Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:40

camaro

This is the ’19 Chevy Camaro, caught while testing in the Rockies, and this time showing off some new details.

The Camaro will get a mid-cycle facelift next year. Based on the camo on this prototype, the front end on the standard models will receive some comprehensive changes from the A-pillar forward. From the shots, it appears that the Camaro will get a more modern, yet aggressive look up front. Around back, there’s a revised rear fascia, along with new taillights.

To keep pace with the Ford Mustang, expect minor engine enhancements and more widespread use of the 10-speed automatic that is now offered on the ZL1. More technology features lifted from the Cadillac ATS are also likely to appear.

There is still the rumor of the return of the Z/28 on the sixth-generation Camaro, too.

Expect to see the revised Camaro next year.

camaro

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:40

camaro

This is the ’19 Chevy Camaro, caught while testing in the Rockies, and this time showing off some new details.

The Camaro will get a mid-cycle facelift next year. Based on the camo on this prototype, the front end on the standard models will receive some comprehensive changes from the A-pillar forward. From the shots, it appears that the Camaro will get a more modern, yet aggressive look up front. Around back, there’s a revised rear fascia, along with new taillights.

To keep pace with the Ford Mustang, expect minor engine enhancements and more widespread use of the 10-speed automatic that is now offered on the ZL1. More technology features lifted from the Cadillac ATS are also likely to appear.

There is still the rumor of the return of the Z/28 on the sixth-generation Camaro, too.

Expect to see the revised Camaro next year.

camaro

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:40

camaro

This is the ’19 Chevy Camaro, caught while testing in the Rockies, and this time showing off some new details.

The Camaro will get a mid-cycle facelift next year. Based on the camo on this prototype, the front end on the standard models will receive some comprehensive changes from the A-pillar forward. From the shots, it appears that the Camaro will get a more modern, yet aggressive look up front. Around back, there’s a revised rear fascia, along with new taillights.

To keep pace with the Ford Mustang, expect minor engine enhancements and more widespread use of the 10-speed automatic that is now offered on the ZL1. More technology features lifted from the Cadillac ATS are also likely to appear.

There is still the rumor of the return of the Z/28 on the sixth-generation Camaro, too.

Expect to see the revised Camaro next year.

camaro

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:29

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Banquet Stage
The Association’s awards presented during the SEMA Show banquet include: Rep Agency of the Year, WD of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator.

The finalists have been announced for three of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—SEMA Rep Agency of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturer of the Year. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2.

Get your tickets for the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

The banquet will also feature the presentation of the distinguished Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year awards, and tribute will be paid to the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—for their influence on and contributions to the industry.

Finalists for SEMA's Industry Awards

SEMA Manufacturer of the Year

SEMA WD of the Year

SEMA Rep Agency of the Year

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Resort & Casino. More information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2017 SEMA Show.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:29

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Banquet Stage
The Association’s awards presented during the SEMA Show banquet include: Rep Agency of the Year, WD of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator.

The finalists have been announced for three of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—SEMA Rep Agency of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturer of the Year. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2.

Get your tickets for the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

The banquet will also feature the presentation of the distinguished Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year awards, and tribute will be paid to the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—for their influence on and contributions to the industry.

Finalists for SEMA's Industry Awards

SEMA Manufacturer of the Year

SEMA WD of the Year

SEMA Rep Agency of the Year

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Resort & Casino. More information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2017 SEMA Show.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:29

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Banquet Stage
The Association’s awards presented during the SEMA Show banquet include: Rep Agency of the Year, WD of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator.

The finalists have been announced for three of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—SEMA Rep Agency of the Year, SEMA WD of the Year and SEMA Manufacturer of the Year. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2.

Get your tickets for the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

The banquet will also feature the presentation of the distinguished Person of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year awards, and tribute will be paid to the 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar—for their influence on and contributions to the industry.

Finalists for SEMA's Industry Awards

SEMA Manufacturer of the Year

SEMA WD of the Year

SEMA Rep Agency of the Year

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Resort & Casino. More information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2017 SEMA Show.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:20

By SEMA Editors

AACF

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has entered phase two of urgent response to aftermarket families in the wake of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria, and deadly wildfires, and is now watching tropical storm Ophelia.

This season has already produced five major hurricanes, including three catastrophic Category 5 storms, and 15 named storms. According to the Miami Herald, Ophelia could become the 10th consecutive storm to reach hurricane strength. 

“Applications for help have increased 78% in the wake of recent natural disasters,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch. “We continue working with SEMA, the Auto Care Association, AASA and others to reach aftermarket families in need, and early estimates indicate there may be hundreds of families that need our help. Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Florida, as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, have suffered catastrophic damage.”

“You saved me in more ways than you could ever imagine,” wrote one Texas resident following hurricane Harvey. “(After) 35 years of being a mechanic, your foundation was the only one that helped my family. I am forever grateful for all your help.”

“I can't explain how grateful we are for your quick response to our situation,” another hurricane Harvey victim wrote. “You really have no idea how much this means to us.”

“Thanks to the generous response of our industry, we've raised a significant amount toward our goal, and we’re so thankful for that,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “Still, we continue to ask for industry support. Many have lost homes, businesses, vehicles, belongings, and in some cases, loved ones, including family pets. Now more than ever, every donation counts and is truly making a difference.”

Those in need are asked to complete the new, simple application on the AACF website.

Organizations that have already contributed generously include SEMA, Auto Care Association, MEMA, XL Parts, National Pronto/Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group), CAWA, Mighty Auto Parts, Custom Automotive Network (formerly PWA), Engine Performance Warehouse, The Shop, Standard Motor Products, Race Winning Brands (RWB), Gold Eagle, NAPA, Donald Schlenger, Robert & Lillian Spar Family Trust and more.

“On behalf of our team, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who continue to suffer,” said Ayres.

Tax-deductible donations to AACF can be made online, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 10:20

By SEMA Editors

AACF

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has entered phase two of urgent response to aftermarket families in the wake of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria, and deadly wildfires, and is now watching tropical storm Ophelia.

This season has already produced five major hurricanes, including three catastrophic Category 5 storms, and 15 named storms. According to the Miami Herald, Ophelia could become the 10th consecutive storm to reach hurricane strength. 

“Applications for help have increased 78% in the wake of recent natural disasters,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch. “We continue working with SEMA, the Auto Care Association, AASA and others to reach aftermarket families in need, and early estimates indicate there may be hundreds of families that need our help. Parts of Texas, Louisiana and Florida, as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, have suffered catastrophic damage.”

“You saved me in more ways than you could ever imagine,” wrote one Texas resident following hurricane Harvey. “(After) 35 years of being a mechanic, your foundation was the only one that helped my family. I am forever grateful for all your help.”

“I can't explain how grateful we are for your quick response to our situation,” another hurricane Harvey victim wrote. “You really have no idea how much this means to us.”

“Thanks to the generous response of our industry, we've raised a significant amount toward our goal, and we’re so thankful for that,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “Still, we continue to ask for industry support. Many have lost homes, businesses, vehicles, belongings, and in some cases, loved ones, including family pets. Now more than ever, every donation counts and is truly making a difference.”

Those in need are asked to complete the new, simple application on the AACF website.

Organizations that have already contributed generously include SEMA, Auto Care Association, MEMA, XL Parts, National Pronto/Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group), CAWA, Mighty Auto Parts, Custom Automotive Network (formerly PWA), Engine Performance Warehouse, The Shop, Standard Motor Products, Race Winning Brands (RWB), Gold Eagle, NAPA, Donald Schlenger, Robert & Lillian Spar Family Trust and more.

“On behalf of our team, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who continue to suffer,” said Ayres.

Tax-deductible donations to AACF can be made online, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

AACF will provide additional updates on this initiative as they become available.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 09:59

By SEMA Editors

New Products Showcase
The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, providing exhibitors the opportunity to attract new business by highlighting their new products and best-sellers in a designated area away from their booth.

With the 2017 SEMA Show less than three weeks away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Enter the New Products ShowcaseReach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing all segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains the No. 1 destination for buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $150 per product category. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Know the Show  Download the SEMA Show app.

SEMA Show App
Download the SEMA Show app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

The SEMA Show app includes links to the Show’s essential info—a list of Show hours, details on ground transportation, maps of the Show grounds and halls, a list of special events with times and locations and feeds from the official SEMA Show social media accounts. Download the app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

Register Your Personnel  Exhibitor registration available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/register to register the employees that will be working your SEMA Show booth or display.

Reserve Hotel Rooms  Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Vegas Hotels
Exhibitors can take advantage of guaranteed low rates for hotels offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Exhibitors can take advantage of guaranteed low rates for hotels offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

Complete Deadlines Checklist  Take advantage of early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications and much more.

Budget Checklist  Double check your Show prep.

The Budget Checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.

Exhibitor Appreciation Reception Featuring new Cruise-In vehicle preview.

SEMA Cruise In
SEMA Show exhibitors will get an advance preview of select vehicles during one of the Show’s newest features, the Cruise-In.

Exhibitors can meet with colleagues and other exhibitors and enjoy food and beverages, compliments of SEMA, during the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, beginning 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 30. During the reception, the SEMA Show Cruise-In, one of the Show’s newest attractions, will take place. The Cruise-In will feature several Show builders introducing their vehicles and sharing stories of how the projects were brought to life.

New Products Breakfast  Recognizing the best of the industry.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers on Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 a.m., the SEMA Show New Products Breakfast is where winners of the Best New Products awards are announced. Buyers can get a jump on what’s hot in the marketplace and winning exhibitors can promote the honor. Tickets are free, but space is limited and must be reserved in advance.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet  Celebrate with the industry.

Held annually on Thursday evening of the SEMA Show, the banquet is where the industry’s most prestigious awards are presented. With 3,000 industry professionals and celebrities in attendance, winners are announced for the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees are also honored.

GibbonsVaughanAnthonyBeck
The entertainment for the 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet are legendary musicians (L–R) Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan, Michael Anthony and Jeff Beck.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight  Transportation special.

Exhibitors that are participating in the 2017 SEMA Show and the 2017 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis, where it will arrive on or before December 1.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines  Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

More information on the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Thu, 10/12/2017 - 09:59

By SEMA Editors

New Products Showcase
The New Products Showcase is the No. 1 destination for buyers, providing exhibitors the opportunity to attract new business by highlighting their new products and best-sellers in a designated area away from their booth.

With the 2017 SEMA Show less than three weeks away, Show management’s exhibitor update provides companies with the latest news and key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Enter the New Products ShowcaseReach out to more business.

The SEMA Show New Products Showcase puts the spotlight on new and signature products from exhibitors representing all segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The area serves as an extra avenue for exhibitors to reach new customers, and remains the No. 1 destination for buyers and media seeking the latest product advancements and innovations. All of the products in the Showcase are photographed, featured in SEMA News and hosted on the SEMA website, www.SEMAphotos.com. The images are also promoted to the media and used for the product information available to buyers at the Show.

The first entry in the New Products Showcase is free. All additional entries are $150 per product category. Entries submitted on-site will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Know the Show  Download the SEMA Show app.

SEMA Show App
Download the SEMA Show app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

The SEMA Show app includes links to the Show’s essential info—a list of Show hours, details on ground transportation, maps of the Show grounds and halls, a list of special events with times and locations and feeds from the official SEMA Show social media accounts. Download the app at www.SEMAShow.com/app.

Register Your Personnel  Exhibitor registration available at www.SEMAShow.com.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/register to register the employees that will be working your SEMA Show booth or display.

Reserve Hotel Rooms  Lock-in your guaranteed low rate.

Vegas Hotels
Exhibitors can take advantage of guaranteed low rates for hotels offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Exhibitors can take advantage of guaranteed low rates for hotels offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show. Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak attendance/group ID number handy.

Complete Deadlines Checklist  Take advantage of early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The Deadlines Checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications and much more.

Budget Checklist  Double check your Show prep.

The Budget Checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensure that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.

Exhibitor Appreciation Reception Featuring new Cruise-In vehicle preview.

SEMA Cruise In
SEMA Show exhibitors will get an advance preview of select vehicles during one of the Show’s newest features, the Cruise-In.

Exhibitors can meet with colleagues and other exhibitors and enjoy food and beverages, compliments of SEMA, during the Exhibitor Appreciation Reception, beginning 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 30. During the reception, the SEMA Show Cruise-In, one of the Show’s newest attractions, will take place. The Cruise-In will feature several Show builders introducing their vehicles and sharing stories of how the projects were brought to life.

New Products Breakfast  Recognizing the best of the industry.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers on Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 a.m., the SEMA Show New Products Breakfast is where winners of the Best New Products awards are announced. Buyers can get a jump on what’s hot in the marketplace and winning exhibitors can promote the honor. Tickets are free, but space is limited and must be reserved in advance.

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet  Celebrate with the industry.

Held annually on Thursday evening of the SEMA Show, the banquet is where the industry’s most prestigious awards are presented. With 3,000 industry professionals and celebrities in attendance, winners are announced for the SEMA Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, WD of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees are also honored.

GibbonsVaughanAnthonyBeck
The entertainment for the 2017 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet are legendary musicians (L–R) Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan, Michael Anthony and Jeff Beck.

SEMA Show to PRI Freight  Transportation special.

Exhibitors that are participating in the 2017 SEMA Show and the 2017 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis, where it will arrive on or before December 1.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.   

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines  Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

More information on the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.