Hedges & Co. is posting new trends, facts and statistics about the automotive specialty-parts industry each day in its "66 Trends in 66 Days" blog series.

Hedges & Co.—a SEMA-member market research and database marketing firm—reports consumer confidence and the SEMA Consumer Demand Index (CDI) both rebounded in September. An analysis is posted on the Hedges & Co. website as part of its "66 Trends in 66 Days" series, leading up to the opening of the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30.

The SEMA CDI jumped to 45 for September, the highest level since October 2010 when it hit 57. Consumer confidence also posted a gain with a nine-point jump from August, marking its highest level since February.

The SEMA CDI is a measure of purchase intentions for automotive consumers over the next three months and tracks closely with consumer confidence. Hedges & Co. tracks CDI with consumer confidence because it creates a unique combination of intent to buy and how consumers feel about the economy.

Hedges & Co. is posting new trends, facts and statistics about the automotive specialty-parts industry each day in its "66 Trends in 66 Days" blog series. Visitors will learn about new consumer behavior, the future of the industry and much more. Recent posts have included vehicle owner demographics, mobile shopping trends, social media strategies and brand recognition pulled from Hedges & Co.'s proprietary BuyerZoom and BrandZoom market research reports.

Members of the automotive aftermarket are also invited to join the discussion by posting their own thoughts on the Hedges & Co. site. They can also join the discussion on Twitter by following @HedgesCompany or by searching for the hashtag #66trends.

	The Vehicle Technology Center will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners.

SEMA continually works to develop vehicle technology solutions and build relationships that foster collaboration between automakers, original-equipment suppliers, dealers, research organizations, industry associations and member companies. The revamped SEMA Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) at the SEMA Show is an important extension of that effort, providing members with in-depth information and hands-on understanding from leading industry experts about advanced vehicle technologies and emerging systems.

The VTC will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners. View the educational forums and panel sessions related to the Vehicle Technology Center.

SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak was recently interviewed by Susan Kuchinskas of Telematics Update. Waraniak weighed in on the current state of vehicle apps, the challenges companies face as a result of connected-car technology and the major trends that are currently impacting the automotive aftermarket industry.

Read the complete article, "Q&A: Telematics, Apps and Making Connectivity Cool."

	The Vehicle Technology Center will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners.

SEMA continually works to develop vehicle technology solutions and build relationships that foster collaboration between automakers, original-equipment suppliers, dealers, research organizations, industry associations and member companies. The revamped SEMA Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) at the SEMA Show is an important extension of that effort, providing members with in-depth information and hands-on understanding from leading industry experts about advanced vehicle technologies and emerging systems.

The VTC will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners. View the educational forums and panel sessions related to the Vehicle Technology Center.

SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak was recently interviewed by Susan Kuchinskas of Telematics Update. Waraniak weighed in on the current state of vehicle apps, the challenges companies face as a result of connected-car technology and the major trends that are currently impacting the automotive aftermarket industry.

Read the complete article, "Q&A: Telematics, Apps and Making Connectivity Cool."

	This ’63 Citroën 2CV from France will be on display beside the Car Crazy TV stage at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Coming off of the success of last year’s "Car Crazy" International Vehicle Showcase, Meguiar’s will once again advocate pride among car enthusiasts by displaying nine show cars from around the world at the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

Meguiar’s, producer of "Car Crazy TV" and Meguiar’s Car Wax, has been actively building and supporting the car hobby all over the world for more than 40 years. Out of thousands of car shows held in more than 90 countries, nine show cars from nine different countries were chosen as winners by the citizens of their respective regions to represent the car hobby from that area. Each owner accepted the invitation by Meguiar’s to bring their vehicle and share their passion with the global car fraternity that gathers every year at the SEMA Show.

These cars will be transported from across the globe by Schumacher Cargo and Logistics, and will be on display outside the convention hall beside the SEMA "Car Crazy TV" stage. Throughout the four days of the Show, the owners will be a major attraction along with their cars, providing insight into the car hobby in their respective countries.  

The cars to be featured and on display include:

• ’56 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (Canada)
• ’12 Changhe Suzuki Landy (China)
• ’65 Chevrolet Corvette (Colombia)
• ’63 Citroën 2CV (France)
• ’08 Opel Corsa D OPC 1.6 Turbo (Germany)
• ’00 Lexus LS 430 (Korea)
• ’64 Ford Coupe Club (Mexico)
• ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe (Sweden)
• ’08 Range Rover Sport HSE (Trinidad and Tobago)

The "Car Crazy" International Showcase helps build bridges between car enthusiasts from vastly different places and cultures. “We are so thankful to SEMA for providing this platform that allows everyone at SEMA to have direct contact with passionate car guys and extraordinary cars from around the world,” said Meguiar’s President Barry Meguiar.

Before making their way to the SEMA Show, the cars will stop at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California, and be showcased for a limited time to museum visitors during the month of October, including a special open house event Saturday, October 20. Visit www.marconimuseum.org for more information.

	This ’63 Citroën 2CV from France will be on display beside the Car Crazy TV stage at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Coming off of the success of last year’s "Car Crazy" International Vehicle Showcase, Meguiar’s will once again advocate pride among car enthusiasts by displaying nine show cars from around the world at the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

Meguiar’s, producer of "Car Crazy TV" and Meguiar’s Car Wax, has been actively building and supporting the car hobby all over the world for more than 40 years. Out of thousands of car shows held in more than 90 countries, nine show cars from nine different countries were chosen as winners by the citizens of their respective regions to represent the car hobby from that area. Each owner accepted the invitation by Meguiar’s to bring their vehicle and share their passion with the global car fraternity that gathers every year at the SEMA Show.

These cars will be transported from across the globe by Schumacher Cargo and Logistics, and will be on display outside the convention hall beside the SEMA "Car Crazy TV" stage. Throughout the four days of the Show, the owners will be a major attraction along with their cars, providing insight into the car hobby in their respective countries.  

The cars to be featured and on display include:

• ’56 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (Canada)
• ’12 Changhe Suzuki Landy (China)
• ’65 Chevrolet Corvette (Colombia)
• ’63 Citroën 2CV (France)
• ’08 Opel Corsa D OPC 1.6 Turbo (Germany)
• ’00 Lexus LS 430 (Korea)
• ’64 Ford Coupe Club (Mexico)
• ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe (Sweden)
• ’08 Range Rover Sport HSE (Trinidad and Tobago)

The "Car Crazy" International Showcase helps build bridges between car enthusiasts from vastly different places and cultures. “We are so thankful to SEMA for providing this platform that allows everyone at SEMA to have direct contact with passionate car guys and extraordinary cars from around the world,” said Meguiar’s President Barry Meguiar.

Before making their way to the SEMA Show, the cars will stop at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California, and be showcased for a limited time to museum visitors during the month of October, including a special open house event Saturday, October 20. Visit www.marconimuseum.org for more information.

	During the Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region.

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries are eager for U.S.-branded products. Come to the Middle East, March 13–16, 2013, and meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region, tour the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS) and visit top retailers. SEMA events will be located in a dedicated hall, entry by special registration only.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast or contact lindas@sema.org.

	During the Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region.

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries are eager for U.S.-branded products. Come to the Middle East, March 13–16, 2013, and meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region, tour the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS) and visit top retailers. SEMA events will be located in a dedicated hall, entry by special registration only.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast or contact lindas@sema.org.

	Stop by the DUB Live area at the 2012 SEMA Show to see the vehicles featured in the BUILT From eBay campaign.

The vehicles that are part of Source Interlink Media and eBay Motors' BUILT campaign will be featured in the DUB Live Area at the 2012 SEMA Show. The four garage teams will unveil the vehicles to the SEMA audience on Tuesday, October 30, starting at 3:00 p.m. and will be on-hand to talk about the vehicles. Showgoers are encouraged to stop by and pick up an autographed poster of the vehicles.

BUILT From eBay featured four garages building four distinctly different vehicles that were purchased through eBay and then customized using parts—vintage and new alike—that were also acquired through eBay.

Attendees can stop by the BUILT exhibit throughout the four-day Show, take a picture with one of the vehicles and upload it to Twitter using the hashtag #BuiltfromeBay to enter a daily prize drawing. In addition to the prize drawing, visitors can also check out the MyVehicles profile for each BUILT vehicle and learn how to create profiles of their own, view footage from the BUILT Series, and vote for their favorite aftermarket accessories.

The DUB Live area is located in the front of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

	Stop by the DUB Live area at the 2012 SEMA Show to see the vehicles featured in the BUILT From eBay campaign.

The vehicles that are part of Source Interlink Media and eBay Motors' BUILT campaign will be featured in the DUB Live Area at the 2012 SEMA Show. The four garage teams will unveil the vehicles to the SEMA audience on Tuesday, October 30, starting at 3:00 p.m. and will be on-hand to talk about the vehicles. Showgoers are encouraged to stop by and pick up an autographed poster of the vehicles.

BUILT From eBay featured four garages building four distinctly different vehicles that were purchased through eBay and then customized using parts—vintage and new alike—that were also acquired through eBay.

Attendees can stop by the BUILT exhibit throughout the four-day Show, take a picture with one of the vehicles and upload it to Twitter using the hashtag #BuiltfromeBay to enter a daily prize drawing. In addition to the prize drawing, visitors can also check out the MyVehicles profile for each BUILT vehicle and learn how to create profiles of their own, view footage from the BUILT Series, and vote for their favorite aftermarket accessories.

The DUB Live area is located in the front of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

	Dale Dobies, who has served as exhibit manager for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance for the past 17 years, Has announced his plan to retire on December 31, 2012.

Dale Dobies Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance Announces Retirement
Dale Dobies, exhibit manager for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance, announced his plan to retire on December 31, 2012. He has coordinated all trade shows, customer open houses, car shows and racing events for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance the past 17 years. Dobies first started in the trade show business 37 years ago with TRW Automotive Replacement Division in Cleveland, Ohio. Dobies shared that his plans for retirement include getting started on a car in his garage in need of restoration, attending swap meets, going on a quest to find the perfect amber ale, and helping his daughter in her art studio outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Projekt Cars Has Storage Space Available for SEMA Show Vehicles
SEMA member Projekt Cars announced that it is providing storage space for SEMA Showgoers bringing a project vehicle to Vegas for the 2012 SEMA Show. Storage space is available at the company's Rollin' Art facility, 2950 W. Brooks Ave., North Las Vegas, Nevada 89032. For more information, e-mail ProjektCars@hotmail.com or call 915-317-8984. Include the "Storage for (comapany)" in the subject of the e-mail and the vehicle details (year/make/model).

Hella Introduces New Brand Slogan
Automotive parts supplier Hella recently changed its brand message. The new message, "Technology With Vision," has replaced the company's 20-year slogan, "Ideas today for the cars of tomorrow." Hella reports that the new "Technology With Vision" slogan will be gradually introduced worldwide. The company also plans to combine the slogan with the Hella logo in the near future. "The new slogan expresses convincingly and precisely what HELLA has stood for more than 100 years—namely technological expertise, strong innovation, sustainability and orientation towards the future," says Dr. Jürgen Behrend, chairman and president of the company. "This outwardly visible performance promise reflects above all the employees' own self-image. In addition, the double meaning of the word 'vision' illustrates very nicely the roots of the company in the areas of 'light and vision' on the one hand. On the other, the slogan emphasizes the meaning of a forward-looking, responsible corporate strategy for our enterprise."

Lokar Inc. hired Scott Thiel to its product development team, as chief engineer.

Lokar Hires Scott Thiel as Chief Engineer
Lokar Inc. has added chief engineer Scott Thiel to its product development team. Hired in June, Thiel brings to Lokar more than 20 years of experience developing new products and manufacturing processes for the transportation industry. The company reports that he has designed and released products for Warn Industries, Toyota, Nissan, Freightliner, Volvo, Caterpillar and Kenworth. His experience with electro-mechanical devices will help Lokar develop new products that work in conjunction with OEM systems, as well as enhance the comfort and function of today’s high-performance vehicles. Lokar owner Debbie Walls stated, "We are excited to take this step towards our future growth and the new technologies we can develop with his experience." 

Dates Announced for 2013 Auto Glass Week
The 2013 Auto Glass Week and the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off (IWFC) will be held in Tampa, Florida, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina and the Tampa Convention Center, September 18–20, 2013. Organizers of the event stated that the event will include educational seminars, networking events, trade show with industry manufacturers and suppliers, replacement and repair competitions and the Tint-Off competitions. 

Scosche Product Line Now Available at Tint World
Scosche Industries entered into a new consumer technology partnership with Tint World. Tint World locations now offer Scosche's line of consumer tech, car audio and portable electronics. "By integrating Scosche's consumer tech accessories, Tint World will be able to provide their customers with a one-stop shop for all of their needs," said Vince Alves, executive vice president, Scosche Industries. We want to help companies like Tint World stay at the forefront of consumer technology trends, and we're excited to offer our products at more specialty retailers."  

Classic Industries partnered with automotive designer Chip Foose to support the relaunch the automotive restoration TV show "Overhaulin.'"

Classic Industries Partners With Chip Foose, "Overhaulin'"
Classic Industries announced that it has partnered with automotive designer Chip Foose to relaunch the "Overhaulin'" TV series. Classic Industries is a restoration partner for the series, which included the first episode of the season that featured a 1965 Impala. The revived series made its debut on October 1 on Discovery and will be shown on Discovery’s Velocity network for the fall 2012 television season. "Overhaulin’" was a truly important show that pushed automotive restoration to the forefront of TV and put the musclecar hobby in front of a new audience.” said Jeff Leonard, Classic Industries CEO. "We’re proud to work with Chip Foose to bring "Overhaulin'" back to the air." 

	Heidi Matheys will be responsible for leading brand management, strategy, marketing and research for the Valvoline brand of products through her new position as vice president of global brands for Ashland Consumer Markets, a commercial unit Ashland Inc.

Heidi Matheys to Lead Brand Management for Valvoline Products
Heidi Matheys has joined Ashland Consumer Markets, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., as vice president of global brands. Matheys will be responsible for leading brand management, strategy, marketing and consumer research for the Valvoline brand of products. She reports to Sam Mitchell, senior vice president and president of Ashland Consumer Markets. "We're thrilled to have Heidi join our Valvoline team," stated Mitchell. "I am confident that Heidi's global brand management expertise and leadership skills will have a positive impact on our DIY business, the Valvoline brand and overall product portfolio mix."

Brian Fenner Wins Windshield Repair Olympics
Delta Kits reported that longtime company advocate Brian Fenner of Safe Glass Technologies took home the gold medal in the 2012 Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics. As a previous 2008 and 2009 gold medal winner, Fenner went against 10 of the world's best repair technicians using Delta Kit products. Fenner's 1st place victory earned him a trophy, gold medal and check for $10,000. 

Identifix Inc. Names Gunderson New VP of Business Development
Identifix Inc. has named Richard J. Gunderson as its new vice president of business development. He will be responsible for the implementation of the company's long-term strategic business plan, including expansion into new markets overseas and in the United States, product development and extending sales channels. Identifix reports that Gunderson brings a wealth of expertise to his new position, including his abilities to form strategic alliances, develop and implement new programs and to support market expansion. His most recent position was vice president and general manager at Autodata Publications.