By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) are hosting a networking mixer during Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Florida.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (EDT), on the third level of the Daytona International Speedway.

The mixer is the ideal event for TORA and FLN members to grow their professional network, discover business and career-building resources and connect with each group's select committee. Attendees will learn about member resources, find open volunteer opportunities and forge valuable relationships that can drive their business forward.

Prospective TORA and FLN members are encouraged to attend the event, as it's a great way to discover the benefits of SEMA council and network membership. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served.

RSVP here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Riley Schlick, owner of Riley's Rebuilds, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Schlick in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there? 

Riley Schlick: I started Riley's Rebuilds four years ago to make money for my first car--a Jeep. I enjoy being a female in a male profession and the support I have been getting from other women in the industry. 

SN: What is the most challenging part of your business or job?  

RS: Wanting to be a 17-year-old and not a boss. I have three employees--my high school friends. That is hard sometimes.  

SN: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?  

RS: I have been in the industry for four years. My first industry job was restoring old car and motorcycle parts and selling them on eBay.  

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?  

RS: Perseverance, determination and spunkiness. I can get past the mean people with perseverance, I get through my rebuild orders with determination, and my spunkiness helps me in my conversations with professionals in the industry. 

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

RS: There have not been a lot of challenges, except maybe not knowing everything about everything car-related, (my dad helps with a lot of tech questions, and I am learning every day). Being a young woman in this industry has gotten me a lot of attention and that has allowed me to get other young women interested in older cars. I am told I am a role model for a lot of young girls whose dads and granddads are car people. 

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? What keeps you here? 

RS: The Bogi [Lateiner], Faye Hadley, Alex Taylor, Camee Edelbrock, Stacey David and Greg Henderson. I have watched many of them on TV and they made this look possible. I was able to meet many of them at SEMA last year and that was amazing.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received?  

RS: Always be humble and focus on quality. Being humble means I have a really good relationship with my customers, followers and business people. 

SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?  

RS: I have always wanted to be a car and Jeep girl. I worked in the garage with my dad since I was small off and on. I always wanted to build my first car so the boys would say, "She knows what she is doing." Support and family are what keeps me in the car industry. 

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career goals? 

RS: My dad! He is the best person I know in the world. 

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.  

By SEMA News Editors

Fox Factory has unveiled its latest creation: the '24 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition.

The super truck is the result of collaboration between the Fox Factory Powered Vehicle Division and several off-road industry manufacturers like FOX, Method Race Wheels, BFGoodrich, Baja Kits, ARB, RCV and more.

With 700hp, wide-body, prerunner styling and a long-travel suspension, the '24 Silverado is designed to conquer any terrain, according to Fox Factory, and has been through hours of design, torture testing and refinement.

As part of the truck's development, FOX has introduced the next evolution of its Live Valve shock system for the Chevrolet Silverado platform. Leveraging its 3.2 Internal Bypass shock design, the new Live Valve suspension management system features two electronically controlled solenoid valves per shock, providing control over compression and rebound.

Other features include a Whipple supercharger, Borla stainless steel exhaust, a Dana 60 rear axle with an ARB air locker, a custom interior and more.

For more information on the full build, visit foxfactorytruck.com.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed SEMA-supported legislation (L.D. 2261) that would reclassify the state's adoption of California's clean-car rules as a "major substantive rule," requiring the legislature to provide final approval of the regulation, not the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP).

Under current law, citizens--including environmental groups--can initiate the regulatory process for minor updates upon submission of a petition with 150 voters' signatures. 

In March, Maine's BEP voted against adopting a SEMA-opposed proposal requiring that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2032. Drafted in response to a citizen petition from an environmental group, the rule aimed to tighten emissions standards for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles sold in Maine, aligning the state with California's latest clean-car rules, which the state has historically followed.

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. In the case of Maine, it rebukes the push of 150 citizens who attempted to determine policy for the rest of the state. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, including hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Maine Governor Janet Mills signed SEMA-supported legislation (L.D. 2261) that would reclassify the state's adoption of California's clean-car rules as a "major substantive rule," requiring the legislature to provide final approval of the regulation, not the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP).

Under current law, citizens--including environmental groups--can initiate the regulatory process for minor updates upon submission of a petition with 150 voters' signatures. 

In March, Maine's BEP voted against adopting a SEMA-opposed proposal requiring that 82% of new vehicles sold in the state be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2032. Drafted in response to a citizen petition from an environmental group, the rule aimed to tighten emissions standards for new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles sold in Maine, aligning the state with California's latest clean-car rules, which the state has historically followed.

SEMA believes that Mainers, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. In the case of Maine, it rebukes the push of 150 citizens who attempted to determine policy for the rest of the state. The automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, including hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels and improvements to the internal combustion engine. The government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Toyota has introduced the all-new '25 4Runner, the sixth generation of the off-road-focused SUV.

Built on the TNGA-F truck platform that is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra and Sequoia, the 4Runner benefits from a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension.

The Michigan-based CALTY design team designed the 4Runner alongside the Tacoma, and both share inspiration from the desert racing scene, according to the manufacturer.

The next-generation 4Runner will be available with two different turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder powertrains, including the i-FORCE engine with 278 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which pairs the 2.4L engine with a 48hp electric motor, increasing total output to 326 hp. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum trim levels.

Designed for off-road capability, the new 4Runner will be offered with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control and an automatic limited-slip differential. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades. The Limited is offered with an available a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, while this setup is standard on Platinum grades.

The 4Runner is also equipped with Toyota's latest interior accessories and appointments. A new 8-in. or available 14-in. multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest audio multimedia system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and pairs with an available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades.

For more information on the '25 Toyota 4Runner, visit toyota.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Hotel reservations are now open online here for the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5-8, Las Vegas, including at several new locations, available at the lowest possible nightly rates through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak.  

The SEMA Show and onPeak offer attendees and exhibitors exclusive deals at an ever-growing list of the best hotels in Las Vegas. New properties are now available to book this year, giving SEMA Showgoers an extensive lineup of housing options for the world's premier automotive trade show.  

New hotels and exclusive nightly rates for the 2024 SEMA Show:   

• Circa - $139  
• Four Seasons - $299  
• Virgin Hotel - $279  

Booking a 2024 SEMA Show hotel through onPeak provides cost-saving rates, exclusive offerings and outstanding service. In addition, booking an official SEMA hotel also supports the Show, its participants and its partners, allowing for lower room rates, more concessions and exclusive benefits that best serve the industry for years to come. Book your SEMA Show hotel here. 

Securing housing is just one of the first steps on the road to the 2024 SEMA Show. Attendee and media registration opens on Monday, April 29, and the SEMA Show Exhibitor Services Manual and additional exhibitor resources will go live on Monday, April 29.  

Keep an eye on SEMA News and semashow.com for the latest deadlines, updates and opportunities for the 2024 SEMA Show and SEMA Fest. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA has announced the following candidates are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors: 

Manufacturer (Two Seats) 

• Rich Barsamian, Advanced Clutch Technology
• Brian Herron, OPUS IVS
• Kim Pendergast, Magnuson Products, Incumbent
• Melissa Scoles, QA1

Distributor Retailer (Two Seats) 

• Doug Lane, Motor State Distributing
• Kelle Oeste, V8 Speed Shop
• Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.
• Rob Ward, Legacy EV

Service (One Seat) 

• Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park
• David Morton, Fifth Third Bank
• Todd Steen, Jackson Marketing

Voting will take place online between Tuesday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 11 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company's primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company's designated primary contact beginning Tuesday, May 28. Winners will be announced by Friday, June 21. 

About SEMA

SEMA, founded in 1963, represents the $46.2 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as the leading trade show SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. For more information, visit sema.org, semashow.com or performanceracing.com. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Roy Wragth, CEO of Wragth Motorsports--a veteran-owned company that specializes in parts and accessories for late model vehicles--as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Wragth in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Roy Wragth: Take action. You don't need to have all the answers, you just need to have a goal and take action. Give it all you got. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

RW: My passion for cars and being able to provide a therapeutic outlet for others through high-performance car builds. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  ‘ 

RW: The gym, working on cars or on the mats as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

RW: Usually we plan and understand high-level goals and steps needed to be taken to obtain those goals. From there, we make things happen. 

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

RW: Jay Leno; he’s super humble and knowledgeable about cars. I would love to learn how he plans his day, his why and what drives him to continue to provide value. 

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 Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is hosting a networking Happy Hour at the 2024 Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 18, at 5:00 p.m. in the Hot Products Showcase tent located between the stage and the grandstands.

All council members are invited to the gathering, where they will be able to network with industry friends, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the hot new products on display from ARMO member companies.

Attendees will learn about ARMO's latest initiatives, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council. Prospective members are invited to attend, as it's a great way to introduce yourself and learn what ARMO membership has to offer. 

 RSVP here.