The 1970 SEMA Show, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in January, had NASA’s accomplishments as an underlying theme. Astronaut Pete Conrad was scheduled to appear at the Show to receive SEMA’s first honorary membership, but he was bed-ridden with the flu. SEMA President Roy Richter, with an assist from Ray Brock, phoned Conrad during the SEMA banquet and read him the words engraved on a special plaque designed to celebrate Conrad's achievements.

Many SEMA-member companies use collector cars and exotics for promotional purposes, a fact that is borne out year after year at the SEMA Show. Whether in advertising, in catalogs or at car shows, the right vehicle with the right accessories can not only attract attention, but may serve to motivate consumers to purchase a component or a whole package. Whether for company promotion or for personal use, finding the perfect vehicle may involve lengthy and complex searches that call for extended travel and diligent study. The typical avenues that buyers pursue include dealerships, magazine and newspaper classified advertising and the Internet. On the other hand, a vehicle auction can be a one-stop shopping venue where buyers may find exactly what they are looking for.

SEMA will host a Dodge Measuring Session for the 2011 Durango and Charger on December 2 in Diamond Bar, California. The deadline to sign up for the session is Friday, November 30.
 

SEMA will host a Dodge Measuring Session for the 2011 Durango and Charger on December 2 in Diamond Bar, California. The deadline to sign up for the session is Friday, November 30.
 

At the 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, the number of exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA captured media attention months before opening day on November 2. With expectations high, positive headlines began to circulate as early as November 5, when Modern Tire Dealer declared "Attendance Looks Promising" in its Breaking News section online. This is extremely significant because 2010 represents the inaugural Global Tire Expo, a joint effort by SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to create a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show, open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

“By working with TIA, we created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Kersting further points out that many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products. The 2010 Global Tire Expo more than delivered, even when just examining initial statistics. Show management indicates that tire- and wheel-related new-product submissions for the New Products Showcase were up more than 45%. In addition to product premieres, the number of Global Tire Expo exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

In talking with Tire Review magazine for an article in the SEMA Show Daily, published on-site during the Show, TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield clearly recognized the potential for success with the inaugural Global Tire Expo. “The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

In addition to the number of exhibitors and new products, the Global Tire Expo also included expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks included “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Truck Tires at 10” and “Management at 4.” Littlefield explained that the substantial educational offerings further reinforced that the 2010 Expo was a must-attend event.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds; they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts and meet plenty of potential suppliers,” said Littlefield.

Taking advantage of the record participation at the 2010 Global Tire Expo, TIA made several announcements during the Show concerning new and expanded programs and services for its membership. Topics included: a new health insurance option for employees of TIA member organizations, the addition of a workers' compensation insurance member benefit and the launch of TIA's new Certifiedtireservice.com website.

While the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo is almost a year away, it's clear that momentum is already building. As the media finishes editing the highlight reel from 2010 and the statistical analysis nears completion, the vote seems unanimous—The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo raised the bar far beyond expectations. The event is clearly North America's only conference and trade show dedicated to the tire industry. For more information on exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

At the 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, the number of exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA captured media attention months before opening day on November 2. With expectations high, positive headlines began to circulate as early as November 5, when Modern Tire Dealer declared "Attendance Looks Promising" in its Breaking News section online. This is extremely significant because 2010 represents the inaugural Global Tire Expo, a joint effort by SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to create a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show, open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

“By working with TIA, we created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Kersting further points out that many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products. The 2010 Global Tire Expo more than delivered, even when just examining initial statistics. Show management indicates that tire- and wheel-related new-product submissions for the New Products Showcase were up more than 45%. In addition to product premieres, the number of Global Tire Expo exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

In talking with Tire Review magazine for an article in the SEMA Show Daily, published on-site during the Show, TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield clearly recognized the potential for success with the inaugural Global Tire Expo. “The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

In addition to the number of exhibitors and new products, the Global Tire Expo also included expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks included “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Truck Tires at 10” and “Management at 4.” Littlefield explained that the substantial educational offerings further reinforced that the 2010 Expo was a must-attend event.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds; they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts and meet plenty of potential suppliers,” said Littlefield.

Taking advantage of the record participation at the 2010 Global Tire Expo, TIA made several announcements during the Show concerning new and expanded programs and services for its membership. Topics included: a new health insurance option for employees of TIA member organizations, the addition of a workers' compensation insurance member benefit and the launch of TIA's new Certifiedtireservice.com website.

While the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo is almost a year away, it's clear that momentum is already building. As the media finishes editing the highlight reel from 2010 and the statistical analysis nears completion, the vote seems unanimous—The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo raised the bar far beyond expectations. The event is clearly North America's only conference and trade show dedicated to the tire industry. For more information on exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

At the 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, the number of exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA captured media attention months before opening day on November 2. With expectations high, positive headlines began to circulate as early as November 5, when Modern Tire Dealer declared "Attendance Looks Promising" in its Breaking News section online. This is extremely significant because 2010 represents the inaugural Global Tire Expo, a joint effort by SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to create a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show, open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

“By working with TIA, we created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Kersting further points out that many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products. The 2010 Global Tire Expo more than delivered, even when just examining initial statistics. Show management indicates that tire- and wheel-related new-product submissions for the New Products Showcase were up more than 45%. In addition to product premieres, the number of Global Tire Expo exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

In talking with Tire Review magazine for an article in the SEMA Show Daily, published on-site during the Show, TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield clearly recognized the potential for success with the inaugural Global Tire Expo. “The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

In addition to the number of exhibitors and new products, the Global Tire Expo also included expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks included “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Truck Tires at 10” and “Management at 4.” Littlefield explained that the substantial educational offerings further reinforced that the 2010 Expo was a must-attend event.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds; they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts and meet plenty of potential suppliers,” said Littlefield.

Taking advantage of the record participation at the 2010 Global Tire Expo, TIA made several announcements during the Show concerning new and expanded programs and services for its membership. Topics included: a new health insurance option for employees of TIA member organizations, the addition of a workers' compensation insurance member benefit and the launch of TIA's new Certifiedtireservice.com website.

While the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo is almost a year away, it's clear that momentum is already building. As the media finishes editing the highlight reel from 2010 and the statistical analysis nears completion, the vote seems unanimous—The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo raised the bar far beyond expectations. The event is clearly North America's only conference and trade show dedicated to the tire industry. For more information on exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

At the 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, the number of exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA captured media attention months before opening day on November 2. With expectations high, positive headlines began to circulate as early as November 5, when Modern Tire Dealer declared "Attendance Looks Promising" in its Breaking News section online. This is extremely significant because 2010 represents the inaugural Global Tire Expo, a joint effort by SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to create a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show, open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

“By working with TIA, we created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Kersting further points out that many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products. The 2010 Global Tire Expo more than delivered, even when just examining initial statistics. Show management indicates that tire- and wheel-related new-product submissions for the New Products Showcase were up more than 45%. In addition to product premieres, the number of Global Tire Expo exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

In talking with Tire Review magazine for an article in the SEMA Show Daily, published on-site during the Show, TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield clearly recognized the potential for success with the inaugural Global Tire Expo. “The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

In addition to the number of exhibitors and new products, the Global Tire Expo also included expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks included “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Truck Tires at 10” and “Management at 4.” Littlefield explained that the substantial educational offerings further reinforced that the 2010 Expo was a must-attend event.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds; they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts and meet plenty of potential suppliers,” said Littlefield.

Taking advantage of the record participation at the 2010 Global Tire Expo, TIA made several announcements during the Show concerning new and expanded programs and services for its membership. Topics included: a new health insurance option for employees of TIA member organizations, the addition of a workers' compensation insurance member benefit and the launch of TIA's new Certifiedtireservice.com website.

While the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo is almost a year away, it's clear that momentum is already building. As the media finishes editing the highlight reel from 2010 and the statistical analysis nears completion, the vote seems unanimous—The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo raised the bar far beyond expectations. The event is clearly North America's only conference and trade show dedicated to the tire industry. For more information on exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company