With spy shots of the forthcoming Dodge Challenger coming from our own photographers and leaking onto the Web, it was time to check on the state of the Dodge parts and accessories online market. Since the Dodge badge encompasses everything from trucks to muscle cars to turbocharged compact cars, our findings run the entire spectrum of Dodge enthusiasts.

For the month of June 15-July 14, Dodge fans spent $4,093,000 (all numbers rounded to the nearest hundred) on parts and accessories, with almost $1,500,000 of that spent on Ram parts/accessories, according to data from Terapeak, a developer of market-focused research software that monitors online sales and auctions.

Although Dodge parts and accessory sales peaked between February and March, when they hit a high of $5,159,300, and have slowed since, the market has still commanded total sales of $23,140,400 since February, averaging about $4.6 million per month - certainly good news for anyone in the Mopar trade.

The most popular categories were exterior items, including in order of demand, grilles and bumpers (exterior goods themselves accounting for nearly $1M in sales), followed by lighting products (headlamps, taillights and Xenon), then interior parts/accessories (dash parts, carpets and floormats, and windows/window controls and parts).

So how’s the market for the original Challenger? Not so robust (and perhaps not surprising, given the car’s limited production run), weighing in at just a little over $24,000 last month.

Do online sales tell us anything about how parts move across countertops from brick and mortar retailers? Maybe.

Patti Freeman Evans, a senior analyst who monitors the retail industry for JupiterResearch, explains that while online sales are only a fraction of actual retail transactions, the Internet is a key influencer in buying decisions.

"We see online retail plateauing at 10-15 percent of total retail down the road - about double the penetration that catalogs ever got," Evans says.

She notes that as online commerce sites continue to develop more sophisticated tools to make purchasing easier and safer, some consumers will shift more of their wallet online.

"But that growth will really be organic, not dramatic. We look to the Internet to remain a highly influential channel for retailers to affect customer purchasing regardless of what channel the actual transaction occurs in."

Terapeak's Motors P&A Research provides sellers with access to comprehensive research on the past year of online auction data and allows users to get in-depth research reports on the competition and themselves. More at www.terapeak.com/motors.

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The urban lifestyle market is a form of vehicle customization that embodies the flamboyance, culture and lifestyle of young, urban (city-dwellers) drivers. Tune into this webinar, Thursday, July 26, 10 a.m. (PST), presented by SEMA’s market research department, and learn how to cash in on this profitable opportunity.

How to Participate
During the webinar, you’ll be able to interact and ask questions via computer or over the phone. Simply follow these steps:

• -View the presentation during the webinar by clicking here on the day of the webinar.
• -Connect to the audio portion of the webinar by calling toll-free 866/637-2754, pin 1542.
• -The PowerPoint presentation will be available as a PDF file several days before the webinar.

Also, make sure to mark your calendars for two additional upcoming webinars that will help you develop a SEMA Show gameplan and streamline your product data for better sales and distribution efficiencies:

Tuesday, August 7, 10 a.m. (PST)
“Don't Say, Next Year I'll Do the Show Better! JUST DO IT NOW—We'll Show You How!! SEMA Show Case Study Review: How Exhibitors Create Success.”

Wednesday, August 16, 10 a.m. (PST)
“Boost Your Company Image, Sales and Profitability with Good Product Data”

Learn the most important aspects of product data needed by today's performance and accessory distributors. The automotive industry is quickly moving into the world of technology, and the benefits include increased sales, fewer returns and improved product exposure. Learn how to produce good and complete product data when Scott O'Toole of Motor State Distributing explains the 17 vital pieces of product data that will help you increase your bottom line.

From the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co.:

A Hemi V8 was no challenge for our photographer, as he was still able to snag a great shot of the upcoming Dodge Challenger on a fast-moving highway. And even though the pre-production Challenger was wearing a bit of vinyl, one can easily tell that the production model is nearly identical to the concept shown on the auto show circuit.

Dodge's all-new musclecar will be built on the new RWD platform in Ontario, Canada. Production will start in the spring of 2008, and the Challenger will go on sale shortly afterwards as a 2008 model. Pricing is expected to start around $31,000, although it's rumored that the R/T models have all been pre-sold in the 50K range. A convertible is also expected.

The official debut of the (production) Challenger will be on February 6, 2008, at the Chicago Auto Show, just 222 days away. For those counting the minutes, Dodge offers a helping hand at: http://www.dodgechallengercountdown.com. 

Photo Credit: Patrick Carraher for Brenda Priddy & Co.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to regulate emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from aerosol cans, such as spray paints, primers and clear coatings. The EPA's proposal is similar to standards already established by California and subsequently adopted by Washington and Oregon. The rule would apply to manufacturers and distributors of aerosol products, which are used for both industrial applications and by "do-it-yourselfers."

The rule focuses on encouraging manufacturers to use less reactive VOC ingredients in their product formulas since certain chemicals are less likely to react with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere to produce ground-level ozone. Toluene and xylene would be specific targets of the rule since they are highly reactive.

According to the EPA, nearly 85% of the spray paints used in the United States are produced by three companies, and their aerosol coatings already comply with the California regulations. The EPA rule would take effect in January 2009.

For details, contact Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.

The Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled a case with a company that had been accused of selling electronic devices that allowed cars to emit excessive levels of pollution in violation of the Clean Air Act. The products are known as oxygen sensor simulators (O2 Sims) and signal to the engine computer that the automobile is functioning properly even when the catalytic converter is missing or disabled. These types of products are known as "defeat devices" and are potentially illegal under subsection (B) of 42 USC Sec. 7522 (1990 Clean Air Act Amendments), which states:
           
"(B) for any person to manufacture or sell, or offer to sell, or install, any part or component intended for use with, or as part of, any motor vehicle or motor-vehicle engine, where a principle effect of the part or component is to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine in compliance with regulations under this subchapter, and where the person knows or should know that such part or component is being offered for sale or installed for such use or put to such use;"

The company had sold an estimated 44,000 units since 2001 and will pay more than $74,000 in civil penalties. It is also required to undertake a buy-back program. The EPA estimates that the O2 Sims sold had the potential to allow emissions equivalent to half a million vehicles with fully operational emissions control systems over their lifetimes.

For additional information: http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/July/07_enrd_490.html.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (TPMS) resolved certain technical issues on how the malfunction indicator light (MIL) is to flash when there is a problem. Under the original TPMS rule, when the MIL is combined with the low tire-pressure lamp into a single unit, it is to flash for 60–90 seconds followed by continuous illumination when there is a malfunction. The rule prohibits a second flashing in those instances during the same driving cycle where there are multiple, independent malfunctions.

However, this is problematic for vehicle designs that utilize "distributed logic" that allow the TPMS telltale to be independently commanded from different parts of the system. In response to a petition from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the NHTSA is changing the rule to allow, but not require, subsequent flash sequences when the initial malfunction is followed by others in the same ignition cycle.

For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at sgosswein@sema.org.

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The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

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 Will Woods at willw@sema.org.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

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, Kentuck
  
  
• 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.

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 Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

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

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• 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 BJ 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.

There’s still time to support your favorite council or even enter a team in the SEMA Council Cup – Cash for Kids charity golf tournament. Most of SEMA’s councils have organized foursomes and raised significant contributions for the event, which benefits Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp children’s charities.

And if you don’t play golf, it's easy to support your favorite council by making a charitable pledge online. Click here to pledge anywhere from $10-$100 or the amount of your choice.

The Council Cup - Cash for Kids is just one event representing SEMA's charitable efforts to benefit two worthwhile organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies. This year, the association includes charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with its traditional SEMA Installation Banquet to form the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

For information on the event and activities, visit www.sema.org/gala.

Teams thus far entered into the Council Cup – Cash for Kids are:

Council teams include:
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Ernie Silvers - Egge Machine Co. Inc.
Jim Barber - Classic Automotive Restoration
Dave Mihalko Jr. - Restoration Specialties
Alex Tainsh - SoffSeal Inc.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Chico Kodama - Mooneyes USA
Fred Tegarden - Gotta Show Products
Steve Duck - RCD Suspension
Jeff Farina - Original Parts Group

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)
Anne Johnson - California Truck Works
Gary Long - California Truck Works
Dave Madison - TAG Leer
Tim Watts - Superlift Suspension

Manufacturers' Rep Council (MRC)
Joel Rosenthal – Gannt-Thomas
Bill Perry - Bill Perry & Associates
Andrew Schroeder - Ben Murphey & Associates
Danny Moniz - Volant Performance

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
Larry Riggle - Webasto Product North America
Kerry Howton - Arizona Sun Tops
Bob West - Westin Automotive Products
John LaBare - Westin Automotive Products

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
Luanne Brown - eTool Developers LLC
S. Kellie Colf - Eaton Detroit Springs
Tammy Holland - Comp Performance Group
Don Colf - Eaton Detroit Springs

Young Executives Network (YEN)
Jason Bruce - Street Scene Equipment
Laurel Dasher - Uni-Marketing LLC
Lance Packard - Painless Performance
Dave Williams - Rampage Products

The TORA "SAC" Team
Ron DiVincenzo - Cap World
Kelly Kneifl - Truxedo by Shur-Co Automotive
Charlie Holden - Cap World
Todd Yeoman - American Technology Components