SEMA News—January 2014
NEW PRODUCTS
Astro Pneumatic Tool Co. announced a new addition to its product line: the Worn/Damaged Hex Bolt Extractor T-Handle Set (PN 1045). According to the company, this ground-breaking set features a patented rotating-tip design that grabs worn or damaged hex-bolt surfaces and allows for easy extraction. The kit contains five T-handle extractors that have been ergonomically designed for the user’s comfort. Each extractor is made of S3 steel, and they come in 4-, 5-, 6-, 8- and 10mm sizes. Astro Pneumatic Tool Co. |
In 1995, the founders of Cloud-Rider Designs discovered a missing link for looks and protection for the front of a customer’s vehicle. Not only does the classy-looking, mirrored-finish stainless grille insert stop bugs from covering the radiator, but it also helps stop rocks and birds from taking out plastic factory grilles. The insert is available for most trucks, and the company also covers some of the more popular cars on the road today. Cloud-Rider has five different styles to fit most vehicle owners’ tastes, including a few styles that are now available in black powdercoat for the blacked-out look. Cloud-Rider Designs | |
Introducing TrackMat, the newest accessory from BedRug. Made of the same durable, cushioned materials as BedRug, the TrackMat is a utility mat that has hundreds of uses. This 2x4-ft. folding mat is made of ¾-in.-thick, ultra-tough, closed-cell foam that is fused with 100% polypropylene fibers. It is water-, stain- and chemical-resistant, while providing convenience and comfort. It can be used as a pad to kneel on or as a lightweight and portable creeper to keep the user comfortable and clean while working. BedRug |
DefenderWorx DefenderWorx continues to expand its line of aftermarket billet accessories for various Ford and GM trucks. The company manufactures officially licensed products that are designed to fit the specifications of each vehicle. The current truck line includes products for the Ford Raptor, Ford F-150, Tundra and Escalade, and accessories for the new ’13 Chevy Silverado are coming soon. DefenderWorx |
 EscortPassport Max Escort introduces its new Passport Max radar detector. According to the company, this new detector takes ticket protection to the max. The unit features exclusive high-definition radar performance, faster response times for more advanced warnings and extremely accurate signal recognition to identify real threats. Escort |
SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Programs Mike Spagnola (far right) briefed U.S. Department of Commerce officials who visited the SEMA Garage booth to hear about the great demand for the Toyota HiLux (pictured) and the Ford Ranger T6. SEMA imported the two vehicles to the United States so that association members could measure these hard-to-obtain vehicles in order to make export-ready products. This program is made possible through SEMA’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Member companies wishing to join the nearly 180 companies that have already measured one or both vehicles are urged to contact Mike Spagnola at 
The seminar on the Russian market was the second of three roundtables on promising international markets. Buyers came from Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as from nearby Ukraine. “I really enjoyed the interactions of buyers and sellers, and I’m glad it was structured in the manner it was,” said Luke Rood, international account manager of Texas-based XPEL Technologies Corp. “Hearing the issues our international customers had opened my eyes to their difficulties and stimulated some new ideas for solutions. What a pleasant surprise it was to be involved in actual conversation with buyers and sellers versus listening to a lecture. I couldn’t take notes fast enough!”
This year marked the 10th SEMA International Happy Hour. It has become the largest international networking event for the industry, with more than 1,000 exhibitors and international buyers in attendance.
U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Chandra Brown (right) chatted with Jim Hildibrand of Coker Tire during a tour of companies that have participated in SEMA’s Middle East and/or China programs. These low-cost programs allow members to network with pre-vetted buyers and exhibit at a local event. Through a partnership with the U.S. DOC, qualified U.S. participants are eligible for grants to defray the costs of participating. Coker Tire participated on the 2013 SEMA trip to the Middle East. 
The International Happy Hour is an extremely popular informal event that takes place on Wednesday during SEMA Show week, immediately after the Show closes for the day. 
A number of exhibitors spent from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on the day before the opening of the SEMA Show attending three roundtables on the Russian, Middle East and Chinese markets. 
In addition to networking with global buyers at the International Happy Hour, exhibitors had the chance to meet with the 35 international journalists from 19 countries. The journalists were selected to serve as Global Media Award judges and charged with picking 10 products from the New Products Showcase that they believed would sell best in their home markets. Peter Liklitov (left) of Polny Privod 4x4 and fellow Russian journalist Andrey Sudbin (right) from Offroad Drive participated. Next month’s SEMA News international column will feature interviews with Liklitov, Sudbin and their fellow journalists from key global markets. 
Phil Heck owns Woodward Fab, a 47-year-old, family-run metalworking equipment maker. Woodward Fab’s tools—English wheels, throatless sheers, slip rolls and others—range in price from $89–$30,000, and most are of the company’s own design. 
GoPro makes portable digital cameras and built a brand by adding a new perspective to homemade movies. So what is the company doing at the SEMA Show?
Westin Automotive Products has been exhibiting at the SEMA Show for 35 years. Starting as a replacement truck bumper manufacturer, the company now makes a full line of truck accessories, thanks in part to the SEMA Show.