Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

By Ashley Reyes Open exclusively to automotive restylers, the 2026 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge will feature up to six automotive restyling shops vying for top honors in the coveted competition. Applications are open now at www.semapcc.com. Culminating at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3-6, the PRO Cup Challenge is not about creating one-time builds; it's about building repeatable accessory packages for new model vehicles within real-world constraints on time and budget.

By SEMA News Editors The 2026 SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, will once again bring together the global automotive aftermarket for four days of innovation, education, networking and business opportunities. Alongside thousands of exhibitors and product debuts, attendees will have access to a wide range of activations and featured experiences throughout the SEMA Show campus.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office SEMA Business Members on July 8 are invited to participate in an upcoming free webinar sponsored by the Small Business Legislative Council focused on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and what small businesses need to know to prepare for compliance. Register here for Extended Producer Responsibility Laws: What Small Businesses Need to Know, which will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

By Ashley Reyes The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is hosting its Education Days Program at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, giving attendees the opportunity to learn directly from top manufacturers in the hot-rod market. Taking place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, the program will help hot-rod builders, professionals and enthusiasts sharpen their knowledge of product selection and installation, and learn best practices for building a hot rod.

By Ashley Reyes SEMA has opened nominations for its 2026 Council and Network Awards at www.sema.org/cn-awards. The council and network awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to their distinct market segments and professional communities during the past year. Deserving candidates include members whose leadership, innovation, dedication and service are moving the automotive aftermarket forward.

Next-Generation Hyundai Elantra Prototype Spotted Testing in Europe The next-generation Hyundai Elantra (codenamed CN8) has been caught testing in Europe's mountains. These images confirm that Hyundai is doubling down on its futuristic, coupe-inspired design language for the '26 Elantra. German registration plates fuel speculation that the new Elantra might finally make it to the European market. The Elantra CN8's headlights reveal a dramatic evolution from the current model.

By SEMA News Editors Hemmings Launches Giveaway for One-of-One Trail 70 Minibike Hemmings, the online collector car marketplace, is launching the "Hemmings Stay Gold Sweepstakes," a giveaway offering one winner the opportunity to own a custom-built Trail 70 Minibike.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion that states that a SEMA Certified-Emissions certification qualifies as a reasonable basis under the Tampering Policy and companies can rely on this certificate to demonstrate compliance.

SEMA CERTIFIED-EMISSIONS PROGRAM EARNS EPA “REASONABLE BASIS” RECOGNITION -- SEMA Garage-developed certification verified as a proven pathway for aftermarket businesses to show compliance with federal clean air laws -- WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2026) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion that states that a SEMA Certified-Emissions certification qualifies as a reasonable basis under the Tampering Policy and companies can rely on this...

By Ashley Reyes The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kyle Ebner, collision network manager at Ford Motor Company, as its newest allyship honoree. Learn how Ebner supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below. SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment? Kyle Ebner: I hired a woman automotive painter and supported my daughter in her interest in automotive and racing.