The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

The following council members are the candidates for the ARMO Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org. 

ARMO Select-Committee Candidates

• Melvin Benzaquen, Classic Restoration Enterprises, Inc.
• Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited, Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Ken DeVries, Trader National Publishing 
• Steven Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc.
• Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Sandy Patterson, Primedia (Incumbent)
• Curt Patterson, AMAA (Incumbent) 
• Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions, Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER
  

• Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine (Incumbent)
• Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom (Incumbent) 
• Dick Dixon – Automotive Education Alliance, Inc. 
• Mike Kinney – Las Vegas Rod & Custom 
• Rick Love – Vintage Air Inc. (Incumbent) 
• Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows 
• Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. – (Incumbent) 
• Brian Reese – Comp Performance Group 
• Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products 
• Janeen Webb - Primedia
  

• 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 Perricone at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacip@sema.org.
  

• 2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

• PRO members: Join your colleagues at the 15th annual PRO Project-Planning Meeting, Thursday–Friday, June 7–8, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Metro Hotel. This is your opportunity to take a stake in your council's future by taking advantage of an agenda that includes group brainstorming sessions, breakout group discussions and action planning for future council projects. The event also includes and exclusive reception at the Henry Ford Estate, complete with a private tour of the automaker's elegant mansion. To RSVP, e-mail to Summer Wright at summerw@sema.org by May 18. For hotel and airline reservations, contact Manya at Manya.P@travelstoreusa.com or 949/930-9268.

• You are invited to attend SEMA’s Sport Compact Council Youth Focus Panel during the NHRA Sport Compact Springnationals and D1 Grand Prix USA. The discussion will feature dozens of young consumers speaking candidly about their hobby. This is one of the best opportunities to discover what younger enthusiasts really think about and want from the automotive specialty-equipment market.
  
  Youth Focus Panel Details
  When: Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m.
  Where: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 230 Pension Rd., Englishtown, NJ 07726
  RSVP Required: The location of Youth Focus Panel is in a restricted area, and a special pass is needed for access.
  
  For more information on the event or how to participate, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.
  
  
• 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.
  

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, 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.

• 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.

• Did you know that the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the SEMA Young Executives Network, 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, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Did you know that 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.
  
  
• Becoming involved in SEMA at an early age will help you work your way to the top. Did you know that current SEMA Chairman of the Board, Mitch Williams, was once a member of YEN? If you are interested in becoming a YEN member, 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.
  

The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD shows will take place in Indianapolis, February 8–9, 2008. Show information and rental agreements will be mailed in June.

The SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD deliver the SEMA Show experience to the doorstep of the specialty-equipment industry in the Midwest. Sponsored by the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) and Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the trade-only events highlight a variety of products and services covering accessories, restyling, wheels and tires and mobile electronics.

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

>> Sacramento Legislative Rally, May, 23, Sacramento
>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas

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

SEMA-member 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 enables the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:?

• Marketing Coordinator, Phoenix, Arizona
• Design Engineer, Phoenix, Arizona
• General Manager, Southern California
• Tech Editor and Media Contact, El Paso, Texas
• Toolmaker/Jig and Fixture Builder, Torrance, California
  

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

Several sections of the SEMA.org website have direct links which allow members quick access to industry- and association-related information and services. Some of the information within the sites is reserved for SEMA members only. To learn more about the benefits of SEMA membership, e-mail member@sema.org.

The Fast Tracks to Industry Information and Resources

Market Research: www.sema.org/research
International: www.sema.org/international
Educational Webcasts: www.sema.org/webinar
OEM Electronic Blueprints: www.sema.org/techtransfer
SEMA Memorial Scholarship: www.sema.org/scholarship
Project Vehicle Programs/OEM Relations: www.sema.org/oem
SEMA PAC: www.sema.org/pac
SEMA Trade Shows: www.sema.org/shows
Legislative and Regulatory Updates: www.semasan.com

General Motors announced that they are planning a production version of its well-received Chevrolet Volt concept, according to a recent AutoWeek article. GM says they are now working on the production engineering of the Volt concept, which will ride on the next-generation Delta platform. This will be the same platform the upcoming Cobalt or Astra small car will be built on. Two versions of the Volt will be put into production: one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and the other will run on gasoline. The editors at AutoWeek report that the Volt could hit vehicle dealerships as early as 2010. However, GM says that suppliers need to produce a reliable lithium ion battery for the Volt in order to meet the 2010 release date. The Chevrolet Volt was showcased at both the Detroit and New York Auto Shows earlier this year, giving consumers a first-hand look at this future production car.

 


The upcoming Chevrolet Volt will be a low-volume production vehicle, GM says. The automaker indicates that the Volt will be a “series hybrid,” meaning that the vehicle’s wheels are turned by an electric motor that is powered by a battery pack. The battery pack is recharged by a small gasoline engine, which isn’t connected to the wheels. In addition, the battery pack will be rechargeable, so consumers will be able to plug it in to an electrical outlet for an overnight charge. This could mean that the Volt can drive up to 40 miles each day upon startup without using a single drop of gasoline.

A fuel-cell version of the Chevrolet Volt will primarily sell in China, according to the article, which will run on GM’s fifth generation fuel-cell small enough to fit into a conventional four-cylinder engine bay. The automaker also says that the same car can run on diesel or ethanol, depending on the market. 

Source: Truett, Richard and Lareau, Jamie. (May 7, 2007). “Prius Fighter: GM Commits to Volt Production.” AutoWeek. Retrieved May 10, 2007 from www.autoweek.com.

Blogs all over the Internet are buzzing about GM’s decision to offer two V6 engines in the new Saturn Vue midsize crossover, which will be available this summer. Both powerplants will be produced by General Motors. So what’s the big deal about that? Only the fact that the decision is ending an eight-year supply agreement with Honda Motor Co.

Just over half of the 290,000 Vues sold since 2004 have been outfitted with the Honda 3.5L V6. Featuring variable valve timing, the 24-valve OHC engine makes 248 hp and 242 lb.-ft. of torque.

For the 2008 Vue, taking the place of the Honda engine will be GM’s high feature 3.6L V6. The second-generation Vue will also be available with the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and the 3.5L pushrod V6.

With all of the Internet chatter taking place about this new development, it’s likely that consumers and enthusiasts alike will change their perception of the Saturn Vue. Since 2004, Saturn has given enthusiasts the more powerful Red Line version of the Vue, which comes with enhanced styling for the 2008 release.

The Saturn Vue’s Red Line adds bold styling with an aggressive front-end design, including a large, lower air opening and projector-beam fog lamps, according to Saturn. The rear of the vehicle features a special fascia, a spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. A lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and Red Line badges complete the performance-inspired appearance.

 


From a performance perspective, the Red Line comes with standard tap-up/tap-down transmission control and sport-tuned ride and handling. It is powered by a dual overhead cam 3.6L V6 VVT engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vue Red Line will be available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Interior modifications include a Red-Line-only ebony interior, including black leather sport seats with suede fabric inserts. The vehicle also features Red-Line-logo instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats.

The Vue Red Line will arrive in the third quarter of 2007.

Source: SEMA Research and Information Center

This story was originally published on May 16, 2007. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.

Nissan will offer enthusiasts a highly modified version of its popular sports car: the 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z. This marks the first time the NISMO package is available for the 350Z. The automaker says that they’re capturing the level of an enthusiast that wants customization at the dealership, but with this, enthusiasts are also turning to the specialty-equipment industry for their custom parts and accessories. When automakers release custom versions of production vehicles, there are those enthusiasts that look to specialty-equipment companies to take these vehicles to the next level in customization. In fact, many specialty-equipment companies showed off custom Nissan 350Zs at the 2006 SEMA Show. There were a total of 15 of these cars on the Show floor, making it among the top ten car models at the SEMA Show.

The 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z will come with both styling and performance upgrades. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance, Nissan says. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes body dampers mounted in the front radiator-core support and in the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). In addition, a NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds to the performance of the 350Z’s 306-horsepower V6 engine.

 


The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5L V6 engine producing 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm—with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500-rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin Ram Air intake system.
The standard six-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from first through fifth gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive sixth speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD). Also standard is electronically controlled vehicle-speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power-steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, and four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007. 

Sources: Nissan North America (March 28, 2007). “2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z Continues Tradition of Performance With Super GT Race-Inspired Styling and Features.” Nissan North America press release; SEMA Research and Information Center.

Honda says it will put a sleek hydrogen fuel-cell sedan into limited production next year and will sell a unique mass-market hybrid in the United States within two years. It will be priced less than the $25,000 Civic hybrid. At the 2007 North America International Auto Show in Detroit, Honda showed of a concept version of its next generation fuel-cell vehicle.

 

 


The automaker announced the vehicles at a Washington demonstration of prototypes of the FCX fuel-cell sedans it will offer in the United States next year.
 
According to a recent USA Today article, Honda is content with the viability of its fuel-cell car, and, as a result, is now concentrating on reducing the costs associated with fuel-cell vehicles and ensuring that a plentiful supply of hydrogen is available to its fuel-cell car users.
 
To this end, Honda is currently developing a “home energy centre” that would produce hydrogen for a fuel-cell car, as well as supply electricity for the home, although this product will not be ready in time to coincide with the fuel-cell sedan’s introduction.

General Motors also has promised 100 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs modified to run on fuel-cell power this year.

GM and Honda say their fuel-cell vehicles meet U.S. safety standards and have the same features as gasoline models.

 


Source: SEMA Research and Information Center