SEMA’s Fight for Car Enthusiasts: Protecting Rights in the Automotive Industry

So, you’re probably thinking of the SEMA show when you hear those three letters. And for good reason – it’s the biggest and most iconic aftermarket parts extravaganza in the world. Even though it’s technically closed to the general public, it’s still a cultural phenomenon that just keeps getting bigger. The 2024 edition is going to be huge, with 2,400 exhibitors, more entertainment, and more ways for regular folks to get in and check out the Hall of Brake Calipers in person.

But here’s the thing: SEMA is more than just a show. It’s an organization that represents over 7,000 companies that make cool stuff for cars. It’s a networking hub, a professional education platform, and a research and development support system. And it’s a bridge between automakers and the aftermarket. You know how sometimes companies release mods for new models before they’re even on sale? That’s SEMA at work.

And even more interesting, SEMA is a political force that lobbies federal and state governments to shape policy decisions. It’s a major player in the fight against regulations and, as you’d expect, it’s often at odds with the EPA. But in this moment of huge change, SEMA is also positioning itself as a defender of enthusiast rights. It’s backed legislation to enshrine right-to-repair laws, offer tax credits for gas-to-EV powertrain swaps, and safeguard people’s ability to modify their cars.

SEMA’s CEO, Mike Spagnola, is a lifelong enthusiast who’s been in the industry for decades. He’s a great guy to chat with, and I got to pepper him with questions during an hour-long conversation recently. Mike’s a straight shooter who understands not only the business but also why most people want to be in the business – for the love of cars.

We covered a lot of ground during our conversation, from SEMA’s legislative wins and losses to the evolution of the SEMA show, whether SEMA is “anti-EV,” and how modding might look in the future. I’ll share some of the highlights with you.

And speaking of modding, I got to talk to Mike about his own racing experiences. He’s got two boys who are both racing in the same series, and it’s been a wild ride. They’re competing against each other, but they’re also learning valuable lessons about teamwork, trust, and perseverance.