By Becca Butler
Check out this behind-the-scenes video of 2014 Battle of the Builders participant Michael Duff and his '68 Ford Bronco.
Vehicle builders with a display, feature or booth vehicle at the 2015 SEMA Show are encouraged to participate in this year’s competition by using the 2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders registration form.
The deadline to apply is Monday, September 7.
 The Center of International Commerce includes a team of interpreters to assist with bilingual communication in key languages. | |
By Jason Catullo
The Center of International Commerce (CIC) is open throughout the entire week of the SEMA Show to provide exhibitors and international buyers with services and amenities to make connections and conduct business.
The CIC, located in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255, offers complimentary, private rooms where exhibitors and international buyers can facilitate meetings away from the Show floor. There is also a team of interpreters on hand who will assist with bilingual communication in languages such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese.
More than 25% of all buyers expected at the 2015 SEMA Show will come from more than 132 nations outside the United States. Research shows that once at the SEMA Show, international buyers focus on locating new products and connecting with potential domestic business partners. The majority of these buyers will use the CIC’s services and interpreters to make sure their time produces a more efficient and productive Show experience.
With the CIC in place as an international business hub to connect domestic and international companies, exhibitors are encouraged to have a plan of action to attract international buyers. Complimentary, multilingual “We Export” signs are available to exhibitors, which provide a simple and effective way to indicate to international buyers that a company is interested in doing business. To request a “We Export” sign for your booth, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
International Connections After the Show Closes
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Exhibitors are also invited to network with buyers representing markets from around the world during the SEMA Show’s International Happy Hour, taking place Wednesday, November 4, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Upper North Hall, Room N255. Pre-registration is complimentary but required. Exhibitors can register for the International Happy Hour here.
As one of the largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gatherings, companies will connect with international buyers, distributors and media right in the Las Vegas Convention Center to close out the day. More than 1,000 companies are expected to celebrate at this year’s happy hour.
The Center of International Commerce includes a team of interpreters to assist with bilingual communication in key languages. | |
By Jason Catullo
The Center of International Commerce (CIC) is open throughout the entire week of the SEMA Show to provide exhibitors and international buyers with services and amenities to make connections and conduct business.
The CIC, located in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255, offers complimentary, private rooms where exhibitors and international buyers can facilitate meetings away from the Show floor. There is also a team of interpreters on hand who will assist with bilingual communication in languages such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese.
More than 25% of all buyers expected at the 2015 SEMA Show will come from more than 132 nations outside the United States. Research shows that once at the SEMA Show, international buyers focus on locating new products and connecting with potential domestic business partners. The majority of these buyers will use the CIC’s services and interpreters to make sure their time produces a more efficient and productive Show experience.
With the CIC in place as an international business hub to connect domestic and international companies, exhibitors are encouraged to have a plan of action to attract international buyers. Complimentary, multilingual “We Export” signs are available to exhibitors, which provide a simple and effective way to indicate to international buyers that a company is interested in doing business. To request a “We Export” sign for your booth, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
International Connections After the Show Closes
| | |
Exhibitors are also invited to network with buyers representing markets from around the world during the SEMA Show’s International Happy Hour, taking place Wednesday, November 4, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Upper North Hall, Room N255. Pre-registration is complimentary but required. Exhibitors can register for the International Happy Hour here.
As one of the largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gatherings, companies will connect with international buyers, distributors and media right in the Las Vegas Convention Center to close out the day. More than 1,000 companies are expected to celebrate at this year’s happy hour.
The Center of International Commerce includes a team of interpreters to assist with bilingual communication in key languages. | |
By Jason Catullo
The Center of International Commerce (CIC) is open throughout the entire week of the SEMA Show to provide exhibitors and international buyers with services and amenities to make connections and conduct business.
The CIC, located in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Room N255, offers complimentary, private rooms where exhibitors and international buyers can facilitate meetings away from the Show floor. There is also a team of interpreters on hand who will assist with bilingual communication in languages such as German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese.
More than 25% of all buyers expected at the 2015 SEMA Show will come from more than 132 nations outside the United States. Research shows that once at the SEMA Show, international buyers focus on locating new products and connecting with potential domestic business partners. The majority of these buyers will use the CIC’s services and interpreters to make sure their time produces a more efficient and productive Show experience.
With the CIC in place as an international business hub to connect domestic and international companies, exhibitors are encouraged to have a plan of action to attract international buyers. Complimentary, multilingual “We Export” signs are available to exhibitors, which provide a simple and effective way to indicate to international buyers that a company is interested in doing business. To request a “We Export” sign for your booth, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
International Connections After the Show Closes
| | |
Exhibitors are also invited to network with buyers representing markets from around the world during the SEMA Show’s International Happy Hour, taking place Wednesday, November 4, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m., Upper North Hall, Room N255. Pre-registration is complimentary but required. Exhibitors can register for the International Happy Hour here.
As one of the largest annual international specialty-equipment trade gatherings, companies will connect with international buyers, distributors and media right in the Las Vegas Convention Center to close out the day. More than 1,000 companies are expected to celebrate at this year’s happy hour.
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The ’17 Chevrolet Bolt is the all-electric, high-roofed car previewed in January at the Detroit Auto Show alongside the redesigned ’16 Volt, and the second prong in GM's electrification strategy. The company claims the Bolt will have a 200-mile range and cost from $30,000 after tax credits.
Being underpinned on the Gamma platform, the Bolt is expected to be built at the Orion Township, Michigan, plant that also makes the Chevy Sonic. It will serve as a replacement for the Chevy Spark EV, which has been on sale in limited markets but will not be renewed as the redesigned Spark enters production.
Design changes from the concept version are expected to be minimal, and the family lineage from the Volt should be strong. The name "Bolt" also appears to be sticking, despite questionable responses from the media and even some within GM since the concept was shown in January, and even a trademark dispute last month.
Expect the Bolt, or whatever it's called, in showrooms late next year as a ’17 model.
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Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
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The ’17 Chevrolet Bolt is the all-electric, high-roofed car previewed in January at the Detroit Auto Show alongside the redesigned ’16 Volt, and the second prong in GM's electrification strategy. The company claims the Bolt will have a 200-mile range and cost from $30,000 after tax credits.
Being underpinned on the Gamma platform, the Bolt is expected to be built at the Orion Township, Michigan, plant that also makes the Chevy Sonic. It will serve as a replacement for the Chevy Spark EV, which has been on sale in limited markets but will not be renewed as the redesigned Spark enters production.
Design changes from the concept version are expected to be minimal, and the family lineage from the Volt should be strong. The name "Bolt" also appears to be sticking, despite questionable responses from the media and even some within GM since the concept was shown in January, and even a trademark dispute last month.
Expect the Bolt, or whatever it's called, in showrooms late next year as a ’17 model.
| |
Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
| |
The ’17 Chevrolet Bolt is the all-electric, high-roofed car previewed in January at the Detroit Auto Show alongside the redesigned ’16 Volt, and the second prong in GM's electrification strategy. The company claims the Bolt will have a 200-mile range and cost from $30,000 after tax credits.
Being underpinned on the Gamma platform, the Bolt is expected to be built at the Orion Township, Michigan, plant that also makes the Chevy Sonic. It will serve as a replacement for the Chevy Spark EV, which has been on sale in limited markets but will not be renewed as the redesigned Spark enters production.
Design changes from the concept version are expected to be minimal, and the family lineage from the Volt should be strong. The name "Bolt" also appears to be sticking, despite questionable responses from the media and even some within GM since the concept was shown in January, and even a trademark dispute last month.
Expect the Bolt, or whatever it's called, in showrooms late next year as a ’17 model.
| |
Photo credit: SpiedBilde, Brian Williams
By SEMA Editors
Tire Group International Names New VP of Original Equipment and Fleet Sales
Tire Group International appointed Jeff DeVonde as its new vice president of original equipment and fleet sales for its domestic division. DeVonde brings more than 24 years of experience in the transportation industry selling and marketing truckload dry and refrigerated freight throughout the country. Previously, the Navy veteran worked as the director of sales for Alabama Motor Express.
“Jeff’s knowledge and experience in the transportation industry reflects our commitment to always finding new ways to take care of our customers’ needs,” said Joaquin Gonzalez Jr., Tire Group International's president.
Kahn Media Inc. Announces New Hires
 Jon Barrett | |
Kahn Media Inc. announced that public relations leader Jon Barrett has been named vice president of the company. Kahn Media founder and President Dan Kahn called Barrett a “strategic leader.”
“His background in data and digital technology will serve us well as our business evolves to cover a diverse range of digital marketing services,” Kahn said.
Kahn Media also added longtime motorcycle racer, instructor, and marketer Jason Thompson to the team as an account executive. Thompson will handle PR and marketing for MotoAmerica, the official AMA/FIM-sanctioned national road racing series in the United States.
Creative Director Franco Gutierrez will continue to lead the company’s creative team. Gutierrez will spearhead the expansion of the company’s art capabilities beyond website development, video production and graphic design into immersive digital marketing, studio photography and top-shelf brand development.
“Garage Gurus” Opens Training Facility in Dallas for Repair Professionals
The grand opening of the “Garage Gurus” regional training facility in Dallas, Texas, on July 17 drew automotive repair professionals from around the state. The center is one of Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ new nationwide technical training garages that help front-line industry professionals keep pace with the latest automotive technologies. The Dallas/Fort Worth training center will offer on-site, online and on-demand training and related support to technicians, shop owners, service writers and others from among the region’s more than 5,100 repair businesses. Garage Gurus is a major new “Tech First” initiative from Federal-Mogul Motorparts, providing a comprehensive platform of technical training and support for the vehicle service industry. The new training center is the sixth of up to 15 Garage Gurus locations scheduled to open this year.
Goodguys’ Announces Award Winners
 The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s Street Machine of the Year (left), and the Street Rod of the Year (right). | |
Enthusiasts competed for the Goodguys 2015 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year and Goodguys 2015 Optima Batteries Street Machine of the Year awards July 12 at the 18th PPG Nationals in Columbus.
The Street Rod of the Year category was first, with one Chevy owned by Chuck Rowe competing against four Fords. Rowe’s Millington, Tennessee-based ’37 Chevy fended off the Fords to win the title. The car’s motor is an all-aluminum McLaren Chevy big-block recovered from Peter Revson’s 1971 Championship-winning Chaparral Can Am car. Other notable features include suicide doors, a Morrison chassis, Mike Long G-Force 6-speed transmission, one-off Alloway ET Wheels, red leather interior and Classic Instruments gauges.
In the Street Machine category, Lafayette, Louisiana’s Sonny and Debbie Freeman took home the prize with their Artic White ’67 Corvette by Mike Goldman Customs. The Vette’s scratch-built rockers sit 3-in. off the ground, channeled neatly over the Roadster Shop chassis. Not only is the Freeman Corvette flawless, but it’s also fast! With Talbert Goldman behind the wheel, the car ran an AutoCross lap of 42.414 seconds, one of the fastest laps in the class. Powering the nimble beast is a Mast Motorsports 427ci V8 pumping out 700 ponies.
Fire at the Eastwood Company Causes Shipping Delays
 Eastwood Co.'s building. | |
A July 9 fire at the Pottstown, Pennsylvania, headquarters of the Eastwood Co., a supplier of automotive restoration tools and finishes, caused smoke and water damage. Shipping operations have been temporarily delayed while fire investigators and cleanup crews work. Customers can continue placing orders at www.eastwood.com, which will be shipped out as soon as possible. No one was injured in the fire.
Premier Performance Products Upgrades Fulfillment Center
Premier Performance Products announced that the company has relocated its Kentucky fulfillment center to a new location double the size of the previous site. The new 95,000 square-foot warehouse will increase the company’s capacity to stock parts, expand the range of products offered and enable faster processing.
SEM Products and Vicar International Announce Partnership
SEM Products, a manufacturer of interior paints and refinishing products, announced that it will expand its distribution by forming a strategic partnership with Vicar International. Vicar will be stocking three new lines, Color Coat, Classic Coat and Vinyl Coat, for indoor and outdoor applications with plans to expand.
Parent Petroleum Partners With VP Racing Fuels
VP Racing Fuels has introduced Parent Petroleum as its newest retail branding partner. Headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois, Parent owns and operates “The PRIDE” convenience stores in the greater Chicagoland area.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
 Getting coverage in SEMA’s pre-Show publications starts by submitting a simple press release. There is no cost to upload releases and related images, but pre-Show publications start production as early as August 3. | |
By Carr Winn
Getting coverage in SEMA’s pre-Show publications starts with a simple press release. In fact, SEMA hosts an Exhibitor Press Release Library online that provides a one-stop shop for exhibitors to post announcements. There is no cost to upload releases and related images, but pre-Show publications start production as early as August 3. Here are some details about content the editorial team needs and when and where it might be featured.
There are three types of content that are relevant for both SEMA News and the SEMA Show Daily—new product announcements, custom vehicle premieres and Show-related activities.
Publications and Deadlines
 All issues of the SEMA Show Daily feature press releases that discuss celebrity appearances, company announcements and details on related Show activities. | |
In both SEMA News November and throughout all issues of Show Daily, press releases that discuss celebrity appearances and related Show activities will be featured. As an exhibitor, keep an eye on the editorial deadlines listed as you begin to finalize your Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Exhibitor Press Release Library. This is where editors look to find out the latest updates on Show exhibitors.
If you are concerned about not having material ready by the deadline, keep in mind that editorial is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Press Release Library for new stories.
In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—jpg, eps or tif. If you only have a rendering of a new product or a shot of a car while its being built, this is perfectly acceptable.
For a sample copy of the SEMA Show Daily, use this link: www.sema.org/publications. To advertise in SEMA News or Show Daily, contact sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.
Key Contacts for SEMA’s Exhibitor Press Release Library and SEMA’s editorial department:
| Della Domingo Public Relations Director dellad@sema.org | John Stewart Vice President, Editorial Director Johns@sema.org |
Getting coverage in SEMA’s pre-Show publications starts by submitting a simple press release. There is no cost to upload releases and related images, but pre-Show publications start production as early as August 3. | |
By Carr Winn
Getting coverage in SEMA’s pre-Show publications starts with a simple press release. In fact, SEMA hosts an Exhibitor Press Release Library online that provides a one-stop shop for exhibitors to post announcements. There is no cost to upload releases and related images, but pre-Show publications start production as early as August 3. Here are some details about content the editorial team needs and when and where it might be featured.
There are three types of content that are relevant for both SEMA News and the SEMA Show Daily—new product announcements, custom vehicle premieres and Show-related activities.
Publications and Deadlines
All issues of the SEMA Show Daily feature press releases that discuss celebrity appearances, company announcements and details on related Show activities. | |
In both SEMA News November and throughout all issues of Show Daily, press releases that discuss celebrity appearances and related Show activities will be featured. As an exhibitor, keep an eye on the editorial deadlines listed as you begin to finalize your Show promotions. To submit a release for consideration, upload it directly to the Exhibitor Press Release Library. This is where editors look to find out the latest updates on Show exhibitors.
If you are concerned about not having material ready by the deadline, keep in mind that editorial is chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, once you do have a release and image ready, submit it, even if it is after the deadline. Journalists from around the world access this library for potential stories. When additional space becomes available, SEMA’s editorial team will continue to utilize the Press Release Library for new stories.
In terms of releases, oftentimes there is only space for 100–200 words. Our editorial team will shorten a longer release given space constraints. When it comes to images, the art department is looking for high-resolution images. That means 300 dpi and in one of the following file types—jpg, eps or tif. If you only have a rendering of a new product or a shot of a car while its being built, this is perfectly acceptable.
For a sample copy of the SEMA Show Daily, use this link: www.sema.org/publications. To advertise in SEMA News or Show Daily, contact sales@sema.org or call 909-396-0289.
Key Contacts for SEMA’s Exhibitor Press Release Library and SEMA’s editorial department:
| Della Domingo Public Relations Director dellad@sema.org | John Stewart Vice President, Editorial Director Johns@sema.org |