At the 2011 MPMC Media Trade Conference, members of the media will have the opportunity to meet privately with specialty-parts industry executives.

For years, the MPMC Media Trade Conference has provided media reps with an opportunity to visit with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the three days.

During the meetings, exhibitors will have their newest products on display, with top executives and key personnel on hand to provide technical details and background information. These private, uninterrupted meetings guarantee that editors and reporters are able to ask the questions they are most interested in knowing, and provides them with an opportunity to photograph the products as they see fit. Afternoon lunches and breaks provide further opportunities for additional meetings and networking.

It’s the most efficient, effective and affordable way for reporters to get detailed information, specific to their audience’s needs and interests.

S&W Race Cars & Components appointed Jill Canuso as its new marketing director.

Canuso Joins S&W Race Cars & Components
S&W Race Cars & Components appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso as its new director of marketing. She will work from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, along with the team at S&W Race Cars, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years working in many facets of the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales.

Fairless Sales & Marketing Merges With SS Sales & Marketing
Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing.

RK Motors Taps Jamie Wiehe for Marketing Director
RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Company where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Johnson Controls to Acquire KEIPER and Seats Business of Recaro
Johnson Controls has signed a purchase agreement to acquire KEIPER and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. KEIPER is a leader in recliner system technology and its headquarters and engineering center are located in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The acquisition will include approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are KEIPER's operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition of KEIPER and the automotive seating division of Recaro, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering.

Steve Jones Named PowerHouse Manager for Gale Banks
Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His prior responsibilities included interfacing with the Banks Wholesale network, and he has worked in the retail sales, wholesale sales and installation departments. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 114,000 industry professionals coming face-to-face with more than 1,900 exhibitors in Las Vegas. In just four days, the specialty-equipment industry defined the newest trends, hottest vehicles and accessories for the year to come. Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the Show. To help encourage and bolster those initial connections, SEMA News has included a complete listing of all 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors on the following pages. The list represents the manufacturers that will dominate the industry in 2011.

It is the exhibitors, the award winners and the Show highlights that will continue to inspire the industry until the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held in Las Vegas, November 1–4, 2011. In addition to the exhibitor listing, turn to "The SEMA Awards" on p. 29, which includes a complete wrap-up of the inaugural SEMA Award presentation. As for the new products, this year there were more than 2,000 submitted for consideration. For a look at this year's winner, turn to "Innovation on Display" on p. 52. Finally, a photo-driven recap of 2010, keep the exhibitor directory handy and if you're already thinking about 2011, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The vibe from the 2010 SEMA Show was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 114,000 industry professionals coming face-to-face with more than 1,900 exhibitors in Las Vegas. In just four days, the specialty-equipment industry defined the newest trends, hottest vehicles and accessories for the year to come. Buyers and exhibitors are now busy following up on the contacts that they established at the Show. To help encourage and bolster those initial connections, SEMA News has included a complete listing of all 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors on the following pages. The list represents the manufacturers that will dominate the industry in 2011.

It is the exhibitors, the award winners and the Show highlights that will continue to inspire the industry until the 2011 SEMA Show, to be held in Las Vegas, November 1–4, 2011. In addition to the exhibitor listing, turn to "The SEMA Awards" on p. 29, which includes a complete wrap-up of the inaugural SEMA Award presentation. As for the new products, this year there were more than 2,000 submitted for consideration. For a look at this year's winner, turn to "Innovation on Display" on p. 52. Finally, a photo-driven recap of 2010, keep the exhibitor directory handy and if you're already thinking about 2011, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The photo gallery on www.enjoythedrive.com currently carries about 335 photos of Chevrolet vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. Available for download, the photos include many offerings from Chevy's stable, both past and present.

Vehicles from Chevrolet are just a portion of the photos available on the site. Every vehicle on display at the 2010 SEMA Show is represented. One of the ideal functions of the gallery is that it is searchable by vehicle name, vehicle make and exhibiting company name.

Check it out and start downloading at www.enjoythedrive.com.

The photo gallery on www.enjoythedrive.com currently carries about 335 photos of Chevrolet vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. Available for download, the photos include many offerings from Chevy's stable, both past and present.

Vehicles from Chevrolet are just a portion of the photos available on the site. Every vehicle on display at the 2010 SEMA Show is represented. One of the ideal functions of the gallery is that it is searchable by vehicle name, vehicle make and exhibiting company name.

Check it out and start downloading at www.enjoythedrive.com.

	Check out the January issue of SEMA News for highlights of some of the hottest cars and best parts for 2011.

The following is from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, the industry was buoyed appreciably in November at the 2010 SEMA Show, and I'd like to thank all who participated in once again delivering the industry's most valuable business gathering. We measure the success of the SEMA Show not just by the numbers, but also by the levels of participation and satisfaction as reflected by the industry. Below are a few answers to the questions "How'd the Show go?" and "What was new?"

With turnout and enthusiasm at the Show as worthy indicators, the industry is clearly upbeat heading toward 2011. Nearly 111,000 people took part in the 2010 SEMA Show, up about 7.5% over 2009. There were 1,950 exhibiting companies occupying more than 900,000 sq. ft. of displays, up 17% over 2009. Most importantly, satisfaction levels were outstanding: Post-Show surveys indicated that 91% of buyers rated their overall experience as either "excellent" or "good," up from 81% in the prior year. Among exhibiting manufacturers, 88% reported a satisfaction rating of "excellent" or "good," up from 77% in 2009.

Media participation at the Show was among our best ever, topping out at more than 3,000 individuals, including traditional print and broadcast journalists, as well as website editors and bloggers. These journalists converged on Las Vegas to record and report on the latest products, emerging trends and the future outlook of attendees and exhibitors alike. The resulting media coverage has been outstanding.

One of the most telling statistics of the 2010 SEMA Show was the number of entries in the New Products Showcase. The 2010 event saw more companies participating with more than 2,000 new parts, tools, car care, maintenance and accessory items. You can see them all through our archive of high-resolution SEMA Show photography online at www.semaphotos.com.

People also come to the SEMA Show to learn about business management, participate in professional development programs and keep pace with vehicle technology advances. The SEMA Show Education Week program featured nearly 140 sessions and drew close to 5,200 attendees. An additional 10 sessions were offered by the Tire Industry Association and drew another 539 industry professionals. The goal this year was to improve the value of each session. The response from those who participated was very encouraging indeed. The average overall satisfaction rating for Education Week was 4.32 out of a possible of 5—a remarkable achievement. If you did not take advantage of Education Week sessions, be sure to make time and schedule your participation next year.

The 2010 SEMA Show also saw the launch of a successful new award program, the SEMA Award (see "The SEMA Award" on p. 29 of the January 2011 SEMA News). Twenty-one vehicles were in contention for Hottest Car, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4X4-SUV, with the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler winning their respective categories. The award celebrates not only the vehicles, but also the dazzling array of new products our industry has available for them.

The contenders and the SEMA Award-winning vehicles have received overwhelming media coverage. Participation in the Pre-Show SEMA Challenge, inviting car and truck enthusiasts to predict the winners of the SEMA Award, drew 12,606 votes and 9,004 page views of the SEMA Award page. We've also posted lists of the manufacturers who make products for each of the 21 contenders at www.SEMA.org/SEMAaward.

The SEMA Show is a one-of-a-kind gathering that builds upon our industry's heritage and initiates progress and future accomplishments. The industry's participation makes it happen, and the association is proud to help deliver such a meaningful and value-laden event. As the economy continues to improve, the innovation and passion that we witnessed at the 2010 SEMA Show is sure to accelerate our industry's participation in the recovery and will result in new growth.

Thank you for all you did to make it a success!

	Check out the January issue of SEMA News for highlights of some of the hottest cars and best parts for 2011.

The following is from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting.

It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, the industry was buoyed appreciably in November at the 2010 SEMA Show, and I'd like to thank all who participated in once again delivering the industry's most valuable business gathering. We measure the success of the SEMA Show not just by the numbers, but also by the levels of participation and satisfaction as reflected by the industry. Below are a few answers to the questions "How'd the Show go?" and "What was new?"

With turnout and enthusiasm at the Show as worthy indicators, the industry is clearly upbeat heading toward 2011. Nearly 111,000 people took part in the 2010 SEMA Show, up about 7.5% over 2009. There were 1,950 exhibiting companies occupying more than 900,000 sq. ft. of displays, up 17% over 2009. Most importantly, satisfaction levels were outstanding: Post-Show surveys indicated that 91% of buyers rated their overall experience as either "excellent" or "good," up from 81% in the prior year. Among exhibiting manufacturers, 88% reported a satisfaction rating of "excellent" or "good," up from 77% in 2009.

Media participation at the Show was among our best ever, topping out at more than 3,000 individuals, including traditional print and broadcast journalists, as well as website editors and bloggers. These journalists converged on Las Vegas to record and report on the latest products, emerging trends and the future outlook of attendees and exhibitors alike. The resulting media coverage has been outstanding.

One of the most telling statistics of the 2010 SEMA Show was the number of entries in the New Products Showcase. The 2010 event saw more companies participating with more than 2,000 new parts, tools, car care, maintenance and accessory items. You can see them all through our archive of high-resolution SEMA Show photography online at www.semaphotos.com.

People also come to the SEMA Show to learn about business management, participate in professional development programs and keep pace with vehicle technology advances. The SEMA Show Education Week program featured nearly 140 sessions and drew close to 5,200 attendees. An additional 10 sessions were offered by the Tire Industry Association and drew another 539 industry professionals. The goal this year was to improve the value of each session. The response from those who participated was very encouraging indeed. The average overall satisfaction rating for Education Week was 4.32 out of a possible of 5—a remarkable achievement. If you did not take advantage of Education Week sessions, be sure to make time and schedule your participation next year.

The 2010 SEMA Show also saw the launch of a successful new award program, the SEMA Award (see "The SEMA Award" on p. 29 of the January 2011 SEMA News). Twenty-one vehicles were in contention for Hottest Car, Hottest Truck and Hottest 4X4-SUV, with the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler winning their respective categories. The award celebrates not only the vehicles, but also the dazzling array of new products our industry has available for them.

The contenders and the SEMA Award-winning vehicles have received overwhelming media coverage. Participation in the Pre-Show SEMA Challenge, inviting car and truck enthusiasts to predict the winners of the SEMA Award, drew 12,606 votes and 9,004 page views of the SEMA Award page. We've also posted lists of the manufacturers who make products for each of the 21 contenders at www.SEMA.org/SEMAaward.

The SEMA Show is a one-of-a-kind gathering that builds upon our industry's heritage and initiates progress and future accomplishments. The industry's participation makes it happen, and the association is proud to help deliver such a meaningful and value-laden event. As the economy continues to improve, the innovation and passion that we witnessed at the 2010 SEMA Show is sure to accelerate our industry's participation in the recovery and will result in new growth.

Thank you for all you did to make it a success!

It's been nearly three months since Priddy's team of spy shooters delivered shots of Chevrolet's upcoming Malibu, but here it is experiencing a bit of winter driving.

Back in December 2009, GM showed a select crowd the finished, next-generation Malibu. Priddy reported that she and the team had talked to a few of those in attendance for the December showing, and they confirmed that the interior and exterior design of this prototype matches the styling they were shown.

Unlike previous generations, this new Malibu will be a global car. In foreign markets, this vehicle will be sold as the Holden Epica and Daewoo Tosca.

Originally, it was not expected to go into production for the United States until Q1 of 2012. The start date has now been bumped up to Q4 2011. That said, rumors of an even earlier start date around the summer of 2011 have also been floating around. Much like the Chevy Cruze rollout, production of foreign-market versions of the Malibu will start in China and Korea several months before U.S. production begins. GM will invest $257 million to get the Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck assembly plants ready to build the ’12 Chevy Malibu for U.S. production.

The Malibu will ride on the same short wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis that underpins the ’11 Buick Regal, according to Priddy. While the overall length of the Chevy will shrink compared to today's model, insiders who saw the finished product say the Malibu is roomier on the inside.

Under the hood, the Malibu will have the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L, turbo-charged Ecotec four-cylinder. Either will be mated to a six-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive will be optional. A hybrid version will also be available. Until recently, it was thought the Malibu would also get the 3.6L V6 as the top-end model. Pridday says that recent reports suggest GM will stay with an all-four-cylinder lineup.


Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

It's been nearly three months since Priddy's team of spy shooters delivered shots of Chevrolet's upcoming Malibu, but here it is experiencing a bit of winter driving.

Back in December 2009, GM showed a select crowd the finished, next-generation Malibu. Priddy reported that she and the team had talked to a few of those in attendance for the December showing, and they confirmed that the interior and exterior design of this prototype matches the styling they were shown.

Unlike previous generations, this new Malibu will be a global car. In foreign markets, this vehicle will be sold as the Holden Epica and Daewoo Tosca.

Originally, it was not expected to go into production for the United States until Q1 of 2012. The start date has now been bumped up to Q4 2011. That said, rumors of an even earlier start date around the summer of 2011 have also been floating around. Much like the Chevy Cruze rollout, production of foreign-market versions of the Malibu will start in China and Korea several months before U.S. production begins. GM will invest $257 million to get the Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck assembly plants ready to build the ’12 Chevy Malibu for U.S. production.

The Malibu will ride on the same short wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis that underpins the ’11 Buick Regal, according to Priddy. While the overall length of the Chevy will shrink compared to today's model, insiders who saw the finished product say the Malibu is roomier on the inside.

Under the hood, the Malibu will have the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L, turbo-charged Ecotec four-cylinder. Either will be mated to a six-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive will be optional. A hybrid version will also be available. Until recently, it was thought the Malibu would also get the 3.6L V6 as the top-end model. Pridday says that recent reports suggest GM will stay with an all-four-cylinder lineup.


Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company