The annual report provides the latest consumer research into who’s buying what.

With the SEMA Show wrapped up and a new year on its way, SEMA-member companies are busy absorbing the latest aftermarket trends and adjusting their marketing and sales strategies for 2018. The task can seem overwhelming, especially after experiencing the dizzying array of new products and innovations that flooded the recent Show. For a successful 2018 marketing plan, you need to identify who your consumers are, what they’re currently buying, where they’re shopping, and how to target them.

The annual report provides the latest consumer research into who’s buying what.

With the SEMA Show wrapped up and a new year on its way, SEMA-member companies are busy absorbing the latest aftermarket trends and adjusting their marketing and sales strategies for 2018. The task can seem overwhelming, especially after experiencing the dizzying array of new products and innovations that flooded the recent Show. For a successful 2018 marketing plan, you need to identify who your consumers are, what they’re currently buying, where they’re shopping, and how to target them.

The annual report provides the latest consumer research into who’s buying what.

With the SEMA Show wrapped up and a new year on its way, SEMA-member companies are busy absorbing the latest aftermarket trends and adjusting their marketing and sales strategies for 2018. The task can seem overwhelming, especially after experiencing the dizzying array of new products and innovations that flooded the recent Show. For a successful 2018 marketing plan, you need to identify who your consumers are, what they’re currently buying, where they’re shopping, and how to target them.

By SEMA Editors

Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Champion, with an average time of 17:06.

The final half of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Championship took place last week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. It included 18 teams that battled to become one of the top four teams to compete in the Elite Eight playoffs for the 2017 Dual National Championship.

The Elite Eight Competition

A total of 45 teams competed at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show to qualify for the Elite Eight competition, which pitted the top four SEMA Show seeds against the top four PRI Trade Show seeds.

The top four teams that competed at the PRI Trade Show included Team K&N from Burton Center for Arts & Tech in Salem, Virginia, which finished in fourth place with an average time of 20:59. Team Derale from Forsyth Central High School in Cumming, Georgia, finished in third place with an average time of 20:25. Team QA1, also from Forsyth Central High School, came in second place with an average time of 18:29. In first place came Team Meziere from Burton Center for Arts & Tech with the best average time of 17:51.

The top four teams from the SEMA Show were Team Howards Cams from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan, with an average time of 19:07. Team Fragola Performance Systems from Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, came in second place with an average time of 20:56. Team Aeromotive from Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, took third place with an average time of 21:52. Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came in fourth place with an average time of 23:08.

Times are based on three important parts. First, the average of the three times in which the teams competed. Second are the penalty minutes added for mistakes made during disassembly and reassembly, and the third is a 50-question written test on parts and tools identification, along with general engine and rules knowledge.

The Best Against the Best

Only three seconds separated the first- and second-place teams, and just 17 seconds between first and third place. But in the end, Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came out on top with an average time of 17:06.

Each student earned scholarship opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Ohio Technical College, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology and Universal Technical Institute.

For more information and to view the final standings, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Champion, with an average time of 17:06.

The final half of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Championship took place last week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. It included 18 teams that battled to become one of the top four teams to compete in the Elite Eight playoffs for the 2017 Dual National Championship.

The Elite Eight Competition

A total of 45 teams competed at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show to qualify for the Elite Eight competition, which pitted the top four SEMA Show seeds against the top four PRI Trade Show seeds.

The top four teams that competed at the PRI Trade Show included Team K&N from Burton Center for Arts & Tech in Salem, Virginia, which finished in fourth place with an average time of 20:59. Team Derale from Forsyth Central High School in Cumming, Georgia, finished in third place with an average time of 20:25. Team QA1, also from Forsyth Central High School, came in second place with an average time of 18:29. In first place came Team Meziere from Burton Center for Arts & Tech with the best average time of 17:51.

The top four teams from the SEMA Show were Team Howards Cams from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan, with an average time of 19:07. Team Fragola Performance Systems from Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, came in second place with an average time of 20:56. Team Aeromotive from Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, took third place with an average time of 21:52. Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came in fourth place with an average time of 23:08.

Times are based on three important parts. First, the average of the three times in which the teams competed. Second are the penalty minutes added for mistakes made during disassembly and reassembly, and the third is a 50-question written test on parts and tools identification, along with general engine and rules knowledge.

The Best Against the Best

Only three seconds separated the first- and second-place teams, and just 17 seconds between first and third place. But in the end, Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came out on top with an average time of 17:06.

Each student earned scholarship opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Ohio Technical College, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology and Universal Technical Institute.

For more information and to view the final standings, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Champion, with an average time of 17:06.

The final half of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Championship took place last week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. It included 18 teams that battled to become one of the top four teams to compete in the Elite Eight playoffs for the 2017 Dual National Championship.

The Elite Eight Competition

A total of 45 teams competed at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show to qualify for the Elite Eight competition, which pitted the top four SEMA Show seeds against the top four PRI Trade Show seeds.

The top four teams that competed at the PRI Trade Show included Team K&N from Burton Center for Arts & Tech in Salem, Virginia, which finished in fourth place with an average time of 20:59. Team Derale from Forsyth Central High School in Cumming, Georgia, finished in third place with an average time of 20:25. Team QA1, also from Forsyth Central High School, came in second place with an average time of 18:29. In first place came Team Meziere from Burton Center for Arts & Tech with the best average time of 17:51.

The top four teams from the SEMA Show were Team Howards Cams from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan, with an average time of 19:07. Team Fragola Performance Systems from Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, came in second place with an average time of 20:56. Team Aeromotive from Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, took third place with an average time of 21:52. Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came in fourth place with an average time of 23:08.

Times are based on three important parts. First, the average of the three times in which the teams competed. Second are the penalty minutes added for mistakes made during disassembly and reassembly, and the third is a 50-question written test on parts and tools identification, along with general engine and rules knowledge.

The Best Against the Best

Only three seconds separated the first- and second-place teams, and just 17 seconds between first and third place. But in the end, Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came out on top with an average time of 17:06.

Each student earned scholarship opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Ohio Technical College, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology and Universal Technical Institute.

For more information and to view the final standings, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Champion, with an average time of 17:06.

The final half of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge 2017 Dual National Championship took place last week at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis. It included 18 teams that battled to become one of the top four teams to compete in the Elite Eight playoffs for the 2017 Dual National Championship.

The Elite Eight Competition

A total of 45 teams competed at the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show to qualify for the Elite Eight competition, which pitted the top four SEMA Show seeds against the top four PRI Trade Show seeds.

The top four teams that competed at the PRI Trade Show included Team K&N from Burton Center for Arts & Tech in Salem, Virginia, which finished in fourth place with an average time of 20:59. Team Derale from Forsyth Central High School in Cumming, Georgia, finished in third place with an average time of 20:25. Team QA1, also from Forsyth Central High School, came in second place with an average time of 18:29. In first place came Team Meziere from Burton Center for Arts & Tech with the best average time of 17:51.

The top four teams from the SEMA Show were Team Howards Cams from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan, with an average time of 19:07. Team Fragola Performance Systems from Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, came in second place with an average time of 20:56. Team Aeromotive from Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, took third place with an average time of 21:52. Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came in fourth place with an average time of 23:08.

Times are based on three important parts. First, the average of the three times in which the teams competed. Second are the penalty minutes added for mistakes made during disassembly and reassembly, and the third is a 50-question written test on parts and tools identification, along with general engine and rules knowledge.

The Best Against the Best

Only three seconds separated the first- and second-place teams, and just 17 seconds between first and third place. But in the end, Team Fel-Pro from Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, came out on top with an average time of 17:06.

Each student earned scholarship opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Ohio Technical College, School of Automotive Machinists & Technology and Universal Technical Institute.

For more information and to view the final standings, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

By The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation

SEMA members are encouraged to contact the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation for aftermarket employees or businesses that have been impacted by California’s wildfires.

According to Newsweek, the wildfire in Southern California that kicked off a series of destructive blazes across the region remains the fifth-largest fire in California history as of Thursday morning, with still just 30% containment.

AACF is poised to offer emergency financial assistance to aftermarket industry families that qualify.

Those in need can apply for help online at http://bit.ly/AACF-get-help. Call AACF at 772-286-5500 with any questions. 

Tax-deductible donations to AACF can be made online at http://bit.ly/AACF-Cares, 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.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF)
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. As a nonprofit, AACF relies upon the support of generous donors, awareness partners and dedicated volunteers. To learn more, contact www.AftermarketCharity.org. 

By The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation

SEMA members are encouraged to contact the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation for aftermarket employees or businesses that have been impacted by California’s wildfires.

According to Newsweek, the wildfire in Southern California that kicked off a series of destructive blazes across the region remains the fifth-largest fire in California history as of Thursday morning, with still just 30% containment.

AACF is poised to offer emergency financial assistance to aftermarket industry families that qualify.

Those in need can apply for help online at http://bit.ly/AACF-get-help. Call AACF at 772-286-5500 with any questions. 

Tax-deductible donations to AACF can be made online at http://bit.ly/AACF-Cares, 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.

About the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF)
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has been helping aftermarket families turn tragedy into triumph since 1959. Like the industry, AACF is driven by passion and devoted to family. As a nonprofit, AACF relies upon the support of generous donors, awareness partners and dedicated volunteers. To learn more, contact www.AftermarketCharity.org. 

By SEMA Editors

Automotive engineering students in “The Deep Orange 9” program at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. Photo credit: CU-ICAR

An automotive engineering student program at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) called “The Deep Orange 9” aims to bridge the gap between today’s gas-fueled cars and hybrid vehicles of the future.

These students are building a first-ever, high-performance motorsports vehicle with a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced technical features and highly dynamic handling and acceleration. The concept is in response to rising fuel-efficiency standards and millennials’ interest in vehicles that are both safe and clean.

Honda R&D Americas Inc. is the primary sponsor of Deep Orange 9, also supported by Aisin Group and JTEKT Corp. as Leadership Sponsors; BFGoodrich as Track Sponsor; and SEMA and Red Bull as Marketing Sponsors. Deep Orange 9 will also integrate concussion research in collaboration with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) Sports Medicine Institute, DriveSafety Inc. and EyeTracking Inc.

Deep Orange 9 is designing for global rallycross, and plans to disrupt current perceptions of energy-efficient vehicles by showing they can meet extreme performance demands in a safe, economical way. Deep Orange 9 will also present new ways to market vehicles to motorsports fans. Their project will benefit from an adjacent marketing collaboration sponsored by the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute at Clemson. Undergraduate students studying consumer behavior, sports marketing and marketing strategy will leverage consumer research to determine, segment and target customers for Deep Orange 9. Using these customer profiles and a deep dive into the OEM sponsor brand, students will design marketing strategies to position Deep Orange 9 for market success.

Deep Orange is a project-based learning program that produces highly capable automotive engineers by immersing them in the world of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Over two years, the program provides students with experience in financial and market analysis, vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. While developing and manufacturing the prototype, students gain comprehensive technical knowledge as well as valuable “soft skills” that often are overlooked in traditional engineering programs.

“Many leading automakers’ production cars are becoming increasingly electrified; so will their motorsports vehicles and racing efforts. The race for the future of next-generation race cars and high-performance systems are critical to vehicle electrification and our autonomous future,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Deep Orange 9 is centered on the ability to solve problems and the demonstration of technical capability from the track to the street. Innovative programs like Deep Orange 9 help ensure that all racing does not become vintage racing and the future of motorsports remains relevant through modern values, safety performance and advanced vehicle technologies.”