The Vehicle Technology Center will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners.

SEMA continually works to develop vehicle technology solutions and build relationships that foster collaboration between automakers, original-equipment suppliers, dealers, research organizations, industry associations and member companies. The revamped SEMA Vehicle Technology Center (VTC) at the SEMA Show is an important extension of that effort, providing members with in-depth information and hands-on understanding from leading industry experts about advanced vehicle technologies and emerging systems.

The VTC will showcase SEMA’s latest solutions and leading educational seminars as well as vehicle technology simulations and demonstrations to help present the benefits of SEMA vehicle technology programs and partners. View the educational forums and panel sessions related to the Vehicle Technology Center.

SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak was recently interviewed by Susan Kuchinskas of Telematics Update. Waraniak weighed in on the current state of vehicle apps, the challenges companies face as a result of connected-car technology and the major trends that are currently impacting the automotive aftermarket industry.

Read the complete article, "Q&A: Telematics, Apps and Making Connectivity Cool."

	This ’63 Citroën 2CV from France will be on display beside the Car Crazy TV stage at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Coming off of the success of last year’s "Car Crazy" International Vehicle Showcase, Meguiar’s will once again advocate pride among car enthusiasts by displaying nine show cars from around the world at the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

Meguiar’s, producer of "Car Crazy TV" and Meguiar’s Car Wax, has been actively building and supporting the car hobby all over the world for more than 40 years. Out of thousands of car shows held in more than 90 countries, nine show cars from nine different countries were chosen as winners by the citizens of their respective regions to represent the car hobby from that area. Each owner accepted the invitation by Meguiar’s to bring their vehicle and share their passion with the global car fraternity that gathers every year at the SEMA Show.

These cars will be transported from across the globe by Schumacher Cargo and Logistics, and will be on display outside the convention hall beside the SEMA "Car Crazy TV" stage. Throughout the four days of the Show, the owners will be a major attraction along with their cars, providing insight into the car hobby in their respective countries.  

The cars to be featured and on display include:

• ’56 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (Canada)
• ’12 Changhe Suzuki Landy (China)
• ’65 Chevrolet Corvette (Colombia)
• ’63 Citroën 2CV (France)
• ’08 Opel Corsa D OPC 1.6 Turbo (Germany)
• ’00 Lexus LS 430 (Korea)
• ’64 Ford Coupe Club (Mexico)
• ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe (Sweden)
• ’08 Range Rover Sport HSE (Trinidad and Tobago)

The "Car Crazy" International Showcase helps build bridges between car enthusiasts from vastly different places and cultures. “We are so thankful to SEMA for providing this platform that allows everyone at SEMA to have direct contact with passionate car guys and extraordinary cars from around the world,” said Meguiar’s President Barry Meguiar.

Before making their way to the SEMA Show, the cars will stop at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California, and be showcased for a limited time to museum visitors during the month of October, including a special open house event Saturday, October 20. Visit www.marconimuseum.org for more information.

	This ’63 Citroën 2CV from France will be on display beside the Car Crazy TV stage at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Coming off of the success of last year’s "Car Crazy" International Vehicle Showcase, Meguiar’s will once again advocate pride among car enthusiasts by displaying nine show cars from around the world at the 2012 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas.

Meguiar’s, producer of "Car Crazy TV" and Meguiar’s Car Wax, has been actively building and supporting the car hobby all over the world for more than 40 years. Out of thousands of car shows held in more than 90 countries, nine show cars from nine different countries were chosen as winners by the citizens of their respective regions to represent the car hobby from that area. Each owner accepted the invitation by Meguiar’s to bring their vehicle and share their passion with the global car fraternity that gathers every year at the SEMA Show.

These cars will be transported from across the globe by Schumacher Cargo and Logistics, and will be on display outside the convention hall beside the SEMA "Car Crazy TV" stage. Throughout the four days of the Show, the owners will be a major attraction along with their cars, providing insight into the car hobby in their respective countries.  

The cars to be featured and on display include:

• ’56 Chevrolet 3100 pickup (Canada)
• ’12 Changhe Suzuki Landy (China)
• ’65 Chevrolet Corvette (Colombia)
• ’63 Citroën 2CV (France)
• ’08 Opel Corsa D OPC 1.6 Turbo (Germany)
• ’00 Lexus LS 430 (Korea)
• ’64 Ford Coupe Club (Mexico)
• ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe (Sweden)
• ’08 Range Rover Sport HSE (Trinidad and Tobago)

The "Car Crazy" International Showcase helps build bridges between car enthusiasts from vastly different places and cultures. “We are so thankful to SEMA for providing this platform that allows everyone at SEMA to have direct contact with passionate car guys and extraordinary cars from around the world,” said Meguiar’s President Barry Meguiar.

Before making their way to the SEMA Show, the cars will stop at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California, and be showcased for a limited time to museum visitors during the month of October, including a special open house event Saturday, October 20. Visit www.marconimuseum.org for more information.

	During the Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region.

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries are eager for U.S.-branded products. Come to the Middle East, March 13–16, 2013, and meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region, tour the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS) and visit top retailers. SEMA events will be located in a dedicated hall, entry by special registration only.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast or contact lindas@sema.org.

	During the Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region.

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding countries are eager for U.S.-branded products. Come to the Middle East, March 13–16, 2013, and meet first-hand with resellers from throughout the region, tour the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS) and visit top retailers. SEMA events will be located in a dedicated hall, entry by special registration only.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast or contact lindas@sema.org.

	Stop by the DUB Live area at the 2012 SEMA Show to see the vehicles featured in the BUILT From eBay campaign.

The vehicles that are part of Source Interlink Media and eBay Motors' BUILT campaign will be featured in the DUB Live Area at the 2012 SEMA Show. The four garage teams will unveil the vehicles to the SEMA audience on Tuesday, October 30, starting at 3:00 p.m. and will be on-hand to talk about the vehicles. Showgoers are encouraged to stop by and pick up an autographed poster of the vehicles.

BUILT From eBay featured four garages building four distinctly different vehicles that were purchased through eBay and then customized using parts—vintage and new alike—that were also acquired through eBay.

Attendees can stop by the BUILT exhibit throughout the four-day Show, take a picture with one of the vehicles and upload it to Twitter using the hashtag #BuiltfromeBay to enter a daily prize drawing. In addition to the prize drawing, visitors can also check out the MyVehicles profile for each BUILT vehicle and learn how to create profiles of their own, view footage from the BUILT Series, and vote for their favorite aftermarket accessories.

The DUB Live area is located in the front of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

	Stop by the DUB Live area at the 2012 SEMA Show to see the vehicles featured in the BUILT From eBay campaign.

The vehicles that are part of Source Interlink Media and eBay Motors' BUILT campaign will be featured in the DUB Live Area at the 2012 SEMA Show. The four garage teams will unveil the vehicles to the SEMA audience on Tuesday, October 30, starting at 3:00 p.m. and will be on-hand to talk about the vehicles. Showgoers are encouraged to stop by and pick up an autographed poster of the vehicles.

BUILT From eBay featured four garages building four distinctly different vehicles that were purchased through eBay and then customized using parts—vintage and new alike—that were also acquired through eBay.

Attendees can stop by the BUILT exhibit throughout the four-day Show, take a picture with one of the vehicles and upload it to Twitter using the hashtag #BuiltfromeBay to enter a daily prize drawing. In addition to the prize drawing, visitors can also check out the MyVehicles profile for each BUILT vehicle and learn how to create profiles of their own, view footage from the BUILT Series, and vote for their favorite aftermarket accessories.

The DUB Live area is located in the front of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

	Dale Dobies, who has served as exhibit manager for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance for the past 17 years, Has announced his plan to retire on December 31, 2012.

Dale Dobies Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance Announces Retirement
Dale Dobies, exhibit manager for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance, announced his plan to retire on December 31, 2012. He has coordinated all trade shows, customer open houses, car shows and racing events for Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance the past 17 years. Dobies first started in the trade show business 37 years ago with TRW Automotive Replacement Division in Cleveland, Ohio. Dobies shared that his plans for retirement include getting started on a car in his garage in need of restoration, attending swap meets, going on a quest to find the perfect amber ale, and helping his daughter in her art studio outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Projekt Cars Has Storage Space Available for SEMA Show Vehicles
SEMA member Projekt Cars announced that it is providing storage space for SEMA Showgoers bringing a project vehicle to Vegas for the 2012 SEMA Show. Storage space is available at the company's Rollin' Art facility, 2950 W. Brooks Ave., North Las Vegas, Nevada 89032. For more information, e-mail ProjektCars@hotmail.com or call 915-317-8984. Include the "Storage for (comapany)" in the subject of the e-mail and the vehicle details (year/make/model).

Hella Introduces New Brand Slogan
Automotive parts supplier Hella recently changed its brand message. The new message, "Technology With Vision," has replaced the company's 20-year slogan, "Ideas today for the cars of tomorrow." Hella reports that the new "Technology With Vision" slogan will be gradually introduced worldwide. The company also plans to combine the slogan with the Hella logo in the near future. "The new slogan expresses convincingly and precisely what HELLA has stood for more than 100 years—namely technological expertise, strong innovation, sustainability and orientation towards the future," says Dr. Jürgen Behrend, chairman and president of the company. "This outwardly visible performance promise reflects above all the employees' own self-image. In addition, the double meaning of the word 'vision' illustrates very nicely the roots of the company in the areas of 'light and vision' on the one hand. On the other, the slogan emphasizes the meaning of a forward-looking, responsible corporate strategy for our enterprise."

Lokar Inc. hired Scott Thiel to its product development team, as chief engineer.

Lokar Hires Scott Thiel as Chief Engineer
Lokar Inc. has added chief engineer Scott Thiel to its product development team. Hired in June, Thiel brings to Lokar more than 20 years of experience developing new products and manufacturing processes for the transportation industry. The company reports that he has designed and released products for Warn Industries, Toyota, Nissan, Freightliner, Volvo, Caterpillar and Kenworth. His experience with electro-mechanical devices will help Lokar develop new products that work in conjunction with OEM systems, as well as enhance the comfort and function of today’s high-performance vehicles. Lokar owner Debbie Walls stated, "We are excited to take this step towards our future growth and the new technologies we can develop with his experience." 

Dates Announced for 2013 Auto Glass Week
The 2013 Auto Glass Week and the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off (IWFC) will be held in Tampa, Florida, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina and the Tampa Convention Center, September 18–20, 2013. Organizers of the event stated that the event will include educational seminars, networking events, trade show with industry manufacturers and suppliers, replacement and repair competitions and the Tint-Off competitions. 

Scosche Product Line Now Available at Tint World
Scosche Industries entered into a new consumer technology partnership with Tint World. Tint World locations now offer Scosche's line of consumer tech, car audio and portable electronics. "By integrating Scosche's consumer tech accessories, Tint World will be able to provide their customers with a one-stop shop for all of their needs," said Vince Alves, executive vice president, Scosche Industries. We want to help companies like Tint World stay at the forefront of consumer technology trends, and we're excited to offer our products at more specialty retailers."  

Classic Industries partnered with automotive designer Chip Foose to support the relaunch the automotive restoration TV show "Overhaulin.'"

Classic Industries Partners With Chip Foose, "Overhaulin'"
Classic Industries announced that it has partnered with automotive designer Chip Foose to relaunch the "Overhaulin'" TV series. Classic Industries is a restoration partner for the series, which included the first episode of the season that featured a 1965 Impala. The revived series made its debut on October 1 on Discovery and will be shown on Discovery’s Velocity network for the fall 2012 television season. "Overhaulin’" was a truly important show that pushed automotive restoration to the forefront of TV and put the musclecar hobby in front of a new audience.” said Jeff Leonard, Classic Industries CEO. "We’re proud to work with Chip Foose to bring "Overhaulin'" back to the air." 

	Heidi Matheys will be responsible for leading brand management, strategy, marketing and research for the Valvoline brand of products through her new position as vice president of global brands for Ashland Consumer Markets, a commercial unit Ashland Inc.

Heidi Matheys to Lead Brand Management for Valvoline Products
Heidi Matheys has joined Ashland Consumer Markets, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., as vice president of global brands. Matheys will be responsible for leading brand management, strategy, marketing and consumer research for the Valvoline brand of products. She reports to Sam Mitchell, senior vice president and president of Ashland Consumer Markets. "We're thrilled to have Heidi join our Valvoline team," stated Mitchell. "I am confident that Heidi's global brand management expertise and leadership skills will have a positive impact on our DIY business, the Valvoline brand and overall product portfolio mix."

Brian Fenner Wins Windshield Repair Olympics
Delta Kits reported that longtime company advocate Brian Fenner of Safe Glass Technologies took home the gold medal in the 2012 Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics. As a previous 2008 and 2009 gold medal winner, Fenner went against 10 of the world's best repair technicians using Delta Kit products. Fenner's 1st place victory earned him a trophy, gold medal and check for $10,000. 

Identifix Inc. Names Gunderson New VP of Business Development
Identifix Inc. has named Richard J. Gunderson as its new vice president of business development. He will be responsible for the implementation of the company's long-term strategic business plan, including expansion into new markets overseas and in the United States, product development and extending sales channels. Identifix reports that Gunderson brings a wealth of expertise to his new position, including his abilities to form strategic alliances, develop and implement new programs and to support market expansion. His most recent position was vice president and general manager at Autodata Publications.

	Refer to the SEMA Show's Deadline Checklist so you don't miss out on important dates.

Many deadlines are coming tomorrow (Friday, October 5), so continuously review the Deadline Checklist and make sure you take advantage of the advance rate as much as possible. Below are those deadlines that will be passing over the next couple of weeks:

Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City		October 5
Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)		October 5
Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)		October 5
New Products Entry (Advance Rate)		October 5
Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation		October 5
Project Vehicle Builders		October 5
Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman		October 5
Changing Your Target Time – Freeman		October 5

The following items have a deadline of next Friday, October 12. Many relate to Freeman services. The hyperlinks below take you directly to a pdf that you can print out on your computer. Ordering services online can be made through Freeman.

• After-Hours Events
• Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Electrical Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application
• Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from John Buttine)
• Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibitor Product Training Sessions
• Exhibitor Registration Due – Domestic (To Receive Badges in Mail)
• Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate) - Freeman
• Labor, Installation and Dismantle – Freeman
• Manufacturer’s Rep Matching Service
• Meeting/Function Space Reservation 
• Payment Authorization Form – Freeman 
• Press Release Submission – Online
• Rigging Equipment Labor Order – Freeman
• Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Third-Party Payment – Freeman
• Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Mobile Command Detail

A complete list of all upcoming deadlines can be found in the Deadline Checklist, located online in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Entered Ideas Alive? New Products and Featured Products Program Offers Maximum Exposure!

Deadline for Advance Rate on Multiple Products: October 5

You must be entered in this program. First entry is free! Additional entries are only $75 per product category if the application is received Friday, October 5. Afterward, additional entries will be $150 per category. Buyers and media hang out in this section because they are looking for the latest and greatest products. Enter your products now.

Exhibitor Badges Mailing Soon

If you have already registered your booth personnel for the SEMA Show, badges will arrive soon. Exhibiting companies will have all their badges mailed together in one package and delivered by UPS to the exhibitor contact during the week of October 8. If you haven’t registered, you must register your booth personnel by October 12 in order to receive badges in advance by UPS. Otherwise, you will have to pick them up onsite in the Registration Hall. If you have any questions on the status of your badge mailing, don’t hesitate to contact Compusystems customer service at 866-229-3687 or e-mail aapexsema@compusystems.com.  

Hanging a Sign Above Your Booth? Make Sure You Follow All the Unique Guidelines

Having a sign hung from the ceiling by Freeman takes special consideration and guidelines as they must be hung before all the freight enters the hall. The Exhibitor Manual includes a five-step process in the right-hand column that you can follow to ensure everything is covered. If you have not yet completed Step 1, don’t worry. They can still be accepted despite being past the deadline. Most important at this time, though, is that order forms must be submitted by next Friday, and your sign must be shipped separately from all your other freight and arrive at Freeman’s office no later than October 19. Use the Shipping Label provided. Questions? Contact Freeman’s rigging department at 702-579-1700.

Are You a U.S. Citizen and Travel Overseas? SEMA Has a New Opportunity to Make Your Traveling Easier

Deadline: October 22

SEMA is partnering with the United States Custom & Border Protection (CBP) to offer onsite interviews for those desiring to join their Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Details were posted in last week’s SEMA eNews. You can begin the process by completing the online application. The CBP will contact you after receipt of the application and payment of a $100 processing fee, and schedule a follow-up interview with you in the Show Office at the SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.globalentry.gov.

Discounts at Numerous Restaurants and Shows Throughout Las Vegas for SEMA Exhibitors

Looking for options to entertain staff and customers while in town for the SEMA Show? SEMA has once again collected numerous options for both restaurants and shows where you simply have to show your SEMA badge to receive a discount. 

	Refer to the SEMA Show's Deadline Checklist so you don't miss out on important dates.

Many deadlines are coming tomorrow (Friday, October 5), so continuously review the Deadline Checklist and make sure you take advantage of the advance rate as much as possible. Below are those deadlines that will be passing over the next couple of weeks:

Cable Order (Advance Rate) – Smart City		October 5
Booth Security Guard Service (Advance Rate)		October 5
Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)		October 5
New Products Entry (Advance Rate)		October 5
Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation		October 5
Project Vehicle Builders		October 5
Rental Exhibit Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman		October 5
Changing Your Target Time – Freeman		October 5

The following items have a deadline of next Friday, October 12. Many relate to Freeman services. The hyperlinks below take you directly to a pdf that you can print out on your computer. Ordering services online can be made through Freeman.

• After-Hours Events
• Carpet and Cleaning Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Electrical Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibit Accessories (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor (EAC) Application
• Exhibitor Booth Insurance (if purchased from John Buttine)
• Exhibit Furnishings (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Exhibitor Product Training Sessions
• Exhibitor Registration Due – Domestic (To Receive Badges in Mail)
• Hanging Truss, Chain Hoist, Lighting and Stagehand Labor (Advance Rate) - Freeman
• Labor, Installation and Dismantle – Freeman
• Manufacturer’s Rep Matching Service
• Meeting/Function Space Reservation 
• Payment Authorization Form – Freeman 
• Press Release Submission – Online
• Rigging Equipment Labor Order – Freeman
• Special Signs and Graphics (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Third-Party Payment – Freeman
• Utilities: Air/Water/Drain Order (Advance Rate) – Freeman
• Vehicle Detailing (Advance Rate) – Mobile Command Detail

A complete list of all upcoming deadlines can be found in the Deadline Checklist, located online in the Exhibitor Manual.  

Entered Ideas Alive? New Products and Featured Products Program Offers Maximum Exposure!

Deadline for Advance Rate on Multiple Products: October 5

You must be entered in this program. First entry is free! Additional entries are only $75 per product category if the application is received Friday, October 5. Afterward, additional entries will be $150 per category. Buyers and media hang out in this section because they are looking for the latest and greatest products. Enter your products now.

Exhibitor Badges Mailing Soon

If you have already registered your booth personnel for the SEMA Show, badges will arrive soon. Exhibiting companies will have all their badges mailed together in one package and delivered by UPS to the exhibitor contact during the week of October 8. If you haven’t registered, you must register your booth personnel by October 12 in order to receive badges in advance by UPS. Otherwise, you will have to pick them up onsite in the Registration Hall. If you have any questions on the status of your badge mailing, don’t hesitate to contact Compusystems customer service at 866-229-3687 or e-mail aapexsema@compusystems.com.  

Hanging a Sign Above Your Booth? Make Sure You Follow All the Unique Guidelines

Having a sign hung from the ceiling by Freeman takes special consideration and guidelines as they must be hung before all the freight enters the hall. The Exhibitor Manual includes a five-step process in the right-hand column that you can follow to ensure everything is covered. If you have not yet completed Step 1, don’t worry. They can still be accepted despite being past the deadline. Most important at this time, though, is that order forms must be submitted by next Friday, and your sign must be shipped separately from all your other freight and arrive at Freeman’s office no later than October 19. Use the Shipping Label provided. Questions? Contact Freeman’s rigging department at 702-579-1700.

Are You a U.S. Citizen and Travel Overseas? SEMA Has a New Opportunity to Make Your Traveling Easier

Deadline: October 22

SEMA is partnering with the United States Custom & Border Protection (CBP) to offer onsite interviews for those desiring to join their Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Details were posted in last week’s SEMA eNews. You can begin the process by completing the online application. The CBP will contact you after receipt of the application and payment of a $100 processing fee, and schedule a follow-up interview with you in the Show Office at the SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.globalentry.gov.

Discounts at Numerous Restaurants and Shows Throughout Las Vegas for SEMA Exhibitors

Looking for options to entertain staff and customers while in town for the SEMA Show? SEMA has once again collected numerous options for both restaurants and shows where you simply have to show your SEMA badge to receive a discount.