KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

KGP Photography's man in Europe has caught a Lexus-based mule for what appears to be a future crossover to slot in beneath the RX. The mule—based on a modified Lexus CT200h body with a higher-riding suspension setup—was among an assembly of varied crossover/SUV offerings outside of a Toyota workshop in Europe. The benchmark vehicles on hand consisted of a Nissan Qashqai, a Skoda Yeti and an Audi Q3.

The spectre of a sub-RX Lexus crossover has been rumored for more than one year now, and most analysts made the logical assumption that such an offering would spring forth from the recently updated Toyota RAV4. The CT200h-based mule caught here would seem to throw the RAV4-based assumptions into question. A CT200h-based crossover would seem to be consistent with the attack taken by Mercedes with its upcoming A-class-based GLA.

It now seems clear that Lexus is taking concrete development steps toward a smaller crossover, although the early indications is that the first mule is taking a different approach than originally predicted. 

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By SEMA Editors

This year, exhibitors who register their products for display in the New Products Showcase will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek digital marketplace.

Introducing SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek—a new digital marketplace for SEMA exhibitors to showcase their products to automotive enthusiasts 365 days/year.

With your New Products Showcase Registration, you will be automatically enrolled in the free Starter Package for the exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace. To ensure your product has the greatest visibility and placement, visit the SEMA Collection website for information on package upgrades. There, you will also find information on how your company can be eligible for a digital advertising package valued at $30,000.

All exhibitors are eligible to participate in this program through the upgrade options.

Stay Informed

Opt-in to receive e-mails about SEMA Collection powered by Autoweek and you could win a $50 American Express gift card.

Upgrade your Package

Register now to lock in introductory pricing and get more information.

Questions?

Send an e-mail to SEMACollection@autoweek.com.

By Linda Spencer

Jeff Victer (left), director of global sales for Prolong Super Lubri­cants, said that the Chinese market is very important to his com­pany’s strategy because of the country’s size, scope and depth of opportunity. “In the near future, I believe the potential for the Chi­nese specialty-equipment market could easily be 10 times the size of the U.S. market,” he said.

Get in on the ground level at what is likely to be one of the largest consumer specialty-product markets. The SEMA China Business Development Tour—from September 11–14, 2013—allows participants to gain insight into the growing specialty market for 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. Participants will learn what products sell, what products are in demand and for which applications through networking opportunities with retailers and wholesalers.

Benefits for participating SEMA members include:

• A first-hand look at the developing specialty-equipment market. The delegation will visit off-road and street-performance shops.
• A booth at the China International Auto Expo (CIAPE)—a major show in the heart of Beijing, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Meet in your booth with SEMA pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Qualified exhibitors will receive a U.S. grant of $1,000 to defray the costs of participation.
• Program costs include hotel, meals, interpreters and access to buyers from throughout China (flights to and from the United States are not included).

–Jeff Victer, Prolong Super Lubricants

SCT President Rick Trudo estimated that his company's sales in China and other markets outside the United States will surpass its U.S. sales by 2015.

"China's growing middle class and Western influences have created tremendous demand for quality U.S.-made products. In the one-child-only Chinese society, personalization is everything, and everyone wants to be different."

–George Hsieh, K&N

"China is a very important destination for our products."

–Nathan Calabrese, OMIX-ADA

By Linda Spencer

Jeff Victer (left), director of global sales for Prolong Super Lubri­cants, said that the Chinese market is very important to his com­pany’s strategy because of the country’s size, scope and depth of opportunity. “In the near future, I believe the potential for the Chi­nese specialty-equipment market could easily be 10 times the size of the U.S. market,” he said.

Get in on the ground level at what is likely to be one of the largest consumer specialty-product markets. The SEMA China Business Development Tour—from September 11–14, 2013—allows participants to gain insight into the growing specialty market for 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. Participants will learn what products sell, what products are in demand and for which applications through networking opportunities with retailers and wholesalers.

Benefits for participating SEMA members include:

• A first-hand look at the developing specialty-equipment market. The delegation will visit off-road and street-performance shops.
• A booth at the China International Auto Expo (CIAPE)—a major show in the heart of Beijing, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Meet in your booth with SEMA pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Qualified exhibitors will receive a U.S. grant of $1,000 to defray the costs of participation.
• Program costs include hotel, meals, interpreters and access to buyers from throughout China (flights to and from the United States are not included).

–Jeff Victer, Prolong Super Lubricants

SCT President Rick Trudo estimated that his company's sales in China and other markets outside the United States will surpass its U.S. sales by 2015.

"China's growing middle class and Western influences have created tremendous demand for quality U.S.-made products. In the one-child-only Chinese society, personalization is everything, and everyone wants to be different."

–George Hsieh, K&N

"China is a very important destination for our products."

–Nathan Calabrese, OMIX-ADA

By Della Domingo

	From Left to Right: Kenneth E. Hyatt, acting deputy undersecretary for International Trade U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration; Scooter Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board; Linda Spencer, SEMA international and government relations director; and Rebecca M. Blank, U.S. acting secretary of commerce.

U.S. Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank has presented SEMA with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

“As a trade association, SEMA seeks to help member companies grow and expand their businesses,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “One of the many ways SEMA helps its members grow is through exporting. For many of our members, exporting products to key international markets is integral to their success, and SEMA is available to help identify strategic markets and guide members along the way.”

“SEMA has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said Blank in her congratulatory letter. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with SEMA’s International Vehicle Measuring Program. The organization’s work to support the developing legal frameworks for emerging specialty-equipment industries in China and the United Arab Emirates was particularly compelling. SEMA’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

SEMA’s international relations program helps its members grow their businesses in key overseas markets. The program includes international research to identify developing markets, working with international officials on legislative issues, creating venues for SEMA members to connect with international buyers and more.

Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies, which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.

U.S. exports hit an all-time record of $2.2 trillion in 2012, and supported nearly 10 million American jobs. President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014 and support an additional 2 million jobs in the United States, is opening new avenues for U.S. exporters through enhanced export assistance and a strengthened trade agenda that is targeting emerging markets and industry sectors across the globe.

President Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. The “E” Award Program was established by Executive Order 10978 on December 5, 1961. A total of 57 U.S. companies were presented with the President’s “E” Award this year.