SEMA President Mike Spagnola on EV Mandates, Right to Repair, and California’s Automotive Laws
Automotive Repair News TodayShow Notes
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. Mike offers an insider’s update on three major issues currently shaping the automotive industry. First, he shares the details behind SEMA’s victory in overturning California’s EV sales mandate, arguing for consumer choice and innovation in vehicle technology. Second, Mike breaks down the latest progress of "Leno’s Law," aimed at easing smog checks for California’s classic car owners. Finally, the discussion turns to the Right to Repair Act, with Mike emphasizing the importance of consumer access to vehicle data and repair options, and predicting what’s next for this critical legislation. Register for SEMA 2025 HERE 00:00 Advocates for Consumer Vehicle Choice 04:22 Rushed Implementation Concerns 08:21 "Free Market Reshapes Automotive Industry" 12:42 Smog Testing Challenges for Vintage Cars 16:21 Right to Repair Act Update 17:27 "Right to Repair and Modify" 22:23 Advocacy for Upcoming Legislation Crescendo 26:09 "Ensuring Vehicle Modifications and Safety" 29:55 Fiat's Global Mobility and Tourism Division 31:20 Global Automotive Tech Innovations 35:25 Local Enthusiasts Influence Auto Show 37:43 Convenient Hotel Stay Despite Congestion 40:32 Pressure vs. Pleasure Conversation
More from Automotive Repair News Today
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON, and newly appointed board member of the Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment board. Chad shares his perspective on the importance of the Right to Repair and the ongoing need for equal access to information for all automotive professionals. He also discusses efforts to bring more young people and women into the industry, as well as TOPDON's mission to offer innovative, affordable diagnostic tools for technicians at every level. 00:00 "Tight-Knit Industry Connections" 03:15 Chad's Board Appointment News 07:44 Right to Repair Challenges 12:35 Supporting Women in Auto Care 16:18 Improving Technician Profession Perception 17:15 Oil Change Frequency Debate 21:37 "Join the Automotive Repair Conversation"
In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Jimmy Lea from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Why? Because Jimmy actually did something newsworthy! Bout time! Jimmy is now, to our knowledge, the ONLY presenter in the automotive aftermarket certified as a Certified Speaking Professional. It was quite the journey to get here, though! Hear Jimmy walk us through the process and tell us why this is important for other speakers to try and get as well. 00:00 Jimmy's choice in suit coats 05:46 "Reapplying for CSP Certification" 08:11 Failed Speaker Review Video 11:08 Videographer Hire: Costs & Requirements 16:06 Speaker Recognition and Status 20:11 Becoming a Professional Speaker 21:01 Joining Speaking Associations Explained 25:58 Collaborative Industry Improvement Insights 28:35 "Shopmonkey Expert Series in Chicago"
In this episode, Braxton welcomes Ed and Brandi Caswell to talk about why and how they run their repair shop differently. Faith and generosity is some pretty crazy ways have become the foundation of their business culture, including their response to local disasters and support for employees’ personal growth. They even host a weekly men’s group at their shop and are launching scholarship programs, showing how small acts of service can transform both an auto repair business AND its surrounding community. 00:00 Positive Industry Podcast Initiative 05:09 Prayer and Opportunity in Adversity 08:40 "Journey from Teaching to Faith" 12:38 Faith and Support Acknowledged 13:55 Faith-Driven Business Transformation 18:24 "Brandy's Empathy in Crisis" 20:22 Empowering Growth Beyond Business 25:09 God's Impact in Business 27:21 "Industry Transformation: Faith-Driven Approach" 31:42 Divine Opportunities and Platforms