By Matt Kennedy

According to SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizor Report,” 44% of modern musclecar owners have accessorized their cars.

Did you know that 44% of modern musclecars have aftermarket parts installed? That’s almost 900,000 upgraded ’10–’19 Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers on the road.

Having a strong online and social-media presence can help connect you to these potential customers.

• 92% research parts online.
• 64% often turn to online videos when researching parts.

That said, in-store retail is far from dead. These customers prefer to buy from a physical store after they’ve done their research.

• 58% prefer to buy parts in-person.
• 75% of their upgrade parts are bought in-store.

Musclecar accessorizers present an opportunity for long-term relationships and referrals.

• 76% are always looking for their next modification.
• 72% say most of their friends come to them for car advice or feedback.

Want to learn more about modern musclecar owners?  Check out SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizer Report.”

By Matt Kennedy

According to SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizor Report,” 44% of modern musclecar owners have accessorized their cars.

Did you know that 44% of modern musclecars have aftermarket parts installed? That’s almost 900,000 upgraded ’10–’19 Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers on the road.

Having a strong online and social-media presence can help connect you to these potential customers.

• 92% research parts online.
• 64% often turn to online videos when researching parts.

That said, in-store retail is far from dead. These customers prefer to buy from a physical store after they’ve done their research.

• 58% prefer to buy parts in-person.
• 75% of their upgrade parts are bought in-store.

Musclecar accessorizers present an opportunity for long-term relationships and referrals.

• 76% are always looking for their next modification.
• 72% say most of their friends come to them for car advice or feedback.

Want to learn more about modern musclecar owners?  Check out SEMA’s new “Modern Muscle Car Accessorizer Report.”

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

The 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were (L–R): Donnie Eatherly, Chris Thomson and Ed Pink.

As a SEMA member, you have the chance to nominate an exceptional candidate for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding individuals in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth.

When making your confidential nomination, please provide a brief statement that explains why the individual deserves this prestigious award. Feel free to mention previous accomplishments and notable industry contributions. This will help the Hall of Fame Committee choose the most deserving candidates.

Before submitting your nomination, take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website and the award criteria as well as prior inductees. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly from P&E Distributors Inc., Ed Pink from Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Chris Thomson from TMG Performance Group.

Submit your nomination for the 2019 SEMA Hall of Fame before the March 8 deadline.

To learn more, visit www.sema.org/hof or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By Kristopher Porter

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) invites members who are in town for the MPMC Media Trade Conference or the Grand National Roadster Show to its open meeting, to be held Friday, January 25, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California, from 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to learn about HRIA’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the hot-rod industry at large. HRIA select committee members, along with SEMA staff, will be on hand to answer questions for those interested in joining HRIA. A continental breakfast will be provided.  

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690, or via email at jimsk@sema.org.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition of CAD data for the ’19 Ford Ranger.

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition of CAD data for the ’19 Ford Ranger. Initial data includes: 4x4 and 4x2 suspension, brakes, exhaust, frame, engine, air intake, front and rear fascias, and cargo bed.

New data will continuously be uploaded upon release, so manufacturers are encouraged to keep an eye on the Tech Transfer website’s “Latest Files” section, located at the bottom of the main landing page.

Companies that are already Tech Transfer members are invited to browse through the website’s OEM CAD Repository to view all the available files.

Contact techtransfer@sema.org to become a member and access all of the 3-D scan data and OEM CAD data available.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition of CAD data for the ’19 Ford Ranger.

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition of CAD data for the ’19 Ford Ranger. Initial data includes: 4x4 and 4x2 suspension, brakes, exhaust, frame, engine, air intake, front and rear fascias, and cargo bed.

New data will continuously be uploaded upon release, so manufacturers are encouraged to keep an eye on the Tech Transfer website’s “Latest Files” section, located at the bottom of the main landing page.

Companies that are already Tech Transfer members are invited to browse through the website’s OEM CAD Repository to view all the available files.

Contact techtransfer@sema.org to become a member and access all of the 3-D scan data and OEM CAD data available.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Cares ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS, built by Petty’s Garage and sponsored by OKI Data and APE Wraps, sold for $60,000 last Saturday at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida.

The SEMA Cares ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS, built by Petty’s Garage and sponsored by OKI Data and APE Wraps, sold for $60,000 last Saturday at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. All proceeds go to SEMA Cares and are earmarked for Victory Junction—a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with serious medical conditions.

Petty’s Garage, Wastegate Technologies and OKI Data unveiled the custom ’18 Camaro SS at the 2018 SEMA Show.

With only 54 miles on the odometer, the ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS looks just as remarkable now as it did when it left Richard Petty’s Garage. Sporting Petty’s Garage window etchings, badges and a race-inspired spoiler, this Camaro debuted as a display car at the Wastegate Technologies booth at the 2018 SEMA Show. The exterior, clad in blue/black accenting with Petty markings, boldly defines the Camaro brand’s racing legacy. A JLT true cold-air intake and a MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust system work together to enable the LT1 V8 to turn out as much horsepower as it can. Riding on Continental Extreme Contact sport tires, this Camaro is ready to hit the open road or track.

For the interior, Avery Dennison vinyl was professionally installed by APE wraps. The vinyl also incorporates designs printed by OKI’s Color Painter M-64, a precision high-quality graphics-design printer. A custom Roadwire interior with blue/black leather further increases the racing-inspired looks of this car.

Full details on the Camaro are available through Mecum Auctions.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Cares ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS, built by Petty’s Garage and sponsored by OKI Data and APE Wraps, sold for $60,000 last Saturday at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida.

The SEMA Cares ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS, built by Petty’s Garage and sponsored by OKI Data and APE Wraps, sold for $60,000 last Saturday at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. All proceeds go to SEMA Cares and are earmarked for Victory Junction—a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with serious medical conditions.

Petty’s Garage, Wastegate Technologies and OKI Data unveiled the custom ’18 Camaro SS at the 2018 SEMA Show.

With only 54 miles on the odometer, the ’18 Chevrolet Camaro SS looks just as remarkable now as it did when it left Richard Petty’s Garage. Sporting Petty’s Garage window etchings, badges and a race-inspired spoiler, this Camaro debuted as a display car at the Wastegate Technologies booth at the 2018 SEMA Show. The exterior, clad in blue/black accenting with Petty markings, boldly defines the Camaro brand’s racing legacy. A JLT true cold-air intake and a MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust system work together to enable the LT1 V8 to turn out as much horsepower as it can. Riding on Continental Extreme Contact sport tires, this Camaro is ready to hit the open road or track.

For the interior, Avery Dennison vinyl was professionally installed by APE wraps. The vinyl also incorporates designs printed by OKI’s Color Painter M-64, a precision high-quality graphics-design printer. A custom Roadwire interior with blue/black leather further increases the racing-inspired looks of this car.

Full details on the Camaro are available through Mecum Auctions.