Thu, 08/18/2016 - 10:18

By Michael Hart

education
Officials from the California Employers Association (CEA) will conduct three sessions November 1–2 that will give attendees important advice on how to hire the best employees available and hold on to them.

For retailers, distributors or manufacturers, it’s never been more urgent to have a reliable workforce. Rapid technology changes and a marketplace that becomes more competitive every day makes it vital that employers hire the right employees and keep them.

It’s a challenge. According to a recent SEMA report, 45% of retailers find it difficult to fill job openings; 32% of distributors say the same thing. However, only 22% of distributors and 10% of retailers say they have a full-time human resources officer on their staff.

That’s why the SEMA Show has taken an important step this year and introduced its new human resources track to the education program. Officials from the California Employers Association (CEA) will conduct three sessions November 1–2 that will give attendees important advice on how to hire the best employees available and hold on to them.

“Business owners have their hands full,” said CEA President and CEO Kim Parker, “and while they are experts about their own businesses, they often are not experts when it comes to employees and human resources laws.”

A good starting point will be the session entitled, “Employee Handbooks: Comply With State and Federal Laws.” The employee handbook is the most important tool employers have to communicate their expectations to their employees. Also, there are laws that must be obeyed; find out what they are.

Next, attend “Hire Right the First Time” and learn how to avoid those ugly terminations that inevitably follow when you get it wrong, along with the high cost of doing business that comes with a high turnover rate.

“One of any company’s most important assets is its employees,” Parker said. “So owners and managers need to learn how to hire employees right the first time.”

Finally, don’t miss “Bras, Boyfriends and Tattoos in the Workplace.” What do you tell Susan when she shows up for work without a bra? What do you do when Steve has a new tattoo that could offend customers? How do you manage the myriad situations that arise when you deal with real-life human beings in your workplace?

“We’re here to support employers,” Parker said. “Help them learn how to manage their employees and reduce the risk of liability when it comes to enforcing employment laws.”

Visit the SEMA Career Center to find qualified employees or to jump-start your job search.

For complete information on all the 2016 SEMA Show education tracks, visit SEMA Show Education.

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:58

By Becca Butler


Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, taking place after the Show floor closes Friday, November 4.

SEMA Show exhibitors take great consideration in deciding what vehicle to showcase in their booths. For many, this vehicle is their one shot at showing how their products look, and pulling buyers into their booths.

For companies such as Hella Inc., CSF Cooling and Garrett by Honeywell, their display vehicles landed a top spot in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, providing them with added exposure and publicity at no cost.

Not only were these vehicles recognized by automotive experts for their artistry and craftsmanship, they were also featured at the forefront of the SEMA Show, giving thousands of Showgoers an up-close look at the products that were on each build.  

Here’s what these exhibitors considered when they selected their SEMA Show vehicles:

“When searching for a vehicle we want to showcase at SEMA, we first look for one that represents our company Hella; its brand, style and overall theme for the booth we decide to go with that year.”

—Landon Baize, Hella Inc.

“I thought having two matching cars from different spectrums of the automotive market would be very eye-catching. At the SEMA Show, we’re all competing for eyeballs, snaps and attention.” 

—Ravi Dolwani, CSF Cooling

“We always look for unique vehicles to show the diversity of platforms our product can be used on, and the Datsun we featured last year fit that mold perfectly.”

—Justin Ocello, Garrett by Honeywell

Whether it’s a booth or feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the competition by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:58

By Becca Butler


Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, taking place after the Show floor closes Friday, November 4.

SEMA Show exhibitors take great consideration in deciding what vehicle to showcase in their booths. For many, this vehicle is their one shot at showing how their products look, and pulling buyers into their booths.

For companies such as Hella Inc., CSF Cooling and Garrett by Honeywell, their display vehicles landed a top spot in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, providing them with added exposure and publicity at no cost.

Not only were these vehicles recognized by automotive experts for their artistry and craftsmanship, they were also featured at the forefront of the SEMA Show, giving thousands of Showgoers an up-close look at the products that were on each build.  

Here’s what these exhibitors considered when they selected their SEMA Show vehicles:

“When searching for a vehicle we want to showcase at SEMA, we first look for one that represents our company Hella; its brand, style and overall theme for the booth we decide to go with that year.”

—Landon Baize, Hella Inc.

“I thought having two matching cars from different spectrums of the automotive market would be very eye-catching. At the SEMA Show, we’re all competing for eyeballs, snaps and attention.” 

—Ravi Dolwani, CSF Cooling

“We always look for unique vehicles to show the diversity of platforms our product can be used on, and the Datsun we featured last year fit that mold perfectly.”

—Justin Ocello, Garrett by Honeywell

Whether it’s a booth or feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the competition by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:58

By Becca Butler


Exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, taking place after the Show floor closes Friday, November 4.

SEMA Show exhibitors take great consideration in deciding what vehicle to showcase in their booths. For many, this vehicle is their one shot at showing how their products look, and pulling buyers into their booths.

For companies such as Hella Inc., CSF Cooling and Garrett by Honeywell, their display vehicles landed a top spot in the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, providing them with added exposure and publicity at no cost.

Not only were these vehicles recognized by automotive experts for their artistry and craftsmanship, they were also featured at the forefront of the SEMA Show, giving thousands of Showgoers an up-close look at the products that were on each build.  

Here’s what these exhibitors considered when they selected their SEMA Show vehicles:

“When searching for a vehicle we want to showcase at SEMA, we first look for one that represents our company Hella; its brand, style and overall theme for the booth we decide to go with that year.”

—Landon Baize, Hella Inc.

“I thought having two matching cars from different spectrums of the automotive market would be very eye-catching. At the SEMA Show, we’re all competing for eyeballs, snaps and attention.” 

—Ravi Dolwani, CSF Cooling

“We always look for unique vehicles to show the diversity of platforms our product can be used on, and the Datsun we featured last year fit that mold perfectly.”

—Justin Ocello, Garrett by Honeywell

Whether it’s a booth or feature vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show, exhibitors are encouraged to enter their vehicles into the competition by visiting www.SEMAShow.com/botb.

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

By Gavin Knapp

market
The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment.

What are the hot jobs available in the automotive specialty-equipment industry? The SEMA Employment Outlook Report is now available to answer that question.

With growth and change in the industry comes shifting demand for new talent. The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment. Download this new report to see how your company’s recruitment plans compare to the industry.

For more information on the specialty-equipment market, the recently released 2016 SEMA Market Report can be downloaded at SEMA’s website.

Also, look for these upcoming SEMA Market Research reports:

  • Pickup Truck Accessorization Report will be released September 15, 2016.
  • U.S. Racing Market Report will be released October 13, 2016.

Thanks to SEMA’s partnership with Experian, the SEMA Member Vehicles in Operation (VIO) Counts Program enables the association to provide members with no-cost estimates of vehicles currently registered in the United States.

Check out all of SEMA’s market research reports online

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

By Gavin Knapp

market
The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment.

What are the hot jobs available in the automotive specialty-equipment industry? The SEMA Employment Outlook Report is now available to answer that question.

With growth and change in the industry comes shifting demand for new talent. The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment. Download this new report to see how your company’s recruitment plans compare to the industry.

For more information on the specialty-equipment market, the recently released 2016 SEMA Market Report can be downloaded at SEMA’s website.

Also, look for these upcoming SEMA Market Research reports:

  • Pickup Truck Accessorization Report will be released September 15, 2016.
  • U.S. Racing Market Report will be released October 13, 2016.

Thanks to SEMA’s partnership with Experian, the SEMA Member Vehicles in Operation (VIO) Counts Program enables the association to provide members with no-cost estimates of vehicles currently registered in the United States.

Check out all of SEMA’s market research reports online

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

By Gavin Knapp

market
The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment.

What are the hot jobs available in the automotive specialty-equipment industry? The SEMA Employment Outlook Report is now available to answer that question.

With growth and change in the industry comes shifting demand for new talent. The new SEMA Employment Outlook Report provides a broad overview of the industry’s hiring plans, recruiting challenges and employment environment. Download this new report to see how your company’s recruitment plans compare to the industry.

For more information on the specialty-equipment market, the recently released 2016 SEMA Market Report can be downloaded at SEMA’s website.

Also, look for these upcoming SEMA Market Research reports:

  • Pickup Truck Accessorization Report will be released September 15, 2016.
  • U.S. Racing Market Report will be released October 13, 2016.

Thanks to SEMA’s partnership with Experian, the SEMA Member Vehicles in Operation (VIO) Counts Program enables the association to provide members with no-cost estimates of vehicles currently registered in the United States.

Check out all of SEMA’s market research reports online

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

vw

This is the ’18 Volkswagen CC, caught for very the first time while hot-weather testing.

Expected to take lots of cues from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE from 2015, the next CC will take the European-market Passat and put a more seductive spin on it, just as the current model did back in 2008. The new CC will have a similar profile to the existing car, but the wheelbase should increase and the front should appear slimmer and wider, with options such as LED headlights expected. The prototype shows a short rear deck, but it's rumored the CC will become a liftback like the Audi A7.

Inside, the CC will also take a more upscale approach with features from the Euro Passat, such as a TFT instrument panel and full-length air vents. A production version of the gesture control system VW has previewed should debut here.

Powertrains should mimic what’s offered on the latest VWs, including 2.0 turbos and maybe a V6. A plug-in hybrid using the powertrain on the Passat GTE is expected to be offered at least in Europe, though it’s unclear whether it would be offered in the United States.

Expect the CC to appear at an auto show next year with a 2018 on-sale date.

vw

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

vw

This is the ’18 Volkswagen CC, caught for very the first time while hot-weather testing.

Expected to take lots of cues from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE from 2015, the next CC will take the European-market Passat and put a more seductive spin on it, just as the current model did back in 2008. The new CC will have a similar profile to the existing car, but the wheelbase should increase and the front should appear slimmer and wider, with options such as LED headlights expected. The prototype shows a short rear deck, but it's rumored the CC will become a liftback like the Audi A7.

Inside, the CC will also take a more upscale approach with features from the Euro Passat, such as a TFT instrument panel and full-length air vents. A production version of the gesture control system VW has previewed should debut here.

Powertrains should mimic what’s offered on the latest VWs, including 2.0 turbos and maybe a V6. A plug-in hybrid using the powertrain on the Passat GTE is expected to be offered at least in Europe, though it’s unclear whether it would be offered in the United States.

Expect the CC to appear at an auto show next year with a 2018 on-sale date.

vw

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 08/18/2016 - 08:54

vw

This is the ’18 Volkswagen CC, caught for very the first time while hot-weather testing.

Expected to take lots of cues from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE from 2015, the next CC will take the European-market Passat and put a more seductive spin on it, just as the current model did back in 2008. The new CC will have a similar profile to the existing car, but the wheelbase should increase and the front should appear slimmer and wider, with options such as LED headlights expected. The prototype shows a short rear deck, but it's rumored the CC will become a liftback like the Audi A7.

Inside, the CC will also take a more upscale approach with features from the Euro Passat, such as a TFT instrument panel and full-length air vents. A production version of the gesture control system VW has previewed should debut here.

Powertrains should mimic what’s offered on the latest VWs, including 2.0 turbos and maybe a V6. A plug-in hybrid using the powertrain on the Passat GTE is expected to be offered at least in Europe, though it’s unclear whether it would be offered in the United States.

Expect the CC to appear at an auto show next year with a 2018 on-sale date.

vw

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde