Mon, 10/01/2012 - 02:08

SEMA News—October 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

OMIX/Rugged Ridge Names Speakers and Case Study Topics for Expert Business Seminars at 2012 SEMA Show

    Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2
The Off-Road Success Center will be located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.  
     

Following its recent announcement of the new Off-Road Success Center at the 2012 SEMA Show, OMIX/Rugged Ridge has named the cast of expert speakers and case studies to be featured as part of the company’s twice-daily expert business seminar series. Seven new, dynamic seminars are open to all dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry business owners or managers interested in learning proven business concepts and practices for success in the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market.

Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2, each seminar will be free of charge, facilitated by OMIX leadership and led by industry experts, who will share best practices, tips and tricks for maximizing sales, marketing and operational strategies within the aftermarket industry. Planned seminars, speakers and case studies include:


Social Media: Find, Connect and Engage Customers—Build Relevant Content and Consumer Advocates to Achieve Greater Success. 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Social media is here to stay, and it is changing the way we communicate and interact with consumers. Learn how to leverage a strategy and use the tools to effectively become more successful and relevant in the market. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Marketing Henk VanDongen, featuring the social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of the award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results.


Dealerships Dealt a Winning Hand: How Jeep and Truck Dealerships Win Profit in the Aftermarket. 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Imagine creating increased consumer pull onto your lot and converting a higher profit sale. Learn how to use aftermarket accessories to ignite the enthusiast in your customers, pulling them to your showroom and enjoying increased sales and profits. Facilitated by OMIX business development expert Ray Weaver, with case study testimonials by Galen Fleming, executive director of fixed operations with the Adams Auto Group, an innovator and industry-leading Jeep dealership in aftermarket sales.


Data Is the Engine: How to Obtain, Understand and Simplify the Loading of Effective Product Data. 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Are you frustrated with missing, inconsistent, or ineffective product data? Imagine having a process that reduces the amount of time spent cleaning and loading product information. Learn how to simplify your team’s understanding of data, implement seamless load processes and grow sales through clear product communication for your consumers. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Purchasing Gonzalo Manotas and led by the CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, Jon Wyly, with case study examples presented by Bob Castle, vice president eBusiness and IT, SEMA Data Co-op.


Dare to Dream: Use Your Passion to Increase Sales in the Jeep and Off-road Market. 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Leveraging personal strengths, interests and passion is a formula for success, especially in the growing Jeep and off-road market. No matter how you approach the market, via online, mail-order/catalog, as an installer, storefront or dealership, success can be achieved. Hear OMIX Founder and President Al Azadi’s personal story and learn how you can leverage your own expertise to a higher degree from business with expert advice and proven success stories from entrepreneur coach Jack Roseman, director, The Roseman Institute LLC.


CA$H, the Fuel of Your Business: How to Effectively Create Cash From Your Operations. 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Imagine having a surplus of cash to drive your business. Put this presentation on your SEMA schedule now because OMIX and its experts will teach you how to create positive cash flow. You will also learn a new, simple and extremely effective growth model that will amplify cash creation. Facilitated by OMIX General Manager Brandon Seadorf with key speakers including Gene McNaughton, president of Business Breakthroughs International, and Joal Little, U.S. marketing manager at UPS.


Bricks vs. Clicks: How Do Brick-and-Mortar Stores Profitably Compete With Online Retailers? 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Does your blood boil when your customer says, “But I can get it cheaper online?” Learn tips and tools to successfully complete each sale without compromising margins while building customer loyalty. Learn to identify, effectively communicate and capitalize on the great value you offer that no website can. Personal relationships, trust and technical know-how still rule. Facilitated by OMIX Business Development Manager Steve Trudeau with retail operations expert Steve Schmidt, vice president of operations and general manager of Surge Communications LLC, a T-Mobile premium retailer, with case study presented by Thomas Pickett, owner of Tom’s 4x4 Superstore, Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Recession-Proof Your Truck Business: Lifestyle Sells! 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2

  • The recent recession has proven a challenge for the industry. Learn how to diversify your truck business and cash in on the passion of Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Facilitated by OMIX National Sales Manager Pat Johnson and presented by SEMA Senior Manager of Market Research Gavin Knapp.

For additional information about the Off-Road Success Center presented by OMIX/Rugged Ridge at the 2012 SEMA Show, visit here.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 02:08

SEMA News—October 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

OMIX/Rugged Ridge Names Speakers and Case Study Topics for Expert Business Seminars at 2012 SEMA Show

    Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2
The Off-Road Success Center will be located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.  
     

Following its recent announcement of the new Off-Road Success Center at the 2012 SEMA Show, OMIX/Rugged Ridge has named the cast of expert speakers and case studies to be featured as part of the company’s twice-daily expert business seminar series. Seven new, dynamic seminars are open to all dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry business owners or managers interested in learning proven business concepts and practices for success in the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market.

Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2, each seminar will be free of charge, facilitated by OMIX leadership and led by industry experts, who will share best practices, tips and tricks for maximizing sales, marketing and operational strategies within the aftermarket industry. Planned seminars, speakers and case studies include:


Social Media: Find, Connect and Engage Customers—Build Relevant Content and Consumer Advocates to Achieve Greater Success. 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Social media is here to stay, and it is changing the way we communicate and interact with consumers. Learn how to leverage a strategy and use the tools to effectively become more successful and relevant in the market. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Marketing Henk VanDongen, featuring the social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of the award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results.


Dealerships Dealt a Winning Hand: How Jeep and Truck Dealerships Win Profit in the Aftermarket. 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Imagine creating increased consumer pull onto your lot and converting a higher profit sale. Learn how to use aftermarket accessories to ignite the enthusiast in your customers, pulling them to your showroom and enjoying increased sales and profits. Facilitated by OMIX business development expert Ray Weaver, with case study testimonials by Galen Fleming, executive director of fixed operations with the Adams Auto Group, an innovator and industry-leading Jeep dealership in aftermarket sales.


Data Is the Engine: How to Obtain, Understand and Simplify the Loading of Effective Product Data. 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Are you frustrated with missing, inconsistent, or ineffective product data? Imagine having a process that reduces the amount of time spent cleaning and loading product information. Learn how to simplify your team’s understanding of data, implement seamless load processes and grow sales through clear product communication for your consumers. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Purchasing Gonzalo Manotas and led by the CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, Jon Wyly, with case study examples presented by Bob Castle, vice president eBusiness and IT, SEMA Data Co-op.


Dare to Dream: Use Your Passion to Increase Sales in the Jeep and Off-road Market. 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Leveraging personal strengths, interests and passion is a formula for success, especially in the growing Jeep and off-road market. No matter how you approach the market, via online, mail-order/catalog, as an installer, storefront or dealership, success can be achieved. Hear OMIX Founder and President Al Azadi’s personal story and learn how you can leverage your own expertise to a higher degree from business with expert advice and proven success stories from entrepreneur coach Jack Roseman, director, The Roseman Institute LLC.


CA$H, the Fuel of Your Business: How to Effectively Create Cash From Your Operations. 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Imagine having a surplus of cash to drive your business. Put this presentation on your SEMA schedule now because OMIX and its experts will teach you how to create positive cash flow. You will also learn a new, simple and extremely effective growth model that will amplify cash creation. Facilitated by OMIX General Manager Brandon Seadorf with key speakers including Gene McNaughton, president of Business Breakthroughs International, and Joal Little, U.S. marketing manager at UPS.


Bricks vs. Clicks: How Do Brick-and-Mortar Stores Profitably Compete With Online Retailers? 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Does your blood boil when your customer says, “But I can get it cheaper online?” Learn tips and tools to successfully complete each sale without compromising margins while building customer loyalty. Learn to identify, effectively communicate and capitalize on the great value you offer that no website can. Personal relationships, trust and technical know-how still rule. Facilitated by OMIX Business Development Manager Steve Trudeau with retail operations expert Steve Schmidt, vice president of operations and general manager of Surge Communications LLC, a T-Mobile premium retailer, with case study presented by Thomas Pickett, owner of Tom’s 4x4 Superstore, Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Recession-Proof Your Truck Business: Lifestyle Sells! 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2

  • The recent recession has proven a challenge for the industry. Learn how to diversify your truck business and cash in on the passion of Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Facilitated by OMIX National Sales Manager Pat Johnson and presented by SEMA Senior Manager of Market Research Gavin Knapp.

For additional information about the Off-Road Success Center presented by OMIX/Rugged Ridge at the 2012 SEMA Show, visit here.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 02:08

SEMA News—October 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

OMIX/Rugged Ridge Names Speakers and Case Study Topics for Expert Business Seminars at 2012 SEMA Show

    Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2
The Off-Road Success Center will be located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.  
     

Following its recent announcement of the new Off-Road Success Center at the 2012 SEMA Show, OMIX/Rugged Ridge has named the cast of expert speakers and case studies to be featured as part of the company’s twice-daily expert business seminar series. Seven new, dynamic seminars are open to all dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry business owners or managers interested in learning proven business concepts and practices for success in the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market.

Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2, each seminar will be free of charge, facilitated by OMIX leadership and led by industry experts, who will share best practices, tips and tricks for maximizing sales, marketing and operational strategies within the aftermarket industry. Planned seminars, speakers and case studies include:


Social Media: Find, Connect and Engage Customers—Build Relevant Content and Consumer Advocates to Achieve Greater Success. 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Social media is here to stay, and it is changing the way we communicate and interact with consumers. Learn how to leverage a strategy and use the tools to effectively become more successful and relevant in the market. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Marketing Henk VanDongen, featuring the social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of the award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results.


Dealerships Dealt a Winning Hand: How Jeep and Truck Dealerships Win Profit in the Aftermarket. 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Imagine creating increased consumer pull onto your lot and converting a higher profit sale. Learn how to use aftermarket accessories to ignite the enthusiast in your customers, pulling them to your showroom and enjoying increased sales and profits. Facilitated by OMIX business development expert Ray Weaver, with case study testimonials by Galen Fleming, executive director of fixed operations with the Adams Auto Group, an innovator and industry-leading Jeep dealership in aftermarket sales.


Data Is the Engine: How to Obtain, Understand and Simplify the Loading of Effective Product Data. 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Are you frustrated with missing, inconsistent, or ineffective product data? Imagine having a process that reduces the amount of time spent cleaning and loading product information. Learn how to simplify your team’s understanding of data, implement seamless load processes and grow sales through clear product communication for your consumers. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Purchasing Gonzalo Manotas and led by the CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, Jon Wyly, with case study examples presented by Bob Castle, vice president eBusiness and IT, SEMA Data Co-op.


Dare to Dream: Use Your Passion to Increase Sales in the Jeep and Off-road Market. 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Leveraging personal strengths, interests and passion is a formula for success, especially in the growing Jeep and off-road market. No matter how you approach the market, via online, mail-order/catalog, as an installer, storefront or dealership, success can be achieved. Hear OMIX Founder and President Al Azadi’s personal story and learn how you can leverage your own expertise to a higher degree from business with expert advice and proven success stories from entrepreneur coach Jack Roseman, director, The Roseman Institute LLC.


CA$H, the Fuel of Your Business: How to Effectively Create Cash From Your Operations. 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Imagine having a surplus of cash to drive your business. Put this presentation on your SEMA schedule now because OMIX and its experts will teach you how to create positive cash flow. You will also learn a new, simple and extremely effective growth model that will amplify cash creation. Facilitated by OMIX General Manager Brandon Seadorf with key speakers including Gene McNaughton, president of Business Breakthroughs International, and Joal Little, U.S. marketing manager at UPS.


Bricks vs. Clicks: How Do Brick-and-Mortar Stores Profitably Compete With Online Retailers? 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Does your blood boil when your customer says, “But I can get it cheaper online?” Learn tips and tools to successfully complete each sale without compromising margins while building customer loyalty. Learn to identify, effectively communicate and capitalize on the great value you offer that no website can. Personal relationships, trust and technical know-how still rule. Facilitated by OMIX Business Development Manager Steve Trudeau with retail operations expert Steve Schmidt, vice president of operations and general manager of Surge Communications LLC, a T-Mobile premium retailer, with case study presented by Thomas Pickett, owner of Tom’s 4x4 Superstore, Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Recession-Proof Your Truck Business: Lifestyle Sells! 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2

  • The recent recession has proven a challenge for the industry. Learn how to diversify your truck business and cash in on the passion of Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Facilitated by OMIX National Sales Manager Pat Johnson and presented by SEMA Senior Manager of Market Research Gavin Knapp.

For additional information about the Off-Road Success Center presented by OMIX/Rugged Ridge at the 2012 SEMA Show, visit here.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 02:08

SEMA News—October 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

OMIX/Rugged Ridge Names Speakers and Case Study Topics for Expert Business Seminars at 2012 SEMA Show

    Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2
The Off-Road Success Center will be located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.  
     

Following its recent announcement of the new Off-Road Success Center at the 2012 SEMA Show, OMIX/Rugged Ridge has named the cast of expert speakers and case studies to be featured as part of the company’s twice-daily expert business seminar series. Seven new, dynamic seminars are open to all dealers, jobbers, installers and other specialty-equipment industry business owners or managers interested in learning proven business concepts and practices for success in the dynamic Jeep and off-road lifestyle market.

Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2, each seminar will be free of charge, facilitated by OMIX leadership and led by industry experts, who will share best practices, tips and tricks for maximizing sales, marketing and operational strategies within the aftermarket industry. Planned seminars, speakers and case studies include:


Social Media: Find, Connect and Engage Customers—Build Relevant Content and Consumer Advocates to Achieve Greater Success. 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Social media is here to stay, and it is changing the way we communicate and interact with consumers. Learn how to leverage a strategy and use the tools to effectively become more successful and relevant in the market. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Marketing Henk VanDongen, featuring the social-media case study of legendary off-road enthusiast Dave Doetsch, builder of the award-winning Jeepzilla and Black Widow, with online marketing expert, William Leake, CEO of Apogee Results.


Dealerships Dealt a Winning Hand: How Jeep and Truck Dealerships Win Profit in the Aftermarket. 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30

  • Imagine creating increased consumer pull onto your lot and converting a higher profit sale. Learn how to use aftermarket accessories to ignite the enthusiast in your customers, pulling them to your showroom and enjoying increased sales and profits. Facilitated by OMIX business development expert Ray Weaver, with case study testimonials by Galen Fleming, executive director of fixed operations with the Adams Auto Group, an innovator and industry-leading Jeep dealership in aftermarket sales.


Data Is the Engine: How to Obtain, Understand and Simplify the Loading of Effective Product Data. 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Are you frustrated with missing, inconsistent, or ineffective product data? Imagine having a process that reduces the amount of time spent cleaning and loading product information. Learn how to simplify your team’s understanding of data, implement seamless load processes and grow sales through clear product communication for your consumers. Facilitated by OMIX Director of Purchasing Gonzalo Manotas and led by the CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, Jon Wyly, with case study examples presented by Bob Castle, vice president eBusiness and IT, SEMA Data Co-op.


Dare to Dream: Use Your Passion to Increase Sales in the Jeep and Off-road Market. 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 31

  • Leveraging personal strengths, interests and passion is a formula for success, especially in the growing Jeep and off-road market. No matter how you approach the market, via online, mail-order/catalog, as an installer, storefront or dealership, success can be achieved. Hear OMIX Founder and President Al Azadi’s personal story and learn how you can leverage your own expertise to a higher degree from business with expert advice and proven success stories from entrepreneur coach Jack Roseman, director, The Roseman Institute LLC.


CA$H, the Fuel of Your Business: How to Effectively Create Cash From Your Operations. 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Located in booth #30147 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center where other truck, SUV and off-road equipment is showcased October 31–November 2Imagine having a surplus of cash to drive your business. Put this presentation on your SEMA schedule now because OMIX and its experts will teach you how to create positive cash flow. You will also learn a new, simple and extremely effective growth model that will amplify cash creation. Facilitated by OMIX General Manager Brandon Seadorf with key speakers including Gene McNaughton, president of Business Breakthroughs International, and Joal Little, U.S. marketing manager at UPS.


Bricks vs. Clicks: How Do Brick-and-Mortar Stores Profitably Compete With Online Retailers? 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1

  • Does your blood boil when your customer says, “But I can get it cheaper online?” Learn tips and tools to successfully complete each sale without compromising margins while building customer loyalty. Learn to identify, effectively communicate and capitalize on the great value you offer that no website can. Personal relationships, trust and technical know-how still rule. Facilitated by OMIX Business Development Manager Steve Trudeau with retail operations expert Steve Schmidt, vice president of operations and general manager of Surge Communications LLC, a T-Mobile premium retailer, with case study presented by Thomas Pickett, owner of Tom’s 4x4 Superstore, Chattanooga, Tennessee.


Recession-Proof Your Truck Business: Lifestyle Sells! 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2

  • The recent recession has proven a challenge for the industry. Learn how to diversify your truck business and cash in on the passion of Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Facilitated by OMIX National Sales Manager Pat Johnson and presented by SEMA Senior Manager of Market Research Gavin Knapp.

For additional information about the Off-Road Success Center presented by OMIX/Rugged Ridge at the 2012 SEMA Show, visit here.

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:10
   scion
Industry experts expect the ’13 Scion FR-S to play a prominent role at the 2012 SEMA Show.
   

Automotive experts are speculating on what the top vehicle models will be at the upcoming SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas.

With predictions for the SEMA Award ranging from traditional musclecars to brand-new models, anticipation is high as to which vehicles actually take the top honors.

“The SEMA Award highlights the makes and models that are trending strongly within the specialty market,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “With each booth vehicle representing a ‘vote,’ the winners clearly tell us which cars and trucks are the hottest this year.”

Last year’s SEMA Award winners were the Chevrolet Camaro in the car category, the Fiat 500 in the sport compact category, the Ford F-Series in the truck category and the Jeep Wrangler in the 4x4-SUV category. Experts agree that traditional favorites, such as the Camaro, Jeep and Ford F-Series will continue to have a strong presence with vehicle customizers. However, many are keeping a close eye on the all-new Scion FR-S as the frontrunner to win the Hottest Sport Compact award.

Here’s what some industry experts are saying:

“In our booth, we will have a ’13 Scion FR-S because we know that it will be a huge part of the SEMA Show.”

– John Hotchkis, president at Hotchkis Performance

“Judging from what’s going on this year, I expect the Scion FR-S platform will be very popular at this year’s SEMA Show. We’re building one, and I hear a lot of companies are in the process of building them—creating tremendous horsepower and adding a lot of different great applications.”

– Eddie Lee, general manager at Mackin Industries

“I believe this year’s show will have a large contingent of Pro-Touring cars, which have gathered huge interest in the past couple of years. However, there is a new crop of ultra-high-tech vehicles coming out. There will be a small group of these new-wave vehicles throughout the Show that are truly breakout vehicles that will be must-sees.”

– Nate Shelton, chief marketing officer at B&M Automotive Group

“There is no doubt that the Scion FR-S is going to be one of the dominant and prominent cars at the SEMA Show this year, and I’ll go out on a limb and say the same will happen again at the 2013 SEMA Show.”

– Neil Tjin, president at Tjin Edition

“Four-door Jeep JKs will be strong, since the Jeep segment is growing.”

– Greg Adler, CEO of Transamerican Auto Parts

“The Scion FR-S platform has been getting much attention from the automotive aftermarket lately, and a vehicle I believe will be seen quite a bit at the 2012 SEMA Show. I also believe that the current generation of Mustangs and Camaros are still a focus for many companies. I feel that their popularity will continue to be strong at this year's Show. Of course, hot rods from across the spectrum will continue to be prominent as they are each and every year.”

– RJ de Vera, associate director of public relations and event marketing at Meguiar's Inc.

The winners of the SEMA Award will be announced Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For more information about the SEMA Award, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:10
   scion
Industry experts expect the ’13 Scion FR-S to play a prominent role at the 2012 SEMA Show.
   

Automotive experts are speculating on what the top vehicle models will be at the upcoming SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas.

With predictions for the SEMA Award ranging from traditional musclecars to brand-new models, anticipation is high as to which vehicles actually take the top honors.

“The SEMA Award highlights the makes and models that are trending strongly within the specialty market,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “With each booth vehicle representing a ‘vote,’ the winners clearly tell us which cars and trucks are the hottest this year.”

Last year’s SEMA Award winners were the Chevrolet Camaro in the car category, the Fiat 500 in the sport compact category, the Ford F-Series in the truck category and the Jeep Wrangler in the 4x4-SUV category. Experts agree that traditional favorites, such as the Camaro, Jeep and Ford F-Series will continue to have a strong presence with vehicle customizers. However, many are keeping a close eye on the all-new Scion FR-S as the frontrunner to win the Hottest Sport Compact award.

Here’s what some industry experts are saying:

“In our booth, we will have a ’13 Scion FR-S because we know that it will be a huge part of the SEMA Show.”

– John Hotchkis, president at Hotchkis Performance

“Judging from what’s going on this year, I expect the Scion FR-S platform will be very popular at this year’s SEMA Show. We’re building one, and I hear a lot of companies are in the process of building them—creating tremendous horsepower and adding a lot of different great applications.”

– Eddie Lee, general manager at Mackin Industries

“I believe this year’s show will have a large contingent of Pro-Touring cars, which have gathered huge interest in the past couple of years. However, there is a new crop of ultra-high-tech vehicles coming out. There will be a small group of these new-wave vehicles throughout the Show that are truly breakout vehicles that will be must-sees.”

– Nate Shelton, chief marketing officer at B&M Automotive Group

“There is no doubt that the Scion FR-S is going to be one of the dominant and prominent cars at the SEMA Show this year, and I’ll go out on a limb and say the same will happen again at the 2013 SEMA Show.”

– Neil Tjin, president at Tjin Edition

“Four-door Jeep JKs will be strong, since the Jeep segment is growing.”

– Greg Adler, CEO of Transamerican Auto Parts

“The Scion FR-S platform has been getting much attention from the automotive aftermarket lately, and a vehicle I believe will be seen quite a bit at the 2012 SEMA Show. I also believe that the current generation of Mustangs and Camaros are still a focus for many companies. I feel that their popularity will continue to be strong at this year's Show. Of course, hot rods from across the spectrum will continue to be prominent as they are each and every year.”

– RJ de Vera, associate director of public relations and event marketing at Meguiar's Inc.

The winners of the SEMA Award will be announced Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For more information about the SEMA Award, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:10
   scion
Industry experts expect the ’13 Scion FR-S to play a prominent role at the 2012 SEMA Show.
   

Automotive experts are speculating on what the top vehicle models will be at the upcoming SEMA Show taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas.

With predictions for the SEMA Award ranging from traditional musclecars to brand-new models, anticipation is high as to which vehicles actually take the top honors.

“The SEMA Award highlights the makes and models that are trending strongly within the specialty market,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “With each booth vehicle representing a ‘vote,’ the winners clearly tell us which cars and trucks are the hottest this year.”

Last year’s SEMA Award winners were the Chevrolet Camaro in the car category, the Fiat 500 in the sport compact category, the Ford F-Series in the truck category and the Jeep Wrangler in the 4x4-SUV category. Experts agree that traditional favorites, such as the Camaro, Jeep and Ford F-Series will continue to have a strong presence with vehicle customizers. However, many are keeping a close eye on the all-new Scion FR-S as the frontrunner to win the Hottest Sport Compact award.

Here’s what some industry experts are saying:

“In our booth, we will have a ’13 Scion FR-S because we know that it will be a huge part of the SEMA Show.”

– John Hotchkis, president at Hotchkis Performance

“Judging from what’s going on this year, I expect the Scion FR-S platform will be very popular at this year’s SEMA Show. We’re building one, and I hear a lot of companies are in the process of building them—creating tremendous horsepower and adding a lot of different great applications.”

– Eddie Lee, general manager at Mackin Industries

“I believe this year’s show will have a large contingent of Pro-Touring cars, which have gathered huge interest in the past couple of years. However, there is a new crop of ultra-high-tech vehicles coming out. There will be a small group of these new-wave vehicles throughout the Show that are truly breakout vehicles that will be must-sees.”

– Nate Shelton, chief marketing officer at B&M Automotive Group

“There is no doubt that the Scion FR-S is going to be one of the dominant and prominent cars at the SEMA Show this year, and I’ll go out on a limb and say the same will happen again at the 2013 SEMA Show.”

– Neil Tjin, president at Tjin Edition

“Four-door Jeep JKs will be strong, since the Jeep segment is growing.”

– Greg Adler, CEO of Transamerican Auto Parts

“The Scion FR-S platform has been getting much attention from the automotive aftermarket lately, and a vehicle I believe will be seen quite a bit at the 2012 SEMA Show. I also believe that the current generation of Mustangs and Camaros are still a focus for many companies. I feel that their popularity will continue to be strong at this year's Show. Of course, hot rods from across the spectrum will continue to be prominent as they are each and every year.”

– RJ de Vera, associate director of public relations and event marketing at Meguiar's Inc.

The winners of the SEMA Award will be announced Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For more information about the SEMA Award, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:09
The press conference schedule for the 2012 SEMA Show is updated and available online at www.SEMAShow.com/press-conferences.
Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:09
The press conference schedule for the 2012 SEMA Show is updated and available online at www.SEMAShow.com/press-conferences.
Thu, 09/27/2012 - 16:09
  automobile trade show, auto show, automobile events, sema show
Doug Lane, flanked by SEMA President Chris Kersting (left) and SEMA Chairman Scooter Brothers, accepts the award for 2011 SEMA WD of the Year for Motor State Distributing.
   

The finalists have been announced for two of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and the SEMA WD of the Year. These awards—along with the SEMA Person of the Year Award and the newly created SEMA Gen-3 Innovator Award—will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2012 SEMA Show.

2012 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Finalists
The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors an manufacturers' rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets, and maintains continuous training and education programs. Congratulations to the following finalists:

2012 SEMA WD of the Year Finalists
The SEMA WD of the Year Award was established to honor a warehouse distributor for outstanding contributions to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes working with jobbers for sales training and support programs, prompt distribution of catalogs, price sheets and collateral materials, services resellers in a timely manner by maintaining proper inventory, and regularly pays bills in a timely manner. Congratulations to the following finalists:

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes places Thursday, November 1, at the Las Vegas Hotel, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Complete information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2012 SEMA Show.