Mon, 05/03/2010 - 09:08

 SEMA News - May 2010

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS 

SEMA Show attendees visit the Business Services section of the Las Vegas Convention Center searching for tools to tune-up their day-to-day operations. Located in the North Hall, the business services section provides the latest in inventory control, computer systems and business software as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives, help with insurance and finances and more. The following is a list of companies firmly commited to taking care of your automotive business.

  SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

Applications 3D
248/853-7700
www.applications3d.com

ARC United Corporation
909/ 230-5148
www.arcunited.com

Auto Parts Cart
661-943-4978
www.avwebdesigns.com

Bravo Sports
978/534-4400
www.quickshadecustom.com

BuildaDatabase
913/232-2248
www.buildadatabase.com

Car-Part.com
859/344-1925
www.car-part.com

Channel Velocity
312-640-0546
www.channelvelocity.com

CRMKey
360/750-4799
www.crmkey.com

Eagle Business Software
717/442-3247
www.eaglebusinesssoftware.com

eBay Motors
408/376-8696
www.ebaymotors.com

Flashecom.net
714-256-9340 X 223
www.flashecom.net

GoalLine Solutions
905/639-8287
www.goallinesolutions.com

I.C.E.
603/347-3005
www.icesigns.com

JustParts.com
807/343-9380
www.justparts.com

K&K Insurance
260/459-5823
www.kandkinsurance.com

KINTEX
82-31-810-8144
www.kintex.com
            Knobbe Martens
949/760-0404
www.kmob.com

Logic Software & Websites
904/998-4066
www.breezego.com

Mainstreet Web Services
734/699-0025
www.mainstreetcomp.com

Northwood University
989-837-4200
www.northwood.edu

Oilchangestickers.com
770/439-4242
www.oilchangestickers.com

Pacific Sportswear & Emblem Co. Inc.
619/281-6688
www.pacificemblem.com

Power Sheen Tire Brite
208/412-0908
www.powersheen.com

Prodigy Promos
801.705.5060
www.ProdigyPromos.com

Risoria Limited
714/373-0500
www.risoria.com
www.fasttrakauto.com

Rock Eagle Store Fixtures
706/484-0000
www.rockeagle.com

Royal 4 Systems
562/420-9594
www.royal4.com

Siriani & Associates
800/554-0005
www.siriani.com

Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance
519/631-1680 x4132
www.somasite.com

Triple Crown Products
262/534-7878
www.crownquality.com

$2.95 Guys
858-513-7000
www.295guys.com

Tyler Retail Systems Inc.
727/536-5588
www.tylernet.com   

 

The following are just some of the products that debuted in the New Products Showcase from exhibitors in the Business Services section of the 2009 SEMA Show.

Applications 3D Scanning Services
3D Scanning Services

248/853-7700
www.applications3d.com
A 3D laser and white light scanning for vehicle and part development. Art-to-Part reverse engineering to create CAD data and dimensional inspection. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   

BuildaDatabase
Online Wheels Pro
913/232-2248
www.buildadatabase.com/sema
PN: WheelPro
The Online Wheels Pro system gives SEMA members a turn-key online wheel management system already populated with the most popular wheel brands today and includes all uploaded wheel photos, custom pricing, fitment information and a user-friendly search engine. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   
PacificSportswear & Emblem Co. Inc.
Fiber-Optic Hats
800/872-8778
www.fiberoptichats.com
PN: PSFO101
Light up your promotion, event or brand with blinking fiber-optic hats. Pricing from $4.95 to $8.95. Sixty-hour life on replaceable battery. Amazing embroidery with your choice of six fiber-optic colors.
SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   

Power Sheen Tire Brite
Power Sheen
208/880-6070
www.powersheen.com
PN: N45
A coating that protects and shines rubber (tires) and plastics (bumpers). One application lasts six months to two years.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   
Rock Eagle Store Fixtures
GT Heavy-Weight Rounder Display
800/747-2270
www.rockeagle.com
PN: GT-HWR
This versatile heavy-duty display is great for merchandising all types of fluids, parts and accessories. Different finishes are available. Check out our complete line of GT displays.     
SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 09:08

 SEMA News - May 2010

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS 

SEMA Show attendees visit the Business Services section of the Las Vegas Convention Center searching for tools to tune-up their day-to-day operations. Located in the North Hall, the business services section provides the latest in inventory control, computer systems and business software as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives, help with insurance and finances and more. The following is a list of companies firmly commited to taking care of your automotive business.

  SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS 

 

Applications 3D
248/853-7700
www.applications3d.com

ARC United Corporation
909/ 230-5148
www.arcunited.com

Auto Parts Cart
661-943-4978
www.avwebdesigns.com

Bravo Sports
978/534-4400
www.quickshadecustom.com

BuildaDatabase
913/232-2248
www.buildadatabase.com

Car-Part.com
859/344-1925
www.car-part.com

Channel Velocity
312-640-0546
www.channelvelocity.com

CRMKey
360/750-4799
www.crmkey.com

Eagle Business Software
717/442-3247
www.eaglebusinesssoftware.com

eBay Motors
408/376-8696
www.ebaymotors.com

Flashecom.net
714-256-9340 X 223
www.flashecom.net

GoalLine Solutions
905/639-8287
www.goallinesolutions.com

I.C.E.
603/347-3005
www.icesigns.com

JustParts.com
807/343-9380
www.justparts.com

K&K Insurance
260/459-5823
www.kandkinsurance.com

KINTEX
82-31-810-8144
www.kintex.com
            Knobbe Martens
949/760-0404
www.kmob.com

Logic Software & Websites
904/998-4066
www.breezego.com

Mainstreet Web Services
734/699-0025
www.mainstreetcomp.com

Northwood University
989-837-4200
www.northwood.edu

Oilchangestickers.com
770/439-4242
www.oilchangestickers.com

Pacific Sportswear & Emblem Co. Inc.
619/281-6688
www.pacificemblem.com

Power Sheen Tire Brite
208/412-0908
www.powersheen.com

Prodigy Promos
801.705.5060
www.ProdigyPromos.com

Risoria Limited
714/373-0500
www.risoria.com
www.fasttrakauto.com

Rock Eagle Store Fixtures
706/484-0000
www.rockeagle.com

Royal 4 Systems
562/420-9594
www.royal4.com

Siriani & Associates
800/554-0005
www.siriani.com

Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance
519/631-1680 x4132
www.somasite.com

Triple Crown Products
262/534-7878
www.crownquality.com

$2.95 Guys
858-513-7000
www.295guys.com

Tyler Retail Systems Inc.
727/536-5588
www.tylernet.com   

 

The following are just some of the products that debuted in the New Products Showcase from exhibitors in the Business Services section of the 2009 SEMA Show.

Applications 3D Scanning Services
3D Scanning Services

248/853-7700
www.applications3d.com
A 3D laser and white light scanning for vehicle and part development. Art-to-Part reverse engineering to create CAD data and dimensional inspection. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   

BuildaDatabase
Online Wheels Pro
913/232-2248
www.buildadatabase.com/sema
PN: WheelPro
The Online Wheels Pro system gives SEMA members a turn-key online wheel management system already populated with the most popular wheel brands today and includes all uploaded wheel photos, custom pricing, fitment information and a user-friendly search engine. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   
PacificSportswear & Emblem Co. Inc.
Fiber-Optic Hats
800/872-8778
www.fiberoptichats.com
PN: PSFO101
Light up your promotion, event or brand with blinking fiber-optic hats. Pricing from $4.95 to $8.95. Sixty-hour life on replaceable battery. Amazing embroidery with your choice of six fiber-optic colors.
SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   

Power Sheen Tire Brite
Power Sheen
208/880-6070
www.powersheen.com
PN: N45
A coating that protects and shines rubber (tires) and plastics (bumpers). One application lasts six months to two years.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES
   
Rock Eagle Store Fixtures
GT Heavy-Weight Rounder Display
800/747-2270
www.rockeagle.com
PN: GT-HWR
This versatile heavy-duty display is great for merchandising all types of fluids, parts and accessories. Different finishes are available. Check out our complete line of GT displays.     
SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-BUSINESS SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 16:58

SEMA News - May 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. Spy photos are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

Chevy Volt

When It Hits: Production for the Volt should start in November 2010 at GM’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit.

What Priddy Says: Volts have been spied by shooters before with non-production lights and without trim against flat-black or gray paint jobs. But a showroom-ready tester out on the streets is something more unusual.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS 
   

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

When It Hits: Look for the CTS-V wagon in showrooms by late summer or fall.

What Priddy Says: Like other V-series cars, the CTS-V wagon will wear a wire mesh grille, a power-dome hood, wider wheels and tires, larger brake calipers and sportier bodywork. Under the hood sits the now-familiar LSA, a 6.2L, supercharged V8 good for 556 hp and 551 ft.-lb. in the CTS-V sedan. Priddy expects the wagon specs to
be similar. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

MINI Cooper S

When It Hits: Early reports indicate that this new-look Cooper S will be available next year as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The biggest change for the Cooper S is a redesigned lower fascia that features new air intakes. Priddy also says that some of the controls may be redesigned, along with upgrades in material quality. Possible modest powertrain revisions may provide a small bump in power output.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

Ford Falcon

When It Hits: No plans yet for the Falcon in the United States.

What Priddy Says: The Coyote 5.0L V8 that recently debuted in the Mustang is likely to be the new engine powering the Falcon. In normally aspirated trim, that engine is good for 412 hp (in the Mustang). With a supercharger, 500 hp doesn’t seem out of the question.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS

 

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company.
Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 16:58

SEMA News - May 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. Spy photos are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

Chevy Volt

When It Hits: Production for the Volt should start in November 2010 at GM’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit.

What Priddy Says: Volts have been spied by shooters before with non-production lights and without trim against flat-black or gray paint jobs. But a showroom-ready tester out on the streets is something more unusual.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS 
   

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

When It Hits: Look for the CTS-V wagon in showrooms by late summer or fall.

What Priddy Says: Like other V-series cars, the CTS-V wagon will wear a wire mesh grille, a power-dome hood, wider wheels and tires, larger brake calipers and sportier bodywork. Under the hood sits the now-familiar LSA, a 6.2L, supercharged V8 good for 556 hp and 551 ft.-lb. in the CTS-V sedan. Priddy expects the wagon specs to
be similar. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

MINI Cooper S

When It Hits: Early reports indicate that this new-look Cooper S will be available next year as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The biggest change for the Cooper S is a redesigned lower fascia that features new air intakes. Priddy also says that some of the controls may be redesigned, along with upgrades in material quality. Possible modest powertrain revisions may provide a small bump in power output.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

Ford Falcon

When It Hits: No plans yet for the Falcon in the United States.

What Priddy Says: The Coyote 5.0L V8 that recently debuted in the Mustang is likely to be the new engine powering the Falcon. In normally aspirated trim, that engine is good for 412 hp (in the Mustang). With a supercharger, 500 hp doesn’t seem out of the question.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS

 

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company.
Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 16:58

SEMA News - May 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. Spy photos are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

Chevy Volt

When It Hits: Production for the Volt should start in November 2010 at GM’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit.

What Priddy Says: Volts have been spied by shooters before with non-production lights and without trim against flat-black or gray paint jobs. But a showroom-ready tester out on the streets is something more unusual.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS 
   

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

When It Hits: Look for the CTS-V wagon in showrooms by late summer or fall.

What Priddy Says: Like other V-series cars, the CTS-V wagon will wear a wire mesh grille, a power-dome hood, wider wheels and tires, larger brake calipers and sportier bodywork. Under the hood sits the now-familiar LSA, a 6.2L, supercharged V8 good for 556 hp and 551 ft.-lb. in the CTS-V sedan. Priddy expects the wagon specs to
be similar. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

MINI Cooper S

When It Hits: Early reports indicate that this new-look Cooper S will be available next year as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The biggest change for the Cooper S is a redesigned lower fascia that features new air intakes. Priddy also says that some of the controls may be redesigned, along with upgrades in material quality. Possible modest powertrain revisions may provide a small bump in power output.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

Ford Falcon

When It Hits: No plans yet for the Falcon in the United States.

What Priddy Says: The Coyote 5.0L V8 that recently debuted in the Mustang is likely to be the new engine powering the Falcon. In normally aspirated trim, that engine is good for 412 hp (in the Mustang). With a supercharger, 500 hp doesn’t seem out of the question.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS

 

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company.
Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 16:58

SEMA News - May 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. Spy photos are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

Chevy Volt

When It Hits: Production for the Volt should start in November 2010 at GM’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit.

What Priddy Says: Volts have been spied by shooters before with non-production lights and without trim against flat-black or gray paint jobs. But a showroom-ready tester out on the streets is something more unusual.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS 
   

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

When It Hits: Look for the CTS-V wagon in showrooms by late summer or fall.

What Priddy Says: Like other V-series cars, the CTS-V wagon will wear a wire mesh grille, a power-dome hood, wider wheels and tires, larger brake calipers and sportier bodywork. Under the hood sits the now-familiar LSA, a 6.2L, supercharged V8 good for 556 hp and 551 ft.-lb. in the CTS-V sedan. Priddy expects the wagon specs to
be similar. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

MINI Cooper S

When It Hits: Early reports indicate that this new-look Cooper S will be available next year as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The biggest change for the Cooper S is a redesigned lower fascia that features new air intakes. Priddy also says that some of the controls may be redesigned, along with upgrades in material quality. Possible modest powertrain revisions may provide a small bump in power output.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

Ford Falcon

When It Hits: No plans yet for the Falcon in the United States.

What Priddy Says: The Coyote 5.0L V8 that recently debuted in the Mustang is likely to be the new engine powering the Falcon. In normally aspirated trim, that engine is good for 412 hp (in the Mustang). With a supercharger, 500 hp doesn’t seem out of the question.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS

 

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company.
Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 16:58

SEMA News - May 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. Spy photos are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

Chevy Volt

When It Hits: Production for the Volt should start in November 2010 at GM’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit.

What Priddy Says: Volts have been spied by shooters before with non-production lights and without trim against flat-black or gray paint jobs. But a showroom-ready tester out on the streets is something more unusual.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS 
   

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

When It Hits: Look for the CTS-V wagon in showrooms by late summer or fall.

What Priddy Says: Like other V-series cars, the CTS-V wagon will wear a wire mesh grille, a power-dome hood, wider wheels and tires, larger brake calipers and sportier bodywork. Under the hood sits the now-familiar LSA, a 6.2L, supercharged V8 good for 556 hp and 551 ft.-lb. in the CTS-V sedan. Priddy expects the wagon specs to
be similar. 

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

MINI Cooper S

When It Hits: Early reports indicate that this new-look Cooper S will be available next year as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The biggest change for the Cooper S is a redesigned lower fascia that features new air intakes. Priddy also says that some of the controls may be redesigned, along with upgrades in material quality. Possible modest powertrain revisions may provide a small bump in power output.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS
   

Ford Falcon

When It Hits: No plans yet for the Falcon in the United States.

What Priddy Says: The Coyote 5.0L V8 that recently debuted in the Mustang is likely to be the new engine powering the Falcon. In normally aspirated trim, that engine is good for 412 hp (in the Mustang). With a supercharger, 500 hp doesn’t seem out of the question.

SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-SPY PHOTOS

 

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company.
Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 14:56

SEMA News - May 2010

  SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-CHRIS KERSTING 
   
Market conditions dictate how companies develop their operating strategies. Evaluating the business environment becomes increasingly important when the economy goes through the kind of turbulence we’ve seen over the past two years. Part of SEMA’s mission is to help member companies assess current conditions and make choices based on hard facts and real trends. The association’s market research programs have been developed and honed to provide that type of real-world analysis. The most recent of these initiatives—the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program—was unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show as an exclusive benefit free of charge for members who exhibited or attended the Show. The program is yet another example of the added value realized by SEMA Show participants.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program drew upon the insights of more than 240 consumer opinion leaders who were SEMA’s guests at the Show. These enthusiasts—specially selected from a pool of 1,500 who submitted applications to take part—used social media to describe their experiences, discuss the products they saw and report on trends. Four SEMA reports have been generated based on the data gathered, some from the entire application pool and others from selected guests who also took part in two focus groups during the Show. One report highlights demographics and information about the accessories the enthusiasts had purchased and the types of vehicles they modified, and others look at the influence of gas prices on enthusiast purchases and enthusiast buying behavior.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program will be repeated at the 2010 SEMA Show, with results again provided on an exclusive basis. Watch for announcements to be made about the program in the coming months, and contact Megan McKernan at meganm@sema.org for more information.

I’d also like to draw your attention to the Financial Benchmarking Program. This program collects selected financial data from each segment in the distribution channel—manufacturers, distributors and retailers—in the form of a protected, confidential monthly questionnaire that takes only about 5–10 minutes to fill out. After the resulting data is aggregated each month, participating companies receive a copy of the “SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report” for their specific segment. The report includes sales tracking and sales forecast data as well as average gross margin, quick ratio, operational overhead, shipping costs, R&D, customer returns, advertising/marketing, inventory turns and more. The reports give SEMA-member companies financial benchmarks that they can use in their decision making, allowing them to compare their costs, expenses and sales forecasts with similar operations and helping them to identify areas where they can improve and grow their businesses. For details about how to receive this invaluable information, contact Megan McKernan.

Another program—one that goes hand-in-glove with the benchmarking tool—tracks future trends based on direct input from the buyers of automotive products. The SEMA Consumer Demand Index provides information about what products are expected to sell and what types of vehicles are expected to be modified in the near future. Each month, an independent research firm contracted by SEMA gathers data from about 900 consumers using a random digital dialing survey. The consumers are asked about their purchase intentions for the coming quarter, and the data is then used to create information about appearance products, racing and performance products and wheels, tires and suspension components. The resulting reports—free to SEMA members and only $49.95 for non-members—have proven to track closely with the Consumer Confidence Index. The reports are available online here. For more information about the Consumer Demand Index, contact Megan McKernan.

As the economy fluctuates and markets react, every business should seek up-to-date and relevant information in order to make informed decisions. SEMA can help. Take advantage of your SEMA membership and contact us today to get these vital information resources working for you. 
Sat, 05/01/2010 - 14:56

SEMA News - May 2010

  SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-CHRIS KERSTING 
   
Market conditions dictate how companies develop their operating strategies. Evaluating the business environment becomes increasingly important when the economy goes through the kind of turbulence we’ve seen over the past two years. Part of SEMA’s mission is to help member companies assess current conditions and make choices based on hard facts and real trends. The association’s market research programs have been developed and honed to provide that type of real-world analysis. The most recent of these initiatives—the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program—was unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show as an exclusive benefit free of charge for members who exhibited or attended the Show. The program is yet another example of the added value realized by SEMA Show participants.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program drew upon the insights of more than 240 consumer opinion leaders who were SEMA’s guests at the Show. These enthusiasts—specially selected from a pool of 1,500 who submitted applications to take part—used social media to describe their experiences, discuss the products they saw and report on trends. Four SEMA reports have been generated based on the data gathered, some from the entire application pool and others from selected guests who also took part in two focus groups during the Show. One report highlights demographics and information about the accessories the enthusiasts had purchased and the types of vehicles they modified, and others look at the influence of gas prices on enthusiast purchases and enthusiast buying behavior.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program will be repeated at the 2010 SEMA Show, with results again provided on an exclusive basis. Watch for announcements to be made about the program in the coming months, and contact Megan McKernan at meganm@sema.org for more information.

I’d also like to draw your attention to the Financial Benchmarking Program. This program collects selected financial data from each segment in the distribution channel—manufacturers, distributors and retailers—in the form of a protected, confidential monthly questionnaire that takes only about 5–10 minutes to fill out. After the resulting data is aggregated each month, participating companies receive a copy of the “SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report” for their specific segment. The report includes sales tracking and sales forecast data as well as average gross margin, quick ratio, operational overhead, shipping costs, R&D, customer returns, advertising/marketing, inventory turns and more. The reports give SEMA-member companies financial benchmarks that they can use in their decision making, allowing them to compare their costs, expenses and sales forecasts with similar operations and helping them to identify areas where they can improve and grow their businesses. For details about how to receive this invaluable information, contact Megan McKernan.

Another program—one that goes hand-in-glove with the benchmarking tool—tracks future trends based on direct input from the buyers of automotive products. The SEMA Consumer Demand Index provides information about what products are expected to sell and what types of vehicles are expected to be modified in the near future. Each month, an independent research firm contracted by SEMA gathers data from about 900 consumers using a random digital dialing survey. The consumers are asked about their purchase intentions for the coming quarter, and the data is then used to create information about appearance products, racing and performance products and wheels, tires and suspension components. The resulting reports—free to SEMA members and only $49.95 for non-members—have proven to track closely with the Consumer Confidence Index. The reports are available online here. For more information about the Consumer Demand Index, contact Megan McKernan.

As the economy fluctuates and markets react, every business should seek up-to-date and relevant information in order to make informed decisions. SEMA can help. Take advantage of your SEMA membership and contact us today to get these vital information resources working for you. 
Sat, 05/01/2010 - 14:56

SEMA News - May 2010

  SEMA NEWS-MAY 2010-CHRIS KERSTING 
   
Market conditions dictate how companies develop their operating strategies. Evaluating the business environment becomes increasingly important when the economy goes through the kind of turbulence we’ve seen over the past two years. Part of SEMA’s mission is to help member companies assess current conditions and make choices based on hard facts and real trends. The association’s market research programs have been developed and honed to provide that type of real-world analysis. The most recent of these initiatives—the Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program—was unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show as an exclusive benefit free of charge for members who exhibited or attended the Show. The program is yet another example of the added value realized by SEMA Show participants.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program drew upon the insights of more than 240 consumer opinion leaders who were SEMA’s guests at the Show. These enthusiasts—specially selected from a pool of 1,500 who submitted applications to take part—used social media to describe their experiences, discuss the products they saw and report on trends. Four SEMA reports have been generated based on the data gathered, some from the entire application pool and others from selected guests who also took part in two focus groups during the Show. One report highlights demographics and information about the accessories the enthusiasts had purchased and the types of vehicles they modified, and others look at the influence of gas prices on enthusiast purchases and enthusiast buying behavior.

The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Program will be repeated at the 2010 SEMA Show, with results again provided on an exclusive basis. Watch for announcements to be made about the program in the coming months, and contact Megan McKernan at meganm@sema.org for more information.

I’d also like to draw your attention to the Financial Benchmarking Program. This program collects selected financial data from each segment in the distribution channel—manufacturers, distributors and retailers—in the form of a protected, confidential monthly questionnaire that takes only about 5–10 minutes to fill out. After the resulting data is aggregated each month, participating companies receive a copy of the “SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report” for their specific segment. The report includes sales tracking and sales forecast data as well as average gross margin, quick ratio, operational overhead, shipping costs, R&D, customer returns, advertising/marketing, inventory turns and more. The reports give SEMA-member companies financial benchmarks that they can use in their decision making, allowing them to compare their costs, expenses and sales forecasts with similar operations and helping them to identify areas where they can improve and grow their businesses. For details about how to receive this invaluable information, contact Megan McKernan.

Another program—one that goes hand-in-glove with the benchmarking tool—tracks future trends based on direct input from the buyers of automotive products. The SEMA Consumer Demand Index provides information about what products are expected to sell and what types of vehicles are expected to be modified in the near future. Each month, an independent research firm contracted by SEMA gathers data from about 900 consumers using a random digital dialing survey. The consumers are asked about their purchase intentions for the coming quarter, and the data is then used to create information about appearance products, racing and performance products and wheels, tires and suspension components. The resulting reports—free to SEMA members and only $49.95 for non-members—have proven to track closely with the Consumer Confidence Index. The reports are available online here. For more information about the Consumer Demand Index, contact Megan McKernan.

As the economy fluctuates and markets react, every business should seek up-to-date and relevant information in order to make informed decisions. SEMA can help. Take advantage of your SEMA membership and contact us today to get these vital information resources working for you.