By Kent Bradley

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and the SEMA Garage are offering another Vehicle Technology Resource Alert explaining the approach of Vehicle Systems Engineering (VSE) and Vehicle Systems Engineering Management (VSEM), and how these emerging technologies can help businesses create successful products and systems related to advanced vehicle technologies. Vehicle complexity has doubled in the past four years, going from 27% to more than 51% this year, making it a major challenge for performance aftermarket manufacturers. VSEM can help businesses manage product development complexity, risk and cost.  

Download the full VSEM Tech Alert.

By AJ Carney

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 last Town Hall Meeting of the year in Seattle, where members and prospective members will gather at Competition Specialties, Tuesday, July 11, 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 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. 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.

This will be the last stop for the 2017 SEMA Town Hall series. Town Halls have been held in several cities across the United States. Learn about the key discussion topics from the previous meetings.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

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 last Town Hall Meeting of the year in Seattle, where members and prospective members will gather at Competition Specialties, Tuesday, July 11, 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 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. 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.

This will be the last stop for the 2017 SEMA Town Hall series. Town Halls have been held in several cities across the United States. Learn about the key discussion topics from the previous meetings.

For more information on the 2017 Town Hall Series or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6681 or kristenf@sema.org.

By Khesayc Chu

SEMA has available a ’16 Ford Ranger for members to measure in order to create export-ready products. This vehicle is among the most customized vehicles abroad, but not yet sold in the United States.

If you haven’t yet signed up to measure two globally popular vehicles, now is the time to do so. SEMA has available a ’16 Australian-spec 3.2L diesel-powered right-hand-drive 4x4 double-cab Ford Ranger and a ’16 2.7L gasoline-powered left-hand-drive Toyota HiLux double cab with a newly acquired Australian-spec bed. These are the latest two SEMA imports designed to provide members free access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to produce export-ready products.

Schedule a time to measure one or both vehicles in the SEMA Garage. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed.

Ford Ranger Details:

• U.S. On-Sale Date: Beginning in 2019, seven years after it first went on sale globally.
• Plant locations: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina. The Ranger to be sold in the United States will be built in Michigan, adding a fourth assembly line.
• Global Sales: 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 total 662,831. Top markets in terms of units sold include South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil.
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and 2.2L and 3.2L (diesel).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

Toyota HiLux Details:

• Plant locations: Thailand and Argentina.
• Global Sales: 507,260 in 2015, according to IHS. From 2002–2015, sales totaled 5,969,350. Top markets in terms of units sold include Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa and Australia.
• Engine: 2.0L, 2.7L, 4.0L (gasoline); 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L (diesel); 2.8L, 3.0L (with or without intercooler).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

For questions about the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux measuring sessions, contact Stephanie Martinez at stephaniem@sema.org. For more information about SEMA’s international programs, or to choose what additional international vehicles you are interested in measuring, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Khesayc Chu

SEMA has available a ’16 Ford Ranger for members to measure in order to create export-ready products. This vehicle is among the most customized vehicles abroad, but not yet sold in the United States.

If you haven’t yet signed up to measure two globally popular vehicles, now is the time to do so. SEMA has available a ’16 Australian-spec 3.2L diesel-powered right-hand-drive 4x4 double-cab Ford Ranger and a ’16 2.7L gasoline-powered left-hand-drive Toyota HiLux double cab with a newly acquired Australian-spec bed. These are the latest two SEMA imports designed to provide members free access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to produce export-ready products.

Schedule a time to measure one or both vehicles in the SEMA Garage. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed.

Ford Ranger Details:

• U.S. On-Sale Date: Beginning in 2019, seven years after it first went on sale globally.
• Plant locations: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina. The Ranger to be sold in the United States will be built in Michigan, adding a fourth assembly line.
• Global Sales: 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 total 662,831. Top markets in terms of units sold include South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil.
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and 2.2L and 3.2L (diesel).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

Toyota HiLux Details:

• Plant locations: Thailand and Argentina.
• Global Sales: 507,260 in 2015, according to IHS. From 2002–2015, sales totaled 5,969,350. Top markets in terms of units sold include Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa and Australia.
• Engine: 2.0L, 2.7L, 4.0L (gasoline); 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L (diesel); 2.8L, 3.0L (with or without intercooler).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

For questions about the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux measuring sessions, contact Stephanie Martinez at stephaniem@sema.org. For more information about SEMA’s international programs, or to choose what additional international vehicles you are interested in measuring, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Khesayc Chu

SEMA has available a ’16 Ford Ranger for members to measure in order to create export-ready products. This vehicle is among the most customized vehicles abroad, but not yet sold in the United States.

If you haven’t yet signed up to measure two globally popular vehicles, now is the time to do so. SEMA has available a ’16 Australian-spec 3.2L diesel-powered right-hand-drive 4x4 double-cab Ford Ranger and a ’16 2.7L gasoline-powered left-hand-drive Toyota HiLux double cab with a newly acquired Australian-spec bed. These are the latest two SEMA imports designed to provide members free access to otherwise hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to produce export-ready products.

Schedule a time to measure one or both vehicles in the SEMA Garage. The trucks can also be transported to your facility, if needed.

Ford Ranger Details:

• U.S. On-Sale Date: Beginning in 2019, seven years after it first went on sale globally.
• Plant locations: Thailand, South Africa and Argentina. The Ranger to be sold in the United States will be built in Michigan, adding a fourth assembly line.
• Global Sales: 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 total 662,831. Top markets in terms of units sold include South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil.
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and 2.2L and 3.2L (diesel).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

Toyota HiLux Details:

• Plant locations: Thailand and Argentina.
• Global Sales: 507,260 in 2015, according to IHS. From 2002–2015, sales totaled 5,969,350. Top markets in terms of units sold include Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, South Africa and Australia.
• Engine: 2.0L, 2.7L, 4.0L (gasoline); 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L (diesel); 2.8L, 3.0L (with or without intercooler).
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

For questions about the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux measuring sessions, contact Stephanie Martinez at stephaniem@sema.org. For more information about SEMA’s international programs, or to choose what additional international vehicles you are interested in measuring, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to Las Vegas to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 SEMA Show.

SEMA is pleased to announce that High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to the SEMA Show to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 Show. Last year’s FOX Sports SEMA Show television special was a huge success and has aired 16 times to date. 

“SEMA is an incredible automotive event, and we are very excited to be returning in 2017 to produce another television special for FOX Sports. Our show gives viewers an insiders’ look at all that SEMA has to offer,” says Tore Dietrich, host of Fox Sports’ one-hour SEMA special.

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be working again with FOX Sports and High Impact Television for the second consecutive year. The SEMA Show is a trade show that is not open to the public, so it’s great that the Fox Sports Television Special is able to share the excitement, the new products and the trends with television viewers,” said Della Domingo, SEMA public relations director.

For more information about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Della Domingo

High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to Las Vegas to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 SEMA Show.

SEMA is pleased to announce that High Impact Television (HIT) and FOX Sports are returning to the SEMA Show to produce a one-hour television special covering the 2017 Show. Last year’s FOX Sports SEMA Show television special was a huge success and has aired 16 times to date. 

“SEMA is an incredible automotive event, and we are very excited to be returning in 2017 to produce another television special for FOX Sports. Our show gives viewers an insiders’ look at all that SEMA has to offer,” says Tore Dietrich, host of Fox Sports’ one-hour SEMA special.

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to be working again with FOX Sports and High Impact Television for the second consecutive year. The SEMA Show is a trade show that is not open to the public, so it’s great that the Fox Sports Television Special is able to share the excitement, the new products and the trends with television viewers,” said Della Domingo, SEMA public relations director.

For more information about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member Injen Technology has participated in a number of SEMA overseas busi­ness programs, including multiple trips to China. Represented this time by President Ron Delgado (far right) and Business Development Manager Jay Crouch (second from right), the firm manufactures performance air-intake systems and exhaust systems for cars and trucks in its California facility. “The performance aftermarket in China continues to surge every year, and with the help of SEMA’s annual Business Development Program, Injen Technology continues to be on the fast-track for growth in the Asian marketplace. The Chinese enthu­siasts love American brands, and they continue to welcome our industry with open arms and are eager to modify their vehicles with American-made products,” commented Crouch. Injen has already signed up for the 2017 SEMA China trip.

Participate in the SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, in Shanghai, where attendees will have the opportunity to explore their product sales potential in a market with 1.3 billion consumers. China—the world’s largest vehicle market—has a rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love for American products. Note: Free booth graphics, courtesy of Freeman, for the next 10 exhibitors.

During the subsidized trip, SEMA China Business Development Program participants will exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS), visit retailers, take part in networking events and learn about the specialty-equipment market at an exclusive briefing with U.S. government officials and top Chinese buyers.

Program fees include hotels, meals, a reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation. Register now for the SEMA China Business Development Program, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Five Chinese market facts:

• China is already the world’s largest passenger-vehicle market.
• American vehicles are popular in China. The new global Mustang is a big hit, and fullsize pickups and Jeeps are in demand. The Ford Raptor is now officially sold in China with the first performance F-150s, built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, departing for China this past February.
• A rapidly growing Chinese middle class, now estimated at up to 300 million people, is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
• Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing incomes, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
• SUVs and other light trucks are the market leaders in Chinese passenger vehicle sales, with vehicles in this segment growing more rapidly than the rest of the market. 

By Linda Spencer

SEMA-member Injen Technology has participated in a number of SEMA overseas busi­ness programs, including multiple trips to China. Represented this time by President Ron Delgado (far right) and Business Development Manager Jay Crouch (second from right), the firm manufactures performance air-intake systems and exhaust systems for cars and trucks in its California facility. “The performance aftermarket in China continues to surge every year, and with the help of SEMA’s annual Business Development Program, Injen Technology continues to be on the fast-track for growth in the Asian marketplace. The Chinese enthu­siasts love American brands, and they continue to welcome our industry with open arms and are eager to modify their vehicles with American-made products,” commented Crouch. Injen has already signed up for the 2017 SEMA China trip.

Participate in the SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, 2017, in Shanghai, where attendees will have the opportunity to explore their product sales potential in a market with 1.3 billion consumers. China—the world’s largest vehicle market—has a rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love for American products. Note: Free booth graphics, courtesy of Freeman, for the next 10 exhibitors.

During the subsidized trip, SEMA China Business Development Program participants will exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS), visit retailers, take part in networking events and learn about the specialty-equipment market at an exclusive briefing with U.S. government officials and top Chinese buyers.

Program fees include hotels, meals, a reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation. Register now for the SEMA China Business Development Program, or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Five Chinese market facts:

• China is already the world’s largest passenger-vehicle market.
• American vehicles are popular in China. The new global Mustang is a big hit, and fullsize pickups and Jeeps are in demand. The Ford Raptor is now officially sold in China with the first performance F-150s, built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, departing for China this past February.
• A rapidly growing Chinese middle class, now estimated at up to 300 million people, is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
• Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing incomes, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
• SUVs and other light trucks are the market leaders in Chinese passenger vehicle sales, with vehicles in this segment growing more rapidly than the rest of the market.