By Kyle Cheng

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future.

Despite the Coronavirus, consumers are more confident, optimistic and in a better financial position today than they were during the last recession in 2007–2009. They are shopping more and, as restrictions ease, returning to in-store retail. In May 2020, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers jumped 44% from April—the highest increase ever recorded. Additionally, most consumers think it is a good time to buy a car.

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future. Using data as of July 2020, this quick snapshot looks at how consumers are emerging from the coronavirus shutdown, including:

• Driving patterns and consumer travel perceptions.
• Retail and shopping behavior.
• The current and projected financial position of consumers.
• How consumers are interacting with both the automotive and specialty-equipment industries.

To learn more, download the new SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future.

Despite the Coronavirus, consumers are more confident, optimistic and in a better financial position today than they were during the last recession in 2007–2009. They are shopping more and, as restrictions ease, returning to in-store retail. In May 2020, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers jumped 44% from April—the highest increase ever recorded. Additionally, most consumers think it is a good time to buy a car.

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future. Using data as of July 2020, this quick snapshot looks at how consumers are emerging from the coronavirus shutdown, including:

• Driving patterns and consumer travel perceptions.
• Retail and shopping behavior.
• The current and projected financial position of consumers.
• How consumers are interacting with both the automotive and specialty-equipment industries.

To learn more, download the new SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future.

Despite the Coronavirus, consumers are more confident, optimistic and in a better financial position today than they were during the last recession in 2007–2009. They are shopping more and, as restrictions ease, returning to in-store retail. In May 2020, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers jumped 44% from April—the highest increase ever recorded. Additionally, most consumers think it is a good time to buy a car.

In the SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report, the SEMA Market Research team explores the current state of consumers within the United States and their outlook for the future. Using data as of July 2020, this quick snapshot looks at how consumers are emerging from the coronavirus shutdown, including:

• Driving patterns and consumer travel perceptions.
• Retail and shopping behavior.
• The current and projected financial position of consumers.
• How consumers are interacting with both the automotive and specialty-equipment industries.

To learn more, download the new SEMA “State of the American Consumer—July 2020” report at www.sema.org/research.

By SEMA Editors

Saleen’s new Bronco pays homage to Big Oly—the infamous machine piloted by Parnelli Jones.

Saleen Automotive, the Southern California vehicle manufacturer founded by racing driver and vehicle builder Steve Saleen, has revealed the Saleen Bronco. As the creator of the Saleen S7, Saleen is mainly associated with success on asphalt surfaces, but with the new Bronco, the company is taking to the dirt with a vengeance.

The new Bronco pays homage to Big Oly—the infamous machine piloted by Parnelli Jones. Big Oly took on the Mexican 1000 (now known as the Baja 1000)—one of the most grueling endurance races in the world—and achieved the monumental accomplishment of winning the race twice in 1971 and 1972.

The Saleen Bronco is not only resplendent in a livery reminiscent of the original, but also boasts numerous performance features. More details will be revealed soon.

By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year at last year’s SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions to the industry during the fiscal year of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Nominations for Manufacturer of the Year, as well as other SEMA Industry awards, are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards.

To be nominated for Manufacturer of the Year, a company must be from the specialty-equipment industry and have demonstrated outstanding business practices and service to their customers, including being involved with SEMA and utilizing association benefits.  

“This award recognizes the innovation and industriousness of a member manufacturer who has went above and beyond to support the advancement of the specialty-equipment industry,” said Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager, membership projects. “Nominees should demonstrate a high degree of corporate responsibility, workforce excellence and do an outstanding job protecting their brand equity.”

In addition to Manufacturer of the Year, the SEMA Industry Awards also include Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2020 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

To learn more about the additional criteria for each award and to submit your nominations, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Hunter Engineering Co. was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year at last year’s SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.

The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions to the industry during the fiscal year of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Nominations for Manufacturer of the Year, as well as other SEMA Industry awards, are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards.

To be nominated for Manufacturer of the Year, a company must be from the specialty-equipment industry and have demonstrated outstanding business practices and service to their customers, including being involved with SEMA and utilizing association benefits.  

“This award recognizes the innovation and industriousness of a member manufacturer who has went above and beyond to support the advancement of the specialty-equipment industry,” said Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager, membership projects. “Nominees should demonstrate a high degree of corporate responsibility, workforce excellence and do an outstanding job protecting their brand equity.”

In addition to Manufacturer of the Year, the SEMA Industry Awards also include Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2020 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

To learn more about the additional criteria for each award and to submit your nominations, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In 2017, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lowered the exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter—just one-tenth the previous level. OSHA has now clarified certain provisions within the rule in order to potentially simplify compliance requirements.

Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminum, yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. In the auto industry, beryllium is frequently used to produce airbags and components for power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium-oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. OSHA estimates that the beryllium standard applies to about 62,000 workers and may prevent nearly 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The new rule took effect in 2018 and industry had one year to implement any necessary changes, such as creating restricted beryllium work areas and using respirators and protective clothing sufficient to meet the new limits.

For more information:

• OSHA clarifications 
• General information 

Questions? Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In 2017, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lowered the exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter—just one-tenth the previous level. OSHA has now clarified certain provisions within the rule in order to potentially simplify compliance requirements.

Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminum, yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. In the auto industry, beryllium is frequently used to produce airbags and components for power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium-oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. OSHA estimates that the beryllium standard applies to about 62,000 workers and may prevent nearly 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The new rule took effect in 2018 and industry had one year to implement any necessary changes, such as creating restricted beryllium work areas and using respirators and protective clothing sufficient to meet the new limits.

For more information:

• OSHA clarifications 
• General information 

Questions? Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In 2017, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lowered the exposure limits for beryllium and related compounds to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter—just one-tenth the previous level. OSHA has now clarified certain provisions within the rule in order to potentially simplify compliance requirements.

Beryllium is a naturally occurring element that has many beneficial attributes and widespread applications. It is one-third lighter than aluminum, yet stiffer than steel, resistant to fatigue and corrosion, and recyclable. In the auto industry, beryllium is frequently used to produce airbags and components for power-steering, anti-lock braking and fuel-injection systems.

OSHA believes a small percentage of workers exposed to the chemical may develop chronic beryllium lung disease. Most worker exposure is associated with foundry and smelting operations, machining, beryllium-oxide ceramics and composite manufacturing. OSHA estimates that the beryllium standard applies to about 62,000 workers and may prevent nearly 100 deaths and 50 serious illnesses each year.

The new rule took effect in 2018 and industry had one year to implement any necessary changes, such as creating restricted beryllium work areas and using respirators and protective clothing sufficient to meet the new limits.

For more information:

• OSHA clarifications 
• General information 

Questions? Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The next-generation Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has been spotted during development in Germany. The prototype is barely wearing any disguise: The Alltrack tries to fool onlookers by a fake front—not fooling anyone—and some creative camouflage has been employed around the taillights, which have been made to look like the current car’s. If the seventh generation is any indication, the lights on the hatch and wagon will be very similar, but not identical.

Most of the differences between the wagon and hatch are found aft of the B-pillar. In addition to a longer, flatter roof, there’s also a modified window layout for the rear door, and a more extensive rear overhang.

The new wagon should be available with most of the hatch’s drivetrain options, including 48V mild hybrid.

Inside, the dashboard, interior and technology package will be shared with the hatch, including a minimalist dashboard with a capacitive touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrumentation cluster.

Like the hatchback, the wagon, too, will also likely feature car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde