By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union will need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens. The new law is set to take effect May 25.

In essence, the GDPR regulations require that any company that collects or processes personal data about EU citizens within EU states carefully protect that data, conditions for use have also been made more stringent. For practical purposes, many companies that do any business with European Union citizens will be affected, whether they are primarily located in Europe or not.

Fines for non-compliance are based on a percentage of the business done, and especially for larger companies, could be substantial. Among other things, companies may be fined for failing to keep their records secure and up to date, or for failing to promptly notify all involved in case of a data breach.

Consent is not the only lawful basis, and many companies may find they can rely on processing a contract and/or legitimate basis. Explicit “opt-in” consent is required for processing sensitive personal data; however, for non-sensitive data, “unambiguous” consent—offered in easily understood language—may be sufficient. In any case, requests for consent must be made using clear and plain language, and the choice to opt out must be obvious and easy to exercise.

For purposes of GDPR, “personal data” is broadly defined.  Personal data could be anything from a name, a photo, an email address, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, cookie data, a computer IP address, etc.

Step one for most companies will be to assess whether you are covered by the GDPR. If, after analyzing your specific situation, you determine that your company is required to comply, you should assess the personal data currently stored for European Union residents. This would include basic identity data—name, address and web data such as IP address, cookie data, etc.—plus any data pertaining to health, genetic information, racial and ethnic data, political opinions and sexual orientation.

Once you have a sense of what data is affected, consider what changes may need to be made in existing data security processes and protocols. A useful starting point would be the EUGDPR.org website, which defines the regulation in detail and offers resources and compliance partners.

SEMA is closely following the implementation of the GDPR and will supply more information as guidance becomes available.

Bondurant has announced a drawing to win a three- or four-day Bondurant Racing School Experience. Proceeds from the drawing benefit Childhelp, a 501(c)(3) based in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://childhelp.tapkat.org/winbondurantracingschool

Bondurant has announced a drawing to win a three- or four-day Bondurant Racing School Experience. Proceeds from the drawing benefit Childhelp, a 501(c)(3) based in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://childhelp.tapkat.org/winbondurantracingschool

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

What do you think about the state of the industry? We need help from the SEMA community!  

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, help us out and take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to provide the best information for our industry.

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

What do you think about the state of the industry? We need help from the SEMA community!  

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, help us out and take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to provide the best information for our industry.

By SEMA Editors

A new series of short video tutorials available at www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary cover how to use the SEMA Data Co-op’s Product Information Management System 2.0.

The updated SEMA Data Co-op Product Information Management System (PIMS) 2.0 has been released and is easier than ever to use. The series of four, one- to two-minute videos are designed help SDC-member manufacturers and resellers get started using the SDC PIMS.

To access the SDC PIMS video series, go to www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary.

By SEMA Editors

A new series of short video tutorials available at www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary cover how to use the SEMA Data Co-op’s Product Information Management System 2.0.

The updated SEMA Data Co-op Product Information Management System (PIMS) 2.0 has been released and is easier than ever to use. The series of four, one- to two-minute videos are designed help SDC-member manufacturers and resellers get started using the SDC PIMS.

To access the SDC PIMS video series, go to www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary.

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

The state of California and the federal government are providing funds to lower the cost to participate in the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, to be held August 15–19, in Shanghai, China. The first 10 California-based companies to register will be offered $2,300 toward program fees.

With the grants, $2,000 includes four nights’ hotel, a turnkey booth at the largest specialty-equipment show in the region, interpreters and meals to initiate or grow sales to this country of 1.4 billion consumers.

2018 SEMA China Business Development Program
Shanghai, China
August 15–19

Participants spend a week promoting their brands and gaining insights into how Chi­nese enthusiasts obtain products and use their vehicles in this market of 1.4 billion people. Learn about the developing Chinese car culture and eagerness among Chinese enthu­siasts to upgrade their rides to take them to the racetrack, off-roading or everyday use.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the China Auto Salon in a turnkey booth. A limited number of $1,500 grants are available for qualified California-based companies (in addition to the $800 federal grants).

Register now!

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Injen Technology attendees at the show included Ron Delgado (standing), president and CEO, and Jay Crouch, director of global business development (second right). Crouch said that Injen Technology has exported cold-air intakes and exhaust systems into the Chinese market for about a decade. “Chinese consumers are enthusiastic with their booming car culture and are continually looking to the United States for new trends and products,” he said. “These new products and trends are increasingly being reflected in their vehicles, which reinforces the fact that U.S. products are in high demand in China. From U.S.-branded trucks and Jeeps to Euros and sport compacts, every aspect of the aftermarket is represented well in China, and they are yearning for aftermarket support.”

Nickolaus DiBlasi (center), global product manager for Race Winning Brands, was surprised at the size and potential for U.S. specialty-equipment products in China. “The aftermarket potential in China is completely opposite from what I had thought going into the SEMA China Business Development trip,” he said. “[Our pre-conception] was only a high-end aftermarket that catered to exotics such as Lamborghinis, Porsches and other $100,000-and-over vehicles. After spending time in China, we found that there is so much more. We were pleased to see Camaros, Mustangs, VWs, Audis and Toyotas.”