLC 
• Dan Ziegler, business partner integration manager, Turn 14 Distribution 

"I'm honored. I've never won anything like this before," said Hamilton. "This is a huge accomplishment for me and I'm very excited for it."  

Entrepreneurship, insight, integrity, responsibility, and demonstrated skill all weigh heavily in the judges' decision-making process. Nominations for next year's SEMA Visionary 8 will open in Summer of 2025. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin (above) to serve as administrator of the EPA.

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.

Read the full statement here. 

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin (above) to serve as administrator of the EPA.

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.

Read the full statement here. 

By SEMA News Editors

The exhibit space rental agreement for next year's SEMA Show, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is now available online here.

Exhibitors are encouraged to submit their agreements early to maximize their planning time for next year's show. Getting a jumpstart with early submission allows exhibitors to begin strategizing their booth design and marketing approach, fresh from this year's event.

Exhibitors: submit your 2025 SEMA Show exhibit space rental agreement here.

By SEMA News Editors

At the 2024 SEMA Show, SEMA announced its industry-leading SEMA Magazine is now available to everyone for free in a digital format. Claim your subscription now for comprehensive Show coverage, including a look at the week's award winners, top new trends and all the people, cars and products that made a splash at the 2024 SEMA Show.

You can also stay ahead of the industry year-round with in-depth content, industry reports and insights, emerging trends and strategies, interviews with leading figures driving today's automotive aftermarket, and much more. 

How to Claim Your Free SEMA Magazine Digital Subscription

To claim your complimentary digital subscription to SEMA Magazine, follow these steps:

• Visit the link here.
• Once on the subscription page, enter the required information before clicking on "SUBSCRIBE." 
• After, you will immediately receive an email prompting you to verify your email and set up login credentials.
• Once this is completed, you will have access to all 2024 issues of SEMA Magazine, plus first access to upcoming 2025 coverage.
• To browse past coverage, select an issue of your choice. For preferred reading on mobile devices, click on any page, select the "T" at the bottom of your screen, and enjoy your issue of SEMA Magazine.

Claim your SEMA Magazine subscription today to be among the first to see the 2024 SEMA Show print coverage next year! For more information, visit sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

The 2024 SEMA Show was a tremendous success, with a packed floor where major announcements and new product reveals captivated attendees. Several high-profile news releases made waves throughout the event, spotlighting the latest innovations and trends shaping the automotive industry, and SEMA News is sharing some of the excitement from the 2024 Show floor.

RealTruck Announces Collaborations With Chip Foose, Dwyane Wade & More 

This customized Ford F-250 by RealTruck will be auctioned to benefit Dwayne Wade's non-profit organization, the Social Change Fund United.

RealTruck, the aftermarket product and accessory brand for truck and off-road applications, announced several new collaborations at the SEMA Show, including with acclaimed automotive designer, artist and television star Chip Foose. 

Unveiled in the RealTruck booth, Foose built a '21 Ford F-150 outfitted with RealTruck parts and accessories, which will be auctioned early next year at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale to benefit the Progeria Research Foundation. Progeria is a "premature-aging" disease that accelerates mortality in young patients. Foose's sister, Amy, passed away from the disease at the age of 16. 

RealTruck also unveiled several other collaborative builds, partnering with survival expert and SEMA Show Keynote Speaker Bear Grylls, legendary basketball player Dwyane Wade and tool manufacturer Makita U.S.A. 

Grylls has also partnered with RealTruck to launch a new show, "Adventure Garage with Bear Grylls," which will debut in 2025. As part of the partnership, RealTruck customized a '21 Ford F-150 and '24 Toyota Tacoma, which will be featured prominently in the show. 

The company collaborated with Wade to unveil a customized Ford F-250 that will be auctioned to benefit Wade's non-profit organization, the Social Change Fund United, which is dedicated to utilizing collective influence and resources to make a more significant impact in underrepresented communities of color. 

RealTruck's partnership with Makita U.S.A. is showcased in this custom Ford F-150 build seen on the 2024 SEMA Show floor.

In addition to the celebrity builds, RealTruck partnered with Makita U.S.A. to outfit a Ford F-150 with RealTruck products, a custom Makita wrap and several Makita products. 

NABC Presents Refurbished Vehicles to Las Vegas-area Veterans, Families 

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) presented 11 Las Vegas-area veterans, individuals and families with refurbished vehicles as part of the organization's Recycled Roads program at the SEMA Show.  

The program aims to provide the recipients with a vehicle to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families, NABC officials said.  

Cars were donated by GEICO, Allstate, Famers, Travelers, USAA, Nationwide, Enterprise, Caliber Collision, Crash Champions, Gerber Collision and Glass, Classic Collision, Fix Auto USA, Updated Auto Body, Car Crafters/Allard Collision and Universal Motor Cars.  

The cars were presented to veterans and families in need, including:  

• Two veterans who served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. 
• Several families.  
• Three single parents caring for their children. 
• A young adult who recently aged out of foster care.
• Two foster parents who care for children in need.

For more information, visit nationalautobodycouncil.org. 

RBW EV, Spirit EV Hire Peyton Sellers as Director of U.S. Operations 

RBW EV Cars, a British-American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer of new, hand-crafted British classic sports cars, and Spirit EV, a specialized EV company that designs, builds and integrates EV systems for new and classic cars, announced the hiring of Peyton Sellers as its first director of U.S. operations at the 2024 SEMA Show. 

Sellers, the owner of a large-scale commercial vehicle assembly company and two-time NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Division I champion, will manage RBW's new U.S. factory and manufacturing team, which will produce the new left-hand drive RBW Roadster and GT models, including the assembly of EV system units for United States-based Spirit EV customers. 

For more information, visit RBWEVcars.com. 

EXOMOD Partners With OG Carbon 

EXOMOD, a producer of "RetroMod" vehicles, announced a new strategic partnership with custom carbon-fiber component manufacturer OG Carbon during the 2024 SEMA Show. 

OG Carbon offers a lineup of custom carbon-fiber components for a variety of platforms, including Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and more.  

For more information, visit ogcarbonfiber.com or exomod.com. 

CRC Industries Unveils Hydrogen-Powered '57 Chevy to Support Skilled Trade Scholarships 

This restored cherry red '57 Chevrolet Bel Air features a hydrogen-powered engine was supported by NHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican and Jeff Lutz, of "Street Outlaws" and Lutz Race Cars fame. 

CRC Industries unveiled its annual car project, a cherry red '57 Chevrolet Bel Air featuring a hydrogen-powered engine, at the 2024 SEMA Show. The car will go for auction to raise funds for skilled trade scholarships.  

The '57 Chevy will be auctioned to the public in late 2025 or early 2026, with all funds raised directly benefiting CRC's Build for the Future scholarship program.  

Build for the Future, in partnership with TechForce Foundation, is designed to alleviate financial burdens and help send prospective tradespeople to trade school. Earlier this year, CRC auctioned a supercharged '06 Pontiac GTO that funded 10 scholarships. 

The restored '57 Chevy features red and black interiors and a hydrogen-powered, Edelbrock-supercharged Gen3 Hemi engine built by Mike Copeland, a retired GM engineer and the CEO of Arrington Performance. The vehicle was assembled by Copeland and NHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican and Jeff Lutz, of "Street Outlaws" and Lutz Race Cars fame. 

The AAM Group Announces 2024 Keys to Ride Winner 

The AAM Group and Lippert have announced that Brock Edwards from Pickup Palace in Missouri has won the company's 2024 Keys to Ride Sweepstakes.  

The AAM Group and Lippert have announced that Brock Edwards from Pickup Palace in Missouri has won the company's 2024 Keys to Ride Sweepstakes.  

Edwards received a '23 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 customized with Lippert products after winning the drawing held at the 2024 SEMA Show.  

The other finalists included Weldon Banks, Topper World Gulfport, Mississippi; Kirk Napoli, Kirk's Auto Ltd, Louisiana; Nick Toland (Discount Hitch and Truck Accessories, Texas; Brent Cornelius, Cornelius Custom Services, Texas; and Kevin Byrd, Southern Tire Mart, Mississippi. Each finalist received two nights of Las Vegas accommodations and a $1,000 gift card.  

For more information, visit theaamgroup.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the overall winner of the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, the aftermarket industry's ultimate vehicle competition celebrating its second decade of providing builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.

The 2024 Battle of the Builders title goes to Noah Alexander and the '68 Dodge Charger, which was selected as the overall winner from the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category among 172 total entries.

"[To] be crowned the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders overall winner is] an amazing accolade. The competition every year is incredibly fierce, and we've been following it for years. Some of the people we look up to the most in the industry have won this award, so to appear alongside those people is really incredible," said Alexander on the SEMA Show stage. "The best for us was the incredible people we met. It was just amazing to talk to all of these other builders and hear what they do; they pull all their best talent and to share that is what this hobby is all about."

The beautiful build came to fruition after Alexander and the team at Classic Car Studio in St. Louis, Missouri, had a chance meeting several years ago.

"I want to thank Mr. Ed Ganzinotti. Ed bought this car about 20 years ago in Bakersfield, California, and we met him in the checkout line in Barrett-Jackson around six years ago," Alexander said.  

A couple of years later, Ganzinotti reached out to the Classic Car Studio about the Charger. "It started out as [a project where] we were going to fix some paint issues, do an interior refresh and rebuild the engine. We said, 'Ed, before we start, come to our shop, see what we're capable of, and become somewhat of a regular as we work on this build.'"

Once he saw the operation, the customer told the builders, "Guys, I want you to build me the baddest Charger out there." And the rest is now history, as Alexander and his team meticulously created this over-the-top refined build now known as the 2024 Battle of the Builders champion.

"The best part about the build is it has incredible drop-down gorgeous lines from the factory, so we wanted to keep that intact. We set out to modify as much as possible while being subtle and keeping it timeless. We sharpened all the lines; we tucked in the bumpers, we shaved the drip rails, and we just kept going and going. It's one of those cars where you have to step back to appreciate everything. There's lots of crazy metalwork on there, but we wanted to keep it looking like a Charger. It's a fully functional, nice driving car."

The announcement took place on Friday, November 8, on the SEMA Show stage in the Silver Lot outside of Central Hall. Coverage took place on SEMA Live, the new-for-2024 livestream program on YouTube here.