The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• 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.
  
   
• HRIA Open General Membership Meeting
  Thursday, July 12, 2007
  3 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
  Ohio Expo Center – Ohio Building
  Columbus, Ohio

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

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

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

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Kelly Kneifl, Division Manager, 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 1st as chair-elect, for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Ron DiVincenzo, 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.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• 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.

CTS Corp. named Mathew Long as interim chief financial officer. Long replaces Vinod Khilnani, who was elected president and chief executive officer for the company. Long has been with CTS Corp. since ’96.

DURA Automotive Systems entered into an asset purchase agreement with Atwood Acquisition Co. LLC for the sale of DURA's Atwood Mobile Products division. The agreement provides for the acquisition of Atwood Mobile Products for an aggregate cash consideration of $160.2 million. Atwood offers a broad range of products to the recreation vehicle, specialty vehicle and manufactured housing markets.

Morse Automotive hired Mark Phipps as vice president of research and development. Phipps will oversee research and development for the company in the United States as well as Morse’s facilities in Mexico and China.

Metaldyne’s Powertrain Products Group named Bob DeFauw as its vice president and general manager. DeFauw will oversee operations in Hamburg, Michigan; Middleville, Michigan; Fremont, Indiana; Bluffton, Indiana; Niles, Illinois; Twinsburg, Ohio; Pyeongtaek, S. Korea and its technical center in Solon, Ohio. DeFauw was most recently vice president and general manager of Metaldyne's Vibration Control Products.

CORSA Performance hired James Barnes as outside sales representative. In addition to managing existing accounts, Barnes will work to build sales of the company’s exhaust systems among WDs, wholesalers, retailers and installers.

 
                                         James Barnes

ConvExx announced that Jeff Pressman has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer. ConvExx is a full-service show and event production company.  
 
Fidanza announced that it joined the Karagiannis Racing team as an associate sponsor. Karagiannis Racing, represented by driver and team owner Demetrios Karagiannis, competes in NHRA Sport Compact and NOPI Drag Racing Association (NDRA) competition.

Filler for eNews

Automotive professionals from throughout Latin America will be converging at PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 11–13, 2007, in Mexico City. Among the highlights of the trade show, which features more than 500 exhibitors from 20 countries, is a special section called Salon de SEMA. Developed to help SEMA members maximize exposure and capitalize on the opportunities in the Latin American market, Salon de SEMA includes 35 eye-catching project vehicles, a collection of beautifully restored classic cars and Adrienne Janic, known by many as AJ from the TLC hit show “Overhaulin’.”

“More and more U.S. manufacturers are looking to increase business overseas,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international relations. “Whether they are experienced with international business or just starting out, Mexico is an ideal place to target.” The 2007 PAACE Automechanika show will include 50 SEMA members, highlighting automotive wheels, performance parts, graphics, styling kits and more.

“Mexico is an ideal place for automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers to consider,” said SEMA International Task Force Chairman Wade Kawasaki. “Thanks to economic stability and a growing middle class, demand for automotive specialty products in Mexico is at an all-time high."

SEMA found that exhibitors from the 2006 show identified Mexico as one of the top countries from which they hope to develop new contacts. In a survey of more than 2,000 exhibitors, 80% indicated that attracting new buyers from Mexico is an important reason for their participation in the trade-only event. The association notes that the specialty products market in Mexico will soon top $1.5 billion.

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

>> SEMA Webinar: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), July 12, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> 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:

• Truck Suspension Sales Tech, Costa Mesa, California
• Buyer, Azusa, California
• General Ledger Accountant, Azusa, California
• Outside Sales Rep, Oklahoma 
• Manufacturing Engineer, Lakeville, Minnesota
• Marketing Manager, Lakeville, Minnesota

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.

Discover Financial Services recently conducted a survey asking consumers what they would be willing to do to save money during this time of high gas prices. According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, the survey found that 80% of Americans say their car or truck is very important to their everyday lives.

Nearly half of the nation’s car owners would be willing to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle if gas prices were to rise by $1 or more. Seventy percent of those surveyed said they would cut back on entertainment spending first, while 66% indicated they would change vacation plans in order to combat fuel prices. 

The survey was conducted as part of the Discover Spending Confidence Monitor. It was completed via telephone by 1,000 adults and had a margin of error of +/- 3. Ed Stolbof, senior vice president of marketing for Discover Financial Services, said that, “It appears the first line of defense to lessen the impact of rising gas prices is expense management.” Consumers would rather cut back spending in other areas than change driving habits. Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said that they were not likely to walk or ride a bike as an alternative form of transportation. Less than 25% of those polled said they would use public transportation.

Although this survey included responses from only 1,000 consumers, it is a good indicator of one thing: Americans love their cars, and would reduce discretionary spending on things such as vacations rather than give up their car.

Source:  Bodipa-Memba, Alejandro. (June 26, 2007). “Americans Would Rather Pinch Pennies Than Get Around Without Car.” Detroit Free Press.  Retrieved July 2, 2007, from www.freep.com.

Mercedes-Benz just announced pricing for its C class models, according to AutoWeek. The automaker actually cut the cost of the upper trim levels of the 2008 C class, but increased the base price by $1,500. The new C class will be available on August 7 in sport and luxury trim levels that feature suspension tuning and distinctive front ends, wheels and interior trim.

The C300 Sport replaced the C230 Sport sedan. It is equipped with a 3.0L 228-hp V6 engine, upgraded from the 2.5L V6 currently found in its predecessor. The 2008 C300 is priced at $31,975 and, according to Mercedes-Benz, has considerably more standard equipment than its predecessor. The C300 luxury sedan will start at $33,675—$500 less than the current C280 luxury model. The C350 Sport sedan will have a base price of $37,275, down $1,500 from 2007. And the C350 luxury sedan has been dropped from the C class lineup.

Source: Kurylko, Diana T. (July 3, 2007). “Mercedes Announces C Class Pricing.” AutoWeek. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.autoweek.com.

According to The Car Connection, here is what's new for Lincoln in 2008:

2008 Lincoln MKZ
This entry-level sedan will return for 2008 with a lot of updates, including a retro-styled cabin. The MKZ name replaced the Zephyr name, which had only lasted for one year. The 3.5L V6 will carry over for the 2008 model, with 263 hp and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive will be an option. The new engine will run on regular 87-octane gasoline and, according to The Car Connection, is one of the most powerful engines in its class.

For 2008, the MKZ has added standard Sirius satellite radio. And later in the year, the Ford-Microsoft Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system will be standard. Also for standard for 2008 are a reverse-sensing system, premium leather seats with heating and cooling functions and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ten-way power seats are also standard, along with 17-inch tires, side and curtain airbags, an iPod jack and LED taillamps. The optional navigation system is voice-activated. Also optional is a THX II-certified audio system with 14 speakers, high-intensity discharge headlamps and a power sunroof.

2008 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator returns for 2008 with two editions—standard and long wheelbase. The long wheelbase is 14.7 inches longer than the standard model and has 25 cubic feet more storage capacity. The 2007 model was completely redesigned, and the 2008 model’s updates are mostly related to comfort and convenience. It will include a standard power liftgate and standard heated and cooled front seats. 

The 2008 model will be equipped with independent suspension and a 300-hp, 5.4L V8 with six-speed automatic transmission. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available. The maximum tow rating will be 9,100 lbs. Some new options for 2008 include a Monochrome Limited Edition Package which includes new outer trim and cladding, power folding side mirrors and unique badging. The interior for the Monochrome package includes black carpet and floormats, black wood trim and black leather insert seats and the Lincoln logo stitched on the headrests.

Also standard for 2008 are Sirius satellite radio, a power-folding third row seat, a rearview camera and a THX II-certified audio system. The standard Navigator has 103.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the all seats folded down, and the L version has 128.2 cubic feet of space. Some of the standalone options include 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels, premium leather seats, power running boards, a power moonroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2008 Lincoln MKX
The MKX, Lincoln’s crossover, is powered by a 3.5L, 263-hp V6 with six-speed automatic transmission.  Front-wheel drive is standard on the MKX, with all-wheel drive being an option. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and side-curtain airbags are also standard. Sirius satellite radio is standard for 2008, as are heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker 600-watt THX audio system with surround sound and a DVD-based GPS navigational system. Also included are adaptive projector-beam headlights that pivot as the vehicle turns and a reverse-sensing system.

Ford’s Sync system will arrive for the MKX later in the year. The Sync system uses Bluetooth technology along with a touch screen to control communications and entertainment. New for 2008 is a Limited package. This package features 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome door handles, ebony wood accents and premium leather seats. The Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which is also found on the 2008 Navigator, will also be available. An Elite package will include voice-activated navigation system, Vista roof and THX II-certified audio system. Some of the standalone options include: Vista roof; roof-rack side rails; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; 20-inch chrome-clad wheels; and voice-activated DVD navigational system.

2008 Lincoln Mark LT
The Mark LT is Lincoln’s fullsize luxury pickup. For 2008, Sirius satellite radio will be standard.  Options will include a rearview mirror camera, remote start system and a monochrome appearance package with body-color grille surrounded by body-color bumpers and 20-inch seven-spoke chromed wheels.

The powertrain and trim levels carry over from the 2007 model year. The same 5.4L, 300-hp V8 with electronic throttle control will still be found under the hood. The maximum-rated towing capacity for the Mark LT is 8,900 lbs. Standard is the four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension of the Mark LT is softened up relative to the F-Series, according to The Car Connection. The Mark LT is available in both rear- and four-wheel drive, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard.
 
Sources:  Padgett, Marty. (July 3, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKZ: What’s New: Behind the Waterfall Grille, Better Details.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Navigator: What’s New: Lincoln’s Big SUV Looks Backward for 2008.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKX: What’s New: Blinging in the New Year With More Trim.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Mark LT: What’s New: A Snazzy Truck Adds Luxe Features.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

According to AutoWeek, Detroit’s automakers are working quickly to install fuel-saving diesel engines in their light trucks. And Nissan and Toyota may join them as well. Diesels have been common in the domestic automakers’ heavy-duty pickups, but as fuel economy concerns grow, as well as pressures form the competition, we may start seeing them in the light-duty trucks as well.

According to AutoWeek, Ford Motor Co. will likely be the first to market when it puts a diesel in the F-150 pickup in 2009. In May, General Motors announced its plans for a 4.5L Duramax diesel to be used in its light-duty pickups. Some news reports have indicated that Nissan is planning a diesel for the Titan, while Toyota has indicated it is looking into the possibility of a diesel for the Tundra.

Diesel engines typically boost fuel economy by 25%–30%. They are attractive for consumers who tow heavy loads, and they also have a higher resale value. A Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a diesel should see improved fuel economy of 19.5 mpg city/25 mpg highway, compared to the gasoline-powered version with 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway. A Hummer H2 powered with a diesel engine could get 16 mpg or more on the highway, compared to the current model, which gets 13 to 14 mph on the highway.

Ford’s diesel plans include a light-duty diesel for the F-150 and possibly the Expedition in 2009. This 4.4L engine will be a larger version of the 3.6L turbocharged V8 used in the European-market Land Rover Range Rovers. “Our 30 years of truck leadership is founded on having the most capable and innovative trucks our there,” says Wes Sherwood of Ford.

Earlier this year, Chrysler confirmed that it will use at least one new engine from Cummins Inc. in the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. This will be a 4.2L V6 that Cummins developed with the United States Department of Energy. According to AutoWeek, the early test version of this diesel pushed out 190 hp and 570 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesels have been popular and profitable for the Detroit 3. Roughly 40% of the 796,000 Ford F-Series trucks sold in the United States last year were diesel-powered. The sales of GM’s heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra diesels are capped at around 200,000 units annually due to production restraints at the plant in Moraine, Ohio. Dodge sold about 150,000 heavy-duty Ram pickups equipped with the Cummins diesel in 2006.

A diesel will cost a consumer about $6,660 more than a comparable gasoline engine. But AutoWeek says that a study by the Martec Group shows that after 4.5 years of ownership, a diesel truck is worth $4,700 more than a gasoline-powered truck. After those 4.5 years, a diesel owner will have spent about $4,200 less on fuel.

In summary, the following are expected to hit the market in future:

• Ford—4.4L turbocharged V8 for F-150 and possibly Expedition in 2009
• Dodge—4.2L turbocharged V6 for Ram 1500 in 2010
• GM—4.5L turbocharged V8 for Silverado/Sierra pickups and Hummer H2 in 2010
• Nissan—Not definite. Might use V6 or V8 diesel in Titan (from International Truck and Engine Corp.) in 2010
• Toyota—Not definite. Currently working with Isuzu to develop diesels; might see a diesel in Tundra in 2010

Source:  Truett, Richard.  (July 2, 2007).  “Driven to Diesels: Automakers Scramble to Offer Diesels in Light-Duty Trucks.”  AutoWeek. Retrieved July 2, 2007, from www.autoweek.com.