SEMA eNews

Rodders Gear Up for Pinewood Builders Challenge

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:26:57 -0700

Twenty hot-rod and custom car builders have signed up to participate in the annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge. Each builder will create a one-of-a-kind Pinewood car that will be raced at the Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, in Pomona, California, July 27, 2012.

2012 SEMA Show to Feature 150+ Wheel Manufacturers

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:08:07 -0700

Wheel manufacturers, perhaps more than any other segment, are showing strong signs of confidence in the economy by securing booth space for the 2012 SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas.

Don't Miss the Victory Junction Camp Pinewood Build Day

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:54 -0700

SEMA members are encouraged to join us Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Victory Junction Camp in Randelman, North Carolina, for the annual SEMA Pinewood Car Build Day.

Hot Links to Cool Sites

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:19:55 -0700

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

New Website Launched for SEMA Data Co-op

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:06:59 -0700

Every day, businesses rely more heavily on technology to drive growth in today’s competitive marketplaces. The specialty auto parts business is no exception.

Racing News: Falken Tire Achieves Second Three-Peat in a Row at Atlanta Formula Drift Event

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:58:55 -0700

Falken Tire Achieves Second Three-Peat in a Row at Atlanta Formula Drift Event
Team Falken continued its success in both the 2012 Formula Drift Championship and at the series event at Road Atlanta, where Justin Pawlak, winner of the first event of the year at last month’s Long Beach street course, took the victory over Fredric Aasbo. It was Falken’s third consecutive Formula D win at the Atlanta track.   

Spy Shots—Volvo XC40 Spotted Prior to Paris Motor Show Debut

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:25 -0700

At first glance, the team at Brenda Priddy & Co. were pretty sure that the vehicle pictured here was the recently introduced Volvo V40.

PR Primer: Promoting Your Brand in the Digital Age

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:38:23 -0700

Gone are the days when a single new product announcement sent to magazines would effectively sell your latest parts. Are you relying on outdated techniques to generate publicity? Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and presenter Dan Kahn, Kahn Media, for a webinar, Thursday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), as they discuss what PR looks like in the digital age.

Job-Hunting? Top Automotive Jobs Here

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:34:12 -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. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Carroll Shelby: A Performance Icon Remembered

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:33:55 -0700

Iconic racer and car designer Carroll Shelby passed away May 10, 2012, in a Dallas hospital at the age of 89.

SEMA Council & Committee News

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:24:53 -0700

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

Mark Your Calendars

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:23:03 -0700

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

Automotive Classifieds

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:20:50 -0700

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here). Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.

Movers & Shakers: Performance Improvements Relocates to New Facility; Roadwire Wins $10,000 in Facebook Advertising

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:03:53 -0700

Performance Improvements Relocates to New Facility
After 48 years of selling performance parts and high-end automotive accessories on the Queensway in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Performance Improvements has relocated its head office to 87 Advance Rd., four stoplights North of the Queensway, left off Islington Avenue to Advance. The company reports that the new location has a showroom equal to the size of its old building, allowing the company to have more products on display rather than stored in the warehouse. In addition to the large showroom, the new location also contains a meeting and training room.

EPA Phasing Out Gas Pump Vapor Recovery Nozzles

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:48:57 -0700

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing-out a rule that certain gasoline stations install vapor-recovery nozzles on gas pumps. The pollution-control devices have been required since 1994 in about 40 ozone non-attainment areas across the country.

Connecticut Bill to Restrict Access to Antique Vehicle Registration and Increase Fees Again Dies as Session Ends

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:44:07 -0700

SEMA-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year.

2012 SEMA Washington Rally Brings Industry Concerns to Capitol Hill

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:26:50 -0700

More than 70 SEMA members met with their U.S. Representatives and Senators as part of the May 9 Washington Rally, providing a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth manufacturing and job creation agenda.

NHRA: Head to Kansas for Dollar General Summernationals

chads@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:25:19 -0700

NEWS NUGGETS

NHRA HEADS TO KANSAS FOR DOLLAR GENERAL NHRA SUMMERNATIONALS, HOME OF NHRA’S FIRST NATIONAL EVENT, May 18–20: Due to the flat landscape and its central proximity to the rest of the country, in 1955, Kansas served as the official host for the NHRA’s first “national event” on an airstrip near the town of Great Bend. It was simply called "The Nationals," and with that event, hot rodding enthusiasts across the U.S. could test their machines against the best of the best. That race evolved into what is today the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, but Kansas has solidified its place in NHRA Drag Racing history. Heartland Park Topeka has hosted NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events since 1989 and in some seasons hosted two per year. Today, the track is regarded as one of the fastest on the circuit, and every year, drivers get to return and pay homage to the sport’s roots. Defending winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Shane Gray (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or log on to NHRATix.com.

Nominations Open for SEMA's Industry Awards

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:17:45 -0700

Nominations are now being accepted for SEMA's Industry Awards. The awards, which are presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show, include SEMA Person of the Year, SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and SEMA WD of the Year.

Photo Gallery—Porsche Panameras, 911s and More From the 2011 SEMA Show

jasonc@sema.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:42 -0700

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Porsche.

Racing News: Beth Chryst Ready to Move Forward in MX-5 Cup Competition

chads@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:36:50 -0700

Beth Chryst Sets Goals, Ready to Move Forward in MX-5 Cup Competition
Beth Chryst is just one of the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup drivers chasing a dream that began with a go-kart ride as a 14-year-old.

The Herndon, Virginia, native had grownup visiting the short tracks in her area, but didn’t truly become interested in driving herself until an acquaintance invited her and her father Martin to Summit Point Raceway to participate in the Woodbridge Kart Club’s fun finale. Fifteen minutes on the two-mile road course, and she was hooked.

Movers & Shakers: Performance Automatic Inc. Moves to Larger Facility; Sun Tyre & Wheel Systems Builds Third India-Based Plant

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:19:56 -0700

Mike Darrow Named President and COO of Russ Darrow Group
Mike Darrow, executive vice president of the Russ Darrow Group, was named the president and chief operating officer of the company. Darrow assumes responsibility for the daily management of all aspects of the new car dealerships, encompassing 23 franchises in 13 locations, along with oversight of Russ Darrow Leasing Co. Inc. and JD Byrider/CNAC. Darrow joined the company in May of 1990 as a sales associate. He also trained at the National Automobile Dealer Association’s Dealer Candidate Academy and was named executive vice president in 2000.

50,000 Fans of SEMA's Facebook Page—Are You One?

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:24:49 -0700

SEMA's page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sema.org, recently received fan number 50,000.

NHRA: SPEEDFEST in Topeka to Kick Off Race Week

chads@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:56:55 -0700

NEWS NUGGETS

SPEEDFEST IN TOPEKA TO KICK OFF RACE WEEK: Festivities for the Dollar General NHRA Summernationals at Heartland Park Topeka, May 18–20, kick off May 17 with SPEEDFEST—a fan fest in downtown Topeka, Kansas, that will feature NHRA driver appearances, contests, racing simulators, music, food, prizes and race car displays. The free event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. on 8th Street and Kansas Avenue. Get your tickets for the Dollar General NHRA Summernationals at NHRATix.com.

Order Tickets Now for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala

moniqued@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:59:20 -0700

Tickets for the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, are now available at www.sema.org/galatix.

Hot Links to Cool Sites

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:58:39 -0700

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

1,700+ Exhibitors Ready to Select Space for the 2012 SEMA Show

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:44:54 -0700

More than 1,700 exhibitors have demonstrated confidence in the 2012 SEMA Show by confirming booth space for the world's premier automotive trade show, taking place October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Help YEN Achieve 1,000 Members

moniqued@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:26:10 -0700

SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN) is rapidly approaching the 1,000 membership mark—we need your help to get us there. Increase your networking circle and be entered to win an iPad3 by encouraging your friends and colleagues who are under 40 and work for a SEMA-member company to join YEN.

New CAD Data for 8 GM Models Added to SEMA's Tech Transfer

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:12:08 -0700

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition of new CAD files for eight GM vehicles. The data-sharing program features thousands of files from participating OEMs—Chrysler, Ford, GM and Scion—and is open to SEMA manufacturing members free of charge.  

SEMA Secures U.S. Senate Resolution Designating July 13 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day"

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:55:36 -0700

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 (S. Res. 452) at the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils designating July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

SEMA Members Debate on LinkedIn About the Value of Twitter Posts

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:43:22 -0700

SEMA members are having a lively debate on the LinkedIn SEMA Members group regarding whether Twitter posts should be copied to other social media outlets.

Get to Know the 2012–2015 SEMA Board Candidates

chads@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:38:31 -0700

Eleven industry professionals are vying for positions on the 2012–2015 SEMA Board of Directors.

Photo Gallery—Custom BMWs From the 2011 SEMA Show

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:57:00 -0700

Collision Repair Manufacturers Secure Exhibit Space at 2012 SEMA Show

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:49:07 -0700

After debuting at last year’s SEMA Show, the Collision Repair & Refinish section will return to provide buyers with a dedicated area on the Show floor where they can quickly and easily meet with manufacturers of paint supplies, glass repair and replacement items, safety equipment, vacuum systems and other related products.

How SmartPhones Can Be a Security Risk for Your Network

jasonc@sema.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:43:37 -0700

While tech-giddy employees are prone to fawn over every new iThing smuggled into the workplace—devices that are often used in violation of company policy—IT security pros see something very different: a security breach waiting to happen.