SEMA News—August 2012

SEMA Action Network Unites Hobbyists/Industry to Protect Automotive Rights

SAN Members Speak Up

	UPS commissioned a recent comScore study that revealed the important role delivery dates, returns, exchanges and package rerouting play in customer satisfaction.

What do online customers want from your site? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. 

Skyrocketing growth in eCommerce has spurred companies to get-to-market quickly with their websites to capitalize on demand. In the rush, few had the time or money to research what customers wanted from their eCommerce experiences. And with rapid changes in technology platforms, devices and even user aptitude, feedback provided six months ago may no longer apply.

To better understand the mindset and motivations of online purchasers, UPS commissioned a recent comScore study, which polled more than 3,100 online shoppers nationwide for their opinions on the most important factors in their shopping experiences. 

The study offers some revealing customer satisfaction insights on a number of different measures, including variety, online tracking, ease of check-out and availability of live customer service. The study also reveals the important role delivery dates, returns, exchanges and package rerouting play in customer satisfaction. In fact, logistics services can directly impact six out of 11 of the factors that affect a customer’s shopping experience.

View a quick snapshot of how you can enhance your customer’s online shopping experience, or learn more by downloading the white paper. 

Explore the full range of UPS technology solutions, including how to incorporate your technology with UPS for a better customer experience.

The crew at Brenda Priddy & Co. sent along the team's latest photos of the Chevrolet Sierra HD out for some testing.

Compared the previous photos Priddy's team delivered of the ’14 Silverado, slightly more detail of the front grille and fascia are noticeable.  

The team did not have an opportunity to spy a shot of what was under the hood. While more details will be made available, the team previously reported that the Silverado appears to have an even roomier interior compared to the current models.

Photo credit: Brenda Priddy & Co. 

The crew at Brenda Priddy & Co. sent along the team's latest photos of the Chevrolet Sierra HD out for some testing.

Compared the previous photos Priddy's team delivered of the ’14 Silverado, slightly more detail of the front grille and fascia are noticeable.  

The team did not have an opportunity to spy a shot of what was under the hood. While more details will be made available, the team previously reported that the Silverado appears to have an even roomier interior compared to the current models.

Photo credit: Brenda Priddy & Co. 

The PRI Trade Show will be going through a historic milestone as it turns 25 this year. After an ever-growing Race Industry Week lead-in beginning on Monday, the PRI Trade Show will join racers together with the latest technology.

“A lot has changed over 25 years, but one thing that has stayed constant is racers always want to go faster,” said John Kilroy, PRI’s vice president/general manager. “That motivation powers the ingenious innovations on display every year at the PRI Trade Show. Attending buyers will find the latest racing technology and the suppliers who can provide it—all under one roof.”

Concluding a week-long run of motorsports business activity, this year’s PRI Trade Show will run November 30–December 1, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

After a successful 2011 show, the buzz for this year’s show began early with more than 130 exhibitors who weren’t involved in last year’s show signing on before mid-May.

“We had a strong show in 2011, beginning with a standing-room-only breakfast to open the show on Thursday,” said Kilroy. “Then we followed that up with three busy days of activity on the show floor, with business getting done throughout the exhibit hall.”

According to early indications, the PRI Trade Show is heading toward another big event as it marks its 25th year delivering business opportunities to racing entrepreneurs. “By the end of August, the number of hotel rooms that has been reserved for the show were already 1,000 ahead of last year at the same time, while online registration was already triple the amount from last year’s pace,” said Kilroy.

The 25th Annual PRI Trade Show features the latest product lines of more than 1,000 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components, as well as precision machining equipment. Approximately 38,000 racing business professionals will attend from all over the United States and 70 countries.

For more information, go to www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

The PRI Trade Show will be going through a historic milestone as it turns 25 this year. After an ever-growing Race Industry Week lead-in beginning on Monday, the PRI Trade Show will join racers together with the latest technology.

“A lot has changed over 25 years, but one thing that has stayed constant is racers always want to go faster,” said John Kilroy, PRI’s vice president/general manager. “That motivation powers the ingenious innovations on display every year at the PRI Trade Show. Attending buyers will find the latest racing technology and the suppliers who can provide it—all under one roof.”

Concluding a week-long run of motorsports business activity, this year’s PRI Trade Show will run November 30–December 1, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

After a successful 2011 show, the buzz for this year’s show began early with more than 130 exhibitors who weren’t involved in last year’s show signing on before mid-May.

“We had a strong show in 2011, beginning with a standing-room-only breakfast to open the show on Thursday,” said Kilroy. “Then we followed that up with three busy days of activity on the show floor, with business getting done throughout the exhibit hall.”

According to early indications, the PRI Trade Show is heading toward another big event as it marks its 25th year delivering business opportunities to racing entrepreneurs. “By the end of August, the number of hotel rooms that has been reserved for the show were already 1,000 ahead of last year at the same time, while online registration was already triple the amount from last year’s pace,” said Kilroy.

The 25th Annual PRI Trade Show features the latest product lines of more than 1,000 manufacturers of racing and high-performance automotive components, as well as precision machining equipment. Approximately 38,000 racing business professionals will attend from all over the United States and 70 countries.

For more information, go to www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

With little more than one month left until Show time, here are upcoming SEMA Show deadlines:   Exhibit Space Design Notification Still Accepting Hanging Sign Design Notification Still Accepting Show Directory Advertising Materials September 7 Exhibitor Registration (International to receive badges in the mail) September 21 Feature Vehicle Display Application September 21 Freeman Warehouse – First day to accept advance freight  September 24 Sponsorship Materials Due September 28 Student Program Application (Interns)  September 28 Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)  October 1

Refer to the SEMA Show's Deadline Checklist so you don't miss out on important dates.

A complete list of all upcoming deadlines can be found in the Deadline Checklist, located online in the Exhibitor Manual. There will be several deadlines hitting October 5, so continuously reference the Deadline Checklist while you are planning to receive the Advance Rates, when available, or capitalize on all the marketing opportunities offered by SEMA, many of which are free.

Promote Your Company’s Products on a Feature Vehicle

Deadline: September 21

Don’t be shut out of one of SEMA’s most visible promotional opportunities. Submit your Feature Vehicle Application online or by going to the Exhibitor Manual and finding all information regarding feature vehicles in a section on the left column. Vehicles must be unique and aligned with the industry. Feature vehicle check-in takes place Sunday, October 28. Select your check-in time when you sign up online. Vehicles are placed as they are checked in. More information is available in the Exhibitor Manual. Questions? E-mail featurevehicle@convexx.com.

Opportunities Available to Host Students and Foster the Industry's Next Generation

Deadline: September 28

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to host a student during the 2012 SEMA Show. Hosting a student is a tangible way to foster the industry’s next generation by providing them with an opportunity to gain real-world experience. The Exhibitor Host Program offers SEMA Show exhibitors an excellent opportunity to serve as positive role models and to observe qualified, dependable and productive potential employees at the Show. It’s a win-win situation. Participating students are from all over the country and represent some of the brightest, most promising individuals in automotive aftermarket careers. If you are interested in hosting a student, complete the Exhibitor Host Form. Deadline to participate is September 28, 2012. For more information, contact Juliet Marshall at JulietM@sema.org or call 909-978-6655.

Capture Your New Leads – Order the Lead Retrieval Machine

Deadline: October 3 for Advance Rate

SEMA has again partnered with CompuSystems to provide you with tools for managing the entire lead-retrieval process. Every attendee on the Show floor wears a badge with their contact information. Additional details are embedded within a bar code. CompuSystems offers a suite of lead-management products and services to easily capture and qualify leads. Different styles of units available include handheld, desktop, computer-based and a smartphone app for both Android and Apple devices. Call 708-786-5565 for more information. You will need your SEMA password to access the CompuSystems dashboard. Contact customer service at SEMA-Reg@convexx.com or call 702-450-7662, ext. 120 if you need your password. Once you are logged in, click on the link to “Order Lead Retrieval.” The deadline for receiving the Advance Rate is October 3, so act soon to get the best pricing.

Entered Ideas Alive?  New Products and Featured Products Program Offers Maximum Exposure!

You must be entered in this program. First entry is free! Buyers and media hang out in this section because they are looking for the latest and greatest products. Don’t miss this opportunity. It is important to have products in the New Products Showcase if you really want to give your business maximum exposure.

Is a Third-Party Providing You Services at the Show? Complete All EAC Requirements to Avoid Delay or Extra Costs

Deadline: October 12

An Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) is a third-party contractor performing services for an exhibitor. Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete the application by the October 12 deadline. Questions? Contact Donna Lawson at 702-450-7662, ext. 100 or e-mail EAC@sema.org.

With little more than one month left until Show time, here are upcoming SEMA Show deadlines:   Exhibit Space Design Notification Still Accepting Hanging Sign Design Notification Still Accepting Show Directory Advertising Materials September 7 Exhibitor Registration (International to receive badges in the mail) September 21 Feature Vehicle Display Application September 21 Freeman Warehouse – First day to accept advance freight  September 24 Sponsorship Materials Due September 28 Student Program Application (Interns)  September 28 Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)  October 1

Refer to the SEMA Show's Deadline Checklist so you don't miss out on important dates.

A complete list of all upcoming deadlines can be found in the Deadline Checklist, located online in the Exhibitor Manual. There will be several deadlines hitting October 5, so continuously reference the Deadline Checklist while you are planning to receive the Advance Rates, when available, or capitalize on all the marketing opportunities offered by SEMA, many of which are free.

Promote Your Company’s Products on a Feature Vehicle

Deadline: September 21

Don’t be shut out of one of SEMA’s most visible promotional opportunities. Submit your Feature Vehicle Application online or by going to the Exhibitor Manual and finding all information regarding feature vehicles in a section on the left column. Vehicles must be unique and aligned with the industry. Feature vehicle check-in takes place Sunday, October 28. Select your check-in time when you sign up online. Vehicles are placed as they are checked in. More information is available in the Exhibitor Manual. Questions? E-mail featurevehicle@convexx.com.

Opportunities Available to Host Students and Foster the Industry's Next Generation

Deadline: September 28

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to host a student during the 2012 SEMA Show. Hosting a student is a tangible way to foster the industry’s next generation by providing them with an opportunity to gain real-world experience. The Exhibitor Host Program offers SEMA Show exhibitors an excellent opportunity to serve as positive role models and to observe qualified, dependable and productive potential employees at the Show. It’s a win-win situation. Participating students are from all over the country and represent some of the brightest, most promising individuals in automotive aftermarket careers. If you are interested in hosting a student, complete the Exhibitor Host Form. Deadline to participate is September 28, 2012. For more information, contact Juliet Marshall at JulietM@sema.org or call 909-978-6655.

Capture Your New Leads – Order the Lead Retrieval Machine

Deadline: October 3 for Advance Rate

SEMA has again partnered with CompuSystems to provide you with tools for managing the entire lead-retrieval process. Every attendee on the Show floor wears a badge with their contact information. Additional details are embedded within a bar code. CompuSystems offers a suite of lead-management products and services to easily capture and qualify leads. Different styles of units available include handheld, desktop, computer-based and a smartphone app for both Android and Apple devices. Call 708-786-5565 for more information. You will need your SEMA password to access the CompuSystems dashboard. Contact customer service at SEMA-Reg@convexx.com or call 702-450-7662, ext. 120 if you need your password. Once you are logged in, click on the link to “Order Lead Retrieval.” The deadline for receiving the Advance Rate is October 3, so act soon to get the best pricing.

Entered Ideas Alive?  New Products and Featured Products Program Offers Maximum Exposure!

You must be entered in this program. First entry is free! Buyers and media hang out in this section because they are looking for the latest and greatest products. Don’t miss this opportunity. It is important to have products in the New Products Showcase if you really want to give your business maximum exposure.

Is a Third-Party Providing You Services at the Show? Complete All EAC Requirements to Avoid Delay or Extra Costs

Deadline: October 12

An Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) is a third-party contractor performing services for an exhibitor. Contractors subject to the EAC rules are any companies and/or individuals that provide services to SEMA exhibitors, including, but not limited to, an installation and dismantling company, exhibit builder, sound and lighting company, detailer or any person or company providing direct services other than the official contractors listed in the Exhibitor Manual. EACs must conform to the EAC rules of the SEMA Show and complete the application by the October 12 deadline. Questions? Contact Donna Lawson at 702-450-7662, ext. 100 or e-mail EAC@sema.org.

The Obama Administration has requested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) resolve a trade dispute with China over at least $1 billion in alleged subsidies made available to Chinese auto and auto-parts exporters between 2009 and 2011. The U.S. government contends that the subsidies are unfair under WTO rules and threaten jobs in America’s $350 billion auto sector. China is accused of providing cash grants, tax preferences and interest-rate subsidies for both original equipment and aftermarket motor vehicle parts. 

The WTO action is the latest in a series of disputes by both countries over trade rules for autos, tires and several other commodities. Exports of Chinese-made auto parts have risen nearly tenfold in the last decade, from $7.4 billion in 2002 to nearly $70 billion in 2011. Although the trade dispute could result in the imposition of tariffs, a more likely result is that China would abandon the subsidies if its policy is found to be unfair. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The Obama Administration has requested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) resolve a trade dispute with China over at least $1 billion in alleged subsidies made available to Chinese auto and auto-parts exporters between 2009 and 2011. The U.S. government contends that the subsidies are unfair under WTO rules and threaten jobs in America’s $350 billion auto sector. China is accused of providing cash grants, tax preferences and interest-rate subsidies for both original equipment and aftermarket motor vehicle parts. 

The WTO action is the latest in a series of disputes by both countries over trade rules for autos, tires and several other commodities. Exports of Chinese-made auto parts have risen nearly tenfold in the last decade, from $7.4 billion in 2002 to nearly $70 billion in 2011. Although the trade dispute could result in the imposition of tariffs, a more likely result is that China would abandon the subsidies if its policy is found to be unfair. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.