SEMA News - October 2010

Foose and Gage Headline SEMA’s Annual Summer Car Show Featuring Classic Muscle and Custom Rods

Chip Foose returned as Grand Marshall of the Show ‘N Shine, sharing his knowledge and experience with showgoers and signing every autograph asked of him.

SEMA Hall of Famers Van Woodell, Harry Hibler, Louis Senter and Ron Funfar were among the honorees hanging out in the Hall of Fame VIP area.

Collectors, enthusiasts and gearheads of all stripes came out for the second annual SEMA Show ’N Shine car show, July 24, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and former host of TLC’s “Overhaulin’” television show, returned as Grand Marshal, and Dennis Gage, host of the TV show “My Classic Car,” was on hand to sign autographs and discuss cars with attendees and vehicle owners. The event drew nearly 120 cars, ranging from pre-war Ford and Buick metal to lowriders, late-model musclecars and vintage Mercedes-Benzes. All proceeds from entry fees went to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp childrens charities.

Show ’N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment was impressed and admittedly a little surprised by the growth and interest in the event. “It was completely sold out,” Spagnola said. “Car show spaces, vendor slots—totally full.” The 2010 event also drew a similarly eclectic collection as last year’s showing of local automotive classics and contemporaries.

“If you ever wanted to see who the retail ‘SEMA’ customer is, Show ’N Shine was the perfect example,” said Spagnola, who helmed last year’s inaugural show. “We had lifted and lowered, rods and musclecars, trucks, donks, imports, classic restored—everything. You can’t plan for that when you’re developing a car show, but it worked out perfectly.”

This ’29 Ford Model A Sport Coupe was powered by a Chevy small-block.

Dennis Gage was also on hand to sign and extend the classic car legacy and enthusiasm into future generations.

Bill Lohr’s ’06 Mustang was a favorite and won the Participant’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Under the hood of “Moonshined,” a heavily modified ’66 Pontiac GTO packed with a 428ci big-block.

 

Rich Evans’ ’64 Continental was the hands-down crowd favorite, winning the People’s Choice award and a trip to the 2010 SEMA Show.

Steve Lopez’s ’56 Ford F-100 won a Top 10 award from the judges.

The 2008 AREX puts down more than 600 hp from a blown V8—plenty enough to outrun the ’69 Plymouth Belvedere L.A.P.D. patrol car next to it.

Kelsey Clark’s wood pedal car replica featured 24-volt electric drive, working headlights and radio and 30 different exotic woods. It is, according to Clark, made from 80% recycled material.

Show 'N Shine Winners

People’s Choice: ’64 Lincoln Continental, Rich Evans Participant’s Choice: ’06 Ford Mustang, Bill Lohr Best Interior: ’56 Ford Pickup, Brian Glick Best Engine: ’61 Plymouth Two-Door, Charlie Tachdjian Best Paint: ’69 Pontiac, Art Peterson SEMA Cares Selection: ’41 Plymouth Coupe, Mike Harn Kid’s Pick: ’38 Buick Century, Pete Rius	Top 10 ’56 Ford Pickup, Steve Lopez ’60 Ford Starliner, Ron Tittle ’30 Ford Model A, Chuck Schuweker ’53 Studebaker Starlight Coupe, Leonard Knight ’36 Ford Roadster, Fred DeFalco ’57 Ford Thunderbird, Jerry Logan ’50 Chevy Pickup, Jim Meyer “Wood Car,” Kelsey Clark ’50 Oldsmobile 88, Marty Fisher ’70 Pontiac Firebird, Michael Keenan

 

SEMA News - October 2010

Emphasizing the Importance of Online Presence and Marketing

The 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS) was a part of SEMA’s Leadership Days and was sponsored by SEMA’s Street Performance Council.

As a part of SEMA’s Leadership Days, the 2010 Business Technology Symposium (BTS), sponsored by SEMA’s Street Performance Council (SPC) and held Friday, July 23, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, drew 113 specialty-equipment industry attendees, from business owners to IT professionals. A host of industry experts presented eight sessions, including panel discussions that provided attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to move their businesses forward in the Internet age.

“The 2010 SPC Business Technology Symposium has definitely been one of the highlights of the year for SEMA,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “Not only has this fourth annual event taken on a slightly new direction by expanding beyond online marketing and the Internet, but it also has found an audience that thrives on cutting-edge subject matter presented by our members.”

Check out these eight tips attendees took away from the symposium:

1. The opening general session, entitled “Mobile Devices: The Future of Mobile Marketing,” was presented by Nathan Sacco of eBay Motors. According to Sacco, 40% of Internet traffic will be mobile by 2013.

2. 	Michael Kelly of ClickMail Marketing spoke to attendees about “Getting People to Read Your E-mails.”	Tyler Tanaka of PostRelease led the session on “Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs.”

   “Reaching Your Customers on Forums and Blogs” was presented by Tyler Tanaka, PostRelease; Mike Martinez, izmocars; Stewart Lawson, VerticalScope; and Adrian Harris, Internet Brands. In this session, attendees learned how to create and manage Internet forums and blogs to interact with customers so they can bring maximum exposure to their brands.
3. Matt Bailey of SiteLogic Online Marketing presented “Grab Market Share with Search-Engine Marketing and Pay-Per-Click,” where attendees learned about keyword research, five budget busters and six simple sales techniques.
4. After a networking lunch, Michael Kelly of ClickMail Marketing presented “Getting People to Read Your E-mails,” in which he provided tips to ensure that your e-mails were not only opened, but also compelled the recipient to act. The session explained the optimum techniques for small-business owners by focusing on case studies and best practices, software tools and templates for success.
5. “Market Research in the Digital Age” was presented by Tom Myroniak of SEMA, Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors, Michael Cooperman of J.D. Power & Associates, David Parcell of Harris Interactive and Dan Hall of AutoPacific. These industry experts provided tips on how to use market research to support your business goals and objectives.
6. “Converting Leads to Sales with CRM” was presented by Jeff Scott of C-Level Management, who offered tips on topics such as leads vs. opportunities; defining a simple yet effective sales process; knowing your customers; and high-impact sales and marketing tools.
7. Famous Rhodes of eBay Motors, Gigi Ho of Digital Performance, Rob Eberhart of DCi, Matt Gold of RPMware and Cameron Evans of Red Line Oil presented the “Good Data = More Sales” session. The panel highlighted the fact that 70% of online buyers are do-it-yourself customers, and 60% of shoppers use manufacturer sites to get information before buying.
8. The closing general session, entitled “Social Media for Your Business,” was presented by Tyler Tanaka of PostRelease, Mike Martinez of izmocars, Bryan Elliott of SoCal Action Sports Network and Mark Davidson of Shift+One Media. This session dealt with the big three in social media: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Attendees found that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in social media. Businesses should become involved to improve communications, generate leads and reduce costs.

In the “Grab Market Share With Search-Engine Marketing and Pay-Per-Click” session, presented by Matt Bailey of SiteLogic Online Marketing, attendees learned about keyword research, the five budget busters and six simple sales techniques.					In the “Social Media for Your Business” session, attendees found that 60% of consumers interacted with companies via social media, and 93% of consumers believed companies should have a presence in social media.

SEMA News - October 2010

Hottest Vehicles at the Show? How About the Exhibitors’ Choice?!

The SEMA Show is without a doubt one of the strongest indicators of emerging trends in the automotive industry. Each year, SEMA exhibitors must decide which vehicles will be their “canvass” of choice to highlight the innovative and exciting new products they’ve worked so hard to bring to market. Naturally, exhibitors will select the vehicles for their booths that they believe are the hottest and provide the best opportunity to attract buyers and media at the Show. So why not capture that selection—that “vote”—in an all-new SEMA industry award program? The idea makes great sense, and that’s why this year’s SEMA Show will feature a new award centerpiece: the “SEMA Award: Hottest Truck, Hottest Car and Hottest 4x4-SUV.”

How many exhibitors have chosen the Mustang as their canvass? How many chose the Camaro? On Monday night before the Show opening, all the vehicles on display in exhibitors’ booths will be counted, and we will deliver the exhibitors’ choice for each of three classes—truck, car and 4x4-SUV. On the opening Tuesday of the SEMA Show, we will host a prime-time media luncheon and announce the winners in each of the three classes.

To add value to this award, the SEMA staff will announce several weeks before the Show the list of “contenders”—the models that will be in the running to win the SEMA Award for the upcoming Show. How will we determine the contenders? A panel of industry experts will look at several indicators of what SEMA Show exhibitors are eyeing as the trend-leading vehicles this year. Show pre-registrations of feature vehicles will be a strong indicator. Among other indicators, we will also look at participation levels in the prior year’s SEMA vehicle Measuring Sessions, design data downloads from our SEMA Technology Transfer program and magazine covers of industry project vehicles.

Once the contenders are announced, debate and discussion will undoubtedly ensue. But it will be the exhibitors’ ultimate selection—the most prevalent vehicle model in each class on display in exhibitors’ booths at the SEMA Show—that establishes the SEMA Award winners. Is it possible a model could win which was not a contender? It’s possible, but it’s pretty unlikely.  And such an outcome would be a story in itself!

To add value to the new SEMA Award, SEMA staff will gather and have ready, for each of the contenders, a comprehensive list of the new and exciting products our  manufacturers have available for each of these vehicles.

We are very excited to finally have the SEMA Award that brings together the leading vehicle models each year as viewed through the customized, tricked-out and outstanding vision of our SEMA manufacturer exhibitors. What better recognition for the number-one vehicle models in the eyes of SEMA’s exhibiting companies? Look for the SEMA Award unveiling ceremony Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at this year’s  spectacular SEMA Show!  

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO 

SEMA News - October 2010

Hobbyist Organizations, Businesses Host Events Nationwide

By Stuart Gosswein

	Crazy Cruisers, Panama City, Florida.

On July 9, 2010, collector-car enthusiast organizations across the nation gathered to celebrate the first-ever Collector Car Appreciation Day, as designated by U.S. Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513). Events ranging from car cruises and shows to small-business open houses and special offers were held to honor the cultural and educational importance of collector cars. Car clubs, enthusiast organizations and affiliated businesses hosted more than 100 events in more than 40 states to commemorate this special day.

“The Senate resolution creating Collector Car Appreciation Day validated what we already knew—Americans love their cars,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “By taking part in these events around the country, automotive enthusiasts and the businesses that serve them ensured that this passion was honored and recognized.”

	Wayne County Cruisers, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

At the request of SEMA and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan 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 motorsports.

A sample of some of the events that took place on July 9 include the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio; Classic Industries Collector Car Appreciation Day Sale; The Sid Waterman Classic Auto and Art Show in Gualala, California; a cruise on scenic Highway 8 organized by the AACA in North Carolina; the Meguiar’s nationwide “automotive handshake”; two-for-one admission to the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada; and many more. During several of these events, SEMA presented copies of S. Res. 513 to enthusiast advocates and supporters of the industry who will display them at museums and car club events.

“We look forward to working with the Congress to make Collector Car Appreciation Day an annual event,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “The momentum created on July 9 will continue to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.”

 

Auto Show, Southern California.

From left: Jill Bookman, Laura Bergan and Melissa Trought of American Collectors Insurance accept a framed copy of Senate Resolution 513, which designates July 9 as Collector Car Appreciation Day. Bergan is also chairman of SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) council.

 

SEMA Congressional Affairs Manager Dan Sadowski (right) presents Senate Resolution 513 to Jim Barber (left), ARMO’s immediate past chairman.

National Collector Car Appreciation Day Barbeque, Nebraska Rod and Custom Association, North Platte, Nebraska.

Auto Clubs Council of Indiana, Haynes Apperson Festival, Kokomo, Indiana.

SEMA News - October 2010

Today’s business environment is changing quickly. The SEMA Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand what trends will affect your business. A key component of the Show is the top-notch education and training provided by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI). This year’s program will include eight learning tracks with close to 80 sessions that will cover everything from online marketing to customer service, business management, industry trends and more. These classes are designed to give you practical tools that can be implemented the day you get back from Vegas. Make sure you and your staff are ready and equipped to succeed. You simply can’t afford to miss this exceptional training opportunity.

To create a personalized itinerary and/or view a current list of all of the 2010 SEMA Show Seminars and Workshops, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education   

 

GM President to Deliver First-Ever SEMA Show Vehicle Technology Keynote Address

Kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by attending the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology Keynote featuring Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. As an automotive enthusiast and long-time advocate of SEMA, Reuss will open up the Vehicle Technology Briefing Program on Driving Green Performance, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton. During his keynote address, Showgoers will learn how GM’s transformation is leading the reinvention of the automobile and how advanced technologies are impacting the performance industry today and creating new business opportunities for SEMA members.

Following Reuss’ presentation will be a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Peter Diamandis from the X PRIZE Foundation, Scott Atherton from the American Le Mans Series, Azhar Hussain from TTXGP eGrandPrix, Imtiaz Haque from Clemson University (CU)-ICAR, Patrick Reininger from R. L. Polk & Co. and Bryan Krulikowski from Morpace. Space is limited, however, free tickets are available for SEMA Showgoers to secure their seats here. 

 

SEMA News - October 2010

Today’s business environment is changing quickly. The SEMA Show provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand what trends will affect your business. A key component of the Show is the top-notch education and training provided by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI). This year’s program will include eight learning tracks with close to 80 sessions that will cover everything from online marketing to customer service, business management, industry trends and more. These classes are designed to give you practical tools that can be implemented the day you get back from Vegas. Make sure you and your staff are ready and equipped to succeed. You simply can’t afford to miss this exceptional training opportunity.

To create a personalized itinerary and/or view a current list of all of the 2010 SEMA Show Seminars and Workshops, visit www.SEMAShow.com/education   

 

GM President to Deliver First-Ever SEMA Show Vehicle Technology Keynote Address

Kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by attending the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology Keynote featuring Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. As an automotive enthusiast and long-time advocate of SEMA, Reuss will open up the Vehicle Technology Briefing Program on Driving Green Performance, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in the Las Vegas Hilton. During his keynote address, Showgoers will learn how GM’s transformation is leading the reinvention of the automobile and how advanced technologies are impacting the performance industry today and creating new business opportunities for SEMA members.

Following Reuss’ presentation will be a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Peter Diamandis from the X PRIZE Foundation, Scott Atherton from the American Le Mans Series, Azhar Hussain from TTXGP eGrandPrix, Imtiaz Haque from Clemson University (CU)-ICAR, Patrick Reininger from R. L. Polk & Co. and Bryan Krulikowski from Morpace. Space is limited, however, free tickets are available for SEMA Showgoers to secure their seats here. 

 

SEMA News - October 2010

	From left: Brian Reese, COMP Cams vice president of product development; Ron Coleman, COMP Cams president and a former SEMA chairman of the board; Rep. Steve Cohen and staffer Travis Green; Scooter Brothers, COMP Cams chief operating officer and SEMA chairman-elect.

Tennessee Lawmaker Joins Motorsports Caucus After Participating in Site Visit Program

By Dan Sadowski

Congressman Steve Cohen took a few hours out of his busy August schedule to visit with management and employees at the COMP Cams' headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Rep. Cohen participated in a roundtable discussion about small-business issues with COMP’s executive team and then toured the facility, including the machine shop and research and development (R&D) department.

Rep. Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphis resident who has dedicated his life to public service. He started his career as a Shelby County Commissioner and then went on to the Tennessee State Senate, where he served for 24 years. Elected to Congress in 2006, Cohen serves on the House Judiciary and Transportation Committees.

“Manufacturing means jobs, and the visit to COMP Cams demonstrates that this company is producing quality products and employing highly skilled workers,” said Rep. Cohen. “It is a winning combination for my home district and for the nation.”

	Rep. Cohen stopped to visit with COMP employees during his tour of the company’s headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.
	COMP Cams produces high-tech performance engine components, including camshaft and valvetrain products, engine accessories and specialty tools.

COMP Cams produces high-tech performance engine components, including camshaft and valvetrain products, engine accessories and specialty tools. The equipment is found in everything from race cars to farm tractors and also has military applications.

COMP employs more than 250 workers in its Memphis facility. Rep. Cohen’s tour was led by Ron Coleman, COMP’s president and a former SEMA chairman of the board; Scooter Brothers, the company’s chief operating officer and SEMA chairman-elect; and Brian Reese, COMP’s vice president of product development.

During the tour, Rep. Cohen met with constituents working in the stock warehouse, machine shop, R&D department and corporate offices. While on the tour, Rep. Cohen took a “hands-on” approach, meeting with engineers and employees at their workstations and learning more about designing and manufacturing camshafts.

“We were able to provide Rep. Cohen with an overview of SEMA and the specialty-equipment market,” said Coleman. “We discussed the difficult economic challenges being faced by member companies across the nation and how Congress can help address the issue by enacting legislation to increase bank loans to small businesses and to renew the R&D tax credit, among other initiatives. Most importantly, the visit provided an opportunity for Rep. Cohen to meet his constituents in person.”

Congressman Cohen also joined the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill that was established to raise awareness of the economic importance of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. The caucus was formed in 1996 in honor of the 100th year of the car and to recognize the contributions that the automotive performance and motorsports industry has made and continues to make to the U.S. economy. The Motorsports Caucus, as it is commonly known, has nearly 100 members and pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

The Congressional District Site Visit Program is overseen by SEMA’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C. The program pairs SEMA-member companies with their local member of Congress or U.S. Senator for facility tours and meetings in their home district. These visits provide an opportunity for member companies to meet face to face with their Washington representatives and share their concerns for the future of their businesses. If you are interested in hosting an event at your facility with your federal elected officials, please contact Dan Sadowski, congressional affairs manager, at  202/783-6007 x19.  

 

SEMA News - October 2010

                      
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

When Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman shot this photo of Vic Edelbrock Sr. in February of 1958, the Edelbrock Equipment Company (as it was known then) had already earned its reputation for manufacturing quality speed equipment, thanks to 20 years of hands-on development and testing of countless engines. It was more than 20 years, actually, if you include the time starting in 1933 that Vic ran an auto repair shop. But it was in 1938 that he bought the ’32 Ford roadster that would become his first test mule—a car that also had to serve as the Edelbrock family’s daily driver.

Edelbrock’s earliest designs were intended to squeeze more power out of that roadster’s Flathead V8. By 1958, the company’s inventory stretched far beyond the venerable Flathead, but because of its long-standing experience with Ford performance, “it was only natural for them to take an immediate interest in the new Ford engine,” wrote Technical Editor Ray Brock in Hot Rod magazine’s August 1958 issue.

That “new Ford engine” was the FE series V8—so named for its Ford/Edsel applications. When the article was written, Edelbrock had already bought an Edsel Pacer and was developing a triple-carburetor manifold for it.

Brock was dismayed to learn that dynamometer tests of the new FE powerplant indicated “actual horsepower for these engines is only about two-thirds of the advertised rating. Two-thirds of a 300hp rating is 200 hp, and this amount will move a two-ton automobile around quite nicely, but the fact remains that a hundred horses have strayed and a lot of owners might like to know where they are hiding—or if they were even corraled in the first place.”

Brock figured—rightly so—that Edelbrock could not only find those missing horses but create some fresh ponies, too. Over the course of eight weeks and two lengthy articles, Edelbrock tested some 30 different engine combinations, taking a stock 361-inch Edsel motor from 211 peak hp to 342. Edelbrock and his team reworked the ignition, swapped in several different camshafts, added bigger valves and multiple carburetors, mounted headers and even bored and stroked the block up to 412 inches.

“The Ford automobile is no longer a lightweight piece of machinery,” Brock wrote in his conclusion, “but we guarantee that the car will jump if some of the information discovered in this story is properly applied.”  

SEMA News - October 2010

	Proceeds from the sale of the WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang will go to Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp children’s charities.

SEMA Cares and WD-40 Partner With Barrett-Jackson on Mustang GT Charity Build

SEMA Cares and WD-40 are partnering with Barrett-Jackson and leading aftermarket manufacturers to build a custom ’11 Ford Mustang GT for the 2010 SEMA Show.

The vehicle, dubbed the WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang, features a 5.0L V8 engine and paint reminiscent of WD-40’s blue-and-yellow can. It will travel the West Coast before being auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on January 17–23, 2011, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

All proceeds from the vehicle’s sale will go to Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp children’s charities.  

 

	Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, will help kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by delivering the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology keynote address.

GM President Mark Reuss to Deliver First SEMA Show Vehicle Technology Keynote

Kick-off the 2010 SEMA Show by attending the inaugural SEMA Vehicle Technology keynote address featuring Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. As an automotive enthusiast and long-time SEMA advocate, Reuss will open the Vehicle Technology Briefing Program on Tuesday, November 2, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., in the Las Vegas Hilton.

Reuss will discuss how GM’s transformation is leading the reinvention of the automobile and how advanced technologies are impacting the performance industry today and creating new business opportunities for
SEMA members.

A panel discussion with industry leaders, including Peter Diamandis (X Prize Foundation), Scott Atherton (American Le Mans Series), Azhar Hussain (TTXGP eGrandPrix), Imtiaz Haque (Clemson University-ICAR), Patrick Reininger (R.L. Polk & Co.) and Bryan Krulikowski (Morpace) will follow the keynote presentation.

Space is limited. Tickets are free, and SEMA Show attendees can make reservations by visiting here. The deadline to register is Friday, October 15, 2010.

 

SEMA Show Exhibitor Invite Program Offers Secure, Confidential Method to Reach Buyers

	Exhibitor Invites enables SEMA Show exhibitors to create customized e-mail campaigns.

Looking for another way to connect with buyers? A free, new tool called Exhibitor Invites enables 2010 SEMA Show exhibitors to create their own customized e-mail campaigns, allowing them to send up to three e-mails to an unlimited number of buyers and prospects. Program features include:

• Discounts, incentives, company information and new-product announcements.
• Upload buyer and prospect files to Exhibitor Invites’ bonded and licensed third-party e-mail service, Global IntelliSystems. Each list is 100% secure and will not be shared with anyone (not even SEMA).
• Company name, logo, booth number and customized message are included as part of the three separate HTML e-mails. Exhibitors approve the message and schedule, while SEMA pays for the whole thing.
• Boost awareness about each exhibitor’s company and help ensure that all key customers and prospects attend the 2010 SEMA Show and stop by the exhibitor’s booth.

The exhibitor who generates the greatest number of qualified buyers by October 1, 2010, receives $25,000 worth of on-site signage for the SEMA Show. To get started, visit here.

Contact an Exhibitor Invites specialist at 866/771-6290 x1764 with any questions about using the Exhibitor Invites program. If you have any problems using the system, send an e-mail to services@exhibitorinvites.com.

 

	“My Show Planner” enables SEMA Show attendees to create day-by-day calendar listings of the seminars and special events they want to attend.

Daily SEMA Show Planner:Hit the Show Floor With a Game Plan

To make the most of your time at the 2010 SEMA Show, use “My Show Planner” to create and save a personalized itinerary for the Show.

My Show Planner enables all registered attendees and exhibitors to prepare for the SEMA Show experience by creating a day-by-day calendar listing of the seminars and special events they plan to attend. You can map out the exhibitors you need to meet and add any meetings or activities you have planned during the week. In addition, you can save your itinerary and come back at any time to add, delete or modify the information.

For additional details on My Show Planner, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

 

Fast Facts

Autogeek was selected as the presenting sponsor of Masters Entertainment Group’s newest TV series, “Motorhead Garage,” featuring Sam Memmolo and Dave Bowman, formerly of “Shadetree Mechanic” and “Two Guys Garage.” In addition to its sponsorship, Autogeek will also provide several features for auto enthusiasts that offer step-by-step instructions on keeping vehicles looking their best. Masters Entertainment Group, Bristol, TN;
423/968-7736.

WyoTech named Jorge Gutierrez president of the WyoTech–Daytona campus, located in Ormond Beach, Florida. Prior to joining WyoTech, Gutierrez was the campus president at Universal Technical Institute in Norwood, Massachusetts, where he managed more than 100 employees and served more than 1,000 students in a large automotive, industrial and diesel training facility. WyoTech, Laramie, WY; 307/742-3776.

	Bradley Garwood

Firestone Industrial Products Co. hired Bradley Garwood as the company’s new heavy-duty aftermarket distribution sales representative for the northeast region. Garwood is responsible for all sales distribution and account-management operations. Prior to his appointment at Firestone Industrial, Garwood spent six years at Pioneer Automotive Technologies. Firestone Industrial Products Co., Indianapolis, IN; 317/575-7000.

King Shock Technology launched a new website at www.kingshocks.com. Designed by Mad Media, the site is loaded with technical specifications, news, lifestyle articles, photos and videos, and it also features the latest news and stories about King Shocks drivers, worldwide events and new-product developments. King Shock Technology, Garden Grove, CA; 714/530-8701.

The Advanstar Automotive Group named long-time editorial director Larry Silvey editorial director emeritus. Silvey is leaving Advanstar to become the new chair of the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. Silvey will continue to be affiliated with Advanstar Automotive, writing a monthly column on aftermarket topics and serving as a member of the organization’s editorial advisory board. Web Director Michael Willins will take over Silvey’s responsibilities. Willins is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of Automotive Body Repair News and a former senior editor of Aftermarket Business. Advanstar Automotive, Woodland Hills, CA; 818/593-5000.

	David Richardson

Directed Electronics appointed David Richardson to the new position of director of auto dealer sales. Richardson has more than 30 years of professional experience holding senior management positions with leading automotive businesses, including AutoNation, EDS, General Motors, Johnson Controls and Toyota.

Gary Jurick was named the new vice president and general manager of Roush Performance. He was previously the director of Roush Performance product development, where he headed up the engineering, testing and validation areas of vehicle and parts programs. Jurick has 21 years of experience at Roush.

Martin & Co. Advertising hired Brian Zembrycki as marketing and administrative assistant to president and owner Zan Martin. Zembrycki has 28 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, serving in numerous management capacities, specializing primarily in the racing sector. Martin & Co. Advertising, Whites Creek, TN; 615/876-1822.

G-Force Racing announced that it has a permanent business office location in the Charlotte Motor Speedway's main office building. Don Stodola, executive account manager, has relocated to the new office from the G-Force corporate building located in the Atlanta area. The office at the speedway was originally established in 2009 for the research and development of new opportunities with local, area and national competitors and regional businesses. G-Force Racing, Roswell, GA; 770/998-8855.

	Tom Varrone

Tom Varrone of Phoenix, Arizona, was named the 2010 Educator of the Year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference. Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Varrone was presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate. He also receives a one-year, complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5.com for the school where he teaches. Varrone leads the BMW Service Technician Education Program (STEP) and the BMW FastTrack program at the Universal Technical Institute, Phoenix campus. Mitchell 1, Poway, CA; 858/391-5000.

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) named Mobil 1 as the “Official Oil of the SCCA.” All SCCA members will receive a 20% discount on purchases at www.mobilracingstore.com as part of the agreement, and competitors using Mobil 1 products are eligible for a sizable contingency program at the 2010 SCCA National Championship Runoffs Presented by Subway at Road America. SCCA, Topeka, KS; 785/357-7222.

The team at A.R.E. is providing Tim Samaras, star of “Storm Chasers” on the Discovery Channel, the ultimate tornado-chasing truck—the A.R.E. Twistex Probe. The Twistex Probe is a ’08 GMC Sierra 3500 outfitted with A.R.E.’s Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU) Series truck cap and numerous aftermarket accessories designed to increase the vehicle’s functionality in severe weather. A.R.E. also retrofitted the DCU truck cap with side toolboxes to fit Samaras’ smaller probes and customized it to accommodate a 1,500-lb. Tommy Gate Lift Gate on the rear of the truck. Footage from the A.R.E. Twistex Probe on tornado-chasing missions will be featured in Season 4 of “Storm Chasers,” which premieres this fall on Discovery Channel. A.R.E., Massillon, OH; 330/830-7800.

Northwood University has selected Brandon Postema as the chair and James Hannah as vice chair for the Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS). The 47th NUIAS, hosted by students of the university, is set for October 15–17, at the school’s campus in Midland, Michigan. The theme for this year’s show is “Electrify the Drive: Sparking a Global Revolution.” More information is available at www.northwood.edu/autoshow. Northwood University, Midland, MI. 

JR Motorsports founder Everett Sather has announced that the company was sold to Brock and Kristin Rude. Brock Rude, a 28-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, is the company’s new president and CEO, and he will oversee the day-to-day operation of the company’s locations in Ankeny and Boone, Iowa. Kristin Rude will assist in those capacities.

U.S. Auto Parts has signed a definitive stock purchase agreement to acquire Whitney Automotive Group for the purchase price of $27.5 million and assumption of approximately $11 million in trade-related and other payables. Whitney Automotive Group is expected to have $110–$120 million in revenues under U.S. Auto Parts ownership in 2010. Whitney Automotive Group owns a $10 million state-of-the-art distribution center located in Illinois, which holds approximately $15 million of owned inventory and was custom-built for B2C distribution of auto parts. The acquisition would allow U.S. Auto Parts to complete a three-distribution center network. U.S. Auto Parts expects the integration of the companies to be completed in 2011. U.S. Auto Parts, Carson, CA; 310/719-8666. 

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. added Bert Butler and Kenny Frederick to the company’s sales team. Butler has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the tire industry. He is responsible for sales efforts in the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. Frederick, who has been in the tire industry for 23 years, resides in Houston and is responsible for customers in South Texas. Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., 714/236-2080.

Roush Yates Performance Products announced a partnership with valvetrain component manufacturer Del West, making Roush Yates Performance Products the sole distributor of Del West products to all markets in the United States. Roush Yates will use Del West components in the engines built at the facilities in Mooresville, North Carolina, and will sell the products from its Roush Yates Performance Products store. Roush Yates Performance Products, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982. 

The 1in8 Motorsports Foundation of Cary, North Carolina, hired Penelope Lepisto as administrative director. Lepisto’s main responsibility is to hire event planners nationally and internationally to develop and execute events that raise money and awareness for the importance of early cancer detection.

Prestolite Performance, manufacturer of brands including Lakewood, Mr. Gasket, Hays, Accel and Mallory, has acquired the business of QuickTime Inc., a leading manufacturer of lightweight bellhousings and racing accessories. QuickTime’s manufacturing and research and development will continue to be based in its current headquarters of Oskaloosa, Iowa, while sales, service and administration will integrate and transfer to Prestolite Performance’s Cleveland headquarters by the end of the year. Prestolite Performance, Cleveland, OH; 216/688-8300.

The Atturo Tire Corp. has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with RC Comercio for Atturo’s UHP brand. RC Comercio is now doing business as Atturo Pneus Brazil. According to Atturo, Brazil as a key market for the company and will serve as a regional indicator for the brand’s potential in South and Central America. Atturo Tire Corp., Bland, MO; 573/943-6947.

Mobileye Inc. has signed a retail distribution agreement with Car Toys through which Mobileye’s aftermarket accident-avoidance systems will be made available for purchase through the retailer’s fleet distribution channel as well as its 51 locations in metropolitan areas across the western United States. Mobileye Inc., Southfield, MI; 248/351-2683.

Rick Carey has joined Sports Car Digest as auction editor. He will provide overall market insight and pre- and post-auction reports with perspective gained from nearly two decades of following the collector-car market. Carey is one of the first people to report on the collector-car market, and he has one of the largest databases of auction transactions. He has contributed to AutoWeek and Classic & Sports Car and is a member of the International Motor Press Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. Sports Car Digest, Charlotte, NC; 704/469-6352.

On October 1, 2010, the Investech Audio Group will relaunch the Audiobahn brand in the mobile electronics industry. The company stated that products sold under the Audiobahn brand will include amplifiers, subwoofers, tweeters, speakers, capacitors, processors, enclosures and more, and the return to the market will be accompanied by newly revamped products and special promotions. To celebrate the re-launch, Audiobahn announced a pre-launch website, which counts down to the official launch on October 1.

Hurst Performance has added the Hurst Garage to its headquarters in Southern California. The new addition will offer tailored customization options installed by Hurst Garage technicians to current-model Camaro, Mustang and Challenger owners. The same Hurst technicians who design, test and build the limited-edition Performance Series vehicles are responsible for the work done at the Hurst Garage. More information is available on the Hurst Performance website. Hurst Performance, Irvine, CA; 949/261-5500.

Motorz TV has announced that the Sears Blue Tool Crew will be the exclusive provider of tools that host Chris Duke will use, review and discuss on the show and online. In July, the company began a giveaway from the Sears Blue Tool Crew at the Motorz TV website.

Intro-Tech Automotive Inc. recently partnered with Direct Communications Inc. (DCi) to provide the entire Intro-tech offering through DCi’s All-Channels electronic cataloging service. The electronic catalog is now available in a variety of electronic catalog formats (including AAIA Industry Standard formats of ACES and PIES) and is also available to 7,000-plus jobbers through DCi’s CatalogRack.com service. Intro-Tech Automotive Inc., Chino, CA; 714/635-3007. DCi, Des Moines, IA; 515/276-0442. 

SEMA News - October 2010

The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org. 

 

2013 Cadillac ATS

When It Hits: Sedan production for the ATS is expected to start in July 2012, followed by a coupe in July 2013. 

What Priddy Says: While this mule looks like a standard Cadillac CTS sedan, the decoy body is actually riding on GM’s new Alpha chassis. The ATS has been described as a smaller version of the CTS and may be meant to be a true competitor to the BMW 3-Series.  

 

2011 Bentley Continental GT 

When It Hits: Watch for this new Bentley to debut at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

What Priddy Says: The latest look at the Continental GT reveals the possibility of new headlights, a front bumper and front fenders for a dramatic new front-end look.

 

2011 Dodge Avenger 

When It Hits: Production of the 2011 Avenger is set to start in November at the plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

What Priddy Says: The Avenger will get the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with the possible addition of Multi-Air technology (a variable-valve-timing innovation from parent company Fiat) in later models. The base 2.4L four-cylinder has also been retuned for more efficiency. 

  

2012 Ford Taurus SHO

When It Hits: Current rumors indicate that an updated version of the Taurus SHO will debut in 2012. 

What Priddy Says: Designers want the SHO to have a distinctive look that separates it from other Taurus offerings, and they’ll start with a “freshening” for the 2012 model year. Priddy’s sources also expect the SHO’s 365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine to be tweaked a bit, possibly even to the neighborhood of 400 hp.