Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

Last Chance for Manufacturers to Register for the MPMC Media Trade Conference

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.

Exhibitor Registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open now through September 5, 2014. Only 100 spots are available, and participants will be chosen using a random number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2014 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2015 event if they submit a new application by the deadline of September 5, 2014. Exhibitor selection is available only for MPMC-member companies.

Media Registration will open in October 2014. For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org, 909-978-6723.

Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.

For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Register now.

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Visit TORA's website.

TORA Member Spotlight – A.R.E. Accessories LLC

A.R.E. has been involved with the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) for 14 years. Todd Hoffman, who was recently named president and CEO, currently serves on the Select Committee and leads a task force focused on providing technical information to members. Director of Marketing Bryan Baker recently shared an overview of the company and its involvement in the council.

What does your company do?  

We manufacture light-truck accessories, including fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers and aluminum commercial truck caps.

How many years have you been in business?  

45 years.

What is your company's history?

A.R.E. was founded in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, in 1969 and makes recreational aluminum truck caps and storage buildings. In 1979, A.R.E. began manufacturing commercial aluminum truck caps. In 1982, the company made its first fiberglass cap. It began manufacturing fiberglass tonneau covers in 1989. Over the years, A.R.E. has expanded in size to service the entire United States and most of Canada with three manufacturing facilities, and an additional distribution hub near Reno, Nevada. 

How many employees work for your company? 

700.

Why are you an TORA member?

TORA best represents our goals within the light-truck accessory industry as whole. As a team, this council works to supply important technical information, political support and best practices for our industry’s manufacturers and retailers.

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company? 

Truck sales have grown quite a bit over the past few years, creating definite opportunities for the accessory market.

	During the 2014 SEMA Show, TORA will display several vehicles in premier spots on the Promenade outside the South Hall Entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Save the Date for the TORA Industry Awards Reception

The TORA Industry Awards Reception will be held November 5, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom C, in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of TORA-member companies and prospective members, the TORA Industry Awards Reception will feature networking opportunities and three awards presentations—the TORA Hall of Fame, TORA Retailer of the Year and TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit PRO's website.

Save the Date for the PRO Industry Awards Reception

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Westgate, Ballrooms F and G in Las Vegas. The reception is open to all employees of PRO-member companies and others interested in learning more about the council. It will feature networking opportunities and award presentations to honor a few leaders in the restyling industry, as chosen by peers.

Register now. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit SBN's website.

	During the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, attendees can have quality conversations, exchange business cards with dozens of new contacts, network with industry leaders and ignite new business alliances in a matter of minutes.

By Jenna Jefferies

The annual Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Westgate, Ballroom A.

This event is the quickest and easiest way to meet peers, prospects, vendor associates and valuable contacts in one setting. Meet more than one-dozen new contacts in a fast-paced environment that is structured to keep the introductions flowing.

While you enjoy a nice hot breakfast, the SBN award ceremony will take place, honoring this year’s Athena Champion, Athena Woman of the Year and Athena Rising Star. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet movers and shakers and make new contacts.

Until October 18, the cost for SEMA members is $35 and $45 for non-members. After October 18, $49 for SEMA members and $69 for non-members. Reserve your tickets today through your SEMA Show dashboard.

Visit WTC's website

Save the Date for the WTC Industry Awards Reception

The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will hold its annual Industry Awards Reception, November 4, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m at the Renaissance Hotel Pool in Las Vegas. The reception, open to all employees of WTC-member companies and prospective members, will feature networking opportunities and an award presentation for the WTC Hall of Fame.

For more information, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit YEN's website

	Jonathan Mill, 2013 SEMA Launch Pad winner, pitches his business, E-Stopp, to the judging panel.

SEMA Launch Pad Competitors Announced

By Bryan Harrison

From a large pool of competitors, the top 10 young automotive entrepreneurs have been named in the second-annual SEMA Launch Pad Presented by YEN competition.

Representing new, innovative products and services in the specialty-automotive aftermarket, these next-gen automotive leaders are looking for a big break to launch their business to the next level.

In this next step of the competition, you can decide the fate of the top five competitors who will advance to a live competition at the SEMA Show. Watch their short business pitches on YouTube and vote today.

Your vote will decide the five competitors who will pitch their business to a celebrity judging panel at the SEMA Show, including automotive industry juggernauts Doug Evans, Ron Coleman, Jessi Combs, Mark Arcenal and Glenn Rogers. The winner will receive a grand prize to propel their venture forward.

Voting ends September 5, with the live on-stage competition occurring November 5, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the SEMA Show Super Session Room N258 (second floor, North Hall). Lunch will be provided to the first 125 attendees.

Top 10 SEMA Launch Pad Competitors – Vote now!

	The new SEMA Ignited event will take place after the SEMA Cruise, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

SEMA Ignited, a new post-Show event, will offer exhibitors and industry partners an opportunity to reach an expanded audience, including media and consumers. The event will include a spectacular collection of vehicles from the SEMA Show.   
 
This year a panel of top automotive editors will select 10 deserving builders and their vehicles to appear center stage at SEMA Ignited and be featured in a nationally televised special that SEMA is sponsoring. The TV program will highlight the hot trends from the SEMA Show and feature the unique builds and the artistry of the top 10 builders. The evening will culminate in awarding the “SEMA Battle of the Builders” trophy to this year’s top vehicle and its builder.
 
SEMA is producing the SEMA Ignited event to help stoke consumer awareness and excitement by highlighting the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. As such, participation in the SEMA Battle of the Builders is open to the full range of builders and vehicles, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and the like.

Builders interested in participating in the event and TV production should complete an online form.

If selected, the builders and vehicles will be featured at the SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited event (deadline for consideration is Friday, September 19). Selected builders must also agree to make their shop available for video work leading up to the event.

The Friday night SEMA Ignited event will take place at one of the newest landmarks in the Las Vegas—the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ entertainment district.

For more information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.

	The new SEMA Ignited event will take place after the SEMA Cruise, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

SEMA Ignited, a new post-Show event, will offer exhibitors and industry partners an opportunity to reach an expanded audience, including media and consumers. The event will include a spectacular collection of vehicles from the SEMA Show.   
 
This year a panel of top automotive editors will select 10 deserving builders and their vehicles to appear center stage at SEMA Ignited and be featured in a nationally televised special that SEMA is sponsoring. The TV program will highlight the hot trends from the SEMA Show and feature the unique builds and the artistry of the top 10 builders. The evening will culminate in awarding the “SEMA Battle of the Builders” trophy to this year’s top vehicle and its builder.
 
SEMA is producing the SEMA Ignited event to help stoke consumer awareness and excitement by highlighting the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. As such, participation in the SEMA Battle of the Builders is open to the full range of builders and vehicles, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and the like.

Builders interested in participating in the event and TV production should complete an online form.

If selected, the builders and vehicles will be featured at the SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited event (deadline for consideration is Friday, September 19). Selected builders must also agree to make their shop available for video work leading up to the event.

The Friday night SEMA Ignited event will take place at one of the newest landmarks in the Las Vegas—the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ entertainment district.

For more information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.

	The new SEMA Ignited event will take place after the SEMA Cruise, Friday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. at The LINQ in Las Vegas.

SEMA Ignited, a new post-Show event, will offer exhibitors and industry partners an opportunity to reach an expanded audience, including media and consumers. The event will include a spectacular collection of vehicles from the SEMA Show.   
 
This year a panel of top automotive editors will select 10 deserving builders and their vehicles to appear center stage at SEMA Ignited and be featured in a nationally televised special that SEMA is sponsoring. The TV program will highlight the hot trends from the SEMA Show and feature the unique builds and the artistry of the top 10 builders. The evening will culminate in awarding the “SEMA Battle of the Builders” trophy to this year’s top vehicle and its builder.
 
SEMA is producing the SEMA Ignited event to help stoke consumer awareness and excitement by highlighting the impressive vehicles, products and personalities gathered in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. As such, participation in the SEMA Battle of the Builders is open to the full range of builders and vehicles, including trucks, hot rods, street rods, off-road, motorsports, sport compacts, luxury exotics and the like.

Builders interested in participating in the event and TV production should complete an online form.

If selected, the builders and vehicles will be featured at the SEMA Show and SEMA Ignited event (deadline for consideration is Friday, September 19). Selected builders must also agree to make their shop available for video work leading up to the event.

The Friday night SEMA Ignited event will take place at one of the newest landmarks in the Las Vegas—the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ entertainment district.

For more information, e-mail info@semaignited.com.

By SEMA Editors

	UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

By SEMA Editors

	UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

By SEMA Editors

	UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show.

UPS is offering to be the single point of contact for all vehicle-shipment needs for exhibitors before, during and after the 2014 SEMA Show. Through the UPS Autogistics Finished Vehicle Transportation, exhibitors will benefit from the service that will request quotes, negotiate rates and manage exhibitor’s vehicle shipments from origin to destination.

To participate in the program, find out more information or request a quote, contact Dave Sprock at 702-283-0438.

Subaru is testing an early mule for what appears to be a WRX hatchback.

Immediately following the debut of the ’15 WRX four-door sedan, enthusiasts wondered if a five-door hatchback WRX variant was also on the horizon. The questions spawned a variety of answers—most of them quite vague—which gave no clear answer as to whether a more cargo-friendly WRX—based on the all-new model—would see the light of day. The mule seems to answer, "Yes, a WRX hatchback is in the works."

The test mule has taken the body of the current Impreza five-door hatchback and modified it with extra width. The front fenders and full front fascia from the ’15 WRX have been grafted onto the front. At the rear, evidence of the additional width is visible, primarily around the rear fuel-filler door and the taillights, as the body protrudes out farther than on a normal Impreza hatch. The modifications appear to match the specifications found on the latest WRX, which is 2.2-in. wider than the standard Impreza (70.7 in. vs. 68.5 in.).  

The WRX hatchback mule appears to be in an early state of testing, and outfitted with subtlety in mind—the better to fly under the radar and go undetected in these early tests. The WRX's hood scoop is hidden with a metal panel that looks to be removable, thanks to seven screws outlining the cover. The full WRX exhaust and more aggressive wheel-and-tire setup are also not in place yet, all of which would draw more attention to what would appear to be a rather innocuous Subaru to the casual observer. This is a strategy Subaru has displayed in the past. As testing progresses, those high-performance add-ons should begin to appear.

The testers were careful to keep the engine hidden from photography, covering the mechanicals any time that the hood had been raised during its desert tests. Subaru is rumored to be working on an updated version of the WRX-spec Boxer engines, reportedly adding direct injection, which may be part of the components being trialled in these early tests.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Subaru is testing an early mule for what appears to be a WRX hatchback.

Immediately following the debut of the ’15 WRX four-door sedan, enthusiasts wondered if a five-door hatchback WRX variant was also on the horizon. The questions spawned a variety of answers—most of them quite vague—which gave no clear answer as to whether a more cargo-friendly WRX—based on the all-new model—would see the light of day. The mule seems to answer, "Yes, a WRX hatchback is in the works."

The test mule has taken the body of the current Impreza five-door hatchback and modified it with extra width. The front fenders and full front fascia from the ’15 WRX have been grafted onto the front. At the rear, evidence of the additional width is visible, primarily around the rear fuel-filler door and the taillights, as the body protrudes out farther than on a normal Impreza hatch. The modifications appear to match the specifications found on the latest WRX, which is 2.2-in. wider than the standard Impreza (70.7 in. vs. 68.5 in.).  

The WRX hatchback mule appears to be in an early state of testing, and outfitted with subtlety in mind—the better to fly under the radar and go undetected in these early tests. The WRX's hood scoop is hidden with a metal panel that looks to be removable, thanks to seven screws outlining the cover. The full WRX exhaust and more aggressive wheel-and-tire setup are also not in place yet, all of which would draw more attention to what would appear to be a rather innocuous Subaru to the casual observer. This is a strategy Subaru has displayed in the past. As testing progresses, those high-performance add-ons should begin to appear.

The testers were careful to keep the engine hidden from photography, covering the mechanicals any time that the hood had been raised during its desert tests. Subaru is rumored to be working on an updated version of the WRX-spec Boxer engines, reportedly adding direct injection, which may be part of the components being trialled in these early tests.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Subaru is testing an early mule for what appears to be a WRX hatchback.

Immediately following the debut of the ’15 WRX four-door sedan, enthusiasts wondered if a five-door hatchback WRX variant was also on the horizon. The questions spawned a variety of answers—most of them quite vague—which gave no clear answer as to whether a more cargo-friendly WRX—based on the all-new model—would see the light of day. The mule seems to answer, "Yes, a WRX hatchback is in the works."

The test mule has taken the body of the current Impreza five-door hatchback and modified it with extra width. The front fenders and full front fascia from the ’15 WRX have been grafted onto the front. At the rear, evidence of the additional width is visible, primarily around the rear fuel-filler door and the taillights, as the body protrudes out farther than on a normal Impreza hatch. The modifications appear to match the specifications found on the latest WRX, which is 2.2-in. wider than the standard Impreza (70.7 in. vs. 68.5 in.).  

The WRX hatchback mule appears to be in an early state of testing, and outfitted with subtlety in mind—the better to fly under the radar and go undetected in these early tests. The WRX's hood scoop is hidden with a metal panel that looks to be removable, thanks to seven screws outlining the cover. The full WRX exhaust and more aggressive wheel-and-tire setup are also not in place yet, all of which would draw more attention to what would appear to be a rather innocuous Subaru to the casual observer. This is a strategy Subaru has displayed in the past. As testing progresses, those high-performance add-ons should begin to appear.

The testers were careful to keep the engine hidden from photography, covering the mechanicals any time that the hood had been raised during its desert tests. Subaru is rumored to be working on an updated version of the WRX-spec Boxer engines, reportedly adding direct injection, which may be part of the components being trialled in these early tests.

Photo credit: KGP Photography