Additional details are now available regarding the seat/reservation to take part in Kyle Petty’s “Ride Across America” charity ride that was mentioned in a previous issue of SEMA eNews. The item reported that the opportunity to participate in the annual trek will be up for bid at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, taking place on Friday, July 25, in Irvine, California.

In addition to being part of the exclusive ride, the winner will also receive:

• Nine (9) nights hotel accommodations
• Fuel for one (1) motorcycle at all Pit Stops
• All scheduled meals
• Commemorative designer leather jacket
• Corporate sponsored T-shirts
• Event T-shirt and cap

The total value of this package is $12,500. For information about the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, visit www.sema.org/gala.

SEMA members can participate for the chance to win a $100,000 makeover for their small business through the Sam’s Club Invoice Comparison Challenge and $100,000 Small Business Makeover contest sponsored by SBTV.com, Sam’s Club and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Visit your local Sam’s Club during National Small Business Week, April 21–25, and bring in a recent Sam’s Club competitor invoice that shows what products you typically buy for your small business. A Sam’s Club associate will compare your list to 25 core Sam's Club products and reveal how much you can save by shopping at Sam's Club. Then visit SBTV.com and use your Invoice Comparison Challenge code to register for your chance to win a $100,000 dollar prize package, which includes up to $25,000 in cash, Sam’s Club products, business mentoring from SBTV.com and a lifetime membership in the NFIB.   

For complete details on the contest, including how to participate, visit: www.sbtv.com/?page=samsplash.

Tom Brooks, Charity Committee Chairman for the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA), announced that TORA will purchase two high-tech Pinewood Derby tracks that will be used during SEMA’s Pinewood Race, part of the fundraising activities in place for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 25, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine in Irvine, California. After the July race, the tracks will be donated to Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Childhelp Village so the children can hold their own races. TORA raised these funds for SEMA Cares through several different projects at the SEMA Show and SEMA Spring Expo.

“TORA is excited about the purchase of the tracks and the joy it will bring to these kid’s lives," said TORA Chairman, Ron DiVincenzo. "TORA has been involved in helping both of these charities from the start of SEMA’s involvement, and we are honored to be part of this project.”  

TORA won last year’s council challenge for raising the largest amount of donations for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. 

For more information on the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, click here. For information on the TORA, click here, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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General Motors is accepting project vehicle proposals for the 2008 SEMA Show, November 4–7 in Las Vegas. GM's program focuses on two key areas for its 2008 SEMA Show project vehicle programs: passenger car performance accessories and large SUV/pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key passenger cars considered include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Vibe and G8, and Saturn Astra. Other GM product lines are available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.

Three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound), are requested and preferred over e-mail submissions. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date and project completion date.

• A list of specific system upgrades including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B” which will be provided by calling Bob Kern as stated below.

• A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2008 SEMA Show is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2009. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.

• An 8½ x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2008 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:

Bob Kern                        
SEMA Relations Manager           
Suite 100                
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI 48360
e-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell phone: 313/300-9471 (best access)
fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities for each brand are limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. It is recommended to submit proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than May 15, 2008. Approved projects need to be completed no later than October 18, 2008.

SEMA members are encouraged to participate in SEMA's upcoming webinar, "How to Sell Like a Pro, Part II", to learn the tips needed to effectively  develop sales leads and close in a way that generates long-term customers. In this session, you'll learn how to communicate value in the language buyers understand and act upon, develop credibility and build customer loyalty that will help build profitable relationships and enhance your sales career. (Note: This webinar is the second part of a two-part series. To download part one see below).   

Without the heavy cladding that accompanied earlier spy shots of the car, the forthcoming BMW 7 Series looks every bit the elegant Mercedes-Benz S-Class competitor in these latest shots from photographer Brenda Priddy and her network of spy shooters. Spied near BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, the new 7 Series mimics design elements of the X5 and X6 with its huge twin-kidney grille and wrap-around headlights.

"Though still disguised with a fake rear spoiler, it is clearly visible that the rear end and especially the trunk lid will become much more elegant compared to the current car's [rear]," Priddy says. In addition to exterior updates, BMW will also introduce a new iDrive system and a rumored eight-speed transmission, she adds. The new 7 Series is expected to bow at the Paris Auto Show later this year as a 2009 model.

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