Hurst, Street Scene Equipment, Dodge and SEMA teamed up to build a pair of custom Dodges—a Charger sedan and an Avenger coupe—to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Charger sold for $45,001, and the Avenger brought in $21,605. Both sums will benefit the fund.

Hurst, Street Scene Equipment, Dodge and SEMA teamed up to build a custom Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger. Both vehicles were auctioned on eBay and funds will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The Charger sold for $45,001, while the Avenger sold for $21,605.

Each year, the SMSF distributes between $100,000 and $150,000 in scholarships to deserving students who plan to pursue careers in the automotive industry. The distributions include awards for vocational schools and two-year, four-year and post-graduate work, with a percentage designated for the families of employees of SEMA-member companies. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program to help repay student loans for employees of SEMA-member firms. This year, two eBay auctions contributed record-breaking awards to the SMSF.

With the participation of SEMA-member parts manufacturers and Dodge, the fund this year benefitted from eBay's auction of a modified Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger.

The Avenger features best-in-class V6 fuel economy (19/29 mpg) and is one of the most affordable V6 midsize sedans available today. The Charger features all-new modern heritage-inspired design and a best-in-class combination of power and fuel efficiency from its 5.7L V8 Hemi, which boasts 370 hp while achieving 16/25 mpg fuel efficiency. The Charger was built in the Hurst/Aria facility, with Aria serving as the design engineers and artists for both vehicles.

The Charger was the only Charger that Hurst customized this year. The vehicle features a custom paint scheme by Aria, Hurst wheels and tires, a Katzkin Leather interior with red and black Hurst logos in the headrests, an Eibach suspension setup, a Flowmaster exhaust, a Hurst shifter and badges for the interior and exterior, Hurst floor mats from Star West and a Grant steering wheel.

The Avenger was built by Mike Spagnola at Street Scene Equipment. It features a custom paint scheme by Aria, a Street Scene Speed Grille, Nitto tires, Lorenzo wheels, embroidered Hurst-logo headrests and Star West mats with a Hurst logo design.

“Dodge, Hurst, Street Scene Equipment, eBay and the other sponsors provided their products and services at no charge,” said Joel Ayres, chairman of the SEMA Scholarship Committee. “That means 100% of the proceeds from the auction will go to the fund. Those contributions will go a long way toward helping deserving students to achieve their goal of working in the automotive and specialty-equipment industries. All of the participating companies deserve our thanks and the recognition that they are helping to build our future.”

For more information about the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit www.SEMA.org/scholarships. Encourage qualifying students to apply for a SEMA scholarship. Applications will go live December 5.

SEMA manufacturers of air intake systems, exhausts, exterior accessories, suspension kits, interior accessories, truck caps and other products are participating in the inaugural SEMA one-on-one, Middle East matchmaking program taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

SEMA-member manufacturers interested in meeting with these buyers can sign up for one of the remaining slots.

Due to a partnership with the U.S. government, grants are available to qualified companies to defray the costs of participating.

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

SEMA manufacturers of air intake systems, exhausts, exterior accessories, suspension kits, interior accessories, truck caps and other products are participating in the inaugural SEMA one-on-one, Middle East matchmaking program taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

SEMA-member manufacturers interested in meeting with these buyers can sign up for one of the remaining slots.

Due to a partnership with the U.S. government, grants are available to qualified companies to defray the costs of participating.

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

In a SEMA-supported development, the U.S. government announced this week that the United States and Chinese governments have agreed to include the legalization of the Chinese specialty-equipment market as part of high-level U.S.-Chinese government talks.

Chaired by U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, the members of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held a meeting in Chengdu, China, November 20–21. Other participants included U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke, and representatives from the State and Treasury Departments. Senior Chinese officials from 23 ministries and agencies also attended.

Slated for discussion on the upcoming talks are the U.S. system for regulating the industry as a reference point as the Chinese government explores creating a legal framework in that country, as well as the current state of the industry and its market potential.

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

In a SEMA-supported development, the U.S. government announced this week that the United States and Chinese governments have agreed to include the legalization of the Chinese specialty-equipment market as part of high-level U.S.-Chinese government talks.

Chaired by U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, the members of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held a meeting in Chengdu, China, November 20–21. Other participants included U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke, and representatives from the State and Treasury Departments. Senior Chinese officials from 23 ministries and agencies also attended.

Slated for discussion on the upcoming talks are the U.S. system for regulating the industry as a reference point as the Chinese government explores creating a legal framework in that country, as well as the current state of the industry and its market potential.

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

SEMA is pleased to announce a new initiative to provide SEMA members access to vehicles that are popular overseas but are not available on the U.S. market.

A partnership between SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce will make possible for the first time the opportunity for members to measure “accessory friendly” international vehicle models in order to create product. Please help us prioritize! 

Participate in the brief survey and weigh in on which vehicles you most want to see included as part of this program.

Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org for additional information or questions.

SEMA is pleased to announce a new initiative to provide SEMA members access to vehicles that are popular overseas but are not available on the U.S. market.

A partnership between SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce will make possible for the first time the opportunity for members to measure “accessory friendly” international vehicle models in order to create product. Please help us prioritize! 

Participate in the brief survey and weigh in on which vehicles you most want to see included as part of this program.

Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org for additional information or questions.

	SEMA's Zane Clark will present a seminar entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream” at the RVIA's 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.

SEMA will host a seminar at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, Tuesday, November 29, in Louisville, Kentucky. Presented by SEMA Council Director Zane Clark, the session entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream,” will provide attendees a glimpse into the specialty-equipment industry's influence while paralleling the similarities between accessories and RV enthusiasts.

“By focusing on the tow vehicle, both the RV and specialty-equipment industries have a tremendous opportunity to build additional revenue streams and enter growth markets,” Clark said.

As SEMA's director of councils, Clark represents the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC), Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). As a past presenter at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, Clark is also a key contributor to SEMA’s annual Dealer Day program with both speaker and planning responsibilities.

Prior to joining SEMA, Clark spent 13 years running several very successful aftermarket departments for dealerships, where his responsibilities included development, marketing and the management of day-to-day operations. He has also acted as a consultant for dealerships looking to start and/or expand their accessory programs.

Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Source

Date: Tuesday, November 29
Time: 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Zane Clark, SEMA
Location: South Wing Conference Room C108–KEC
Cost: $50 Advance/$60 Onsite

Learn more about the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.

	SEMA's Zane Clark will present a seminar entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream” at the RVIA's 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.

SEMA will host a seminar at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, Tuesday, November 29, in Louisville, Kentucky. Presented by SEMA Council Director Zane Clark, the session entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream,” will provide attendees a glimpse into the specialty-equipment industry's influence while paralleling the similarities between accessories and RV enthusiasts.

“By focusing on the tow vehicle, both the RV and specialty-equipment industries have a tremendous opportunity to build additional revenue streams and enter growth markets,” Clark said.

As SEMA's director of councils, Clark represents the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC), Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). As a past presenter at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, Clark is also a key contributor to SEMA’s annual Dealer Day program with both speaker and planning responsibilities.

Prior to joining SEMA, Clark spent 13 years running several very successful aftermarket departments for dealerships, where his responsibilities included development, marketing and the management of day-to-day operations. He has also acted as a consultant for dealerships looking to start and/or expand their accessory programs.

Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Source

Date: Tuesday, November 29
Time: 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Zane Clark, SEMA
Location: South Wing Conference Room C108–KEC
Cost: $50 Advance/$60 Onsite

Learn more about the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.

	SEMA's Zane Clark will present a seminar entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream” at the RVIA's 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.

SEMA will host a seminar at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) 49th Annual National RV Trade Show, Tuesday, November 29, in Louisville, Kentucky. Presented by SEMA Council Director Zane Clark, the session entitled, “Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Stream,” will provide attendees a glimpse into the specialty-equipment industry's influence while paralleling the similarities between accessories and RV enthusiasts.

“By focusing on the tow vehicle, both the RV and specialty-equipment industries have a tremendous opportunity to build additional revenue streams and enter growth markets,” Clark said.

As SEMA's director of councils, Clark represents the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC), Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). As a past presenter at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, Clark is also a key contributor to SEMA’s annual Dealer Day program with both speaker and planning responsibilities.

Prior to joining SEMA, Clark spent 13 years running several very successful aftermarket departments for dealerships, where his responsibilities included development, marketing and the management of day-to-day operations. He has also acted as a consultant for dealerships looking to start and/or expand their accessory programs.

Exploring Aftermarket Accessories: A New Revenue Source

Date: Tuesday, November 29
Time: 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Zane Clark, SEMA
Location: South Wing Conference Room C108–KEC
Cost: $50 Advance/$60 Onsite

Learn more about the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show.