Tune in for today's webcast, "The Future of Inventory Control—RFID," presented by Doug Jacobs of Restyler's Choice, at 10:00 a.m. (PST). With talk of barcodes disappearing and radio frequency identification (RFID) taking its place, businesses are finding themselves facing familiar questions: Will RFID really replace barcodes in the future? What are the costs associated with implementing RFID? How will this affect my business in terms of efficiency and accuracy? Learn the answer to these questions and more today.

During the webinar, you'll be able to interact and ask questions through the computer or over the phone. Simply click here and follow the steps outlined on the page.

In case you miss the presentation, stay tuned for the download to be posted next week.

And mark your calendar for October 4, when Gordon Booth presents “Unlocking Hidden Profits Through OEM CAD Data." Does your organization have access to or utilize OEM CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data? Do you want to learn how you can benefit from this valuable resource? This webinar will show you how OEM CAD data can help your company design, manufacture and create installation and marketing materials more quickly and efficiently for less and with improved quality.

For more information on webinars, visit www.sema.org/webinars.

The deadline for exhibitors of the 2007 SEMA Show to register products for the SEMA Show New Products Showcase is this Friday, September 21. For complete information and to register your products click here.

SEMA presents a New Products Showcase at the SEMA Show each year to provide exhibitors with an outstanding opportunity to introduce products, packaging and merchandising to industry buyers and media. The first product entered into the New Products Showcase is free if entered by September 21 using your exhibitor password. Your password was sent to your company's Show Contact (the same password used for exhibitor registration and your SEMA Show Directory listing update). If you need to obtain your password, contact Michelle Lowery at 702/450-7662, ext. 119, or mlowery@convexx.com.

For complete information on the 2007 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. 

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Business owners, installers, restylers and wheel and tire specialists—gain a quality advantage in your market. Register now for the upcoming SEMA Installer Certification exams before it’s too late. The SEMA certification program includes five exams. All tests will be offered on Thursday, November 8, at more than 700 test centers in the United States and Canada. All testing begins at 7:00 p.m. local time. The five exams include: Z1/Electric Sunroofs; Z2/Truck Accessories & Body Exterior Components; Z3/Leather Interiors; Z4/Roof Treatments; Z5/Custom Wheel and Tire.

The registration deadline is this Friday, September 21.

Complete information on the SEMA exams, including registration forms, is available online at www.sema.org/certification, or by e-mailing beverlyr@sema.org.

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Be sure to attend the seminar “Boost Your Company Image, Sales and Profitability with Good Product Information" at the 2007 SEMA Show, Monday, October 29, 2:00–3:30 p.m, in room N257 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The industry is quickly moving to standardized product information and the benefits are clear: increased sales, fewer returns, improved product exposure and faster turnarounds. The workshop, sponsored by SEMA’s Business Technology Committee, will cover the very basics of Data Standards (ACES and PIES) content and drill into 19 of the most vital pieces of product information needed by today’s performance, racing and accessory distributors to make a sale.

For advance seminar information, contact speaker Scott O’Toole at 269/463-0507 or by e-mail: sotoole@motorstate.com. For information about other seminars being offered through the Education Week program at the 2007 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

At first glance, this may look like Honda’s “Airwave," a small Asian-market people-mover/wagon. The “Airwave” badge is covered with a small piece of electrical tape, as are the Honda badges. With a facelift expected for the Airwave in 2009, it would have been easy to assume that this was just a freshening (although it did seem odd to see two left-hand-drive versions of the Asia-only Honda).

It was difficult to see the body-colored panels welded on from afar, but getting a close-up look at this “Airwave," we quickly noticed the front clip and headlamps were right off the Japanese version of the Jazz/Fit. Also, the dash and all the gauges were right off the Fit. This was no Airwave, nor was this a Fit!

This is actually a developmental test mule for the much-publicized 2010 “Global Small Hybrid." This isn’t speculation! Because styling details aren’t visible, sources were willing to divulge a few details about these very vehicles, and we were able to confirm that these are indeed engineering mules for Honda’s Prius-fighting hybrid.

Honda’s all-new hybrid, likely to debut in 2009, is expected to exceed the current Prius’ MPG rating and sell for a lower base price. Global sales are estimated at 200,000 units annually, with half of those to be sold in the United States. The new hybrid will be built in Suzuka, Japan and will offer an all-new, dedicated hybrid powertrain.

A federal judge in Vermont rejected a challenge by the auto industry that the greenhouse gas emissions standards issued by California are actually fuel-economy standards, thereby restricted to federal jurisdiction. The standards have been adopted by Vermont and 10 other states and require a 30% reduction in carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions from cars and trucks by 2016 on a phased-in basis beginning in model year 2009. A similar lawsuit is pending in California. 
 
CO2 is released when a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, burns. Unlike catalytic converters, there are no devices to easily trap CO2, thus reducing fuel consumption is the most direct way to address the issue. By law, fuel efficiency is regulated solely by the federal government. SEMA agrees with the automakers’ position that the California regulation is preempted by federal law. 
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must first issue a waiver allowing the California regulation to take effect before California, Vermont or any other state can implement it. The EPA has yet to decide whether California has authority to regulate CO2 emissions. A decision is expected later this year. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, ruled last spring that the EPA has the authority and responsibility to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. President Bush has directed the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to address CO2 emissions and reduce gasoline consumption by 20% by 2017. The EPA is now working with the NHTSA to draft a CO2 regulation that would conform to the NHTSA’s CAFE rules. The EPA’s deadline to issue a final rule is late 2008. 
 
It is SEMA’s position that if greenhouse gases need to be regulated, it should be handled at the federal level in a way that addresses total emissions from all industries, and in a manner that finds the most equitable and comprehensive method for accomplishing the task. Since there is a direct relationship between CO2 and fuel consumption, SEMA also supports HR 2927, a bill to increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards to around 32–35 miles per gallon by model year 2022 for both cars and light trucks. The auto industry believes this is a tough, but attainable, increase and is urging members of the House of Representatives to support the bill.

For further information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

CANCELLED: The Champ Car World Series round scheduled for the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, December 2, was officially cancelled after organizers could not generate enough corporate support to hold the event.

CHANGES: The Indy Car Series is planning several changes for its series and cars next year, including the introduction of a paddle-shift system and the possible implementation of power steering for road-racing events.

PORSCHE POWER: Porsche’s Cayenne engine will make its debut in the Grand American Rolex Series in the series finale at Miller Motorsports Park. The engine will power The Spirit of Daytona Fabcar wheeled by Guy Cosmo and Marc-Antoine Camirand.

INTERESTING DOUBLE: The ARCA RE/MAX Series completed an interesting Labor Day weekend double Monday. The series raced on the 1.25-mile superspeedway at Gateway International Raceway Friday, with rookie Bryan Clauson getting his first victory and hit the dirt Monday at the Duquoin (Illinois) State Fairgrounds. Ken Schrader was the winner at the one-mile dirt track.

A FUNNY CAR: Top Fuel drag racer Melanie Troxel will make the move to the Funny Car division next season, wheeling a second car out of Evan Knoll’s stable as a teammate to U.S. Nationals winner Mike Ashley.

NEW OWNERS: Arizona Diamondbacks executives Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel have purchased a controlling interest of the Hall of Fame Racing NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team owned by Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.

TRAGEDY: Twenty-seven-year-old sprint-car racer Billy Kimmel was killed in a violent crash Sunday night at Pennsylvania’s Williams Grove Speedway.

NUMBER ONE: Tony Schumacher used his sixth U.S. Nationals Top Fuel triumph to take advantage of a sub-par week by all of the drivers in the NSSN Power Rankings, and jumped to the top of the standings. Lewis Hamilton ranks second.

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NEWS NUGGETS
NITRO PERCENTAGE RETURNS TO 90%: Beginning with the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season, the maximum percentage of nitromethane used in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will be increased from 85% to 90%. According to Dan Olson, NHRA Director Top Fuel and Funny Car Racing, the decision was made after NHRA officials evaluated input from some team owners, crew chiefs and suppliers. The consensus among those groups is that the rule change will extend the life of parts and reduce costs. In 2008, NHRA will closely monitor the situation to determine whether the expected results are achieved. Any unfavorable effect may result in immediate adjustments.

TROXEL SURPRISE TOP FUEL WINNER AT MEMPHIS: Melanie Troxel, who just missed qualifying for the POWERade Countdown to the Championship, played the spoiler role and raced to her second Top Fuel victory of the season, defeating surprise late-season championship contender Doug Herbert in the final round at Memphis Motorsports Park. Other winners at Memphis included Countdown players Gary Scelzi (FC); Dave Connolly (PS); and Andrew Hines (PSM).  

COUNTDOWN TO FOUR TAKES SHAPE: Midway through the Countdown to Four, several drivers have established themselves as candidates to make the big step to the Countdown to One. In Top Fuel, Doug Herbert made the biggest move with his runner-up effort, landing in fifth place, 43 points out of the top four. Countdown leader Tony Schumacher was upset in the first round, but didn’t lose too much ground because Larry Dixon and Rod Fuller lost in the early rounds, and Brandon Bernstein used a semifinal finish to hold on to his top four spot.
    A semifinal effort for Robert Hight increased his series lead in Funny Car, while Jack Beckman’s runner-up finish strengthened his hold on a top four finish. Winner Gary Scelzi bumped Tony Pedregon and non-qualifier Mike Ashley out of the top four. In Pro Stock, Dave Connolly raced to another victory and appears to have the momentum over rival KB Racing’s Greg Anderson. A victory for Andrew Hines gave the three-time defending POWERade Series champ the points lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Surprise Countdown contender Craig Treble raced to the semifinals in Memphis and could advance to the Countdown to One with a solid finish at Dallas.

AUTOZONE JOINS TOLIVER’S ROCKSTAR FUNNY CAR TEAM: Rockstar Energy Drink, the primary sponsor of Jerry Toliver's Toyota Solara Funny Car, and AutoZone, a retailer and distributor of auto parts, have announced a partnership that returns AutoZone to NHRA Drag Racing. “The entire Rockstar team and I are very excited to have AutoZone as our new partner," said Toliver, a veteran Funny Car driver from Temecula, California. "I'm calling out to all the NHRA fans to 'Get in the Zone' and shop at AutoZone for all their automotive needs.”
    The new look to Toliver's Solara was unveiled Friday afternoon at Memphis Motorsports Park prior to the beginning of qualifying for the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil.

U.S. ARMY DROPS SPONSORSHIP OF DSR MOTORCYCLES: The U.S. Army has announced its decision to step away from its sponsorship of the two Pro Stock Motorcycles racing under the Don Schumacher Racing umbrella after 2007. 
    "Given the great pride the program brings our soldiers and everyone associated with the U.S. Army Pro Stock Motorcycles, this was not an easy decision to make," said Col. David Lee, Director of Strategic Communications. "We do, however, remain committed to NHRA and its fans who continue to support our program and soldiers, and look forward to continuing our sponsorship of the DSR Top Fuel team. We want to thank Angelle Sampey, Antron Brown, Steve Tartaglia, and the members of the Pro Stock Motorcycle team, as well as the entire Don Schumacher Racing organization, for their professionalism and their performances on behalf of the U.S. Army.
    "We also want to thank all of the fans who support the U.S. Army Racing program, and wish both Angelle and Antron the best of luck moving forward. We are proud of our teams and the effort put forth by the riders and crew throughout our relationship."

COMING ATTRACTIONS
O’REILLY NHRA FALL NATIONALS, TEXAS MOTORPLEX, SEPTEMBER 20–23: The third of four races in the Countdown to Four, defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein, Robert Hight, and Richie Stevens Jr. Also, for the first time since 2000, the Pro Stock Motorcycles will return to compete at Texas Motorplex. This is the final race in the Countdown to Four for the Pro Stock Motorcycle teams.

TORCO RACING FUELS NHRA NATIONALS, VIRGINIA MOTORSPORTS PARK, OCTOBER 5–7: The Countdown to One fields will be set when the POWERade Series returns to the East Coast, where Cory McClenathan, Eric Medlen and Jason Line won in 2006.

NHRA SPORT COMPACT FALL NATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, OCTOBER 6–7: The drivers of the Xplod Series return to this historic track to fight for points that will lead to the year-end world championship. Look for records to fall in the cool fall weather. This also marks the last race for the Eastern Region Sportsman Championship.

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS
36: On Sunday at Memphis, Gary Scelzi raced to his 36th career victory in the NHRA pro ranks (25 Top Fuel, 11 Funny Car) and passed legend “Big Daddy” Don Garlits on the all-time wins list. Scelzi is one of 13 drivers to earn victories in both nitro categories and is one of only two drivers to win NHRA POWERade Series championships in Top Fuel and Funny Car (also Kenny Bernstein).
    The versatile Scelzi, who recently said that he will not retire next season as previously announced, also has six victories on his resume in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series (three Top Alcohol Dragster, three Top Alcohol Funny Car) and remains the only driver in NHRA history to earn national event victories in NHRA’s four quickest categories (TF, FC, TAD, TAFC).

DRIVERS TELL ALL
CONNOLLY PEAKING AT RIGHT TIME IN PRO STOCK: Dave Connolly has opened the Countdown to Four with back-to-back victories over season-long dominator Greg Anderson and the young Pro Stock phenom is feeling as confident as ever as only two races remain until the Countdown to One fields are established.
    "You couldn't ask for a better time to get hot," Connolly said. "It's just remarkable and I'm so thankful I get to do this with the team I have. These guys are like family to me. I'm just a small part of this whole process, the lucky guy that gets to drive up and down the track. I start to look back three or four years when I was first getting started and every time I got to the final, there was Greg and he was beating me. Here we are a few years later and I've beaten him in two finals in a row. Everything is just clicking right now and hopefully we don't use up all our luck before we're done."