News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Reach 40,000 SEMA Show Buyers a Month Before the 2011 Show Opens

Thu, 08/04/2011 - 09:25

The deadline to secure an ad in the Pre-Show issue of the SEMA Show Daily is Monday, August 8.

The pre-Show issue of the official SEMA Show Daily is still available for advertising placement. Reaching more than 40,000 pre-registered attendees 45 days prior to the Show, the SEMA Show Daily Pre-Show issue offers affordable advertising options for exhibitors seeking exposure prior to the event.

The deadline to secure a Pre-Show issue ad is Monday, August 8.

Pre-Show promotion helps exhibitors elevate their company's profile at the Show, generates foot traffic and get buyers focused on their products. Companies that invest in promotion will typically generate more leads and create more opportunities to connect with key decision makers.

Looking for more opportunities for company exposure? Get your company in all four editions of the SEMA Show Daily with ad packages that start at only $1,500.

In addition to the SEMA Show Daily, there are additional packages and programs available designed to fit every budget, including advertising in SEMA News, the SEMA Show Directory and the Pocket Guide.

For complete details, including special discounts, contact Joe Sebergandio at Motor Media 818/248-4449 or e-mail sales@motormediainc.com.

Reach 40,000 SEMA Show Buyers a Month Before the 2011 Show Opens

Thu, 08/04/2011 - 09:25

The deadline to secure an ad in the Pre-Show issue of the SEMA Show Daily is Monday, August 8.

The pre-Show issue of the official SEMA Show Daily is still available for advertising placement. Reaching more than 40,000 pre-registered attendees 45 days prior to the Show, the SEMA Show Daily Pre-Show issue offers affordable advertising options for exhibitors seeking exposure prior to the event.

The deadline to secure a Pre-Show issue ad is Monday, August 8.

Pre-Show promotion helps exhibitors elevate their company's profile at the Show, generates foot traffic and get buyers focused on their products. Companies that invest in promotion will typically generate more leads and create more opportunities to connect with key decision makers.

Looking for more opportunities for company exposure? Get your company in all four editions of the SEMA Show Daily with ad packages that start at only $1,500.

In addition to the SEMA Show Daily, there are additional packages and programs available designed to fit every budget, including advertising in SEMA News, the SEMA Show Directory and the Pocket Guide.

For complete details, including special discounts, contact Joe Sebergandio at Motor Media 818/248-4449 or e-mail sales@motormediainc.com.

Restyling and Car Care Market Shines at the SEMA Show

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 16:31

The total number of companies exhibiting in in the Restyling & Car Care section of the Show currently stands at 238, which is an increase of nearly 20% over the same time period in 2010.

The SEMA Show is a worldwide automotive specialty-products trade event that attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders and professionals each year and covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry. The Show is comprised of 13 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Collision Repair & Refinish; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each of the sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4 , in Las Vegas. This week's section is the Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

The restyling market experienced a steady decline in sales at the retail level from 2007 through 2009, according to SEMA research, going from $4.23 billion in 2007 to $3.79 billion in 2009. The main factor contributing to the fall in the market was the recession, which led to a major decline in vehicle sales. With available vehicle inventory on the downturn, the decline changed the landscape for companies in the restyling market that were impacted by streamlined OEM assembly lines, closing factories and reduced or reconfigured trim levels.

With the days of automakers producing a multitude of variants and seemingly unending options lists in the rearview mirror, restylers have benefitted by providing packages and options that fill the gaps. This has helped to fuel a slight rebound for restyling companies.

In 2010, there was a small increase in the restyling market, as retail sales hit $3.87 billion. Restylers are taking advantage of opportunities to provide consumers with the comforts and amenities they want that are no longer offered by the factory or only exist in pricey accessory packages.

Current registration data for the 2011 Show compared to 2010 has revealed some encouraging statistics not only for companies involved in restyling and car care and accessories, but for all exhibitors. Total buyer registrations for the 2011 SEMA Show are up 42.72% when compared with the same period in 2010.

Nearly 30% of the buyers attending the Show indicated that they are interested in car care products, specifically cleaners, waxes, polishes and car care supplies. This is a 35.35% increase compared to the same time frame in 2010. As for restyling accessories—broken down into interior, exterior and truck—current buyer interest for all buyers attending the Show stands at 71.1%.

Interest in electronics is up as well, with 60.23% of buyers stating that they are interested in audio/video, navigation, communication and security products. This is about a 3% increase in buyer interest for these products when compared to the same period in 2010.

Buyers will also have more to see at the SEMA Show as the total number of companies exhibiting in in the Restyling & Car Care section of the Show currently stands at 238, which is an increase of nearly 20% over the same time period in 2010. To see all of the companies in the Restyling & Car Care section, access the floor plan and list here.

For more on the restyling market, including what experts are saying about the current opportunities and changes in the segment, click here. To learn more about the latest in car care tech, read more here.

The SEMA Show is set for November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. Complete details on the Show, including how to exhibit or to register as a buyer, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Restyling and Car Care Market Shines at the SEMA Show

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 16:31

The total number of companies exhibiting in in the Restyling & Car Care section of the Show currently stands at 238, which is an increase of nearly 20% over the same time period in 2010.

The SEMA Show is a worldwide automotive specialty-products trade event that attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders and professionals each year and covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry. The Show is comprised of 13 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Collision Repair & Refinish; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road; Wheels & Accessories; and OEM.

Each of the sections will be highlighted in SEMA eNews from now leading up to the Show, November 1–4 , in Las Vegas. This week's section is the Restyling & Car Care Accessories.

The restyling market experienced a steady decline in sales at the retail level from 2007 through 2009, according to SEMA research, going from $4.23 billion in 2007 to $3.79 billion in 2009. The main factor contributing to the fall in the market was the recession, which led to a major decline in vehicle sales. With available vehicle inventory on the downturn, the decline changed the landscape for companies in the restyling market that were impacted by streamlined OEM assembly lines, closing factories and reduced or reconfigured trim levels.

With the days of automakers producing a multitude of variants and seemingly unending options lists in the rearview mirror, restylers have benefitted by providing packages and options that fill the gaps. This has helped to fuel a slight rebound for restyling companies.

In 2010, there was a small increase in the restyling market, as retail sales hit $3.87 billion. Restylers are taking advantage of opportunities to provide consumers with the comforts and amenities they want that are no longer offered by the factory or only exist in pricey accessory packages.

Current registration data for the 2011 Show compared to 2010 has revealed some encouraging statistics not only for companies involved in restyling and car care and accessories, but for all exhibitors. Total buyer registrations for the 2011 SEMA Show are up 42.72% when compared with the same period in 2010.

Nearly 30% of the buyers attending the Show indicated that they are interested in car care products, specifically cleaners, waxes, polishes and car care supplies. This is a 35.35% increase compared to the same time frame in 2010. As for restyling accessories—broken down into interior, exterior and truck—current buyer interest for all buyers attending the Show stands at 71.1%.

Interest in electronics is up as well, with 60.23% of buyers stating that they are interested in audio/video, navigation, communication and security products. This is about a 3% increase in buyer interest for these products when compared to the same period in 2010.

Buyers will also have more to see at the SEMA Show as the total number of companies exhibiting in in the Restyling & Car Care section of the Show currently stands at 238, which is an increase of nearly 20% over the same time period in 2010. To see all of the companies in the Restyling & Car Care section, access the floor plan and list here.

For more on the restyling market, including what experts are saying about the current opportunities and changes in the segment, click here. To learn more about the latest in car care tech, read more here.

The SEMA Show is set for November 1–4, 2011, in Las Vegas. Complete details on the Show, including how to exhibit or to register as a buyer, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Legislation Introduced in Congress to Require Collection of Sales Tax by Online Retailers

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 16:12

Identical bills have been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate to require companies that sell goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as “brick-and-mortar” retailers. The so-called “Main Street Fairness Act” would recognize the “Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement,” an ongoing initiative by state and local governments to address the collection of sales/use taxes. The agreement creates a system for companies to register with member states, collect and remit taxes and file one tax return for each state. To date, 44 states have worked to create the agreement and 24 states are participating members.

Most states collect sales and use taxes. The term “sales tax” generally refers to in-state sales while “use tax” applies to personal property purchased by an out-of-state resident. Sales/use taxes are due from the consumer but in most cases these taxes go uncollected. Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state (“nexus”). However, the Court also noted that Congress could pass legislation authorizing states to collect use taxes within the scope of interstate commerce. In lieu of the federal law, many states have expanded the definition of nexus in order to compel companies to collect taxes.

The federal legislation would treat all sales transactions in a state equally regardless of whether the sale was completed in-person, through the mail, over the phone or over the Internet. Small-seller retailers would be exempted, although the bill does not reference a sales threshold. The issue of whether a seller has nexus for any other state taxes (e.g.: business activity tax) is outside the scope of this bill.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Legislation Introduced in Congress to Require Collection of Sales Tax by Online Retailers

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 16:12

Identical bills have been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate to require companies that sell goods via the Internet and catalogs to collect sales tax in the same manner as “brick-and-mortar” retailers. The so-called “Main Street Fairness Act” would recognize the “Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement,” an ongoing initiative by state and local governments to address the collection of sales/use taxes. The agreement creates a system for companies to register with member states, collect and remit taxes and file one tax return for each state. To date, 44 states have worked to create the agreement and 24 states are participating members.

Most states collect sales and use taxes. The term “sales tax” generally refers to in-state sales while “use tax” applies to personal property purchased by an out-of-state resident. Sales/use taxes are due from the consumer but in most cases these taxes go uncollected. Under a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court decision, states cannot force retailers to collect use taxes unless the company has a physical presence in the state (“nexus”). However, the Court also noted that Congress could pass legislation authorizing states to collect use taxes within the scope of interstate commerce. In lieu of the federal law, many states have expanded the definition of nexus in order to compel companies to collect taxes.

The federal legislation would treat all sales transactions in a state equally regardless of whether the sale was completed in-person, through the mail, over the phone or over the Internet. Small-seller retailers would be exempted, although the bill does not reference a sales threshold. The issue of whether a seller has nexus for any other state taxes (e.g.: business activity tax) is outside the scope of this bill.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Council Reception Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2011 SEMA Show

Wed, 08/03/2011 - 15:43

The new SEMA Show Council Reception sponsor menus are now available for eligible council members and SEMA Show exhibitors online.

Qualified sponsors can view our promotional offers and secure their participation with our all new online ordering option. The links listed will directly connect you to your specific reception of interest.

For additional information and assistance, simply contact Monica Terlouw at SEMA, 909/978-6695 or MonicaT@sema.org.