Through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase, buyers can preview more than 2,000 of the industry's hottest and newest products all in one area.

By Jason Catullo

While the first product entry is free, the deadline for exhibitors to enter an additional product in the 2013 SEMA Show New Products Showcase and receive the advance rate of $75 is Friday, October 11. After the deadline, the fee is $150 for each additional product entered into the showcase. Register for the New Products Showcase online at www.SEMAShow.com/newproducts.   

The most current SEMA Show survey data indicates that 87% of buyers consider new products their first mission when the Show opens. In addition, one of the first stops for buyers when they arrive is the New Products Showcase because they can preview more than 2,000 new products and technologies in one designated area.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase also offers all exhibitors the opportunity to enter and display any product as a Featured Product within the showcase. Featured Products may be previously introduced products and do not need to qualify as "new." This collection of the industry's newest technologies and advancements combined with namesake products has helped the New Products Showcase position itself as a beacon of sorts for buyers looking for the latest innovations, updated versions of the industry's hot sellers and classic products that have defined a company's heritage.

Not only does the SEMA Show New Products Showcase help increase exhibitor product exposure during the Show, each product is photographed and the photos and product information are featured throughout the upcoming year in SEMA News. The trade magazine is distributed to 18,000 industry professionals monthly. In addition to SEMA News, the images and details of all products from the showcase are also made available to media throughout the world. An analysis of SEMA Show media coverage showed that exhibitors who participated in the 2012 New Products Showcase had higher levels of exposure in stories after the Show.

For 2013, SEMA has partnered with Autoweek magazine to further increase exposure for all products in the Showcase. All products will automatically be enrolled at no cost into Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, where the products will be promoted to enthusiasts throughout the year. To learn more about Autoweek's exclusive SEMA Collection digital marketplace, visit sema-collection.autoweek.com/register.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On Sept, 24, 2013, the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” The legislation supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles, but does not provide a test standard or decibel level for modified exhaust systems installed on any other motor vehicle, including passenger cars and trucks. 

While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. It is not too late to voice your opposition. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On Sept, 24, 2013, the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” The legislation supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles, but does not provide a test standard or decibel level for modified exhaust systems installed on any other motor vehicle, including passenger cars and trucks. 

While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. It is not too late to voice your opposition. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

On Sept, 24, 2013, the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the “use and sale of any exhaust pipe that increases the sound emission of any vehicle, including motorcycles.” The legislation supplies law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce for motorcycles, but does not provide a test standard or decibel level for modified exhaust systems installed on any other motor vehicle, including passenger cars and trucks. 

While the bill remains eligible for an executive session by the committee, no vote has yet been taken. It is not too late to voice your opposition. For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that encourages manufacturers to equip new vehicles with a rearview video system. NCAP includes a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP update is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require all new passenger cars be equipped with a rearview camera system. The equipment is intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles.

Under a law passed in 2008, the NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased-in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, the NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require the NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included a recommendation in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that encourages manufacturers to equip new vehicles with a rearview video system. NCAP includes a five-star rating system for raising consumer awareness about crashworthiness and rollover safety information. The NCAP update is separate from NHTSA’s proposed rule to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear View Mirrors) to require all new passenger cars be equipped with a rearview camera system. The equipment is intended to prevent accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles.

Under a law passed in 2008, the NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased-in by 2014. While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, the NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility in determining cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court to require the NHTSA to issue a final rule and make the cameras mandatory. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Chad Simon

	Representatives from Discount Tire Co. attended the Measuring Session to check the specs for the ’14 Honda Odyssey minivan.
	The ’14 Acura RLX mid-luxury sedan is completely redesigned, featuring a 310-hp, direct-injected 3.5L V6 i-VTEC.
	SEMA-member manufacturers came to measure the ’14 Honda Goldwing F6B.
	The Measuring Session featured another first—the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle.

For the first time ever, the SEMA Measuring Sessions program hosted a motorcyle and ATV OEM. Well-attended by SEMA-member manufacturers, the Honda/Acura Measuring Session was held last week at the SEMA Garage, and featured ’14 versions of the Honda Grom, CTX700 and Goldwing F6B motorcycles, the Pioneer SXS all-terrain vehicle and Odyssey minivan. The ’14 Acura MDX midsize SUV and RLX mid-luxury sedan were also available for members to explore.


SEMA Measuring Sessions provide an integration platform for different sectors of the aftermarket community. Members acquaint themselves with new vehicles before their release or immediately following their debut. Participants can question manufacturer representatives and offer their feedback regarding the new vehicles. SEMA acquires first-production or pre-production test vehicles for the sessions, allowing wheel companies, performance groups and cosmetic restyling businesses to shorten the lead-time for new products. SEMA often gathers two or more vehicles for each session, increasing the value of each event.

At the latest Measuring Session, an exhaust company measured the undercarriage of a vehicle while a wheel company inspected the latest braking system. Meanwhile, the second test vehicle was examined by seat-cover companies, a floor mat company and a second performance parts group. After inspecting the cars, SEMA members lingered and reconnected with industry friends, which provided valuable personal interaction not often facilitated by modern online social platforms.

"I find Measuring Sessions refresh my enthusiasm for the industry by allowing me the chance to get back to the basics of the aftermarket community," said Gavin Horlick of Voxx Products. "Instead of sitting behind a desk selling product, answering questions or reviewing data reports, I can interact with the latest vehicles, which allows me to stay informed of advances in the OEM industry. The accumulation of knowledge gained from the Measuring Session allows me to better serve consumers. The Measuring Sessions add value to my SEMA membership."


Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and the Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

"The SEMA Measuring Sessions are very helpful for us in developing product for new vehicles," said Mike Barland of MGP Caliper Covers. "In the case of the new Acura RLX, MGP was approached weeks earlier by a builder to provide caliper covers for his SEMA car. As soon as SEMA announced it would have the RLX for a Measuring Session, we made the appointment and took advantage of this service. The Measuring Session gives MGP the opportunity to fit up a car directly. We verify wheel clearance, rotor clearance and overall fit and function on the car. I prefer this type of hands-on method; it gives me confidence that MGP's product will fit correctly. With a functional fitment, we also take pictures of the product on the car to help customers troubleshoot if install issues arise."



In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.



For additional information on Measuring Sessions, Tech Transfer and additional programs available through SEMA's OEM Relations department, visit www.sema.org/oem.

The ’14 Honda/Acura Measuring Session participants included:

• American Tire Distributors
• Carlisle Tire and Wheel
• Discount Tire Co.
• K&N Filters
• McGard
• MGP Caliper Covers
• Prestige Autotech Corp.
• Ultra Wheel
• Voxx Products
• Wet Okole
• Westin Automotive Products
• Wheel Consultants Inc.
• Wheel Pros