3M’s Chris Sepanski discusses the benefits of joining SEMA’s Professional Reystlers Organization (PRO).

By Zane Clark

Several educational sessions designed for marketing professionals will be presented at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Marketing is important in building customer relationships and creating product awareness. Those without an effective marketing strategy stand to be at a competitive disadvantage with their current and potential customers, which equates to revenue loss and no growth. SEMA Show Education offers five programs to help marketing professionals:

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Game for the Automotive Service Business
Monday, October 29, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N252
New online technology is changing the way consumers seek and book automotive services. Businesses that offer customers personalized, real-time information that address their needs and help make a decision on servicing their vehicle will prevail in highly competitive markets.  

Artificial Intel: Leveraging Customer Data to Win
Tuesday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N252
Artificial intelligence and mobility have already reshaped the many ways in which consumers search, discover and purchase goods and services. Business operations and marketing will be forever changed over the next decade by more of the same and new possibilities being brought to market today.

Build Your Tribe. Cut the Noise. Grow Your Business
Wednesday, October 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., LVCC N254
Every day we are bombarded with information. Find out direct from small-business boot-strappers and global business road warriors why employing on a more focused and authentic approach will enable you to punch through the “noise” and get your message to your intended audience in a compelling way, ultimately driving them to take action.

Connecting with the Outdoor Centric Consumer
Wednesday, October 31, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N253
According the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation industry is a powerful force in the overall U.S. economy, with consumers spending $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation. Join Yakima and other industry leaders for a panel discussion on how the automotive industry plays a pivotal role in everyday outdoor adventure and how to get involved.

Data-Driven Decision Making: How to Use Analytics and Research to Grow Your Business
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N252
A team of experts in online marketing will help guide you through the intricate challenges on how to strategically advertise your products and services online, beginning with the critical role SEO and PPC plays in your business’ success.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Zane Clark

Several educational sessions designed for marketing professionals will be presented at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Marketing is important in building customer relationships and creating product awareness. Those without an effective marketing strategy stand to be at a competitive disadvantage with their current and potential customers, which equates to revenue loss and no growth. SEMA Show Education offers five programs to help marketing professionals:

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Game for the Automotive Service Business
Monday, October 29, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N252
New online technology is changing the way consumers seek and book automotive services. Businesses that offer customers personalized, real-time information that address their needs and help make a decision on servicing their vehicle will prevail in highly competitive markets.  

Artificial Intel: Leveraging Customer Data to Win
Tuesday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N252
Artificial intelligence and mobility have already reshaped the many ways in which consumers search, discover and purchase goods and services. Business operations and marketing will be forever changed over the next decade by more of the same and new possibilities being brought to market today.

Build Your Tribe. Cut the Noise. Grow Your Business
Wednesday, October 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., LVCC N254
Every day we are bombarded with information. Find out direct from small-business boot-strappers and global business road warriors why employing on a more focused and authentic approach will enable you to punch through the “noise” and get your message to your intended audience in a compelling way, ultimately driving them to take action.

Connecting with the Outdoor Centric Consumer
Wednesday, October 31, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N253
According the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation industry is a powerful force in the overall U.S. economy, with consumers spending $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation. Join Yakima and other industry leaders for a panel discussion on how the automotive industry plays a pivotal role in everyday outdoor adventure and how to get involved.

Data-Driven Decision Making: How to Use Analytics and Research to Grow Your Business
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N252
A team of experts in online marketing will help guide you through the intricate challenges on how to strategically advertise your products and services online, beginning with the critical role SEO and PPC plays in your business’ success.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Zane Clark

Several educational sessions designed for marketing professionals will be presented at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Marketing is important in building customer relationships and creating product awareness. Those without an effective marketing strategy stand to be at a competitive disadvantage with their current and potential customers, which equates to revenue loss and no growth. SEMA Show Education offers five programs to help marketing professionals:

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Game for the Automotive Service Business
Monday, October 29, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., LVCC N252
New online technology is changing the way consumers seek and book automotive services. Businesses that offer customers personalized, real-time information that address their needs and help make a decision on servicing their vehicle will prevail in highly competitive markets.  

Artificial Intel: Leveraging Customer Data to Win
Tuesday, October 30, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N252
Artificial intelligence and mobility have already reshaped the many ways in which consumers search, discover and purchase goods and services. Business operations and marketing will be forever changed over the next decade by more of the same and new possibilities being brought to market today.

Build Your Tribe. Cut the Noise. Grow Your Business
Wednesday, October 31, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., LVCC N254
Every day we are bombarded with information. Find out direct from small-business boot-strappers and global business road warriors why employing on a more focused and authentic approach will enable you to punch through the “noise” and get your message to your intended audience in a compelling way, ultimately driving them to take action.

Connecting with the Outdoor Centric Consumer
Wednesday, October 31, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., LVCC N253
According the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation industry is a powerful force in the overall U.S. economy, with consumers spending $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation. Join Yakima and other industry leaders for a panel discussion on how the automotive industry plays a pivotal role in everyday outdoor adventure and how to get involved.

Data-Driven Decision Making: How to Use Analytics and Research to Grow Your Business
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC N252
A team of experts in online marketing will help guide you through the intricate challenges on how to strategically advertise your products and services online, beginning with the critical role SEO and PPC plays in your business’ success.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Zane Clark

The Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.

As the automotive aftermarket industry continues to grow and business demand for qualified employees rises, the third annual Student Career Day will bring SEMA Show exhibitors and students who are passionate about the automotive aftermarket industry together during the 2018 SEMA Show. Held Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.  

Companies that sign up for Student Career Day to meet the future generation of the automotive aftermarket industry are provided a 10x10 display space, chairs, student résumés, school contacts and basic signage.

Join these leading companies and register your business today:

By Zane Clark

The Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.

As the automotive aftermarket industry continues to grow and business demand for qualified employees rises, the third annual Student Career Day will bring SEMA Show exhibitors and students who are passionate about the automotive aftermarket industry together during the 2018 SEMA Show. Held Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.  

Companies that sign up for Student Career Day to meet the future generation of the automotive aftermarket industry are provided a 10x10 display space, chairs, student résumés, school contacts and basic signage.

Join these leading companies and register your business today:

By Zane Clark

The Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.

As the automotive aftermarket industry continues to grow and business demand for qualified employees rises, the third annual Student Career Day will bring SEMA Show exhibitors and students who are passionate about the automotive aftermarket industry together during the 2018 SEMA Show. Held Monday, October 29, from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the Student Career Day will include hundreds of high school and college students from across the country, and more than 50 SEMA Show exhibitors.  

Companies that sign up for Student Career Day to meet the future generation of the automotive aftermarket industry are provided a 10x10 display space, chairs, student résumés, school contacts and basic signage.

Join these leading companies and register your business today:

By Linda Spencer

The SEMA-Member International Resource Briefing will be held Thursday, September 27, starting at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

SEMA invites all members to learn more about SEMA’s programs and resources designed to assist companies in growing their export sales abroad and gaining brand recognition among the 97% of all consumers who are located outside the United States.

The one-hour conference will be held Thursday, September 27, starting at 11:00 a.m. (PDT)/2:00 p.m. (EDT), and provide an overview of the 2019 SEMA overseas trips, networking events at the upcoming SEMA Show, international vehicle measuring program, new SEMA Export Networking Facebook Group, and make/model data for key overseas markets. SEMA will also provide the findings of a recent survey of its members’ export activities. 

Sign up to participate in the SEMA-Member International Resource Briefing.

By Linda Spencer

The SEMA-Member International Resource Briefing will be held Thursday, September 27, starting at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

SEMA invites all members to learn more about SEMA’s programs and resources designed to assist companies in growing their export sales abroad and gaining brand recognition among the 97% of all consumers who are located outside the United States.

The one-hour conference will be held Thursday, September 27, starting at 11:00 a.m. (PDT)/2:00 p.m. (EDT), and provide an overview of the 2019 SEMA overseas trips, networking events at the upcoming SEMA Show, international vehicle measuring program, new SEMA Export Networking Facebook Group, and make/model data for key overseas markets. SEMA will also provide the findings of a recent survey of its members’ export activities. 

Sign up to participate in the SEMA-Member International Resource Briefing.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

With respect to potential tariffs on imported motor vehicles and auto parts, eight major trade associations, including SEMA, have formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition.

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in opposition to threatened 10% or 25% tariffs on more than 6,000 tariff lines valued at $200 billion in imported products from China. The list covers everything from engines and metal fasteners to wheels, tires, steering wheel components, gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. The tariffs are in addition to 25% tariffs already imposed on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Despite widespread industry opposition to the tariffs, President Trump could decide to begin imposing them as early as October. Further, the USTR has been directed to identify another $267 billion in Chinese imports subject to potential tariffs later this year if the U.S. and China fail to resolve trade disputes. The U.S. is seeking to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies.

In comments submitted to the USTR, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting noted that, “SEMA and its members believe in fair and reciprocal trade, and support efforts to protect intellectual property rights. However, SEMA opposes the imposition of tariffs on a vast and seemingly indiscriminate selection of products worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. tariffs along with equal retaliatory tariffs imposed by China have harmed American businesses, workers and consumers. The additional tariffs being proposed only threaten to escalate the problem rather than resulting in constructive negotiations and meaningful results.” 

Click here for a copy of SEMA’s comments.

Below is a quick summary of currently imposed and threatened U.S. tariffs:

1. Steel/Aluminum: The U.S. government has imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%). Most of the tariffs began June 1, 2018. To date, only Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea have trade agreements exempting them from the tariffs. The tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.), but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.).

2. Chinese Products: President Trump directed the U.S. government to impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. Tariffs on another $200 billion worth of goods is expected to be implemented this fall, and tariffs on an additional $267 billion in Chinese imports have been threatened. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and to deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies.

• On July 6, customs began collecting duties on about $34 billion worth of products, including miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment.
• On August 23, tariffs on $16 billion worth of products took effect, including many types of plastics.
• 25% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of products are being finalized and could start as early as October. The list includes many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to wheels/tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs.

3. Imported Automobiles/Auto Parts: President Trump directed the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to investigate whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to America’s national security (manufacturing base). The DOC will issue its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any. President Trump has stated that he is considering global tariffs of 20%–25% that could begin this fall or winter. The DOC investigation applies to all types of cars and auto parts, including new cars, classic cars and off-road vehicles.  

SEMA has joined several coalitions to oppose the various tariffs. To date, the U.S. tariffs have produced more tit-for-tat retaliation than productive negotiations with trading partners. With respect to potential tariffs on imported motor vehicles and auto parts, eight major trade associations have formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition. It includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers. The Coalition is united in opposing the referenced tariffs as being counterproductive and threatening American companies, workers and consumers. The message to the president and lawmakers has been to pursue trade infringements in a fashion that does not inflict unintended economic harm.