SEMA News—February 2015

EVENTS

Not Too Early to Reserve Space for the 2015 SEMA Show

As the premier automotive specialty-products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show annually attracts the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 130,000 individuals from more than 125 countries visit the Show to connect with unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets.

Committing early will not only secure a spot at the Show, but companies will also be eligible to participate in the priority booth space selection process, where exhibitors are assigned booth locations in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place on Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6. For more information, contact the SEMA Show Hotline at 909-396-0289 or e-mail sales@sema.org.

EVENTS

6th Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 10

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. Intended to celebrate past and modern classics, the day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) sponsored the previous resolutions. The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role that collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing their events are invited to contact Colby Martin at
909-978-6721 or e-mail san@sema.org.

 

By SEMA Editors

Viacom’s MTV division has released a new research study that explores the habits of Millennials and their emotional and practical relationship with vehicles and driving. According to the company, the research study, "Millennials Have Drive," explores the differences between Millennials' and previous generations' definition of success, what roles cars play and how the automobile industry can better reach and interact with these drivers.

The study was released at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Expo 2015. Key points from the study include an increase in young people's passion for cars and car ownership—with 3 in 4 young people agreeing they would rather give up social media for a day than their car—and 72% agreeing they would rather give up texting for a week than their car.

Read the executive summary of the "Millennials Have Drive" study.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

JC Whitney Celebrates 100 Years
JC Whitney kicks off the celebration of its 100th anniversary this month. In addition to launching a dedicated centennial website, the year-long festivities will include custom Jeep and truck projects and appearances at shows and events across the country, culminating at the 2015 SEMA Show. JC Whitney starts the party with an open invitation to a custom build inside their garage. To mark 100 years, the company is kicking off Project Garage to honor DIY’ers and shade-tree mechanics across America with the build out of two Jeeps and a truck. Consumers are invited to visit the site, watch the build and send their ideas and inspiration.

From the 2015 SEMA Show to the Woodward Dream Cruise, JC Whitney will appear at shows and events across the country to show off the project vehicles and share the celebration with enthusiasts. Consumers can check out a full list of events on the 100th Anniversary event calendar and are invited to share their favorite car event to be added to the list.

	Fidanza Performance redisigned the company website at www.fidanza.com.

Fidanza Performance Redesigns Website
The Fidanza Performance website has an all-new look designed to better showcase Fidanza Performance products, deliver great product and technical information and provide a better user experience for its customers, according to the manufacturer. The new website features easy-to-read text, engaging graphics and multiple ways to find and get to important information. It utilizes traditional drop-down menus and intuitive click-thru links that allow users to access more in-depth Fidanza Performance product information and resources than ever before. The Fidanza Performance team also added features such as an enhanced FAQ page, a Google Maps-powered dealer locator, downloadable product instruction PDFs and all-new vehicle photo galleries. Additional links to Fidanza Performance’s social media on Facebook and Twitter will also allow users to get up-to-the-minute information on what’s happening at Fidanza Performance. 

Summit Steel Now Offers One-Stop Precision Metal Fabrication
Summit Steel and Manufacturing is proud to announce that it now offers a full-range of services from 2D and 3D laser cutting, CNC turning/milling, Swiss machining, and centerless grinding/polishing to bending/forming, powder coating, robotic and manual welding, and assembly at its plant. According to Gary Romig, founder and CEO of Summit Steel, the OEM’s latest competitive advantage, it turns out, is one-stop precision metal fabrication, which streamlines the supply chain. Full-service metal fabrication under one roof can not only cut cost, lead time, and improve quality but also satisfy rush orders and JIT requirements.

Galpin Ford Earns Title of No. 1 Volume Ford Dealer in the World for 25th Consecutive Year
Southern California’s Galpin Ford retained its position as the No. 1 volume Ford dealer in the world for a record 25th consecutive year, according to Ford Motor Co. sales data. Customers bought nearly 8,000 new Ford vehicles from Galpin in 2014. In addition, Galpin Ford was the No. 1 seller of Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Transit Connect, Edge, Explorer and Flex models in the United States, and outsold all of the Ford dealerships combined in 10 U.S. states. Galpin Ford also finished the year as the No. 1 Electrified Ford Dealership in the country, selling more Fusion Hybrid/Energi, CMAX Hybrid/Energi and Focus Electric combined than any other Ford Dealer. In addition, Galpin Ford was No. 1 with Ford Credit and the No. 1 Ford leasing dealer in the United States. Ford’s December sales numbers were also on an upward climb, thanks in large part to fresh product line-ups, including the new ’15 Mustang, Transit full-size van and Fusion. This year Ford will unveil the new F-150, Edge and re-designed Ford Explorer.

Jeff Malone Named Senior Sales Rep for Timken’s Commercial Aftermarket
Jeff Malone has been named senior sales representative for the commercial vehicle aftermarket for Timken. Malone is responsible for all commercial vehicle aftermarket activities in California, Arizona and Nevada. He comes to Timken with more than 15 years of sales experience, most recently serving as manufacturers’ sales representative. He previously held sales positions with Savi Corp., Rush Enterprises and Wellman Products Group.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	Free tours of the SEMA Garage will be held February 10.

Space is still available for the SEMA Garage tour and breakfast, taking place February 10, from 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., with additional dates following later in the spring. Learn about the tools available through the SEMA Garage that help companies limit the cost and time involved in product R&D.

The facility tour will include an introduction to the following resources:

• A fully equipped installation center to test fitment.
• A Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files.
• 3D printing and scanning services.
• Hands-on vehicle access for Measuring Sessions.
• An emissions lab for E.O./CARB certification.
• A vehicle and product photography studio with infinity walls and adjustable overhead lighting.
• A training center for conducting product reveals or training sessions.

By SEMA Editors

	Free tours of the SEMA Garage will be held February 10.

Space is still available for the SEMA Garage tour and breakfast, taking place February 10, from 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., with additional dates following later in the spring. Learn about the tools available through the SEMA Garage that help companies limit the cost and time involved in product R&D.

The facility tour will include an introduction to the following resources:

• A fully equipped installation center to test fitment.
• A Tech Transfer program with OEM-provided CAD files.
• 3D printing and scanning services.
• Hands-on vehicle access for Measuring Sessions.
• An emissions lab for E.O./CARB certification.
• A vehicle and product photography studio with infinity walls and adjustable overhead lighting.
• A training center for conducting product reveals or training sessions.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full House of Representatives approved legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

The full House of Representatives approved legislation by an overwhelming 52–8 vote to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full House of Representatives approved legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

The full House of Representatives approved legislation by an overwhelming 52–8 vote to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full House of Representatives approved legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

The full House of Representatives approved legislation by an overwhelming 52–8 vote to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The full House of Representatives approved legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

The full House of Representatives approved legislation by an overwhelming 52–8 vote to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Education has put together a series of videos featuring business experts and seminar presenters from the 2014 SEMA Show to provide the insight needed to become and industry leader.

The SEMA Show includes an array of seminars designed to help business professionals sell more and be more productive. With topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends, most sessions are available free of charge to those with SEMA Show credentials.

To make it easy and convenient for Showgoers to attend the seminars, sessions begin the day before the official opening of the Show and continue at various times throughout the event. The seminars are taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world.