By Michael Hart

	Aftermarket businesspeople should find high profit margins in the automotive electronics segment.

In the coming year, aftermarket businesspeople are liable to find high profit margins in the automotive electronics segment—particularly car audio and connectivity products, such as smartphones, according to Tom Ramsey of the Ramsey Consulting Group, who will lead an automotive electronics conference track at the 2015 SEMA Show.

More and more consumers are interested in high-fidelity audio in their vehicles, and not all of them are happy with the factory-installed equipment they’re getting.

“High-fidelity audio, that’s really making a comeback,” Ramsey said. “A lot of people are embracing it in their cars.”

At the same time, enthusiasts are interested in upgrading the lighting and audio electronics in their powersports vehicles. Research indicates the average ticket for outfitting UTVs with extras is $1,703, and consumers are ready to ensure a lot of that money is spent on the high-margin items that will be highlighted in the automotive electronics track.

“This is not typically a big do-it-yourselfer market,” Ramsey said. “The vast majority of consumers are using professional installation services for anything that’s electronic in their cars.

Three conference sessions in particular will help attendees find their way into this highly lucrative segment of the industry:

• Installing High Fidelity Audio in Cars will help attendees grow their businesses with audiophiles who simply are not happy with the factory-installed equipment that the average car owner might settle for.

• Electronic Enhancements in Powersports Vehicles will provide attendees with the opportunities available to the retailer interested in catering to this fast-growing and lucrative segment.

• Top Five Automotive Electronics Fabrication Trends: industry visionary Bryan Schmitt will show attendees how to take the latest fabrication techniques and specialized tools and turn them into major revenue streams.

“These sessions will unveil where the real opportunities are for anybody in the business of selling and installing aftermarket parts and accessories who is thinking of adding an automotive electronics component,” Ramsey said.

View a complete list of SEMA Show Education sessions available.

By Chad Simon

Nearly 400 SEMA members and Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) members attending the PWA annual conference in Anaheim, California, mingled over dinner and cocktails at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar on Sunday, August 30, during a PWA reception and tour of the newly renovated SEMA Garage.

Several custom vehicles were on display in the parking lot. In the photography studio, members had their pictures taken with the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car—a fullsize operational version of the Star Wars-themed Hot Wheels car based on a C5 Corvette.

After dinner, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed attendees, informed them of how they can utilize the various services offered at the new SEMA Garage and introduced SEMA’s new Chairman of the Board, Doug Evans.

In addition, PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Also, the SEMA Garage emissions lab was unveiled for the first time with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Covering 15,000 sq. ft., the SEMA Garage encompasses a 1,600-sq.-ft. photography studio, a Fortus 450mc 3D printer and FARO 3D scanner, a new state-of-the-art emissions and dyno lab, an expanded training center, a Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files and a fully equipped installation center. The SEMA Garage often hosts domestic and international vehicle Measuring Sessions where members are provided access to vehicles before they hit dealerships.

For more information on how to take advantage of the services offered at the SEMA Garage, visit the SEMA Garage website. 

PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. From L-R: Ken Woomer, PWA chairman of the board; Joel Ayres, executive director, Aftermarket Foundation; Doug Evans, SEMA chairman of the board; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.		Doug Evans (second from right) cuts the ribbon to mark the offical opening of the new SEMA Garage emissions lab. From L-R: Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs; Don Manvel, chairman and CEO of AVL North America; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SEMA Garage staff fired up the dyno.		SEMA's Daniel Ogden (right) shows the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car to attendees.
SEMA's Matt Cordato (right) demonstrates how the new Fortus 450mc 3D printer works.		TV personality Jessi Combs (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) have joined forces as the Real Deal—a collaboration of automotive and industrial women who aim to empower and educate others regarding the positive impact associated with design, speed and passion.

By Chad Simon

Nearly 400 SEMA members and Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) members attending the PWA annual conference in Anaheim, California, mingled over dinner and cocktails at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar on Sunday, August 30, during a PWA reception and tour of the newly renovated SEMA Garage.

Several custom vehicles were on display in the parking lot. In the photography studio, members had their pictures taken with the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car—a fullsize operational version of the Star Wars-themed Hot Wheels car based on a C5 Corvette.

After dinner, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed attendees, informed them of how they can utilize the various services offered at the new SEMA Garage and introduced SEMA’s new Chairman of the Board, Doug Evans.

In addition, PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Also, the SEMA Garage emissions lab was unveiled for the first time with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Covering 15,000 sq. ft., the SEMA Garage encompasses a 1,600-sq.-ft. photography studio, a Fortus 450mc 3D printer and FARO 3D scanner, a new state-of-the-art emissions and dyno lab, an expanded training center, a Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files and a fully equipped installation center. The SEMA Garage often hosts domestic and international vehicle Measuring Sessions where members are provided access to vehicles before they hit dealerships.

For more information on how to take advantage of the services offered at the SEMA Garage, visit the SEMA Garage website. 

PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. From L-R: Ken Woomer, PWA chairman of the board; Joel Ayres, executive director, Aftermarket Foundation; Doug Evans, SEMA chairman of the board; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.		Doug Evans (second from right) cuts the ribbon to mark the offical opening of the new SEMA Garage emissions lab. From L-R: Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs; Don Manvel, chairman and CEO of AVL North America; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SEMA Garage staff fired up the dyno.		SEMA's Daniel Ogden (right) shows the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car to attendees.
SEMA's Matt Cordato (right) demonstrates how the new Fortus 450mc 3D printer works.		TV personality Jessi Combs (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) have joined forces as the Real Deal—a collaboration of automotive and industrial women who aim to empower and educate others regarding the positive impact associated with design, speed and passion.

By Chad Simon

Nearly 400 SEMA members and Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) members attending the PWA annual conference in Anaheim, California, mingled over dinner and cocktails at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar on Sunday, August 30, during a PWA reception and tour of the newly renovated SEMA Garage.

Several custom vehicles were on display in the parking lot. In the photography studio, members had their pictures taken with the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car—a fullsize operational version of the Star Wars-themed Hot Wheels car based on a C5 Corvette.

After dinner, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed attendees, informed them of how they can utilize the various services offered at the new SEMA Garage and introduced SEMA’s new Chairman of the Board, Doug Evans.

In addition, PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Also, the SEMA Garage emissions lab was unveiled for the first time with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Covering 15,000 sq. ft., the SEMA Garage encompasses a 1,600-sq.-ft. photography studio, a Fortus 450mc 3D printer and FARO 3D scanner, a new state-of-the-art emissions and dyno lab, an expanded training center, a Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files and a fully equipped installation center. The SEMA Garage often hosts domestic and international vehicle Measuring Sessions where members are provided access to vehicles before they hit dealerships.

For more information on how to take advantage of the services offered at the SEMA Garage, visit the SEMA Garage website. 

PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. From L-R: Ken Woomer, PWA chairman of the board; Joel Ayres, executive director, Aftermarket Foundation; Doug Evans, SEMA chairman of the board; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.		Doug Evans (second from right) cuts the ribbon to mark the offical opening of the new SEMA Garage emissions lab. From L-R: Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs; Don Manvel, chairman and CEO of AVL North America; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SEMA Garage staff fired up the dyno.		SEMA's Daniel Ogden (right) shows the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car to attendees.
SEMA's Matt Cordato (right) demonstrates how the new Fortus 450mc 3D printer works.		TV personality Jessi Combs (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) have joined forces as the Real Deal—a collaboration of automotive and industrial women who aim to empower and educate others regarding the positive impact associated with design, speed and passion.

By Chad Simon

Nearly 400 SEMA members and Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) members attending the PWA annual conference in Anaheim, California, mingled over dinner and cocktails at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar on Sunday, August 30, during a PWA reception and tour of the newly renovated SEMA Garage.

Several custom vehicles were on display in the parking lot. In the photography studio, members had their pictures taken with the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car—a fullsize operational version of the Star Wars-themed Hot Wheels car based on a C5 Corvette.

After dinner, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed attendees, informed them of how they can utilize the various services offered at the new SEMA Garage and introduced SEMA’s new Chairman of the Board, Doug Evans.

In addition, PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Also, the SEMA Garage emissions lab was unveiled for the first time with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Covering 15,000 sq. ft., the SEMA Garage encompasses a 1,600-sq.-ft. photography studio, a Fortus 450mc 3D printer and FARO 3D scanner, a new state-of-the-art emissions and dyno lab, an expanded training center, a Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files and a fully equipped installation center. The SEMA Garage often hosts domestic and international vehicle Measuring Sessions where members are provided access to vehicles before they hit dealerships.

For more information on how to take advantage of the services offered at the SEMA Garage, visit the SEMA Garage website. 

PWA presented a check for $7,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. From L-R: Ken Woomer, PWA chairman of the board; Joel Ayres, executive director, Aftermarket Foundation; Doug Evans, SEMA chairman of the board; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.		Doug Evans (second from right) cuts the ribbon to mark the offical opening of the new SEMA Garage emissions lab. From L-R: Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs; Don Manvel, chairman and CEO of AVL North America; and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SEMA Garage staff fired up the dyno.		SEMA's Daniel Ogden (right) shows the Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car to attendees.
SEMA's Matt Cordato (right) demonstrates how the new Fortus 450mc 3D printer works.		TV personality Jessi Combs (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) have joined forces as the Real Deal—a collaboration of automotive and industrial women who aim to empower and educate others regarding the positive impact associated with design, speed and passion.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Brown signed into law legislation amending how California enforces “Made in U.S.A.” labels. California had prohibited labeling a product as “Made in U.S.A.” unless the product and its subcomponents were manufactured in the United States. The California standard had been interpreted as more onerous than the federal standard, which requires products labeled “Made in U.S.A.” to be “all or virtually all” made in the United States, without reference to subcomponents. 

The new law closes the gap by allowing the “Made in U.S.A.” label to be used on products sold in California if the product is made in the United States and all its subcomponents that are sourced from outside the United States constitute no more than 5% of the final value of the manufactured product. Manufacturers of products made in the United States using subcomponents sourced from outside the United States may also use the “Made in U.S.A.” label on products sold in California if the subcomponents cannot be obtained in the United States and all subcomponents sourced from outside the United States make up no more than 10% of the final wholesale value of the manufactured product. 

For more information, contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Governor Brown signed into law legislation amending how California enforces “Made in U.S.A.” labels. California had prohibited labeling a product as “Made in U.S.A.” unless the product and its subcomponents were manufactured in the United States. The California standard had been interpreted as more onerous than the federal standard, which requires products labeled “Made in U.S.A.” to be “all or virtually all” made in the United States, without reference to subcomponents. 

The new law closes the gap by allowing the “Made in U.S.A.” label to be used on products sold in California if the product is made in the United States and all its subcomponents that are sourced from outside the United States constitute no more than 5% of the final value of the manufactured product. Manufacturers of products made in the United States using subcomponents sourced from outside the United States may also use the “Made in U.S.A.” label on products sold in California if the subcomponents cannot be obtained in the United States and all subcomponents sourced from outside the United States make up no more than 10% of the final wholesale value of the manufactured product. 

For more information, contact Ashley Ailsworth at ashleya@sema.org.