NEWS NUGGETS

2012 CHAMPIONS HONORED AT NHRA FULL THROTTLE AWARDS CEREMONY IN HOLLYWOOD: A trio of first-time world-championship winners—Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Allen Johnson—headlined those drivers crowned Monday evening during the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series awards ceremony at the Grand Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Center. The other NHRA Full Throttle Series world champion, Eddie Krawiec, who earned his second consecutive and third overall championship, also was honored and joined the others in receiving a check and trophy for winning the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship. Top Fuel champ Brown, 36, made history by becoming the first African-American driver to win a major U.S. auto racing championship. He claimed the title in dramatic fashion at the season-ending race in Pomona. The driver of the Matco Tools dragster earned six victories in 11 final rounds during the season and set a national performance record in Reading to add 20 points to his total. He battled teammates Tony Schumacher and Spencer Massey to the final day of the season finale. Brown earned $500,000 from NHRA and Full Throttle for the series crown and added to NHRA’s history of diversity, joining pioneering champions Shirley Muldowney, Cruz Pedregon, Tony Pedregon, Angelle Sampey and Hector Arana Sr. in the NHRA record book. Other awards presented at the ceremony were the Full Throttle Hard Working Crew honors, which went to the teams of Antron Brown, Courtney Force, Erica Enders and Eddie Krawiec as well as the Don Prudhomme Award presented to NHRA announcer Bob Frey, who retired at the end of the season. In addition, rookie sensation Courtney Force received the Auto Club Road to the Future Award. For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

BROWN WINS FIRST NHRA TOP FUEL CHAMPIONSHIP: Antron Brown clinched the Top Fuel championship, his first, in white-knuckle fashion when teammate Tony Schumacher fell one round short of overhauling his lead during final eliminations at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Brown had entered the event comfortably in the points lead, but his first-round loss to teammate Spencer Massey opened the door for both Schumacher and Massey. Massey’s hopes were ended in the second round against Brandon Bernstein, and Schumacher defeated J.R. Todd, Khalid alBalooshi and Bob Vandergriff Jr. to reach the final round. With the championship on the line, Schumacher fell to Bernstein by .008-second, 3.762 to 3.753, to make a very relieved Brown the season champ, and the first African-American to win a major U.S. auto-racing championship. Last-minute heroics are nothing new to Schumacher. His incoming 65-point deficit wasn’t even his largest heading into the final event of a championship season. He trailed “Hot Rod” Fuller by 68 points before overtaking him with a win at the 2007 event. Of course, he took part in one of the most iconic moments in drag-racing history when he won the 2006 title by setting the national e.t. record in the final round. This time, the magic ended one round short of another miracle, and Brown ascended the Top Fuel throne. Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

BECKMAN WINS FIRST NHRA FUNNY CAR CHAMPIONSHIP: Jack Beckman collected his first NHRA Full Throttle championship last Sunday at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals with a second-round victory. Beckman, who entered the event first in points ahead of teammate Ron Capps, won the championship in the semifinals when Capps fell to Courtney Force. Beckman, who also had reached the semifinals, then lost to Cruz Pedregon, making the final margin of victory for Beckman just two points.

“I’m really not feeling anything right now,” said Beckman. “You think about this, and you dream about this. It’s going to take me a while to wrap my head around this. We would have loved to have won it head to head in the final, but the trophy is going to shine just as well no matter what. We really wanted to win. When you’re strapped in the car, you really can’t see the cars very much because the crewmen are all standing up on the starting line blocking your view. All the guys wearing NAPA shirts are great friends of mine and for three years were my crew guys, and when Capps was running, I could see his car between a couple of guys. It looked like it was running good, and I thought, ‘OK, they’re going to turn the win light on,’ and then I see one of them put his head down on the other's shoulder. I’m like, ‘I think he just lost,’ but there was no reaction from our crew. I’m not sure if they were staring just to make sure the light stayed on. It took probably five seconds, which felt like a half-hour, and they said, ‘We just won it.’ Then I thought, ‘Well, I can’t celebrate right now. We have to go up there and try to win.’ We didn’t, and I’m not all that upset about it, to be honest with you."

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

JOHNSON CLINCHES FIRST NHRA PRO STOCK CHAMPIONSHIP: Allen Johnson was officially declared the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock champion after the conclusion of last Saturday’s final qualifying session at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Johnson clinched the title by qualifying his Team Mopar/J&J Dodge Avenger in the No. 2 position with a time of 6.518, which mathematically eliminated the only remaining contender—2011 Pro Stock champion Jason Line. This is the first national title for Johnson and his father and engine builder, Roy, who have raced together in Pro Stock since 1996. Johnson posted his first top 10 showing in 1999, and he has finished in the top 10 in eight of the previous 10 campaigns; his previous best points finishes were No. 4 efforts in 2007 and 2011. Johnson, who entered the 2012 season with 18 No. 1 qualifying efforts, has always enjoyed ample power from his father’s engines, but the team had lacked the consistency to win on race day until this year.

Said Johnson, “First of all, I want to thank God for helping us make this happen. And it means a lot more to me to bring this championship to my dad, this crew, our family and our many friends in Greeneville, Tennessee.”

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

KRAWIEC LOCKS UP 2012 NHRA FULL THROTTLE PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE TITLE: After securing his qualifying position for this weekend’s season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Eddie Krawiec officially put the wraps on his third NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle title.

"All three of my championships are special, so I can't say this one means any more or less than the others,” said Krawiec. “For me, the championship I didn't win is the most special. I won the title in 2008 without winning a race, and then in 2009, I went on a tear and won nine times. I didn't win the championship that year, but it validated the first one, and I'll always remember that. These Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidsons have been great all year, and that's a statement about the strength of our team. Terry Vance and Byron Hines have been at this a long time, and they know how to build a winning team. I'm just happy to be a part of it."

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

BERNSTEIN, PEDREGON, JOHNSON, HINES WIN DRAMA-FILLED AUTO CLUB FINALS: While several drivers were celebrating winning Full Throttle world championship titles, Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) raced to victory and claimed Wally trophies for winning the final race of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season. Bernstein used a holeshot start to defeat Tony Schumacher in a drama-filled Top Fuel final. Cruz Pedregon powered away from rookie sensation Courtney Force to get the win in the Funny Car final. Johnson put an exclamation point on his championship-winning Pro Stock season by holding off Vincent Nobile. Top Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifier Andrew Hines had a nearly perfect weekend aboard his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson and outran newly crowned series champ and teammate Eddie Krawiec in the final round.

Visit www.nhra.com for more on this story.

COMING ATTRACTIONS



O’REILLY AUTO PARTS NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, February 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series returns to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the start of the 2013 season with new colors. After a dramatic ending to the 2012 season, drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock are looking to pick up where they left off and bring more heat to the track for the season-opener. The 2012 winners of the event are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).

ARIZONA NHRA NATIONALS, Firebird International Raceway, February 22–24: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its second stop of the 2013 season. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event are Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock).

NHRA GATORNATIONALS, Gainesville Raceway, March 14–17: The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series makes its third of 24 stops of the 2013 season in the Sunshine state of Florida. Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will earn points towards the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series regular season points standings. The 2012 winners of the event are Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

COURTNEY FORCE NAMED AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD WINNER: Courtney Force, the 24-year old driver from Yorba Linda, California, entered her rookie season with high hopes but grounded expectations behind the wheel of her Traxxas Ford Mustang. The day after she earned runner-up honors at the Auto Club NHRA Finals, the Cal State-Fullerton graduate was recognized at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood as the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future award winner, recognizing her as the 2012 NHRA Rookie of the Year. The youngest daughter of 15-time NHRA Funny Car champion and team owner John Force continued the John Force Racing tradition becoming the fourth team driver to win the prestigious award.

“It’s such an honor to have earned the Auto Club Road to the Future Award for top Rookie of the Year. It’s huge for our team, and it really says a lot for my crew members. We’ve had a great, consistent race car all season and we were really working hard for this award, but there are some great competitors out here that I’ve had to compete against head-to-head and they’re tough,” said Force. “I’m very honored and excited to get it this year. It definitely was a tough year to go for it and I’m very happy to join the rest of my teammates who have received this award before me. I’m definitely looking forward to next season with my Traxxas Ford Mustang team.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

92: DAYS UNTIL THE START OF THE 2013 NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SEASON: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series concluded its 2012 season in dramatic fashion with Matco Tools Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown winning his first world championship as well as Funny Car driver “Fast” Jack Beckman and Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson also claiming their first world titles. As we closed this chapter of the NHRA series, we now look forward to a new beginning in 2013 with Mello Yello onboard as the new series sponsor. The first stop on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule will be at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for the 53rd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals and if the racing is as intense as it was at the 2012 season finale, the 2013 season will surely be one for the record books.

DID YOU KNOW…

2013 DATES ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL NHRA SCREAMIN’ EAGLE CHAMPIONSHIP MOTORCYCLE SERIES: The race dates for the NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series have been announced for the 2013 season. The newly formed race series will compete 10 times during the season in conjunction with select NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series events held across the country. At least one high-energy NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series event will be held in each of the seven NHRA divisions during the year. At every event, Top Fuel, Pro Gas, Draggin’ Bagger, Street Pro and Hot Street will compete during the weekend. The NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series will offer a total purse of $152,800 among the five classes. The winners in each category at every event will be awarded a Wally and will participate in the race winner's circle activities. The program also includes the crowning of a year-end Top Fuel champion, who will receive a specially designed Wally and year-end bonus. The best seven of 10 races will count for points toward the year-end championship.

“The NHRA Screamin’ Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series greatly expands Harley-Davidson’s commitment to supporting grassroots drag racers with great Screamin’ Eagle performance products, more contingency payouts, and expanded opportunities to race on a national stage,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Kris Schoonover. “We’re very excited to partner with the NHRA’s strong divisional Sportsman series to raise the visibility of this exciting form of motorcycle racing at a wide range of great racing venues around the country.”

For more on this story, visit www.nhra.com.

SEMA News—October 2012

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy SEMA Archives

Done for Pure Fun

At the 1970 Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships, the Top Fuel final came down to a duel between two close friends: Tony Nancy and Harry Hibler. Nancy, known for his outstanding upholstery work and for building a number of immaculate hot rods (several of which were featured on the cover of Hot Rod magazine), had just entered the Top Fuel ranks that year. Hibler, who for years ran the San Fernando dragstrip, had started racing Top Fuelers a couple years before and was juggling his racing schedule around his day job, selling advertising at Petersen Publishing Company.

Today, Hibler remembers the meet vividly. In fact, this photo has been hanging on his wall pretty much since it was taken on that spring day more than 40 years ago.

“The Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships was considered the race to win, the racer’s race,” he said. “Just to qualify was unbelievable. But I think the main reason it stands out so much is because it’s the only time Tony and I ever raced each other. We were such good friends, almost like brothers.”

Hibler was having trouble with his Hemi-powered dragster that weekend. “I actually ran the entire meet with almost no brakes, relying just on the chute,” he said, and the NHRA has a photo of him going through the lights with the parachute working so hard that it had pulled all four tires off the ground.

By the time he went up against Nancy for the final round, there wasn’t enough braking power to hold the car at the line. Hibler red-lighted.

“People asked me if I let him win because we were friends, but I wanted to beat him badly,” Hibler recalled. “It had nothing to do with friendship. We were racers.” And yet you can plainly see the bond between them as Nancy, at left, savors his victory while Hibler is still climbing out of his car.

Note that Hibler’s rail was a front-engine dragster; Nancy’s was, too. In fact, this would be the last year a front-engine dragster won Top Fuel at the March Meet. The following year, Don Garlits sliced through the field with his rear-engine Swamp Rat.

“I don’t think the racers today are having the fun or camaraderie that we used to have,” Hibler said. “Back then, we raced because we loved it. We didn’t do it to get rich or make money. It was done for pure fun. And as upset as I was for losing, if I had to lose to anyone in that final round, I was glad it was Tony.”

SEMA News—October 2012

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy SEMA Archives

Done for Pure Fun

At the 1970 Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships, the Top Fuel final came down to a duel between two close friends: Tony Nancy and Harry Hibler. Nancy, known for his outstanding upholstery work and for building a number of immaculate hot rods (several of which were featured on the cover of Hot Rod magazine), had just entered the Top Fuel ranks that year. Hibler, who for years ran the San Fernando dragstrip, had started racing Top Fuelers a couple years before and was juggling his racing schedule around his day job, selling advertising at Petersen Publishing Company.

Today, Hibler remembers the meet vividly. In fact, this photo has been hanging on his wall pretty much since it was taken on that spring day more than 40 years ago.

“The Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Championships was considered the race to win, the racer’s race,” he said. “Just to qualify was unbelievable. But I think the main reason it stands out so much is because it’s the only time Tony and I ever raced each other. We were such good friends, almost like brothers.”

Hibler was having trouble with his Hemi-powered dragster that weekend. “I actually ran the entire meet with almost no brakes, relying just on the chute,” he said, and the NHRA has a photo of him going through the lights with the parachute working so hard that it had pulled all four tires off the ground.

By the time he went up against Nancy for the final round, there wasn’t enough braking power to hold the car at the line. Hibler red-lighted.

“People asked me if I let him win because we were friends, but I wanted to beat him badly,” Hibler recalled. “It had nothing to do with friendship. We were racers.” And yet you can plainly see the bond between them as Nancy, at left, savors his victory while Hibler is still climbing out of his car.

Note that Hibler’s rail was a front-engine dragster; Nancy’s was, too. In fact, this would be the last year a front-engine dragster won Top Fuel at the March Meet. The following year, Don Garlits sliced through the field with his rear-engine Swamp Rat.

“I don’t think the racers today are having the fun or camaraderie that we used to have,” Hibler said. “Back then, we raced because we loved it. We didn’t do it to get rich or make money. It was done for pure fun. And as upset as I was for losing, if I had to lose to anyone in that final round, I was glad it was Tony.”

SEMA News—October 2012

BUSINESS
By Kristin DeBates

Rev Up Your Online Customer Experience With Logistics

How to Deliver the Goods to Online Shoppers

	A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process.

The online retail market for automotive parts and accessories continues to emerge as a tremendous growth opportunity for the aftermarket parts industry. While appraisals of sales volumes within the online auto parts industry vary, estimates range from $1.8 billion to $4 billion annually.

The recent 2012 SEMA Annual Market Report found that consumers (46.2%) cited chain auto parts stores and specialty parts stores as their primary outlets for purchasing automotive parts and accessories; however, online retail was the next highest outlet, with 24.5% of respondents reporting that they primarily purchased automotive parts from online retailers. The online retailers ranged from online auction sites and chain auto parts online stores to online-only retailers.

It is clear that the popularity and potential for online retailing of automotive parts serves as a growth opportunity for the industry. Taking advantage of this opportunity will require automotive suppliers and retailers to look at the customer experience in a new way—from the perspective of an online shopper.

A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process. Ultimately, the survey found that the ability to control deliveries and having increased visibility were the most important factors driving today’s online shoppers. Following are highlights of top study findings and advice for automotive parts suppliers on strategies to address online customer expectations.

Options, Options and More Options

One of the keys to success with online shoppers is to provide them with a variety of delivery options to meet their needs. The comScore Online Customer Experience study found that while 67% of shoppers preferred the most economical delivery option, the majority of respondents also desired the option to speed up shipments in urgent scenarios, such as the need for a crucial part. Long delivery lead times also can be a major deterrent for online shoppers. The study found that 80% of online shoppers reported recently abandoning their online shopping carts, and 78% of those respondents cited the specified delivery time or a delivery time of more than five days as their reason for cart abandonment.

In order to address online customers’ preferences for delivery date options, look for shipping partners that offer a number of flexible shipping options, ranging from premium express delivery to more economical options, such as ground delivery. The more shipping options made available to online customers, the more likely they are to follow through with their online purchases.

Communication Is Key

Similar to providing online shoppers with multiple delivery options, retailers should be aware that shoppers want to know the details regarding their delivery date prior to making an online purchase. Providing online customers with an accurate delivery date from the beginning can further ensure that customer expectations are being met. Additionally, 46% of survey respondents said that receiving a product when expected led them to recommend an online retailer.

Online shoppers not only want to know when they will receive a package, but also want to use technology to stay on top of their delivery. Of the online shoppers surveyed, 39% said that receiving an e-mail or text delivery alert was the most convenient form of notification.

There are a number of tools available to assist online retailers with these customer preferences for increased communication and visibility. These tools range from enabling retailers to place package tracking capabilities directly on their websites to solutions that help retailers proactively alert customers of their delivery via e-mail or text.

Read this story in its entirety in the October 2012 issue of SEMA News. 

SEMA News—October 2012

BUSINESS
By Kristin DeBates

Rev Up Your Online Customer Experience With Logistics

How to Deliver the Goods to Online Shoppers

	A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process.

The online retail market for automotive parts and accessories continues to emerge as a tremendous growth opportunity for the aftermarket parts industry. While appraisals of sales volumes within the online auto parts industry vary, estimates range from $1.8 billion to $4 billion annually.

The recent 2012 SEMA Annual Market Report found that consumers (46.2%) cited chain auto parts stores and specialty parts stores as their primary outlets for purchasing automotive parts and accessories; however, online retail was the next highest outlet, with 24.5% of respondents reporting that they primarily purchased automotive parts from online retailers. The online retailers ranged from online auction sites and chain auto parts online stores to online-only retailers.

It is clear that the popularity and potential for online retailing of automotive parts serves as a growth opportunity for the industry. Taking advantage of this opportunity will require automotive suppliers and retailers to look at the customer experience in a new way—from the perspective of an online shopper.

A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process. Ultimately, the survey found that the ability to control deliveries and having increased visibility were the most important factors driving today’s online shoppers. Following are highlights of top study findings and advice for automotive parts suppliers on strategies to address online customer expectations.

Options, Options and More Options

One of the keys to success with online shoppers is to provide them with a variety of delivery options to meet their needs. The comScore Online Customer Experience study found that while 67% of shoppers preferred the most economical delivery option, the majority of respondents also desired the option to speed up shipments in urgent scenarios, such as the need for a crucial part. Long delivery lead times also can be a major deterrent for online shoppers. The study found that 80% of online shoppers reported recently abandoning their online shopping carts, and 78% of those respondents cited the specified delivery time or a delivery time of more than five days as their reason for cart abandonment.

In order to address online customers’ preferences for delivery date options, look for shipping partners that offer a number of flexible shipping options, ranging from premium express delivery to more economical options, such as ground delivery. The more shipping options made available to online customers, the more likely they are to follow through with their online purchases.

Communication Is Key

Similar to providing online shoppers with multiple delivery options, retailers should be aware that shoppers want to know the details regarding their delivery date prior to making an online purchase. Providing online customers with an accurate delivery date from the beginning can further ensure that customer expectations are being met. Additionally, 46% of survey respondents said that receiving a product when expected led them to recommend an online retailer.

Online shoppers not only want to know when they will receive a package, but also want to use technology to stay on top of their delivery. Of the online shoppers surveyed, 39% said that receiving an e-mail or text delivery alert was the most convenient form of notification.

There are a number of tools available to assist online retailers with these customer preferences for increased communication and visibility. These tools range from enabling retailers to place package tracking capabilities directly on their websites to solutions that help retailers proactively alert customers of their delivery via e-mail or text.

Read this story in its entirety in the October 2012 issue of SEMA News. 

SEMA News—October 2012

BUSINESS
By Kristin DeBates

Rev Up Your Online Customer Experience With Logistics

How to Deliver the Goods to Online Shoppers

	A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process.

The online retail market for automotive parts and accessories continues to emerge as a tremendous growth opportunity for the aftermarket parts industry. While appraisals of sales volumes within the online auto parts industry vary, estimates range from $1.8 billion to $4 billion annually.

The recent 2012 SEMA Annual Market Report found that consumers (46.2%) cited chain auto parts stores and specialty parts stores as their primary outlets for purchasing automotive parts and accessories; however, online retail was the next highest outlet, with 24.5% of respondents reporting that they primarily purchased automotive parts from online retailers. The online retailers ranged from online auction sites and chain auto parts online stores to online-only retailers.

It is clear that the popularity and potential for online retailing of automotive parts serves as a growth opportunity for the industry. Taking advantage of this opportunity will require automotive suppliers and retailers to look at the customer experience in a new way—from the perspective of an online shopper.

A recent study by comScore revealed new insights into the consumer online shopping experience. Commissioned by UPS, the comScore study polled more than 3,100 online shoppers and evaluated consumer perceptions and shopping habits ranging from pre-purchase to delivery and even the returns process. Ultimately, the survey found that the ability to control deliveries and having increased visibility were the most important factors driving today’s online shoppers. Following are highlights of top study findings and advice for automotive parts suppliers on strategies to address online customer expectations.

Options, Options and More Options

One of the keys to success with online shoppers is to provide them with a variety of delivery options to meet their needs. The comScore Online Customer Experience study found that while 67% of shoppers preferred the most economical delivery option, the majority of respondents also desired the option to speed up shipments in urgent scenarios, such as the need for a crucial part. Long delivery lead times also can be a major deterrent for online shoppers. The study found that 80% of online shoppers reported recently abandoning their online shopping carts, and 78% of those respondents cited the specified delivery time or a delivery time of more than five days as their reason for cart abandonment.

In order to address online customers’ preferences for delivery date options, look for shipping partners that offer a number of flexible shipping options, ranging from premium express delivery to more economical options, such as ground delivery. The more shipping options made available to online customers, the more likely they are to follow through with their online purchases.

Communication Is Key

Similar to providing online shoppers with multiple delivery options, retailers should be aware that shoppers want to know the details regarding their delivery date prior to making an online purchase. Providing online customers with an accurate delivery date from the beginning can further ensure that customer expectations are being met. Additionally, 46% of survey respondents said that receiving a product when expected led them to recommend an online retailer.

Online shoppers not only want to know when they will receive a package, but also want to use technology to stay on top of their delivery. Of the online shoppers surveyed, 39% said that receiving an e-mail or text delivery alert was the most convenient form of notification.

There are a number of tools available to assist online retailers with these customer preferences for increased communication and visibility. These tools range from enabling retailers to place package tracking capabilities directly on their websites to solutions that help retailers proactively alert customers of their delivery via e-mail or text.

Read this story in its entirety in the October 2012 issue of SEMA News. 

By John Stewart

Auto writers get their hands on a MOPAR-enhanced Dodge Viper a week after it appeared at the 2012 SEMA Show.

The Jeep “Sand Trooper” had some parts, such as a MOPAR 5.7L crate engine, which enthusiasts can order, and some that were strictly prototypes, such as the beadlock wheels.

The Dart “Slingshot” has internal roll cage and other upgrades that make it suitable for autocross use.

The assembled press also had a chance to drive two Fiat 500 cars that had been extensively restyled.

Pietro Gorlier, president and chief executive officer – Mopar brand service, parts and customer care, Chrysler Group LLC, last week invited a group of car writers to experience some of the concept cars that had been on display at the 2012 SEMA Show. The cars spanned a wide range of tastes and visions, but many sported parts that could be soon ordered through Mopar dealers, or even ordered now.

“We’re here today because we want to extend the SEMA season,” says  Gorlier. “Every year, we put these dream vehicles on the SEMA Show floor for a full week, and then pack up our toys and take them home. This year we weren’t ready for the fun to stop.”

Lead designers and engineers were also in attendance to discuss the basis of each concept and hint at which parts were likely to become available as Mopar offerings. A number of attending journalists took advantage of the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel and actually drive the SEMA display concept vehicles. One of the most compelling was the SRT Viper, which had been further enhanced for track use. The prototype vehicle built for the SEMA Show appears far more sophisticated than the original performance car, which has been described as “raw and unforgiving.” A carbon-fiber ground effects package, including chin spoiler, were said to be functional prototypes that could create up to 500 lbs. of downforce at top speed, which for a Viper, is something close to 200 mph. Also conspicuous was a GoPro camera mounted behind the seats. Dodge recently reported that after three years, the Viper supercar is again available at dealers, and ’13 SRT Viper packages can now be ordered.

Other SEMA concept vehicles on hand that day included the Dart “Slingshot” (an autocross setup), a luxury Chrysler 300 with 20-in. wheels and Katzkin seats, and the Wrangler “Sand Trooper,” a ’12 JK with 5.7L Mopar crate engine, portal axles, prototype beadlock wheels and a matte tan finish. Like the other vehicles, the Wrangler’s equipment included some production parts that can be ordered through Mopar and some prototypes that may or may not make it into production.

“SEMA provided a great opportunity for us to experiment with these vehicles,” Gorlier noted. He reaffirmed Mopar’s commitment to making performance parts for enthusiasts as a primary mission, adding, “When we’re designing the car, we’re working on performance parts at the same time as well.”

By John Stewart

Auto writers get their hands on a MOPAR-enhanced Dodge Viper a week after it appeared at the 2012 SEMA Show.

The Jeep “Sand Trooper” had some parts, such as a MOPAR 5.7L crate engine, which enthusiasts can order, and some that were strictly prototypes, such as the beadlock wheels.

The Dart “Slingshot” has internal roll cage and other upgrades that make it suitable for autocross use.

The assembled press also had a chance to drive two Fiat 500 cars that had been extensively restyled.

Pietro Gorlier, president and chief executive officer – Mopar brand service, parts and customer care, Chrysler Group LLC, last week invited a group of car writers to experience some of the concept cars that had been on display at the 2012 SEMA Show. The cars spanned a wide range of tastes and visions, but many sported parts that could be soon ordered through Mopar dealers, or even ordered now.

“We’re here today because we want to extend the SEMA season,” says  Gorlier. “Every year, we put these dream vehicles on the SEMA Show floor for a full week, and then pack up our toys and take them home. This year we weren’t ready for the fun to stop.”

Lead designers and engineers were also in attendance to discuss the basis of each concept and hint at which parts were likely to become available as Mopar offerings. A number of attending journalists took advantage of the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel and actually drive the SEMA display concept vehicles. One of the most compelling was the SRT Viper, which had been further enhanced for track use. The prototype vehicle built for the SEMA Show appears far more sophisticated than the original performance car, which has been described as “raw and unforgiving.” A carbon-fiber ground effects package, including chin spoiler, were said to be functional prototypes that could create up to 500 lbs. of downforce at top speed, which for a Viper, is something close to 200 mph. Also conspicuous was a GoPro camera mounted behind the seats. Dodge recently reported that after three years, the Viper supercar is again available at dealers, and ’13 SRT Viper packages can now be ordered.

Other SEMA concept vehicles on hand that day included the Dart “Slingshot” (an autocross setup), a luxury Chrysler 300 with 20-in. wheels and Katzkin seats, and the Wrangler “Sand Trooper,” a ’12 JK with 5.7L Mopar crate engine, portal axles, prototype beadlock wheels and a matte tan finish. Like the other vehicles, the Wrangler’s equipment included some production parts that can be ordered through Mopar and some prototypes that may or may not make it into production.

“SEMA provided a great opportunity for us to experiment with these vehicles,” Gorlier noted. He reaffirmed Mopar’s commitment to making performance parts for enthusiasts as a primary mission, adding, “When we’re designing the car, we’re working on performance parts at the same time as well.”

	Prestolite Performance launched “The Search for Mr. Gasket” contest, where one fan will receive a one-year contract to become Mr. Gasket's official spokesperson.

Prestolite Announces “The Search for Mr. Gasket Contest”
Prestolite Performance announced the company's first-ever “The Search for Mr. Gasket” contest, where one lucky fan will receive a one-year contract to become Mr. Gasket's official spokesperson.

“If you spend your weekends working under the hood, we’re looking for you,” said Rob Koller, brand manager for Mr. Gasket. “We’ve found that great ideas often come from weekend racers and everyday performance enthusiasts. We’re looking for that kind of person to become the face of the Mr. Gasket brand. For us, the glitz of Hollywood is no match for the grit that comes from working on an engine.”

Beyond a ceremonial title, the new Mr. Gasket will receive a one-year contract to appear in television and print ads, appear at select Prestolite Performance promotional visits, and $2,500. Participants can enter the contest through December 31 by going to www.TheSearchforMrGasket.com, uploading a photo that shows their obsession with performance cars and explaining why they should be chosen as Mr. Gasket. Prestolite Performance will select 10 finalists, and the public will be able to vote on a winner from January 1–31, 2013, either on www.TheSearchforMrGasket.com or The Search for Mr. Gasket Facebook tab. Prestolite Performance will declare a winner on January 31, with the new Mr. Gasket announced publicly on or around February 6. Contact Tom Valentino at tom.valentino@thundertech.com or 888-321-8422 for additional information.

Automotive Lift Institute Chooses Simpson Communications for PR
The trade association Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has named Simpson Communications LLC as its public relations agency of record. Simpson Communications will promote the organization’s lift certification and safety messages to the vehicle service industry. “With the recent introduction of our Lift Inspector Certification Program, we’ve expanded our mission to include vehicle lift inspection in addition to our traditional activities designed to help promote a stronger automotive lift safety environment,” said ALI President R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman. The Lift Inspector Certification Program was created to provide third-party qualification of vehicle-lift inspectors and to certify those who pass tests and practical-experience requirements demonstrating that they are qualified to properly inspect vehicle lifts in accordance with ANSI standards and in support of OSHA’s General Duty Clause and provincial requirements in Canada. Inspection companies with candidate inspectors that achieve certification by ALI are also eligible to represent a newly formed associate membership group within ALI, allowing the organization to grow in new directions to further support the industry.

Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Seminar Returns to Race Industry Week
Long-time race engineer Claude Rouelle will return to Orlando, Florida, with his “Advanced Vehicle Dynamics & Data Acquisition” seminar, November 26–28, as part of Race Industry Week in conjunction with the 25th annual PRI Trade Show. The Advanced Vehicle Dynamics seminar joins the AETC as one of two kick-off events to Race Industry Week—the week-long racing business extravaganza leading into this year's PRI Trade Show. The seminar is designed to help teams and designers not only learn about finding the correct setup, but also about understanding why a setup change is working or not working, and knowing how to quantify this advantage. It will aide in understanding how, why and how much certain factors affect vehicle behavior, rather than relying on experience and intuition. Topics scheduled to be addressed in the three-day seminar include: tires, aerodynamics, kinematics, steady state weight transfer, shocks, ride and transient weight transfers, data acquisition, car design, tuning modification and chassis setup. There is a fee to attend. The OptimumG seminar is one of eight major events that will take place in conjunction with this year's PRI Trade Show, November 29–December 1, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Overall, Race Industry Week is scheduled to include more than 35 special events. More information is available at www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

Motor Trend Names Tesla Model S 2013 Car of the Year
Source Interlink Media recently announced that Motor Trend has selected the 2013 Tesla Model S as its 2013 Car of the Year, marking the first time that a vehicle not powered by an internal combustion engine has been selected during the award's 64-year history. The announcement was made after a diverse group of 25 contenders were put through a series of tests by Motor Trend to examine nearly every aspect of each vehicle. When it was all over, the panel of 11 judges voted unanimously for the Tesla Model S. 

	Stephen Seipel became the owner of this custom-designed 2013 Dodge Dart Limited by winning “Fight for Your Dart” contest, conducted through a partnership between Dodge and the UFC.

Stephen Seipel Wins the “Fight for Your Dart” Contest
Working together, Dodge and the UFC launched the “Fight for Your Dart” contest—hosted on the Dodge Facebook page—beginning July 20 and concluding July 24. The “Fight for Your Dart” contest pitted two would-be winners to pick one of two UFC fighters—either Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson or Joseph Benavidez—and whichever fighter won, so did their Facebook fan. Partnered with Johnson, Stephen Seipel became the owner of the custom-designed ’13 Dodge Dart Limited. Customized by Kelderman Air Suspension Systems, Seipel's ’13 Dodge Dart Limited was designed by Johnson and then tricked-out in Matte Gecko Green paint and custom vinyl graphics, accessorized with Katzkin Leather seats, JL Audio speakers, amplifier and subwoofer, Magnaflow exhaust, American Racing wheels and Toyo Tires. Before Seipel could take possession of the grand-prize Dart, he was flown to Las Vegas and invited to attend the 2012 SEMA Show as Dodge's special guest where he would be officially presented the keys to the ’13 Dart from Kelderman Vice President Jeff Kelderman and Demetrious Johnson.

Ingersoll Rand Names Winners of the Extreme Toolbox Overhaul Contest
Ingersoll Rand announced the winners of the Extreme Toolbox Overhaul Contest held at the 2012 SEMA Show. The Grand Prize winner was Conner Jex from Spanish Fork, Utah. Jex was randomly drawn to win a custom-designed tool box, the complete line of IQ(V20) Series cordless tools and select pneumatic MAX series tools from Ingersoll Rand. Alan Buebar, the runner-up from Dalhart, Texas, will receive the newest addition to the IQ(V20) Series cordless tool line—the W5130 3/8-in. Mid-Torque Cordless Impactool. In addition to the cordless line, Jex received select MAX Series tools, including the 122MAXK Air Hammer Kit, 2015MAX 3/8-in. Hammerhead Low Profile Impactool, 2135iMAX 1/2-in. Impact Wrench, 1105MAX-D2 1/4-in. Ratchet, 1207MAX-D33/8-in. Ratchet, 3445MAX Air Angle Grinder and the recently introduced 5102MAX and 5108MAX Air Die Grinders.

Half a decade ago the SEMA Show was less than a blip on the collision repair industry's radar. Those days are long gone as the Show continues to solidify its standing as the premier event for the industry, with filled aisles, packed booths, a burgeoning number of collision-repair-related industries on the Show floor, and an infectious energy that collision repairers just can't seem to resist.

"From our vantage point in the booth, you can't help but notice the enthusiasm of the collision repair customers walking the aisles," said Brian Shenk, director of marketing services for Sherman-Williams Automotive Finishes. "I thinks it's because the Show is infused with the colorful, cool fun of the custom car segment, which carries over to collision repair participants. Two years ago we moved our booth to the North Hall, home to the collision repair section, and we haven't looked back since. Having a presence here has really paid off, and our custom paint group is totally on board, as well."

The SEMA Show is attracting increasing numbers of collision repairers and exhibitors for a variety of practical reasons, too. At the top of the list is the search for alternative revenue streams, as more and more collision repairers understand the need to think out of the box when considering products and services that can increase their bottom line. At the Show, they get exposure to these kinds of options, like customization and specialty paint work that often can be accomplished with a collision repairer's existing tools. Vendors of products and services that align with a repairer's core work, such as those related to mechanical repair, are also well represented at the SEMA Show.

"Repairers that keep their eyes open to opportunity can walk the aisles of the Show and get any number of ideas to diversify their businesses," said Frank Terlep, owner of Summit Software Solutions Inc. "Reduced claims and increased consolidation are dictating that repairers refine their business model; this is the place to get inspired to do it. Just this afternoon I saw a vendor selling aftermarket collision avoidance systems, and another selling backup cameras. These products are ideal complements to the services repairers already provide."

Jonathan Barrick, marketing manager for Global Finishing Solutions, has similar feelings. "Basically collision repair owners and managers can come to this Show and find everything they need to improve their business," he stated. "This includes the quality educational material that SCRS provides and promotes through Repairer Driven Education (RDE). Our company likes being here because the attendees seem so open to learning about new products. That makes the SEMA Show the perfect place to illustrate what our company is all about. It's a venue that allows us to show our personality and make a good brand impression. We've increased our booth space every year."

The benefits of expanded markets resonate throughout the exhibitor side, as well. "Our company has been coming to this Show for many years," noted PPG Senior Manager Business Solutions/Industry Relations Domenic Brusco, "primarily as a well-received provider of custom finishes for hot rods, motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. The traction that is growing in the collision repair section—which I think can be attributed in part to the work SCRS has done to build the industry's identity at the Show—is great for us because it also gives us the opportunity to connect with our collision refinish business customers. It's a nice synergy."

SEMA also exhibits a set of intangibles that adds to its allure. "The Show brings together everyone that is an auto enthusiast, which makes it unique," said Jeff Kern, president of Car-O-Liner, another company that has increased its booth size every year and was one of the first collision repair vendors to host a booth on the SEMA Show floor. "Attendees get a sense of 'we are all in this together' and feel a part of a greater automotive-related whole, perhaps, they never would have gotten to experience otherwise."

SCRS Board Member Kye Yeung likewise sees benefit in the distinctive nature of the Show. "Because the SEMA Show includes all auto-related businesses, it provides a kind of neutral background which, for some reason, seems to encourage networking between shop owners," he said. "I guess you could say it takes us out of the day-to-day mindset we fall into as we are grinding away in the trenches, so we can look at our competitors more objectively and appreciate what they have to offer."

Top-notch education of the type SCRS provides through RDE is yet another reason repairers find the Show compelling—explaining why so many collision repair vendors have stepped up to support the program. Simply put, RDE attracts collision repair professionals to the North Hall, placing exhibitors in close proximity to the prospects that can best benefit from what they have to offer.

Conversely, the SEMA Show has proven to be the perfect venue for education of RDE's ambitious scope. "It works both ways," explained SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "The energy this Show generates carries over to how people perceive our curriculum, to which or healthy enrollment numbers will attest. And it's satisfying—and frankly humbling—to hear the success of RDE translates into success for collision repair exhibitors, including RDE's sponsors that provided significant financial support for the program. We extend our deepest thanks to the sponsoring companies, who by their actions demonstrate their understanding of the need for quality education. The SEMA Show is on the rise, no question."