Thu, 04/11/2013 - 08:24
By Linda Spencer

  ranger
The ’13 Ford Ranger T6 4x4 double cab is powered by a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine. SEMA, in partnership with the United States Department of Commerce, purchased the vehicle in the Middle East. It was designed in Australia and assembled in South Africa.
   

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6—a global one-ton pickup that is popular worldwide but not sold in the United States or Canada. SEMA purchased the vehicle in a partnership with the United States government to provide American companies difficult-to-access vehicles so they can create export-ready products.

The Ranger, which was selected by a panel of automotive press and experts, won the 2013 International Pickup Award, beating out the Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok, among other vehicles in the category. Members can choose one of two Measuring Sessions to be held Wednesday, April 17, at SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, headquarters and Tuesday, May 14, at Dearborn, Michigan-based Link Engineering. There is no charge to participate.

Register now to attend one of the Measuring Sessions

Initial sales figures are in for 2012. Of those countries reporting their data, IHS Global Insight reports South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil and Thailand are in the top five in terms of sales.

Country
  CY 2012
  Estimate 2013
South Africa
  15,804
  17,397
Saudi Arabia
  13,503
  12,646
Argentina
  12,356
  18,146
Brazil
  8,388
  19,892
Thailand
  6,632
  7,367
United Arab Emirates
  4,028
  4,486
Indonesia
  3,815
  4,894
United Kingdom
  2,818
  2,697
New Zealand
  2,815
  2,677
Germany
  2,183
  2,178
Malaysia
  1,939
  4,229
Kuwait
  1,680
  1,783
Oman
  1,295
  1,518
France
  1,082
  1,595
Chile
  1,003
  2,971
Mexico
  1,001
  16,082

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS Global Insight data.

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 08:24
By Linda Spencer

  ranger
The ’13 Ford Ranger T6 4x4 double cab is powered by a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine. SEMA, in partnership with the United States Department of Commerce, purchased the vehicle in the Middle East. It was designed in Australia and assembled in South Africa.
   

SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6—a global one-ton pickup that is popular worldwide but not sold in the United States or Canada. SEMA purchased the vehicle in a partnership with the United States government to provide American companies difficult-to-access vehicles so they can create export-ready products.

The Ranger, which was selected by a panel of automotive press and experts, won the 2013 International Pickup Award, beating out the Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok, among other vehicles in the category. Members can choose one of two Measuring Sessions to be held Wednesday, April 17, at SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, headquarters and Tuesday, May 14, at Dearborn, Michigan-based Link Engineering. There is no charge to participate.

Register now to attend one of the Measuring Sessions

Initial sales figures are in for 2012. Of those countries reporting their data, IHS Global Insight reports South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil and Thailand are in the top five in terms of sales.

Country
  CY 2012
  Estimate 2013
South Africa
  15,804
  17,397
Saudi Arabia
  13,503
  12,646
Argentina
  12,356
  18,146
Brazil
  8,388
  19,892
Thailand
  6,632
  7,367
United Arab Emirates
  4,028
  4,486
Indonesia
  3,815
  4,894
United Kingdom
  2,818
  2,697
New Zealand
  2,815
  2,677
Germany
  2,183
  2,178
Malaysia
  1,939
  4,229
Kuwait
  1,680
  1,783
Oman
  1,295
  1,518
France
  1,082
  1,595
Chile
  1,003
  2,971
Mexico
  1,001
  16,082

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS Global Insight data.

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 08:05
By Linda Spencer

china
Barry Adler (second from left), president of Quick Time Performance, a manufacturer of electronically controlled exhaust cutouts, said that it is important for the company to be in at the early stages of the Chinese specialty-equipment market. “We can help educate them with our products,” he said, “and exporting is the largest growth potential we have. We are putting more money and time into developing this overseas business than in growing our domestic sales.”

Manufacturers of suspension, air-intake and performance exhaust systems, among other products, have already registered to participate in the 2013 SEMA China Business Development Tour in Beijing, September 11–14. Grants from the United States government to help defray costs are available for qualified companies. The three-day program includes exhibiting at a trade show open only to pre-qualified buyers from throughout China, touring retailers and wholesalers of specialty products and a briefing by United States government officials.

Each year this popular trip sells out. Register now!

For more information, please contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 08:05
By Linda Spencer

china
Barry Adler (second from left), president of Quick Time Performance, a manufacturer of electronically controlled exhaust cutouts, said that it is important for the company to be in at the early stages of the Chinese specialty-equipment market. “We can help educate them with our products,” he said, “and exporting is the largest growth potential we have. We are putting more money and time into developing this overseas business than in growing our domestic sales.”

Manufacturers of suspension, air-intake and performance exhaust systems, among other products, have already registered to participate in the 2013 SEMA China Business Development Tour in Beijing, September 11–14. Grants from the United States government to help defray costs are available for qualified companies. The three-day program includes exhibiting at a trade show open only to pre-qualified buyers from throughout China, touring retailers and wholesalers of specialty products and a briefing by United States government officials.

Each year this popular trip sells out. Register now!

For more information, please contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:02
By SEMA Staff

  show
The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
   

The 2013 SEMA Show is already surpassing last year's early exhibitor registrations. As of today, the management team is reporting a 9% increase in companies participating in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The record level of early exhibitor commitment is also a strong indicator that the overall health of the specialty-equipment industry continues to improve.

For exhibitors hoping to connect with buyers, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show. In fact, the 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. Building off that momentum, exhibitors are registering early and premium booth spaces are still available. To reserve your booth for the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

According to Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, the increased level of early booth sales is a clear indicator that specialty-equipment businesses can not afford to miss the annual Show.

"With this increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating earlier in the year, it's apparent the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue," explained MacGillivray.

The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

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

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:02
By SEMA Staff

  show
The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
   

The 2013 SEMA Show is already surpassing last year's early exhibitor registrations. As of today, the management team is reporting a 9% increase in companies participating in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The record level of early exhibitor commitment is also a strong indicator that the overall health of the specialty-equipment industry continues to improve.

For exhibitors hoping to connect with buyers, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show. In fact, the 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. Building off that momentum, exhibitors are registering early and premium booth spaces are still available. To reserve your booth for the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

According to Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, the increased level of early booth sales is a clear indicator that specialty-equipment businesses can not afford to miss the annual Show.

"With this increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating earlier in the year, it's apparent the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue," explained MacGillivray.

The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

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

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:02
By SEMA Staff

  show
The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
   

The 2013 SEMA Show is already surpassing last year's early exhibitor registrations. As of today, the management team is reporting a 9% increase in companies participating in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The record level of early exhibitor commitment is also a strong indicator that the overall health of the specialty-equipment industry continues to improve.

For exhibitors hoping to connect with buyers, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show. In fact, the 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. Building off that momentum, exhibitors are registering early and premium booth spaces are still available. To reserve your booth for the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

According to Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, the increased level of early booth sales is a clear indicator that specialty-equipment businesses can not afford to miss the annual Show.

"With this increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating earlier in the year, it's apparent the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue," explained MacGillivray.

The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

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

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:02
By SEMA Staff

  show
The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
   

The 2013 SEMA Show is already surpassing last year's early exhibitor registrations. As of today, the management team is reporting a 9% increase in companies participating in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The record level of early exhibitor commitment is also a strong indicator that the overall health of the specialty-equipment industry continues to improve.

For exhibitors hoping to connect with buyers, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show. In fact, the 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. Building off that momentum, exhibitors are registering early and premium booth spaces are still available. To reserve your booth for the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

According to Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, the increased level of early booth sales is a clear indicator that specialty-equipment businesses can not afford to miss the annual Show.

"With this increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating earlier in the year, it's apparent the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue," explained MacGillivray.

The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

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

Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:02
By SEMA Staff

  show
The 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
   

The 2013 SEMA Show is already surpassing last year's early exhibitor registrations. As of today, the management team is reporting a 9% increase in companies participating in the Priority Booth Selection Process. The record level of early exhibitor commitment is also a strong indicator that the overall health of the specialty-equipment industry continues to improve.

For exhibitors hoping to connect with buyers, the SEMA Show is the premier trade show. In fact, the 2012 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. Building off that momentum, exhibitors are registering early and premium booth spaces are still available. To reserve your booth for the 2013 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

According to Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, the increased level of early booth sales is a clear indicator that specialty-equipment businesses can not afford to miss the annual Show.

"With this increased commitment exhibitors are demonstrating earlier in the year, it's apparent the SEMA Show provides unmatched brand-building visibility and sales exposure in one venue," explained MacGillivray.

The 2013 SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and last year's Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

The 12 categories of the SEMA Show are: Collision Repair & Refinish; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Wheels & Accessories; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Tools & Equipment; Restoration Marketplace; Trucks, SUVs, Off-Road; Racing & Performance; Business Services; Hot Rod Alley; Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

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

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 15:41

By SEMA Editors

leimkuhler
Tom Leimkuhler
popick
Charles Popick
   

Overseas markets are increasingly lucrative for SEMA members. But pitfalls await the inexperienced. Before you pack the first box, learn these five keys to international shipping:

  • Should your company use direct or indirect exporting?
  • How do you select the right freight forwarder?
  • Who should your importer be?
  • Do you have the proper documents prepared correctly?
  • How can you optimize your process for lower duty fees?
In a new SEMA Education Insitute (SEI) webinar to be held Thursday, April 11, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), find out how to assess risks, minimize costs, maximize profits and exert the strongest control over your products’ destinies. Case studies from Brazil, China and the Middle East explore problems and solutions, with best practices recommendations for small, midsize and large companies.

CPC Consultants has helped companies save millions of dollars in transportation, warehouse management, overall business operations and more. Now, Founder and Principal Charles Popick and partner Tom Leimkuhler will guide webinar participants to improve their procedures with strategic management advice, logistics suggestions and the insiders’ view of international shipping.

This SEI webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.