News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

SEMA Show Education: Online Marketing for Your Business

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 09:55

By Zane Clark

Five marketing programs will be held at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Online marketing has changed the way in which small businesses build a brand and get their product to market. The techniques that used to work no longer do, so new techniques are always evolving. Yet, most businesses don’t have an integrated plan to grow and engage their audiences effectively.

To keep on track, here are five marketing programs taking place at the 2018 SEMA Show:

Artificial Intel: Leveraging Customer Data to Win

Artificial intelligence and mobility have already reshaped the many ways in which consumers search, discover and purchase goods and services. Business operations and marketing will be forever changed over the next decade by more of the same and new possibilities being brought to market today.

Data-Driven Decision Making: How to Use Analytics and Research to Grow Your Business

A team of experts in online marketing will help guide you through the intricate challenges on how to strategically advertise your products and services online, beginning with the critical role SEO and PPC plays in your business’ success.

Using Online Persuasion-Convert Visitors to Customers

Marketers have two choices when trying to convert visitors to clients—forcefulness or persuasion. Sadly, most marketers unsuccessfully try to muscle their visitors with greedy forcefulness tactics, when more subtle persuasion techniques consistently convert those visitors to paying customers.

Working With Social Media Influencers

Join automotive multi-platform media company GarageMonkey as they present intimate interviews with some of social media’s most popular and followed influencers—social media-focused content creators and personalities.

Get Found on Google Search and Maps

Explore Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses, who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get hands-on help creating or updating your listing and take advantage of a free website.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

SEMA Industry Indicators Report: U.S. Economy Remains Strong, Although Tariffs Loom

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 09:13

By Kyle Cheng

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry.

Despite uncertainty over tariffs, the United States enters the back half of 2018 on solid footing. Economic growth jumped to 4.1% for the second quarter of 2018. Although this is driven mainly by temporary factors, underlying economic fundamentals continue to look strong. Unemployment remains below 4%, consumer sentiment remains high and overall consumer spending is up. Additionally, auto parts production continues to outpace broader industrial production and auto parts manufacturing is expected to continue to remain strong. However, tariffs may be affecting auto sales.

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report is now available. This month, the report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry. It also highlights insights from the 2018 SEMA Market Report.

Visit www.sema.org/research to view and download this report today.

SEMA Industry Indicators Report: U.S. Economy Remains Strong, Although Tariffs Loom

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 09:13

By Kyle Cheng

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry.

Despite uncertainty over tariffs, the United States enters the back half of 2018 on solid footing. Economic growth jumped to 4.1% for the second quarter of 2018. Although this is driven mainly by temporary factors, underlying economic fundamentals continue to look strong. Unemployment remains below 4%, consumer sentiment remains high and overall consumer spending is up. Additionally, auto parts production continues to outpace broader industrial production and auto parts manufacturing is expected to continue to remain strong. However, tariffs may be affecting auto sales.

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report is now available. This month, the report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry. It also highlights insights from the 2018 SEMA Market Report.

Visit www.sema.org/research to view and download this report today.

SEMA Industry Indicators Report: U.S. Economy Remains Strong, Although Tariffs Loom

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 09:13

By Kyle Cheng

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry.

Despite uncertainty over tariffs, the United States enters the back half of 2018 on solid footing. Economic growth jumped to 4.1% for the second quarter of 2018. Although this is driven mainly by temporary factors, underlying economic fundamentals continue to look strong. Unemployment remains below 4%, consumer sentiment remains high and overall consumer spending is up. Additionally, auto parts production continues to outpace broader industrial production and auto parts manufacturing is expected to continue to remain strong. However, tariffs may be affecting auto sales.

The August SEMA Industry Indicators Report is now available. This month, the report examines the impact of steel and aluminum tariffs on input prices and how they are affecting the overall economy and automotive industry. It also highlights insights from the 2018 SEMA Market Report.

Visit www.sema.org/research to view and download this report today.

Racing News: Danny Thompson Sets Land Speed Record

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:40

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Danny Thompson set a new land-speed record for a piston-powered vehicle in the Challenger 2 streamliner during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Danny Thompson Sets Land Speed Record

Danny Thompson, son of legendary racer Mickey Thompson, set a new land-speed record for a piston-powered vehicle in the Challenger 2 streamliner during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats utilizing Mickey Thompson Bonneville LSR tires. On August 11, Thompson clocked 446 mph, which was followed by a 450.909 run on August 14. His two-run average smashed his previous record average of 406.769 mph. In 1960, Mickey Thompson became the first American to exceed 400 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Travis Reeder swept to victory against Dylan Hughes in the Final, claiming the very first Formula DRIFT Link Pro 2 Championship win in St Louis.

Formula DRIFT Takes PRO and PRO 2 Categories to the New St. Louis Round for Return to Midwest

The 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and Link Pro 2 Championship headed to St Louis for Round Six: Advance Auto Parts Crossroads presented by Rain-X. Formula DRIFT brought both the Pro and Pro 2 categories; however, the drivers had to contend with a new track to learn and a storm that blew in last Friday afternoon, washing out the Pro 2 heats. The weekend schedule was rapidly revised for both the Pro and Pro 2 heats on Saturday.

View all the Pro Category finishers.

View all the Pro 2 Category finishers.

Round Seven of the 2018 Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship and Round Three of the Formula DRIFT Link Pro 2 Championship take place in Dallas, September 14–15.

The Summit Racing/KB Racing partnership goes back to 2004, when Greg Anderson first competed under the Summit Racing banner; the company extended its sponsorship to Jason Line in 2005.

Summit Racing and KB Racing Sign Multi-Year Partnership

Summit Racing Equipment and KB Racing have announced a new multi-year partnership that extends Summit Racing’s sponsorship of NHRA Pro Stock racers Greg Anderson and Jason Line. The Summit Racing/KB Racing partnership goes back to 2004, when Anderson first competed under the Summit Racing banner; the company extended its sponsorship to Line in 2005. Together, the drivers have won six NHRA Pro Stock championships for Summit Racing—Anderson in 2004, 2005 and 2010; and Line in 2006, 2011 and 2016. Anderson remains first in the NHRA Pro Stock points standings heading into the 2018 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, August 16–19, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Line is in ninth place.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

SEMA Announces New Partner to Manage UPS Savings Program

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:22

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

SEMA Announces New Partner to Manage UPS Savings Program

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:22

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

SEMA Announces New Partner to Manage UPS Savings Program

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:22

By Della Domingo

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One.

SEMA’s discount shipping program with UPS is now being managed by customer service specialists at Meridian One. Through the program, SEMA members can save up to 34% on next-day, second-day, three-day and commercial ground services, and up to 17% on residential ground service through UPS. Meridian One is available to help SEMA members identify the best program to meet their specific needs.

“There are so many shipping options that it’s possible for SEMA members to miss out on a program that may be offering greater discounts,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA membership director. “We’re pleased to have Meridian One manage the program and provide our members with a dedicated customer service team that knows and understands our industry’s shipping needs.”

“Meridian One is committed to helping SEMA members succeed and save money,” said Mickey Herbert, president and COO of Meridian One. “Our job is to align members’ needs and priorities with valuable programs they can trust.”

To learn more about the SEMA UPS program, visit, www.sema.org or call 1-800-MEMBERS.

Online Media Center: New Hitches, Exhaust Kits, a New App and More

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:03

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

Stay up-to-date on the latest 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently by sorting by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Below are some of the latest announcements found in the Online Media Center:

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.

Online Media Center: New Hitches, Exhaust Kits, a New App and More

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:03

By Della Domingo

With nearly 3,000 media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media attention to their booths.

Stay up-to-date on the latest 2018 SEMA Show exhibitor news by regularly checking the Online Media Center. Find the most relevant news quickly and efficiently by sorting by type of announcement and/or market segment.

Below are some of the latest announcements found in the Online Media Center:

Exhibitor Press releases can be found at www.semashow.com/press. Find all SEMA Show news at www.semashow.com/news.

All SEMA Show exhibitors are welcome to upload releases free of charge.