By Matt Kennedy

The “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report 2019” found that more than 90% of specialty-equipment businesses grew or maintained their customer bases in 2018.

Curious about the latest industry trends? Want to see how your own views compare with what other businesses are seeing? A recently-released report based on input from more than 800 specialty-automotive businesses found the following data:

• More than 90% of specialty-equipment businesses grew or maintained their customer bases in 2018.
• 73% expect to see their sales increase in 2019. Manufacturers are particularly optimistic, with even very small businesses (less than $2 million in revenue) expecting both their company and the industry to keep growing this year.
• Businesses report that on average, 65% of their sales are made in-store, and both online and brick-and-mortar sales grew in 2018.
• Independent retail and direct-to-consumer sales represent the industry’s fastest-growing channels, with independent specialty retailer/installers accounting for one-fifth of part sales alone.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report 2019” at www.sema.org/market-research.

If you haven’t already, also check out SEMA’s “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizers Report.” This new research shines a spotlight on people who own a modified late-model (’10 and newer) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger. The report gives an overview of how this key part of the specialty-automotive customer base goes about customizing their vehicles, their motivations and goals for doing so and how your business can connect with them. The report is available for free at www.sema.org/market-research.

By Matt Kennedy

The “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report 2019” found that more than 90% of specialty-equipment businesses grew or maintained their customer bases in 2018.

Curious about the latest industry trends? Want to see how your own views compare with what other businesses are seeing? A recently-released report based on input from more than 800 specialty-automotive businesses found the following data:

• More than 90% of specialty-equipment businesses grew or maintained their customer bases in 2018.
• 73% expect to see their sales increase in 2019. Manufacturers are particularly optimistic, with even very small businesses (less than $2 million in revenue) expecting both their company and the industry to keep growing this year.
• Businesses report that on average, 65% of their sales are made in-store, and both online and brick-and-mortar sales grew in 2018.
• Independent retail and direct-to-consumer sales represent the industry’s fastest-growing channels, with independent specialty retailer/installers accounting for one-fifth of part sales alone.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out the new “SEMA Industry Perspectives Report 2019” at www.sema.org/market-research.

If you haven’t already, also check out SEMA’s “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizers Report.” This new research shines a spotlight on people who own a modified late-model (’10 and newer) Mustang, Camaro or Challenger. The report gives an overview of how this key part of the specialty-automotive customer base goes about customizing their vehicles, their motivations and goals for doing so and how your business can connect with them. The report is available for free at www.sema.org/market-research.

By SEMA Editors

Six Las Vegas hotels, including the Stratosphere, are offering nightly rates less than $150 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Showgoers on a tight budget are encouraged to make reservations at these hotels while rooms are still available.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating. Here are six hotels that cost less than $150 per night for the 2019 SEMA Show:

• Circus Circus – $100
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas – $142
• Excalibur Hotel – $100
• Luxor Las Vegas – $121
• Stratosphere – $129
• Tropicana Las Vegas – A Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – $145

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2019 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Six Las Vegas hotels, including the Stratosphere, are offering nightly rates less than $150 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Showgoers on a tight budget are encouraged to make reservations at these hotels while rooms are still available.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating. Here are six hotels that cost less than $150 per night for the 2019 SEMA Show:

• Circus Circus – $100
• Downtown Grand Las Vegas – $142
• Excalibur Hotel – $100
• Luxor Las Vegas – $121
• Stratosphere – $129
• Tropicana Las Vegas – A Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – $145

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2019 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA town hall meetings are a unique opportunity to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, discover how SEMA can help and voice your opinions about the state of our industry.

SEMA hosts its annual general membership meeting—to be held in conjunction with the SEMA town hall meeting—at the Canyonlands by Day and Night Event Hall in Moab, Utah, Thursday, April 18, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. There is no cost, and all SEMA members are invited to attend and encouraged to wear their company logo shirts.

SEMA Town Hall meetings are a unique opportunity to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, discover how SEMA can help and voice your opinions about the state of our industry. Your participation, involvement and feedback are key to helping SEMA to better understand the needs of your company and the industry as a whole.

Where:

Canyonlands by Day and Night Event Hall
1861 N. Hwy. 191
Moab, UT 84532                               

When:

Thursday, April 18
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

The SEMA town hall and general membership meeting is a one-night-only event. Seats are limited, so register early to ensure your spot!

For more information, contact Gary Vigil, director of membership, at 909-978-6738 or garyv@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA town hall meetings are a unique opportunity to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, discover how SEMA can help and voice your opinions about the state of our industry.

SEMA hosts its annual general membership meeting—to be held in conjunction with the SEMA town hall meeting—at the Canyonlands by Day and Night Event Hall in Moab, Utah, Thursday, April 18, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. There is no cost, and all SEMA members are invited to attend and encouraged to wear their company logo shirts.

SEMA Town Hall meetings are a unique opportunity to network with local industry leaders, SEMA members and staff to share the challenges and opportunities facing your business, discover how SEMA can help and voice your opinions about the state of our industry. Your participation, involvement and feedback are key to helping SEMA to better understand the needs of your company and the industry as a whole.

Where:

Canyonlands by Day and Night Event Hall
1861 N. Hwy. 191
Moab, UT 84532                               

When:

Thursday, April 18
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

The SEMA town hall and general membership meeting is a one-night-only event. Seats are limited, so register early to ensure your spot!

For more information, contact Gary Vigil, director of membership, at 909-978-6738 or garyv@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

September’s issue of SEMA News will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA News will highlight 35 of the industry’s top young trendsetters in its September 2019 issue.

September’s issue of SEMA News will highlight up-and-coming superstars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2019—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2019 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Automotive Technical Salesperson
Ross Racing Pistons is hiring an automotive technical salesperson. Candidates should be automotive or racing enthusiasts who have extensive knowledge of a four-stroke internal combustion engine and are able to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects with competing priorities.

Automotive Technician
RANDYS Worldwide is hiring an automotive technician to test drive and diagnose undercar issues, including suspension, steering, driveline and differentials issues. Additional responsibilities include providing written repair evaluations based on inspection, rebuilding undercar units for retail and wholesale customers and disassembling and reassembling units; inspecting and cleaning housing and parts; and repairing or replacing parts. Candidates should have a minimum of one year of directly related automotive service technician experience, including differentials, driveline, suspension and steering, and a solid understanding of automotive drivetrain fundamentals.

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Cognito Motorsports is hiring a senior mechanical design engineer to provide production support to the machining area and the assembly area; analyze engineering sketches, specifications and related data and drawings to determine design factors such as size, shape and arrangement of parts; sketch rough layouts and computes angles, weights, surface areas, dimensions, radii, clearances, tolerances, leverages and location of holes; and reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards and customer contract requirements and related specifications. Qualified candidates should have a BS degree in engineering, hands-on experience with computer-aided engineering and computer-aided manufacturing and familiarity with 2-D or 3-D engineering design and manufacturing tools.