If you suppose SEMA, you concentrate on the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas in November, the place the group hosts its yearly trade present for the aftermarket sector. Whereas the present is essential, it is solely a small a part of the SEMA operation. 

The Specialty Gear Market Affiliation (SEMA) is an organizing physique that represents over 7,000 member firms, spanning all areas of the OEM and aftermarket elements trade, from wheel makers and elements suppliers to real-deal automobile producers, and all the pieces in between.

Along with working the annual trade present, SEMA additionally affords market analysis, networking, and “legislative advocacy” for its members. The group not too long ago lobbied to assist finish California’s 2035 EV mandate, for instance. 

SEMA additionally affords emissions testing companies for merchandise developed by its members. Any such testing is prohibitively costly to acquire externally; SEMA runs its two amenities—situated in California and Detroit—at a loss so the aftermarket sector has a preventing likelihood at survival. 

In our newest video, West Coast editor Chris Rosales will get an inside have a look at what goes on on the SEMA Storage in Diamond Bar, California, to see precisely what goes on there day-to-day. He will get a tour from none aside from President and CEO Mike Spagnola, the place we get to see the store the place SEMA’s specialty builds are created. We additionally get a peek on the multi-million-dollar emissions testing rooms, in addition to a have a look at Spagnola’s tastefully modified Nissan Z.