Yokohama Tire Corporation added two seasoned employees to its team: Gregg Vandermar, performance marketing manager, and Rusty Taylor, new manager of finance & administration, business division. Vandermark's responsibilities include corporate and consumer ride and drives, dealer training and working with automotive enthusiast groups and car clubs. He has more than eight years of tire-industry experience, formerly serving in several positions at Toyo Tires. Taylor's duties will include planning and forecasting budgets; generating financial models; and developing business plans for sales, marketing and finance. He will also review proposals.

Universal Trailer Corporation named Keith Peterson vice president of sales and marketing and Walter Niziolek vice president of operations for Haulmark Industries, one of Universal Trailer's brands. Peterson has more than 26 years of experience in product, channel and global marketing as well as in sales and service. Niziolek's expertise is in engineering and operations/plant management. In his 15-year industrial career, he has been instrumental in developing high-performing manufacturing facilities through process improvements, team building, kaizen and other lean manufacturing methodologies.

Century Fiberglass hired Chad Mesenbrink as its new regional sales manager for the western territory. Mesenbrink has been in the truck-accessory business since 1996 and brings a high level of experience to the Century Team. In addition, Sheryl Renee Draus was appointed the company’s newest inside salesperson. Draus began her career in the truck accessory business in 1986. She will eventually move into an outside sales position. “We are so fortunate to have both Chad and Sheryl Renee join the team,” commented Century’s National Sales Manager Sheryl Noblitt. “Our ‘passion for partnership’ includes everyone involved with Century Fiberglass. From dealers to sales reps to employees, it is our goal to have the best team possible.”

AIM hired Wayne Golonka as territory sales manager. Golonka, who has spent his entire career in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket, most recently was district manager for ATP. In his role with AIM, Golonka calls on WDs and automotive jobbers in the Northeast region of the United States. For 20 years, Golonka was the co-owner of C & L Automotive Electric in Union, New Jersey. His company specialized in heavy duty and industrial repair.

Grant Brothers announced that Shawn Whiffen joined the company’s sales team as district manager for the Newfoundland territory. He most recently has been working as a business manager at an automotive dealership.

Audiobahn announced the winners of the Jada Toys “Chub City In Action” Film Contest, announced June 19, at the 2007 International Licensing Expo in New Your City at the Javits Convention Center. The contest challenged hobbyists, aspiring filmmakers and videographers to create a 28-second commercial using the Chub City Toys line. The aspiring film makers competed for $6,500 in prize money and Audiobahn audio equipment. "Chub City In Action” Film contest winners: $5,000 Grand Prize Winner—“Why So Sad Johnny,” by Jeffrey Glasson (Attleboro, Massachusetts); $1,000 Winner—“Jake, I Got An Idea,” by John Hampton (Long Beach, California); and the $500 Winner—“Bully,” by Dan Cunliffe (Minot, Maine). More information available at www.jadatoys.com, www.chubcity.com and www.iplayaz.com.

GBC Motorsports was named the title sponsor of the WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour double national race at Virginia Motorsports Park. As part of the sponsorship, the race will be called the GBC Virginia National. The GBC Virginia National is scheduled for June 29–July 1, at Virginia Motorsports Park.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• 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 onboard 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.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Kelly Kneifl, division manager of automotive accessories at Shur-Co, has been elected by the TORA Select Committee to serve as council chair-elect. Kneifl, a member of the select committee, will serve as chair-elect for two years starting July 1 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 Immediate Past Chair/Advisor.

• 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 Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org.

More SEMA council and committee news:

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)

• Manufacturers are invited to sign up for time slots for the Hotrod & Restoration Education Day presented by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).  Registration is now open exclusively to HRIA member companies. There are seven session times offered and five available sessions per hour. Participants must be exhibitors of the Hotrod & Restoration (HRR) trade show. The exclusive opportunity ends July 1, and registration will then be open to all HRR trade show exhibitors. For a registration form, click here. More information on this educational opportunity contact SEMA, 909/396-0289 x134. or hria@sema.org.  
  
• 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.

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.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes 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.

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.

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

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.

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

>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Webinar: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), July 12, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Urban Lifestyle Report, July 26, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> 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.

Filler for eNews

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:

• Outside Sales Rep, Nationwide
• Western Regional Sales Manager, Story City, Iowa
• CNC/Programmer/Operator, Camanche, Iowa
• Territory Sales Manager, Wisconsin/Minnesota
• Director of Product Management, Eastern, Pennsylvania
• Casting Superintendent, Southeastern United States

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.

SEMA members now have exclusive access to the 2007 Trends and Forecasts Quarterly Update - Q1, the latest update to the popular Trends and Forecasts series of reports, as an additional benefit to being a SEMA member. This most recent edition provides an industry overview of relevant developments and trends in the automotive industry during the first three months of 2007. In this report, which can be downloaded on www.sema.org/research, you will find:

* New-vehicle sales data
* The latest consumer buying trends
* New development and vehicle releases from the OEMs
* SEMA-member business benchmark data and more.

More than half (53%) of SEMA members recently surveyed said they have utilized the Trends and Forecasts report over the past three years. This report is one of many market research reports SEMA publishes for its members on a regular basis. To access this and other reports, go to www.sema.org/research or e-mail Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.

Source: SEMA Research & Information Center

Imagine a fullsize street diesel pickup running a quarter-mile drag race in 10 seconds while achieving speeds of around 130 mph, or pulling a 36,000-pound "sled" on a 300-foot clay dirt track in 13 seconds. Next, imagine the same guy who owns that diesel pickup driving it home and using it for everyday driving. This scenario describes a growing segment of die-hard diesel enthusiasts who are using their diesel-powered pickups for more than just everyday hauling and towing. These diesel owners are taking their everyday work trucks and installing bigger turbochargers, computer tuners and much more and competing in drag races and sled pulls, all in the name of bragging rights—showing a crowd of excited spectators that diesels are actually capable of high performance.

The Diesel Hot Rod Association (DHRA) has been putting on national drag races and sled pulls for years now. The organization first incorporated in 2003 when, according to the DHRA, several diesel drag pickups could not get race time from the NHRA. Since then they have been putting on yearly national events, and each year the number of spectators and competitors who attend these events has grown beyond the DHRA's expectation. As a result of this growth, for the first time ever, the organization brought its event out to Las Vegas this year, in addition to its Indiana and Texas national events. Each of these events are filled with thousands of spectators eagerly watching displays of raw power during the side-by-side drag race, sled pull and dyno competitions.




The images above show diesel pickups in action. These trucks are specifically tuned for drag racing and sled pulling, which often involves using more diesel fuel than necessary in order to obtain the desired horsepower. When on the street, however, these drivers say that they reset their diesels to burn cleaner without the plumes of black smoke.

Why are diesel trucks being used for racing anyhow? The DHRA notes that the large amounts of torque and horsepower attained from these trucks after just a few modifications make them ideal "weekend racers." Typical diesel competitors are young guys who use their trucks for work but have improved the power capabilities by installing custom air intakes, turbochargers, intercoolers, exhausts, handheld computer tuners and much more.



The DHRA says some of these trucks can have $25-$50,000 worth of upgrades installed in order to race in DHRA events, which includes four classes of drag racing and four classes of sled pulls. They say that although both sports have grown in popularity, the DHRA has seen larger growth of participants and spectators of the sled-pull events.

Recently, the DHRA held its national racing event in Indiana, in which 9,592 spectators attended—which they say was the largest crowd to date—as well as 296 race teams and/or individual trucks participated. A listing of all of the drag-race classes and winners of each class is shown in the table below. Although the winning pickups are older diesels, there were several newer Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford diesel pickups in the competitions.



Attendees of DHRA's national events typically range from young adults to families who bring their children along, according to the DHRA. SEMA research staff attended both the Las Vegas event in May and the Indiana event in June to learn more about the types of consumers attending these shows. Both spectators and drivers were surveyed, most of whom own diesel-powered vehicles, in order to find out how this crowd of consumers modifies their diesels, where they buy and how much they have spent over the past year on specialty equipment.

The average age of those surveyed who attended either of the Las Vegas or Indiana events was 27—showing that diesel parts manufactures could be marketing their products to a relatively young crowd of diesel enthusiasts at these events. A total of 92 attendees completed the survey. Those surveyed were primarily male (94%), and when asked whether they have modified their diesel trucks over the past year, 84% responded "yes." On average, those who purchased specialty equipment for their vehicles spent around $3,500 doing so over the past year alone!

When looking at the Las Vegas-Indiana combined results in the tables below, notice that these groups of consumers prefer to modify their diesel pickups with engine performance tuners and exhaust kits most often—probably a result of these products offering noticeable power gains at relatively inexpensive prices. Although most enthusiasts surveyed go to custom shops/installers to buy their parts, shows, such as the DHRA events, represented the second-most popular avenue for these consumers to purchase their parts. The reason: spectators become motivated to make purchases when immersed in the sport while drivers often feel the need to upgrade their diesels prior to racing.



The demand for diesel performance parts has grown over the last few years, and several specialty-equipment companies selling diesel performance parts are growing their sales by becoming involved in diesel competitions put forth by the DHRA. Advanced Flow Engineering (AFE), a manufacturer of performance air filters, was among one of the many manufactures present. Paul Hardley, director of marketing for AFE, indicated that his company has "grown in the past five years primarily because of diesel."

Along with AFE, DiabloSport, a manufacturer of performance engine tuners, has also witnessed growth in its diesel business over the past three years. As of right now, the company's diesel sales are "usually around 40% of [its] total sales," commented Max Wyman, assistant director of marketing for DiabloSport. Exhaust manufacturers are noticing the same effect on their business from the growth of the diesel market. Phil Smith, technical field representative and product specialist for Flowmaster, a manufacturer of performance mufflers and exhaust systems, made the remark that "the diesel market has really taken off, so we have really started to promote our diesel exhaust."

AFE, DiabloSport and Flowmaster were just three of the many SEMA manufacturer members present at the DHRA Indiana national event taking advantage of the growing market for diesel motorsports.

The DHRA drag racing and sled-pull events provide an opportunity for diesel pickup owners to show-off what their diesels were capable of in front of thousands of diesel enthusiasts at events where diesel performance parts manufacturers and jobbers have the opportunity to market products one-on-one with consumers. Events like these not only give manufacturers an opportunity to connect with diesel owners, but pickup owners in general as well, as shown in the parking lot photo above. Although diesel pickups once had the image of pure work trucks or toy haulers, diesel drag racing and sled-pull events are showing consumers that diesels can do much more!

For more information about the Diesel Hot Rod Association, visit www.dhraonline.com.

Source: SEMA Research & Information Center

According to Kelley Blue Book's 'Driving Performance' portion of its consumer automotive perceptions research study Brand Watch, Toyota and BMW each claimed two number-one spots for best driving performance. Toyota took the top spot in both the minivan and non-luxury SUV segments, while BMW was singled out for top honors among luxury SUVs and luxury sedans, according to its latest results.

Domestic brands sweep the truck segment when it comes to driving performance in Brand Watch, with Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge placing first, second and third, respectively. Domestic brands previously had been singled out as top picks for interior and exterior styling in the truck segment. Import brands dominate across most segments when it comes to driving performance, says Kelley Blue Book, claiming the top three spots in every vehicle segment except trucks and also, with the exception of Ford, placing third among non-luxury SUVs. Porsche claimed the top spot in the convertible/sports car segment, a category in which performance is the most desired characteristic.

Toyota, Honda, BMW and Mercedes-Benz each garnered three top-three finishes in various categories, displaying consumers' overall perception of those brands having the best driving performance. Nissan and Lexus garnered two top-three finishes each.

"BMW's top rankings in the luxury sedan and luxury SUV segments demonstrate that it has a lock on performance characteristics in the luxury category according to new-car buyers, an instance where brand image and the consumer brand perception are in perfect alignment," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Meanwhile, pickups are the last bastion of domestic dominance and that dominance is strong with Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge sweeping the top three spots for performance with not an import in sight."



"Perceptions are a key factor and drive car buyers' decisions as to which makes and models will be on their shopping list," said Rick Wainschel vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book. "This report can show manufacturers their relative position against other makes in specific vehicle segments, which strengths to emphasize and which weaknesses may need to be addressed."

Source: Kelley Blue Book. (June 21, 2007). "Kelley Blue Book's 'Brand Watch' Study Finds Toyota, BMW Lead New-Vehicle Shoppers' Opinions on Driving Performance." Kelley Blue Book press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

According to a recent WardsAuto.com article, the Hummer H2 and Chevrolet and GMC light-duty pickups built after 2009 will come available with an all-new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbodiesel. The new powerplant will be produced at General Motors Corp.'s Tonawanda, New York, plant.
   
According to the article, the 4.5L Duramax is a means of improving the fuel efficiency of some of the automaker's biggest vehicles. The new engine is expected to emit 13% less carbon dioxide than existing gasoline engines. It will also reduce the particulates and oxides of nitrogen emissions by 90% over today's diesel powerplants. Tom Stephens, group vice-president of GM's global powertrain and quality, says that the new diesel "is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency." The new Duramax will meet all 2010 emissions standards in the United States and will be 50-state compliant.

The 4.5L will be a DOHC V8 with more than 310 hp and 520 lb.-ft. of torque. It will also be the first GM engine to feature selective catalytic-reduction exhaust aftertreatment and a diesel particulate filter, which will help it meet the new U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards. The powerplant will feature a graphite-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolds, an intercooled variable-geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure common-rail fuel-injection system capable of five injection events per cycle.
   
GM officials who were on hand for test drives of the 2008 Hummer H2 and H3 Alpha declined to confirm any details on the aftertreatment technology. However, a urea-injection system will likely be needed to meet future emissions standards, according to the WardsAuto.com article. One of the most interesting features of new Duramax is its ability to be mounted in the same space as GM's small-block V8 lineup. This allows for easier adaptation for a wide variety of vehicles, as the diesel market continues to grow. Could we see this Duramax in any of GM's passenger cars?
   
Not only will the new Duramax serve to boost the fuel efficiency of vehicles such as the H2, but as WardsAuto.com points out, it will also help to improve the image of the Hummer brand, which is under constant attack by the environmentalists. The 4.5L Duramax will also be capable of running on some mix of biodiesel, according to Martin Walsh, Hummer General Manager. GM will be investing $100 million in the Tonawanda, New York, plant where the new diesel will be produced. GM will also dispense an additional $41 million for vendor tooling, containers and investment at other locations. Output of the new diesel is slated to get underway in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the project is expected to retain 150 hourly jobs at the plant.

Source: Sutton, Mike. (June 15, 2007). "Hummer H2 to Feature All-New Diesel After 2009." WardsAuto.com. Retrieved June 18, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.

June North American output will be unimpressive but give way to a major rebound in July, according to a recent WardsAuto.com article. June will finish with an estimated production of 1,425,251 cars and trucks, falling 6.3% short of 1,521,101 units last year. That means second-quarter 2007 will wrap up with a total production of 4,162,319 vehicles, which is a decline of 2.6% from last year's 4,274,339. First-half 2007 should finish near 8,099,673 vehicles, down 5.4% from the 8,561,519 built during the second half of 2006.

But production schedules for the third quarter undoubtedly have been pumped up as the showdown between Detroit's automakers and the United Auto Workers union approaches and the potential for a labor strike looms. July traditionally is an uneventful month due to shutdowns and changeovers, but WardsAuto.com forecasts automakers will exceed last July's production by 20.3%. Volume will total 972,517 vehicles, compared with 808,735 a year ago.

General Motors Corp. will beef up its light-truck output 32.7% in July, according to the WardsAuto.com forecast, with across-the-board build increases and some extra boost from production of its latest CUVs, the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The Saturn Aura that launched last summer at lower production rates will anchor a 7.4% increase in passenger-car production. GM's total production in July is expected to reach 243,970 units, 22.4% higher than last year's 199,396.

Ford Motor Co. also is forecast to take a significant 35.2% jump in light-truck production next month, most of that a result of its new Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX CUVs and upcoming Taurus X. Ford's passenger cars will see a slight 2.6% increase, while total builds are estimated to rise 22.1% from last year's 118,401 units to 144,554.

The Chrysler Group is forecast to see similar double-digit production gains, with an 18.8% increase from last July to 153,281 vehicles. Unlike Ford and GM, though, Chrysler's stronger pace will come from the passenger-car side.

WardsAuto.com predicts Toyota Motor Mfg. North America Inc. will see an output tally of 138,196 units in July, up 37.9% from last year's 100,231. A universal upswing in both car and truck production prevails at Toyota's North American plants, but the year-on-year increase is driven by the new Tundra fullsize pickup, which accounts for 60% of the gain.

Other automakers are expected to see similar jumps in July production, collectively realizing a 20.4% gain.

Source: Elnick, Diane. (June 18, 2007). "July Production to Soar Over Year Ago." WardsAuto.com. Retrieved June 20, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.