By Linda Spencer

SEMA has available an Australian-spec ’16 Ford Ranger for members to measure.

An Australian-spec, 3.2L diesel-powered, right-hand-drive, 4x4 double-cab ’16 Ford Ranger is now available for SEMA members to measure. To date, 78 SEMA-member companies have measured the truck and/or accessed SEMA-produced scan data before displaying their products on the Ranger at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The truck can be measured at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Or, if you prefer, it can be measured at your facility.

Contact Stephanie Martinez at the SEMA Garage to arrange to measure the Australian-spec Ford Ranger (different from the new U.S. version) in order to make export-ready product.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA has available an Australian-spec ’16 Ford Ranger for members to measure.

An Australian-spec, 3.2L diesel-powered, right-hand-drive, 4x4 double-cab ’16 Ford Ranger is now available for SEMA members to measure. To date, 78 SEMA-member companies have measured the truck and/or accessed SEMA-produced scan data before displaying their products on the Ranger at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The truck can be measured at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Or, if you prefer, it can be measured at your facility.

Contact Stephanie Martinez at the SEMA Garage to arrange to measure the Australian-spec Ford Ranger (different from the new U.S. version) in order to make export-ready product.

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle with the MPMC select committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle with the MPMC select committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual, and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics, such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of the newest three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle with the MPMC select committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to the MPMC and industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape; A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five years, 10 years and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond; It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift

Take Part in SEMA's First Cars & Coffee Holiday Fundraiser

Join us at SEMA headquarters to enjoy cars, coffee, donuts and a special inside look at the SEMA Garage.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sema-cares-cars-coffee-inaugural-fundraiser-tickets-51566253051

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Linda Spencer

“We knew we’d have a chance to meet a few automotive enthusiasts while attending the Custom Show Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but the number and overall demand for aftermarket auto parts in general far exceeded our expectations,” noted Scott Spiva (left), who works in sales for Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

“Truck Hero took full advantage of the well-organized and balanced SEMA Middle East conference, ranging from several insightful presentations to numerous selected businesses visits,” said Yannick Greiner (left), who works in international sales for Truck Hero and seen here with Sally Goldberg (second left), director of international sales. “We at Truck Hero were able to efficiently focus on prospecting for new leads and nurturing existing business relationships in the Middle East while at the same time gathering valuable feedback and market intelligence.”

Join SEMA on Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for an hour-long conference call to learn more about a popular member benefit—SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia. The conference call will also provide SEMA members an opportunity to propose additional markets for consideration. More than 200 companies have participated in SEMA’s business development programs to meet potential vetted buyers, visit local specialty-equipment shops and exhibit at regional customizing shows. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to defray the cost of participating. A turnkey booth, hotel and meals are included at a rate starting at $3,850 per company.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

For more information about the SEMA Business Development Programs, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

Register now for the conference call!

By Katie Carson

SEMA has launched the Automotive Aftermarket Grant Program, in which the association will engage elementary school teachers and students across the nation in the automotive hobby, career pathing and lifestyle.

SEMA is offering grants of up to $1,000 to at least 50 elementary school teachers to support the incorporation of a hands-on, interactive automotive lesson plan or activity into their classrooms. Ideas for the automotive-driven projects are solely up to the creativity of the teachers applying for the grants and must be incorporated into their curriculum before the end of the 2018–2019 school year. This program directly supports SEMA’s youth-engagement initiatives to inspire and ignite the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

If you work with elementary schools or know an educator who may be interested in this program, please spread the word. Educators may apply for up to $1,000 in grants to fund their automotive inspired projects. The application period will end Monday, December 10, 2018.  

Industry professionals can support this program by sharing the details with elementary schools and teachers in their local area.

For more details, contact Katie Carson, SEMA’s youth engagement programs manager.