By Zane Clark

	The SEMA International Affairs Office has put together a lineup of free educational sessions at this year's SEMA Show designed to help attendees conduct business in international markets, such as the Middle East, Russia and China.

If you are looking for a leg up with your business, try thinking internationally and expanding your business overseas. If you are considering such an expansion, there is a lot of work to be done and questions to be answered before beginning. For starters, what markets best align with your goals or product line? SEMA’s International Affairs Office has put together an invaluable lineup of free educational sessions at this year’s SEMA Show to help your business fuel its financial growth. Get answers to your questions about three of the most important emerging overseas markets for the automotive industry.

Middle East
Monday, November 4, 2013
11 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for United States specialty-parts manufacturers, as off-roading, classic-car collecting and motorsports are all growing in popularity. Attendees will also learn about the details of the third SEMA one-on-one matchmaking program being held in the UAE in March 2014.

Russia
Monday, November 4, 2013
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Russia ranks sixth in the world in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales. The country’s auto market has rebounded from the 2008–2009 recession with new-vehicles sales for 2012 up 11% from the previous year, which makes Russia the second-largest European vehicle market. With 2.9 million passenger vehicles sold last year, the country is quickly gaining on Germany—the top market in Europe—and many experts estimate that the positions will flip between these two countries in the next few years.

There are now 38.7 million passenger vehicles on Russian roads. But with 140 million people, a large, unmet demand still exists for those who have not yet had the opportunity to purchase a vehicle.

SUVs represent the largest and fastest-growing automotive sector in Russia, making up 31% of all passenger sales in 2012. Nearly one-third of all passenger-vehicle sales were SUVs—more than double the rate of SUV sales throughout the rest of Europe.

Purchasing Power: Russia has the highest gross domestic product per capita among the members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). “[By] 2020, Russia should be one of the biggest consumer markets on a global basis,” said Russian Machines Chairman Siegfried Wolf in a Just-Auto.com interview. The company also owns the GAZ Group automotive division. Per capita, Wolf said Russia has doubled the per capita income of the Chinese—$20,000 compared to $11,000—and India is at about $6,000.

China
Monday, November 4, 2013
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Chinese Distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of United States brands in the Chinese market. This will be a great opportunity to meet with press and distributors of specialty products in this market of 1.3 billion people in this informal, practical session to assist you in deciding if this market is a good fit for your products.

Check out the latest education schedule.

By Zane Clark

	The SEMA International Affairs Office has put together a lineup of free educational sessions at this year's SEMA Show designed to help attendees conduct business in international markets, such as the Middle East, Russia and China.

If you are looking for a leg up with your business, try thinking internationally and expanding your business overseas. If you are considering such an expansion, there is a lot of work to be done and questions to be answered before beginning. For starters, what markets best align with your goals or product line? SEMA’s International Affairs Office has put together an invaluable lineup of free educational sessions at this year’s SEMA Show to help your business fuel its financial growth. Get answers to your questions about three of the most important emerging overseas markets for the automotive industry.

Middle East
Monday, November 4, 2013
11 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Learn how to cash in on this lucrative region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries provide some of the best opportunities for United States specialty-parts manufacturers, as off-roading, classic-car collecting and motorsports are all growing in popularity. Attendees will also learn about the details of the third SEMA one-on-one matchmaking program being held in the UAE in March 2014.

Russia
Monday, November 4, 2013
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Russia ranks sixth in the world in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales. The country’s auto market has rebounded from the 2008–2009 recession with new-vehicles sales for 2012 up 11% from the previous year, which makes Russia the second-largest European vehicle market. With 2.9 million passenger vehicles sold last year, the country is quickly gaining on Germany—the top market in Europe—and many experts estimate that the positions will flip between these two countries in the next few years.

There are now 38.7 million passenger vehicles on Russian roads. But with 140 million people, a large, unmet demand still exists for those who have not yet had the opportunity to purchase a vehicle.

SUVs represent the largest and fastest-growing automotive sector in Russia, making up 31% of all passenger sales in 2012. Nearly one-third of all passenger-vehicle sales were SUVs—more than double the rate of SUV sales throughout the rest of Europe.

Purchasing Power: Russia has the highest gross domestic product per capita among the members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). “[By] 2020, Russia should be one of the biggest consumer markets on a global basis,” said Russian Machines Chairman Siegfried Wolf in a Just-Auto.com interview. The company also owns the GAZ Group automotive division. Per capita, Wolf said Russia has doubled the per capita income of the Chinese—$20,000 compared to $11,000—and India is at about $6,000.

China
Monday, November 4, 2013
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
LVCC N254

Chinese Distributors and SEMA members already successful in the region provide insider tips. Learn the latest trends, applications and perceptions of United States brands in the Chinese market. This will be a great opportunity to meet with press and distributors of specialty products in this market of 1.3 billion people in this informal, practical session to assist you in deciding if this market is a good fit for your products.

Check out the latest education schedule.

By Della Domingo

Accepting the 2012 SEMA Award with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (second right) for each of their companies were: (from left) Mark Allen, Chrysler Design, Jeep, and Pietro Gorlier, Mopar president and CEO, for the Wrangler as Hottest 4x4-SUV; Ken Czubay, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service at Ford, for the F-Series as Hottest Truck and the Mustang as Hottest Car; and Jaycie Dane, corporate manager of Scion, for the FR-S as Hottest Sport Compact.

To showcase the industry’s top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Award will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held November 5–8, 2013. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products and accessories for today’s popular models will identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing and ideal for showcasing the coolest new products.

"The SEMA Show has always been about highlighting the industry’s most innovative new products and the trends that emerge each year,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Award celebrates the new vehicle models that SEMA exhibitors expect will be the major trend-setters in the months ahead."

Show organizers will take a tally of every booth vehicle at the Show to identify the most popular vehicle models in four categories (Hottest Car, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4-SUV, and Hottest Sport Compact). With each booth vehicle representing one vote, the most prominent models will be named the SEMA Award winners for the year.

"SEMA Show exhibitors have traditionally served as the true visionaries of the industry," said Kersting. "They’re making a strong statement about what they see as the year’s hottest new cars and trucks through the vehicles they select and modify for display in their  booths.”

The SEMA Show typically includes more than 700 qualified booth vehicles. Last year's SEMA Award winners were the Ford Mustang as the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series as the Hottest Truck, the Jeep Wrangler as the Hottest 4x4-SUV, and the Scion FR-S as the Hottest Sport Compact. The 2013 winners will be announced and presented during a press conference at the SEMA Show. For additional information about the SEMA Award program, visit SEMA's web site.

By Della Domingo

Accepting the 2012 SEMA Award with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (second right) for each of their companies were: (from left) Mark Allen, Chrysler Design, Jeep, and Pietro Gorlier, Mopar president and CEO, for the Wrangler as Hottest 4x4-SUV; Ken Czubay, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service at Ford, for the F-Series as Hottest Truck and the Mustang as Hottest Car; and Jaycie Dane, corporate manager of Scion, for the FR-S as Hottest Sport Compact.

To showcase the industry’s top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Award will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held November 5–8, 2013. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products and accessories for today’s popular models will identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing and ideal for showcasing the coolest new products.

"The SEMA Show has always been about highlighting the industry’s most innovative new products and the trends that emerge each year,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Award celebrates the new vehicle models that SEMA exhibitors expect will be the major trend-setters in the months ahead."

Show organizers will take a tally of every booth vehicle at the Show to identify the most popular vehicle models in four categories (Hottest Car, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4-SUV, and Hottest Sport Compact). With each booth vehicle representing one vote, the most prominent models will be named the SEMA Award winners for the year.

"SEMA Show exhibitors have traditionally served as the true visionaries of the industry," said Kersting. "They’re making a strong statement about what they see as the year’s hottest new cars and trucks through the vehicles they select and modify for display in their  booths.”

The SEMA Show typically includes more than 700 qualified booth vehicles. Last year's SEMA Award winners were the Ford Mustang as the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series as the Hottest Truck, the Jeep Wrangler as the Hottest 4x4-SUV, and the Scion FR-S as the Hottest Sport Compact. The 2013 winners will be announced and presented during a press conference at the SEMA Show. For additional information about the SEMA Award program, visit SEMA's web site.

By Della Domingo

Accepting the 2012 SEMA Award with SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (second right) for each of their companies were: (from left) Mark Allen, Chrysler Design, Jeep, and Pietro Gorlier, Mopar president and CEO, for the Wrangler as Hottest 4x4-SUV; Ken Czubay, vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service at Ford, for the F-Series as Hottest Truck and the Mustang as Hottest Car; and Jaycie Dane, corporate manager of Scion, for the FR-S as Hottest Sport Compact.

To showcase the industry’s top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Award will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held November 5–8, 2013. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products and accessories for today’s popular models will identify the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing and ideal for showcasing the coolest new products.

"The SEMA Show has always been about highlighting the industry’s most innovative new products and the trends that emerge each year,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "The SEMA Award celebrates the new vehicle models that SEMA exhibitors expect will be the major trend-setters in the months ahead."

Show organizers will take a tally of every booth vehicle at the Show to identify the most popular vehicle models in four categories (Hottest Car, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4-SUV, and Hottest Sport Compact). With each booth vehicle representing one vote, the most prominent models will be named the SEMA Award winners for the year.

"SEMA Show exhibitors have traditionally served as the true visionaries of the industry," said Kersting. "They’re making a strong statement about what they see as the year’s hottest new cars and trucks through the vehicles they select and modify for display in their  booths.”

The SEMA Show typically includes more than 700 qualified booth vehicles. Last year's SEMA Award winners were the Ford Mustang as the Hottest Car, the Ford F-Series as the Hottest Truck, the Jeep Wrangler as the Hottest 4x4-SUV, and the Scion FR-S as the Hottest Sport Compact. The 2013 winners will be announced and presented during a press conference at the SEMA Show. For additional information about the SEMA Award program, visit SEMA's web site.

	Mitchell 1 named Wayne Community College teacher David Byrd of Goldsboro, North Carolina, the Mitchell 1 2013 Educator of the Year.

David Byrd Named Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year
David Byrd of Goldsboro, North Carolina, was named the Mitchell 1 2013 Educator of the Year during North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held recently in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Mitchell 1 annually recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Byrd was presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate, and he will also receive a one-year complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s ProDemand repair, diagnostic and maintenance information program for his school, Wayne Community College.

TMG Performance Products Acquires Volant Performance
TMG Performance Products LLC—manufacturer of CORSA Performance Exhausts—has acquired Volant Performance, a manufacturer of performance cool air intakes for cars, trucks and SUVs. TMG Performance Products manufactures premium cat-back exhaust systems under the CORSA Performance Exhausts brand. Through this acquisition, TMG Performance Products has announced that it is establishing a Product Development and Sales facility, located in Southern California. The daily operations of the business and manufacturing will transition to the Ohio facility by the end of the year.
       
RealTruck.com Listed on Inc. 5000 List      
RealTruck.com announced that it was ranked 2,322 on Inc. Magazine’s 2013 Inc 5000 list. The annual list profiles the fastest-growing private companies in the United States based on three-year revenue growth. RealTruck also ranked third of all North Dakota-based companies and is one of only 10 businesses from the state recognized on the list. To qualify for the 2013 Inc 5000 list, companies must have had a minimum of $300,000 in revenue in 2009 and $2 million in 2012. The company reports that it experienced 157% growth and added 21 new jobs during that time period and is currently on track to break all previous sales records at the end of 2013. The full 2013 Inc 5000 list can also be viewed online at www.inc.com/inc5000.

Matt Cartwright Joins Boondock Bumpers
Boondock Bumpers LLC recently added Matt Cartwright to the company's executive staff. Cartwright, who takes over all aspects of marketing and sales for the Oklahoma City-based company, has experience with a multitude of SEMA feature-build sponsorships, which Boondock expects to have an immediate, strategic impact. “Having your product on the feature vehicles at the SEMA Show is an imperative form of marketing in this industry," said Cartwright. “We have formed specific partnerships for this year’s show that will strategically place our products exactly where they need to be to have the greatest impact.”  

Saint-Gobain Abrasives to Distribute Mothers Products
Mothers has announced that Saint-Gobain Abrasives will serve as its sales and distribution team for automotive paint, body and equipment (PB&E) and OEM markets in the United States and Canada. Saint-Gobain's field personnel have been trained in Mothers professional and consumer products. Mothers reports that the strategic alliance strengthens its position in the automotive PB&E and OEM markets, while maintaining the primary focus on the retail consumer and the automotive aftermarket.

ASA Automotive Systems Announces InfoExpo Conference Speakers
ASA Automotive Systems has announced that Wade Gatlin, Bridgestone Americas Inc. (BSAM) vice president, commercial tire unit, is the keynote speaker for the 2013 ASA InfoExpo Conference next month in Nashville, Tennessee. Gatlin will discuss Bridgestone's strategic steps to better serve its customers. Other featured ASA InfoExpo conference speakers include Alicia Gibson, managing partner of IXG Consulting Group, who will present a ‘Health Care Reform Update’ session; and Matt Winslow, director of speakers and content for the Automotive Training Institute, who will present "Secrets to Creating Effective Employees." The 2013 ASA InfoExpo conference is scheduled for September 21–25 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

Alignment Simple Solutions Commits to Victory Junction
Alignment Simple Solutions—manufacturers QuickTrick Products—has selected Victory Junction as its partner of choice for the company's philanthropic efforts. Alignment Simple Solutions will kick off its commitment by donating 5% of all sales generated during the month of September 2013. ALSS will also be featured on a special episode of "Two Guys Garage" (’66 Chevy Impala Restoration) to be aired Labor Day weekend on the Scripps Network, Great American Country network. The show will be repeated during the month of September. Company CEO Tess Winningham has committed to a holiday auction/fundraiser of a joint-branded Victory Junction/QuickTrick system that will be a one-of-a-kind and open to auction, with all proceeds going to Victory Junction. Additional information and a link to donate is located at www.quicktrickalignment.com.

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.

By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

The following are submissions received to date:

• EnerSys is offering a special discounted rate for ODYSSEY battery orders placed at the 2013 SEMA Show via the ODYSSEY Battery online store kiosk. Visit the ODYSSEY Battery Booth #24863 in Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for more details.

• NitroFill E-170: $6495 plus freight. Includes four 26-ft. tire fill hoses with clip-on air chucks. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NitroFill E-160: $3995 plus freight. Includes four 26-ft. tire fill hoses with clip-on air chucks. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NitroFill E-135: $1995 plus freight. Includes one 26-ft. tire fill hose with clip-on air chuck. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NTM-25 Cap Kits: $17/each. Includes five aluminum "NitroFill" valve caps, windshield cling, keychain ring and tag number. Includes 12 months unlimited prepaid roadside assistance, $200 tire repair/replacement coverage, 14 professional newsletters, 12 monthly text messages and unlimited access to the NitroFill dealer menu. For more information, visit NitroFill in Booth #41087.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org and include "Show Specials" in the subject line of the e-mail.

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

By SEMA Editors

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

SEMA Show exhibitors are invited to generate more opportunities and awareness for their company and products by announcing SEMA Show incentives in SEMA eNews.

Exhibiting companies with special pricing, promotions, two-for-one offers, Show demonstrations and other incentives or specials are encouraged to let SEMA know.

The following are submissions received to date:

• EnerSys is offering a special discounted rate for ODYSSEY battery orders placed at the 2013 SEMA Show via the ODYSSEY Battery online store kiosk. Visit the ODYSSEY Battery Booth #24863 in Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for more details.

• NitroFill E-170: $6495 plus freight. Includes four 26-ft. tire fill hoses with clip-on air chucks. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NitroFill E-160: $3995 plus freight. Includes four 26-ft. tire fill hoses with clip-on air chucks. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NitroFill E-135: $1995 plus freight. Includes one 26-ft. tire fill hose with clip-on air chuck. Includes limited lifetime warranty. NTM-25 Cap Kits: $17/each. Includes five aluminum "NitroFill" valve caps, windshield cling, keychain ring and tag number. Includes 12 months unlimited prepaid roadside assistance, $200 tire repair/replacement coverage, 14 professional newsletters, 12 monthly text messages and unlimited access to the NitroFill dealer menu. For more information, visit NitroFill in Booth #41087.

To be included, send information to editors@sema.org and include "Show Specials" in the subject line of the e-mail.

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