News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Getting Started in International Commerce

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:08

SEMA News - September 2010

BEST PRACTICES

Delivering the Right Parts to the Right Markets


	This series of SEMA News stories is based on the idea of using reliable and repeatable methods to ensure business success. In coming issues, we will delve into a range of topics aimed at developing Best Practices through knowledge, motivation and skills.

Companies that wish to extend their reach beyond U.S. borders can branch into emerging automotive markets that offer huge potential for increased sales. The keys to successful international ventures are careful research and reasonable expectations. The first step is to discover what vehicles are available in the target locale, and the second is to discover what products resonate with consumers there. SEMA offers several programs that can help get member companies started.

Study the Market Reports

Chief among the resources available through the association are the SEMA Market Reports, which are available for a wide range of countries in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. (To access the reports, select either “Resources by Region” or “Resources by Country.”) The reports deliver valuable data about selling products in the selected markets. Each provides a summary of the locale’s demographics and market status, an overview of the top vehicles sold and accessorized in the area, market and import trends, best sales prospects and an overview of the competitive situation. In addition, the reports provide an analysis of the consumers and end users in the market as well as a look at how the market may be accessed (i.e., through repair facilities or retail outlets). Each report concludes with a list of the area’s trade events and key contact information for press, distributors and importers. In some cases, a report may also include an overview of the area’s business rules and regulations and may include duty rates, taxes and other pertinent charges.

The association also offers international vehicle reports that list the top-selling cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans in a variety of countries, including make, model and units sold, and the SEMA website’s international pages include dozens of Department of Commerce reports on the accessories and auto parts industry.

Take Advantage of the SEMA Show


	SEMA Market Reports provide a summary of demographics and market status, an overview of the top vehicles sold and accessorized in a given area as well as market and import trends, best sales prospects and an overview of the competitive situation.

There may be no better U.S. venue for developing global contacts and learning about international markets than the resources available at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. An ever-expanding group of exhibitors and buyers come to the event from around the world to seek and buy new products, and the association hosts networking and educational activities throughout the Show (held the first week of November each year) where companies can make contacts, review possible markets and obtain practical advice from companies that are already active in the various locations.

One of the first places to visit during the SEMA Show for those interested in developing a global presence is the Center for International Commerce (CIC). The CIC provides conference rooms, interpreters, Internet access, international specialty-equipment magazines and up-to-date lists of SEMA Show international buyers and various international reports. It is a terrific place to network with other business people who are active in global commerce. SEMA personnel at the CIC also have information about U.S. Embassy, Consulate and Department of Commerce representatives who can offer export counseling and facilitate meetings with U.S. exhibitors.

SEMA also hosts an annual International Happy Hour at the SEMA Show. The event is an informal gathering place for hundreds of exhibitors and international buyers and offers the opportunity to develop relationships between potential distributors and overseas customers. The International Happy Hour is free on a first-come, first-served basis, but tickets are required to attend. Interested attendees at the Show may register at the CIC.

The 2010 International Happy Hour will include the seventh annual Global Media Awards Program. Top international journalists serve as judges, each reviewing and evaluating the more than 2,000 new-product entries at the SEMA Show before selecting their picks for the products they feel will appeal most to consumers in their home countries. The types of products that find success differ in response to consumer uses, demographics and lifestyle factors in the various markets. The Global Media Awards program can help manufacturers learn about the markets and identify products that interest buyers in a specific region or country.


	SEMA trade missions often include visits to consumer or trade shows, where attendees are able to gauge the suitability of their products to the local market. Such missions provide an opportunity for companies with global aspirations to investigate a country’s or region’s business environment and better understand the area’s market potential.

The SEMA Show now provides a program that matches buyers with the products they’re seeking. The matches are based on demographic questions the buyers answer during the registration process. All of the products that a buyer selects as items of interest are matched to suppliers who are exhibiting at the SEMA Show. In the event that new exhibitors register for the Show, buyers receive updated match notifications.

Exhibitors involved in international commerce are also provided with multilingual “We Export” signs for display at their SEMA Show booths, encouraging international buyers to stop and establish relationships.

The SEMA International Buyers’ Guide is another outlet for companies that are interested in global marketing for their products. SEMA Show exhibitors are listed in the guide, which is distributed to every international buyer attending the SEMA Show and is also shipped to more than 50 U.S. embassies throughout the world, including key overseas trade shows in Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Italy, Brazil and South America. There is no charge to be included in the SEMA International Buyers’ Guide.

Join SEMA Trade Missions and Attend Overseas Trade Shows

SEMA periodically organizes trade missions to emerging global automotive markets. SEMA’s missions provide the opportunity for member companies to travel with its international and executive staff to meet government officials and industry contacts from wholesale, distribution and retail businesses. The missions often include visits to consumer or trade shows, where attendees are able to gauge the suitability of their products to the local market. Such missions provide an opportunity for companies with global aspirations to investigate a country’s or region’s business environment and better understand the area’s market potential.

Use Global Media for Research and Coverage


	Specialty-equipment magazines published for specific global markets are an invaluable research source and can also serve as prime advertising venues when a company chooses to market its products overseas.

Specialty-equipment magazines published for specific global markets are an invaluable research source and can also serve as prime advertising outlets when a company chooses to market its products overseas. Even publications that aren’t offered in English provide visual clues about the vehicles and products that are currently doing well in a given segment. SEMA offers a database of media contacts, and numerous international magazines from around the world are available at the CIC during the SEMA Show, including publications from key markets, such as Japan, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and Venezuela.

For an in-depth discussion of how to approach global media for coverage of your company and its products, visit here to download a copy of the SEMA News magazine story, “Global Press Coverage.”

Become Aware of International Property Rights

There are regulatory differences between the U.S. and offshore markets, and any company planning to do business in a foreign market should investigate how to protect its intellectual property rights (IPR). Items such as trademarks, patents and domain names can be treated very differently. SEMA News, SEMA eNews and www.SEMA.org have published a variety of articles about IPR. A recent webinar entitled “Fine Tuning Your China IPR Strategy: Know Before You Go” as well as an article in this issue of SEMA News entitled “The Allure of China” (p. 98) both discuss the precautions exporting companies should pursue to protect their rights. The SEMA website also contains general information about IPR for product importers as well as exporters. Additional information on developing an IPR strategy is available here. A copy of the recent IPR webinar is available online here.

SEMA members may also contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer at 202/783-4032 or for more information on any of the association’s international programs.

Innovations for Innovators: What’s New at the SEMA Show

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:08

SEMA News - September 2010

Each year, the SEMA Show becomes the focal point for innovation in the automotive industry. It is the venue where manufacturers are able to connect with retailers to bring innovations to consumers around the world. So it won’t come as a surprise that the SEMA team is again doing its part with some great innovations in the SEMA Show itself. I want to tell you about a few of the new opportunities for Show attendees to learn more about new products and automotive systems at the 2010 gathering.

The first is the introduction of an exciting new industry award—“The Hottest Vehicles of the SEMA Show.” The award will allow us to celebrate the outstanding vehicles and trends in the specialty-parts industry and showcase this year’s coolest products. The three awards—Hottest Pickup Truck, Hottest 4x4 and Hottest Car of the SEMA Show—will be selected on the basis of the vehicle models that manufacturers display most often in their SEMA Show booths. The nominees will be limited to 2010 and 2011 model-year vehicles, reflecting the models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and this year’s bumper crop of new products. The new award program will also emphasize the fruits of the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies, evidenced by information-sharing programs, such as SEMA Measuring Sessions and Tech Transfer, which provide SEMA members access to advanced vehicle design information. Watch for upcoming news about the “Contender Vehicles” vying for honors as the Hottest of the SEMA Show, and then look for the announcement of the winners and a grand awards presentation at the Show in Las Vegas.

And speaking of advanced design, be sure to attend this year’s Technical Briefing SuperSessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (November 1–3) of the Show. These intriguing vehicle technology previews feature stellar panels of automotive experts, such as Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America; Paul Williamsen, national manager of Lexus College, Toyota Motor Sales USA; Dr. Andrew Brown, SAE president and chief technical officer of Delphi; and Peter Appel, administrator of research and innovative administration for the U.S. Department of Transportation. These sessions will offer insights into vehicle dynamics, the future of high-performance hybrids and electrics, and the integration of automotive and consumer electronics.

Also be sure to check out the Clemson University (CU)-ICAR “Deep Orange” project, where students have designed and built a car using “a radical approach to designing the car of the future.” SEMA’s relationship with CU-ICAR continues to grow, helping member manufacturers engineer products that will integrate with today’s complex vehicle technology. For example, member companies working with CU-ICAR facilities are helping to develop a revolutionary means to design and integrate suspension products to work compatibly with electronic stability control systems. Check the SEMA Show schedule for opportunities to learn more about Clemson’s state-of-the-art facilities and programs—opportunities important to all SEMA manufacturing members.

You may also have heard about SEMA’s expanded relationship with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the debut of the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA at this year’s SEMA Show. The Expo is open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more. The Expo will include more than 290 exhibiting companies as well as expanded educational sessions targeted at the tire market and led by experts in the tire industry. With so many businesses looking to include tire-related products, this dedicated floor section and the educational programs will help buyers discover the potential that the tire industry has to offer.

For a more detailed look at these and other new SEMA Show programs, be sure to check out “A 2010 SEMA Show Preview,” , “SEMA Show Tips and Freebies for Exhibitors” and “2010 Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminar Program” in your September issue of SEMA News. The SEMA Show is only a few months away, and it promises to be one of the best ever. I’ll see you there!

—Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO

First-Time Exhibitors

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:08

SEMA News - September 2010

”I was tired of hearing that there were no U.S. manufacturers left,” said Margo Furcolow, American Eagle Wheel Corp. president. “I wanted to make a difference and let people know that we at American Eagle Wheel Corp. care about our country and about keeping American jobs in the United States, and that is why we exhibited at the SEMA Show last year.”

Photography By Darryl Dennis

Exhibitor Profile: American Eagle Wheel Corp.

A Conversation With Margo Furcolow

The association welcomes hundreds of new exhibitors to the SEMA Show, and 2010 is no exception. In fact, the number of first-time exhibitors signed up to attend the 2010 SEMA Show has grown to more than 250.

American Eagle Wheel Corp. (AEWC) was a first-time exhibitor at the 2009 SEMA Show. SEMA News spent some time with AEWC President Margo Furcolow at the company’s facility in Chino, California. Ms. Furcolow discussed the company’s experience as a first-time exhibitor and offered advice for other first-timers.

SEMA News: First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and American Eagle Wheel Corp.?

Margo Furcolow: American Eagle Wheel Corp. (AEWC) was founded in 1977 by my father, John Elbertse, and Ron Pushea, and it was originally located in Huntington Beach, California. In the early ’80s, Ron Pushea was bought out and AEWC became a family-owned business. We moved the manufacturing facility to Chino, California, in 1989 and opened a second manufacturing facility in York, South Carolina, in 1995. In 2001, we added a state-of-the-art chrome-plating facility in Chino. We have 37 distribution centers across the country, in Canada and in the Caribbean.

I joined AEWC in 1979, doing everything from answering phones to filing, payroll, purchasing and accounts receivable. When my father passed away in February 2005 of pancreatic cancer, he named me president of AEWC, leaving myself, my brother Ray and sister Sylvia to run the company.

Furcolow was named president of American Eagle Wheel Corp. in 2005. The company exhibited at the SEMA Show for the first time in 2009.

SN: You were a first-time exhibitor at the SEMA Show last year. What were some of the highlights of the experience for you and your company?

MF: Some of the highlights from the Show were the one-on-one opportunities I had to meet some of our long-time customers. It was nice to put a face to the voice. It was also wonderful to hear our domestic and international customers say they were glad to see us there! I was tired of hearing that there were no U.S. manufacturers left. I wanted to make a difference and let people know that we at AEWC care about our country and about keeping American jobs in the United States, and that is why we exhibited at the SEMA Show last year.

SN: What were some of the challenges and opportunities you realized as a first-time exhibitor?

MF: Some of the challenges we faced as first-time exhibitors stemmed from setting up the booth, drayage and getting our staff from all over the country to get to know each other for the first time. Some of the opportunities were those for private label, OEM opportunities and setting up new export clients.

SN: As a returning company in 2010, what, if anything, will you do differently this year?

MF: We started by sending one of my staff to the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit that was in Las Vegas in May 2010. This helped us prepare for what we wanted to accomplish for this year’s Show, such as managing our leads and paying attention to the upcoming deadlines.

SN: Finally, what advice would you give to first-time exhibitors?

MF: Be organized, set a budget, attend the training seminars, prepare your staff, wear comfortable shoes and, most of all, enjoy yourself and have fun.

The Companies Preparing for Their Inaugural SEMA Show


	Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to view the online floorplan to see what’s available at www.SEMAShow.com and to call 702/450-7662 x120 to get more details.

“The value proposition that the SEMA Show presents exhibitors is clearly represented by the number of first-timers already signed up,” said SEMA Trade Shows Director Gary Vigil.

One of this year’s new exhibitors is Mountain Off-Road Enterprises (M.O.R.E.), and they chose to buy a booth to grow their business domestically and internationally.

“The reason we want to do the SEMA Show is we want to increase our number of dealers as well as expand our international sales,” said M.O.R.E. President Scott Doughty. “If we had to make a road trip to visit all these potential customers, we would have more in travel expenses than what our booth would cost.”

Megan Racing Inc. is also exhibiting at SEMA for the first time, and Senior Sales Executive James Lee is looking forward to meeting current and potential clients.

“The sole reason we have decided to attend is to be able to meet with our national distributors face to face to get a more personalized feel,” said Lee. “Our product line is always expanding so we feel this would be the best way to show the industry what we have to offer.”

Andrew Hwang works with Genius Tools, another first-time exhibitor for the 2010 SEMA Show. And he summed up their motivation as follows, “If your company is involved in the automotive aftermarket, then you need to be at SEMA.” Hwang added, “Even with the tough economy, companies cannot afford not to be here.”

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to view the online floorplan to see what’s available on the Show's website and to call 702/450-7662 x120 to get more details.

The SEMA Show’s main attraction will always be its exhibitors, and the association proudly welcomes the following companies as new exhibitors to the 2010 SEMA Show.

AAC
310-832-8336
Booth #10660

ABRA Auto Body & Glass
www.abraauto.com
763-585-6281
Booth #11035

Adaptronic Engine Management
www.adaptronic.com.au
+61298999594
Booth #25151

Adrenaline Rides
Garage Inc.
www.adrenalineridesgarage.com
210-838-5338
Booth #23190

Ahwooga.com
www.ahwooga.com
520-261-0044
Booth #23078

Akrapovic d.d.
www.akrapovic.si
+386-1-78-78-404
Booth #25019

Alcoa Fastening Systems
www.alcoa.com
317-704-8865
Booth #10778

All American Tool Corp.-
Quick Cut Sanders
360-893-0689
Booth #11049

Alliance Tire Group
www.alliancetireusa.com
615-799-2242
Booth #43207

American Tape
www.itape.com
810-650-7821
Booth #11170

Anvil Auto Inc.
www.anvilauto.com
888-723-8882
Booth #24929

AOM Spray Equipment
www.aomspray.com
800-533-6254
Booth #11039

APA X’Power by
Oriental Co. Ltd.
www.oriental-tr.jp
+81-90-6000-0456
Booth #38065

Apache LLC
+44-1684-292369
Booth #35204

Aqua-Hot Heating
Systems, Inc.
www.aquahot.com
303-659-8221 x144
Booth #36033

ARC-Applied Racing Components
www.archeat.com
386-760-5201
Booth #20501

Arrow Exhaust, USA
www.arrow.it/usa
702-651-6940
Booth #36083

Ascend Industries Inc.
www.beico.com
714-593-3400
Booth #32198

ASG
www.jergensinc.com
216-706-6430
Booth #10449

Asuka Semiconductor Inc.
www.asuka-mobile-tv.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #11656

Audatex, a Solera Co.
www.audatex.us
+858-946-1732
Booth #10669

Audi of America
www.audiusa.com
703-364-7350
Booth #11245

Augusta Car Care
www.augustacarcare.com
706-799-5679
Booth #13041

AUSTYRE
www.austyre.com.au
+614-3088-2728
Booth #40269

Auto Metal Direct
www.autometaldirect.com
770-967-0909
Booth #24695

Automotiv
www.nch.com
972-438-0697
Booth #12753

Automotive Aftermarket Training Inc.
www.intelligentmechanic.com
802-272-2773
Booth #11875

AutomotiveSpecialtyTool.net
automotivespecialtytool.net
703-919-2786
Booth #25125

Auveco Products
www.auveco.com
859-341-6450
Booth #10752

Axis Performance Coatings
www.axiscoatings.com
866-637-8418
Booth #11110

B&J Showworks Inc.
www.bandjshowworks.com
541-855-1059
Booth #12378

BenchWorks
www.BenchWorks.pro
416-467-8887
Booth #10448

BGF Industries
www.bgf.com,
www.bgfindfab.com
336-545-0011
Booth #21636

Biruni Motors
510-427-5009
Booth #38197

Blaster Corp.
www.blasterproducts.com
800-858-6605
Booth #10671

Bonehead Products
www.boneheadproducts.com
651-464-6892
Booth #12948

Bristol Tires
www.bristoltires.com
971-422-37737
Booth #40273

Bullet Liner
www.bulletliner.com
713-726-6005
Booth #37121

Burr King
Manufacturing Co. Inc.
www.burrking.com
660-438-8998
Booth #22985

C-Aire Inc.
www.caireinc.com
651-462-3440
Booth #10452

Campro Designs LLC
www.camprodesigns.com
509-927-2305
Booth #12936

Car Bench America
www.carbenchna.com
612-819-3820
Booth #10661

Caright Auto
Accessories Ltd.
www.caright.com
+86-20-8350-1048
Booth #12178

Celette Inc.
www.celette.com
630-396-6100
Booth #10861

Chang Bing Auto
Parts Co. Ltd.
www.airforce-sus.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #25156

ChemChamp
www.chemchamp.com
901-219-0152
Booth #10337

Chicago Brand Industrial
www.chicagobrand.com
925-788-2128
Booth #10561

China Electronics
Shenzhen Co.
www.carvox.net
+86-755-83783605
Booth #11555

China Tyres
www.chinatyresdistribution.com
+86-20-84698496
Booth #43292

Chingor Mechanical
Co. Ltd.
www.chingor.com
+8613901201305
Booth #37162

Classic 2 Current Fabrication
www.c2cfabrication.com
313-534-2886
Booth #24797

Classic Dash
www.classicdash.com
775-883-7904
Booth #24691

ClassicCarDatabase.com
www.ClassicCarDatabase.com
303-252-0436
Booth #24593

Clear Alternatives LLC
www.clearalternatives.com
619-661-6660
Booth #37045

Clearline Manufacturing
775-825-8361
Booth #36195

CN Racing Performance Products Co. Ltd.
+86-10-63458811
Booth #20934

Co & Co Ltd.
www.conco.co.kr
+82-31-337-3210
Booth #12952

Coastal Marketing Inc.
www.coastalmarketing.ca
604-598-3680
Booth #10200

Collision Hub
www.collisionhub.com
501-352-5114
Booth #10768

Comeup Industries Inc.
www.comeupwinch.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #37166

Couplemate
www.couplematetrailerparts.com
775-219-7708
Booth #33197

Coverlay Manufacturing Inc.
www.coverlaymfg.com
800-633-7090
Booth #12839

CSRP
www.discbrakeswap.com
512-947-6718
Booth #23584

DCI Performance Products
www.dci.com.au
+613-9469-2700
Booth #25153

Dredsen Auto Design
www.dredsenauto.com
800-287-5900
Booth #48217

DriveNTalk
www.driventalks.com
714-274-2032 x123
Booth #11261

DustyMoto
www.dustymoto.com
912-261-2300
Booth #37055

Dynamic Performance
Wheels Inc.
www.dp-wheels.com
310-275-4393
Booth #47209

Eagle Abrasives Inc.
www.eagleabrasives.com
770-279-8111
Booth #10945

Eco Ignition
www.aquapulser.com
206-774-0660
Booth #21053

EnGIS Technologies Inc.
www.engistech.com
882-571-0576
Booth #11569

ENGO Industries
360-642-3315
Booth #36187

EnvisionTec Inc.
www.envisiontec.com
248-582-0038
Booth #10454

Epson America Inc.
www.epson.com
562-290-5110
Booth #12735

ETL-Secure Logic
www.etlproducts.com
775-398-7680
Booth #11535

Euro-Tyre B.V.
www.euro-tyre.com
+31-77-320-2820
Booth #42284

Eurovac
www.eurovac.com
905-738-9255
Booth #10515

Excel Make Automotive Inc.
www.excel-make.com
886-2-8245-9391
Booth #12848

EZ Connector Inc.
www.exconnector.com
559-686-5889
Booth #38168

F&S Manufacturing LLC
970-367-6480
Booth #34198

Fathom It Distributing
www.fathomitdistributing.com
239-826-3456
Booth #13021

Flair Hair
www.backgatedesigns.com
408-778-1800
Booth #11974

FlyAudio USA
www.flyaudio.us
866-325-9880
Booth #11634

4Way Suspension
Products Pty. Ltd.
www.4waysuspension.com.au
+61-2-9672-8899
Booth #38190

Fuel Doctor
www.fueldoctorusa.com
818-224-5678
Booth #25013

Garages101
www.garages101.com
775-851-9838
Booth #10332

Gates Corp.
www.gates.com
303-744-4765
Booth #23183

Genius Tools
www.geniustoolsusa.com
909-230-9588
Booth #10229

GGB Bearing Technology
www.ggbearings.com
928-846-4784
Booth #20414

Girard Systems
www.girardrv.com
800-382-8442
Booth #13025

GM&J Laser Cutting Inc.
www.gmjlaser.com
951-277-9749
Booth #22686

Gong Maw
Enterprise Co. Ltd.
www.gongmaw.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #10226

Got2bwireless
www.got2bwireless.com
248-412-8631
Booth #11661

HeadlightRenewDoctor.com
http://headlightrenewdoctor.com
888-645-4847
Booth #10649

heatshrink.com
www.heatshrink.com
801-621-1501
Booth #21032

Helping Hand/Finish Line
Helpinghandtools.com
847-821-0777
Booth #11978

Hema Maps & Gps
www.hemamaps.com
317-903-5222
Booth #33193

The High Ground of Texas
www.highground.org
806-366-7510
Booth #11848

Homak Manufacturing
www.homaktools.com
724-535-1084
Booth #10161

Hope Global
www.hopeglobal.com
401-333-8990
Booth #11067

Hornling Ind. Inc.
www.hornling.com
886-2-86925588
Booth #36081

Hot Shoppe Designs Inc.
www.hotshoppedesigns.com
949-487-2828
Booth #38039

Hot Stuff Enterprise
www.hotstuffenterprise.com
818-896-0986
Booth #12751

Hotwire Auto,
A Division of Squier Inc.
www.hotwireauto.com
479-243-9115
Booth #34196

Hubei Rockrich Import
& Export Co.
www.rocrick.preview.
alibaba.com
+86-719-8313885
Booth #12075

I-CAR
www.i-car.com
847-463-5210
Booth #10819

Innovative Vehicle Solutions
www.ivsauto.com
248-577-0010
Booth #24223

Insurance Auto
Auctions Inc.
www.iaai.com
708-492-7090
Booth #10761

Intellect Communication Electronics Co. Ltd.
+86-21-63121872
Booth #11664

Inventive Products
www.inventivehitches.com
208-580-1904
Booth #36191

Jiangsu General Science Technology Co. Ltd.
www.ty-tyre.com
+86-571-28803967
Booth #42293

Jiangxi Changhua Import
and Export Co. Ltd.
www.fddz.com
+86-571-28803067
Booth #12930

Jiunn Shyang Auto
Industry Co. Ltd.
www.j4asia.com
(8)862-32332890
Booth #38118

JK Services LLC
210-355-0411
Booth #34197

Johnstone Designs
916-365-5750
Booth #11860

K MAX International
www.maxlightingusa.com
516-420-6980
Booth #11565

Karnova
ClingBlings.com
818-613-1847
Booth #12376

Ken-Tool
www.kentool.com
330-252-1935
Booth #41262

LA Auto Gear Inc.
www.laautogear.com
213-388-6101
Booth #12275

Lasermask
www.lasermask.com
+8231-478-4336
Booth #11750

Lawson Industries Inc.
www.lawsonindustries.com
800-529-7664
Booth #21732

LDPI Lighting
www.ldpi-inc.com
715-839-9585
Booth #11128

LiQuifix
www.liquifix.com
203-653-4689
Booth #11120

Little Boys Off Road
Toys LLC
littleboysoffroadtoys.com
972-571-5041
Booth #30191

LKQ Corp.
www.lkqcorp.com
312-621-2729
Booth #10751

Local Motors
www.local-motors.com
989-600-0534
Booth #24501

Lucky 7 Hot Rod Parts
www.lucky7ent.com
905-876-0632
Booth #23081

Lusid Technologies
www.northstarcoatings.com
801-966-5300
Booth #10845

Malco Products Inc.
www.malcoproducts.com
320-274-8246
Booth #10648

Marshall Motoart Custom
Off Road Builds and
UTV Accessories
www.marshallmotoart.com
801-391-1556
Booth #37059

Max Professional
www.max-professional.com
800-655-1675
Booth #24723

MAXTRAX
www.maxtrax.com.au
443-955-1279
Booth #37181

Megan Racing
www.meganracing.com
626-581-0988
Booth #21652

Mercantile Development Inc. (MDI)
www.mdiwipers.com
203-922-8880
Booth #10612

Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath
www.metalrescue.com
800-365-1117
Booth #24787

Milltek Sport Limited
www.millteksport.com
+44-1823-663499
Booth #20933

Mira Reed
www.mirareed-usa.com
503-622-3747
Booth #12277

Mo-Clamp
www.moclamp.com
503-644-9167
Booth #11106

MOR/Ryde International
www.morryde.com
574-293-1581
Booth #37170

Morris Classic Concepts
www.morrisclassicconcepts.com
864-987-0032
Booth #24789

Motorcycle Product News
www.mpnmag.com
414-531-4051
Booth #38033

Motordyne Engineering
661-298-7555
Booth #20566

Motovicity
www.motovicity.com
888-773-3316
Booth #24219

Mountain Off Road
www.mountainoffroad.com
970-625-0500
Booth #34193

NAPA/Martin Senour
www.sherwin-automotive.com
216-332-8569
Booth #11061

National Auto Body Council
www.autobodycouncil.org
617-803-1120
Booth #10777

Newark Auto Products
www.newark-auto.com
973-677-9935
Booth #24782

Ningbo Hualian Electronic Science & Technology Co.
Booth #11618

Ningbo Jiangdong Wincar Industrial
& Trade Co. Ltd.
+86-10-63458811
Booth #37164

Ningbo Mentor Parts
International Co. Ltd.
www.high-performance-parts.com
Booth #21742

Ningbo Yinzhou Hengxiang
Auto Parts Factory
Booth #48111

Ningbo Yinzhou Jianda
Auto Parts Factory
www.nb-jd.com
+86-15110249219
Booth #47213

Nitro-Flate
www.nitro-flate.com
714-933-4293
Booth #10254

Nostalgic Air Parts
www.nostalgicairparts.com
813-413-8420
Booth #23692

Nova Verta USA
www.novavertausa.com
509-444-7910
Booth #11053

NU Inc.
www.nu-global.com
+8-862-32332890
Booth #11650

Nutek LLC
www.nutekgreen.com
440-484-2216
Booth #12849

Ohlins USA Inc.
www.ohlinsusa.com
828-692-4525
Booth #24733

Pacific Tool and Gauge
www.pacifictoolandgauge.com
541-826-5808
Booth #25055

PartPal
www.partpal.com
877-855-7278
Booth #21640

Performance Bearing
www.performancebearing.com
520-466-9176
Booth #24880

Performance Tube
Bending Inc.
www.ptbtubebending.com
626-939-9000
Booth #20600

Guangzhou Liancheng Electronic Technology
Co. Ltd.
www.lchid.com
+8620-38267955
Booth #10546

Guardsman by Valspar
www.guardsman.com
616-222-3832
Booth #22917

Gullwing Automotive LLC
http://stores.ebay.com/
Gullwing-Automotive
702-988-5049
Booth #24595

Harmony Rubber
Industry Co. Ltd.
www.ys-air.com
+886-2-2351-2261
Booth #12377

Hartung Helmets
www.hartung-helmets.de
+49-376-831-333
Booth #21560

Hayashi of America
213-236-3684
Booth #11439

Head Rack
www.headrack.com
807-344-7225
Booth #37165

PHC/East-West Components
www.ewcomponents.com
215 616 4414
Booth #20614

Poly Performance Inc.
www.polyperformance.com
805-783-2060 x201
Booth #36189

Powernavi Technology Co. Ltd.
www.powernavi.com.tw
(8)862-32332890
Booth #11614

Precision Cutting
Systems Inc.
www.lowcostcnckits.com
403-720-1984
Booth #33187

PREVAL
www.preval.com
815-634-5890
Booth #10614

Prima Autocraft Ltd.
www.primaautocraft.com
702-988-5049
Booth #24694

Prime 1 Ramps
www.saintytools.com
+86-25-52875861
Booth #37095

Puma Cycles Corp.
www.pumacycles.com
714-634-2888
Booth #37033

Qingdao Aonuo Tyre Co. Ltd.
www.honourgroup.cn
+86-21-63121872
Booth #41268

Qingdao Manufacturing Inc.
www.mdl.com
718-553-2240
Booth #32187

Qingdao Yongdao International
Trade Co. Ltd.
www.yongdao.net
+86-532-889-62528
Booth #42269

Quantum Technologies
www.qtww.com
949-930-3467
Booth #21630

R. L. Polk & Co.
www.polk.com
815-477-7530
Booth #40281

Record Keeper Systems LLC
www.recordkeepersystems.com
800-657-5932
Booth #11828

Reliable Automotive Equipment Inc.
www.rae-service.com
732-747-1770
Booth #10953

Relief Pod International
www.reliefpod.com
253-235-5484
Booth #10334

Retail Design Associates
www.retaildesignassociates.com
916-784-6600
Booth #37080

RHDJapan.com
www.rhdjapan.com
Booth #25113

Rim Brim
www.rimbrim.com
330-733-1800 x121
Booth #41270

Rim Shield
919-698-9959
Booth #12950

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC
www.rockymountainatv.com
801-465-3140
Booth #36085

Rocky Ridge Products
www.rockyridgeproducts.com
440-212-0436
Booth #31190

Ron Francis Wiring
www.ronfrancis.com
610-485-1981
Booth #22979

Roto West,
Product Design Development
www.rotowest.com
714-899-2030
Booth #11154

Roush Yates
Performance Parts
www.roushyatesparts.com
704-662-6982
Booth #21754

RTW Motoring
www.rtwmotoring.com
818-764-1560
Booth #48102

Sacura Ltd.
347-2923-973
Booth #37160

Safety Regulation
Strategies Inc.
www.safetyregulations.com
800-723-3734
Booth #11118

Sartorius Mechatronics Corp.
www.sartorius.com
800-635-2906
Booth #11134

Schwartz Performance
www.schwartzperformance.com
815-206-2230
Booth #23379

The Seat Shop
www.theseatshop.com
214-710-2565
Booth #37116

SellinaMinute.com
www.sellinaminute.com
509-927-9969
Booth #11731

Seneca Foundry Inc.
senecafoundry.com
515-832-1722
Booth #25115

Shadow Shield
403-250-8468
Booth #12271

Shandong Better Wheel Co. Ltd.
www.betterwheel.cn
+86-531-86081770Booth #48093

Shandong Hengfeng Rubber & Plastic Co. Ltd.
www.hengfengchina.com
86-532-80992871
Booth #42281

Shandong Yongsheng
Rubber Group Co. Ltd.
www.yongshenggroup.com
Booth #42259

Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corp.
www.baolong.biz
+86-21-5769-0000-7717
Booth #11567

Shanghai Jinwu Neomaterial Nechnologies Inc.
www.jinwuneomaterial.com
+86-21-63121872
Booth #12934

Shin Shield
www.shinshield.com
503-710-4075
Booth #36185

Shoot Suit-Detro-R & H Products
www.shootsuit.com
360-687-3451
Booth #11051

Simoniz USA
www.simonizusa.com
860-643-3895
Booth #12953
Simota Racing Sports
www.simota.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #24781

Sizeitup Wheel &
Tire Fitment Guide-Ecommerce Wheel
www.sizeitup.com
703-328-5080
Booth #47201

Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
www.scrs.com
877-841-0660
Booth #10745

Spec-D Tuning
www.k2motor.com
909-839-2992
Booth #21210

Standard Infrared
www.standardir.com
310-532-2889
Booth #11019

Stanley
www.stanleytools.com
860-827-5259
Booth #10361

Starquest Products LLC
www.starquestproducts.com
574-537-0486
Booth #32185

Steck Manufacturing Co.
www.steckmfg.com
937-222-0062
Booth #10835

Stiller’s Precision Motorsports
www.stillersprecision.com
214-869-8377
Booth #25057

Stone River Gear LLC
www.stonerivertradingcompany.com
203-470-2526
Booth #10233

Summit Software
and Mobile Solutions
www.summitsoftware
solutions.com
858-547-8697
Booth #11011

Sun Control Window Film
www.igschemicals.com
310-860-5648
Booth #12349

Sunkiss Thermoreactors Inc.
www.sunkiss-
thermoreactors.com
450-589-6144
Booth #11071

Sunmatch Industrial
Co. Ltd.
www.sunmatch.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #10569

SuperFlow
Technologies Group
www.superflow.com
719-471-1746
Booth #21735

Sutong China Tire
Resources Inc.
713-690-5500
Booth #40201

Suzhou Sanji Foundry Equipment Co. Ltd.
www.szsanji.com
510-676-8655
Booth #47221

Swivel Storage Solutions
www.Swivel.pro
888-979-4835
Booth #10329

T-Max/Westin
www.westinautomotive.com
626-960-6762
Booth #34054

Tair Wang
Enterprise Co. Ltd.
www.tairwang.com
+886-2-86925588
Booth #12853

Tech Outlook Sdn Bhd
www.tomsb.com.my
Booth #12951

TecMate North America
www.tecmate.com
905-337-2095
Booth #13016

Teco Automotive Equipment
www.teco.it
39-0522-631-562
Booth #41280

ThermaSys Heat Exchangers
www.thermasys.com
334-420-7103
Booth #21546

Tianjin Goodrun International
Trading Co. Ltd.
www.luckytyre.com
+86-22-249-93868
Booth #41266

Tiger-Drylac U.S.A. Inc.
www.tiger-coatings.us
800-243-8148
Booth #10729

TJM Products Pty. Ltd.
www.tjm.com.au
07-3865-9955, +617-3865-9999
Booth #32189

TMI Products Inc.
www.tmiproducts.com
951-272-1996
Booth #24675

Tomkins-Plews Edelmann-Lubrimatic Green
www.schrader-bridgeport.com
904-806-3441
Booth #12855

Touchdown International
www.tdiwheels.com
+86-512-5010-0602
Booth #48202

Trans Am Depot
www.transamdepot.com
850-668-1998
Booth #24281

Trophy Kart
www.trophykart.com
954-529-6555
Booth #38117

Tweak Digital Marketing
www.justatweak.com
865-809-1376
Booth #41221

12V StreetGear
www.12vstreetgear.com
808-934-7185
Booth #21046

UPS
www.ups.com
404-828-4032
Booth #11937

Urethane Supply Co.
www.urethanesupply.com
256-638-4103
Booth #10766

Veise (Guangzhou)
Electronics Co. Ltd.
+86-10-63458811
Booth #11653

Vette Masters
www.vettemasters.com
757-490-2570
Booth #24783

Vision Automobile Electronics Industrial Co. Ltd.
www.visionsecurity.com.tw
+886-2-86925588
Booth #11654

Viskon-Aire Corp.
www.viskon-aire.com
410-543-8802
Booth #10617

The Wash Caddie Plus
910-670-2044
Booth #12749

Wheel Vintiques Inc.
www.wheelvintiques.com
559-251-6957
Booth #23583

Whole Hog
Technologies Inc.
www.wholehogtech.com
505-410-6150
Booth #11830

Wise Navigation Electronic S&T Co. Ltd
+8620-38267955
Booth #11616

Wise Success
Technology Ltd.
www.wincalcd.cn
+8620-38267955
Booth #21655

Wuhu Huangyan
Industrial Corp.
www.hywheel.com.cn
+886232332890
Booth #48099

XYZ Auto Parts Co. Ltd.
886-2-86925588
Booth #25154

Yangzhou Jiahe
Radiator Co. Ltd.
www.cnjiahe.com.cn/
index_e.asp
+86-571-28803067
Booth #20557

Yod Auto Tech Inc.
www.lordway.cn
Booth #11537

Yongkang Leespower Performance Products
Import & Export Co.
+86-13588619862
Booth #24221

Yuyao Dongxia Sprayer
Plastic Industrial Co. Ltd.
+86-574-87173496
Booth #12949

Zero-Rust
www.amteco.com
913-314-1548
Booth #11114

Zhejiang Jialong
Autoparts Co. Ltd.
+86-10-63458811
Booth #13015

Zhejiang Jujiu Hub Co. Ltd.
+86-10-63458811
Booth #48079

Zhejiang Kanglong Industry
& Trade Co. Ltd.
www.zjkanglong
+86-579-87601585
Booth #24784

First-Time Exhibitors

Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:08

SEMA News - September 2010

”I was tired of hearing that there were no U.S. manufacturers left,” said Margo Furcolow, American Eagle Wheel Corp. president. “I wanted to make a difference and let people know that we at American Eagle Wheel Corp. care about our country and about keeping American jobs in the United States, and that is why we exhibited at the SEMA Show last year.”

Photography By Darryl Dennis

Exhibitor Profile: American Eagle Wheel Corp.

A Conversation With Margo Furcolow

The association welcomes hundreds of new exhibitors to the SEMA Show, and 2010 is no exception. In fact, the number of first-time exhibitors signed up to attend the 2010 SEMA Show has grown to more than 250.

American Eagle Wheel Corp. (AEWC) was a first-time exhibitor at the 2009 SEMA Show. SEMA News spent some time with AEWC President Margo Furcolow at the company’s facility in Chino, California. Ms. Furcolow discussed the company’s experience as a first-time exhibitor and offered advice for other first-timers.

SEMA News: First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and American Eagle Wheel Corp.?

Margo Furcolow: American Eagle Wheel Corp. (AEWC) was founded in 1977 by my father, John Elbertse, and Ron Pushea, and it was originally located in Huntington Beach, California. In the early ’80s, Ron Pushea was bought out and AEWC became a family-owned business. We moved the manufacturing facility to Chino, California, in 1989 and opened a second manufacturing facility in York, South Carolina, in 1995. In 2001, we added a state-of-the-art chrome-plating facility in Chino. We have 37 distribution centers across the country, in Canada and in the Caribbean.

I joined AEWC in 1979, doing everything from answering phones to filing, payroll, purchasing and accounts receivable. When my father passed away in February 2005 of pancreatic cancer, he named me president of AEWC, leaving myself, my brother Ray and sister Sylvia to run the company.

Furcolow was named president of American Eagle Wheel Corp. in 2005. The company exhibited at the SEMA Show for the first time in 2009.

SN: You were a first-time exhibitor at the SEMA Show last year. What were some of the highlights of the experience for you and your company?

MF: Some of the highlights from the Show were the one-on-one opportunities I had to meet some of our long-time customers. It was nice to put a face to the voice. It was also wonderful to hear our domestic and international customers say they were glad to see us there! I was tired of hearing that there were no U.S. manufacturers left. I wanted to make a difference and let people know that we at AEWC care about our country and about keeping American jobs in the United States, and that is why we exhibited at the SEMA Show last year.

SN: What were some of the challenges and opportunities you realized as a first-time exhibitor?

MF: Some of the challenges we faced as first-time exhibitors stemmed from setting up the booth, drayage and getting our staff from all over the country to get to know each other for the first time. Some of the opportunities were those for private label, OEM opportunities and setting up new export clients.

SN: As a returning company in 2010, what, if anything, will you do differently this year?

MF: We started by sending one of my staff to the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit that was in Las Vegas in May 2010. This helped us prepare for what we wanted to accomplish for this year’s Show, such as managing our leads and paying attention to the upcoming deadlines.

SN: Finally, what advice would you give to first-time exhibitors?

MF: Be organized, set a budget, attend the training seminars, prepare your staff, wear comfortable shoes and, most of all, enjoy yourself and have fun.

The Companies Preparing for Their Inaugural SEMA Show


	Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2010 SEMA Show are encouraged to view the online floorplan to see what’s available at www.SEMAShow.com and to call 702/450-7662 x120 to get more details.