SEMA News—February 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Are You Using New SEMA Tools to Meet Vehicle Technology Challenges?

Those who have attended the SEMA Show are likely aware of SEMA’s collaborative relationship with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). SEMA’s partnership with CU-ICAR is now in its fifth year. It’s been a great partnership that yields useful tools to help SEMA members cope with vehicle technology and advance their products. Clemson has state-of-the-art equipment and top engineering talent to stay abreast of the newest automotive technologies. By connecting CU-ICAR and its graduate-level students and professors with the aftermarket, SEMA is shaping world-class research into practical tools for our member companies.

One example is the just-released “Ride Guide,” a publication that puts more science into the matter of wheel/tire performance and selection. With support from SEMA and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), CU-ICAR recently conducted months of testing to determine the performance differences of varying wheel and tire combinations.

The project looked at sidewall height, tire size and wheel size to quantify how a given combination affects ride and handling characteristics. The research resulted in a technical publication, “Wheel and Tire Customization Influence on Vehicle Dynamics Performance,” by Xianjie Zhu and Dr. Paul Venhovens. The WTC then helped put that information into a digestible form, resulting in the newly available “Ride Guide.” The “Ride Guide” will help tire shops and retailers work with customers to make complex tradeoffs easy to understand so that they can make informed decisions about which wheel and tire combination will best suit a given purpose.

The “Ride Guide” is now available for free download from the WTC webpage (www.sema.org/wtc). Those who enjoy technical reading can also download the source material.

On the powertrain front, SEMA is also working with CU-ICAR to help SEMA members develop performance components for emissions-regulated vehicles and get those products certified by government regulators for sale in California and the remaining 49 states.

Exactly how engine tuning affects emissions is a growing challenge as car makers rapidly deploy technology to meet new emissions and fuel-economy standards. CU-ICAR has the capability to instrument complex engine systems, such as direct-injected, lean-burn, turbocharged engines, and translate that data into information that’s useful for SEMA members developing performance products. The Clemson lab can quickly identify and isolate problem areas that might take a SEMA company, working on its own, months of iterative work and dozens of dyno runs to resolve.

Having a proven tool to evaluate a given new product for emissions is a big deal, and it also allows SEMA to work with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a smoother path to get the emissions certification needed to market and sell the product in the United States. SEMA will be supplying CU-ICAR with popular vehicle models to conduct baseline testing and subsequent testing where a SEMA member is having difficulty pinpointing an emissions problem. This testing will more accurately identify what changes may be necessary to meet emissions requirements and pass the test.

Once a part is able to pass, SEMA’s new Emissions Compliance office will help prepare the member’s application and test data for submission to CARB and guide the application to a smoother and quicker path to an executive order (CARB EO). The CARB EO entitles the product to be legally marketed not only in California but is also required and recognized by the U.S. EPA for marketing and sale of the product in all other states. The CU-ICAR lab’s role in emissions testing and data analysis will help eliminate the vexing blind-alley, trial-and-error aspect to development of new performance parts.

Moving forward, we can expect to get wheel and tire data for more applications so that the “Ride Guide” can be expanded to apply to more makes and models. And SEMA is moving rapidly to supply the necessary vehicles to develop baseline data at Clemson to make sure SEMA members are well positioned to face technical challenges as they unfold.

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO

SEMA News—February 2015

CHRIS KERSTING

Are You Using New SEMA Tools to Meet Vehicle Technology Challenges?

Those who have attended the SEMA Show are likely aware of SEMA’s collaborative relationship with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). SEMA’s partnership with CU-ICAR is now in its fifth year. It’s been a great partnership that yields useful tools to help SEMA members cope with vehicle technology and advance their products. Clemson has state-of-the-art equipment and top engineering talent to stay abreast of the newest automotive technologies. By connecting CU-ICAR and its graduate-level students and professors with the aftermarket, SEMA is shaping world-class research into practical tools for our member companies.

One example is the just-released “Ride Guide,” a publication that puts more science into the matter of wheel/tire performance and selection. With support from SEMA and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), CU-ICAR recently conducted months of testing to determine the performance differences of varying wheel and tire combinations.

The project looked at sidewall height, tire size and wheel size to quantify how a given combination affects ride and handling characteristics. The research resulted in a technical publication, “Wheel and Tire Customization Influence on Vehicle Dynamics Performance,” by Xianjie Zhu and Dr. Paul Venhovens. The WTC then helped put that information into a digestible form, resulting in the newly available “Ride Guide.” The “Ride Guide” will help tire shops and retailers work with customers to make complex tradeoffs easy to understand so that they can make informed decisions about which wheel and tire combination will best suit a given purpose.

The “Ride Guide” is now available for free download from the WTC webpage (www.sema.org/wtc). Those who enjoy technical reading can also download the source material.

On the powertrain front, SEMA is also working with CU-ICAR to help SEMA members develop performance components for emissions-regulated vehicles and get those products certified by government regulators for sale in California and the remaining 49 states.

Exactly how engine tuning affects emissions is a growing challenge as car makers rapidly deploy technology to meet new emissions and fuel-economy standards. CU-ICAR has the capability to instrument complex engine systems, such as direct-injected, lean-burn, turbocharged engines, and translate that data into information that’s useful for SEMA members developing performance products. The Clemson lab can quickly identify and isolate problem areas that might take a SEMA company, working on its own, months of iterative work and dozens of dyno runs to resolve.

Having a proven tool to evaluate a given new product for emissions is a big deal, and it also allows SEMA to work with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a smoother path to get the emissions certification needed to market and sell the product in the United States. SEMA will be supplying CU-ICAR with popular vehicle models to conduct baseline testing and subsequent testing where a SEMA member is having difficulty pinpointing an emissions problem. This testing will more accurately identify what changes may be necessary to meet emissions requirements and pass the test.

Once a part is able to pass, SEMA’s new Emissions Compliance office will help prepare the member’s application and test data for submission to CARB and guide the application to a smoother and quicker path to an executive order (CARB EO). The CARB EO entitles the product to be legally marketed not only in California but is also required and recognized by the U.S. EPA for marketing and sale of the product in all other states. The CU-ICAR lab’s role in emissions testing and data analysis will help eliminate the vexing blind-alley, trial-and-error aspect to development of new performance parts.

Moving forward, we can expect to get wheel and tire data for more applications so that the “Ride Guide” can be expanded to apply to more makes and models. And SEMA is moving rapidly to supply the necessary vehicles to develop baseline data at Clemson to make sure SEMA members are well positioned to face technical challenges as they unfold.

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

By SEMA Editors

Viacom’s MTV division has released a new research study that explores the habits of Millennials and their emotional and practical relationship with vehicles and driving. According to the company, the research study, "Millennials Have Drive," explores the differences between Millennials' and previous generations' definition of success, what roles cars play and how the automobile industry can better reach and interact with these drivers.

The study was released at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo 2015. Key points from the study include an increase in young people's passion for cars and car ownership—with 3 in 4 young people agreeing they would rather give up social media for a day than their car—and 72% agreeing they would rather give up texting for a week than their car.

Read the executive summary of the "Millennials Have Drive" study.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

JC Whitney Celebrates 100 Years
JC Whitney kicks off the celebration of its 100th anniversary this month. In addition to launching a dedicated centennial website, the year-long festivities will include custom Jeep and truck projects and appearances at shows and events across the country, culminating at the 2015 SEMA Show. JC Whitney starts the party with an open invitation to a custom build inside their garage. To mark 100 years, the company is kicking off Project Garage to honor DIY’ers and shade-tree mechanics across America with the build out of two Jeeps and a truck. Consumers are invited to visit the site, watch the build and send their ideas and inspiration.

From the 2015 SEMA Show to the Woodward Dream Cruise, JC Whitney will appear at shows and events across the country to show off the project vehicles and share the celebration with enthusiasts. Consumers can check out a full list of events on the 100th Anniversary event calendar and are invited to share their favorite car event to be added to the list.

	Fidanza Performance redisigned the company website at www.fidanza.com.

Fidanza Performance Redesigns Website
The Fidanza Performance website has an all-new look designed to better showcase Fidanza Performance products, deliver great product and technical information and provide a better user experience for its customers, according to the manufacturer. The new website features easy-to-read text, engaging graphics and multiple ways to find and get to important information. It utilizes traditional drop-down menus and intuitive click-thru links that allow users to access more in-depth Fidanza Performance product information and resources than ever before. The Fidanza Performance team also added features such as an enhanced FAQ page, a Google Maps-powered dealer locator, downloadable product instruction PDFs and all-new vehicle photo galleries. Additional links to Fidanza Performance’s social media on Facebook and Twitter will also allow users to get up-to-the-minute information on what’s happening at Fidanza Performance. 

Summit Steel Now Offers One-Stop Precision Metal Fabrication
Summit Steel and Manufacturing is proud to announce that it now offers a full-range of services from 2D and 3D laser cutting, CNC turning/milling, Swiss machining, and centerless grinding/polishing to bending/forming, powder coating, robotic and manual welding, and assembly at its plant. According to Gary Romig, founder and CEO of Summit Steel, the OEM’s latest competitive advantage, it turns out, is one-stop precision metal fabrication, which streamlines the supply chain. Full-service metal fabrication under one roof can not only cut cost, lead time, and improve quality but also satisfy rush orders and JIT requirements.

Galpin Ford Earns Title of No. 1 Volume Ford Dealer in the World for 25th Consecutive Year
Southern California’s Galpin Ford retained its position as the No. 1 volume Ford dealer in the world for a record 25th consecutive year, according to Ford Motor Co. sales data. Customers bought nearly 8,000 new Ford vehicles from Galpin in 2014. In addition, Galpin Ford was the No. 1 seller of Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Transit Connect, Edge, Explorer and Flex models in the United States, and outsold all of the Ford dealerships combined in 10 U.S. states. Galpin Ford also finished the year as the No. 1 Electrified Ford Dealership in the country, selling more Fusion Hybrid/Energi, CMAX Hybrid/Energi and Focus Electric combined than any other Ford Dealer. In addition, Galpin Ford was No. 1 with Ford Credit and the No. 1 Ford leasing dealer in the United States. Ford’s December sales numbers were also on an upward climb, thanks in large part to fresh product line-ups, including the new ’15 Mustang, Transit full-size van and Fusion. This year Ford will unveil the new F-150, Edge and re-designed Ford Explorer.

Jeff Malone Named Senior Sales Rep for Timken’s Commercial Aftermarket
Jeff Malone has been named senior sales representative for the commercial vehicle aftermarket for Timken. Malone is responsible for all commercial vehicle aftermarket activities in California, Arizona and Nevada. He comes to Timken with more than 15 years of sales experience, most recently serving as manufacturers’ sales representative. He previously held sales positions with Savi Corp., Rush Enterprises and Wellman Products Group.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.