This year, it takes only $95 to race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited. SEMA council members may either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build it for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock Class racing usually garners the most entries, with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule: one item from the stock kit must be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and the current record holder is past SEMA Chairman and one-time YEN member Mitch Williams.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit two worthwhile children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The SEMA Cares Committee hopes you will support this event and thanks you in advance for your contribution. Conspicuous among the event’s supporters is eBay Motors, which has been presenting sponsor for the last three years running.

“The Pinewood Drag Races are a great opportunity for eBay Motors to give back to the community,” said Famous Rhodes senior director of eBay Motors. “We want America’s youth to have the chance to partake in the tradition of building and racing pinewood derby cars.” To register for the upcoming SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, visit here.

More than 200 business- and industry-related courses are available to you and your employees free through the restructured SEMA Education Institute.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) eLearning Center has been restructured and expanded to make access to valuable business- and industry-related education and insight easier than ever.

The offerings included in the vast library of more than 200 courses are conducted by some of the top presenters in the country, and topics range from business management, emerging technology, customer service and sales to online marketing, industry trends and forecasts, SEMA Show exhibitor tips and much more. Simply put, SEI has the information you need when you need it.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its West Coast Custom of the Year award to Joe Proski’s ’50 Merc, which was overhauled by Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, Arizona. Jerger’s work included relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and grille, completely reworking the interior and more. In addition, Jeffrey Chandler’s ’33 Ford roadster was crowned this year’s Street Rod d’Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, the all-steel roadster was completely hand-formed and fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The cutting-edge, burgundy and black, two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925/838-9876.

Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore had worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. Fiore had more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award from the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large-business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. was recognized for its numerous civic activities. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” said Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores, and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright, a prominent biochemical engineer, has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries. Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering customers will enjoy a free day at the dragstrip to run their vehicles during the annual Lingenfelter Track Day on Sunday, July 17, at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana. Last year, 40 vehicle owners registered to participate, and many enthusiasts attended to watch a variety of Lingenfelter cars and trucks take to the strip. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Decatur, IL; 260/724-2552.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside-sales experience within the territory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

EnerSys announced a partnership with Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. making Odyssey batteries the exclusive battery of Team Bigfoot. EnerSys will provide the batteries for the team’s seven touring Bigfoot monster trucks as well as the team’s fleet of transporters and support vehicles. In addition, all vehicles will display new, larger Odyssey battery logos throughout the 2011 season. Odyssey, Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.

Timothy M. White was hired as director of engineering for the NHRA’s recently established technical department in Indianapolis. White previously was the lead engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions Inc. and, prior to that, served as an electronic engineerfor Penske Racing and its IndyCar program. He will work directly with race teams, manufacturers, SFI and other members of the NHRA technical department to develop new technology initiatives and manage the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Accident Data Recorder programs. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

ASA Tire Systems has joined with Acquirint, a provider of transaction-processing software solutions, in a strategic partnership for the provision of secure and compliant payment-processing systems for tire dealers. ASA offers an integrated solution for payment processing that includes credit and debit cards, fleet cards, ACH processing and check guarantee, with the ability to process the proprietary Bridgestone/Firestone Card as well as other proprietary cards utilized in the tire industry. ASA Tire Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded its fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 toward the fight against cancer. The relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night, walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595. During the day of the relay, Team CWR added to its total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

Amsoil Inc. announced its continued support of dirt-track racing in the Midwest as the new sponsor ofSuperior Speedway at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. The sponsorship agreement offers naming rights to the facility, and Superior Speedway is now Amsoil Speedway for a minimum of three years. Amsoil Inc., Superior, WI; 715/392-7101.

King Engine Bearings has introduced its newly redesigned website at www.kingbearings.com. The site has been updated to include additional information about the company’s product line and is more user-friendly, according to the company. Factory-authorized warehouse locations and manufacturers representatives’ territories are mapped and allow visitors to look up bearing part numbers by searching an e-catalog.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing Equipment have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. The companies reported that the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. Fesler Productions, Scottsdale, AZ; 480/748-2000. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

This year, it takes only $95 to race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited. SEMA council members may either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build it for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock Class racing usually garners the most entries, with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule: one item from the stock kit must be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and the current record holder is past SEMA Chairman and one-time YEN member Mitch Williams.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit two worthwhile children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The SEMA Cares Committee hopes you will support this event and thanks you in advance for your contribution. Conspicuous among the event’s supporters is eBay Motors, which has been presenting sponsor for the last three years running.

“The Pinewood Drag Races are a great opportunity for eBay Motors to give back to the community,” said Famous Rhodes senior director of eBay Motors. “We want America’s youth to have the chance to partake in the tradition of building and racing pinewood derby cars.” To register for the upcoming SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, visit here.

More than 200 business- and industry-related courses are available to you and your employees free through the restructured SEMA Education Institute.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) eLearning Center has been restructured and expanded to make access to valuable business- and industry-related education and insight easier than ever.

The offerings included in the vast library of more than 200 courses are conducted by some of the top presenters in the country, and topics range from business management, emerging technology, customer service and sales to online marketing, industry trends and forecasts, SEMA Show exhibitor tips and much more. Simply put, SEI has the information you need when you need it.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its West Coast Custom of the Year award to Joe Proski’s ’50 Merc, which was overhauled by Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, Arizona. Jerger’s work included relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and grille, completely reworking the interior and more. In addition, Jeffrey Chandler’s ’33 Ford roadster was crowned this year’s Street Rod d’Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, the all-steel roadster was completely hand-formed and fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The cutting-edge, burgundy and black, two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925/838-9876.

Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore had worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. Fiore had more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award from the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large-business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. was recognized for its numerous civic activities. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” said Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores, and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright, a prominent biochemical engineer, has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries. Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering customers will enjoy a free day at the dragstrip to run their vehicles during the annual Lingenfelter Track Day on Sunday, July 17, at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana. Last year, 40 vehicle owners registered to participate, and many enthusiasts attended to watch a variety of Lingenfelter cars and trucks take to the strip. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Decatur, IL; 260/724-2552.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside-sales experience within the territory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

EnerSys announced a partnership with Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. making Odyssey batteries the exclusive battery of Team Bigfoot. EnerSys will provide the batteries for the team’s seven touring Bigfoot monster trucks as well as the team’s fleet of transporters and support vehicles. In addition, all vehicles will display new, larger Odyssey battery logos throughout the 2011 season. Odyssey, Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.

Timothy M. White was hired as director of engineering for the NHRA’s recently established technical department in Indianapolis. White previously was the lead engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions Inc. and, prior to that, served as an electronic engineerfor Penske Racing and its IndyCar program. He will work directly with race teams, manufacturers, SFI and other members of the NHRA technical department to develop new technology initiatives and manage the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Accident Data Recorder programs. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

ASA Tire Systems has joined with Acquirint, a provider of transaction-processing software solutions, in a strategic partnership for the provision of secure and compliant payment-processing systems for tire dealers. ASA offers an integrated solution for payment processing that includes credit and debit cards, fleet cards, ACH processing and check guarantee, with the ability to process the proprietary Bridgestone/Firestone Card as well as other proprietary cards utilized in the tire industry. ASA Tire Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded its fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 toward the fight against cancer. The relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night, walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595. During the day of the relay, Team CWR added to its total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

Amsoil Inc. announced its continued support of dirt-track racing in the Midwest as the new sponsor ofSuperior Speedway at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. The sponsorship agreement offers naming rights to the facility, and Superior Speedway is now Amsoil Speedway for a minimum of three years. Amsoil Inc., Superior, WI; 715/392-7101.

King Engine Bearings has introduced its newly redesigned website at www.kingbearings.com. The site has been updated to include additional information about the company’s product line and is more user-friendly, according to the company. Factory-authorized warehouse locations and manufacturers representatives’ territories are mapped and allow visitors to look up bearing part numbers by searching an e-catalog.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing Equipment have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. The companies reported that the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. Fesler Productions, Scottsdale, AZ; 480/748-2000. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

This year, it takes only $95 to race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited. SEMA council members may either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build it for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock Class racing usually garners the most entries, with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule: one item from the stock kit must be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and the current record holder is past SEMA Chairman and one-time YEN member Mitch Williams.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit two worthwhile children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The SEMA Cares Committee hopes you will support this event and thanks you in advance for your contribution. Conspicuous among the event’s supporters is eBay Motors, which has been presenting sponsor for the last three years running.

“The Pinewood Drag Races are a great opportunity for eBay Motors to give back to the community,” said Famous Rhodes senior director of eBay Motors. “We want America’s youth to have the chance to partake in the tradition of building and racing pinewood derby cars.” To register for the upcoming SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, visit here.

More than 200 business- and industry-related courses are available to you and your employees free through the restructured SEMA Education Institute.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) eLearning Center has been restructured and expanded to make access to valuable business- and industry-related education and insight easier than ever.

The offerings included in the vast library of more than 200 courses are conducted by some of the top presenters in the country, and topics range from business management, emerging technology, customer service and sales to online marketing, industry trends and forecasts, SEMA Show exhibitor tips and much more. Simply put, SEI has the information you need when you need it.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its West Coast Custom of the Year award to Joe Proski’s ’50 Merc, which was overhauled by Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, Arizona. Jerger’s work included relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and grille, completely reworking the interior and more. In addition, Jeffrey Chandler’s ’33 Ford roadster was crowned this year’s Street Rod d’Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, the all-steel roadster was completely hand-formed and fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The cutting-edge, burgundy and black, two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925/838-9876.

Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore had worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. Fiore had more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award from the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large-business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. was recognized for its numerous civic activities. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” said Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores, and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright, a prominent biochemical engineer, has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries. Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering customers will enjoy a free day at the dragstrip to run their vehicles during the annual Lingenfelter Track Day on Sunday, July 17, at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana. Last year, 40 vehicle owners registered to participate, and many enthusiasts attended to watch a variety of Lingenfelter cars and trucks take to the strip. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Decatur, IL; 260/724-2552.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside-sales experience within the territory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

EnerSys announced a partnership with Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. making Odyssey batteries the exclusive battery of Team Bigfoot. EnerSys will provide the batteries for the team’s seven touring Bigfoot monster trucks as well as the team’s fleet of transporters and support vehicles. In addition, all vehicles will display new, larger Odyssey battery logos throughout the 2011 season. Odyssey, Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.

Timothy M. White was hired as director of engineering for the NHRA’s recently established technical department in Indianapolis. White previously was the lead engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions Inc. and, prior to that, served as an electronic engineerfor Penske Racing and its IndyCar program. He will work directly with race teams, manufacturers, SFI and other members of the NHRA technical department to develop new technology initiatives and manage the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Accident Data Recorder programs. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

ASA Tire Systems has joined with Acquirint, a provider of transaction-processing software solutions, in a strategic partnership for the provision of secure and compliant payment-processing systems for tire dealers. ASA offers an integrated solution for payment processing that includes credit and debit cards, fleet cards, ACH processing and check guarantee, with the ability to process the proprietary Bridgestone/Firestone Card as well as other proprietary cards utilized in the tire industry. ASA Tire Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded its fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 toward the fight against cancer. The relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night, walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595. During the day of the relay, Team CWR added to its total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

Amsoil Inc. announced its continued support of dirt-track racing in the Midwest as the new sponsor ofSuperior Speedway at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. The sponsorship agreement offers naming rights to the facility, and Superior Speedway is now Amsoil Speedway for a minimum of three years. Amsoil Inc., Superior, WI; 715/392-7101.

King Engine Bearings has introduced its newly redesigned website at www.kingbearings.com. The site has been updated to include additional information about the company’s product line and is more user-friendly, according to the company. Factory-authorized warehouse locations and manufacturers representatives’ territories are mapped and allow visitors to look up bearing part numbers by searching an e-catalog.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing Equipment have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. The companies reported that the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. Fesler Productions, Scottsdale, AZ; 480/748-2000. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

This year, it takes only $95 to race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited. SEMA council members may either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build it for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock Class racing usually garners the most entries, with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule: one item from the stock kit must be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and the current record holder is past SEMA Chairman and one-time YEN member Mitch Williams.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit two worthwhile children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The SEMA Cares Committee hopes you will support this event and thanks you in advance for your contribution. Conspicuous among the event’s supporters is eBay Motors, which has been presenting sponsor for the last three years running.

“The Pinewood Drag Races are a great opportunity for eBay Motors to give back to the community,” said Famous Rhodes senior director of eBay Motors. “We want America’s youth to have the chance to partake in the tradition of building and racing pinewood derby cars.” To register for the upcoming SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, visit here.

More than 200 business- and industry-related courses are available to you and your employees free through the restructured SEMA Education Institute.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) eLearning Center has been restructured and expanded to make access to valuable business- and industry-related education and insight easier than ever.

The offerings included in the vast library of more than 200 courses are conducted by some of the top presenters in the country, and topics range from business management, emerging technology, customer service and sales to online marketing, industry trends and forecasts, SEMA Show exhibitor tips and much more. Simply put, SEI has the information you need when you need it.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its West Coast Custom of the Year award to Joe Proski’s ’50 Merc, which was overhauled by Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, Arizona. Jerger’s work included relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and grille, completely reworking the interior and more. In addition, Jeffrey Chandler’s ’33 Ford roadster was crowned this year’s Street Rod d’Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, the all-steel roadster was completely hand-formed and fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The cutting-edge, burgundy and black, two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925/838-9876.

Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore had worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. Fiore had more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award from the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large-business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. was recognized for its numerous civic activities. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” said Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores, and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright, a prominent biochemical engineer, has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries. Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering customers will enjoy a free day at the dragstrip to run their vehicles during the annual Lingenfelter Track Day on Sunday, July 17, at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana. Last year, 40 vehicle owners registered to participate, and many enthusiasts attended to watch a variety of Lingenfelter cars and trucks take to the strip. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Decatur, IL; 260/724-2552.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside-sales experience within the territory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

EnerSys announced a partnership with Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. making Odyssey batteries the exclusive battery of Team Bigfoot. EnerSys will provide the batteries for the team’s seven touring Bigfoot monster trucks as well as the team’s fleet of transporters and support vehicles. In addition, all vehicles will display new, larger Odyssey battery logos throughout the 2011 season. Odyssey, Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.

Timothy M. White was hired as director of engineering for the NHRA’s recently established technical department in Indianapolis. White previously was the lead engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions Inc. and, prior to that, served as an electronic engineerfor Penske Racing and its IndyCar program. He will work directly with race teams, manufacturers, SFI and other members of the NHRA technical department to develop new technology initiatives and manage the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Accident Data Recorder programs. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

ASA Tire Systems has joined with Acquirint, a provider of transaction-processing software solutions, in a strategic partnership for the provision of secure and compliant payment-processing systems for tire dealers. ASA offers an integrated solution for payment processing that includes credit and debit cards, fleet cards, ACH processing and check guarantee, with the ability to process the proprietary Bridgestone/Firestone Card as well as other proprietary cards utilized in the tire industry. ASA Tire Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded its fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 toward the fight against cancer. The relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night, walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595. During the day of the relay, Team CWR added to its total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

Amsoil Inc. announced its continued support of dirt-track racing in the Midwest as the new sponsor ofSuperior Speedway at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. The sponsorship agreement offers naming rights to the facility, and Superior Speedway is now Amsoil Speedway for a minimum of three years. Amsoil Inc., Superior, WI; 715/392-7101.

King Engine Bearings has introduced its newly redesigned website at www.kingbearings.com. The site has been updated to include additional information about the company’s product line and is more user-friendly, according to the company. Factory-authorized warehouse locations and manufacturers representatives’ territories are mapped and allow visitors to look up bearing part numbers by searching an e-catalog.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing Equipment have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. The companies reported that the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. Fesler Productions, Scottsdale, AZ; 480/748-2000. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

This year, it takes only $95 to race either a car or a truck in three classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited. SEMA council members may either sponsor child-built cars and trucks in the Build it for Me (BIFM) Stock Class or build and enter their own SEMA-supplied stock car or truck. Stock Class racing usually garners the most entries, with a typical speed of 3.2 seconds on a 50-ft. track. For hardcore speed enthusiasts, the Unlimited Class has only one rule: one item from the stock kit must be used. Cars in this class run sub-3 seconds, and the current record holder is past SEMA Chairman and one-time YEN member Mitch Williams.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit two worthwhile children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The SEMA Cares Committee hopes you will support this event and thanks you in advance for your contribution. Conspicuous among the event’s supporters is eBay Motors, which has been presenting sponsor for the last three years running.

“The Pinewood Drag Races are a great opportunity for eBay Motors to give back to the community,” said Famous Rhodes senior director of eBay Motors. “We want America’s youth to have the chance to partake in the tradition of building and racing pinewood derby cars.” To register for the upcoming SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, visit here.

More than 200 business- and industry-related courses are available to you and your employees free through the restructured SEMA Education Institute.

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) eLearning Center has been restructured and expanded to make access to valuable business- and industry-related education and insight easier than ever.

The offerings included in the vast library of more than 200 courses are conducted by some of the top presenters in the country, and topics range from business management, emerging technology, customer service and sales to online marketing, industry trends and forecasts, SEMA Show exhibitor tips and much more. Simply put, SEI has the information you need when you need it.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association presented its West Coast Custom of the Year award to Joe Proski’s ’50 Merc, which was overhauled by Squeeg Jerger of Squeeg’s Kustoms in Chandler, Arizona. Jerger’s work included relocating the bumpers, adding a drip rail, reworking the doors and grille, completely reworking the interior and more. In addition, Jeffrey Chandler’s ’33 Ford roadster was crowned this year’s Street Rod d’Elegance. Designed by Chris Ito, the all-steel roadster was completely hand-formed and fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, Oregon. The cutting-edge, burgundy and black, two-tone street rod was upholstered by Sid Chavers. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925/838-9876.

Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore had worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. Fiore had more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award from the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large-business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. was recognized for its numerous civic activities. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714/870-3800.

Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” said Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores, and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright, a prominent biochemical engineer, has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries. Bossco International, San Diego, CA; 858/391-9208.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering customers will enjoy a free day at the dragstrip to run their vehicles during the annual Lingenfelter Track Day on Sunday, July 17, at Muncie Dragway in Albany, Indiana. Last year, 40 vehicle owners registered to participate, and many enthusiasts attended to watch a variety of Lingenfelter cars and trucks take to the strip. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Decatur, IL; 260/724-2552.

Edelbrock LLC announced a new direct sales team for its Midwestern sales, service and marketing for Edelbrock and Russell products. The team includes incumbent National Sales Manager Jason Snyder and two new sales representatives, Greg Parker and Shane Turner. Snyder has more than 19 years of automotive industry experience, including more than seven years with Edelbrock, while both Parker and Turner bring more than 32 years of combined Edelbrock product and outside-sales experience within the territory. Edelbrock, Torrance, CA; 310/781-2222.

EnerSys announced a partnership with Bigfoot 4x4 Inc. making Odyssey batteries the exclusive battery of Team Bigfoot. EnerSys will provide the batteries for the team’s seven touring Bigfoot monster trucks as well as the team’s fleet of transporters and support vehicles. In addition, all vehicles will display new, larger Odyssey battery logos throughout the 2011 season. Odyssey, Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.

Timothy M. White was hired as director of engineering for the NHRA’s recently established technical department in Indianapolis. White previously was the lead engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions Inc. and, prior to that, served as an electronic engineerfor Penske Racing and its IndyCar program. He will work directly with race teams, manufacturers, SFI and other members of the NHRA technical department to develop new technology initiatives and manage the Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock Accident Data Recorder programs. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

ASA Tire Systems has joined with Acquirint, a provider of transaction-processing software solutions, in a strategic partnership for the provision of secure and compliant payment-processing systems for tire dealers. ASA offers an integrated solution for payment processing that includes credit and debit cards, fleet cards, ACH processing and check guarantee, with the ability to process the proprietary Bridgestone/Firestone Card as well as other proprietary cards utilized in the tire industry. ASA Tire Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603/889-8700.

For the second year in a row, a team from CWR Electronics exceeded its fundraising goals at the Berkeley Township Relay for Life, raising a total of $26,940.28 toward the fight against cancer. The relay took place May 14–15 at Veterans Park in Bayville, New Jersey. Members of Team CWR stayed awake through the night, walking the track to honor those fighting cancer 24 hours a day. Team CWR Captain Brian Swanke was the top fundraiser of the event, bringing in an individual total of $11,595. During the day of the relay, Team CWR added to its total by selling hot food off the grill, home-baked treats and warm chili and soup for when the temperature dropped at night.

Amsoil Inc. announced its continued support of dirt-track racing in the Midwest as the new sponsor ofSuperior Speedway at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. The sponsorship agreement offers naming rights to the facility, and Superior Speedway is now Amsoil Speedway for a minimum of three years. Amsoil Inc., Superior, WI; 715/392-7101.

King Engine Bearings has introduced its newly redesigned website at www.kingbearings.com. The site has been updated to include additional information about the company’s product line and is more user-friendly, according to the company. Factory-authorized warehouse locations and manufacturers representatives’ territories are mapped and allow visitors to look up bearing part numbers by searching an e-catalog.

Fesler Productions and Summit Racing Equipment have signed an agreement to make Summit Racing the exclusive large-scale distributor for the Fesler Billet line of products. The companies reported that the partnership provides Fesler with a larger base of customers and gives Summit the ability to offer more than 200 products to its retail and wholesale customers. Fesler Productions, Scottsdale, AZ; 480/748-2000. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.

Positive Indicators Bode Well for Industry

By Steve Campbell

In brief, while the terrain may not be flourishing with roses quite yet, some of the weeds have been plucked and the ground is fertile. We can provide a summary of the study’s findings here, but it behooves every business to download and review the report in its entirety with a view toward the individual company’s own target audience and marketplace.

Methodology

The report divides the industry into three product segments and nine market niches. The segments are categorized as appearance and accessory products; racing and performance products; and wheel, tire and suspension products. The nine market niches were determined through product application and usage. They include light truck, off-road, racing, compact performance, street performance, restyling, restoration, custom and other.

The information in the study was compiled from a variety of sources, including interviews with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers; consumer surveys; and government data. Sources included Lang Marketing Resources; Ward’s Auto; Experian, gross domestic product (GDP) data; retail and food services and consumer goods production data; The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and SEMA’s own 2011 Automotive Lifestyle Survey and 2011 Pickup Truck Study.

The General Economy

	With half a decade of data included in the report, the segments and niches can be compared year-over-year to provide a thorough understanding of where the industry stood entering 2011.
	Just one of the surprising revelations is that the compact performance niche has overtaken the light-truck niche in total sales. Download the complete report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report.

Of specific interest to SEMA-member businesses is attendance at the SEMA Show—a significant indicator of the industry’s well-being. The 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas logged a 9% increase in attendance over the 2009 Show, and things are looking markedly better this year. In fact, registrations for the 2011 event are on a record pace. And SEMA’s Financial Benchmarking Program—which uses key performance indicators to help measure and compare how specialty-equipment companies are performing—showed that most distributors and retailers were seeing sales increases at the end 2010 compared to 2009.

Vehicle Markets Back on the Rise

New-vehicle sales are crucial to several SEMA-member niches, including light truck, off-road, compact performance, street performance and restyling. In many cases, vehicle sales are a direct predictor of how the affected automotive specialty-interest niches will fair. After precipitous drops in new-vehicles sales in 2008 and 2009, the market finally began to rebound in 2010. Auto industry sales grew by 10% last year, including significant improvements for the market-leading Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.

The increases are promising, but the industry—and the global economy—remains in jeopardy due to continuing political instability and persistent increases in gasoline prices. As the 2011 SEMA Market Report points out, “these factors may ultimately drive more changes in product mix (moving away from larger cars and trucks to more fuel- and cost-efficient models) than reductions in vehicle sales overall.”

One of the most encouraging signs is the rebound in pickup sales during 2010. The F-Series continued to be the top-selling vehicle, but a number of economy cars also showed strong growth. The CUV market showed potential for increased growth, and the market report again points to the sluggish economy and fuel prices as the backdrop for these trends. Within the CUV market, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Equinox each posted gains of more than 50%.

Specialty-Equipment Sales Follow Suit

The market report also shows specialty-equipment sales on the rise after two years of double-digit declines, though the aftermarket’s recovery wasn’t quite as robust as that of the OEMs. Sales of automotive specialty equipment grew 2.4%, which is an indicator that the declines may be relegated to the past and the industry will move into positive territory once more.

One of the benefits of the market report is its presentation of raw data in the form of charts. Among them are category breakouts that show product sales changes over the five-year span from 2004–2010, not only for new vehicles, but also for individual product categories, such as interior and exterior truck accessories; performance tires and wheels; audio and electronics products; and performance hard parts, such as brakes, exhaust and drivetrain products.

The charts show that electronics products posted sales gains across the board in 2010, with cell phone and iPod accessories as well as video and navigation systems producing consistent results even during the downturn. The report’s charts show wheels and tires claiming modest gains, while appearance products are one segment where sales continued to fall in 2010.

“Accessory/appearance products represented more than half the specialty-equipment market sales through most of the last decade, but the economic decline produced steep drops in the category,” the study points out. “A slight uptick in 2010 stemmed the losses, but the appearance segment now represents only about 40% of sales.”

The report also points out that performance and suspension products continue to advance steadily. The Racing & Performance section is the largest one at the SEMA Show each year, so its strength is understandable. These shifts in segment sales mean that all three—accessory/appearance, racing/performance and wheel/tire/suspension—are now on about even footing within the industry.

On the other hand, despite a somewhat reinvigorated new-vehicle market, the light-truck niche fell off for the third straight year and was the only niche to suffer a decline in 2010.

Compact Performance Sustains Growth

	The report itemizes the industry in three product segments and nine market niches, detailing each through text combined with easily understood charts and tables.

The advances in the compact-performance niche may also be a nod to younger buyers, who have grown up in the era of when smaller vehicles have come to the fore. “These younger (under 30 years old) drivers are likely to appreciate the cost benefits of better gas mileage and lower car prices in what may be their daily driver,” according to the report, which also points out that compact-performance appearance accessory sales bucked the general trend and have grown consistently.

These younger consumers probably also contributed to another undeniably growing trend over the past five years: the importance of the Internet as both a research tool and a purchase source. The top three retail sales channels for 2010 were retail store websites, manufacturers’ websites and auction websites, and while mail-order catalogs and magazine ads were rated high as information sources, those same web channels were among the top research tools, too.

Other Niches Steady Up

The decline in the light-truck market hasn’t carried over into the off-road niche, which has remained steadfast throughout four years of the study. While the off-road appearance segment did suffer, increases in sales of wheels, tires and suspension products have kept the niche on an even keel. And the racing niche—perhaps fueled by the enthusiasm of its participants—actually posted minor but steady gains each year.

The sales curves of the restoration and restyling niches showed nearly identical profiles in the 2010 report, with both leveling off and even showing slight increases after posting two years of declines. In contrast, street performance and street-rod and custom sales have maintained steady growth throughout the last decade. (It is interesting to note that the street-rod niche—comprised primarily of older enthusiasts—remains a bastion of catalogs rather than the Internet for both research and product purchases.)

As SEMA’s Senior Manager for Market Research Gavin Knapp says in his introduction to the 2010 SEMA Market Report, the association views the coming year with optimism and anticipates a strong SEMA Show this November.

Be sure to download the full report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report, and also take the time to review the association’s weekly SEMA eNews electronic newsletter, which provides consistent market evaluations and updates. Subscribe here.

Positive Indicators Bode Well for Industry

By Steve Campbell

In brief, while the terrain may not be flourishing with roses quite yet, some of the weeds have been plucked and the ground is fertile. We can provide a summary of the study’s findings here, but it behooves every business to download and review the report in its entirety with a view toward the individual company’s own target audience and marketplace.

Methodology

The report divides the industry into three product segments and nine market niches. The segments are categorized as appearance and accessory products; racing and performance products; and wheel, tire and suspension products. The nine market niches were determined through product application and usage. They include light truck, off-road, racing, compact performance, street performance, restyling, restoration, custom and other.

The information in the study was compiled from a variety of sources, including interviews with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers; consumer surveys; and government data. Sources included Lang Marketing Resources; Ward’s Auto; Experian, gross domestic product (GDP) data; retail and food services and consumer goods production data; The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and SEMA’s own 2011 Automotive Lifestyle Survey and 2011 Pickup Truck Study.

The General Economy

	With half a decade of data included in the report, the segments and niches can be compared year-over-year to provide a thorough understanding of where the industry stood entering 2011.
	Just one of the surprising revelations is that the compact performance niche has overtaken the light-truck niche in total sales. Download the complete report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report.

Of specific interest to SEMA-member businesses is attendance at the SEMA Show—a significant indicator of the industry’s well-being. The 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas logged a 9% increase in attendance over the 2009 Show, and things are looking markedly better this year. In fact, registrations for the 2011 event are on a record pace. And SEMA’s Financial Benchmarking Program—which uses key performance indicators to help measure and compare how specialty-equipment companies are performing—showed that most distributors and retailers were seeing sales increases at the end 2010 compared to 2009.

Vehicle Markets Back on the Rise

New-vehicle sales are crucial to several SEMA-member niches, including light truck, off-road, compact performance, street performance and restyling. In many cases, vehicle sales are a direct predictor of how the affected automotive specialty-interest niches will fair. After precipitous drops in new-vehicles sales in 2008 and 2009, the market finally began to rebound in 2010. Auto industry sales grew by 10% last year, including significant improvements for the market-leading Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.

The increases are promising, but the industry—and the global economy—remains in jeopardy due to continuing political instability and persistent increases in gasoline prices. As the 2011 SEMA Market Report points out, “these factors may ultimately drive more changes in product mix (moving away from larger cars and trucks to more fuel- and cost-efficient models) than reductions in vehicle sales overall.”

One of the most encouraging signs is the rebound in pickup sales during 2010. The F-Series continued to be the top-selling vehicle, but a number of economy cars also showed strong growth. The CUV market showed potential for increased growth, and the market report again points to the sluggish economy and fuel prices as the backdrop for these trends. Within the CUV market, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Equinox each posted gains of more than 50%.

Specialty-Equipment Sales Follow Suit

The market report also shows specialty-equipment sales on the rise after two years of double-digit declines, though the aftermarket’s recovery wasn’t quite as robust as that of the OEMs. Sales of automotive specialty equipment grew 2.4%, which is an indicator that the declines may be relegated to the past and the industry will move into positive territory once more.

One of the benefits of the market report is its presentation of raw data in the form of charts. Among them are category breakouts that show product sales changes over the five-year span from 2004–2010, not only for new vehicles, but also for individual product categories, such as interior and exterior truck accessories; performance tires and wheels; audio and electronics products; and performance hard parts, such as brakes, exhaust and drivetrain products.

The charts show that electronics products posted sales gains across the board in 2010, with cell phone and iPod accessories as well as video and navigation systems producing consistent results even during the downturn. The report’s charts show wheels and tires claiming modest gains, while appearance products are one segment where sales continued to fall in 2010.

“Accessory/appearance products represented more than half the specialty-equipment market sales through most of the last decade, but the economic decline produced steep drops in the category,” the study points out. “A slight uptick in 2010 stemmed the losses, but the appearance segment now represents only about 40% of sales.”

The report also points out that performance and suspension products continue to advance steadily. The Racing & Performance section is the largest one at the SEMA Show each year, so its strength is understandable. These shifts in segment sales mean that all three—accessory/appearance, racing/performance and wheel/tire/suspension—are now on about even footing within the industry.

On the other hand, despite a somewhat reinvigorated new-vehicle market, the light-truck niche fell off for the third straight year and was the only niche to suffer a decline in 2010.

Compact Performance Sustains Growth

	The report itemizes the industry in three product segments and nine market niches, detailing each through text combined with easily understood charts and tables.

The advances in the compact-performance niche may also be a nod to younger buyers, who have grown up in the era of when smaller vehicles have come to the fore. “These younger (under 30 years old) drivers are likely to appreciate the cost benefits of better gas mileage and lower car prices in what may be their daily driver,” according to the report, which also points out that compact-performance appearance accessory sales bucked the general trend and have grown consistently.

These younger consumers probably also contributed to another undeniably growing trend over the past five years: the importance of the Internet as both a research tool and a purchase source. The top three retail sales channels for 2010 were retail store websites, manufacturers’ websites and auction websites, and while mail-order catalogs and magazine ads were rated high as information sources, those same web channels were among the top research tools, too.

Other Niches Steady Up

The decline in the light-truck market hasn’t carried over into the off-road niche, which has remained steadfast throughout four years of the study. While the off-road appearance segment did suffer, increases in sales of wheels, tires and suspension products have kept the niche on an even keel. And the racing niche—perhaps fueled by the enthusiasm of its participants—actually posted minor but steady gains each year.

The sales curves of the restoration and restyling niches showed nearly identical profiles in the 2010 report, with both leveling off and even showing slight increases after posting two years of declines. In contrast, street performance and street-rod and custom sales have maintained steady growth throughout the last decade. (It is interesting to note that the street-rod niche—comprised primarily of older enthusiasts—remains a bastion of catalogs rather than the Internet for both research and product purchases.)

As SEMA’s Senior Manager for Market Research Gavin Knapp says in his introduction to the 2010 SEMA Market Report, the association views the coming year with optimism and anticipates a strong SEMA Show this November.

Be sure to download the full report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report, and also take the time to review the association’s weekly SEMA eNews electronic newsletter, which provides consistent market evaluations and updates. Subscribe here.

Positive Indicators Bode Well for Industry

By Steve Campbell

In brief, while the terrain may not be flourishing with roses quite yet, some of the weeds have been plucked and the ground is fertile. We can provide a summary of the study’s findings here, but it behooves every business to download and review the report in its entirety with a view toward the individual company’s own target audience and marketplace.

Methodology

The report divides the industry into three product segments and nine market niches. The segments are categorized as appearance and accessory products; racing and performance products; and wheel, tire and suspension products. The nine market niches were determined through product application and usage. They include light truck, off-road, racing, compact performance, street performance, restyling, restoration, custom and other.

The information in the study was compiled from a variety of sources, including interviews with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers; consumer surveys; and government data. Sources included Lang Marketing Resources; Ward’s Auto; Experian, gross domestic product (GDP) data; retail and food services and consumer goods production data; The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and SEMA’s own 2011 Automotive Lifestyle Survey and 2011 Pickup Truck Study.

The General Economy

	With half a decade of data included in the report, the segments and niches can be compared year-over-year to provide a thorough understanding of where the industry stood entering 2011.
	Just one of the surprising revelations is that the compact performance niche has overtaken the light-truck niche in total sales. Download the complete report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report.

Of specific interest to SEMA-member businesses is attendance at the SEMA Show—a significant indicator of the industry’s well-being. The 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas logged a 9% increase in attendance over the 2009 Show, and things are looking markedly better this year. In fact, registrations for the 2011 event are on a record pace. And SEMA’s Financial Benchmarking Program—which uses key performance indicators to help measure and compare how specialty-equipment companies are performing—showed that most distributors and retailers were seeing sales increases at the end 2010 compared to 2009.

Vehicle Markets Back on the Rise

New-vehicle sales are crucial to several SEMA-member niches, including light truck, off-road, compact performance, street performance and restyling. In many cases, vehicle sales are a direct predictor of how the affected automotive specialty-interest niches will fair. After precipitous drops in new-vehicles sales in 2008 and 2009, the market finally began to rebound in 2010. Auto industry sales grew by 10% last year, including significant improvements for the market-leading Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.

The increases are promising, but the industry—and the global economy—remains in jeopardy due to continuing political instability and persistent increases in gasoline prices. As the 2011 SEMA Market Report points out, “these factors may ultimately drive more changes in product mix (moving away from larger cars and trucks to more fuel- and cost-efficient models) than reductions in vehicle sales overall.”

One of the most encouraging signs is the rebound in pickup sales during 2010. The F-Series continued to be the top-selling vehicle, but a number of economy cars also showed strong growth. The CUV market showed potential for increased growth, and the market report again points to the sluggish economy and fuel prices as the backdrop for these trends. Within the CUV market, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Equinox each posted gains of more than 50%.

Specialty-Equipment Sales Follow Suit

The market report also shows specialty-equipment sales on the rise after two years of double-digit declines, though the aftermarket’s recovery wasn’t quite as robust as that of the OEMs. Sales of automotive specialty equipment grew 2.4%, which is an indicator that the declines may be relegated to the past and the industry will move into positive territory once more.

One of the benefits of the market report is its presentation of raw data in the form of charts. Among them are category breakouts that show product sales changes over the five-year span from 2004–2010, not only for new vehicles, but also for individual product categories, such as interior and exterior truck accessories; performance tires and wheels; audio and electronics products; and performance hard parts, such as brakes, exhaust and drivetrain products.

The charts show that electronics products posted sales gains across the board in 2010, with cell phone and iPod accessories as well as video and navigation systems producing consistent results even during the downturn. The report’s charts show wheels and tires claiming modest gains, while appearance products are one segment where sales continued to fall in 2010.

“Accessory/appearance products represented more than half the specialty-equipment market sales through most of the last decade, but the economic decline produced steep drops in the category,” the study points out. “A slight uptick in 2010 stemmed the losses, but the appearance segment now represents only about 40% of sales.”

The report also points out that performance and suspension products continue to advance steadily. The Racing & Performance section is the largest one at the SEMA Show each year, so its strength is understandable. These shifts in segment sales mean that all three—accessory/appearance, racing/performance and wheel/tire/suspension—are now on about even footing within the industry.

On the other hand, despite a somewhat reinvigorated new-vehicle market, the light-truck niche fell off for the third straight year and was the only niche to suffer a decline in 2010.

Compact Performance Sustains Growth

	The report itemizes the industry in three product segments and nine market niches, detailing each through text combined with easily understood charts and tables.

The advances in the compact-performance niche may also be a nod to younger buyers, who have grown up in the era of when smaller vehicles have come to the fore. “These younger (under 30 years old) drivers are likely to appreciate the cost benefits of better gas mileage and lower car prices in what may be their daily driver,” according to the report, which also points out that compact-performance appearance accessory sales bucked the general trend and have grown consistently.

These younger consumers probably also contributed to another undeniably growing trend over the past five years: the importance of the Internet as both a research tool and a purchase source. The top three retail sales channels for 2010 were retail store websites, manufacturers’ websites and auction websites, and while mail-order catalogs and magazine ads were rated high as information sources, those same web channels were among the top research tools, too.

Other Niches Steady Up

The decline in the light-truck market hasn’t carried over into the off-road niche, which has remained steadfast throughout four years of the study. While the off-road appearance segment did suffer, increases in sales of wheels, tires and suspension products have kept the niche on an even keel. And the racing niche—perhaps fueled by the enthusiasm of its participants—actually posted minor but steady gains each year.

The sales curves of the restoration and restyling niches showed nearly identical profiles in the 2010 report, with both leveling off and even showing slight increases after posting two years of declines. In contrast, street performance and street-rod and custom sales have maintained steady growth throughout the last decade. (It is interesting to note that the street-rod niche—comprised primarily of older enthusiasts—remains a bastion of catalogs rather than the Internet for both research and product purchases.)

As SEMA’s Senior Manager for Market Research Gavin Knapp says in his introduction to the 2010 SEMA Market Report, the association views the coming year with optimism and anticipates a strong SEMA Show this November.

Be sure to download the full report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report, and also take the time to review the association’s weekly SEMA eNews electronic newsletter, which provides consistent market evaluations and updates. Subscribe here.

Positive Indicators Bode Well for Industry

By Steve Campbell

In brief, while the terrain may not be flourishing with roses quite yet, some of the weeds have been plucked and the ground is fertile. We can provide a summary of the study’s findings here, but it behooves every business to download and review the report in its entirety with a view toward the individual company’s own target audience and marketplace.

Methodology

The report divides the industry into three product segments and nine market niches. The segments are categorized as appearance and accessory products; racing and performance products; and wheel, tire and suspension products. The nine market niches were determined through product application and usage. They include light truck, off-road, racing, compact performance, street performance, restyling, restoration, custom and other.

The information in the study was compiled from a variety of sources, including interviews with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers; consumer surveys; and government data. Sources included Lang Marketing Resources; Ward’s Auto; Experian, gross domestic product (GDP) data; retail and food services and consumer goods production data; The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and SEMA’s own 2011 Automotive Lifestyle Survey and 2011 Pickup Truck Study.

The General Economy

	With half a decade of data included in the report, the segments and niches can be compared year-over-year to provide a thorough understanding of where the industry stood entering 2011.
	Just one of the surprising revelations is that the compact performance niche has overtaken the light-truck niche in total sales. Download the complete report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report.

Of specific interest to SEMA-member businesses is attendance at the SEMA Show—a significant indicator of the industry’s well-being. The 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas logged a 9% increase in attendance over the 2009 Show, and things are looking markedly better this year. In fact, registrations for the 2011 event are on a record pace. And SEMA’s Financial Benchmarking Program—which uses key performance indicators to help measure and compare how specialty-equipment companies are performing—showed that most distributors and retailers were seeing sales increases at the end 2010 compared to 2009.

Vehicle Markets Back on the Rise

New-vehicle sales are crucial to several SEMA-member niches, including light truck, off-road, compact performance, street performance and restyling. In many cases, vehicle sales are a direct predictor of how the affected automotive specialty-interest niches will fair. After precipitous drops in new-vehicles sales in 2008 and 2009, the market finally began to rebound in 2010. Auto industry sales grew by 10% last year, including significant improvements for the market-leading Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.

The increases are promising, but the industry—and the global economy—remains in jeopardy due to continuing political instability and persistent increases in gasoline prices. As the 2011 SEMA Market Report points out, “these factors may ultimately drive more changes in product mix (moving away from larger cars and trucks to more fuel- and cost-efficient models) than reductions in vehicle sales overall.”

One of the most encouraging signs is the rebound in pickup sales during 2010. The F-Series continued to be the top-selling vehicle, but a number of economy cars also showed strong growth. The CUV market showed potential for increased growth, and the market report again points to the sluggish economy and fuel prices as the backdrop for these trends. Within the CUV market, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Equinox each posted gains of more than 50%.

Specialty-Equipment Sales Follow Suit

The market report also shows specialty-equipment sales on the rise after two years of double-digit declines, though the aftermarket’s recovery wasn’t quite as robust as that of the OEMs. Sales of automotive specialty equipment grew 2.4%, which is an indicator that the declines may be relegated to the past and the industry will move into positive territory once more.

One of the benefits of the market report is its presentation of raw data in the form of charts. Among them are category breakouts that show product sales changes over the five-year span from 2004–2010, not only for new vehicles, but also for individual product categories, such as interior and exterior truck accessories; performance tires and wheels; audio and electronics products; and performance hard parts, such as brakes, exhaust and drivetrain products.

The charts show that electronics products posted sales gains across the board in 2010, with cell phone and iPod accessories as well as video and navigation systems producing consistent results even during the downturn. The report’s charts show wheels and tires claiming modest gains, while appearance products are one segment where sales continued to fall in 2010.

“Accessory/appearance products represented more than half the specialty-equipment market sales through most of the last decade, but the economic decline produced steep drops in the category,” the study points out. “A slight uptick in 2010 stemmed the losses, but the appearance segment now represents only about 40% of sales.”

The report also points out that performance and suspension products continue to advance steadily. The Racing & Performance section is the largest one at the SEMA Show each year, so its strength is understandable. These shifts in segment sales mean that all three—accessory/appearance, racing/performance and wheel/tire/suspension—are now on about even footing within the industry.

On the other hand, despite a somewhat reinvigorated new-vehicle market, the light-truck niche fell off for the third straight year and was the only niche to suffer a decline in 2010.

Compact Performance Sustains Growth

	The report itemizes the industry in three product segments and nine market niches, detailing each through text combined with easily understood charts and tables.

The advances in the compact-performance niche may also be a nod to younger buyers, who have grown up in the era of when smaller vehicles have come to the fore. “These younger (under 30 years old) drivers are likely to appreciate the cost benefits of better gas mileage and lower car prices in what may be their daily driver,” according to the report, which also points out that compact-performance appearance accessory sales bucked the general trend and have grown consistently.

These younger consumers probably also contributed to another undeniably growing trend over the past five years: the importance of the Internet as both a research tool and a purchase source. The top three retail sales channels for 2010 were retail store websites, manufacturers’ websites and auction websites, and while mail-order catalogs and magazine ads were rated high as information sources, those same web channels were among the top research tools, too.

Other Niches Steady Up

The decline in the light-truck market hasn’t carried over into the off-road niche, which has remained steadfast throughout four years of the study. While the off-road appearance segment did suffer, increases in sales of wheels, tires and suspension products have kept the niche on an even keel. And the racing niche—perhaps fueled by the enthusiasm of its participants—actually posted minor but steady gains each year.

The sales curves of the restoration and restyling niches showed nearly identical profiles in the 2010 report, with both leveling off and even showing slight increases after posting two years of declines. In contrast, street performance and street-rod and custom sales have maintained steady growth throughout the last decade. (It is interesting to note that the street-rod niche—comprised primarily of older enthusiasts—remains a bastion of catalogs rather than the Internet for both research and product purchases.)

As SEMA’s Senior Manager for Market Research Gavin Knapp says in his introduction to the 2010 SEMA Market Report, the association views the coming year with optimism and anticipates a strong SEMA Show this November.

Be sure to download the full report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report, and also take the time to review the association’s weekly SEMA eNews electronic newsletter, which provides consistent market evaluations and updates. Subscribe here.

Positive Indicators Bode Well for Industry

By Steve Campbell

In brief, while the terrain may not be flourishing with roses quite yet, some of the weeds have been plucked and the ground is fertile. We can provide a summary of the study’s findings here, but it behooves every business to download and review the report in its entirety with a view toward the individual company’s own target audience and marketplace.

Methodology

The report divides the industry into three product segments and nine market niches. The segments are categorized as appearance and accessory products; racing and performance products; and wheel, tire and suspension products. The nine market niches were determined through product application and usage. They include light truck, off-road, racing, compact performance, street performance, restyling, restoration, custom and other.

The information in the study was compiled from a variety of sources, including interviews with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers; consumer surveys; and government data. Sources included Lang Marketing Resources; Ward’s Auto; Experian, gross domestic product (GDP) data; retail and food services and consumer goods production data; The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; the U.S. Energy Information Administration; and SEMA’s own 2011 Automotive Lifestyle Survey and 2011 Pickup Truck Study.

The General Economy

	With half a decade of data included in the report, the segments and niches can be compared year-over-year to provide a thorough understanding of where the industry stood entering 2011.
	Just one of the surprising revelations is that the compact performance niche has overtaken the light-truck niche in total sales. Download the complete report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report.

Of specific interest to SEMA-member businesses is attendance at the SEMA Show—a significant indicator of the industry’s well-being. The 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas logged a 9% increase in attendance over the 2009 Show, and things are looking markedly better this year. In fact, registrations for the 2011 event are on a record pace. And SEMA’s Financial Benchmarking Program—which uses key performance indicators to help measure and compare how specialty-equipment companies are performing—showed that most distributors and retailers were seeing sales increases at the end 2010 compared to 2009.

Vehicle Markets Back on the Rise

New-vehicle sales are crucial to several SEMA-member niches, including light truck, off-road, compact performance, street performance and restyling. In many cases, vehicle sales are a direct predictor of how the affected automotive specialty-interest niches will fair. After precipitous drops in new-vehicles sales in 2008 and 2009, the market finally began to rebound in 2010. Auto industry sales grew by 10% last year, including significant improvements for the market-leading Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.

The increases are promising, but the industry—and the global economy—remains in jeopardy due to continuing political instability and persistent increases in gasoline prices. As the 2011 SEMA Market Report points out, “these factors may ultimately drive more changes in product mix (moving away from larger cars and trucks to more fuel- and cost-efficient models) than reductions in vehicle sales overall.”

One of the most encouraging signs is the rebound in pickup sales during 2010. The F-Series continued to be the top-selling vehicle, but a number of economy cars also showed strong growth. The CUV market showed potential for increased growth, and the market report again points to the sluggish economy and fuel prices as the backdrop for these trends. Within the CUV market, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Equinox each posted gains of more than 50%.

Specialty-Equipment Sales Follow Suit

The market report also shows specialty-equipment sales on the rise after two years of double-digit declines, though the aftermarket’s recovery wasn’t quite as robust as that of the OEMs. Sales of automotive specialty equipment grew 2.4%, which is an indicator that the declines may be relegated to the past and the industry will move into positive territory once more.

One of the benefits of the market report is its presentation of raw data in the form of charts. Among them are category breakouts that show product sales changes over the five-year span from 2004–2010, not only for new vehicles, but also for individual product categories, such as interior and exterior truck accessories; performance tires and wheels; audio and electronics products; and performance hard parts, such as brakes, exhaust and drivetrain products.

The charts show that electronics products posted sales gains across the board in 2010, with cell phone and iPod accessories as well as video and navigation systems producing consistent results even during the downturn. The report’s charts show wheels and tires claiming modest gains, while appearance products are one segment where sales continued to fall in 2010.

“Accessory/appearance products represented more than half the specialty-equipment market sales through most of the last decade, but the economic decline produced steep drops in the category,” the study points out. “A slight uptick in 2010 stemmed the losses, but the appearance segment now represents only about 40% of sales.”

The report also points out that performance and suspension products continue to advance steadily. The Racing & Performance section is the largest one at the SEMA Show each year, so its strength is understandable. These shifts in segment sales mean that all three—accessory/appearance, racing/performance and wheel/tire/suspension—are now on about even footing within the industry.

On the other hand, despite a somewhat reinvigorated new-vehicle market, the light-truck niche fell off for the third straight year and was the only niche to suffer a decline in 2010.

Compact Performance Sustains Growth

	The report itemizes the industry in three product segments and nine market niches, detailing each through text combined with easily understood charts and tables.

The advances in the compact-performance niche may also be a nod to younger buyers, who have grown up in the era of when smaller vehicles have come to the fore. “These younger (under 30 years old) drivers are likely to appreciate the cost benefits of better gas mileage and lower car prices in what may be their daily driver,” according to the report, which also points out that compact-performance appearance accessory sales bucked the general trend and have grown consistently.

These younger consumers probably also contributed to another undeniably growing trend over the past five years: the importance of the Internet as both a research tool and a purchase source. The top three retail sales channels for 2010 were retail store websites, manufacturers’ websites and auction websites, and while mail-order catalogs and magazine ads were rated high as information sources, those same web channels were among the top research tools, too.

Other Niches Steady Up

The decline in the light-truck market hasn’t carried over into the off-road niche, which has remained steadfast throughout four years of the study. While the off-road appearance segment did suffer, increases in sales of wheels, tires and suspension products have kept the niche on an even keel. And the racing niche—perhaps fueled by the enthusiasm of its participants—actually posted minor but steady gains each year.

The sales curves of the restoration and restyling niches showed nearly identical profiles in the 2010 report, with both leveling off and even showing slight increases after posting two years of declines. In contrast, street performance and street-rod and custom sales have maintained steady growth throughout the last decade. (It is interesting to note that the street-rod niche—comprised primarily of older enthusiasts—remains a bastion of catalogs rather than the Internet for both research and product purchases.)

As SEMA’s Senior Manager for Market Research Gavin Knapp says in his introduction to the 2010 SEMA Market Report, the association views the coming year with optimism and anticipates a strong SEMA Show this November.

Be sure to download the full report at www.SEMA.org/2011-annual-market-report, and also take the time to review the association’s weekly SEMA eNews electronic newsletter, which provides consistent market evaluations and updates. Subscribe here.