With a little less camo on the rear for testing purposes, Brenda Priddy's spy network was able to capture new details of the Cadillac ATS. First, Priddy points to the very sharp character line that slopes upward, a line that can be seen starting behind the covering on the front door.

A very elegant chrome door handle is also easy to see, along with the true shape of the rear glass and the cut line for the door itself. Another impressive feature of this prototype is the CTS Coupe-inspired rear end, which appears to come to a point at the rear.

Riding on GM's new, rear-drive Alpha chassis, the ATS has been described as a smaller, CTS-like vehicle. From the overall look of these prototypes, we'd say that's an accurate description. GM intends it to be a true competitor to the BMW 3-series.

As far as motors go, the ATS should get GM's 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder. The 3.0L V6 or the 3.6L V6 (or maybe both) should also find its' way into the ATS.

Currently, production of the ATS sedan is slated to start in July 2012, followed by the coupe in July 2013. Back in October, GM announced a $190 million investment in the Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan, to build the all-new Cadillac ATS line of vehicles.

Expect pricing to range from the high 20s to mid 30s.

If you're wondering what that contraption is on the rear door, it's an optical fifth-wheel sensor. A lens points toward the ground to give an extremely accurate measurement of speed, acceleration and g-force. Given that this particular ATS was doing wide-open-throttle runs, we'd say they were checking the acceleration!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

With a little less camo on the rear for testing purposes, Brenda Priddy's spy network was able to capture new details of the Cadillac ATS. First, Priddy points to the very sharp character line that slopes upward, a line that can be seen starting behind the covering on the front door.

A very elegant chrome door handle is also easy to see, along with the true shape of the rear glass and the cut line for the door itself. Another impressive feature of this prototype is the CTS Coupe-inspired rear end, which appears to come to a point at the rear.

Riding on GM's new, rear-drive Alpha chassis, the ATS has been described as a smaller, CTS-like vehicle. From the overall look of these prototypes, we'd say that's an accurate description. GM intends it to be a true competitor to the BMW 3-series.

As far as motors go, the ATS should get GM's 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder. The 3.0L V6 or the 3.6L V6 (or maybe both) should also find its' way into the ATS.

Currently, production of the ATS sedan is slated to start in July 2012, followed by the coupe in July 2013. Back in October, GM announced a $190 million investment in the Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, Michigan, to build the all-new Cadillac ATS line of vehicles.

Expect pricing to range from the high 20s to mid 30s.

If you're wondering what that contraption is on the rear door, it's an optical fifth-wheel sensor. A lens points toward the ground to give an extremely accurate measurement of speed, acceleration and g-force. Given that this particular ATS was doing wide-open-throttle runs, we'd say they were checking the acceleration!

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

 

	The 13th edition of the PAACE Automechanika will take place July 13–15, 2011, in Mexico City.

With more than 110,000 attendees from throughout the world and a strong representation from Latin America, including Mexico, the SEMA Show is one of the best venues for connecting with Latin American buyers; however, specialty-equipment companies can get a head start this summer by exhibiting or visiting the 13th edition of the PAACE Automechanika taking place July 13–15, 2011, in Mexico City. The show draws automotive professionals and buyers from throughout Latin America and presents a great opportunity to test the market. Last year’s annual trade-only show featured 647 exhibitors from 19 countries and was attended by more than 12,000 buyers—making it the fastest-growing show in Latin America as recently recognized by Trade Show Executive and EXPO. 

For more information, contact Kristen Woodburn at paminfo@usa.messefrankfurt.com.

 

	The 13th edition of the PAACE Automechanika will take place July 13–15, 2011, in Mexico City.

With more than 110,000 attendees from throughout the world and a strong representation from Latin America, including Mexico, the SEMA Show is one of the best venues for connecting with Latin American buyers; however, specialty-equipment companies can get a head start this summer by exhibiting or visiting the 13th edition of the PAACE Automechanika taking place July 13–15, 2011, in Mexico City. The show draws automotive professionals and buyers from throughout Latin America and presents a great opportunity to test the market. Last year’s annual trade-only show featured 647 exhibitors from 19 countries and was attended by more than 12,000 buyers—making it the fastest-growing show in Latin America as recently recognized by Trade Show Executive and EXPO. 

For more information, contact Kristen Woodburn at paminfo@usa.messefrankfurt.com.

K&N Engineering, Rampage Products, Snowbear, WaveTrac Differentials and dozens of other proactive export-savvy firms have already signed up via this online form for their free global listing in the 2011 SEMA International Buyers' Guide. This export directory will be distributed to international buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show and year-round at major overseas trade shows. Make sure that potential overseas customers know how to reach you! This benefit is available only to 2011 SEMA Show exhibitors. 

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

K&N Engineering, Rampage Products, Snowbear, WaveTrac Differentials and dozens of other proactive export-savvy firms have already signed up via this online form for their free global listing in the 2011 SEMA International Buyers' Guide. This export directory will be distributed to international buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show and year-round at major overseas trade shows. Make sure that potential overseas customers know how to reach you! This benefit is available only to 2011 SEMA Show exhibitors. 

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

 

	The SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Conference will provide the opportunity for SEMA members to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors.

It’s hard to miss news about the fast growth of China’s passenger-vehicle market. Sales rose by 37% in 2010 to 11.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates. In the United States, sales of light vehicles rose by 11% to 11.6 million units.

But, China’s passenger-vehicle market—including cars, SUVs and MPVs—didn’t take off until around 2001, so the number of passenger vehicles in operation is much smaller than in the United States. And unlike the United States, where SUVs and pickups represent more than half of the vehicles sold, the passenger vehicles in operation in China are overwhelmingly cars, mainly sedans.

But SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China, and SUV and car owners want to customize their vehicles, too. So even though the mix of products Chinese consumers seek might differ from the United States, China still has the potential to be a hot market for SEMA members.

The precise number of vehicles in operation in China is hard to calculate because the government segmentation is quite different from J.D. Power’s, Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power and Associates in Shanghai told SEMA. But, J.D. Power estimates there are some 46 million passenger vehicles currently in operation in China, said Gu.

At the end of 2010, about 88% of vehicles in operation were cars, 9% SUV, and 4% MPVs, said Gu. Worth noting is the growing popularity of SUVs. In 2007, SUVs accounted for only about 5% of the total, she said. A demand for second or replacement vehicles in China’s coastal cities is driving SUV and MPV demand, said Gu.

Pickups are not very popular in China. Sales were only about 300,000 units in 2010, said Klaus Paur, managing director of automotive research in Greater China and Korea for Synovate Motoresearch. A number of factors are currently hindering the growth of this segment, including local laws that ban pickups from being driven on main highways.

The U.S. market is huge by comparison, but there is not as much growth opportunity. At the end of 2010, nearly 240 million passenger cars and light trucks were registered on the road in the United States, according to Experian Automotive. Light trucks accounted for 50.4% of that number, up from 50.1% at the same time in 2009. Light trucks include pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans.

Unlike China, where the number of cars on the road is showing a steady rise, in the United States, the number fluctuates. According to Experian, the number of registered cars and light trucks at the end of 2010 was up on-year but down compared to the previous quarter.

One thing driving China’s car sales is that only about 35 people per 1,000 own a car. Despite a widely expected slowdown in car sales in China this year as government incentive programs end, most forecast the market growth rate to be 10% or higher.

In the United States, there are about 439 cars per 1,000 people. Sales in the United States are forecast to rise by about 12% in 2011 compared to last year, according to J.D. Power.

In the United States, SEMA estimates $1,500 is spent per vehicle on customization. The customization market is worth $28 billion annually.

In China, a number of factors should aid the growth of the market, including a loosening of laws regarding customization, growing disposable income and the rising number of vehicles on the road.

Market studies—which gauge the size of the market, such as those conducted by SEMA—for the United States simply don’t exist at the same level of detail in China. But in estimating the per-vehicle amount at only 10% of the size of the U.S. customization market, even at this early stage, it is worth about $6 billion. And that will only grow.

Explore the market by taking advantage of a SEMA-member-only conference taking place in Beijing, China, September 7–10, 2011.

This cost-effective, turn-key program includes:

• Opportunities to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors (retailers and wholesalers)
• Networking opportunities
• VIP access to a leading automotive aftermarket trade show in China
• Hotels and meals
• Promotion of your brands to top distributors and media (starting immediately)

For more information, visit www.sema.org/china or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

 

	The SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Conference will provide the opportunity for SEMA members to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors.

It’s hard to miss news about the fast growth of China’s passenger-vehicle market. Sales rose by 37% in 2010 to 11.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates. In the United States, sales of light vehicles rose by 11% to 11.6 million units.

But, China’s passenger-vehicle market—including cars, SUVs and MPVs—didn’t take off until around 2001, so the number of passenger vehicles in operation is much smaller than in the United States. And unlike the United States, where SUVs and pickups represent more than half of the vehicles sold, the passenger vehicles in operation in China are overwhelmingly cars, mainly sedans.

But SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China, and SUV and car owners want to customize their vehicles, too. So even though the mix of products Chinese consumers seek might differ from the United States, China still has the potential to be a hot market for SEMA members.

The precise number of vehicles in operation in China is hard to calculate because the government segmentation is quite different from J.D. Power’s, Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power and Associates in Shanghai told SEMA. But, J.D. Power estimates there are some 46 million passenger vehicles currently in operation in China, said Gu.

At the end of 2010, about 88% of vehicles in operation were cars, 9% SUV, and 4% MPVs, said Gu. Worth noting is the growing popularity of SUVs. In 2007, SUVs accounted for only about 5% of the total, she said. A demand for second or replacement vehicles in China’s coastal cities is driving SUV and MPV demand, said Gu.

Pickups are not very popular in China. Sales were only about 300,000 units in 2010, said Klaus Paur, managing director of automotive research in Greater China and Korea for Synovate Motoresearch. A number of factors are currently hindering the growth of this segment, including local laws that ban pickups from being driven on main highways.

The U.S. market is huge by comparison, but there is not as much growth opportunity. At the end of 2010, nearly 240 million passenger cars and light trucks were registered on the road in the United States, according to Experian Automotive. Light trucks accounted for 50.4% of that number, up from 50.1% at the same time in 2009. Light trucks include pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans.

Unlike China, where the number of cars on the road is showing a steady rise, in the United States, the number fluctuates. According to Experian, the number of registered cars and light trucks at the end of 2010 was up on-year but down compared to the previous quarter.

One thing driving China’s car sales is that only about 35 people per 1,000 own a car. Despite a widely expected slowdown in car sales in China this year as government incentive programs end, most forecast the market growth rate to be 10% or higher.

In the United States, there are about 439 cars per 1,000 people. Sales in the United States are forecast to rise by about 12% in 2011 compared to last year, according to J.D. Power.

In the United States, SEMA estimates $1,500 is spent per vehicle on customization. The customization market is worth $28 billion annually.

In China, a number of factors should aid the growth of the market, including a loosening of laws regarding customization, growing disposable income and the rising number of vehicles on the road.

Market studies—which gauge the size of the market, such as those conducted by SEMA—for the United States simply don’t exist at the same level of detail in China. But in estimating the per-vehicle amount at only 10% of the size of the U.S. customization market, even at this early stage, it is worth about $6 billion. And that will only grow.

Explore the market by taking advantage of a SEMA-member-only conference taking place in Beijing, China, September 7–10, 2011.

This cost-effective, turn-key program includes:

• Opportunities to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors (retailers and wholesalers)
• Networking opportunities
• VIP access to a leading automotive aftermarket trade show in China
• Hotels and meals
• Promotion of your brands to top distributors and media (starting immediately)

For more information, visit www.sema.org/china or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

 

	The SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Conference will provide the opportunity for SEMA members to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors.

It’s hard to miss news about the fast growth of China’s passenger-vehicle market. Sales rose by 37% in 2010 to 11.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates. In the United States, sales of light vehicles rose by 11% to 11.6 million units.

But, China’s passenger-vehicle market—including cars, SUVs and MPVs—didn’t take off until around 2001, so the number of passenger vehicles in operation is much smaller than in the United States. And unlike the United States, where SUVs and pickups represent more than half of the vehicles sold, the passenger vehicles in operation in China are overwhelmingly cars, mainly sedans.

But SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China, and SUV and car owners want to customize their vehicles, too. So even though the mix of products Chinese consumers seek might differ from the United States, China still has the potential to be a hot market for SEMA members.

The precise number of vehicles in operation in China is hard to calculate because the government segmentation is quite different from J.D. Power’s, Jenny Gu, a senior analyst with J.D. Power and Associates in Shanghai told SEMA. But, J.D. Power estimates there are some 46 million passenger vehicles currently in operation in China, said Gu.

At the end of 2010, about 88% of vehicles in operation were cars, 9% SUV, and 4% MPVs, said Gu. Worth noting is the growing popularity of SUVs. In 2007, SUVs accounted for only about 5% of the total, she said. A demand for second or replacement vehicles in China’s coastal cities is driving SUV and MPV demand, said Gu.

Pickups are not very popular in China. Sales were only about 300,000 units in 2010, said Klaus Paur, managing director of automotive research in Greater China and Korea for Synovate Motoresearch. A number of factors are currently hindering the growth of this segment, including local laws that ban pickups from being driven on main highways.

The U.S. market is huge by comparison, but there is not as much growth opportunity. At the end of 2010, nearly 240 million passenger cars and light trucks were registered on the road in the United States, according to Experian Automotive. Light trucks accounted for 50.4% of that number, up from 50.1% at the same time in 2009. Light trucks include pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans.

Unlike China, where the number of cars on the road is showing a steady rise, in the United States, the number fluctuates. According to Experian, the number of registered cars and light trucks at the end of 2010 was up on-year but down compared to the previous quarter.

One thing driving China’s car sales is that only about 35 people per 1,000 own a car. Despite a widely expected slowdown in car sales in China this year as government incentive programs end, most forecast the market growth rate to be 10% or higher.

In the United States, there are about 439 cars per 1,000 people. Sales in the United States are forecast to rise by about 12% in 2011 compared to last year, according to J.D. Power.

In the United States, SEMA estimates $1,500 is spent per vehicle on customization. The customization market is worth $28 billion annually.

In China, a number of factors should aid the growth of the market, including a loosening of laws regarding customization, growing disposable income and the rising number of vehicles on the road.

Market studies—which gauge the size of the market, such as those conducted by SEMA—for the United States simply don’t exist at the same level of detail in China. But in estimating the per-vehicle amount at only 10% of the size of the U.S. customization market, even at this early stage, it is worth about $6 billion. And that will only grow.

Explore the market by taking advantage of a SEMA-member-only conference taking place in Beijing, China, September 7–10, 2011.

This cost-effective, turn-key program includes:

• Opportunities to meet one-on-one with top Chinese distributors (retailers and wholesalers)
• Networking opportunities
• VIP access to a leading automotive aftermarket trade show in China
• Hotels and meals
• Promotion of your brands to top distributors and media (starting immediately)

For more information, visit www.sema.org/china or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

This year, Paul "Scooter" Brothers will be a featured presenter at the 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in a panel discussion entitled, "The Business Side of Racing."

The 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead” when it convenes Wednesday, May 18–Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. GAAS 2011 marks the 16th anniversary of the event that annually gathers the leaders of the automotive aftermarket for education and networking opportunities.

“We all see the economy picking up, which has resulted in more optimism in the aftermarket,” said Dave Caracci, GAAS chairman. "GAAS 2011 speakers will focus on the bright future of our industry and what it will take to succeed in the next five to 10 years."

One of the featured presentations is a panel discussion entitled, “The Business Side of Racing,” led by Paul “Scooter” Brothers, co-owner and director of R&D for COMP Performance Group and SEMA Board member. With millions of dollars being spent each year to support professional race teams across various platforms, from sports cars to oval tracks to drag racing, the panel will look at how sponsors can derive the most return for their investment and how race teams can help.

Panelists joining Brothers include: Clay Millican, driver and team manager, MPE Motorsports; Jeff Neal, former Nationwide driver and general manager, Quarter Master; and Brent O’Neill, owner, Performance Tech Motorsports.

This presentation will look at the current economy, fan demographics, a business model of a modern-day professional race team and how their sponsors can get the most out of racing.

"The Business Side of Racing" will take place at GAAS 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.

Additional featured speakers at GAAS 2011 include: Anthony Cristello, BB&T Capital Markets; Dr. David Cole, Center for Automotive Research (CAR); Chris Chesney, CARQUEST Technical Institute; David Portalatin, NPD; and William A. Strauss, Chicago Federal Reserve.

	The 2011 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), to be held Wednesday, May 18–Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago, will focus on the theme “Aftermarket Fast Forward: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead.”

 

To review a complete agenda of all speakers and panelists for GAAS 2011, visit www.globalsymposium.org.

To help promote GAAS, industry leaders are invited to connect with the event through social media at Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The annual two-day Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. For more information on GAAS 2011, visit www.globalsymposium.org or call 301/654-6664.