Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:47

By Monika Earle

bod
The current SEMA Board of Directors.
Materials for this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election have been mailed to the primary contacts at all eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting period is May 15–June 11, 2013.

Now open to all current SEMA-member companies, votes must be cast by the member’s designated primary contact. Board members will be selected from eight candidates who are vying for four open seats. View candidate photos and background information online.

Winners will be announced in June, and the Board will officially be recognized at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet, taking place July 26, 2013. All industry professionals are invited to join in welcoming the new Board members by attending the gala at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California. For tickets or further details about the gala, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.  

For more information regarding the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678.
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:47

By Monika Earle

bod
The current SEMA Board of Directors.
Materials for this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election have been mailed to the primary contacts at all eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting period is May 15–June 11, 2013.

Now open to all current SEMA-member companies, votes must be cast by the member’s designated primary contact. Board members will be selected from eight candidates who are vying for four open seats. View candidate photos and background information online.

Winners will be announced in June, and the Board will officially be recognized at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet, taking place July 26, 2013. All industry professionals are invited to join in welcoming the new Board members by attending the gala at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California. For tickets or further details about the gala, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.  

For more information regarding the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678.
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:47

By Monika Earle

bod
The current SEMA Board of Directors.
Materials for this year’s SEMA Board of Directors election have been mailed to the primary contacts at all eligible SEMA-member companies. The voting period is May 15–June 11, 2013.

Now open to all current SEMA-member companies, votes must be cast by the member’s designated primary contact. Board members will be selected from eight candidates who are vying for four open seats. View candidate photos and background information online.

Winners will be announced in June, and the Board will officially be recognized at the annual SEMA Installation Banquet, taking place July 26, 2013. All industry professionals are invited to join in welcoming the new Board members by attending the gala at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, California. For tickets or further details about the gala, visit www.sema.org/gala or contact Jamie Eriksen at jamiee@sema.org, 909-978-6737.  

For more information regarding the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678.
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:46

By Linda Spencer

  wrangler
The ’13 Jeep Wrangler.
  

Jeep, whose brand is currently not officially for sale in India, has announced plans to begin to sell the four-door Wrangler and ’14 Grand Cherokee from completely built-up (CBU) units in that country later this year. The Wrangler has a starting price of Rs 20 lakh (approximately $36,492 USD), while the Grand Cherokee has a tag of Rs 40 lakh (approximately $72,985 USD).   
 
Last year, Jeep enjoyed its biggest year ever spurred by strong U.S. sales matched with sales from 120 countries.

The Top 25 Jeep Markets Outside of the United States (all models) ’05–’11:
  The Top Jeep Wrangler Markets Outside of the United States (’05–’11):
Canada   Canada
Mexico
  Australia
Venezuela
  Mexico
China
  Greece
Italy
  China
Australia
  Italy
Germany
  United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
  Japan
South Africa
  France
Spain
  South Africa
France
  Germany
Japan
  Spain
Chile
  Egypt
Greece
  Portugal
United Arab Emirates
  United Kingdom
Russia
  Colombia
Egypt
  South Korea
Switzerland
  Chile
South Korea
  Sweden
Argentina
  Switzerland
Brazil
   
Colombia
   
Austria
   
Turkey
   
Belgium
   

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS data.

For more information on worldwide Jeep sales, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:33

By SEMA Editors

  show
SEMA Show registration is now open.
  

Registration is now open for the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, Las Vegas. Attendees, media and exhibitors are invited to register for the annual Show online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

“Preregistering online and obtaining approval well in advance of the Show is the most efficient and most economical way to obtain credentials to the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “In addition to paying a lower cost, attendees are able to receive their badges in the mail before the SEMA Show so that they can hit the Show floor running when they arrive.”

In addition to SEMA Show registration opening for 2013, SEMA Show management has launched a new webpage, "Why You Should Attend," which outlines the business and buying opportunities available to attendees through the specialty-equipment industry's most valuable trade show.

The page features an overview of the SEMA Show floorplan with access to each of the Show's 12 sections; videos of company testimonies and photos of exhibitors in action on the Show floor; a list of the 10 things that all buyers should do when they attend the Show; and the travel and housing deals available through the SEMA Show Official Hotel Program.

Buyer Registration

  • Buyers registering at www.SEMAShow.com/register before the early registration deadline pay just $25 and will receive their badges in the mail well in advance of the Show. They will also receive pre-Show publications, filled with maps, schedules of events and Show updates.
  • Buyers who have been approved for the SEMA Show in recent years can expedite the registration process by entering the e-mail address that they used when they registered previously. Past attendees who may have forgotten what e-mail address they used may call customer service at 866-229-3687. Those updating details, such as an e-mail or mailing address, should have copies of items that will verify the changes ready to upload.
  • Buyers who have never been to the SEMA Show before can expedite the registration process by having proof of industry employment ready to upload. Proof of industry employment may include a business license, business card, pay stubs or similar items.
Media Registration
  • All media applications may be required to submit proof of media status, regardless of whether or not they have been to the SEMA Show before. Applicants should be prepared to upload copies of bylined articles or supply links to recent coverage.
  • Media credentials will be available for pick up onsite in the Media Center (Room S219 of the Las Vegas Convention Center). Individuals will need to have a photo ID.
Exhibitor Registration
  • Individuals will need to select their company name and have their SEMA Show password ready. A password was provided to the key contact at each exhibiting company.
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:33

By SEMA Editors

  show
SEMA Show registration is now open.
  

Registration is now open for the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, Las Vegas. Attendees, media and exhibitors are invited to register for the annual Show online at www.SEMAShow.com/register.

“Preregistering online and obtaining approval well in advance of the Show is the most efficient and most economical way to obtain credentials to the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “In addition to paying a lower cost, attendees are able to receive their badges in the mail before the SEMA Show so that they can hit the Show floor running when they arrive.”

In addition to SEMA Show registration opening for 2013, SEMA Show management has launched a new webpage, "Why You Should Attend," which outlines the business and buying opportunities available to attendees through the specialty-equipment industry's most valuable trade show.

The page features an overview of the SEMA Show floorplan with access to each of the Show's 12 sections; videos of company testimonies and photos of exhibitors in action on the Show floor; a list of the 10 things that all buyers should do when they attend the Show; and the travel and housing deals available through the SEMA Show Official Hotel Program.

Buyer Registration

  • Buyers registering at www.SEMAShow.com/register before the early registration deadline pay just $25 and will receive their badges in the mail well in advance of the Show. They will also receive pre-Show publications, filled with maps, schedules of events and Show updates.
  • Buyers who have been approved for the SEMA Show in recent years can expedite the registration process by entering the e-mail address that they used when they registered previously. Past attendees who may have forgotten what e-mail address they used may call customer service at 866-229-3687. Those updating details, such as an e-mail or mailing address, should have copies of items that will verify the changes ready to upload.
  • Buyers who have never been to the SEMA Show before can expedite the registration process by having proof of industry employment ready to upload. Proof of industry employment may include a business license, business card, pay stubs or similar items.
Media Registration
  • All media applications may be required to submit proof of media status, regardless of whether or not they have been to the SEMA Show before. Applicants should be prepared to upload copies of bylined articles or supply links to recent coverage.
  • Media credentials will be available for pick up onsite in the Media Center (Room S219 of the Las Vegas Convention Center). Individuals will need to have a photo ID.
Exhibitor Registration
  • Individuals will need to select their company name and have their SEMA Show password ready. A password was provided to the key contact at each exhibiting company.
Thu, 05/09/2013 - 16:30
By Linda Spencer

 SEMA China Trip, SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference
Buyers are expected from throughout China to attend the September 11–14 SEMA Business Development Conference in Beijing. Pictured here, Injen’s Ed Rossi (in red shirt), vice president of sales, meets with perspective customers at a previous SEMA China conference. Rossi and Ron Delgado (far left), the company’s president, will again participate in the 2013 event.
  

Members looking for new customers are encouraged to join the Association and fellow SEMA members on a trip to Beijing to explore the sales potential in the world’s largest car market. A rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love of American products are three key factors companies can leverage to gain a foothold in China’s auto market, where sales hit 19.3 million vehicles last year, with the SUV/light-truck segment growing the fastest.

Participants in the September 11–14 SEMA Business Development Conference will:

  • Exhibit at a major trade show in the heart of Beijing—the China International Autoparts Expo (CIAPE). The expo is the official trade show of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
  • Visit retailers.
  • Attend a briefing with U.S. government officials in China.
  • Take part in a networking reception.

Program fees include hotels, meals, reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation.

To register for the SEMA China SEMA China Business Development Tour, use the online registration page or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Five Facts About the Chinese Market

  • China is the world’s largest passenger vehicle market, with sales totaling 19.3 million in 2012. The market is expected to grow to 30–35 million per year by 2020—more than the U.S. and European market combined.
  • A growing Chinese middle class estimated at up to 300 million people—and growing rapidly—is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
  • Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing income, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
  • SUV and other light-truck sales are the market leaders in terms of passenger vehicle sales in China. Sales in this niche were up 20% last year compared to 8% growth for the market at large. SUV sales now make up more than 15% of all passenger vehicle sales in China and experts predict that this segment will grow to even 20%–25% of all passenger vehicle sales within five years.
  • The Chinese market is the second-largest market for Jeep after the United States. About 46,000 Jeeps were shipped to eager customers in China in 2012, where the average cost of a Jeep typically starts at around $100,000. Plans to begin local products should increase sales. Company officials report that the Wrangler, Compass and Grand Cherokee will continue to be shipped to China from their U.S. plants, with the Cherokee the most likely model to be produced at a new China-based JV venture.

SEMA Calculations from IHS data

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 16:30
By Linda Spencer

 SEMA China Trip, SEMA CIAPE China Business Development Conference
Buyers are expected from throughout China to attend the September 11–14 SEMA Business Development Conference in Beijing. Pictured here, Injen’s Ed Rossi (in red shirt), vice president of sales, meets with perspective customers at a previous SEMA China conference. Rossi and Ron Delgado (far left), the company’s president, will again participate in the 2013 event.
  

Members looking for new customers are encouraged to join the Association and fellow SEMA members on a trip to Beijing to explore the sales potential in the world’s largest car market. A rising middle class, a strong and growing demand for light trucks and a love of American products are three key factors companies can leverage to gain a foothold in China’s auto market, where sales hit 19.3 million vehicles last year, with the SUV/light-truck segment growing the fastest.

Participants in the September 11–14 SEMA Business Development Conference will:

  • Exhibit at a major trade show in the heart of Beijing—the China International Autoparts Expo (CIAPE). The expo is the official trade show of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
  • Visit retailers.
  • Attend a briefing with U.S. government officials in China.
  • Take part in a networking reception.

Program fees include hotels, meals, reception, exhibition space, a turnkey booth, an interpreter and local transportation.

To register for the SEMA China SEMA China Business Development Tour, use the online registration page or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Five Facts About the Chinese Market

  • China is the world’s largest passenger vehicle market, with sales totaling 19.3 million in 2012. The market is expected to grow to 30–35 million per year by 2020—more than the U.S. and European market combined.
  • A growing Chinese middle class estimated at up to 300 million people—and growing rapidly—is expected to fuel a strong future demand for cars and specialty equipment.
  • Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking out foreign products. They associate U.S. and other Western luxury brands with quality. With growing income, these consumers have the ability to purchase sought-after brands.
  • SUV and other light-truck sales are the market leaders in terms of passenger vehicle sales in China. Sales in this niche were up 20% last year compared to 8% growth for the market at large. SUV sales now make up more than 15% of all passenger vehicle sales in China and experts predict that this segment will grow to even 20%–25% of all passenger vehicle sales within five years.
  • The Chinese market is the second-largest market for Jeep after the United States. About 46,000 Jeeps were shipped to eager customers in China in 2012, where the average cost of a Jeep typically starts at around $100,000. Plans to begin local products should increase sales. Company officials report that the Wrangler, Compass and Grand Cherokee will continue to be shipped to China from their U.S. plants, with the Cherokee the most likely model to be produced at a new China-based JV venture.

SEMA Calculations from IHS data

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 15:13
By Linda Spencer

 future vehicles, sema measuring session, ford ranger t6, link engineering
The Ford Ranger T6, which SEMA imported from the Middle East to provide members the opportunity to measure and create export-ready products, was assembled in South Africa.
  
SEMA-member companies are invited to measure and preview a ’13 Ford Ranger T6 at Dearborn, Michigan-based Link Engineering, Tuesday, May 14. The one-ton pickup is being sold throughout the world but not in the United States or Canada. The truck was brought to the United States by SEMA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide members access to difficult to obtain vehicles to measure and create export-ready products.  

Register online to measure in the Midwest or California.

The truck is also available for members to measure in their shops on a cost-reimbursable basis. Additional sessions, to be held at SEMA headquarters, will be added to the schedule to meet the needs of members. There is no charge for these sessions.

The new Ford Ranger—a body-on-frame, Australian-designed, midsize truck—is offered in Double, Super and Regular cab body styles. The vehicle being made available to SEMA members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L, five-speed gasoline engine. The vehicle, which SEMA imported from the Middle East, was assembled in South Africa.

Ford Ranger T6 Detroit Measuring Session


Date: May 14, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Link Engineering, Dearborn, Michigan
Registration: Sign up online

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or call 202-415-8008.
Thu, 05/09/2013 - 15:13
By Linda Spencer

 future vehicles, sema measuring session, ford ranger t6, link engineering
The Ford Ranger T6, which SEMA imported from the Middle East to provide members the opportunity to measure and create export-ready products, was assembled in South Africa.
  
SEMA-member companies are invited to measure and preview a ’13 Ford Ranger T6 at Dearborn, Michigan-based Link Engineering, Tuesday, May 14. The one-ton pickup is being sold throughout the world but not in the United States or Canada. The truck was brought to the United States by SEMA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide members access to difficult to obtain vehicles to measure and create export-ready products.  

Register online to measure in the Midwest or California.

The truck is also available for members to measure in their shops on a cost-reimbursable basis. Additional sessions, to be held at SEMA headquarters, will be added to the schedule to meet the needs of members. There is no charge for these sessions.

The new Ford Ranger—a body-on-frame, Australian-designed, midsize truck—is offered in Double, Super and Regular cab body styles. The vehicle being made available to SEMA members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L, five-speed gasoline engine. The vehicle, which SEMA imported from the Middle East, was assembled in South Africa.

Ford Ranger T6 Detroit Measuring Session


Date: May 14, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Link Engineering, Dearborn, Michigan
Registration: Sign up online

For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or call 202-415-8008.