By Becca Butler

Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation who have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.

New this year will be the introduction of the Young Guns (under 35) category and Open Division (everyone else). Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter one or more categories. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.

By Becca Butler

Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation who have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.

New this year will be the introduction of the Young Guns (under 35) category and Open Division (everyone else). Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter one or more categories. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.

By Becca Butler

Applications for the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition are now being accepted at www.semaignited.com. This one-of-a-kind automotive competition features top builders from across the nation who have a display, feature or booth vehicle at the SEMA Show. Participants will showcase their vehicles during the annual event and a panel of top automotive experts will narrow it down to an elite 10. Finalists will then vote among themselves to be named the winner.

New this year will be the introduction of the Young Guns (under 35) category and Open Division (everyone else). Builders with vehicles from all market segments are encouraged to enter one or more categories. For more information and to enter the competition, visit www.semaignited.com.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting underscores the ongoing threat to motorsports and asks all racing enthusiasts and business owners to call on their federal legislators to support the RPM Act.

Chris Kersting: “Today the future of motorsports is at risk, and that means we all have to take action now and support federal legislation to correct this problem. We urge you to contact your legislators in Washington, D.C. and ask them to support the RPM Act.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken the position that it is illegal to make emissions system modifications to motor vehicles that are converted into racecars used exclusively at the track – a practice that, until now, was unquestioned by racing fans, industry and government regulators.

The RPM Act is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress that protects the auto performance and racing community and industry from unnecessary enforcement and makes clear that it is legal to modify a street vehicle for use in competition.

Learn how you can contact your federal legislators at www.sema.org/rpm-call.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting underscores the ongoing threat to motorsports and asks all racing enthusiasts and business owners to call on their federal legislators to support the RPM Act.

Chris Kersting: “Today the future of motorsports is at risk, and that means we all have to take action now and support federal legislation to correct this problem. We urge you to contact your legislators in Washington, D.C. and ask them to support the RPM Act.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken the position that it is illegal to make emissions system modifications to motor vehicles that are converted into racecars used exclusively at the track – a practice that, until now, was unquestioned by racing fans, industry and government regulators.

The RPM Act is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress that protects the auto performance and racing community and industry from unnecessary enforcement and makes clear that it is legal to modify a street vehicle for use in competition.

Learn how you can contact your federal legislators at www.sema.org/rpm-call.

SEMA News—July 2016

HERITAGE

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Petersen Archive

That’s the Spirit

In January 1965, Petersen Publishing photographer Pat Brollier set up his camera to get as much depth of field as possible to capture the goings-on at the Winternationals Custom Auto Fair in the cavernous Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles. That small aperture resulted in a long exposure, blurring many of the visitors as they passed by what had to be one of the most dramatic exhibits in the show.

The silhouette of Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America is unmistakable, and seeing it inside the hall gives an idea of just how big the land-speed racer was. Spirit was on display along with Breedlove’s Spirit II dragster and Spirit’s Bonneville support truck.

Just a few months before, in October 1964, Breedlove became the first to break the 500-mph mark and drove Spirit to a new land-speed record of more than 526 mph. It was while setting that record, though, that one of Spirit’s parachutes broke loose, sending the rocket car on a wild, 5-mile ride across the salt flats that ended with the racer nose-down in a brine pond.

A picture similar to this one was the lead photo in Car Craft magazine’s coverage of the Winternationals show in its May 1965 issue.

It was a banner year for the event; not only did Breedlove show his land-speed racing cars, but Steve Scott also debuted his now iconic Uncertain T, “a new concept in street rods,” said the magazine. Actor/racer Norm Grabowski brought his Corvair-powered Six Pack motorcycle; Carl Caspar’s wild Caspar’s Ghost came all the way from Michigan and won the Grand Sweepstakes award for Best Rod; and Tony Nancy won the Grand Sweepstakes award for Best Competition car with his futuristic Wedge dragster, “one of the few that have the driver in front of the mill,” said the story.

SEMA News—July 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Car-Care Market Update

New Treatments for New Customers

Car wrapping, seen here at the 2015 SEMA Show, is a trend in the car-care and appearance segment that applies a colored and sometimes textured graphic over a vehicle to create an eye-catching finish.

There are literally hundreds of car-care products on the market today, each aimed at making cars look good. According to a SEMA market report, the market for wax, cleaning products and other chemicals was worth $1.49 billion in 2015. The majority of the products, roughly 61%, are sold in brick-and-mortar auto-parts chains and retail chains.

The aisles in such stores display the car-care industry’s newest innovations and also illustrate an ongoing challenge. With so many new types of paint, wraps and surface finishes, consumers have a hard time differentiating one product from another. One marketing expert we talked to described the car-care aisle at retail outlets as “the wall of confusion.”

To minimize retail proliferation and consumer confusion, the industry is working to consolidate several products and purposes into one application. Another tactic is to create new, easy-to-use products aimed at very specific niches.

For example, the team at Mothers Polish described a new product from the company that is aimed at drought-impacted areas while also catering to urban consumers. The Mothers Waterless Wash & Wax new product for 2016 gives consumers the opportunity to clean their vehicles without having access to a water source. Mothers Polish Marketing Director Ken Holland explained the rationale, “Consumers need the convenience of being able to clean their cars without getting the hose out.”

The team at Professional Detailers Inc. details hundreds of thousands of cars per year, including many that have unique exterior and interior options.

Over time, the company saw a growing demand for the quick and easy waterless application and developed the product to address two key areas: consumers who live in water-stricken areas and consumers who live in places where a water source might not be easily accessible, such as an apartment complex. In some cases—urban areas in Southern California and the Southwest—both markets are addressed. The actual application of the product isn’t a challenging process either.

“Just apply liberally, wipe away with a microfiber towel, and that’s pretty much it—clean car, great shine,” said Craig Burnett, head chemist for Mothers Polish. “The waterless system works to remove dirt from the vehicle surface and leave a protective layer of wax in the process.”

Mike Pennington, global director of training and consumer relations for Meguiar’s Inc., agreed that the idea of simple, easy-to-use products is one of the biggest requests from consumers.

“One of the upcoming trends is quick and easy,” he noted. “Whether it is one product that does multiple things or even a longer-lasting product, consumers are going after ease of use.”

“In the event that a car just needs to look clean and presentable, all-in-one products are the best in terms of quick and easy,” agreed Mike Price, CEO of Professional Detailers Inc., a company that contracts with exhibitors at automotive events all across the country. “This is a product that does correction and protection all in one step,” he said. “Typically, it is a polishing compound that is more paste-like than spray.”

This car was wrapped with a chrome finish for the Avery Dennison Wrap Like a King Challenge, which took place at the 2015 SEMA Show.

To accommodate this current trend, Meguiar’s developed two very different products, both driven by the quick-and-easy concept. The Whole Car Air Re-Fresher is an odor-killing aerosol spray that encapsulates smells in the interior of the car’s cabin and replaces them with a pleasant scent. Meguiar’s said that activating the can, shutting the car door and letting the A/C run on circulate for 15 minutes will give the car a completely revitalized smell. For the vehicle exterior, the company developed another new product for 2016, the Hot Shine Reflect Tire Shine. In a spray-paint-like canister, the product refinishes tires by using an industry-first micro-bead glass system that works to give tires a refinished look.

New Targets, New Products

For a variety of reasons, the car-care market has become something of a generational phenomenon. Marketing campaigns, product placement and car shows all point to the idea that a Baby Boomer spending hours in his garage working on a ’57 Chevy is the classic customer. In an effort to break that stereotype and acquire new customers, some companies are working on solutions to accommodate consumers that extend beyond the parameters of the classic-car owner, aiming at a relatively untapped market—the Millennial generation. (According to research and marketing gurus, the Millennial is someone currently 18–34 years of age who likely shows interest in current, trendy topics.)

The Meguiar’s line of Mirror Bright products aims to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials by offering a quality product in a retro package.

Meguiar’s Customer Engagement Leader RJ de Vera is responsible for developing products that bridge the gap between generations. The company’s latest line of products, called the Mirror Bright Collection, is targeted directly at the Millennial generation.

“Our research has indicated to us that there is a newfound embrace of ‘what is old is now new again’ among the younger-mindset customers,” de Vera said, noting that this idea may apply across many categories of products. “From vinyl records, to artisanal and craft-made items, you will find a huge sub-segment of people who are interested in products that celebrate this. Our goal was to celebrate the art of the skilled hand with the Meguiar’s Mirror Bright brand, and we believe it is resonating well.”

The new line of products is actually a call back to when Meguiar’s started as a furniture-polish company 115 years ago. The early Meguiar’s products were placed in glass bottles, the clear choice at the time. Today, however, that “vintage” look is exactly what drove the company to create the Mirror Bright line—the link between classic style and modern consumer preference. While the packaging may be vintage, the formulated line of waxes and detailing products inside includes the latest formula from Meguiar’s.

Another emerging trend in the industry is the use of car wraps to change the appearance of a vehicle.

“A vehicle wrap is a large, conformable vinyl graphic or decal applied directly over a vehicle’s existing paint job,” said Joey Heiob, technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions. “Car wraps allow the entire look of a vehicle to be changed pretty quickly and are available in many different colors, textures and finishes.”

Waterless Wash & Wax is a new Mothers Polish product for 2016 and is designed to clean cars in situations where taking out the hose is not an option.

The latter point is why many customizers are choosing to wrap their cars as opposed to painting them. The customization opportunities offered with a wrap are considerable, ranging from chrome to matte to even satin. As that creative trend expands and takes hold, many are left wondering how to best maintain a car wrap, and that creates an opportunity in a small but growing segment of the market.

“You don’t want to wax matte or textured films because it will fill in the texture, causing glossy spots,” Heiob said.

Avery Dennison addressed that problem by introducing the Supreme Wrap Care Kit, which it recommends to maintain and clean a wrap. Heiob also shared an insider tip, “A 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water can work well to clean these films, although perhaps not as well on the lighter colors.”

As the wrap trend continues to grow, we can expect more consumer demand for targeted maintenance solutions. Matte finishes are another challenge for professional detailers like Price.

“With new cars that have matte paint, make sure to never use polish of any kind,” he advised. “On older, lacquer-based paints, it is safe to use the all-in-one products that work to correct any issues and protect what is left over.” In terms of old vehicles versus new, Price explained, “Just be careful; every case is different. Always try the least aggressive method first.”

SEMA News—July 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Car-Care Market Update

New Treatments for New Customers

Car wrapping, seen here at the 2015 SEMA Show, is a trend in the car-care and appearance segment that applies a colored and sometimes textured graphic over a vehicle to create an eye-catching finish.

There are literally hundreds of car-care products on the market today, each aimed at making cars look good. According to a SEMA market report, the market for wax, cleaning products and other chemicals was worth $1.49 billion in 2015. The majority of the products, roughly 61%, are sold in brick-and-mortar auto-parts chains and retail chains.

The aisles in such stores display the car-care industry’s newest innovations and also illustrate an ongoing challenge. With so many new types of paint, wraps and surface finishes, consumers have a hard time differentiating one product from another. One marketing expert we talked to described the car-care aisle at retail outlets as “the wall of confusion.”

To minimize retail proliferation and consumer confusion, the industry is working to consolidate several products and purposes into one application. Another tactic is to create new, easy-to-use products aimed at very specific niches.

For example, the team at Mothers Polish described a new product from the company that is aimed at drought-impacted areas while also catering to urban consumers. The Mothers Waterless Wash & Wax new product for 2016 gives consumers the opportunity to clean their vehicles without having access to a water source. Mothers Polish Marketing Director Ken Holland explained the rationale, “Consumers need the convenience of being able to clean their cars without getting the hose out.”

The team at Professional Detailers Inc. details hundreds of thousands of cars per year, including many that have unique exterior and interior options.

Over time, the company saw a growing demand for the quick and easy waterless application and developed the product to address two key areas: consumers who live in water-stricken areas and consumers who live in places where a water source might not be easily accessible, such as an apartment complex. In some cases—urban areas in Southern California and the Southwest—both markets are addressed. The actual application of the product isn’t a challenging process either.

“Just apply liberally, wipe away with a microfiber towel, and that’s pretty much it—clean car, great shine,” said Craig Burnett, head chemist for Mothers Polish. “The waterless system works to remove dirt from the vehicle surface and leave a protective layer of wax in the process.”

Mike Pennington, global director of training and consumer relations for Meguiar’s Inc., agreed that the idea of simple, easy-to-use products is one of the biggest requests from consumers.

“One of the upcoming trends is quick and easy,” he noted. “Whether it is one product that does multiple things or even a longer-lasting product, consumers are going after ease of use.”

“In the event that a car just needs to look clean and presentable, all-in-one products are the best in terms of quick and easy,” agreed Mike Price, CEO of Professional Detailers Inc., a company that contracts with exhibitors at automotive events all across the country. “This is a product that does correction and protection all in one step,” he said. “Typically, it is a polishing compound that is more paste-like than spray.”

This car was wrapped with a chrome finish for the Avery Dennison Wrap Like a King Challenge, which took place at the 2015 SEMA Show.

To accommodate this current trend, Meguiar’s developed two very different products, both driven by the quick-and-easy concept. The Whole Car Air Re-Fresher is an odor-killing aerosol spray that encapsulates smells in the interior of the car’s cabin and replaces them with a pleasant scent. Meguiar’s said that activating the can, shutting the car door and letting the A/C run on circulate for 15 minutes will give the car a completely revitalized smell. For the vehicle exterior, the company developed another new product for 2016, the Hot Shine Reflect Tire Shine. In a spray-paint-like canister, the product refinishes tires by using an industry-first micro-bead glass system that works to give tires a refinished look.

New Targets, New Products

For a variety of reasons, the car-care market has become something of a generational phenomenon. Marketing campaigns, product placement and car shows all point to the idea that a Baby Boomer spending hours in his garage working on a ’57 Chevy is the classic customer. In an effort to break that stereotype and acquire new customers, some companies are working on solutions to accommodate consumers that extend beyond the parameters of the classic-car owner, aiming at a relatively untapped market—the Millennial generation. (According to research and marketing gurus, the Millennial is someone currently 18–34 years of age who likely shows interest in current, trendy topics.)

The Meguiar’s line of Mirror Bright products aims to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials by offering a quality product in a retro package.

Meguiar’s Customer Engagement Leader RJ de Vera is responsible for developing products that bridge the gap between generations. The company’s latest line of products, called the Mirror Bright Collection, is targeted directly at the Millennial generation.

“Our research has indicated to us that there is a newfound embrace of ‘what is old is now new again’ among the younger-mindset customers,” de Vera said, noting that this idea may apply across many categories of products. “From vinyl records, to artisanal and craft-made items, you will find a huge sub-segment of people who are interested in products that celebrate this. Our goal was to celebrate the art of the skilled hand with the Meguiar’s Mirror Bright brand, and we believe it is resonating well.”

The new line of products is actually a call back to when Meguiar’s started as a furniture-polish company 115 years ago. The early Meguiar’s products were placed in glass bottles, the clear choice at the time. Today, however, that “vintage” look is exactly what drove the company to create the Mirror Bright line—the link between classic style and modern consumer preference. While the packaging may be vintage, the formulated line of waxes and detailing products inside includes the latest formula from Meguiar’s.

Another emerging trend in the industry is the use of car wraps to change the appearance of a vehicle.

“A vehicle wrap is a large, conformable vinyl graphic or decal applied directly over a vehicle’s existing paint job,” said Joey Heiob, technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions. “Car wraps allow the entire look of a vehicle to be changed pretty quickly and are available in many different colors, textures and finishes.”

Waterless Wash & Wax is a new Mothers Polish product for 2016 and is designed to clean cars in situations where taking out the hose is not an option.

The latter point is why many customizers are choosing to wrap their cars as opposed to painting them. The customization opportunities offered with a wrap are considerable, ranging from chrome to matte to even satin. As that creative trend expands and takes hold, many are left wondering how to best maintain a car wrap, and that creates an opportunity in a small but growing segment of the market.

“You don’t want to wax matte or textured films because it will fill in the texture, causing glossy spots,” Heiob said.

Avery Dennison addressed that problem by introducing the Supreme Wrap Care Kit, which it recommends to maintain and clean a wrap. Heiob also shared an insider tip, “A 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water can work well to clean these films, although perhaps not as well on the lighter colors.”

As the wrap trend continues to grow, we can expect more consumer demand for targeted maintenance solutions. Matte finishes are another challenge for professional detailers like Price.

“With new cars that have matte paint, make sure to never use polish of any kind,” he advised. “On older, lacquer-based paints, it is safe to use the all-in-one products that work to correct any issues and protect what is left over.” In terms of old vehicles versus new, Price explained, “Just be careful; every case is different. Always try the least aggressive method first.”

SEMA News—July 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Car-Care Market Update

New Treatments for New Customers

Car wrapping, seen here at the 2015 SEMA Show, is a trend in the car-care and appearance segment that applies a colored and sometimes textured graphic over a vehicle to create an eye-catching finish.

There are literally hundreds of car-care products on the market today, each aimed at making cars look good. According to a SEMA market report, the market for wax, cleaning products and other chemicals was worth $1.49 billion in 2015. The majority of the products, roughly 61%, are sold in brick-and-mortar auto-parts chains and retail chains.

The aisles in such stores display the car-care industry’s newest innovations and also illustrate an ongoing challenge. With so many new types of paint, wraps and surface finishes, consumers have a hard time differentiating one product from another. One marketing expert we talked to described the car-care aisle at retail outlets as “the wall of confusion.”

To minimize retail proliferation and consumer confusion, the industry is working to consolidate several products and purposes into one application. Another tactic is to create new, easy-to-use products aimed at very specific niches.

For example, the team at Mothers Polish described a new product from the company that is aimed at drought-impacted areas while also catering to urban consumers. The Mothers Waterless Wash & Wax new product for 2016 gives consumers the opportunity to clean their vehicles without having access to a water source. Mothers Polish Marketing Director Ken Holland explained the rationale, “Consumers need the convenience of being able to clean their cars without getting the hose out.”

The team at Professional Detailers Inc. details hundreds of thousands of cars per year, including many that have unique exterior and interior options.

Over time, the company saw a growing demand for the quick and easy waterless application and developed the product to address two key areas: consumers who live in water-stricken areas and consumers who live in places where a water source might not be easily accessible, such as an apartment complex. In some cases—urban areas in Southern California and the Southwest—both markets are addressed. The actual application of the product isn’t a challenging process either.

“Just apply liberally, wipe away with a microfiber towel, and that’s pretty much it—clean car, great shine,” said Craig Burnett, head chemist for Mothers Polish. “The waterless system works to remove dirt from the vehicle surface and leave a protective layer of wax in the process.”

Mike Pennington, global director of training and consumer relations for Meguiar’s Inc., agreed that the idea of simple, easy-to-use products is one of the biggest requests from consumers.

“One of the upcoming trends is quick and easy,” he noted. “Whether it is one product that does multiple things or even a longer-lasting product, consumers are going after ease of use.”

“In the event that a car just needs to look clean and presentable, all-in-one products are the best in terms of quick and easy,” agreed Mike Price, CEO of Professional Detailers Inc., a company that contracts with exhibitors at automotive events all across the country. “This is a product that does correction and protection all in one step,” he said. “Typically, it is a polishing compound that is more paste-like than spray.”

This car was wrapped with a chrome finish for the Avery Dennison Wrap Like a King Challenge, which took place at the 2015 SEMA Show.

To accommodate this current trend, Meguiar’s developed two very different products, both driven by the quick-and-easy concept. The Whole Car Air Re-Fresher is an odor-killing aerosol spray that encapsulates smells in the interior of the car’s cabin and replaces them with a pleasant scent. Meguiar’s said that activating the can, shutting the car door and letting the A/C run on circulate for 15 minutes will give the car a completely revitalized smell. For the vehicle exterior, the company developed another new product for 2016, the Hot Shine Reflect Tire Shine. In a spray-paint-like canister, the product refinishes tires by using an industry-first micro-bead glass system that works to give tires a refinished look.

New Targets, New Products

For a variety of reasons, the car-care market has become something of a generational phenomenon. Marketing campaigns, product placement and car shows all point to the idea that a Baby Boomer spending hours in his garage working on a ’57 Chevy is the classic customer. In an effort to break that stereotype and acquire new customers, some companies are working on solutions to accommodate consumers that extend beyond the parameters of the classic-car owner, aiming at a relatively untapped market—the Millennial generation. (According to research and marketing gurus, the Millennial is someone currently 18–34 years of age who likely shows interest in current, trendy topics.)

The Meguiar’s line of Mirror Bright products aims to bridge the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials by offering a quality product in a retro package.

Meguiar’s Customer Engagement Leader RJ de Vera is responsible for developing products that bridge the gap between generations. The company’s latest line of products, called the Mirror Bright Collection, is targeted directly at the Millennial generation.

“Our research has indicated to us that there is a newfound embrace of ‘what is old is now new again’ among the younger-mindset customers,” de Vera said, noting that this idea may apply across many categories of products. “From vinyl records, to artisanal and craft-made items, you will find a huge sub-segment of people who are interested in products that celebrate this. Our goal was to celebrate the art of the skilled hand with the Meguiar’s Mirror Bright brand, and we believe it is resonating well.”

The new line of products is actually a call back to when Meguiar’s started as a furniture-polish company 115 years ago. The early Meguiar’s products were placed in glass bottles, the clear choice at the time. Today, however, that “vintage” look is exactly what drove the company to create the Mirror Bright line—the link between classic style and modern consumer preference. While the packaging may be vintage, the formulated line of waxes and detailing products inside includes the latest formula from Meguiar’s.

Another emerging trend in the industry is the use of car wraps to change the appearance of a vehicle.

“A vehicle wrap is a large, conformable vinyl graphic or decal applied directly over a vehicle’s existing paint job,” said Joey Heiob, technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions. “Car wraps allow the entire look of a vehicle to be changed pretty quickly and are available in many different colors, textures and finishes.”

Waterless Wash & Wax is a new Mothers Polish product for 2016 and is designed to clean cars in situations where taking out the hose is not an option.

The latter point is why many customizers are choosing to wrap their cars as opposed to painting them. The customization opportunities offered with a wrap are considerable, ranging from chrome to matte to even satin. As that creative trend expands and takes hold, many are left wondering how to best maintain a car wrap, and that creates an opportunity in a small but growing segment of the market.

“You don’t want to wax matte or textured films because it will fill in the texture, causing glossy spots,” Heiob said.

Avery Dennison addressed that problem by introducing the Supreme Wrap Care Kit, which it recommends to maintain and clean a wrap. Heiob also shared an insider tip, “A 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water can work well to clean these films, although perhaps not as well on the lighter colors.”

As the wrap trend continues to grow, we can expect more consumer demand for targeted maintenance solutions. Matte finishes are another challenge for professional detailers like Price.

“With new cars that have matte paint, make sure to never use polish of any kind,” he advised. “On older, lacquer-based paints, it is safe to use the all-in-one products that work to correct any issues and protect what is left over.” In terms of old vehicles versus new, Price explained, “Just be careful; every case is different. Always try the least aggressive method first.”

SEMA Member News – July/August 2016

By Katie Carson

TORA Looking Ahead: Media Preview

The TORA Media Preview provides an optimal opportunity for TORA members to connect with the media and gain added exposure for their products.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) will once again host its Media Preview at the 2016 SEMA Show. The event is designed to connect members of the media to TORA-member companies that are spotlighting new products. The event traditionally attracts more than two dozen exhibitors and is open to all members of the media. The 2016 event will be held in the Media Center, located on the Sky Bridge in the Las Vegas Convention Center on Monday, October 31. Save the date!

The alliance has looked to model its event on the successful Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Media Trade Conference to add value to the light-truck accessory industry. Providing an opportunity to connect the TORA membership to the media in an intimate setting supports the ultimate goal of the council: to ensure the viability and longevity of this increasingly expansive and vibrant market segment.

The Media Preview is a valuable opportunity for TORA members to gain added exposure from media companies that have multiple channels that reach thousands of buyers. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring their latest and greatest products and have the benefit of discussing them one-on-one with the media. Participants will maximize their media contact lists and learn creative ways to market their products. The benefit of participating in this event before the SEMA Show opens is the ability to concentrate on properly promoting products without missing customers in the booth on the Show floor. TORA members are encouraged to register to participate in the Media Preview. Visit www.sema.org/TORA for more information.

Members of the media will gain an exclusive first look at the hottest new products to hit the light-truck accessory market one day before the SEMA Show opens. Exhibitors will have their products at the event, allowing media to touch, feel and photograph them for an enhanced experience. Key staff members will also be available to provide product details and demonstrations. Media attendees are invited to maximize their SEMA Show schedules by meeting with some of the biggest names in the light-truck industry in a dedicated environment.

Builder’s Panel Debuting at SEMA Show

The Off-Road, Truck & Jeep Builder’s Panel, powered by the TORA, is making its debut on Thursday afternoon of the 2016 SEMA Show. Through a series of discussion topics, leading truck and Jeep builders will be addressing the challenges in the vehicle-building community and providing advice for becoming a successful builder. Some of the questions the presenters will address include:

• What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder?
• How do you differentiate yourself?
• How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder?
• What are the pitfalls?
• Who do you partner with?

Pinewood Drag Races

The Pinewood Drag Races are held annually at the TORA reception during the SEMA Show, with proceeds benefiting the SEMA Cares children’s charities.

The TORA is a strong supporter of the Pinewood Drag Races benefiting the SEMA Cares children’s charities. The Pinewood drag races, entering their ninth year, have raised more than $300,000 in charitable donations to date. Each year, SEMA opens up sponsorship opportunities that include providing a pinewood kit to a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction to build and decorate, choosing to add modifications to a pre-built basic pinewood, or creating a custom pinewood using at least one component from the kit.

The Pinewood races are held annually in conjunction with Leadership Days at the SEMA Installation Gala. The winner receives a plaque and a certificate of appreciation, along with recognition through SEMA media outlets.

The TORA also holds Pinewood Drag Races at its annual SEMA Show industry reception. For a donation to SEMA Cares, participants are able to rent a finished Pinewood car or truck to compete in the races. While the races are mostly for fun and in the spirit of giving, good-natured competition is also evident during the races.

The top three finalists of the TORA Pinewood Drag Races receive bragging rights and a trophy. The council also has pinewoods on display for purchase throughout the reception. All proceeds benefit SEMA Cares.

“Our industry has a strong sense of community, and charitable giving is the sort of community activity that joins us together,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA Cares unites the industry for a great cause.”