The ’12 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep sales in China rose 81% in 2011 to 22,294 units, and 2012 is off to a good start with Jeep sales rising 52% in the first four months of this year to 7,887 units, according to LMC Automotive Ltd. By the end of 2012, Jeep will have 150 dealers in China, up from 110 now. Chrysler currently sells the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass and Patriot models in China and plans to introduce the Grand Wagoneer.

"U.S. companies are the world leaders in developing innovative and functional products for Jeeps," said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations. "The growing popularity of Jeeps throughout China spells enormous export opportunities for SEMA members, and the upcoming SEMA China Business Development program puts U.S. manufacturers in direct contact with buyers of accessories for Jeeps and other brands."

Spencer added that with U.S. grants of up to $1,500 provided by the U.S. government to qualified SEMA members, the time to explore sales potential in China has never been greater.

For more information on how to reserve one of the three remaining slots on the SEMA China Business Development Tour, visit sema.org/china or the 2012 China Business Development Tour Exhibitor Registration page.

Engaging the youth market is a challenge for many companies in the specialty-equipment market. With the advancements in technology, the amount of vehicle choices and the evolving role that automobiles play in American culture, capturing the attention of such a diversely influenced demographic requires varying tactics, depending on market niche.   

Have the youth of today really changed all that much when compared with the youth of 20 or 30 years ago? Have these changes actually given companies more of an opportunity to reach younger consumers?

No question, the youth are the future of our market. SEMA members: Discuss this topic through the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn. Let your peers know how you capture the attention of the youth segment, or what you think will work. To join the discussion, you must first create a free LinkedIn account. And while you’re there, we encourage you to check out the many other discussions going on.

	The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is a great way for exhibitors to announce to builders that they are offering products for vehicles on display at the 2012 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

	The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is a great way for exhibitors to announce to builders that they are offering products for vehicles on display at the 2012 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

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

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

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

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

	Many airlines, including United, are offering discounted airfare to the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for 2012 SEMA Show attendees. American, Delta and United are among the first airlines offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

American Airlines
2012 SEMA Show travelers using American Airlines can save 5% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 25–November 6, 2012. Make your reservation at www.aa.com/group, choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting 62H2BZ in the Promotion Code box. Or, call a travel professional at American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800-433-1790 for reservations. Refer to Promotion Code: 62H2BZ. Some restrictions apply.

Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 5%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2012 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from October 26–November 5, 2012. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Reservations and ticketing is available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select Meeting Event Code NME84, and enter the meeting code in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations may also be made by calling Delta Meeting reservations at 800-328-1111, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Note: There is a direct ticketing fee for booking through the reservation number above.

United Airlines
Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from October 27–November 5, 2012. Book online at www.united.com. Enter ZN47297943 in the Offer Code Box. You can also call United Meetings at 800-521-4041. Note: A $25 service fee will be collected per ticket when using United Meeting Reservations.

For further information about travel and lodging for the 2012 SEMA Show, visit Travel and Lodging.

	Many airlines, including United, are offering discounted airfare to the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA Show organizers have been working with major air carriers to secure discounted airfare for 2012 SEMA Show attendees. American, Delta and United are among the first airlines offering up to 10% off on round-trip airfare to Las Vegas.

American Airlines
2012 SEMA Show travelers using American Airlines can save 5% off published fares during valid travel dates of October 25–November 6, 2012. Make your reservation at www.aa.com/group, choose your flight times and access your meeting discounts by inserting 62H2BZ in the Promotion Code box. Or, call a travel professional at American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800-433-1790 for reservations. Refer to Promotion Code: 62H2BZ. Some restrictions apply.

Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines is offering discounted airfares ranging from 5%–10% on full/unrestricted airfares to 2012 SEMA Show travelers. Valid travel dates run from October 26–November 5, 2012. Discounts are applicable to United States-Canada-originating passengers only. Reservations and ticketing is available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select Meeting Event Code NME84, and enter the meeting code in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations may also be made by calling Delta Meeting reservations at 800-328-1111, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Note: There is a direct ticketing fee for booking through the reservation number above.

United Airlines
Receive discounts of 5% or more with United Airlines. Valid travel dates run from October 27–November 5, 2012. Book online at www.united.com. Enter ZN47297943 in the Offer Code Box. You can also call United Meetings at 800-521-4041. Note: A $25 service fee will be collected per ticket when using United Meeting Reservations.

For further information about travel and lodging for the 2012 SEMA Show, visit Travel and Lodging.

	Industry veteran Steve Brown joined Bestop as marketing database manager.

Bestop Names Steve Brown Marketing Database Manager
Bestop added Steve Brown to the company's sales and marketing team as marketing database manager. The company reports that Brown is an industry veteran with more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket, and that he brings a wealth of experience in product information and automotive-related marketing knowledge. Bestop Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Chick stated, “We read recently that data is as important as production alongside labor and capital. It used to be about getting shelf space, now we are starting to focus on getting the right data to the right places at the right time. With Steve Brown being added to the team, we can fulfill that goal.”

Leadership Changes Announced at CARQUEST U.S.
General Parts International Inc. announced that CARQUEST U.S. President Mike Broderick has decided to leave the company. In the interim, President and CEO O. Temple Sloan III will assume responsibility for the CARQUEST U.S. business, and David McCartney, EVP chief information officer for GPI Technologies will lead information technology and supply chain operations. In addition, Ken Bush has been promoted to senior vice president of merchandising and marketing, and Braxton O’Neal was promoted to senior vice president, global product supply, both reporting directly to Sloan. Bush, who will lead merchandising and marketing, joined CARQUEST in July 2006 as vice president, national account sales, and transitioned to division vice president, store operations and sales, and most recently, vice president of merchandising. Bush has more than 24 years in the industry, in various positions, including merchandising, store operations and commercial sales and operations. In his new role, O’Neal will lead purchasing, inventory management, pricing, classification, product information and global sourcing. O’Neal has been with CARQUEST for the past 25 years.

King Engine Bearings Launches Facebook Page
King Engine Bearings launched an official Facebook page for business customers and consumers at www.facebook.com/King.Bearings. "Facebook is another way for us to get closer to our customers and fans, and obtain feedback on our products," said Limor DePetro, director of sales and marketing, King Engine Bearings. "We encourage people to visit our page to share information and upload photos of their engines and vehicles powered by King Engine Bearings." DePetro added that King will be posting contests and promotions through Facebook similar to the company's 50th anniversary "Hit the Bull's Eye" promotion that concluded earlier this year.

Meyer Distributing Announces Little Rock Location
Meyer Distributing has announced a new cross-dock location in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new addition will have a direct feed from the company's hub in Jasper, Indiana, which houses more than 500,000 sq. ft. of inventory. “The addition of the Little Rock cross-dock enhances our ability to offer logistical services throughout the region," states Jason Braun, executive vice president of Meyer Distributing. "The new site has already been fully integrated with our distribution system and technology framework and will provide unmatched service to customers in this market." 

Robert Kibbe, Dan Kahn Host New "Cars For A Living" Podcast
Robert Kibbe, owner an creator of TheMuscleCarPlace.com, and Dan Kahn, president of Kahn Media, are hosting a new podcast on the The Muscle Car Place podcast network. Known as "Cars For a Living" (C4AL), the goal of the show is to provide a fun atmosphere where business owners, marketers and future entrepreneurs can talk, ask questions and share tips on how to grow, improve and succeed in the auto industry. The goal of the show is to help automotive enthusiasts turn their passions into income. The new podcast is available through iTunes, TheMuscleCarPlace.com and CarsforaLiving.com.

ESAB Adds New Features, Savings Calculators to its Website
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has added several new features to its website, www.esabna.com. The company announced that customers are now able to view or download product literature online, free of charge. Using the site’s “quick link” drop-down menu, customers can access literature for plasma arc, gas apparatus, filler metals, cutting systems and welding automation products. Customers may still request hard copies to be mailed. ESAB also offers two new Savings Calculators: the Energy Savings Calculator allows customers to compare the savings of using ESAB products versus products from other manufacturers, and the Weld Metal Cost Calculator allows customers to compare weld metals and welding processes and to calculate the savings realized by varying the metal and process.

Looking fairly close to the concept that was revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, here's a glimpse at Honda’s Accord Coupe in pre-production form.

Delivered by the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co., the team says that the ninth-generation Accord will be revealed for dealers in late summer and is expected to reach the dealerships in mid-fall.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.