Automotive Videos

12/04/2024

Hot Shot's Secret has expanded the Black Diamond® Outlaw® engine oil family to include a 10w-30 viscosity. The 100% full PAO synthetic based engine oil contains extreme pressure additives, three times the amount of zinc of traditional CK-4 oils and antimony levels over 400 ppm for improved film strength and protection.

Starting with a heightened 14 Total Base Number (TBN), Black Diamond Outlaw provides unmatched protection against the acidic conditions occurring naturally in diesel combustion engines. This new oil viscosity is ideal for turbocharged and race engines where increased protection is needed, in addition to heavy-duty trucks, ag, construction, and industrial equipment. Black Diamond Outlaw is not intended for vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPF), catalytic converters, EGR or other emission equipment as damage to these systems could occur because of their low tolerances to zinc.

Hot Shot’s Secret’s Black Diamond Outlaw oil requires a very small amount of viscosity improvers to meet weight specifications and is enhanced with Hot Shot’s Secret’s patented FR3 Nano Technology and a CK-4 additive package unsurpassed in providing oxidation stability, film strength, anti-rust protection and reduced shearing and friction. The result is unsurpassed protection, reduced noise and vibration, extended oil change intervals, and a fuel economy gain of up to 3%.

11/04/2024

Microfiber towels, due to their absorbency and durability, have become a popular choice across all carwash formats, but cotton terry towels have been the gold standard for 100 years. In this video, Professional Carwashing & Detailing's Rich DiPaolo provides a short overview of the differences between microfiber and cotton towels. Professional Carwashing & Detailing is an amazing resource for car care.

Microfiber towels, due to their absorbency and durability, have become a popular choice across all carwash formats, but cotton terry towels have been the gol...

11/04/2024

The Audi USA Q7 and SQ7 are the perfect blend of premium design, an expansive driver-assistance portfolio, and everyday versatility. The 7-passenger SUV with standard quattro® all-wheel drive will feature freshened exteriors for model year 2025, including new front and rear fascias, available digital daytime running lights and OLED rear lights with selectable light signatures. Customers can further personalize the most versatile Audi with new wheels, colors, and decorative interior inlays. Audi is also upgrading its 3-row family SUVs with expanded connectivity offerings.

Further refining the Q7’s and SQ7’s understated elegance, the largest and most versatile SUVs in the Audi lineup receive a host of exterior design changes for model year 2025. Up front, the unmistakable Audi Singleframe octagonal grille now features vertical inlays, visually extending its height. The inlays feature a teardrop shape on the standard Q7 exterior, and are L-shaped on the SQ7. The new grille contours help emphasize the elevated placement of the headlights, with the front-end anchored by new color-framed air intakes.

Audi has systematically reduced the total number of decorative elements on the front of the Q7 and SQ7, helping deliver a cleaner look overall. Further distinguishing 2025 models, elements of the front bumper, door attachment trim, and diffuser can be configured in various finishes. The available Black optic package presents black accents around the Singleframe grille, the trim on the side windows, and on the front and rear fascias. Additionally, the package provides Anthracite Gray Audi rings and dark chrome exhaust tips for both the Q7 and SQ7 models. This package also includes 20” wheels on the Q7 45, and 21” wheels on the Q7 55 (an option on the Q7 45). For the SQ7, the package includes specific 21” 6-Y-spoke design wheels with black finish or an available 22” multispoke S design wheel.

With a 7-passenger seating configuration and easy access to the power-folding third row, the Q7 combines versatility and luxury in one complete package. For 2025, the Q7 45 seam-stitching trim now comes standard in a contrasting gray color, and an available Executive package elevates both physical and acoustic comforts with dual-pane acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, 4-zone automatic climate control and traffic sign recognition. To underline the model’s sporty formula, the SQ7 offers a standard new Carbon twill matte decorative interior inlay, and an Audi Sport Express Red interior package, which includes full red seatbelts, red stitching on the seats, center armrest, door armrest, and on the sides of the center console.

In terms of connectivity technology, for the first time, the Q7 and SQ7 can utilize popular apps from third-party providers such as Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and many more. Via the Audi App Store, selections can be downloaded directly to the MMI and run natively. The Audi App Store will continuously expand with new apps to further enhance individualization of the infotainment system. Additionally, Audi will include online navigation services and Traffic Light Information (TLI) for 3 years at no extra cost, along with a 6-month trial for streaming services and full-speed Wi-Fi.

All Audi Q7 models comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, providing drivers with supreme confidence in varied conditions thanks to its ability to efficiently direct power to all four wheels. Three different powertrains are available to feed the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Audi Q7 45 features a 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The Audi Q7 55 features a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger mounted within the engine’s V for improved response and thermal efficiency.

The Audi SQ7 features a mighty biturbo 500-horsepower 4.0L V8 engine. The sophisticated V8 engine also features a cylinder on demand system to improve efficiency under certain conditions. All Q7 55 and SQ7 models boast a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, adding significant practicality.

11/04/2024

Acura revealed an extensive refresh of the 2025 MDX, the performance brand's flagship and the best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all-time. The MDX boasts styling enhancements, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in, a quieter cabin, improved safety features, and a Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system. The high-performance 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package debuts the new AcuraWatch™ 360 system that introduces more advanced driver assistive capabilities thanks to additional front corner radars, a higher-fidelity front camera, and new front millimeter wave radar. The standard AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies on all other MDX grades also features updated hardware for enhanced safety performance.

The 2025 MDX and MDX Type S performance SUVs will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide this May.

"The best never stand still; they keep getting better, and that's what we did with the new 2025 Acura MDX by taking our most popular model and flagship 3-row SUV to a new level, as we continue to advance Precision Crafted Performance at every point in the Acura lineup," said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of American Honda Auto Sales. "We've enhanced MDX in almost every way, adding incredible new tech, a quick and intuitive touchscreen interface, world-class Bang & Olufsen luxury audio and lots more. It's simply the best MDX we've ever made."

New for the 2025 model year is the arrival of the MDX A-Spec with Advance Package, which combines sport appearance with additional premium features including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. MDX with Advance Package and MDX A-Spec with Advance Package also feature curvilinear-quilted leather and massaging front seats, previously exclusive to MDX Type S.

Additionally, the turbocharged MDX Type S now comes standard with the previously optional Advance Package, further enhancing the high-performance variant with premium features, including a head-up display, 16-way power front seats, 9-way massaging front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and Surround View Camera. The 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package introduces Acura's most impressive audio system yet, an all-new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system that elevates MDX's already class-leading audio experience.

All 2025 MDX models feature a new, more aggressive front fascia with a new open-frame Diamond Pentagon grille and a redesigned diamond pattern grille mesh. The sleek new design is framed by Acura's signature four JewelEye® LED headlight elements and "Chicane" LED daytime running lights.

MDX A-Spec, for buyers who desire an even sportier appearance, now offers a more aggressive front fascia shared with the MDX Type S, a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with redesigned grille mesh, blacked-out exterior treatment, A-Spec badges and redesigned 20-inch wheels. The Technology Package and Advance Package also receive new 20-inch wheel designs.

The styling of the more powerful MDX Type S is further enhanced with a new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with redesigned open-surface mesh, which provides airflow to its exclusive Type S Turbo V6 engine, and redesigned Berlina Black 21-inch split-spoke wheels with a machined finish. Type S is further differentiated with an exclusive rear diffuser, large quad exhaust outlets and red Brembo® 4-piston front brake calipers.

Two exciting new paint colors are available for the first time on MDX: the all-new Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl, which debuted on the 2024 TLX.

Inside, Acura customers will find even more advanced tech and cutting-edge connectivity smartly integrated in MDX for a premium cabin experience. All 2025 MDX models now feature a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ capability are also standard.

Complementing the new touchscreen interface is a more functional center console to further advance the cabin experience with increased storage and improved access to the standard wireless charging pad.

Every 2025 MDX features the latest generation of AcuraLink™, with in-vehicle 4GLTE Wi-Fi compatibility, over-the-air software update capability and a wide array of available cloud-based services, including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start.

At the top of the MDX lineup, the 2025 MDX Type S with Advance Package exclusively features a new 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen's luxury audio system. Boasting six more speakers than the outgoing system, it is the most powerful Acura audio system ever with Bang & Olufsen Acoustic Lens Tweeters, an 8.8" subwoofer, two amplifiers, 24 channels of power and an incredible 31 speakers, including 12 mounted in the headliner.

10/04/2024

Ford Motor Company said it is re-timing the launch of upcoming electric vehicles at its Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant while continuing to build out an advanced industrial system to produce its next-generation electric vehicles, including greenfield construction and conversion of existing assembly plants.

The company continues to invest in a broad set of EV programs as it works to build a full EV line-up. These initiatives support the development of a differentiated and profitably growing EV business over time while Ford serves customers with the right mix of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles based on demand today. In parallel, Ford is expanding its hybrid electric vehicle offerings. By the end of the decade, the company expects to offer hybrid powertrains across its entire Ford Blue lineup in North America. In the first quarter of 2024, Ford’s electric vehicle sales increased by 86% and hybrid sales rose 42% versus a year ago.

The transformation of Oakville Assembly Plant – a comprehensive overhaul of the plant from a gas vehicle assembly plant into an EV manufacturing complex – is set to begin in the second quarter, as planned.

Preparations continue for the market launch of Ford’s all-new three-row electric vehicles at the assembly complex in Oakville, Ontario, which the company said it will re-time to 2027 from 2025. The additional time will allow for the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop and enable Ford to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the goal to provide customers increased durability and better value.

“We value our Canadian teammates and appreciate that this delay will have an impact on this excellent team,” Farley said. “We are fully committed to manufacturing in Canada and believe this decision will help us build a profitably growing business for the long term.”

The company will work with Unifor to mitigate the impact the launch delay will have on its workforce at Oakville.

“We are committed to taking care of our valued Oakville employees through this transition,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford Canada. “While this change requires a revision to the timeline, it will support a viable and growing future for our company, employees and dealers.”

The creation of the BlueOval City campus – Ford’s new advanced auto production complex that includes the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center assembly plant – is progressing on track. In addition to paint shop and vehicle assembly equipment, installation is also underway for nearly 4,000 tons of stamping equipment that will produce the sheet metal stampings for Ford’s next all-new electric truck.

Ford plans to begin customer deliveries of the new truck in 2026 and gradually ramp up production to help assure quality. The Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center will be Ford’s first Industry 4.0 plant, combining automation and connectivity to help elevate quality and efficiency.

09/04/2024

Here Speedmaster is, 25,000 parts, three continents, 400+ staff members, and 40 years later. With a strong heritage, their ongoing appetite to design, engineer, and manufacture outstanding products is as strong as ever. https://bit.ly/3TO6NOl

Here we are 25,000 Parts, 3 Continents, 400+ Staff Members and 40 years later. With a strong heritage and ongoing appetite to design, engineer and manufactur...

09/04/2024

The first-ever Acura ADX, a new premium SUV, will debut in early 2025. Sitting alongside the award-winning Acura Integra, the turbocharged ADX will be positioned as another gateway to the Acura brand for young premium buyers.

“The 2025 Acura ADX will add a fourth SUV to our lineup and a new gateway model ready to build on the incredible success of Integra, helping make Acura a destination brand for a new generation of buyers,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “With the first-ever ADX and all-electric ZDX, the Acura lineup will have SUVs covered from A to Z.”

05/04/2024

Dustin Williams comes to Meguiar's headquarters with his freshly built 2015 Subaru WRX. Watch as they start this day of car detailing off by giving a good wash to clean off the dirt and debris, then move on to evaluating the paint in order to select the best detailing product to correct the paint. Dustin just recently had it sprayed, and it’s ready to start working on. https://bit.ly/4cO9B6w

In this vlog, we’re excited to have Dustin Williams come to Meguiar’s headquarters with his freshly built 2015 Subaru WRX. We start this day of car detailing...

05/04/2024

Toyota USA helped start the electrification revolution in 1997 when it introduced the hybrid powertrain and proved its viability for use in passenger vehicles. Let's take a quick look at the THS, Toyota Hybrid System, that's found within so many Toyota vehicles. https://bit.ly/49wcxBT

Toyota helped start the electrification revolution in 1997 when it introduced the hybrid powertrain and proved its viability for use in passenger vehicles. L...

02/04/2024

Upgrade your driving experience with ATAC Advanced Thermal Acoustic Coating and discover a new world of comfort and quiet. It's time to silence the noise, beat the heat, and elevate your vehicle with ATAC.

ATAC coating is designed to transform the interior of your vehicle into an oasis of comfort. Say goodbye to the discomfort of excessive heat and annoying noise, and say hello to a serene, cool, and quiet ride! https://bit.ly/4cHNuPd

Upgrade your driving experience with ATAC Advanced Thermal Acoustic Coating and discover a new world of comfort and quiet. It's time to silence the noise, be...

31/03/2024

Watch an overview of the new Winnebago EKKO Sprinter, an AWD addition to the EKKO lineup, with enhanced off-road capability, convenient exterior features, and a new multifunctional living area. https://bit.ly/43E05ie

Watch an overview of the new Winnebago EKKO Sprinter, an AWD addition to the EKKO lineup, with enhanced off-road capability, convenient exterior features, an...

29/03/2024

Honda was honored with six Kelley Blue Book 2024 Consumer Choice Awards, including America's "Best Overall Brand", "Best Value Brand" and "Best Overall EV/Hybrid Brand", today at the New York International Auto Show. In a show of design and engineering excellence, Honda was also named America's "Most Trusted Brand", "Best In-Vehicle Experience Brand" and "Best Performance Brand".

Honda has won an incredible 32 Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards (formerly the Brand Image Awards)—more than any other brand—including eight coveted "Best Overall Brand" honors in the past 11 years and the last 10 "Best Value Brand" titles.

Kelley Blue Book's prestigious Consumer Choice Awards recognize automakers with the most desirable key brand attributes that excite and attract car buyers. The 2024 Consumer Choice Awards are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book's Brand Watch study.

25/03/2024

Sporting bold shapes and undeniable style that would be as at home in a sneakerhead's collection as in their driveway, Nissan unboxed the all-new 2025 Kicks with an interactive experience in Brooklyn, at the opening rounds of the 2024 NCAA® Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center.

Designed to energize the compact crossover segment and thoughtfully enhance every drive, the new Kicks makes its virtual debut outside Barclays Center, where fans will spot a larger-than-life, digital 3D "shoebox" featuring the new model. Inside the Barclays Center, game attendees can visit the Kicks Unboxing booth, see the car for the first time, and enjoy live music from Kicks Beats DJs, a Kicks Lacing Station with giveaways and much more to thrill basketball fans.

The Kicks Unboxing event was open Friday, March 22 and Sunday, March 24 during game times. Following its debut, the 2025 Nissan Kicks will be on display at the 2024 New York International Auto Show from March 27 through April 7.

"Unboxing the all-new Kicks at Barclays Center places our thrilling new model at the heart of the action as passionate sports fans pour into the arena for the exciting experience of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament," said Marisstella Marinkovic, vice president and chief marketing officer, Nissan U.S. "By aligning our brand with consumer passions at pivotal touchpoints, we showcase our products to the right audiences, fostering meaningful connections in the most impactful manner."

Nissan is an official partner of the 2024 March Madness tournament. https://bit.ly/3vrOS7U

Sporting fresh color ways, a bold interior, and innovative technology, the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks masterfully remixes flair and function for an unforgetta...

24/03/2024

SEMA News says that after advocacy from small businesses across the country that represent the specialty automotive aftermarket and other key stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is delaying its most aggressive tailpipe emissions-reduction requirements from model-year '27 to model-year '30. The EPA's final rule also slightly increased the average tailpipe emissions for light-duty vehicles, increasing the standard to 85 grams/mile from 82 grams/mile for model-year '32.

While the agency's final rulemaking provides automakers with additional time to ramp up production of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), currently, only electric vehicles (EVs) and five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) meet the easier 85 grams/mile standard. It is estimated that 67% of new vehicles sold would have to be EVs by 2032 to meet this standard. Automakers could also comply with the final rule if EVs account for 56% of new vehicle sales and PHEVs comprise 13% of model-year '32 sales. SEMA opposes the EPA's final standards for the model-year '27 to '32 light- and medium-duty vehicles, which ultimately still force automakers to sell EVs and PHEVs to comply with this rulemaking and further limits internal combustion engine (ICE) technology options.

24/03/2024

The rugged 2024 Honda Passport has won the U.S. News & World Report's 2024 "Best Cars for Families" award. Since the debut of the "Best Cars for Families" awards in 2011, Honda is the winningest brand, with 43 vehicle category awards. This marks the fourth time the Honda Passport has been named the 'Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families'.

"The Honda Passport offers ample passenger and cargo space for adventures, along with a host of family-friendly interior features, such as standard tri-zone automatic climate control, that will keep everyone comfortable along the way," says John Vincent, senior editor/vehicle testing for U.S. News & World Report.

To choose its award winners, U.S. News & World Report examined 90 new cars, SUVs and minivans from the 2024 model year, combining professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features. The award methodology also considers the availability of tech features such as in-car wireless internet, teen driver controls, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and hands-free cargo doors. The vehicle with the highest composite score in each category is named the Best Car for Families.

16/03/2024

SEMA News Garage Detroit has received confirmation from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the new location is properly equipped for automotive exhaust emissions testing. CARB has issued a letter naming the SEMA Detroit Garage a Recognized Independent Emissions Lab, officially recognizing it as a qualified location for emissions compliance testing.

“We’re excited to receive this recognition from CARB,” said Mike Mohacsi, Vice President, SEMA Product Development and OEM Relations. “Now both of our Garages in Detroit and Diamond Bar are fully recognized by CARB, enabling us to serve more of our member companies throughout the country.”

The recognition from CARB will enable SEMA to better serve its membership by offering certification-level automotive exhaust emissions testing to help members develop products that can be sold in all 50 states. Testing plays a vital role in the CARB Executive Order (EO) process, particularly for products that may impact vehicle emissions. Understanding the regulatory process and keeping up to date on regulations such as the federal Clean Air Act and the California Vehicle Code, SEMA offers unrivaled knowledge to assist companies with compliance by offering crucial emissions testing services and aiding in navigating regulatory standards. This support enables manufacturers to efficiently test, develop, certify, and bring their products to market quickly.

As of February 2024, there were only 14 Independent Vehicle Emissions Testing Labs in the United States, including the two SEMA Garages, that are recognized by CARB to perform light-duty tailpipe emissions testing.

“The emissions testing labs at the SEMA Garage in Detroit and Diamond Bar focus on developing and certifying aftermarket components,” said Ben Kaminsky, General Manager, SEMA Garage Detroit. “We are two of the only recognized labs in the country with this specific focus.”

Opened in 2022, the SEMA Garage Detroit emissions lab offers comprehensive services, including access to a multi-million-dollar facility, cutting-edge emissions tools, competitive rates, assistance with vehicle procurement, and real-time observation of testing by manufacturers. Along with its emissions testing lab, the SEMA Garage Compliance Center can assist manufacturers throughout the entire CARB application process, further streamlining the path to regulatory approval. The facility also features an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Center and offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) measuring sessions, scanning services, and advanced tools and equipment.

The SEMA emissions and compliance teams are dedicated full-time staff who guide members through the CARB EO application and testing requirements, offering support in communication with CARB every step of the way. The CARB recognition comes as the SEMA Garage program achieves a landmark. SEMA has secured more than 700 CARB EOs for its members, underscoring its pivotal role for members in facilitating emissions compliance and regulatory approval for aftermarket products. SEMA also offers its SEMA Certified-Emissions program that meets the requirements of the EPA’s Tampering policy, helping manufacturers sell confidently in 49 states.

16/03/2024

The exhibitor space rental agreement for the 2024 Performance Racing Industry Show, December 12-14, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is now open online, but the deadline to secure a booth is quickly approaching.

To be included in the initial plotting of the floor plan for the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals, exhibitors must submit a booth agreement and deposit by Friday, May 24.

The PRI Show team will begin the initial booth-plotting process on Monday, June 17. Booths will be placed based on seniority. Show officials will then release the Show floor plan and Exhibitor Resources alongside the opening of 2024 PRI Show registration on Tuesday, July 9. Note: PRI Show booth agreements are accepted through the opening of the Show dates; it won’t be too late to get on the official floor plan following these dates.

"We're seeing a high demand for booth space following the success of the 2023 PRI Show," said Karin Davidson, PRI trade show director. "To ensure your booth at the 2024 PRI Show, we encourage exhibitors to submit their agreements as early as possible."

14/03/2024

The automotive specialty-equipment industry is showing signs of resilience and strength amidst the recovering U.S. economy and is poised for growth in 2024 and beyond, according the new 2024 SEMA News Future Trends Report.

Sales of automotive specialty-equipment parts are projected to have increased about 1% in 2023. With the economy showing signs of strength and improvement towards the year’s end, SEMA anticipates a similar stable growth trend heading into 2024, with a full return to normal annual sales growth of 3-4% projected for 2025.

The 2024 SEMA Future Trends Report is the Association’s latest study that recaps the issues and outcomes that affected the industry in 2023 and how these areas are likely to affect the market in 2024 and beyond.

“While challenges persist, SEMA’s research found several indicators suggesting that the market will continue to strengthen as it returns to normal growth,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “The report offers valuable insight into our latest forecast for industry growth. It also highlights key factors influencing consumer spending and business outcomes to help companies stay ahead of the curve.”

Additional report highlights include:

Even with some conflicting indicators, the U.S. economy is currently growing while showing strong employment and spending trends.
With inflation dropping, the Federal Reserve System should begin reducing interest rates in 2024, which will further lower total cost for financed goods, like automobiles.
New and used vehicle prices leveled out in 2023 as the supply chain stabilized, though costs are still high for consumers.
While Electric Vehicle (EV) sales will continue to grow, most companies have slowed their production forecasts for electrics.
Motor vehicle insurance, along with vehicle maintenance/repair, saw some of the largest price increases in 2023, making transportation a significant cost in daily life.
Cars are becoming more advanced with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) installation rates rising every year. Over 91% of new vehicles sold had collision warning or collision mitigation built in by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Despite some uncertainty, most companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic and expect sales to remain level or grow over the next year. A 23% growth in 2023 SEMA Show attendance over 2022 is a strong indicator that the industry is committed to introducing new products and expecting robust sales in the market.

11/03/2024

SEMA News-member companies and automotive enthusiasts have come out in strong opposition to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) "Advanced Clean Cars II" (ACC II) regulation that would ban the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) motor vehicles by 2035.

Specialty-equipment businesses and industry supporters sent more than 5,000 letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing opposition to the agency providing California a Clean Air Act waiver, which is required in order for ACC II to take effect. Industry and enthusiasts alike have united in opposition to California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate that would adversely impact automotive businesses, their employees and millions of automotive enthusiasts. Click here to read SEMA's official comment to the EPA in opposition to the agency providing a waiver for ACC II.

The letters, part of the EPA's official public comment period as the agency considers granting California a waiver to allow the ban on new gas-powered vehicles, convey the impact ACC II--which is effectively a national mandate--would have on small businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry. Since 17 other states have historically followed all or part of California's low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle regulations, the waiver allowing the state to ban the sale of non-ZEV vehicles would have a harmful effect on the U.S. economy and nearly half the country's population that resides in the affected states. If implemented, ACC II would devastate small businesses that manufacture and sell performance and accessory products that upgrade ICE engines and drivetrains, a key segment of the industry that contributes $112 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

SEMA is committed to playing a central role in helping our members reduce carbon emissions through continued advancements in vehicle technology. However, the association strongly opposes government mandates that prohibit or limit the sale of ICE vehicles and select electrification as the technology of choice. In January, SEMA President and CEO Mike Sp****la, along with several SEMA members, testified at the EPA's public hearing to express opposition to granting California a waiver to implement ACC II. During his testimony, Sp****la stressed that ACC II would significantly disrupt automotive supply chains and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops.

"This far too-fast mandate will create a seismic shift in the automotive industry that will hurt small businesses that don't have the capacity to make the shift this quickly," said Sp****la in his testimony. "While the federal government is helping some parts of the automotive industry, small businesses aren't receiving billions of dollars in government funds to fund their electric vehicle programs. For many specialty-aftermarket businesses, which are not receiving government subsidies and can't afford to sustain massive losses, requiring all new vehicles sold to be ZEV by 2035 poses an existential threat."

ACC II requires that 35% of new cars, SUVs and small trucks sold in California must be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) starting in 2026. The regulation increases ZEV sales requirements by 6% to 8% annually through 2035, when 100% of new vehicles sold in California must be ZEV--eliminating the sale of any new gas-powered vehicles. Before ACC II can be implemented, CARB must receive a waiver from the EPA for the regulations to take effect. If the regulation is finalized, it will essentially block out other technologies and innovations already underway in the industry to help achieve lower automotive emissions goals.