By SEMA Market Research

SEMA is looking to understand the changing dynamics affecting specialty-automotive retailers and is conducting a survey of retail businesses in order to do so. We recognize your time is valuable, so we’re offering five $300 gift cards via drawing to retail business members who complete our survey.

Your input will help SEMA in its ongoing efforts to provide better support to the retail side of the aftermarket (and, of course, give you a chance at $300 once the survey finishes).

Check your inbox (or spam folder) for an email from Gavin Knapp with the subject line “A Penny (or 300) For Your Thoughts.” This email is your invitation to take the survey, which is accessed via clicking the red “Start Survey” button in the message body.

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 EFI System Edelbrock announces the release of its Pro-Flo 4 EFI system for Chevrolet LS Gen-III and Gen-IV engines. Available for LS applications, the system is designed to allow for control over ignition and fuel while its self-calibrating technology continually improves performance as you drive. The Pro-Flo 4 systems are engineered to provide improved performance, are self-learning and require no laptop for tuning. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 35710
MSD Front Drive Distributor Holley has released its MSD Pro-Billet front-drive distributors. Developed for both big-block and small-block Chevys, the distributors feature an adjustable Hall Effect sync pickup with a built-in LED, an extra-wide 9-mm belt driven by a pulley on the camshaft, and a band-clamp mount for rotor-phasing. They come complete with a billet-aluminum bracket and lower housing, a billet distributor head and a new gear for the camshaft. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 85201
Amp’d Throttle Booster for 2019 Ram 6.7L Cummins Truck Edge Products introduces its Amp’d Throttle Booster for the ’19 Ram with the 6.7L diesel motor. The throttle booster is designed to be easy to install, deliver immediate improvement with pedal response and enhance your driving experience. The throttle booster can pair with numerous aftermarket accessories sold across the Powerteq brands. 888-360-3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN: 38852
NOS Super Hi-Flo Bottle Valve Assemblies NOS announces the release of its Super Hi-Flo Bottle Valve Assemblies. The bottles are available in blue or black 1.5-in. nitrous-pressure gauge and are designed to support up to 500 hp, they come with both the billet-aluminum screw-on siphon tube and gauge already installed. They feature 1/8-NPT gauge ports, 1/4-NPT accessory ports, extra-large internal and outlet ports for maximum flow, and an O-ring seal. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 16341ABNOS
Curt Rebellion XD Curt announces the release of the The Rebellion XD. The adjustable cushion hitch ball mount is a receiver hitch mount designed to reduce jerking, jarring, rattling, vibration and strain at the coupling point. The mount is engineered to provide a noticeable difference in your towing experience. The Rebellion XD is designed to remove the hassle of an airbag, bearings and the frequent maintenance required by other cushion hitch options. 877-287-8634 www.curtmfg.com PN: 45949

By Fredy Ramirez

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

SDC members are invited to submit new-product press releases for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 EFI System Edelbrock announces the release of its Pro-Flo 4 EFI system for Chevrolet LS Gen-III and Gen-IV engines. Available for LS applications, the system is designed to allow for control over ignition and fuel while its self-calibrating technology continually improves performance as you drive. The Pro-Flo 4 systems are engineered to provide improved performance, are self-learning and require no laptop for tuning. 888-799-1135 www.edelbrock.com PN: 35710
MSD Front Drive Distributor Holley has released its MSD Pro-Billet front-drive distributors. Developed for both big-block and small-block Chevys, the distributors feature an adjustable Hall Effect sync pickup with a built-in LED, an extra-wide 9-mm belt driven by a pulley on the camshaft, and a band-clamp mount for rotor-phasing. They come complete with a billet-aluminum bracket and lower housing, a billet distributor head and a new gear for the camshaft. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 85201
Amp’d Throttle Booster for 2019 Ram 6.7L Cummins Truck Edge Products introduces its Amp’d Throttle Booster for the ’19 Ram with the 6.7L diesel motor. The throttle booster is designed to be easy to install, deliver immediate improvement with pedal response and enhance your driving experience. The throttle booster can pair with numerous aftermarket accessories sold across the Powerteq brands. 888-360-3343 www.edgeproducts.com PN: 38852
NOS Super Hi-Flo Bottle Valve Assemblies NOS announces the release of its Super Hi-Flo Bottle Valve Assemblies. The bottles are available in blue or black 1.5-in. nitrous-pressure gauge and are designed to support up to 500 hp, they come with both the billet-aluminum screw-on siphon tube and gauge already installed. They feature 1/8-NPT gauge ports, 1/4-NPT accessory ports, extra-large internal and outlet ports for maximum flow, and an O-ring seal. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 16341ABNOS
Curt Rebellion XD Curt announces the release of the The Rebellion XD. The adjustable cushion hitch ball mount is a receiver hitch mount designed to reduce jerking, jarring, rattling, vibration and strain at the coupling point. The mount is engineered to provide a noticeable difference in your towing experience. The Rebellion XD is designed to remove the hassle of an airbag, bearings and the frequent maintenance required by other cushion hitch options. 877-287-8634 www.curtmfg.com PN: 45949

By Kyle Cheng

The current U.S. cycle of economic growth enters its historic 11th year amidst volatility.

The current U.S. cycle of economic growth enters its historic 11th year amid volatility. The next round of proposed tariffs targets the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports that haven’t been affected yet. This is widely believed to impact products more commonly purchased by consumers. As such, uncertainty is weighing on businesses, capital and the overall economy.

Despite this, consumers are still feeling optimistic and remain on relatively strong footing. The labor market remains tight, wages are increasing and inflation remains low. Likewise, spending is at a healthy level. This should carry through the remainder of the year.

Trade uncertainty is influencing both the automotive and specialty-equipment industries. Auto-parts imports from China are down roughly 11% over the last year. However, total auto-parts imports are up—driven by increases from Mexico and other Asian trading partners.

New light-vehicle sales declined in July. Nearly 73% of these new light-vehicle sales came from pickups and SUVs—a record high. Likewise, in the coming months, gas prices are likely to decline driven by lower demand, increasing tensions and the close of the summer driving season.

To learn more, download the August “Industry Indicators Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The current U.S. cycle of economic growth enters its historic 11th year amidst volatility.

The current U.S. cycle of economic growth enters its historic 11th year amid volatility. The next round of proposed tariffs targets the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports that haven’t been affected yet. This is widely believed to impact products more commonly purchased by consumers. As such, uncertainty is weighing on businesses, capital and the overall economy.

Despite this, consumers are still feeling optimistic and remain on relatively strong footing. The labor market remains tight, wages are increasing and inflation remains low. Likewise, spending is at a healthy level. This should carry through the remainder of the year.

Trade uncertainty is influencing both the automotive and specialty-equipment industries. Auto-parts imports from China are down roughly 11% over the last year. However, total auto-parts imports are up—driven by increases from Mexico and other Asian trading partners.

New light-vehicle sales declined in July. Nearly 73% of these new light-vehicle sales came from pickups and SUVs—a record high. Likewise, in the coming months, gas prices are likely to decline driven by lower demand, increasing tensions and the close of the summer driving season.

To learn more, download the August “Industry Indicators Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Zane Clark

With the vast majority of educations seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. The Show serves as the perfect venue to not only showcase new and innovative products, but to also provide the industry with relevant and convenient programming that will help businesses succeed and advance careers. With the vast majority of education seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

Featured below are five sessions sure to keep your business on track:

5 Tips to Creating the Most Effective Pricing Policy
Monday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC Room N252

The Daily Post: Content Creation Strategies that Win Attention, Fuel Engagement, and Drive Results
Tuesday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC N258

Entrepreneurship in the Automotive Aftermarket
Wednesday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N253

How to Respond to Online Reviews: Best Practices
Thursday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in LVCC N256

Selling on Marketplace Platforms—A Recipe for Success
Thursday, November 7, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N254

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview and register for the 2019 seminars.

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

Like Research? Check out these seminars:

• What’s Hot? Most Modified Vehicles Explored, Powered by ETTN
• State of Specialty Equipment Retail

By Zane Clark

With the vast majority of educations seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. The Show serves as the perfect venue to not only showcase new and innovative products, but to also provide the industry with relevant and convenient programming that will help businesses succeed and advance careers. With the vast majority of education seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

Featured below are five sessions sure to keep your business on track:

5 Tips to Creating the Most Effective Pricing Policy
Monday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC Room N252

The Daily Post: Content Creation Strategies that Win Attention, Fuel Engagement, and Drive Results
Tuesday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC N258

Entrepreneurship in the Automotive Aftermarket
Wednesday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N253

How to Respond to Online Reviews: Best Practices
Thursday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in LVCC N256

Selling on Marketplace Platforms—A Recipe for Success
Thursday, November 7, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N254

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview and register for the 2019 seminars.

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

Like Research? Check out these seminars:

• What’s Hot? Most Modified Vehicles Explored, Powered by ETTN
• State of Specialty Equipment Retail

By Zane Clark

With the vast majority of educations seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

SEMA Show attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. The Show serves as the perfect venue to not only showcase new and innovative products, but to also provide the industry with relevant and convenient programming that will help businesses succeed and advance careers. With the vast majority of education seminars being offered at no additional expense, SEMA Show Education offers employers a value-rich program by which to invest in professional development for their employees.

Featured below are five sessions sure to keep your business on track:

5 Tips to Creating the Most Effective Pricing Policy
Monday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in LVCC Room N252

The Daily Post: Content Creation Strategies that Win Attention, Fuel Engagement, and Drive Results
Tuesday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., in LVCC N258

Entrepreneurship in the Automotive Aftermarket
Wednesday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., in LVCC N253

How to Respond to Online Reviews: Best Practices
Thursday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., in LVCC N256

Selling on Marketplace Platforms—A Recipe for Success
Thursday, November 7, from 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., in LVCC N254

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview and register for the 2019 seminars.

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

Like Research? Check out these seminars:

• What’s Hot? Most Modified Vehicles Explored, Powered by ETTN
• State of Specialty Equipment Retail

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the imposition of 10% tariffs on some Chinese goods scheduled to take effect on September 1 would be postponed until December 15, 2019.  Products include cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and certain toys, footwear and clothing. The tariffs were postponed based on health, safety, national security and other factors. View the complete lists of tariffs imposed on September 1 and December 15:

•    List 4A (Effective September 1, 2019)
•    List 4B (Effective December 15, 2019)

The United States has already imposed 25% tariffs on three separate groups of Chinese imports. The so-called “List 3” imports cover about $200 billion worth of goods including most auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires and brake pads. “List 1” and “List 2” goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices.  

The USTR is currently accepting exclusion requests for List 3 products. Requests must be submitted by September 30, 2019. View additional information about List 3 extension requests.  

U.S. and Chinese officials are attempting to negotiate six separate trade documents covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity. The most recent trade talks did not yield significant results.  

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative announced that the imposition of 10% tariffs on some Chinese goods scheduled to take effect on September 1 would be postponed until December 15, 2019.  Products include cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and certain toys, footwear and clothing. The tariffs were postponed based on health, safety, national security and other factors. View the complete lists of tariffs imposed on September 1 and December 15:

•    List 4A (Effective September 1, 2019)
•    List 4B (Effective December 15, 2019)

The United States has already imposed 25% tariffs on three separate groups of Chinese imports. The so-called “List 3” imports cover about $200 billion worth of goods including most auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners to tires and brake pads. “List 1” and “List 2” goods are valued at $50 billion and include some miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools and measurement devices.  

The USTR is currently accepting exclusion requests for List 3 products. Requests must be submitted by September 30, 2019. View additional information about List 3 extension requests.  

U.S. and Chinese officials are attempting to negotiate six separate trade documents covering agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, currency, intellectual property rights and forced technology transfers, and cybersecurity. The most recent trade talks did not yield significant results.  

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