This the ’20 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and although interior shots reveal a manual transmission on this prototype, it’s just a clever disguise to hide its true intentions as exclusive video confirms a DCT (PDK-esque) transmission.

The Mustang-based GT500 will build on the GT350’s performance capabilities. It’s thought that the production version will have a supercharged 5.2L flat-plane crank (although it sounds like a cross-plane crank in the video) engine mated to a DCT transmission; however, there are also rumors of NA 7.0L V8.

Horsepower should be more than the 707hp Dodge HellCat models, but may fall short of the 808hp Demon (probably should ring in somewhere around 740hp).

The GT500 will also get a carbon-fiber dash, 20-in. wheels and tires, unique styling tweaks in the form of a reworked front fascia with larger air intakes, a massive hood bulge with heat extractor vents and a side diffuser that stops mid-door.

Expect to see the GT500 later this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union will need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens. The new law is set to take effect May 25.

In essence, the GDPR regulations require that any company that collects or processes personal data about EU citizens within EU states carefully protect that data, conditions for use have also been made more stringent. For practical purposes, many companies that do any business with European Union citizens will be affected, whether they are primarily located in Europe or not.

Fines for non-compliance are based on a percentage of the business done, and especially for larger companies, could be substantial. Among other things, companies may be fined for failing to keep their records secure and up to date, or for failing to promptly notify all involved in case of a data breach.

Consent is not the only lawful basis, and many companies may find they can rely on processing a contract and/or legitimate basis. Explicit “opt-in” consent is required for processing sensitive personal data; however, for non-sensitive data, “unambiguous” consent—offered in easily understood language—may be sufficient. In any case, requests for consent must be made using clear and plain language, and the choice to opt out must be obvious and easy to exercise.

For purposes of GDPR, “personal data” is broadly defined.  Personal data could be anything from a name, a photo, an email address, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, cookie data, a computer IP address, etc.

Step one for most companies will be to assess whether you are covered by the GDPR. If, after analyzing your specific situation, you determine that your company is required to comply, you should assess the personal data currently stored for European Union residents. This would include basic identity data—name, address and web data such as IP address, cookie data, etc.—plus any data pertaining to health, genetic information, racial and ethnic data, political opinions and sexual orientation.

Once you have a sense of what data is affected, consider what changes may need to be made in existing data security processes and protocols. A useful starting point would be the EUGDPR.org website, which defines the regulation in detail and offers resources and compliance partners.

SEMA is closely following the implementation of the GDPR and will supply more information as guidance becomes available.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union will need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens. The new law is set to take effect May 25.

In essence, the GDPR regulations require that any company that collects or processes personal data about EU citizens within EU states carefully protect that data, conditions for use have also been made more stringent. For practical purposes, many companies that do any business with European Union citizens will be affected, whether they are primarily located in Europe or not.

Fines for non-compliance are based on a percentage of the business done, and especially for larger companies, could be substantial. Among other things, companies may be fined for failing to keep their records secure and up to date, or for failing to promptly notify all involved in case of a data breach.

Consent is not the only lawful basis, and many companies may find they can rely on processing a contract and/or legitimate basis. Explicit “opt-in” consent is required for processing sensitive personal data; however, for non-sensitive data, “unambiguous” consent—offered in easily understood language—may be sufficient. In any case, requests for consent must be made using clear and plain language, and the choice to opt out must be obvious and easy to exercise.

For purposes of GDPR, “personal data” is broadly defined.  Personal data could be anything from a name, a photo, an email address, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, cookie data, a computer IP address, etc.

Step one for most companies will be to assess whether you are covered by the GDPR. If, after analyzing your specific situation, you determine that your company is required to comply, you should assess the personal data currently stored for European Union residents. This would include basic identity data—name, address and web data such as IP address, cookie data, etc.—plus any data pertaining to health, genetic information, racial and ethnic data, political opinions and sexual orientation.

Once you have a sense of what data is affected, consider what changes may need to be made in existing data security processes and protocols. A useful starting point would be the EUGDPR.org website, which defines the regulation in detail and offers resources and compliance partners.

SEMA is closely following the implementation of the GDPR and will supply more information as guidance becomes available.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-member companies doing business in the European Union will need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a new privacy and security regulation that requires businesses to adopt procedures for processing personal data of European Union citizens. The new law is set to take effect May 25.

In essence, the GDPR regulations require that any company that collects or processes personal data about EU citizens within EU states carefully protect that data, conditions for use have also been made more stringent. For practical purposes, many companies that do any business with European Union citizens will be affected, whether they are primarily located in Europe or not.

Fines for non-compliance are based on a percentage of the business done, and especially for larger companies, could be substantial. Among other things, companies may be fined for failing to keep their records secure and up to date, or for failing to promptly notify all involved in case of a data breach.

Consent is not the only lawful basis, and many companies may find they can rely on processing a contract and/or legitimate basis. Explicit “opt-in” consent is required for processing sensitive personal data; however, for non-sensitive data, “unambiguous” consent—offered in easily understood language—may be sufficient. In any case, requests for consent must be made using clear and plain language, and the choice to opt out must be obvious and easy to exercise.

For purposes of GDPR, “personal data” is broadly defined.  Personal data could be anything from a name, a photo, an email address, bank details, posts on social networking websites, medical information, cookie data, a computer IP address, etc.

Step one for most companies will be to assess whether you are covered by the GDPR. If, after analyzing your specific situation, you determine that your company is required to comply, you should assess the personal data currently stored for European Union residents. This would include basic identity data—name, address and web data such as IP address, cookie data, etc.—plus any data pertaining to health, genetic information, racial and ethnic data, political opinions and sexual orientation.

Once you have a sense of what data is affected, consider what changes may need to be made in existing data security processes and protocols. A useful starting point would be the EUGDPR.org website, which defines the regulation in detail and offers resources and compliance partners.

SEMA is closely following the implementation of the GDPR and will supply more information as guidance becomes available.

Bondurant has announced a drawing to win a three- or four-day Bondurant Racing School Experience. Proceeds from the drawing benefit Childhelp, a 501(c)(3) based in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://childhelp.tapkat.org/winbondurantracingschool

Bondurant has announced a drawing to win a three- or four-day Bondurant Racing School Experience. Proceeds from the drawing benefit Childhelp, a 501(c)(3) based in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://childhelp.tapkat.org/winbondurantracingschool

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

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

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

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

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

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

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

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