SEMA News—June 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

SEMA Young Executives Announce “Launch Pad” Contest

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) has announced a new competition that offers executive-level innovators under the age of 40 a platform to showcase their business plans for marketing a new automotive product and service. The “SEMA Launch Pad” contest will earn the grand-prize winner a package of advertising tools to help take his or her business to the next level.

Through this competition, five finalists will have their business plans peer reviewed by industry leaders at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The grand-prize winner will earn an array of prizes, including a 10x10-ft. booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, an ad in Hot Rod or 4 Wheel & Off Road magazine, a Family Events sponsorship package and more. Even if companies don’t win the grand prize, they will still benefit from the opportunity to be promoted to thousands of industry professionals eager to learn more about innovative products and services.

For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.SEMA.org/launch-pad. Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at bryanh@SEMA.org.

SEMA News—June 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

SEMA Young Executives Announce “Launch Pad” Contest

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) has announced a new competition that offers executive-level innovators under the age of 40 a platform to showcase their business plans for marketing a new automotive product and service. The “SEMA Launch Pad” contest will earn the grand-prize winner a package of advertising tools to help take his or her business to the next level.

Through this competition, five finalists will have their business plans peer reviewed by industry leaders at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The grand-prize winner will earn an array of prizes, including a 10x10-ft. booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, an ad in Hot Rod or 4 Wheel & Off Road magazine, a Family Events sponsorship package and more. Even if companies don’t win the grand prize, they will still benefit from the opportunity to be promoted to thousands of industry professionals eager to learn more about innovative products and services.

For more information and to fill out an application, visit www.SEMA.org/launch-pad. Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager of Councils Bryan Harrison at bryanh@SEMA.org.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

Q&A With Tim Martin

SEMA News: Why are you running for the Chair-Elect position on the SEMA Board of Directors?

Tim Martin: SEMA plays an important role in protecting and growing our industry and our lifestyle of vehicle customization, restoration and motorsports. These areas are threatened by change. We need our industry association to help grow our unique markets and help prevent the specialty aftermarket from being harmed by unnecessary government regulations. SEMA has the financial resources and critical mass to make a difference. As SEMA chairman, I will ensure that SEMA resources are used wisely to help expand awareness of our industry and lifestyle, protect the rights of consumers to modify and restore their vehicles, promote grassroots motorsports and help businesses succeed by providing useful research, educational programs, legislative advocacy, industry standards, marketing programs, networking and other business services needed by SEMA members. I will work to help SEMA improve the services it provides to manufacturers, distributors and independent businesses that sell and install vehicle modifications and other performance parts.

SN: For small businesses, the past five years have been focused on coping with the recession. Now that the economy is slowly beginning to improve, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing small businesses? What should the association be doing to help?

TM: Small businesses will continue to be challenged by a variety of economic and regulatory pressures. Aftermarket small businesses must work to find new ways to provide valued products and services to consumers while abiding by local and federal regulations, including new requirements such as health insurance. SEMA has always connected manufacturers with the small businesses and people who sell premium automotive customization and racing products. SEMA should continue to look for ways to efficiently educate small business owners about new products, industry trends and better business practices that help them succeed. SEMA should also work to identify new challenges to small independent aftermarket businesses so that SEMA can create new programs and discounted services that address these needs to help businesses more effectively market and sell specialty products.

SN: Recruiting young people to work in the specialty-equipment industry continues to be an important initiative at SEMA. As chairman, what do you hope to accomplish on this issue beyond supporting SEMA’s existing programs?

TM: I chaired the SEMA Next Generation Task Force in 2013, and we identified several ways that SEMA can expand youth education, outreach and recruiting programs. Educational institutions are eager to partner with SEMA to create opportunities for their students. This includes high schools, vocational schools, colleges and post-graduate research institutions. Youth motorsports affiliations can also provide large populations of people interested in vehicle performance and customization. These provide a great opportunity for SEMA to expand awareness of the aftermarket and at the same time help member companies find talented people. I will work to ensure that SEMA improves programs and services that benefit industry professionals as well as people considering careers in the aftermarket.

SN: The SEMA Data Co-op is beginning to gain critical mass in terms of industry participation, with nearly 200 suppliers and 142 receivers participating. Yet there remains an opportunity to build further infrastructure to accommodate the needs of different segments as well as new tools to make the process easier. Where do you see the SEMA Data Co-op in five years, and what kind of priority would you assign to move the project closer to achieving its goal of opening sales to new customers?

TM: The SEMA Data Co-op provides a huge opportunity to address unique needs of various specialty product and service segments. We cannot rely on OEM and direct replacement parts approaches to ensure that unique specialty products and services are described properly and marketed effectively. Gaps in information create missed opportunities that reduce sales or result in dissatisfied customers.

The SEMA Data Co-op creates a foundation of tools to help create better information and provide data capabilities and unified distribution that help cost-effectively maintain synchronized data between manufacturers and sellers. From this foundation, SEMA will create integrated data products, selling tools and marketing programs that build awareness and create opportunities for a wide variety of SEMA members. SEMA can be much more active in the marketing of our industry to consumers. The SEMA Data Co-op will support effective marketing platforms that make it possible to expand consumer awareness about vehicle customization and provide mechanisms for manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to collaborate in that process. I would place a very high priority on this initiative and feel that technology changes and regulatory threats make this more important than ever.

SN: Designing parts that synchronize and complement the latest breakthroughs in automotive technology requires a substantial research-and-development investment. During your tenure as chairman, what advancements would you like to see in the benefits and services SEMA offers to member companies in the manufacturing sector to enable them to cope with changes now on the horizon?

TM: SEMA can help in various segments with research and product development support services. SEMA has placed additional emphasis on vehicle technology and research programs. The new SEMA product development center provides many opportunities for SEMA to help manufacturers with research and development, vehicle fitment, testing, other beneficial services and good advice. SEMA can help to obtain vehicle information, vehicle measurement data, interfaces and performance information.

SEMA can provide better aftermarket industry collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and expand Technology Transfer. SEMA can help vehicle manufacturers better appreciate aftermarket products and our industry. SEMA can provide performance and regulatory compliance test services, prototyping, fit testing, photography, media outreach, training and other services that help manufacturers get better products to market faster and cheaper.

SN: In both the Middle East and China, SEMA now hosts successful events designed to introduce our members to these markets with meetings between manufacturers and buyers, and more of these kinds of events are in the planning stages. How should we decide about which new markets to prioritize as SEMA-member companies increase their ability to sell globally?

TM: The SEMA trips to China and the Middle East have been effective ways for manufacturers to introduce products to new markets, and this tends to expand awareness and grows the market for everyone. SEMA should expand these programs significantly. The expansion can be based on regional vehicle populations or other data to indicate regional interest. There are automotive trade shows around the world, but many of these miss the SEMA focus on racing, performance, customization and restoration. Our ability to expand global awareness of these unique lifestyles is important in an era of expanding global regulation. SEMA global outreach programs expand our industry footprint and help members work together to address common challenges.

SEMA News—June 2013

NEW PRODUCTS
By Steve Campbell

Mobile-Electronics Products

New Offerings to Make the Automobile Smarter, More Efficient and More Entertaining

Only a few decades ago, most automotive systems were mechanical or analog. Carbureted engines, manual transmissions and knob-tuned AM radios were standard equipment. But even the most basic of today’s cars and trucks offer a cornucopia of electronic controls that improve functionality and the driving experience. New specialty-equipment devices ranging from telemetry for hands-free communications and satellite navigation to powertrain tuning software and radio-frequency links with the home provide an almost dizzying array of options even beyond the sophisticated creations delivered at showrooms by the carmakers.

The mobile-electronics displays housed in the North Hall of the annual SEMA Show have increased in number and scope every year, and many exhibits in other product categories—street performance, off-road, tools and equipment, you name it—derive some portion of their usefulness from high-tech components.

In the following pages, we’ve cataloged the electronic offerings that were unveiled in the New Products Showcase during the 2012 event. Retailers in particular might want to examine the listings for items that will draw consumers and boost sales.

SEMA News—June 2013

NEW PRODUCTS
By Steve Campbell

Mobile-Electronics Products

New Offerings to Make the Automobile Smarter, More Efficient and More Entertaining

Only a few decades ago, most automotive systems were mechanical or analog. Carbureted engines, manual transmissions and knob-tuned AM radios were standard equipment. But even the most basic of today’s cars and trucks offer a cornucopia of electronic controls that improve functionality and the driving experience. New specialty-equipment devices ranging from telemetry for hands-free communications and satellite navigation to powertrain tuning software and radio-frequency links with the home provide an almost dizzying array of options even beyond the sophisticated creations delivered at showrooms by the carmakers.

The mobile-electronics displays housed in the North Hall of the annual SEMA Show have increased in number and scope every year, and many exhibits in other product categories—street performance, off-road, tools and equipment, you name it—derive some portion of their usefulness from high-tech components.

In the following pages, we’ve cataloged the electronic offerings that were unveiled in the New Products Showcase during the 2012 event. Retailers in particular might want to examine the listings for items that will draw consumers and boost sales.