Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
New Faces, Same Grit: SEMA Announces 2025–26 Board of Directors
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) recently locked in its Board of Directors for 2025–26, and the lineup signals a strong balance of legacy leadership and fresh industry insight.
These are the people who’ll shape the direction of the SEMA over the next term — not just in trade show floors and policy rooms, but in the real-world trenches where aftermarket innovation, legislative pressure, and enthusiast loyalty all collide. It’s a critical time for the industry, with right-to-repair debates heating up, EV adaptation growing fast, and small builders needing more protection than ever.
SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ representatives, and services.
2025-26 Board Officers:
- Chairperson – Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
- Chair-elect – Norris Marshall, CEO, BluePrint Engines
- Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
- Treasurer – Chris Douglas
Board Members
- Bill Bader, President & Owner, Summit Motorsports Park
- Rich Butler, CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
- Brian Herron, President, OPUS IVS
- Doug Lane, President & Owner, Motor State Distributing
- Tim McCarthy, Founder/CEO, Hushmat & ZyCoat
- Kelle Oeste, CEO & Owner, V8TV Speed & Resto Shop
- Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
- Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1
- Marcus Umlauff, General Manager Truck, Toyota Motor North America
- Ted Wentz, CEO, Quadratec
Photo Credit:KTVN
Waterlogged Ambition: Jeep River Rescue Highlights Off-Roading Misstep
A pair of adventurous Jeep Wrangler off-roaders in Alpine County, California, found themselves stranded atop their rig’s roof this week after an ill-advised attempt to ford the Carson River went south—literally and figuratively.
Hoping to test out the Wrangler’s wading capabilities, the men underestimated the river’s depth and current. What began as a bold off-road experiment quickly escalated into a full-scale rescue effort, with California Highway Patrol’s South Lake Tahoe unit deploying a helicopter to extract the duo before the fast-moving water could sweep them—and the Jeep—away.
CHP confirmed the Wrangler was stuck in the middle of the Carson, forcing the men to climb onto the vehicle’s roof while awaiting help. A hoist system from the helicopter successfully lifted both to safety, turning a potential tragedy into a cautionary tale. While Wranglers are known for their water-fording skills, there’s a major difference between “trail-rated” and “torrent-ready.” River conditions like high flow, erosion, and hidden debris make such crossings unpredictable—especially without proper scouting or planning.
The incident underscores a larger issue in the off-roading world: overconfidence without preparation. While Jeep’s off-road credentials are well-earned, capability has limits, and knowing your vehicle’s specs—including its fording depth—is crucial. If you can’t safely walk across a water crossing, your vehicle likely can’t, either. Wranglers may be legendary, but they’re not amphibious—and this soggy situation is a reminder that trail smarts matter just as much as four-wheel drive.
Trump Strikes Down California Gas Car Ban; SEMA Applauds Victory for Aftermarket Industry and Vehicle Choice
In a high-profile signing ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump officially blocked California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035—a move that not only escalated tensions between the federal government and California but also drew immediate praise from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The reversal, which Trump called a “win for freedom,” also struck down aggressive tailpipe and diesel emission policies and triggered a multi-state lawsuit from California and ten other states, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta.
SEMA, which joined Trump at the ceremony, hailed the action as a crucial defense of American jobs and the $100 billion aftermarket industry.
“President Trump meant what he said when he declared his intent to stop radical policymakers from depriving the American people of vehicle choice,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola.
Spagnola emphasized that this rollback protects over 330,000 jobs and ensures that internal combustion engine (ICE) products—still a core of the aftermarket sector—remain viable in a marketplace that was at risk of narrowing to electric-only. He also noted SEMA is not anti-EV; rather, SEMA has long advocated for a technology-neutral approach and the organization said this resolution affirms that philosophy while preserving innovation and consumer freedom.
SEMA’s behind-the-scenes efforts played a big role in pushing the Congressional Review Act resolution across the finish line. The group mobilized thousands of letters to lawmakers, convened business leaders for 56 face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill, and launched a media blitz to spotlight the perceived economic and cultural risks of a forced EV transition. Their coalition-building also helped influence policy reversals in states like Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, while others passed “ban the ban” laws to ensure California-style mandates wouldn’t gain traction.
SEMA said this isn’t an anti-EV stance—it’s about protecting choice, preserving industry balance, and ensuring ICE enthusiasts and small businesses still have a future in the automotive ecosystem.
Tickets Still Available for the 2025 New Jersey Jeep Invasion
Jeeps. Sand. Surf. And some of the biggest names in the off-road world. The New Jersey Jeep Invasion is almost here — and yes, there’s still time to snag your spot.
Tickets for this event, one of the East Coast’s largest Jeep gatherings, are available through Wednesday, June 18. The event itself is July 11-13.
Set against the iconic backdrop of Wildwood, New Jersey’s sprawling beaches, this meet-up puts more than 2,500 Jeeps right on the beach and just steps from the ocean. Plus, with 100-plus industry vendors on-site, it’s your chance to scope out the latest gear, score show-only deals, and chat with the pros. Oh — and did we mention the custom-built beach obstacle course?
Quadratec will be along for the ride this year and is bringing tons of inventory, as well as plenty of blemished or returned products. In addition, reps from many top-tier Brands will be in its booth as well, including Jeep Performance Products, Warn, ARB, Oracle, Wheel Pros, Smittybilt and The Wheel Group.
Whether you're flexing your rig or just kicking back on the sand, the New Jersey Jeep Invasion is a perennial summer tradition.
Grab your tickets here and get ready to make tracks in the sand.
Will Ram’s Pivot Back Towards Hemi Engines Lead To a Jeep Reboot?
Stellantis’ Ram brand recently pulled a bold U-turn—reviving its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 for the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. And while truck fans are celebrating the V-8’s triumphant return, one big question is now revving up across the Jeep community: Will Jeep bring the HEMI back, too?
After all, the HEMI has always had a special place in Jeep’s history, from snarling SRT Grand Cherokees to the jaw-dropping Wrangler Rubicon 392. And now, with Ram admitting it “screwed up” by ditching the V-8—and publicly owning the decision—could this spark a shift in Stellantis’ strategy for its off-road halo brand?
Enthusiasts haven’t been quiet about missing the sound, strength, and soul that only a HEMI can provide. Jeep owners don’t want stats. They want throttle. And the Ram brand just proved that automakers are listening.
So could we see a future Wrangler, Gladiator, or even Grand Cherokee once again rumbling to life with that unmistakable V-8 thunder?
