SEMA eNews

Tactics to Defend Your Business From New Wave of Hackers

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:09 -0700

Regularly making chump meat of the most sophisticated of computer defenses, hackers will be unleashing a new wave of malware in the coming year on the unsuspecting—many of whom will be completely unprepared, according to Sophos, a computer-security firm.

Learn to Expertly Manage Your Product Data

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:55:06 -0700

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has completed implementation of its online Product Data Management System (PIMS) with the launch of its ACES mapping tools, May 6, 2013. All beta-phase members have been migrated into the PIMS, and more than 150 suppliers and receivers have been trained on the new system and are successfully managing their product data using SDC tools.

Racing News: Rob MacCachren and Dan Runte Drive to Victory in SST Round No. 4

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:09:00 -0700

Last weekend, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego featured a full night of SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks racing action with four divisions testing their skills on the dirt and asphalt course. Rob MacCachren, Dan Runte, Apdaly Lopez and Myles Cheek conquered the multiple challenges of the most difficult course this year to record wins in Round No. 4 of SST competition.   MacCachren, driving the #21 Traxxas, made a last lap pass on leader Ricky Johnson en route to capturing his second SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks victory of the season.

2012 SEMA Show Photos—Custom Porsches

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:32:33 -0700

For one week each year, the SEMA Show gathers the largest collection of outfitted, upgraded dirt shredders, people haulers and street machines that exist with the specialty-equipment industry.

NHRA: Grubnic Returns to Site of First Victory

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:28:27 -0700

GRUBNIC RETURNS TO SITE OF FIRST NHRA VICTORY: A win at Heartland Park Topeka one year ago ended a nearly six-year winless slump for veteran Top Fuel driver David Grubnic in the 8,000-hp Top Fuel category in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. This season, the driver of the Candlewood Suites Top Fuel dragster will try to claim his third victory at the Kansas multipurpose motorsports complex as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series pulls into the Midwest facility for the 25th annual NHRA Kansas Nationals, May 17–19. Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) join Grubnic as the defending winners of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in Topeka, the eighth of 24 events in the 2013 season, which will be televised on ESPN2HD.

U.S. House Passes "Comp Time" Bill

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:11:20 -0700

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to allow private-sector employees who work more than 40 hours per week the choice of taking “comp” time rather than pay.

Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Employee Rights Poster

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:08:32 -0700

A federal appeals court struck down a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board instructing employers to display an 11x17-in. poster informing workers of their right to unionize and bargain collectively.

Florida Bill to Require Tire Age Disclosure Dies

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:05:12 -0700

SEMA-opposed legislation to require tire retailers to provide a written disclosure on a used tire’s age, including the week and year the tire was manufactured, died when the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Maine Bill to Curtail Ethanol-Blended Gasoline Awaits Senate Consideration

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:02:37 -0700

Having already been approved by the House, legislation to prohibit the sale and distribution of corn-based ethanol is pending consideration by the Maine Senate.

Colorado Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver Dies as Legislature Adjourns

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:11 -0700

SEMA-supported legislation to extend the new car emissions inspection exemption from four to seven model years was passed by the Colorado Senate but died in the House when the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Pennsylvania Reintroduces Bill to Extend Emissions Inspection Waiver for Newer Cars

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:56:52 -0700

Legislation has been reintroduced in Pennsylvania to extend the emissions-inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered in the state or any other jurisdiction for 10 years from the date of original registration.

Key House Committee Approves SEMA-Supported Legislation to Save Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:51:15 -0700

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved the “Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Establishment Act,” (HR 1676) sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA) that would end a five-year debate on how to expand the U.S. Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, California.

SEMA Hall of Fame Names Four New Members

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:41:33 -0700

George Barris, Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

Member Discount Available for Detroit Telematics Conference

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:27:53 -0700

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts, entitled, "The Aftermarket: Democratizing the Connected Vehicle Experience," at Telematics Detroit, June 5, in Novi, Michigan.

Movers & Shakers: Goodguys Announces New Texas Road Tour; Laurie Bundschu Promoted to CARQUEST VP of Product Supply

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:23:25 -0700

Here is a brief look at some of news and updates from around the specialty-equipment industry. Companies featured this week: Goodguys, CARQUEST, Dinan Engineering, Accessories Marketing Inc., National Performance Warehouse and more.

Professional Restylers Host Future Trends Discussion in Detroit

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:04:28 -0700

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is gearing up for its Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting. This year, it will take place June 13–14, 2013, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott. Members are invited to join us for a 3M site visit, future trends happy hour discussion and many networking opportunities.

Wheel & Tire Professionals Visit Clemson University’s ICAR

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:46:39 -0700

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

Spy Shots—2015 GMC Canyon

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:28:51 -0700

The shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 GMC Canyon, caught testing on one of GM's test tracks. This latest prototype reveals many new details of the Canyon's front fascia, including a telling look through the front camouflage to reveal much of its large grille design.

New Web Resource for Insight on Emerging Trends and Technology

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:24:57 -0700

SEMA's Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) has created a new webpage, called "ETTN Industry Articles," to host articles written by the network's members and staff.

Annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser Set for July 26

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:05:20 -0700

SEMA will host its annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The annual event is well attended by automotive professionals and serves as a swearing-in ceremony for the incoming Board of Directors, while honoring the newest SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.

Hot Links to Cool Sites

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:57:05 -0700

SEMA eNews highlights the websites of SEMA-member companies through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section each week.

Job-Hunting? Top Automotive Jobs Here

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:52:34 -0700

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country.

SEMA Council & Committee News: Meet Your Newly Appointed YEN Select Committee Members

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:51:12 -0700

News and updates and from SEMA's councils and committees.

Mark Your Calendars

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:48:45 -0700

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities have been announced.

SEMA Sends Out Board of Directors Election Materials

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:47:23 -0700

Materials for this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election have been mailed to the primary contacts at all eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting period is May 15–June 11, 2013.

Wrangler and Grand Cherokee to Be Sold in India From Kits

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:46:23 -0700

Jeep, whose brand is currently not officially for sale in India, has announced plans to begin to sell the four-door Wrangler and ’14 Grand Cherokee from completely built-up (CBU) units in that country later this year.

Automotive Classifieds

chads@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:37:59 -0700

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here).

SEMA Show Registration Now Open

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:33:30 -0700

Registration is now open for the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, Las Vegas. Attendees, media and exhibitors are invited to register for the annual Show online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA’s Trip to China—Discover What it Takes to Succeed in the Region

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:46 -0700

Members looking for new customers are encouraged to join the Association and fellow SEMA members on a trip to Beijing to explore the sales potential in the world’s largest car market.

Create Export-Ready Products for the Ford Ranger T6

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:13:17 -0700

SEMA-member companies are invited to measure and preview a ’13 Ford Ranger T6 at Dearborn, Michigan-based Link Engineering, Tuesday, May 14.

SEMA Show Enhances Services for Collision Repair Market

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:53:22 -0700

The 2013 SEMA Show will include enhanced features for the Collision Repair & Refinish market, including an expanded Show floor area, targeted activities both inside and outside the Las Vegas Convention Center and an unsurpassed educational program.

New SEMA Facility Offers Manufacturers Emissions Testing, Dyno Services

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:43:19 -0700

The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center is now open to provide manufacturers with access to a full emissions-testing EO certification lab and dyno services. Located directly across the parking lot of SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, headquarters, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will include a full mechanic's garage and tech center.

Spy Shots—Entire 2014 Camaro Lineup Caught Testing

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:35:50 -0700

The shooters at KGP Photography caught another Camaro test group, including prototypes for the new ’14 Camaro 1LE, and a fully undisguised ZL1 Coupe. This latest encounter gives the most complete look at the revamped ’14 Camaro lineup—including the ’14 1LE, ZL1 Coupe and Convertible, and the V6-powered Camaro RS. It's now possible to get a sense of how the various specs will be trimmed out, beyond what was seen at the official unveiling at the New York Auto Show.

Racing News: Falken's Cole Takes Desert Win in Norra Mexican 1000 Vintage Rally

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:44:10 -0700

Falken Tire took its first-ever desert win by finishing first in the Vintage 108-in. Wheelbase 4x4 Class in the NORRA Mexican 1000—the four-day on- and off-road "vintage-flavored" rally through Baja.

Driving Force Wins a 2012 Golden Quill Award

chads@sema.org — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:15:25 -0700

SEMA's Driving Force newsletter has won a 2012 Golden Quill Award in the Museums & Associations category. The award is issued by the staff of Old Cars Weekly to provide special recognition of literary achievement that boosts the hobby.