SEMA News—November 2012

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
By Jon Wyly

Sales Growth and the “Invisibility Factor”

Why Your Product Data Matters

If you are a supplier in the $30 billion automotive specialty-equipment market, it is important to have a complete understanding of why standardized, well-distributed product data is critical to business growth. The bottom line is to sell more parts, right? Well, in this age of instant information and aggressive competition, it’s going to take more than “the way we’ve always done it” to succeed. Consumers are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips, and the competition for their money is tougher than ever before with the myriad choices available.

According to a recent SEMA consumer study (May 2012), 53.3% of consumers today use Internet searches to research product information. This outpaces the second most popular source of information, friends and relatives (33.7%), by 20 percentage points. Following at 30.4% is manufacturers’ websites and catalogs.

The ready availability of information and the convenience of the Internet are clearly huge drivers in consumer behavior these days. Think about your own personal research habits: Where do you go first for information on something you are looking to purchase, either immediately or in the future? More and more, the answer to that question is the Internet.

Now this discussion isn’t about where consumers go to buy, but rather where they go to learn about what they may end up buying. As a supplier of goods for sale, you want to be visible throughout the research process so that consumers begin to develop an awareness and comfort level with your offerings.

	For more information about how the SEMA Data Cooperative can help you create, manage, store and distribute your product data in the most efficient and cost-effective way ever, call 888-958-6698 or send an e-mail to jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org.

Too often, we still believe the old-school “everyone knows my brand” position. Well, they don’t. And unless you want to confine your sales to a limited group of loyal brand followers—which there are fewer of every day—then you need to ensure that your products are represented broadly, accurately and consistently where people are looking for information! Invisibility may be a cool super-hero power to have, but it’s not where you want to be on an Internet search.

So how do you become visible? And what does this have to do with standardized product data?

It’s a lot about subtle details that produce the results we are looking for. As most of us know, the average Internet Google search is made up of selected keywords representing what the user is looking for. Some searchers type in very generic terms, such as “side tubes,” or maybe add a brand qualifier, such as “Westin side tubes.” However, as Internet users become more demanding, they are including more specific criteria in their searches as well, creating what are called “long tail” search terms. An example might be “chrome side tubes for 2008 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab.”

They are obviously looking for something very specific, and they want to get straight to it. If your product data doesn’t include fitment information, finish, bed-length qualifiers and more, you are invisible to the search we just described.

Being invisible on Google searches is bad enough, but being invisible on product searches conducted on e-commerce websites will really cost you sales. Most sites today are using pretty sophisticated year/make/model (YMM) lookups and offer the ability to filter search results based on product features or “qualifiers.” Even on products that are universal and don’t require YMM information, it is critical to have enough detailed product data for consumers to be able to drill down to what they are looking for and to see a complete, confidence-inspiring product detail page that has enough good information for them to make a buying decision.

By getting your product data together in the industry Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) and Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and stored in the SEMA repository, you not only take control of this very important asset but also guarantee consistent availability of the data required to ensure your visibility to information-hungry customers. 

SEMA News—November 2012

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
By Jon Wyly

Sales Growth and the “Invisibility Factor”

Why Your Product Data Matters

If you are a supplier in the $30 billion automotive specialty-equipment market, it is important to have a complete understanding of why standardized, well-distributed product data is critical to business growth. The bottom line is to sell more parts, right? Well, in this age of instant information and aggressive competition, it’s going to take more than “the way we’ve always done it” to succeed. Consumers are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips, and the competition for their money is tougher than ever before with the myriad choices available.

According to a recent SEMA consumer study (May 2012), 53.3% of consumers today use Internet searches to research product information. This outpaces the second most popular source of information, friends and relatives (33.7%), by 20 percentage points. Following at 30.4% is manufacturers’ websites and catalogs.

The ready availability of information and the convenience of the Internet are clearly huge drivers in consumer behavior these days. Think about your own personal research habits: Where do you go first for information on something you are looking to purchase, either immediately or in the future? More and more, the answer to that question is the Internet.

Now this discussion isn’t about where consumers go to buy, but rather where they go to learn about what they may end up buying. As a supplier of goods for sale, you want to be visible throughout the research process so that consumers begin to develop an awareness and comfort level with your offerings.

	For more information about how the SEMA Data Cooperative can help you create, manage, store and distribute your product data in the most efficient and cost-effective way ever, call 888-958-6698 or send an e-mail to jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org.

Too often, we still believe the old-school “everyone knows my brand” position. Well, they don’t. And unless you want to confine your sales to a limited group of loyal brand followers—which there are fewer of every day—then you need to ensure that your products are represented broadly, accurately and consistently where people are looking for information! Invisibility may be a cool super-hero power to have, but it’s not where you want to be on an Internet search.

So how do you become visible? And what does this have to do with standardized product data?

It’s a lot about subtle details that produce the results we are looking for. As most of us know, the average Internet Google search is made up of selected keywords representing what the user is looking for. Some searchers type in very generic terms, such as “side tubes,” or maybe add a brand qualifier, such as “Westin side tubes.” However, as Internet users become more demanding, they are including more specific criteria in their searches as well, creating what are called “long tail” search terms. An example might be “chrome side tubes for 2008 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab.”

They are obviously looking for something very specific, and they want to get straight to it. If your product data doesn’t include fitment information, finish, bed-length qualifiers and more, you are invisible to the search we just described.

Being invisible on Google searches is bad enough, but being invisible on product searches conducted on e-commerce websites will really cost you sales. Most sites today are using pretty sophisticated year/make/model (YMM) lookups and offer the ability to filter search results based on product features or “qualifiers.” Even on products that are universal and don’t require YMM information, it is critical to have enough detailed product data for consumers to be able to drill down to what they are looking for and to see a complete, confidence-inspiring product detail page that has enough good information for them to make a buying decision.

By getting your product data together in the industry Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) and Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and stored in the SEMA repository, you not only take control of this very important asset but also guarantee consistent availability of the data required to ensure your visibility to information-hungry customers. 

SEMA News—November 2012

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
By Jon Wyly

Sales Growth and the “Invisibility Factor”

Why Your Product Data Matters

If you are a supplier in the $30 billion automotive specialty-equipment market, it is important to have a complete understanding of why standardized, well-distributed product data is critical to business growth. The bottom line is to sell more parts, right? Well, in this age of instant information and aggressive competition, it’s going to take more than “the way we’ve always done it” to succeed. Consumers are becoming more and more accustomed to having information at their fingertips, and the competition for their money is tougher than ever before with the myriad choices available.

According to a recent SEMA consumer study (May 2012), 53.3% of consumers today use Internet searches to research product information. This outpaces the second most popular source of information, friends and relatives (33.7%), by 20 percentage points. Following at 30.4% is manufacturers’ websites and catalogs.

The ready availability of information and the convenience of the Internet are clearly huge drivers in consumer behavior these days. Think about your own personal research habits: Where do you go first for information on something you are looking to purchase, either immediately or in the future? More and more, the answer to that question is the Internet.

Now this discussion isn’t about where consumers go to buy, but rather where they go to learn about what they may end up buying. As a supplier of goods for sale, you want to be visible throughout the research process so that consumers begin to develop an awareness and comfort level with your offerings.

	For more information about how the SEMA Data Cooperative can help you create, manage, store and distribute your product data in the most efficient and cost-effective way ever, call 888-958-6698 or send an e-mail to jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org.

Too often, we still believe the old-school “everyone knows my brand” position. Well, they don’t. And unless you want to confine your sales to a limited group of loyal brand followers—which there are fewer of every day—then you need to ensure that your products are represented broadly, accurately and consistently where people are looking for information! Invisibility may be a cool super-hero power to have, but it’s not where you want to be on an Internet search.

So how do you become visible? And what does this have to do with standardized product data?

It’s a lot about subtle details that produce the results we are looking for. As most of us know, the average Internet Google search is made up of selected keywords representing what the user is looking for. Some searchers type in very generic terms, such as “side tubes,” or maybe add a brand qualifier, such as “Westin side tubes.” However, as Internet users become more demanding, they are including more specific criteria in their searches as well, creating what are called “long tail” search terms. An example might be “chrome side tubes for 2008 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab.”

They are obviously looking for something very specific, and they want to get straight to it. If your product data doesn’t include fitment information, finish, bed-length qualifiers and more, you are invisible to the search we just described.

Being invisible on Google searches is bad enough, but being invisible on product searches conducted on e-commerce websites will really cost you sales. Most sites today are using pretty sophisticated year/make/model (YMM) lookups and offer the ability to filter search results based on product features or “qualifiers.” Even on products that are universal and don’t require YMM information, it is critical to have enough detailed product data for consumers to be able to drill down to what they are looking for and to see a complete, confidence-inspiring product detail page that has enough good information for them to make a buying decision.

By getting your product data together in the industry Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) and Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and stored in the SEMA repository, you not only take control of this very important asset but also guarantee consistent availability of the data required to ensure your visibility to information-hungry customers. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012 

Events
By Chad Simon

Crafting Cars for Children

Professional Builders Custom-Design Pinewood Hot Rods for Charity.

Constructed last fall to the finest detail, these miniature pinewood hot rods were the brainchildren of 15 of the nation’s best custom-car and hot-rod builders. The hot rods could be mistaken for the real thing if only they weren’t small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But they came to life as they raced against each other to benefit two children’s charities at the third-annual Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Pinewood Builder’s Challenge during SEMA’s Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The cars will be autographed by the builders and will be displayed in the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

After the Show, these 15 custom pinewood cars will be up for auction via eBay, and the proceeds will go to support SEMA Cares and its two children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association		Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs		BS Industries

Participating builders included industry luminaries Baer Brakes, B Rod or Custom, BS Industries, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Goolsby Customs, Greening Auto Co., Johnny’s Auto Trim, Kaucher Kustoms, Lokar Inc., No Joke Upholstery, Rich Evans Designs, Spanky’s Hot Rods, Strange Motion and Street Vizions.

An incredible class of hot-rod builders crafted the HRIA Builder’s Challenge cars, but in the end, Derek White of Street Vizions successfully defended his title, winning the race series for the third consecutive year. Rich Evans Designs once again was the runner up, followed by Larry Burchett of B Rod or Custom.

B Rod Or Custom		Baer Brakes		Goolsby Customs

“Winning three years in a row is an honor,” said Dean Pugliese of Street Vizions. “I think there is a bounty out for beating us next year. Next year’s car will be even more daring on our part, but our strategy for success remains a mystery for another year. Derek wants to call the next car ‘The Bounty Hunter.’ Really, it is all for the children who benefit at Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Most of all, we enjoy competing with our friends and keeping hot rodding fun.”

Strange Motion		Spanky’s Hot Rods		Greening Auto Co.

Each pinewood builder was given four months to complete the car, with no design limitations or rules imposed except that the car had to fit the track’s dimensions and no propulsion systems were allowed.

“The design of our Pinewood entry is based solely on the ’32 Ford Bubba built for the first episode of our upcoming network TV show,” said Bubba Lloyd, owner, Bubba’s East Coast Rods & Customs. “We count the blessings before us every day, and we are thankful for all that we have. Charity work is of extreme importance to us, and we are extremely engaged in charitable work for children.”

Lokar Inc.		Street Vizions		Kaucher Kustoms

The race came to fruition at the 2009 SEMA Show, when HRIA Chairman Rick Love of Vintage Air, HRIA member Eric Saltrick from Steele Rubber Products and fellow HRIA member John Menzler from COMP Cams decided to walk the Show floor and ask every well-known hot-rod builder to participate.

“The HRIA Builder’s Challenge race continues to grow, and the creations that we are seeing every year are absolutely brilliant,” Love said. “The builders who participate in this program devote the same incredible creativity and workmanship to these race cars that they would in any high-end hot-rod build, and take immense pride in the fact that these cars raise money for some very worthwhile charities. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to come by the HRIA booth #23395 at the 2012 SEMA Show and see these cars in person. We’ll also be auctioning them to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp as we have in the past, so don’t miss your opportunity to take one home.”

Johnny’s Auto Trim		No Joke Upholstery		Rich Evans Designs

The eBay auction will take place October 30–November 8. Simply search “HRIA Pinewood” on eBay for your chance to own a custom Pinewood hot rod from a legendary builder. 

SEMA News—November 2012

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Steve McDonald

Law and Order

STATE UPDATE

California Legacy Plates: SEMA-supported legislation to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program was approved by the California legislature and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Under the bill, the Department of Motor Vehicles would create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state’s past. Currently, classic-car owners can revive only well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicles. If enacted, the bill would bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the ’50s and ’60s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) or ’70s and ’80s (yellow lettering on blue background). The measure would require that at least 7,500 applications for any one particular plate must be received by the Department of Motor Vehicles on or before January 1, 2015.

California Scrappage: Legislation that would have restricted eligibility for the state’s motor-vehicle scrappage program to the highest-polluting vehicles, with priority given to vehicles registered in air basins that are out of compliance with federal air-quality standards, died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The scrappage provisions had been removed from the bill prior to adjournment. Among other things, the original version of the bill recognized that the state couldn’t afford to continue operating a wide-open program to scrap older cars, which actually does little to offset emissions.

California Specially Constructed Vehicles: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is in the process of concluding an engine certification process applicable to specially constructed vehicles (SCVs). The program originated in a report released in draft form by the agency in October 2011. Recent and substantial amendments have resulted in a program that closely resembles what is required of the original-equipment manufacturers for new engine certification. SEMA believes that the current format will not be economically feasible for small-company engine builders and recommended the use of engines from certified vehicles for present and future SCVs. SEMA staff submitted comments to the program with recommendations for allowances that still support the use of engines with reduced emissions, coupled with an opportunity for SCV engine builders to use performance parts that have been CARB certified.

SEMA Action Network (SAN): The SAN Driving Force newsletter again took home the gold medallion in the “Best Single Issue: Newsletter” category of the 21st International Automotive Media Awards. The International Automotive Media Competition, a function of the International Society for Vehicle Preservation, is a peer-judged awards program that recognizes excellence in all forms of automotive media. As the leader in legislative advocacy on behalf of the automotive hobby, the SAN relies upon Driving Force to reach thousands of enthusiasts regarding government activity in the states and in Washington, D.C. This recognition is a testament to its continued effectiveness in providing enthusiasts with the information they need to help effect pro-hobby governmental policies.

FEDERAL UPDATE

E15 Ethanol: A federal appeals court dismissed on technicalities a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to permit 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for ’01 and newer model-year cars and light trucks. The EPA has previously limited ethanol content to 10% (E10) for these vehicles. The EPA made it “illegal” to put E15 in pre-’01 vehicles but is relying on a gas pump label cautioning motorists not to misfuel their older vehicles. SEMA opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. In light of the court’s decision, SEMA is now seeking passage of federal legislation that would prevent the EPA from permitting E15 sales until the National Academies has conducted a study on how E15 may impact gas-powered vehicles. The bill has been approved by the U.S. House Science Committee and is pending on the House floor.

Bonneville Salt Flats: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved a final Environmental Assessment (EA) for replenishing salt to the Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF) as potash is mined on adjoining lands. The BLM adopted the approach recommended by SEMA and other organizations that are members of the “Save the Salt Coalition.” The EA requires a permanent replenishment program that guarantees the same quantity and quality of salt be returned to the BSF as is removed under an existing potash-mining lease agreement. The mining company, Intrepid Potash–Wendover LLC has already exceeded the EA requirements, pumping nearly 1 million tons of salt onto the BSF over the past two years without removing any salt from the same area. SEMA and the coalition are now pursuing a public fundraising campaign to go beyond “replenishment” so that the BSF can be “restored” with millions of tons of additional salt necessary to achieve the goal. All contributions will be used to purchase salt and/or the equipment necessary to pump, transport and lay down the salt.

“Save Johnson Valley": In comments submitted to the BLM, SEMA recommended that the U.S. Marines Corps secure special-use permits when conducting troop maneuvers within Johnson Valley, California, rather than taking ownership of the land as part of an expanded Twentynine Palms base. The land is a designated off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area and site of “King of the Hammers” and other OHV events throughout the year. The Marines need access to Johnson Valley for less than two months a year but are seeking ownership rights from the BLM for 56% of the land (147,000 acres). The Marines would permit limited access to less than 40,000 acres of that land for OHV activities during 10 months of the year. Any land transfer requires congressional approval. SEMA favors a shared-use compromise in which the BLM retains land ownership. Congress is in the process of enacting legislation that will require the Marines to study alternative ways to share the land with the OHV community, such as with special permits. The Johnson Valley off-road area draws at least 200,000 visitors annually and may generate as much as $191 million annually into the economy.

CAFE Standards: The federal government issued final regulations implementing an agreement reached with auto industry representatives and California regulators on fuel economy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions limits for model-year ’17–’25 vehicles. The fleetwide average will rise from 34.5 miles per gallon (mpg) at the end of 2016 to 54.5 mpg for model-year ’25, a nearly 5% annual increase, with slightly lower standards for light-duty trucks. The agreement preserves California’s authority to regulate CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases while creating a single national standard. CO2 emissions and fuel economy are linked, since carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion. The automakers pursued an agreement to increase fuel economy that would also preserve affordability, vehicle choice, jobs and safety.

Feds Update Motorcycle Brake Standard: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has updated the performance test standards for motorcycle brakes, first adopted in 1972. The requirements are part of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, Motorcycle Brake Systems, which applies to both two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. The revised rule includes a more-stringent dry brake measure and new high-speed, wet-brake and heat-fade tests. The rule specifies minimum performance requirements for antilock brake systems when they are voluntarily installed on motorcycles. The revised rule also harmonizes the U.S. standard with a global technical regulation developed in 1998.