SEMA News—February 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Harnessing Industry Horsepower

Act Now to Protect the Hobby

	Staff from SEMA-member-company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy “Shine” Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left are Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan.

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate.

Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day. Courtesy Bryce Martin

Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.semasan.com/join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or colbym@sema.org. 

SEMA News—February 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Harnessing Industry Horsepower

Act Now to Protect the Hobby

	Staff from SEMA-member-company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy “Shine” Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left are Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan.

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate.

Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day. Courtesy Bryce Martin

Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.semasan.com/join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or colbym@sema.org. 

SEMA News—February 2013

LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
By Colby Martin

Harnessing Industry Horsepower

Act Now to Protect the Hobby

	Staff from SEMA-member-company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy “Shine” Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left are Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan.

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate.

Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day. Courtesy Bryce Martin

Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.semasan.com/join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or colbym@sema.org. 

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS

Product Technology: Faster, Cheaper Ways to Plan, Market and Sell

		Real-world examples of how enhancements in technology are changing all facets of the product-development process will be the focus of the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate.

Technology is rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to the market. From online open-innovation models to product-creation software and from surface-scanning tools to additive manufacturing equipment, businesses are changing how they approach product development.

SEMA members can learn how to improve the product-development process and introduce products to the market faster and cheaper through the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate. Developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI), the conference will feature subject-matter experts covering topics that include product planning (current data, research and trends) and product development (3-D desktop software, surface scanning tools, 3-D printers, etc.).

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to measure a Toyota HiLux, a vehicle imported to the United States through a joint program of SEMA’s international department and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The HiLux is popular worldwide but is not sold in the United States, and it will provide members with the ideal opportunity to create export-ready products.

Representatives from equipment and technology suppliers will be on hand to conduct demonstrations and answer questions. This unique event will also give SEMA manufacturers an opportunity to use the latest tools for the measuring session.

This manufacturer-only event will be held at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, on Thursday, February 7. Cost to participate is $47 for SEMA members and $97 for non-members. Registration is available online at www.sema.org/pdcattendee and includes the education conference, the measuring session and lunch.

SEMA News—February 2013

REQUIRED READING

Automakers at the SEMA Show

The majority of the exhibitors at the SEMA Show are small businesses, but automakers are just as important and are essential to the industry. Many of the OEMs participate by exhibiting at the Show. In addition to generating attendee interest, the automakers also create buzz in the media. Here are just a few articles that resulted from the 2012 SEMA Show.

AutoWeek “Why SEMA Matters” Journalist Mark Vaughn highlighted some of the vehicles that the automakers showcased at the 2012 event. The SEMA Show, after all, is an opportunity for automakers to demonstrate how their vehicles serve as the perfect platforms for customization. As Vaughn explained, “The SEMA Show is about ideas: what’s possible, what some other guy did that you could do differently.”

Autobody News “Hottest Car, Sport Compact, Truck and 4x4-SUV Announced at 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas” The magazine’s December issue was filled with coverage from the SEMA Show. In addition to articles regarding many of the educational events, exhibitors, products and activities by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, Autobody News featured a story on the SEMA Award winners. The SEMA Award was introduced three years ago to highlight trends and the vehicle models that manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization.

Nashville Automotive Report “SEMA Award for the Hottest 4x4-SUV” The SEMA Award is determined by counting every booth vehicle at the SEMA Show and then determining which models are the most prominent in predetermined categories. It’s a phenomenon that has captured the industry’s attention, as it provides valuable insight into what the future may hold. Nashville Automotive Report is one of the many publications that shared award results with its readers.

Part & People “Ford, Jeep, Scion and Mustang take top honors at SEMA “hottest” awards” Industry publication Parts & People featured a comprehensive write-up on the SEMA Award winners in its December edition. With details on the winners of each of the four categories (car, truck, 4x4-SUV and sport compact), the article described each of the vehicles and included photos as well.