NEWS NUGGETS

BECKMAN SNATCHES SECOND WIN IN A ROW; SCHUMACHER, CONNOLLY ALSO WIN IN SEATTLE: “Fast” Jack Beckman made it two wins in a row in Funny Car this past weekend when he defeated John Force in a final round that concluded with Force’s Castrol GTX High-Mileage Ford Mustang in flames at the 20th annual Schuck’s Auto Supply NHRA Nationals in Seattle. Four-Time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher defeated Brandon Bernstein on a holeshot by just .004-seconds to claim the Top Fuel Title and Pro Stock driver Dave Connolly beat Allen Johnson in the final round to claim his third win of the season.

BECKMAN LOOKS TO MAKE HISTORY IN SONOMA:  With wins in Denver and Seattle, Funny Car driver Jack Beckman has the chance to do something that only five drivers in NHRA history have ever done: sweep the Western Swing. Heading into the FRAM-Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway, Beckman could become only the second driver in Funny Car to sweep the Western Swing with a win in Sonoma. Drivers that have swept the Western Swing include Top Fuel pilots Joe Amato (1991), Cory McClenathan (1997) and Larry Dixon (2003), Funny Car driver John Force (1994) and Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson (2004).

THREE DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN BERTH IN SEATTLE: Three drivers in two categories clinched a spot in the top eight point standings with their performances in Seattle. Top Fuel’s Rod Fuller, Funny Car’s Ron Capps and Pro Stock’s Dave Connolly, all secured positions in the Countdown to four. After The Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, the 17th race in the POWERade Drag racing series schedule, only the top eight in points in each professional category will advance to the next round in the Countdown to the Championship, and points will be adjusted in 10-point increments from 2,070 to 2,000.

FORCE IN THE TOP 8 AFTER FINAL ROUND APPEARANCE IN SEATTLE: Only three races ago defending Funny Car champion John Force was sitting in the 15th spot in the point standings. With a win in Bristol, a semifinal appearance in Denver and a runner-up finish in Seattle, Force has propelled himself from 15th to the eighth, and cut-off spot, in the Countdown to the Championship. Force moved into the eighth spot Sunday in Seattle, passing Cruz Pedregon, whom he now leads by 44 points.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

FRAM-AUTOLITE NHRA NATIONALS, INFINEON RACEWAY, JULY 27–29: A favorite with the POWERade Series for its scenic local and Northern California weather, this event will be the last in the six-in-six-weeks stretch, the anchor of the longest stretch of back-to-back races in NHRA history.

LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS, BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, AUGUST 9–12: Set in the lake surrounded area of Northern Minnesota; this event is the penultimate race of the Countdown to 8 on the POWERade Series schedule. Defending event winners include Brandon Bernstein, Tommy Johnson Jr., Dave Connolly and Antron Brown.

TOYO TIRES NHRA NATIONALS, MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY, AUG. 16–19: The final race of the Countdown to 8, many drivers will be looking to break into the top eight points at this event. Defending event winners include J.R. Todd, Phil Burkart, Greg Anderson and Karen Stoffer.

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS

60: The number of points that separate Ashley Force in the 10th spot of the Funny Car points from her father, John Force, in the eighth and cutoff spot in the new Countdown to the Championship format. With only three races left until the cutoff point, Ashley Force will be joined by Cruz Pedregon, Tommy Johnson Jr. and Jeff Arend in the fight to claim a position in the top eight in points.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

SCHUMACHER ON COUNTDOWN FORMAT: With his victory Sunday at Pacific Raceways, Defending Top Fuel Champion Tony Schumacher moved into the fourth spot in the point standings, all but assuring him a spot in the top eight after the Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading. Schumacher feels that the new Countdown to the Championship format gives his team an advantage that might not have existed in years previous. “This Countdown deal…it’s as if the NHRA made it with us in mind,” Schumacher said. “This team always comes alive in the second half of the season and I look down the schedule and see a bunch of tracks we’ve always done well in the past. Anything can happen at the end, and it would suck to lose because a stupid part breaks, but the format of this deal is perfect for us.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

• Fred Van Senus, president and owner of Vehicle Specialties Inc., announced that John Simmons will take over as company president, effective September 1. Simmons has been vice president and general manager of Vehicle Specialties Inc. for 16 years. Van Senus will remain as the company’s CEO, staying active with strategic planning and financial responsibilities.
  
  
• Congratulations to Automotive Performance Systems/Neuspeed on celebrating their 33rd year in business. CEO Bill Neumann, his wife Florence and sons Gary, Aaron and Jeff started the company in the family garage in Glendale, Calif., in 1974. Specializing in suspension, performance, and appearance parts for Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen, APS/Neuspeed sells throughout North America as well as 25 other countries including Japan, Australia and the U.K.
  
  "Our company started with a simple philosophy: make parts with a jewel-like finish that fits and performs like no other, make the parts so easy to install that any ‘shade tree’ mechanic with good tools could perform the installation, and deliver the best possible service with honesty and integrity,” Bill Neumann says. "Although our family has grown with every new hire, our family's passion and philosophy has never wavered and its tradition continues on today."
  
  
• Mitchell 1 named Brandon Belken—recent graduate of Tatum High School in Tatum, Texas—as the recipient of its Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship. Mitchell presents the scholarship award to a U.S. high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology scholastics. Belken was presented with a check for $2,500 courtesy of Mitchell 1 during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers Conference on July 19.
  
  
• Beck/Arnley announced that it recently honored its employees who have worked with the company for 20 years or more during and employee luncheon. The company presented employees with 20-plus years of service with gifts; 16 of those were recognized for 30-plus years of service. In addition, Joe Bagwell, vice president of sales, was honored for his 38 years of employment at Beck/Arnley, the longest tenure of any current employee.

Joe Bagwell

• Superior Glass Works, manufacturers of street-rod fiberglass and chassis, announced that the company has a new e-commerce website, new catalog and new company logo. The changes were part of a company transition after the organization was acquired by Brad and Donna Peterson of Portland, Oregon. Superior Glass Works has been in business for more than 30 years.

Staff members of Superior Glass Works.

• The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association named “Reactor,” a ’67 Fastback Mustang built by the RingBros from Wisconsin, as its Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year. The Goodguys also named Dennis DeCamp’s Indycar-influenced ’32 roadster—known as “F-32”— as its Goodguys/Classic Instruments 2007 Street Rod of the Year. Complete information about both vehicles is available at www.good-guys.com.

“Reactor”—Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year.

“Reactor”—Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year.

“F-32”—Goodguys/Classic Instruments 2007 Street Rod of the Year.

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The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• ARMO has elected Steve Moskowitz of Antique Automobile Club of America, and Mark Vogt of Classic Industries onto its Select Committee. “I’m looking forward to working with Steve and Mark on the ARMO Select Committee,” said ARMO Chairman Ernie Silvers. “They are joining what has proven to be one of the most enthusiastic and hard-working groups that have ever existed. With the group that we have in place, we will definitely make great progress.”
  
  Re-elected onto the ARMO Select Committee are Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited, Inc., Roger Niehaus of Auto Custom Carpets, Inc., Sandy Patterson of Primedia, and Jim Vinarski of Carlisle Events. Continuing in service on the ARMO Select Committee are Jim Barber of CARS, Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance, Jeff Broadus of Car Collector magazine, Marshall Giorgi of Rare Parts, Kim Mitchell of Eaton Detroit Springs, Sheila Perkins of Bradley David Productions, Alex Tainsh of Trim Parts, and Walter Vaughn of Steele Rubber Products.

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• HRIA Open General Membership Meeting
  
  Wednesday, August 1, 2007
  3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  Kentucky Exposition Center
  C Wing, Room 104
  Louisville, Kentucky
  
  
• HRIA Mixer/Reception Sponsored by Hot Hues Custom Finishes by DuPont
  
  Wednesday, August 1, 2007
  4:00 p.m. – 6 p.m. 
  Kentucky Exposition Center
  C Wing, Room 104
  
  
• The HRIA welcomes the newest Select Committee members Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products and Mike Kinney of Las Vegas Rod & Custom.  These gentlemen join the re-elected select committee members: Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine, Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom, Rick Love – Vintage Air, and Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. 
  

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

The following are the results of the TORA Select Committee election:

Manufacturers Category

• Re-Elected (1) -  Bryan Baker – A.R.E.
• New Select Committee Members (2):  Jason Bruce, Street Scene Equipment; Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont Performance Coatings

Retailer/Dealer Category

• Re-Elected (1) - Casey Miser – All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers
• New Select Committee Members (3):  Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories; Russ Fletcher, Fletcher’s Truck Caps; Ronald Towry, Truck Gear SuperCenter

Manufacturers' Reps/Media/WD Category

• Re-Elected (1) - George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive

TORA Open Long-Range Planning Meeting

• TORA's Open Long-Range Planning Meetings is set for Wednesday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. For flight and hotel arrangements, contact Manya Petropaki at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268 or e-mail manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.
  
  
• Kelly Kneifl, Division Manager of Automotive Accessories at Shur-Co, has been elected by the TORA Select Committee to serve as council chair-elect. Kelly, a member of the select committee, will serve starting July 1 as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Ron DiVincenzo of Cap World. Former Chairman Todd Yeoman will remain on the select committee in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.
  
  
• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance  (Incumbent)
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Kyle Fickler,  Aeromotive Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. (Incumbent)
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. (Incumbent)
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition (Incumbent)
  
  
• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• MRC has appointed Mike Bolio of Scafidi-Bolio & Associates, Wade Cobb of Hapco LLP, Irv Cohen of SS Sales & Marketing Group, Chris Fairless of R&R Marketing Consultants, Tony Gee of Foster-Babcock & Associates and Scott Majors of MBA Marketing Group onto its Select Committee. “We’re excited about the new faces joining the MRC Select Committee,” said MRC Chairman John Iannotte. “The MRC is an active group with a lot going on, so it is great to have such a talented and enthusiastic group joining us.”
  
  Appointed onto the MRC Select Committee for a third term are Jim Kerr of Kerr & Associates Inc., Jim Klassen of JK Sales and Bill Perry of Bill Perry & Associates. The MRC Select Committee also includes seven members who are continuing to serve. They are Joel Rosenthal of Gantt Thomas, Mark Adin of PSKB, Bob Bader of Hapco LLP, Bill Chamberlain of JS Chamberlain & Associates Inc., Evan Mecham of Evan Mecham & Associates, Zane Shaffer of Wes-Coast Marketing and Alex Walker of Bob Cook Sales.
  
• MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:
  
  
  2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• The votes have been tabulated, and PRO welcomes four incumbents and four newcomers to the council's select committee. Incumbents include Bill North, Webasto Product N.A.; Ray Ott, Auto Trim Design of Cleveland East; Karl Stearns, Auto Trim International; and Bob West, Westin Automotive Products. The newly elected members are Jeff Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories; Doug Jacobs, Restyler's Choice; Joey Johnston, Tops & Trends; and Scott Wolin, AC Wolin Group.
  

• The PRO Select Committee has chosen Karl Stearns, vice president of sales and marketing for Auto Trim International, to serve as council chair-elect. A member of the select committee, Stearns will serve as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Chuck Blum of Chuck Blum Consulting. Former Chairman B.J. Leanse will remain on board in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

SCC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance (Incumbent)
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM (Incumbent)
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rathlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution (Incumbent)
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions (Incumbent)
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics Inc. (Incumbent)
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.
  
  
• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez began her role on July 1, when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, took over as SCC chairman.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Keith Alinder, Wheel Pros Inc.
• Ron Escue, Enkei International (Incumbent)
• Doug Frymer, Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
• Fenton Liffick, Prestige Auto Tech
• Dean Pellegrino, Tru Align LLC
• Paul Spartos, WheelTech International Corp. (Incumbent)
• Michael Webster, Discount Tire Direct (Incumbent)
• Brock Weld, BMF Wheels (Incumbent)
  
  
• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

 SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.
  
• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.
  
• The SBN would like to congratulate the following newly elected SBN Select Committee members:  

Newly Elected SBN Select Committee Members

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling-Mills, Street Thunder magazine
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway (Incumbent)
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring (Incumbent)
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing (Incumbent)
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas (Incumbent)
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering Inc. (Incumbent)
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors Inc. (Incumbent)
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply (Incumbent)
  
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• YEN has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee. If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes over as YEN chairman on July 1.
  
  
• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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Don't forget : you can find continual updates to events happening in your industry anywhere in the world! Just visit the SEMA Calendar of Industry events here to view our continually updated database of races, car shows, conventions, educational activities, even swap meets and auctions. The database is searchable by date, type of event, segment, location and includes everything from upcoming LeMans and Formula 1 events to tuning shows and expos in Slovakia and Uzbekistan.

Posting your event in the database is easy. Just contact Shirley Presecan in SEMA's Market Research department with the details.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

>> SEMA Webinar: Urban-Lifestyle Report, July 26, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Webinar: SEMA Show Case Study Review—How Exhibitors Create Success, August 7, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas
>> MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2008, Los Angeles

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

SEMA-members companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities at www.sema.org/classifieds. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enable the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

• Territory Manager, Denver, Colorado 
• Design Engineer, Clackamas, Oregon
• Sales Manager, Baltimore, Maryland
• Customer Service/Salesman, Baltimore, Maryland 
• Mechanical Engineer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories include Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the site for details.

The world automotive electrical products market is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate (CAR) of 3.9% during the analysis period 2001–2010 and reach about $52 billion by 2010, according to Global Industry Analysts. According to the company’s latest report on the automotive market, Europe, accounting for an estimated share of 27.83% in 2006, constitutes the largest market, while, in terms of growth rate, Asia-Pacific and Latin America are forecast to surpass all other regions. The automotive connectors market is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment in the global automotive electrical products market with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 11% during the 2001–2010 analysis-period.

The automotive electrical products market is about to witness a tremendous change in the near future with the advent of 42-volt (42V) electrical system replacing the present 14V system. Introduction of 42V system increases demand for a variety of equipment, including integrated starter alternators, high-intensity lighting systems, wiring harnesses, connectors, power-steering systems and several other electrical and electronic equipments.

Miniaturization and integration are expected to increase considerably in the automobile industry. The major concentration would be on realizing small size with adequate cooling at an assured low cost. Miniaturization and integration demand electronic systems that can withstand high temperatures. Some of the new products in the world of automotive electrical include night vision, electronic power-steering system, OnStar mobile concierge service, intelligent cruise control, collision-warning systems, smart airbags, antilock-braking systems (ABS), drive-by-wire systems, smart sensors and telematics.

The market for automotive electrical products is driven by various factors, including new technological innovations that demand more power, and government regulations regarding fuel economy and emissions control. Increasing electronic content in automobiles is expected to drive the growth of electrical components.

Europe, Japan and North America represent the major markets for automotive electrical products worldwide, with a wide number of vehicles used and manufactured in these regions. Asia-Pacific and Latin America, on the other hand, epitomize the fastest-growing markets for automotive electrical products. Eastern European countries are expected to increase their market shares significantly in the future.

The automotive connectors market is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment in the global automotive electrical products market with a CAGR of over 11% during the 2001–2010 analysis period. Automotive connectors have been slowly evolving into a major component of modern automobiles. A wide range of new applications, such as advanced in-car entertainment systems and intelligent driving systems, among others, have been the major drivers of growth in automotive connectors in the recent past. The advent of intelligent driving systems, such as adaptive front lighting (AFS), telematics, collision warning systems and collision control systems have been the major drivers of growth for automotive connectors.

The automotive batteries market, the second-largest segment for automotive electrical products, is estimated to account for a market share of 19.8% in 2006. Asia-Pacific, the fastest-growing market, is expected to exceed the U.S. sales by 2008 to become the second-largest market for automotive connectors. The region is projected to grow at a CAR of 10.5% over the analysis period.

Driven by advanced lighting systems, the automotive lighting-equipment market is projected to witness the second-fastest growth, registering a CAGR of 4.8% during the analysis period 2001–2010. Asia-Pacific is projected to register sales of $2.3 billion by 2010 and emerge as the largest market for automotive lighting equipment. Latin America is the fastest-growing market registering a CAGR of 9.8% over the analysis period.

Advanced technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LED), high-intensity discharge (HID) and neon lighting are having a strong impact on the automotive lighting sector. The global automotive lighting industry has become more competitive with companies unveiling new technologies to improve product performance, safety and styling. The global automotive alternators and starters market is projected to reach a total of $8.6 billion by 2010. Europe was the largest market for alternators and starters in 2006, closely followed by Asia-Pacific and Japan. However, by the end of the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is likely to attain the leading position, leaving behind Europe and Japan.

Source: Global Industry Analysts (July 17, 2007). “Automotive Electrical Products Market to Reach US $52 Billion by 2010 According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.” Global Industry Analysts press release.