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The SAE 2008 World Congress announces a special session, "Designing for the Customer: OEM—Aftermarket Collaboration," featuring a panel with:

• Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Jeep/Truck and Advanced Interior Design, Chrysler
• Jack Stavana, Director of Accessory Operations, Mazda North America
• Ken Morris, Director of GM Performance Group
• Michael Chetcuti, CEO, Quality Metalcraft, Inc. and Principal, StreetCar USA
• Myles Kovacs, President and co-founder, DUB Publishing, Inc.
  
• John Waraniak, Vice President, Vehicle Technology, SEMA (moderator)
  

Contemporary executives from Chrysler, General Motors, Mazda, Quality Metalcraft and DUB will describe how their organizations are leveraging competitive capabilities and working with complementary partners to deliver profitable personalization, as well as discuss what the future holds for customization.

The panel discussion will provide details of what is becoming known as the “SEMA model” to help automotive companies capitalize on emerging lifestyle trends and aftermarket revenue streams. Auto companies, as well as leading dealers embracing the SEMA model, are expanding and moving forward with new-found opportunities for increasing vehicle and product sales through specialty parts, installers and restylers.

Visit SAE 2008 World Congress for more information and registration.

SEMA-member companies CARS Inc. and the Roadster Shop teamed up with Super Chevy Magazine to build a one-of-a-kind vehicle to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. The custom ’57 Chevy convertible will be sold on Friday, March 28, at the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction in Palm Beach, Florida. All proceeds will go to the non-profit Armed Forces Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of fallen or disabled veterans.

“Project American Heroes” began last summer when CARS Inc. of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and the Roadster Shop of Elgin, Illinois, united with the editors of Super Chevy to recreate a 50th anniversary version of the ’57 classic. The two companies provided a complete body, chassis and labor to build the car, while dozens of other SEMA companies donated parts and helped sponsor the project.

The convertible is powered by a 572ci, 717hp, custom-built Chevy big block engine with an automatic transmission. Select armed forces personnel were invited to choose the ultimate design specs for the custom Chevy, including the blue pearl color scheme, interior design and exterior trim. The entire construction process was covered by Super Chevy magazine and plans are now underway to build a '69 Camaro for “Project American Heroes II.” 

The ’57 Chevy will go on the blocks sometime on March 28. You can watch the auction live on SPEED from 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. (EST). For additional information about the car and the foundation, visit: www.projectamericanheroes.net and www.armedforcesfoundation.org.

The annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will feature the inaugural SEMA Pinewood Derby Sponsored by Fellers and DUB Publishing. The checkered flag will drop Friday, July 25, prior to the SEMA Hall of Fame recognition and fundraising activities. According to Race Director and Pinewood Derby veteran Mike Spagnola, the inaugural event will feature three race classes: Stock, Modified and Unlimited classes. All proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp USA children's charities.
 
For more information, rules and details about entering, click here.

General Motors will focus 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 will be 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 emailed 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 will be 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 will be requested to be completed no later than October 18, 2008.

More than 1,000 exhibitors have already signed up for this year’s SEMA Show, scheduled November 4–7, 2008 in Las Vegas.

“We are anticipating another sellout show, so exhibitors should definitely sign up soon if they want to participate in this unique opportunity,” said Gary Vigil, Trade Shows Director for the SEMA Show.

According to the SEMA Show Attendee Survey, an overwhelming 92% of buyers confirm that “seeing new products” is the number one reason they attend the show.

“We have been non-stop! It’s a must to be here. This is where we launch all our new products,” said Robert Wooley, National Sales Manager of Go Rhino! Products, at the 2007 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors still have until April 4, 2008 to submit the Exhibit Space Rental Agreement online at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth and participate in premium space selection. Space selection will begin the week of May 13, 2008.

For questions about exhibiting, contact ConvExx at 702/450-7662 ext. 120 or SEMA-exhibit@convexx.com.

For more information on the SEMA Show, go to www.SEMAShow.com.

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SEMA Manufacturer Members: SEMA has set up a Measuring Session with smart USA for the 2008 smart fortwo coupe and cabriolet. Measuring Sessions provide manufacturers with private previews of new and soon-to-be-released vehicles. In addition to gathering first-hand measurements and specs, participants are also able to interact with high-level OEM personnel and get answers to technical queries directly from vehicle designers.

For more information on smart USA and the smart fortwo, click here. For additional information on SEMA-OEM relations, visit www.sema.org/oem.

Measuring Session Details

Who: smart USA

What: 2008 smart fortwo coupe and cabriolet
Two-seater, three cylinder, 1.0L, 61 ci, 70 hp
15-inch, three-bolt wheels

Where: AAA Building (next to the SEMA offices), 1577 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765

When: Thursday, April 3, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

To Register: E-mail responses with name(s), company, address and phone to: measuringsession@sema.org

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 28

Questions?: Contact Bill Wolf or Sandy Conolly at 909/396-0289, ext. 177 or ext. 155, respectively.

SEMA manufacturing members are invited to preview and gather measurements of Ford's 2009 E-Series and F Super Duty trucks. The Measuring Session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The limit is two persons per company.