One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance, through a PhD Research Assistantship for the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

SEMA and the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) established a strategic partnership in 2009 that focused on the future of the automotive and the specialty-equipment industries. To learn more about this program and how it benefits students and SEMA-member companies, watch the latest CU-ICAR/SEMA Partnership video.

Recently, CU-ICAR announced that one position will be available starting May or August 2013 (based on student availability) in the research center's automotive engineering department. The focus of the three-year project is on sustaining workforce capabilities.

One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance. The student’s dissertation topic will be directly related to the project concepts and activities. In addition, the selected student will be identified as a BMW Group PhD Scholar. The goal of the BMW PhD Program is to improve competence in areas of strategic importance to the company. The student will work closely with a BMW industrial mentor in addition to their research advisor, and have access to BMW industrial training programs and opportunities for internship at BMW facilities through a global exchange program with other scholars.

Candidates are expected to be accepted into the Automotive Engineering PhD Program and 1) have a Master’s degree in an applicable engineering field (automotive, human factors, industrial, mechanical, manufacturing), 2) background/experience or interest in human factors/ergonomics, 3) related work experience in manufacturing or human factors, 4) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required, and 5) the ability to travel to Germany for several weeks periodically during the project progress. Basic German language skills are preferred.

Exemplary candidates will have previous relevant work experience in an automotive manufacturing environment and be fluent in spoken and written German. For information, visit Clemson’s Department of Automotive Engineering website.

Interested candidates should forward a résumé and letter stating how each of the background requirements are satisfied to: Dr. Johnell Brooks at jobrook@clemson.edu with the subject line “BMW Scholar Search.” Applications received by February 15, 2013, will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until a qualified applicant is selected.

	One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance, through a PhD Research Assistantship for the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

SEMA and the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) established a strategic partnership in 2009 that focused on the future of the automotive and the specialty-equipment industries. To learn more about this program and how it benefits students and SEMA-member companies, watch the latest CU-ICAR/SEMA Partnership video.

Recently, CU-ICAR announced that one position will be available starting May or August 2013 (based on student availability) in the research center's automotive engineering department. The focus of the three-year project is on sustaining workforce capabilities.

One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance. The student’s dissertation topic will be directly related to the project concepts and activities. In addition, the selected student will be identified as a BMW Group PhD Scholar. The goal of the BMW PhD Program is to improve competence in areas of strategic importance to the company. The student will work closely with a BMW industrial mentor in addition to their research advisor, and have access to BMW industrial training programs and opportunities for internship at BMW facilities through a global exchange program with other scholars.

Candidates are expected to be accepted into the Automotive Engineering PhD Program and 1) have a Master’s degree in an applicable engineering field (automotive, human factors, industrial, mechanical, manufacturing), 2) background/experience or interest in human factors/ergonomics, 3) related work experience in manufacturing or human factors, 4) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required, and 5) the ability to travel to Germany for several weeks periodically during the project progress. Basic German language skills are preferred.

Exemplary candidates will have previous relevant work experience in an automotive manufacturing environment and be fluent in spoken and written German. For information, visit Clemson’s Department of Automotive Engineering website.

Interested candidates should forward a résumé and letter stating how each of the background requirements are satisfied to: Dr. Johnell Brooks at jobrook@clemson.edu with the subject line “BMW Scholar Search.” Applications received by February 15, 2013, will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until a qualified applicant is selected.

	One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance, through a PhD Research Assistantship for the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

SEMA and the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) established a strategic partnership in 2009 that focused on the future of the automotive and the specialty-equipment industries. To learn more about this program and how it benefits students and SEMA-member companies, watch the latest CU-ICAR/SEMA Partnership video.

Recently, CU-ICAR announced that one position will be available starting May or August 2013 (based on student availability) in the research center's automotive engineering department. The focus of the three-year project is on sustaining workforce capabilities.

One student will be offered up to three years of tuition and a competitive stipend, renewed annually based upon performance. The student’s dissertation topic will be directly related to the project concepts and activities. In addition, the selected student will be identified as a BMW Group PhD Scholar. The goal of the BMW PhD Program is to improve competence in areas of strategic importance to the company. The student will work closely with a BMW industrial mentor in addition to their research advisor, and have access to BMW industrial training programs and opportunities for internship at BMW facilities through a global exchange program with other scholars.

Candidates are expected to be accepted into the Automotive Engineering PhD Program and 1) have a Master’s degree in an applicable engineering field (automotive, human factors, industrial, mechanical, manufacturing), 2) background/experience or interest in human factors/ergonomics, 3) related work experience in manufacturing or human factors, 4) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required, and 5) the ability to travel to Germany for several weeks periodically during the project progress. Basic German language skills are preferred.

Exemplary candidates will have previous relevant work experience in an automotive manufacturing environment and be fluent in spoken and written German. For information, visit Clemson’s Department of Automotive Engineering website.

Interested candidates should forward a résumé and letter stating how each of the background requirements are satisfied to: Dr. Johnell Brooks at jobrook@clemson.edu with the subject line “BMW Scholar Search.” Applications received by February 15, 2013, will be given full consideration. The position will remain open until a qualified applicant is selected.

SEMA is supporting Virginia legislation, which proposes to reduce the number of license plates furnished by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to registered motor vehicles. Under the bill, favored by state hobbyists, the DMV would issue only one license plate (rather than two) and require the single plate to be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The measure would apply to every registered motor vehicle, semitrailer or trailer, including hobby cars, such as antique, reconstructed and replica vehicles. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA is supporting Virginia legislation, which proposes to reduce the number of license plates furnished by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to registered motor vehicles. Under the bill, favored by state hobbyists, the DMV would issue only one license plate (rather than two) and require the single plate to be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The measure would apply to every registered motor vehicle, semitrailer or trailer, including hobby cars, such as antique, reconstructed and replica vehicles. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule that will require hybrid and electric vehicles make a minimum level of sound in order to alert pedestrians and bicyclists of their presence. The automakers would have a wide selection of choices when creating a sound. The sound would need to be detectable over a range of street noises and other background sounds when the vehicle is moving under 18 miles per hour. At 18 mph and above, the vehicle should produce sufficient sound on its own to be heard. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a proposed rule that will require hybrid and electric vehicles make a minimum level of sound in order to alert pedestrians and bicyclists of their presence. The automakers would have a wide selection of choices when creating a sound. The sound would need to be detectable over a range of street noises and other background sounds when the vehicle is moving under 18 miles per hour. At 18 mph and above, the vehicle should produce sufficient sound on its own to be heard. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Source Interlink Names Scott Burgess as Detroit Editor for Motor Trend
Source Interlink Media has hired Scott Burgess as the new Detroit editor for Motor Trend magazine. Burgess will be Motor Trend’s Motor City expert, responsible for covering everything from vehicle launches to press briefings, as well as identifying and analyzing industry trends big and small. He will report directly to Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Edward Loh.

“We are extremely excited to have Scott Burgess join Team Motor Trend,” said Loh. “He brings deep connections throughout the industry, years of experience in print and online journalism, and an entertaining, yet informative writing style that will prove invaluable as he covers the automotive epicenter that is Detroit.”

Burgess has been a Detroit-based journalist for eight years, covering the auto industry for organizations, including The Detroit News, AOL Autos and Autoblog, where he worked as an editor, reporter and critic. Burgess has been featured as an automotive expert on television and radio and in international publications. 

	Classic Industries is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a display of the company's latest project, OPEN AIR—a supercharged ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible—and the rest of its resto-mod collection at the 2013 Grand National Roadster Show.

Classic Industries Celebrates 35 Years With "Open Air" Project
Classic Industries is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a display of the company's latest project, OPEN AIR—a supercharged ’56 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible—along with the rest of its extensive resto-mod collection at the 2013 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California (January 25–27). OPEN AIR debuted at the 2012 SEMA Show and is featured on the upcoming season of SPEED TV’s Emmy-nominated "Chop Cut Rebuild." It is the sixth of a multi-vehicle project series that includes the ’69 CAMOTION Camaro, ’66 INNOVATION Nova, ’64 SWEET IMOTION Impala, ’53 Classic Industries SHOP TRUCK and ’72 TWISTED Plymouth Duster.

“This collection is our way of showing the limitless possibilities available to any enthusiast with one of our automotive restoration catalogs. Our team has worked very hard over the years to build these unique vehicles, and we are proud to be displaying them all together for the first time,” said Ray Yager, Classic Industries Merchandising Director. “We’re hoping everyone will come out to Pomona to join the celebration of our 35th anniversary at the 2013 Grand National Roadster Show.”

Performance Improvements Selects Steve Ager as Purchasing Manager
Performance Improvements announced that Steve Ager has joined the company as purchasing manager. According to the company, Ager has worked more than 20 years in all aspects of the performance industry. He has also served as a judge on the SEMA Show New Products Committee.

Performance Improvements President Bob McJannett is pleased to bring Ager on board. "Steve’s proven track record of success will help grow our company to the next level. In 2013, Performance Improvements is going to launch several new product categories as well as implement a new computer system. Steve’s expertise will prove to be invaluable!” 

	Holley's HP EFI engine control unit will come as standard equipment on the Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro factory-built race cars in 2013.

Holley's EFI Chosen as Standard Equipment for 2013 COPO Camaro
Holley Performance Products' HP EFI engine control unit (ECU) will come as standard equipment on all of Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro factory-built race cars in 2013, marking the third Holley-brand product to make it onto the COPO Camaro. Holley’s Hi-Ram intake Manifold was standard equipment on all ’12 naturally aspirated COPO Camaros, and Earl’s brand transmission coolers were on all ’12 COPO Camaros as well. All three products will be used on ’13 COPO Camaros.

COPO Powertrain Program Manager Robin Wright said, "The Holley LS 'Hi-Ram' intake Manifold is a significant performance element for the COPO Camaro. The addition of Holley's HP EFI Engine Management System for 2013 will increase user-friendliness, and COPO customers will truly enjoy features like lb./hr.-based fueling and self-tuning fuel table strategies plus internal data logging with 2GB of memory.”

Petersen Museum's Shelby Tribute Cruise-in This Weekend
The Carroll Shelby Tribute Cruise-in at the Petersen Automotive Museum, presented by Hillbank Motor Sports and Superformance, takes place this Saturday, January 12, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. There will be VIP Shelby vehicle parking (Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, Tigers, etc.) and preferred parking for show cars. A People’s Choice Award will be presented, and the Petersen Museum will extend discounted admission to all show participants. Breakfast and lunch will be available at Johnny Rockets, located in the museum lobby, and chili will be served in honor of Carroll Shelby.

“Few individuals in the auto industry have the iconic status of Carroll Shelby,” says Terry Karges, executive director of the Petersen. “This is the first birthday since his passing in May, and we knew that we had to host a tribute to celebrate the life of a man whose impact on our industry has been enormous.”

Parking is free for all Shelbys, Shelby replicas, hot rods, classics or other special-interest vehicles, and their drivers will receive two-for-one admission to the Petersen. For more information on the Carroll Shelby Tribute, call 949-900-1960.

SEMA Member News—January/February 2013

Changes: The Network for Professional Agents and Representatives

Pierre Pfeffer of Amp Research accepted the award for MRN’s STAR (Sales Team Annual Recognition) award, which honors a manufacturer that demonstrates best practices and a true partnership in working with professional reps.

Jon Wyly (upper left) of the SEMA Data Co-Op led one of several discussions during the Rep Technology Roundtable. Wyly spoke to the group about making the connection between product data management and sales growth.

Bernard Bolisig (back to camera) of Upshift Marketing also led one of the roundtable discussions. His topic was the use of e-Commerce to maintain sales relevance in the current economy.

The SEMA organization that serves manufacturers’ reps in the automotive aftermarket industry has changed from the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council to the Manufacturers’ Representatives Network (MRN). The new name reflects the group’s desire to better serve the needs of the membership by becoming an individual-based professional network, compared to its previous agency-based membership format.

“MRN is very excited about these changes and feels this will best serve, promote and elevate our industry,” said MRN Chairman Thomas Jourdan of True High Performance Sales.

A critical component to the decision was the ability to reach more industry professionals and, as a result, better address the challenges and opportunities confronting the rep industry.

MRN’s vision statement is as follows: MRN is a community of manufacturer agents that seeks to promote the benefits and relevance of the profession. We will do this by collaborating with all segments of the specialty-equipment market on the importance of our community; strengthening our community through engaging industry professionals; and being a catalyst for communicating solutions impacting the industry and its segments.

MRN Honors AMP Research and Mr. Phone, Herb Goldstein

The late Herb Goldstein, better known as Mr. Phone, was the 2012 inductee into the MRN Hall of Fame. Goldstein had a long and illustrious career as a high-performance manufacturers’ rep. He represented many major names in that sector on a national basis and is credited with not only bringing those manufacturers to market but also helping carry them into national prominence with his marketing skills.

Goldstein earned his nickname for the nearly constant long-distance phone calls he would make to every high-performance customer in the country. He was a powerful and creative salesman who came from a rep family. His father, Jack, had a long career on the West Coast.

In his time, Goldstein was perhaps the best-known performance rep in the entire country. In addition to his career as a manufacturers’ rep, he also invested in several manufacturing enterprises.

Rep Technology Roundtable Takes Center Stage

Traditionally known as the Rep Conference, the 2012 event also saw its share of change. The MRN leadership made the decision to modify the format for the conference back to an exclusive rep event. The format was less formal and focused on more intimate roundtable discussions that provided industry peers and competitors with the opportunity to discuss issues in an open forum. The opening session was led by Bryan Shirley, CPMR, who introduced the nearly 100 attendees to the thought leaders who would guide conversations. Experts and topics included:

• Improve your Brand: Effective and Practical Online Solutions; Luanne Brown, eTool Developers
• Product Data: Product Data Management and Sales Growth—Making the Connection; Jon Wyly, SEMA Data Co-op
• e-Commerce: Remaining Relevant in Today’s Economy; Bernard Bolisig, Upshift Marketing
• Apps: Business Apps that Boost Productivity; Tyler Tanaka of Cie Studios
• Market Research: Identifying Information to Help Your Business; Gavin Knapp, SEMA
• MRN: What is the Manufacturers’ Representative Network?; Joel Rosenthal, MRN IPC/Advisor
• Insurance: Addressing Risk and Building a Solution; Franco Ganino of Alliant Insurance Solutions
• Practical Advice for Complicated Issues in Your Rep Firm: Buy-Sell Valuations, Outside Sales Compensation, Contracts, Commissions; Stump Bryan

Special thanks to the event sponsors for their generous support.

• Premier Sponsor: Bob Cook Sales
• Supporting Sponsors: Considine Sales & Marketing and The Kayes Co.

SEMA News—January 2013

FROM THE HILL
By Dan Sadowski

“A Woman’s Place Is in the Garage”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier Supports SEMA Mustang Build During Visit to 2012 SEMA Show

From left) Sherry Kollinen, Ford Motor Co.; Rose Kawasaki, SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chair-elect; Rep. Jackie Speier; and SBN Chair and SEMA Person of the Year Marla Moore at the Ford Mustang Build—Powered by Women exhibit during the 2012 SEMA Show. SBN sponsored the project in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media. The completed Mustang was auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) took time from her busy election-year schedule to speak at the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) breakfast and tour the 2012 SEMA Show. Rep. Speier was elected to Congress in 2008 and represents most of San Mateo County, including a portion of San Francisco. She previously served in both the California State Assembly and Senate.

At the SEMA Show, Rep. Speier briefed PWA members on the “Marketplace Equity Act,” legislation that would require companies selling goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as brick-and-mortar retailers. Rep. Speier is a co-sponsor of the bill.

Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot currently force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state or Congress authorizes collection. Given its diverse membership, SEMA has not taken a position on the proposed legislation to authorize collection.

Escorted by staff from SEMA’s government affairs office, Rep. Speier toured the SEMA Show floor and visited with exhibitors from her district, including GoPro (San Mateo) and Everlast Power Equipment (South San Francisco). These visits provided a snapshot of how SEMA members are impacting both the local and national economy.

Rep. Speier also met with SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Chairman Marla Moore, Chair-Elect Rose Kawasaki and Ford Motor Co. representative Sherry Kollien at the SEMA Mustang Build—Powered by Women display in the Ford booth. Under the direction of SBN and built entirely by SBN members in partnership with Ford Motor Co. and Source Interlink Media, the project was designed to shine a light on women working in the automotive specialty-equipment market.

	Rep. Jackie Speier met with students from the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) program at the Vehicle Technology Center in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center.				Rep. Jackie Speier visits with constituent Jamie Oliver (left) at the GoPro booth in the Central Hall. GoPro is headquartered in Rep. Speier’s Congressional District.

“The SEMA Mustang Build is a great showcase for the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the women working in the automotive aftermarket,” Speier said. “This project demonstrates the growing potential and influence of women in the industry, and I applaud this effort to encourage women to pursue careers in the automotive field. The positive result of the Mustang Build is clear evidence that women are an important part of SEMA’s leadership.”

More than 40 SEMA-member companies donated products and services for the build, which includes custom paint, customized wheels, a custom leather interior, high-performance suspension and a new supercharger autographed by industry legend Vic Edelbrock.

Before departing, Rep. Speier toured the Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) and met with students from Clemson University’s ICAR program.

The VTC served as a venue to connect emerging-technology enthusiasts with the aftermarket’s advanced-technology offerings. It was also a forum to discuss a variety of issues, from high-performance synthetic oils to vehicle-to-vehicle sensors that warn drivers about impending collisions. The VTC included a display of a self-driving car equipped by Google Inc. with sophisticated 360-degree sensors.

SEMA is pleased to welcome members of Congress and other elected officials to the SEMA Show. For more information about inviting your elected representatives to the SEMA Show next year, please contact SEMA Director of Congressional Affairs Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.