Senate Resolution 115 has been introduced to the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced Senate Resolution 115 (S. Res 115) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res 115 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”

The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res 115, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

Senate Resolution 115 will next be considered and voted upon by the Senate. Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

	Senate Resolution 115 has been introduced to the United States Senate to officially designate July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” This is a significant step in recognizing the integral role collector cars, such as this Chevy Bel Air, have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

At the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils, Senator John Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) have introduced Senate Resolution 115 (S. Res 115) in the United States Senate, officially designating July 8, 2011, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” S. Res 115 states that the Senate “recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.”

The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. “Last year, the United States Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. As we move forward, SEMA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive-restoration industry through its projects and programs is evident in this special day.”

Senators Tester and Burr, both members of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington. By sponsoring S. Res 115, Tester and Burr have reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

Senate Resolution 115 will next be considered and voted upon by the Senate. Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged to organize events to help celebrate the day. For a listing of 2011 Collector Car Appreciation Day events already planned, please visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN). For more information or to have your event included, please contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

 

	Twenty-seven manufacturing companies from various market segments, ranging from wheels and tires, racing and performance and mobile electronics, came to check out the ’12 Scion iQ at SEMA headquarters on March 15.

The SEMA Measuring Session program provides a first look at new or modified vehicle models before they are launched. These sessions create an opportunity for SEMA members to work first-hand with the OEs on a new vehicle, allowing them to take accurate measurements and gather specific data they need to design and develop aftermarket parts and accessories. This exclusive member benefit is offered to manufacturing companies as a seamless way of keeping their product lines current.

According to Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director, OEM relations, the measuring sessions not only benefit the members but also the OEs. The program serves as a platform for “the OEs to allow the members to develop and market the aftermarket parts and accessories simultaneously with the launch of the vehicle. Measuring sessions allow for better aftermarket products to be developed, with fit and finish more like an OE finish. Further, the program stimulates sales in the marketplace when people know there are going to be more accessories available so that they can distinguish their vehicle as a reflection of their personality.”

The recent ’12 Scion iQ measuring session, held March 15, at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, attracted 27 manufacturing companies from various market segments, ranging from wheels and tires, racing and performance, mobile electronics and others. Members had a chance to collect accurate measurements and data on the new model that goes on sale this summer.

Daniel La Blanc, marketing manager of OEM Audio +, attended the measuring session and shared his insight: “It provides irrefutable first-hand knowledge of how the final production vehicles are going to be in terms of components, finishes and dimensions, just to name a few. It is as close to production as you can get," he said.

"Specific to OEM Audio +, we can look into factory harness connectivity and its routing. We are also able to scout for feasible mounting locations for our upgraded OEM amplifiers and subwoofer enclosures. Third and most importantly, SEMA sessions provide us with full, unhindered access to all the speaker mounting locations from which we can document dimensions, mounting hole patterns and envelopes available for each speaker location.”

For Richard Ornelas, product development engineer at Myron & Davis, the session provides him with “a forecast and even technical and mechanical information Myron & Davis needs to stay ahead in the aftermarket navigation/mobile entertainment industry. The session also helps us decide on certain projects we may want to venture on.”

Sessions are typically held three to six months prior to the launch of the vehicle by the OE so that the manufacturers have enough time to design, manufacture and market their products in time for the launch. SEMA manufacturing members are encouraged to participate in future sessions.

“Having the session for next year's car models today affords you the luxury of applying lessons learned straight into your current product offerings, future ones and minimizing the impact of planned obsolescence into your products' lifecycle simply because you are aware of impending changes,” said La Blanc, emphasizing that the sessions lead to ways to find solutions ahead of non-SEMA members.

Several more measuring sessions have been scheduled in the upcoming months. The ’12 Volkswagen Passat and Jetta sessions will take place on April 4–5 at Volkswagen of America, Ontario Learning Center in Ontario, California. The ’12 Hyundai Veloster session will be held on April 12 at Hyundai Motor America Service Center in Fountain Valley, California. Register for these sessions here. 

For more information on upcoming measuring sessions, visit www.sema.org/measuring-sessions or contact Bill Wolf.

 

	Twenty-seven manufacturing companies from various market segments, ranging from wheels and tires, racing and performance and mobile electronics, came to check out the ’12 Scion iQ at SEMA headquarters on March 15.

The SEMA Measuring Session program provides a first look at new or modified vehicle models before they are launched. These sessions create an opportunity for SEMA members to work first-hand with the OEs on a new vehicle, allowing them to take accurate measurements and gather specific data they need to design and develop aftermarket parts and accessories. This exclusive member benefit is offered to manufacturing companies as a seamless way of keeping their product lines current.

According to Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director, OEM relations, the measuring sessions not only benefit the members but also the OEs. The program serves as a platform for “the OEs to allow the members to develop and market the aftermarket parts and accessories simultaneously with the launch of the vehicle. Measuring sessions allow for better aftermarket products to be developed, with fit and finish more like an OE finish. Further, the program stimulates sales in the marketplace when people know there are going to be more accessories available so that they can distinguish their vehicle as a reflection of their personality.”

The recent ’12 Scion iQ measuring session, held March 15, at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, attracted 27 manufacturing companies from various market segments, ranging from wheels and tires, racing and performance, mobile electronics and others. Members had a chance to collect accurate measurements and data on the new model that goes on sale this summer.

Daniel La Blanc, marketing manager of OEM Audio +, attended the measuring session and shared his insight: “It provides irrefutable first-hand knowledge of how the final production vehicles are going to be in terms of components, finishes and dimensions, just to name a few. It is as close to production as you can get," he said.

"Specific to OEM Audio +, we can look into factory harness connectivity and its routing. We are also able to scout for feasible mounting locations for our upgraded OEM amplifiers and subwoofer enclosures. Third and most importantly, SEMA sessions provide us with full, unhindered access to all the speaker mounting locations from which we can document dimensions, mounting hole patterns and envelopes available for each speaker location.”

For Richard Ornelas, product development engineer at Myron & Davis, the session provides him with “a forecast and even technical and mechanical information Myron & Davis needs to stay ahead in the aftermarket navigation/mobile entertainment industry. The session also helps us decide on certain projects we may want to venture on.”

Sessions are typically held three to six months prior to the launch of the vehicle by the OE so that the manufacturers have enough time to design, manufacture and market their products in time for the launch. SEMA manufacturing members are encouraged to participate in future sessions.

“Having the session for next year's car models today affords you the luxury of applying lessons learned straight into your current product offerings, future ones and minimizing the impact of planned obsolescence into your products' lifecycle simply because you are aware of impending changes,” said La Blanc, emphasizing that the sessions lead to ways to find solutions ahead of non-SEMA members.

Several more measuring sessions have been scheduled in the upcoming months. The ’12 Volkswagen Passat and Jetta sessions will take place on April 4–5 at Volkswagen of America, Ontario Learning Center in Ontario, California. The ’12 Hyundai Veloster session will be held on April 12 at Hyundai Motor America Service Center in Fountain Valley, California. Register for these sessions here. 

For more information on upcoming measuring sessions, visit www.sema.org/measuring-sessions or contact Bill Wolf.

 

	The SEMA Show is the largest trade show of its kind and is attended by more than 50,000 buyers annually.

For the second consecutive year, booth space reservations for the 2011 SEMA Show are up, indicating continuing signs of economic recovery. Exhibitor contract submissions are up 23% and net square feet requested is up 5%. This increase is a strong indicator that in 2011, the SEMA Show is a top priority for manufacturers.

Nowhere else does the automotive specialty-equipment world truly come together than at the SEMA Show; it is the largest trade show of its kind on the planet. Exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show can help your company achieve high value and high ROI through exclusive exhibitor opportunities and programs:

• Find new buyers from among the 50,000+ who attend the Show.
• Renew relationships with existing buyers.
• Showcase your new and existing products at the New Products/Featured Products Showcase.
• Free drayage to exhibitors with 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles.
• Special cost-saving opportunities.
• Discounted booth packages through Freeman.
• Exposure to 2,500 domestic and international media.
• Brand and product exposure on SEMA’s websites and publications.
• SEMAphotos.com
• EnjoytheDrive.com, our consumer-facing website.
• SEMA eNews, our weekly eNewsletter.
• SEMA News, our monthly print magazine.
• Rock-bottom SEMA-negotiated hotel rates.

The deadline to participate in the priority space selection is April 29, 2011. Begin the process of exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show today by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

SEMA has created exhibitor prospectuses for each market segment and a general prospectus for exhibitors with products in more than one market. For more information about exhibiting, click on the links below to view the exhibitor prospectus for your market.

• General Prospectus
• Collision & Repair Prospectus
• Hot Rod & Restoration Prospectus
• Mobile Electronics & Technology Prospectus
• Powersports & Utility Vehicles Prospectus
• Racing & Performance Prospectus
• Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA Prospectus
• Truck, SUV & Off-Road Prospectus
• Wheel & Accessories Prospectus

SEMA and ConvExx Show Management staff members are ready to assist you. Should you have any questions or need further information regarding exhibit space, contact ConvExx Show Management at 702/450-7662, ext. 120, or e-mail SEMA-exhibit@ConvExx.com for prompt, personalized service.

 

	The SEMA Show is the largest trade show of its kind and is attended by more than 50,000 buyers annually.

For the second consecutive year, booth space reservations for the 2011 SEMA Show are up, indicating continuing signs of economic recovery. Exhibitor contract submissions are up 23% and net square feet requested is up 5%. This increase is a strong indicator that in 2011, the SEMA Show is a top priority for manufacturers.

Nowhere else does the automotive specialty-equipment world truly come together than at the SEMA Show; it is the largest trade show of its kind on the planet. Exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show can help your company achieve high value and high ROI through exclusive exhibitor opportunities and programs:

• Find new buyers from among the 50,000+ who attend the Show.
• Renew relationships with existing buyers.
• Showcase your new and existing products at the New Products/Featured Products Showcase.
• Free drayage to exhibitors with 1,000 lbs. or less of freight that is transported to the Show in their personal vehicles.
• Special cost-saving opportunities.
• Discounted booth packages through Freeman.
• Exposure to 2,500 domestic and international media.
• Brand and product exposure on SEMA’s websites and publications.
• SEMAphotos.com
• EnjoytheDrive.com, our consumer-facing website.
• SEMA eNews, our weekly eNewsletter.
• SEMA News, our monthly print magazine.
• Rock-bottom SEMA-negotiated hotel rates.

The deadline to participate in the priority space selection is April 29, 2011. Begin the process of exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show today by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

SEMA has created exhibitor prospectuses for each market segment and a general prospectus for exhibitors with products in more than one market. For more information about exhibiting, click on the links below to view the exhibitor prospectus for your market.

• General Prospectus
• Collision & Repair Prospectus
• Hot Rod & Restoration Prospectus
• Mobile Electronics & Technology Prospectus
• Powersports & Utility Vehicles Prospectus
• Racing & Performance Prospectus
• Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA Prospectus
• Truck, SUV & Off-Road Prospectus
• Wheel & Accessories Prospectus

SEMA and ConvExx Show Management staff members are ready to assist you. Should you have any questions or need further information regarding exhibit space, contact ConvExx Show Management at 702/450-7662, ext. 120, or e-mail SEMA-exhibit@ConvExx.com for prompt, personalized service.

	The 2010 SEMA Board of Directors.

Candidates for the 2011 SEMA Board of Directors election have been announced. In addition to the 17 members vying for a seat on the Board, this year’s election includes voting for the chairman-elect. The chairman-elect plays a critical role in the industry, serving as chairman-elect for two years before transitioning to the chairman of the Board position.

Candidates for all SEMA Board categories include:

Chairman-Elect:

• Doug Evans, Source Interlink Media
• Nate Shelton, B&M Automotive Group

Manufacturers:

• Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit, Inc. (incumbent)
• John Brueggeman, 3M
• Jim Chick, Bestop Inc.
• Raymond King, Federal Mogul
• Tim Martin, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Mike Spagnola, Street Scene Equipment (incumbent)
• Brock Weld, BMF Wheels
• Steve Wolcott, ProMedia LLC
• Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter (incumbent)

Distributor/Retailer & Services:

• Greg Adler, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors Inc (incumbent)
• J.R. Moore, Performance Warehouse
• Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors
• Brock Rude, JR Motorsports
• Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply Inc. (incumbent)

Manufacturer’s Rep:

• Jeff Bates, Bob Cook Sales (incumbent)
• Joel Rosenthal, Gantt-Thomas and Associates Inc.

Photos and backgrounds of all of the candidates will be posted on www.sema.org by mid-May.

Election materials, including online voting instructions, will be sent to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies within the corresponding categories by May 16, 2011, and are due back by June 14, 2011.

For more information about the 2011–2012 SEMA Board of Directors elections, contact Judi Ritchie at judir@sema.org, 909/978-6671 or Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org, 909/978-6689.

	The 2010 SEMA Board of Directors.

Candidates for the 2011 SEMA Board of Directors election have been announced. In addition to the 17 members vying for a seat on the Board, this year’s election includes voting for the chairman-elect. The chairman-elect plays a critical role in the industry, serving as chairman-elect for two years before transitioning to the chairman of the Board position.

Candidates for all SEMA Board categories include:

Chairman-Elect:

• Doug Evans, Source Interlink Media
• Nate Shelton, B&M Automotive Group

Manufacturers:

• Joel Ayres, Bedslide/Takit, Inc. (incumbent)
• John Brueggeman, 3M
• Jim Chick, Bestop Inc.
• Raymond King, Federal Mogul
• Tim Martin, K&N Engineering Inc.
• Mike Spagnola, Street Scene Equipment (incumbent)
• Brock Weld, BMF Wheels
• Steve Wolcott, ProMedia LLC
• Jeep Worthan, Auto Meter (incumbent)

Distributor/Retailer & Services:

• Greg Adler, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Donnie Eatherly, P&E Distributors Inc (incumbent)
• J.R. Moore, Performance Warehouse
• Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors
• Brock Rude, JR Motorsports
• Van Woodell, Weathers Auto Supply Inc. (incumbent)

Manufacturer’s Rep:

• Jeff Bates, Bob Cook Sales (incumbent)
• Joel Rosenthal, Gantt-Thomas and Associates Inc.

Photos and backgrounds of all of the candidates will be posted on www.sema.org by mid-May.

Election materials, including online voting instructions, will be sent to the primary contacts at eligible SEMA-member companies within the corresponding categories by May 16, 2011, and are due back by June 14, 2011.

For more information about the 2011–2012 SEMA Board of Directors elections, contact Judi Ritchie at judir@sema.org, 909/978-6671 or Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org, 909/978-6689.

The European Commission proposed earlier this week to ban “conventionally fuelled cars” from all center cities throughout the 27 national European Union (E.U.) by 2050. Insisting citizens could walk, bike or take public transportation, E.U. Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas announced to a packed March 28 press conference that the European Commission is prepared through taxes and regulations to have a zero-tolerance policy of cars within European cities.

“That means no more conventionally fuelled cars in our city centres," he said.

The drastic measures were proposed in order to reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions in transport by 60% by 2050, according to just-released commission documents. Opposition to the proposal has been growing with the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) pronouncing, "a simple call for a decrease in the use of motor vehicles will not provide the easy solution it appears to be because there will not be less demand for the flexible solutions that road transport provides in contrast to other modes.” 

UK Transport Minister Norman Baker, according to the BBC, was a little more blunt noting, “We will not be banning cars from city centres [sic] any more than we will be having rectangular bananas." 

The European Commission proposed earlier this week to ban “conventionally fuelled cars” from all center cities throughout the 27 national European Union (E.U.) by 2050. Insisting citizens could walk, bike or take public transportation, E.U. Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas announced to a packed March 28 press conference that the European Commission is prepared through taxes and regulations to have a zero-tolerance policy of cars within European cities.

“That means no more conventionally fuelled cars in our city centres," he said.

The drastic measures were proposed in order to reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions in transport by 60% by 2050, according to just-released commission documents. Opposition to the proposal has been growing with the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) pronouncing, "a simple call for a decrease in the use of motor vehicles will not provide the easy solution it appears to be because there will not be less demand for the flexible solutions that road transport provides in contrast to other modes.” 

UK Transport Minister Norman Baker, according to the BBC, was a little more blunt noting, “We will not be banning cars from city centres [sic] any more than we will be having rectangular bananas."