News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Racing News: Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang at SEMA Show

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:52

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Ringbrothers' custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard.”

Ringbrothers to Unveil 710hp NASCAR Sprint Cup-Powered Mustang
World-renowned vehicle builder Ringbrothers debuts its latest 710hp, custom ’65 Mustang “Blizzard” at the Global Finishing Solutions Booth #11239 in the SEMA Show's North Hall, Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

TREMEC/NMRA World Finals Racer Appreciation Party Announced
All NMRA racers and crew are invited to the annual NMRA Racer Appreciation Party Presented by TREMEC, held at the Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Friday, October 4. The party will run from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. and will feature free pizza, beer (and sodas) and music. The Nitto Tire NMRA All-Ford World Finals is the largest Ford Drag Race of the year.

Mobile Electronics Seminars: See How the Pros Do It!

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:16

By Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting Group Inc.

	Long work commutes, road trips and urban sprawl have helped propel Mobile Electronics & Technology to one of the fastest-growing segments of the SEMA Show.

When it comes to interior cosmetic enhancements and electrical modifications in today’s vehicles, the difficulty level for some tasks is often outside the comfort zone of many enthusiasts and automotive aftermarket professionals. If you’ve ever seen a complex restructured interior or a restored vehicle with modern electronic features, you know there is a lot of thought and expertise connected to those projects. Join two industry experts in their respective fields during the SEMA Show’s Mobile Electronics seminar track to see firsthand how they can help you deliver better results with custom interior panels and an upgraded vehicle electrical system to handle today’s modern conveniences.

Advanced Interior Panel Fabrication
Presented by Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions USA

On Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., be sure to get to the Upper North Hall, Room N256, to get an early seat and watch as this world-class fabricator shows you the tricks of custom interior panels using materials, such as leather, carpet, vinyl, aluminum, composite plastics and fiberglass. Learn how the router and templates can shorten the time for multiple panel fabrication and create perfect fitting inserts that hide screws, hardware, speakers or other visually challenging components. Last year, Schmitt’s interior panel fabrication class was standing-room only, so get there early. His techniques are taught all over the world and this is a special opportunity to see and learn processes that you can use to create beautiful interior panels at your own shop or business.

Vehicle Electrical Systems – Building a Solid Foundation to Ensure Peak Performance
Presented by Tony Candela, CE Auto Electric Supply and award-winning automotive author

One of the greatest challenges with modern electronic conveniences is understanding how best to implement them in a given vehicle. New vehicles with "computer-controlled" electrical and charging systems are a vastly different challenge than upgrading the electrical system of a hot rod or musclecar-era vehicle. It’s more than batteries, alternators, ignition modules, audio systems or LED lighting. This highly engaging seminar will feature Candela doing demonstrations of electrical measurements and outcomes that will connect concepts with practice so that your electronic upgrades install with maximum enjoyment and performance. Don’t miss this morning seminar, Wednesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. You will learn how to wow customers and eliminate common problems in this informative one-hour seminar.

Keep an eye out for additional educational seminars in the mobile electronics category. To see the complete education schedule visit www.semashow.com/education.

Mobile Electronics Seminars: See How the Pros Do It!

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:16

By Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting Group Inc.

	Long work commutes, road trips and urban sprawl have helped propel Mobile Electronics & Technology to one of the fastest-growing segments of the SEMA Show.

When it comes to interior cosmetic enhancements and electrical modifications in today’s vehicles, the difficulty level for some tasks is often outside the comfort zone of many enthusiasts and automotive aftermarket professionals. If you’ve ever seen a complex restructured interior or a restored vehicle with modern electronic features, you know there is a lot of thought and expertise connected to those projects. Join two industry experts in their respective fields during the SEMA Show’s Mobile Electronics seminar track to see firsthand how they can help you deliver better results with custom interior panels and an upgraded vehicle electrical system to handle today’s modern conveniences.

Advanced Interior Panel Fabrication
Presented by Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions USA

On Tuesday, November 5, from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., be sure to get to the Upper North Hall, Room N256, to get an early seat and watch as this world-class fabricator shows you the tricks of custom interior panels using materials, such as leather, carpet, vinyl, aluminum, composite plastics and fiberglass. Learn how the router and templates can shorten the time for multiple panel fabrication and create perfect fitting inserts that hide screws, hardware, speakers or other visually challenging components. Last year, Schmitt’s interior panel fabrication class was standing-room only, so get there early. His techniques are taught all over the world and this is a special opportunity to see and learn processes that you can use to create beautiful interior panels at your own shop or business.

Vehicle Electrical Systems – Building a Solid Foundation to Ensure Peak Performance
Presented by Tony Candela, CE Auto Electric Supply and award-winning automotive author

One of the greatest challenges with modern electronic conveniences is understanding how best to implement them in a given vehicle. New vehicles with "computer-controlled" electrical and charging systems are a vastly different challenge than upgrading the electrical system of a hot rod or musclecar-era vehicle. It’s more than batteries, alternators, ignition modules, audio systems or LED lighting. This highly engaging seminar will feature Candela doing demonstrations of electrical measurements and outcomes that will connect concepts with practice so that your electronic upgrades install with maximum enjoyment and performance. Don’t miss this morning seminar, Wednesday, November 6, from 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. You will learn how to wow customers and eliminate common problems in this informative one-hour seminar.

Keep an eye out for additional educational seminars in the mobile electronics category. To see the complete education schedule visit www.semashow.com/education.

First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09

	Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night.

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

No service fees charged
Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).

For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09

	Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night.

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

No service fees charged
Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).

For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

First-Rate Hotel Rooms Available for Less Than $100

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:09

	Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel for the lowest rates on hotels for the SEMA Show—including several hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night.

By Jason Catullo

Attendees and exhibitors who have not yet reserved rooms for the 2013 SEMA Show can still receive no booking or service fees and unbeatable low rates—including several hotels providing rooms for less than $100 a night. To select your preferred hotel, compare room rates or reserve rooms now, visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Show Management is increasingly aware of the amount of solicitations that Showgoers receive regarding hotel reservations for the week of the SEMA Show. While other options are available, Travel Planners is the only housing company that is backed by SEMA.

Showgoers making reservations through Travel Planners will benefit from the company's Lowest Rate Assurance, which the company negotiates into every hotel contract to provide lowest-rate guarantees for attendees and exhibitors. Even if rooms are already reserved, Travel Planners will lower the rate automatically and confirm the savings by e-mail.

More Benefits of Booking With Travel Planners

No service fees charged
Update or cancel reservations up to three days prior to the Show without fees or penalties
Immediate confirmation upon making reservations
On-site assistance from Travel Planners staff at the SEMA Show
Pre-negotiated rates don't change regardless of when rooms are booked (space providing).

For more information on the 2013 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Compiles Comprehensive Guide to Federal Regulation of Aftermarket Parts

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:05

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.

The guide is generally presented in a question/answer format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California), and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations?

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

SEMA Compiles Comprehensive Guide to Federal Regulation of Aftermarket Parts

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:05

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA’s Government Affairs Office has compiled a comprehensive guide on how motor-vehicle parts are regulated by the federal government. It is a must-read document for every SEMA member.

The guide is generally presented in a question/answer format, with links to online resources for more information. Topics include an overview of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, emissions standards (EPA and California), and special sections on lighting equipment, wheels and tires and fuel economy. The guide also answers questions, such as: Is my company required to register with the NHTSA? What are my obligations as an importer? What is self-certification? Is “DOT-approved” a legal term? How is lighting equipment regulated by the federal and state government? Where can I download NHTSA rules and regulations?

To learn more about the SEMA government affairs efforts and how your company can stay current with federal and state laws and regulations, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Wisconsin Senate Approves Bill to Ease Restrictions on Collector Cars and Historic Military Vehicles

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:01

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was approved by the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin Assembly. Among other things, the bill would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades including safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. Information regarding the forthcoming Assembly vote will be provided when it becomes available.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Wisconsin Senate Approves Bill to Ease Restrictions on Collector Cars and Historic Military Vehicles

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 10:01

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was approved by the Wisconsin Senate. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin Assembly. Among other things, the bill would allow modifications to vehicles registered as collector vehicles, as long as the bodies of these vehicles are not modified. Currently, upgrades including safety glass, radial tires, a radio or hubcaps are reasons to deny registration. Information regarding the forthcoming Assembly vote will be provided when it becomes available.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.