By Juan Torres

The Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates automotive parts and accessories manufacturers, will include even more exhibitors this year.

The 2017 SEMA Show will once again include the Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates automotive parts and accessories manufacturers, and makes it possible for them to exhibit at the premier automotive trade event taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Located to the south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Performance Pavilion debuted in 2015, and connects buyers to new manufacturers focused on the wheel, tire, truck, SUV and off-road market segments.

This year, the Performance Pavilion will expand to include even more exhibitors. Visitors will be able to easily walk to the Performance Pavilion from the west end of South Hall, where DUB magazine exhibits. Visitors arriving on the east side in the Bronze Lot transportation hub via taxi, hotel shuttle or a ride-sharing service will find the Continental Tire Experience, Powered by BMW, before arriving in the Performance Pavilion.

“The Performance Pavilion makes it possible for new and emerging manufacturers to participate in the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Like all the SEMA Show expansion areas, the Performance Pavilion is easy for buyers to navigate, and it successfully connects them to new exhibiting companies.”

SEMA Show expansion areas, also known as First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas, are located in four locations:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel.
• Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall, on the east side.
• Racing Annex: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100–120, between North and Central Halls just east of the Grand Lobby.
• Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To view the floorplan and learn more about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Juan Torres

The Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates automotive parts and accessories manufacturers, will include even more exhibitors this year.

The 2017 SEMA Show will once again include the Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates automotive parts and accessories manufacturers, and makes it possible for them to exhibit at the premier automotive trade event taking place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Located to the south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Performance Pavilion debuted in 2015, and connects buyers to new manufacturers focused on the wheel, tire, truck, SUV and off-road market segments.

This year, the Performance Pavilion will expand to include even more exhibitors. Visitors will be able to easily walk to the Performance Pavilion from the west end of South Hall, where DUB magazine exhibits. Visitors arriving on the east side in the Bronze Lot transportation hub via taxi, hotel shuttle or a ride-sharing service will find the Continental Tire Experience, Powered by BMW, before arriving in the Performance Pavilion.

“The Performance Pavilion makes it possible for new and emerging manufacturers to participate in the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Like all the SEMA Show expansion areas, the Performance Pavilion is easy for buyers to navigate, and it successfully connects them to new exhibiting companies.”

SEMA Show expansion areas, also known as First-Time and Featured Exhibitors areas, are located in four locations:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel.
• Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall, on the east side.
• Racing Annex: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100–120, between North and Central Halls just east of the Grand Lobby.
• Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To view the floorplan and learn more about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Doug Kalitta, in his Mac Tools dragster, powered to his first career victory at zMAX Dragway Sunday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Kalitta, Hight, Gray and Krawiec Notch Victories at NHRA Carolina Nationals

Doug Kalitta powered to his first career victory at zMAX Dragway Sunday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the first of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Points leader Kalitta took down teammate Richie Crampton in the final round with a 3.775-second pass at 318.39 mph in his Mac Tools dragster to earn his first victory of the season. Hight earned his third victory of the season and first since Seattle with a 3.943 pass at 328.86 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro to defeat teammate Courtney Force in her Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro in the finals. Hight now has 40 career victories and has taken the lead in the Funny Car points standings. In Pro Stock, Gray continued his impressive rookie campaign with a 6.614 at 208.07 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro during the final round to earn his fifth victory of his season. He took down four-time world champion Greg Anderson to emerge victorious at his local track and take command of the Pro Stock points lead. Krawiec took home the Pro Stock Motorcycle victory with a 6.850 at 196.87 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to take down his teammate Andrew Hines in the final round. Krawiec took over the points lead as he locked down his 40th career victory and fourth of this season, including his second in a row. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, September 21–24.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Doug Kalitta, in his Mac Tools dragster, powered to his first career victory at zMAX Dragway Sunday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Kalitta, Hight, Gray and Krawiec Notch Victories at NHRA Carolina Nationals

Doug Kalitta powered to his first career victory at zMAX Dragway Sunday at the 10th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious in their respective categories at the first of six playoff events during the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship. Points leader Kalitta took down teammate Richie Crampton in the final round with a 3.775-second pass at 318.39 mph in his Mac Tools dragster to earn his first victory of the season. Hight earned his third victory of the season and first since Seattle with a 3.943 pass at 328.86 in his Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro to defeat teammate Courtney Force in her Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro in the finals. Hight now has 40 career victories and has taken the lead in the Funny Car points standings. In Pro Stock, Gray continued his impressive rookie campaign with a 6.614 at 208.07 in his Gray Motorsports Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro during the final round to earn his fifth victory of his season. He took down four-time world champion Greg Anderson to emerge victorious at his local track and take command of the Pro Stock points lead. Krawiec took home the Pro Stock Motorcycle victory with a 6.850 at 196.87 on his Screamin’ Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to take down his teammate Andrew Hines in the final round. Krawiec took over the points lead as he locked down his 40th career victory and fourth of this season, including his second in a row. The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season continues with the Dodge NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, September 21–24.

By Gavin Knapp

The 2017 SEMA Market Report includes new data, which allows SEMA Market Research to dig deeper and provide more detailed information to help member businesses.

With a 5% retail sales increase marking the seventh straight year of specialty-equipment industry growth, a new record of $41.2 billion was set in 2016. Despite what many news outlets have reported, there are still many young people who enjoy accessorizing their vehicles, with younger drivers more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts.

Learn more about your products and consumers in the new 2017 SEMA Market Report, available for free to SEMA members.

We need help from the SEMA community! What do you think about the state of the industry? 

A sampling of people have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you received a message from them with the subject “LAST CHANCE – SEMA Needs Your Expertise,” rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to offer the best information for our industry.

By Gavin Knapp

The 2017 SEMA Market Report includes new data, which allows SEMA Market Research to dig deeper and provide more detailed information to help member businesses.

With a 5% retail sales increase marking the seventh straight year of specialty-equipment industry growth, a new record of $41.2 billion was set in 2016. Despite what many news outlets have reported, there are still many young people who enjoy accessorizing their vehicles, with younger drivers more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts.

Learn more about your products and consumers in the new 2017 SEMA Market Report, available for free to SEMA members.

We need help from the SEMA community! What do you think about the state of the industry? 

A sampling of people have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you received a message from them with the subject “LAST CHANCE – SEMA Needs Your Expertise,” rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to offer the best information for our industry.

By Gavin Knapp

The 2017 SEMA Market Report includes new data, which allows SEMA Market Research to dig deeper and provide more detailed information to help member businesses.

With a 5% retail sales increase marking the seventh straight year of specialty-equipment industry growth, a new record of $41.2 billion was set in 2016. Despite what many news outlets have reported, there are still many young people who enjoy accessorizing their vehicles, with younger drivers more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts.

Learn more about your products and consumers in the new 2017 SEMA Market Report, available for free to SEMA members.

We need help from the SEMA community! What do you think about the state of the industry? 

A sampling of people have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you received a message from them with the subject “LAST CHANCE – SEMA Needs Your Expertise,” rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to offer the best information for our industry.

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is taking immediate action to expand urgent storm response efforts for aftermarket families in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

“We are actively working with SEMA, the Auto Care Association and others to continue identifying aftermarket families in urgent need, and a number of families have already been provided with funding,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch. “We understand that many are still without power and basic supplies, so we’ve also launched a simple application on our website to make it easier for families to apply and receive help using a mobile device.”

AACF has recently allocated $250,000 from its reserve funds in addition to donations received to address the needs of families in storm-affected areas as historic hurricane events and flooding continue in many areas of the country.

“Aftermarket families are going to need a lot of help,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “With tens of thousands displaced, and more than 7 million people currently without power in Florida alone, it’s clear this is going to be a long road of recovery. Hurricane Harvey recovery has just begun, Hurricane Irma is still moving through the country and the progression of Hurricane Jose continues. Now more than ever, we humbly ask for the continued support of our industry—donations of any amount are welcome.”

“We owe sincere thanks to many organizations that have contributed generously to our mission, including SEMA, Auto Care Association, MEMA, National Pronto, XL Parts and Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group),” Ayres continued.

“We are deeply grateful for other organizations that have generously donated, arranged fund drives and matching gift campaigns, like CAWA, Auto Care Association, Mighty Auto Parts, XL Parts, Custom Automotive Network (formerly PWA), Engine Performance Warehouse, The Shop, Standard Motor Products, Race Winning Brands (RWB) and others,” 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.

“On behalf of our team, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffer during this profound time of crisis,” said Ayres.

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

By SEMA Editors

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is taking immediate action to expand urgent storm response efforts for aftermarket families in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

“We are actively working with SEMA, the Auto Care Association and others to continue identifying aftermarket families in urgent need, and a number of families have already been provided with funding,” said AACF President Bob Hirsch. “We understand that many are still without power and basic supplies, so we’ve also launched a simple application on our website to make it easier for families to apply and receive help using a mobile device.”

AACF has recently allocated $250,000 from its reserve funds in addition to donations received to address the needs of families in storm-affected areas as historic hurricane events and flooding continue in many areas of the country.

“Aftermarket families are going to need a lot of help,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “With tens of thousands displaced, and more than 7 million people currently without power in Florida alone, it’s clear this is going to be a long road of recovery. Hurricane Harvey recovery has just begun, Hurricane Irma is still moving through the country and the progression of Hurricane Jose continues. Now more than ever, we humbly ask for the continued support of our industry—donations of any amount are welcome.”

“We owe sincere thanks to many organizations that have contributed generously to our mission, including SEMA, Auto Care Association, MEMA, National Pronto, XL Parts and Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group),” Ayres continued.

“We are deeply grateful for other organizations that have generously donated, arranged fund drives and matching gift campaigns, like CAWA, Auto Care Association, Mighty Auto Parts, XL Parts, Custom Automotive Network (formerly PWA), Engine Performance Warehouse, The Shop, Standard Motor Products, Race Winning Brands (RWB) and others,” 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.

“On behalf of our team, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who suffer during this profound time of crisis,” said Ayres.

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

At SEMA’s annual Installation & Gala on Friday, July 28, Chairman of the Board Doug Evans passed the torch of leadership to Wade Kawasaki, who has served as Chairman-Elect for the past two years.

Kawasaki has been working in the industry for nearly 40 years and began volunteering for SEMA when he started his first company, Exports International, in the late ’80s. Since then, Kawasaki has held key elected positions and appointments, including three terms on the SEMA Board of Directors as SEMA secretary/treasurer and as chairman of the SEMA Show Committee, and he was appointed by the United States Secretary of Commerce to the Automotive Parts Advisory Council. He has an impressive list of industry accolades. In fact, he is the first person to receive the SEMA Grand Slam of awards: Young Executive of the Year, SEMA Chairman’s Service Award, SEMA Person of the Year and SEMA Hall of Fame. Readers can follow Wade’s journey as SEMA Chairman of the Board on @carguy_adventures on Instagram.

https://www.sema.org/sema-news/2017/09/a-few-words-with-sema-chairman-wade-kawasaki