News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Meguiar's Announces First International Car Crazy Showcase at the 2011 SEMA Show

Thu, 09/29/2011 - 08:39

Nine of the top show cars in the world will be on display outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center beside the "Car Crazy TV" stage.

The owners of nine of the top show cars in the world have accepted an invitation from Meguiar's to display their cars at the 2011 SEMA Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. The cars will be on display outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center beside the "Car Crazy TV" stage.

"The car hobby is a global fraternity that shares an amazing passion for vastly different cars," said Meguiar's President Barry Meguiar. "We attempt to capture this phenomenon with our "Car Crazy TV" Show on Speed Channel, and are now doing it live at SEMA. Having nine cars for our first year is a great start on what we believe will become a major feature at the SEMA Show."

Some of the treasures that are set to be on display include a '53 Ford Truck F100 from Costa Rica, a '39 Lincoln Zephyr Custom from Mexico, a '00 Toyota Celica from China, and a '78 XC GS Ford Falcon Hardtop from Australia. While the showcase is focused on providing a unique look at the car hobby in these nine countries, the cars on display are certain to attract some serious attention.

The number of quality show cars that capture the essence and excitement of the car hobby is staggering, according to Meguiar’s. The company announced that it was determined to keep this an authentic program by having the local automotive aficionados lead in the selection process. Additionally, cars chosen to represent specific countries had to capture the overall global car hobby spirit by exciting car enthusiasts of all types, reflect incredible paintwork that is maintained both inside and out, include ground breaking design or be exceptionally eye-catching and most importantly, have a unique back story.

Before making their way to the 2011 SEMA Show, all the cars will stop at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California, for private showings to museum visitors during October.

Don't Miss America's Biggest Off-Road Trade Showcase

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 15:07


	With more than 270 exhibitors, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2011 SEMA Show is the premier off-road showcase in America.

Each of the 2011 SEMA Show sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. This week's spotlight is on the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section, which is located in the Upper Level of South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center, near the First Time & Featured Exhibitors section and next to the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section.

Used for general transportation, commercial applications and recreation, light trucks comprise the single largest category for businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. In fact, more than 17,632 unique buyers have indicated an interest in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2011 SEMA Show—a 29.25% increase over this same time last year. Off-road applications also represent a massive cross-over opportunity for buyers looking to enhance their existing business with new product lines.

At the 2011 SEMA Show, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section will be dedicated to booths featuring the hottest gear and latest trends in tonneau covers, bedliners, toolboxes, cabs, off-road accessories, suspension components, trailer and towing accessories and lighting products.

The SEMA Market Research Department's 2011 Pickup Truck Report notes that pickup sales for the third quarter of 2010 were nearly 14% ahead of those in the same period for the previous year. This is extremely encouraging for specialty-equipment manufacturers and retailers as the report further indicates that owners of '01–'11 fullsize pickups spend an average of $875 on accessories, and midsize trucks average a modest $486 on specialty equipment. With such an enthusiastic customer base, Show attendees can easily capitalize on this demand for accessories by visiting the Upper Level of the South Hall.

For the 2011 Show, the percentage of companies exhibiting in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section has increased by 11% (271 exhibitors total) when compared with 2010, and the section itself has grown in square footage by 17%. The expansion includes 45 first-time exhibitors, bringing companies, such as Addictive Desert Designs, Competition 4x4, MaxTrac Suspension and Truck Armor into the section, joining SEMA Show veterans, such as Access Roll-Up Covers, Disc Brakes Australia and T-Rex Grilles.

As the premier off-road showcase in America, the 2011 SEMA Show allows a trade-only audience to meet face-to-face with the manufacturers, vehicles and icons that will dominate this market throughout 2012.

Buyers: To register for the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors: Reserve your space for the 2011 SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Check out all sections of the Show and its exhibitors through the 2011 SEMA Show online floorplan.

Don't Miss America's Biggest Off-Road Trade Showcase

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 15:07


	With more than 270 exhibitors, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2011 SEMA Show is the premier off-road showcase in America.

Each of the 2011 SEMA Show sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. This week's spotlight is on the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section, which is located in the Upper Level of South Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center, near the First Time & Featured Exhibitors section and next to the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section.

Used for general transportation, commercial applications and recreation, light trucks comprise the single largest category for businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. In fact, more than 17,632 unique buyers have indicated an interest in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2011 SEMA Show—a 29.25% increase over this same time last year. Off-road applications also represent a massive cross-over opportunity for buyers looking to enhance their existing business with new product lines.

At the 2011 SEMA Show, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section will be dedicated to booths featuring the hottest gear and latest trends in tonneau covers, bedliners, toolboxes, cabs, off-road accessories, suspension components, trailer and towing accessories and lighting products.

The SEMA Market Research Department's 2011 Pickup Truck Report notes that pickup sales for the third quarter of 2010 were nearly 14% ahead of those in the same period for the previous year. This is extremely encouraging for specialty-equipment manufacturers and retailers as the report further indicates that owners of '01–'11 fullsize pickups spend an average of $875 on accessories, and midsize trucks average a modest $486 on specialty equipment. With such an enthusiastic customer base, Show attendees can easily capitalize on this demand for accessories by visiting the Upper Level of the South Hall.

For the 2011 Show, the percentage of companies exhibiting in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section has increased by 11% (271 exhibitors total) when compared with 2010, and the section itself has grown in square footage by 17%. The expansion includes 45 first-time exhibitors, bringing companies, such as Addictive Desert Designs, Competition 4x4, MaxTrac Suspension and Truck Armor into the section, joining SEMA Show veterans, such as Access Roll-Up Covers, Disc Brakes Australia and T-Rex Grilles.

As the premier off-road showcase in America, the 2011 SEMA Show allows a trade-only audience to meet face-to-face with the manufacturers, vehicles and icons that will dominate this market throughout 2012.

Buyers: To register for the 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Exhibitors: Reserve your space for the 2011 SEMA Show at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Check out all sections of the Show and its exhibitors through the 2011 SEMA Show online floorplan.

Movers & Shakers: Ira Gabriel Joins Management Team at EasyCare; AWE Tuning Celebrates "20 Years in 20 Days"

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:59

Ira Gabriel joined EasyCare as vice president, executive director for Motor Trend Certified Vehicles.

Ira Gabriel Joins Management Team at EasyCare
Motor Trend, part of Source Interlink Media LLC, and EasyCare announced that Ira Gabriel has joined the management team at EasyCare as vice president, executive director for Motor Trend Certified Vehicles. In his new position, Gabriel will focus on the growth and continued success of Motor Trend Certified Vehicles, a program that offers consumers an opportunity to purchase vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected, upgraded to carry additional consumer benefits provided by EasyCare and guaranteed. Gabriel joins EasyCare with a background of more than two decades in the automotive industry. He began his career in 1988 at Petersen Publishing and went on to hold prominent positions in marketing, sales and management. In 2001, Gabriel was named publisher of Hot Rod magazine, one of the company's flagship performance automotive titles. In 2006, he became the publisher of Motor Trend.

AWE Tuning Celebrates "20 Years in 20 Days"
To celebrate the company's 20th anniversary, AWE Tuning announced a special promotion, "20 years in 20 days." The promotion will recap AWE Tuning's evolution, one year per day. Its history will be shared with enthusiasts on forums and on the company's Facebook page one day at a time until October 4. In recognition of the anniversary, AWE is offering special pricing on its catalog.

Jason Snyder Joins PowerTV
PowerTV has hired Jason Snyder as vice president of business development. He most recently served as the vice president of marketing for Edelbrock Corp. According to PowerTV, Snyder will help further grow its existing markets and improve and expand relationships with new companies in the automotive industry.

Sheryl Wilkerson Leads AAIA Regulatory and Government Affairs
Sheryl Wilkerson has joined the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) as senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs. According to AAIA, the appointment of Wilkerson will help strengthen the company's current staff and bolster its presence in Congress, regulatory agencies and the global marketplace. Wilkerson was previously president of Willow LLC, where she advised automotive, telematics, industry associations and wireless and technology companies on regulatory, government affairs, public safety and technology issues.

Michael Tarquinio's '32 Ford roadster won the Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year.

'32 Ford Roadster "Second Wind" Named Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year

Hot rodder Michael Tarquinio from Pittsburgh and his '32 Ford roadster, "Second Wind," won the Goodguys 2011 Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year title at the Goodguys 1st WIX Filters Speedway Nationals at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Along with his friends at G.I.S. Automotive, Tarquinio painted and assembled the car at his Pittsburgh shop last year for a January 2011 debut. The Goodguys/Gearstar Hot Rod of the Year competition requires that contestants drive a rigorous 150-mile reliability run, as well as a burnout and blast down a dragstrip. Tarquinio’s roadster passed all of the tests. For his victory, Tarquinio will receive a trip to the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals, November 18–20, in Scottsdale, Arizona, to display his car in the “Champion’s arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters. Snap-on will reward him with a custom toolbox, and he also received a billet aluminum award from Goodguys. Read more about Tarquinio's "Second Wind."

Bosal North America Hires John Tiger
Bosal North America Inc. has appointed John Tiger to director of sales for its Automotive Carriers and Protection Systems (ACPS) Division. Tiger is responsible for managing all aspects of the company's new tow-hitch program from start-up through application development, marketing and sales. He will also manage sales of the Bosal Windstop product line, which is supplied to both OE and aftermarket customers. Bosal reports that Tiger has more than 23 years of experience in sales, marketing and management for several automotive, RV, trailer and marine companies.

Pep Boys Team Photo
Pep Boys was inducted into the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin’ Hall of Fame in the historical category.

The Pep Boys Inducted Into Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin’ Hall of Fame
The Pep Boys—Manny, Moe & Jack—was inducted into the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin’ Hall of Fame in the historical category, on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the California Theatre of Performing Arts. The award honors individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the American automotive landscape. Accepting the award for Pep Boys was the company’s Divisional Vice President of Southern California Sean Chidsey. Previous honorees have included racecar drivers Carroll Shelby and Parnelli Jones, the Beach Boys, icons of the automotive world and Motor Trend magazine.

Photo Gallery: Lincoln Continentals at the 2010 SEMA Show

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:57

The photo gallery on www.enjoythedrive.com features more than 2,000 photos of vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. A new group of pictures included each week in SEMA eNews. This week's collection of photos features vehicles from Lincoln.

The photo database is searchable by vehicle make, vehicle model, exhibitor name and more.

5 Resources to Connect Exhibitors With International Buyers

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:43

Programs and Resources to Connect SEMA Show Exhibitors With International Buyers

By Linda Spencer

		Show exhibitors looking to export should sign up for a free listing in the 2011 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide (IBG). The deadline to include your company in the directory is September 2. The IBG is provided to international buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show and all year at major overseas trade shows.

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from more than 100 nations outside the United States. Registration is strong from buyers from countries and regions around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and provide best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies—and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance.

Global Media Awards

The eighth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-manual and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Go to www.sema.org/sema-news/2011/2 to see the SEMA News story about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

		The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

Researching export markets
Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
Finding international buyers
Complying with export regulations
Financing international transactions
Shipping products internationally
Understanding the Commerce Control List
Filing information in the Automated Export System

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive. For more information on any of these programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

5 Resources to Connect Exhibitors With International Buyers

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:43

Programs and Resources to Connect SEMA Show Exhibitors With International Buyers

By Linda Spencer

		Show exhibitors looking to export should sign up for a free listing in the 2011 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide (IBG). The deadline to include your company in the directory is September 2. The IBG is provided to international buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show and all year at major overseas trade shows.

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from more than 100 nations outside the United States. Registration is strong from buyers from countries and regions around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and provide best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies—and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance.

Global Media Awards

The eighth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-manual and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Go to www.sema.org/sema-news/2011/2 to see the SEMA News story about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

		The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

Researching export markets
Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
Finding international buyers
Complying with export regulations
Financing international transactions
Shipping products internationally
Understanding the Commerce Control List
Filing information in the Automated Export System

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive. For more information on any of these programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

5 Resources to Connect Exhibitors With International Buyers

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:43

Programs and Resources to Connect SEMA Show Exhibitors With International Buyers

By Linda Spencer

		Show exhibitors looking to export should sign up for a free listing in the 2011 SEMA International Buyers’ Guide (IBG). The deadline to include your company in the directory is September 2. The IBG is provided to international buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show and all year at major overseas trade shows.

Nearly 25% of all buyers expected at the 2011 SEMA Show will come from more than 100 nations outside the United States. Registration is strong from buyers from countries and regions around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Scandinavia, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. SEMA offers a variety of programs and resources to link Show exhibitors with these international distributors and retailers.

Seminars

Attend three international seminars taking place Monday, October 31, at the start of SEMA Education Days.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Beyond Borders: The Logistics Behind Global Growth

A panel of industry experts will provide a high-level overview of trends in international markets and provide best practices for international logistics. Learn what to do from real-world case studies—and what pitfalls to avoid when shipping product overseas.

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Selling Into the Brazilian Market: Insider Tips

A new SEMA survey will be released on the specialty-equipment market in Brazil later this year. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of U.S. brands. Hear from local distributors and media.

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Opportunities for SEMA-Member Manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Off-roading, car collecting and motorsports are growing in popularity. Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region.

International Happy Hour

More than 1,000 companies are expected at the 2011 SEMA International Happy Hour. The event provides an excellent opportunity to network with buyers and distributors from around the world. Top international media from key overseas markets will also be in attendance.

Global Media Awards

The eighth annual Global Media Awards will once again be selected by a group of top automotive journalists from more than 20 countries who will each name 10 products from the New Products Showcase that they think will most appeal to consumers in their home markets. Winning companies receive a Global Media Award, which signifies the global appeal of their products, and the companies will be recognized at the International Happy Hour. To be considered, make sure your products are featured in the New Products Showcase. (Visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-manual and select the “New Products Showcase” link under “Marketing, Advertising & Sponsorships” to get started.) Go to www.sema.org/sema-news/2011/2 to see the SEMA News story about last year’s winners.

Center for International Commerce

		The SEMA Center for International Commerce is just one of the valuable resources that will allow SEMA Show exhibitors to connect with international buyers.

The SEMA Center for International Commerce (CIC), located in room S224 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, is a valuable resource for SEMA Show exhibitors and international buyers. SEMA’s international staff will be on hand at the CIC, as will a team of interpreters to assist in bilingual communication in key languages that include German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. Complimentary private meeting rooms are also available in the CIC.

U.S. Export Pavilion

The U.S. government is sponsoring a U.S. Export Pavilion at the 2011 SEMA Show to highlight programs designed to help U.S. companies expand into global markets. From using the latest export statistics to finding the easiest shipping methods, companies can talk to trade experts to plan an export strategy to target new markets and find new buyers. Visit booth #38129.

Companies today receive international sales inquiries every day, but some worry about complying with the latest export regulations or ensuring payment from unknown buyers. More and more companies are learning that federal government programs exist to help them expand their international sales and navigate the export process. At the U.S. Export Pavilion, U.S. government agencies will demonstrate their services and talk to companies interested in exporting their products internationally.

The objective of the Pavilion is to educate and assist U.S. companies on all aspects of exporting, including but not limited to:

Researching export markets
Accessing and using official U.S. trade statistics
Understanding how to properly classify export commodities
Finding international buyers
Complying with export regulations
Financing international transactions
Shipping products internationally
Understanding the Commerce Control List
Filing information in the Automated Export System

Exhibitors who stop by the Export Pavilion will receive a three-month trial offer to USATrade OnLine. This Internet-based product includes all access to the entire foreign trade database for the United States. It incorporates detailed information on every good imported into or exported out of the United States. This is a powerful tool that will help U.S. companies determine where there are export markets for their products and in which markets they can be competitive. For more information on any of these programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

New Website, Product Showcase and Trademark Assistance for Restoration Companies

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:41

SEMA Member News—September/October 2011

New Website, Product Showcase, Trademark Overview

ARMO Continues to Provide Value for Members

The new ARMO Trademark Licensing Overview is provided free of charge to ARMO members. It is the latest in a recent string of new and/or improved ARMO member benefits.

If you are in the automotive restoration industry and are looking for an edge in business, there is no better time to join the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). In the first six months of 2011, ARMO launched four new and/or improved member benefits.

New Website

In late January 2011, ARMO launched a new website for the Take A Kid to a Car Show program. The new site includes features for kids and adults alike. Car show promoters can find helpful information and tips on how to promote an event to the local media and governments, find out why promoting Take a Kid to a Car Show is beneficial to their events and the industry, and download logos and public-service announcements. Kids will find coloring-book pages to download, a link to an iPhone app for more coloring fun and a photo gallery of cars and kids.

Both groups will find the Car Show Calendar to be a helpful feature, and there is also a contact page where anyone can forward information on cars shows as well as questions or testimonials about their experiences at car shows. More features will be added in the future.

Product Showcase

ARMO hosts a New Products Showcase each year at Spring Carlisle. ARMO-member companies may display their newest restoration products at no charge in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country. Each product is also professionally photographed, and the photographs are used in looping videos in the ARMO booth and at the ARMO awards reception at the SEMA Show. ARMO added yet another feature to this benefit in 2011, hosting the photographs with descriptions and company contact information on the ARMO webpages. For only the cost of shipping, ARMO members can enjoy a full year’s worth of prime exposure for their latest products.

Trademark Overview

Another project that has been in the works for some time is the ARMO Trademark Licensing Overview. ARMO Select Committee member Jim Christina of Dynacorn developed the idea after his own experience at obtaining trademark licenses from OEM automakers.

“This process can be very time consuming,” Christina said. “The OEMs are understandably protective of their brands, and there is no simple process. The OEMs not only want quality products for their names, but also to be sure the products come from quality companies. Our thought with this overview is to provide ARMO members with contact information and the basics of what they will need to pursue a trademark license with one of our automakers. While it does not provide everything needed to obtain a trademark license, it shows the member what types of information will be necessary and who to contact. Without this overview, a member has to start from Google like I did.”

Ford, GM and Chrysler each supported the idea for the overview and worked closely with ARMO and SEMA staff to produce the finished product. The overview is currently available only in hard copy and only to ARMO members. As of this writing, a copy has been mailed to each ARMO-member company and is provided to new ARMO members in their new-member kits.

Education

ARMO hosts education seminars each year at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The seminars routinely get excellent reviews from attendees, which prompted ARMO leadership to look for a way to provide the benefit to all ARMO members. The council teamed with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) to videotape the seminars and host them on both the eLearning Center website as well as through a direct link from the ARMO website (click on the “ARMO Education Seminars” link). Two seminars are available.

In session one, Dick Dixon presents “The Art of Selling.” Session two is a panel discussion on “How the Internet Can Help Your Business; Internet Marketing on a Budget,” moderated by ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance with panelists Tyler Tanaka of Cie Studios, Robert Basha of Auction 123 and Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products. Each session is approximately one hour long.

Couple these four benefits to networking opportunities with other industry professionals and, as current ARMO members are fond of pointing out, “It’s the best $100 you can spend.” For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

New Website, Product Showcase and Trademark Assistance for Restoration Companies

Thu, 09/22/2011 - 16:41

SEMA Member News—September/October 2011

New Website, Product Showcase, Trademark Overview

ARMO Continues to Provide Value for Members

The new ARMO Trademark Licensing Overview is provided free of charge to ARMO members. It is the latest in a recent string of new and/or improved ARMO member benefits.

If you are in the automotive restoration industry and are looking for an edge in business, there is no better time to join the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). In the first six months of 2011, ARMO launched four new and/or improved member benefits.

New Website

In late January 2011, ARMO launched a new website for the Take A Kid to a Car Show program. The new site includes features for kids and adults alike. Car show promoters can find helpful information and tips on how to promote an event to the local media and governments, find out why promoting Take a Kid to a Car Show is beneficial to their events and the industry, and download logos and public-service announcements. Kids will find coloring-book pages to download, a link to an iPhone app for more coloring fun and a photo gallery of cars and kids.

Both groups will find the Car Show Calendar to be a helpful feature, and there is also a contact page where anyone can forward information on cars shows as well as questions or testimonials about their experiences at car shows. More features will be added in the future.

Product Showcase

ARMO hosts a New Products Showcase each year at Spring Carlisle. ARMO-member companies may display their newest restoration products at no charge in front of the largest gathering of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the country. Each product is also professionally photographed, and the photographs are used in looping videos in the ARMO booth and at the ARMO awards reception at the SEMA Show. ARMO added yet another feature to this benefit in 2011, hosting the photographs with descriptions and company contact information on the ARMO webpages. For only the cost of shipping, ARMO members can enjoy a full year’s worth of prime exposure for their latest products.

Trademark Overview

Another project that has been in the works for some time is the ARMO Trademark Licensing Overview. ARMO Select Committee member Jim Christina of Dynacorn developed the idea after his own experience at obtaining trademark licenses from OEM automakers.

“This process can be very time consuming,” Christina said. “The OEMs are understandably protective of their brands, and there is no simple process. The OEMs not only want quality products for their names, but also to be sure the products come from quality companies. Our thought with this overview is to provide ARMO members with contact information and the basics of what they will need to pursue a trademark license with one of our automakers. While it does not provide everything needed to obtain a trademark license, it shows the member what types of information will be necessary and who to contact. Without this overview, a member has to start from Google like I did.”

Ford, GM and Chrysler each supported the idea for the overview and worked closely with ARMO and SEMA staff to produce the finished product. The overview is currently available only in hard copy and only to ARMO members. As of this writing, a copy has been mailed to each ARMO-member company and is provided to new ARMO members in their new-member kits.

Education

ARMO hosts education seminars each year at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The seminars routinely get excellent reviews from attendees, which prompted ARMO leadership to look for a way to provide the benefit to all ARMO members. The council teamed with the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) to videotape the seminars and host them on both the eLearning Center website as well as through a direct link from the ARMO website (click on the “ARMO Education Seminars” link). Two seminars are available.

In session one, Dick Dixon presents “The Art of Selling.” Session two is a panel discussion on “How the Internet Can Help Your Business; Internet Marketing on a Budget,” moderated by ARMO Chairman Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance with panelists Tyler Tanaka of Cie Studios, Robert Basha of Auction 123 and Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products. Each session is approximately one hour long.

Couple these four benefits to networking opportunities with other industry professionals and, as current ARMO members are fond of pointing out, “It’s the best $100 you can spend.” For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Profitable Partnerships Globally

Profitable Partnerships Globally

Profitable Partnerships Globally

SEMA Member News—September/October 2011

New Website, Product Showcase, Trademark Overview

SEMA Member News—September/October 2011

New Website, Product Showcase, Trademark Overview