The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading global authorities on tires, today announced the educational sessions for the 2010 Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA, which is a part of the 2010 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

There will be four educational session tracks at this year’s Expo: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2 and Management at 4. The following is a current list of each session within these tracks (Note: Truck Tires at 10 session information is being finalized and will be released shortly):

TPMS at 10:

Tuesday, November 2: TPMS Service and Maintenance – Now that every new vehicle under 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire retailers must adapt to numerous systems with unique service procedures. This lack of standardization is often the source of lost productivity and lower customer satisfaction. This session will cover key service principles for all types of TPMS and the importance of having quick access to part numbers and relearn procedures. As part of this presentation, there will also be a TPMS overview for every major domestic and import manufacturer.

Wednesday, November 3: TPMS Scan Tool Panel – Without a properly formatted TPMS relearn or scan tool, a technician cannot determine why the TPMS indicator light remains illuminated after the relearn procedure has been completed. The TPMS indicator could be caused by a number of problems, but some type of electronic diagnostic tool will probably be required to remedy the situation. This panel will feature the top technical experts from each of the major TPMS relearn/scan tool manufacturers who will provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the functions that their respective tools can deliver and then participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentations.

Thursday, November 3: Turning TPMS Into a Profit Center – Everyone knows that adapting to TPMS is going to come with some degree of pain. As the industry leader in TPMS training, TIA has worked with thousands of technicians and hundreds of tire dealers to discover how retailers can make TPMS a profit center instead of an expense. This discussion will cover the steps that companies can take from the sales counter all the way to the service bay to ensure that TPMS does not become a burden. By following the guidelines in this presentation, retailers are sure to increase their TPMS component sales and boost profits.

Tires at 2:

Tuesday, November 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets – The franchise of Tires at 2 is back with an all-new panel sharing all-new secrets. It’s truly amazing how tire dealers are always willing to share the ideas that have made them successful. You can call it “giving something back” or “doing what is best for the industry,” but we call it the longest-running session in TIA history that shows no sign of slowing down. This year’s presenters will focus on all the usual subjects, such as employee compensation, marketing and customer retention, but they will also provide some additional insight on a specific aspect of their business that is the key to their success. There’s a lot of information to be shared, and only those in attendance will get it straight from their peers.

Wednesday, November 3: Strong Selling in a Weak Economy – Fixing the bottom line of a balance sheet is often accomplished by putting the focus on the revenue at the top. Without any major economic turnarounds on the horizon, tire dealers need to improve their sales skills more than ever. The economic challenges currently facing the retail tire and auto service industry will be discussed, and essential success factors, proven sales and customer service strategies to succeed in today's weak market will be given.

Thursday, November 4: Establishing a Wheel Torque Program – There has been a lot of attention on wheel torque lately as service providers are starting to recognize the liability that is created when a tire and wheel assembly is not installed with the correct amount of torque. But, more and more dealers are discovering that there are many aspects to a wheel torque program, so any failure along the line can result in a loose wheel. In this session, attendees will receive a comprehensive look at each component of a wheel torque program. This session will also discuss the latest torque tool technology, in addition to the recalibration requirements for all types of torque control devices.

Management at 4:

Tuesday, November 2: Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace – Are You at Risk? – Most small-business owners don't think they have a drug or alcohol problem with their employees and are surprised to learn that 72% of drug users are employed. Where are they employed? They work for companies who don't test! Studies show that 19% of on-the-job fatalities test positive for either drugs or alcohol and that abusers are 3.6 times more likely to have on-the-job accidents and five times more likely to file workers compensation claims. This session will help attendees understand the steps needed to establish a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Wednesday, November 3: Mastering Management – This session, led by ContactPoint, an industry leader in customer service sales training, coaching and call recording will help attendees understand how to communicate more effectively within a business setting, engage in customer service and put your business ahead of your competitors. They will learn skills that will help them separate from the rest of the industry and increase their ability to close every sale.

Thursday, November 4: Effective Marketing and Profitable Sales Growth in the Fleet/Commercial Tire Segment – For years, tire dealers have struggled to grow profitably in the fleet space. Thanks to new programs available through national partners, dealers now have the ability to grow fleet sales without the historical issues of cash flow, bad debt and collection costs. Attendees will learn how they can tap into the lucrative fleet market at this informative session.

“As one of the leading tire service training organizations in the world that has trained thousands of technicians, no one is better equipped to deliver the kind of relevant, informative educational sessions those in the tire industry will find useful than TIA,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We have created educational session tracks that give Expo attendees the best of both worlds; they can attend high-quality sessions and still have time to do business on the Expo floor.”

Interested Expo attendees can find out the latest session and speaker information, as well as hotel reservation and TIA special event information by visiting the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading global authorities on tires, today announced the educational sessions for the 2010 Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA, which is a part of the 2010 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

There will be four educational session tracks at this year’s Expo: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2 and Management at 4. The following is a current list of each session within these tracks (Note: Truck Tires at 10 session information is being finalized and will be released shortly):

TPMS at 10:

Tuesday, November 2: TPMS Service and Maintenance – Now that every new vehicle under 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire retailers must adapt to numerous systems with unique service procedures. This lack of standardization is often the source of lost productivity and lower customer satisfaction. This session will cover key service principles for all types of TPMS and the importance of having quick access to part numbers and relearn procedures. As part of this presentation, there will also be a TPMS overview for every major domestic and import manufacturer.

Wednesday, November 3: TPMS Scan Tool Panel – Without a properly formatted TPMS relearn or scan tool, a technician cannot determine why the TPMS indicator light remains illuminated after the relearn procedure has been completed. The TPMS indicator could be caused by a number of problems, but some type of electronic diagnostic tool will probably be required to remedy the situation. This panel will feature the top technical experts from each of the major TPMS relearn/scan tool manufacturers who will provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the functions that their respective tools can deliver and then participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentations.

Thursday, November 3: Turning TPMS Into a Profit Center – Everyone knows that adapting to TPMS is going to come with some degree of pain. As the industry leader in TPMS training, TIA has worked with thousands of technicians and hundreds of tire dealers to discover how retailers can make TPMS a profit center instead of an expense. This discussion will cover the steps that companies can take from the sales counter all the way to the service bay to ensure that TPMS does not become a burden. By following the guidelines in this presentation, retailers are sure to increase their TPMS component sales and boost profits.

Tires at 2:

Tuesday, November 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets – The franchise of Tires at 2 is back with an all-new panel sharing all-new secrets. It’s truly amazing how tire dealers are always willing to share the ideas that have made them successful. You can call it “giving something back” or “doing what is best for the industry,” but we call it the longest-running session in TIA history that shows no sign of slowing down. This year’s presenters will focus on all the usual subjects, such as employee compensation, marketing and customer retention, but they will also provide some additional insight on a specific aspect of their business that is the key to their success. There’s a lot of information to be shared, and only those in attendance will get it straight from their peers.

Wednesday, November 3: Strong Selling in a Weak Economy – Fixing the bottom line of a balance sheet is often accomplished by putting the focus on the revenue at the top. Without any major economic turnarounds on the horizon, tire dealers need to improve their sales skills more than ever. The economic challenges currently facing the retail tire and auto service industry will be discussed, and essential success factors, proven sales and customer service strategies to succeed in today's weak market will be given.

Thursday, November 4: Establishing a Wheel Torque Program – There has been a lot of attention on wheel torque lately as service providers are starting to recognize the liability that is created when a tire and wheel assembly is not installed with the correct amount of torque. But, more and more dealers are discovering that there are many aspects to a wheel torque program, so any failure along the line can result in a loose wheel. In this session, attendees will receive a comprehensive look at each component of a wheel torque program. This session will also discuss the latest torque tool technology, in addition to the recalibration requirements for all types of torque control devices.

Management at 4:

Tuesday, November 2: Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace – Are You at Risk? – Most small-business owners don't think they have a drug or alcohol problem with their employees and are surprised to learn that 72% of drug users are employed. Where are they employed? They work for companies who don't test! Studies show that 19% of on-the-job fatalities test positive for either drugs or alcohol and that abusers are 3.6 times more likely to have on-the-job accidents and five times more likely to file workers compensation claims. This session will help attendees understand the steps needed to establish a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Wednesday, November 3: Mastering Management – This session, led by ContactPoint, an industry leader in customer service sales training, coaching and call recording will help attendees understand how to communicate more effectively within a business setting, engage in customer service and put your business ahead of your competitors. They will learn skills that will help them separate from the rest of the industry and increase their ability to close every sale.

Thursday, November 4: Effective Marketing and Profitable Sales Growth in the Fleet/Commercial Tire Segment – For years, tire dealers have struggled to grow profitably in the fleet space. Thanks to new programs available through national partners, dealers now have the ability to grow fleet sales without the historical issues of cash flow, bad debt and collection costs. Attendees will learn how they can tap into the lucrative fleet market at this informative session.

“As one of the leading tire service training organizations in the world that has trained thousands of technicians, no one is better equipped to deliver the kind of relevant, informative educational sessions those in the tire industry will find useful than TIA,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We have created educational session tracks that give Expo attendees the best of both worlds; they can attend high-quality sessions and still have time to do business on the Expo floor.”

Interested Expo attendees can find out the latest session and speaker information, as well as hotel reservation and TIA special event information by visiting the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading global authorities on tires, today announced the educational sessions for the 2010 Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA, which is a part of the 2010 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

There will be four educational session tracks at this year’s Expo: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2 and Management at 4. The following is a current list of each session within these tracks (Note: Truck Tires at 10 session information is being finalized and will be released shortly):

TPMS at 10:

Tuesday, November 2: TPMS Service and Maintenance – Now that every new vehicle under 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire retailers must adapt to numerous systems with unique service procedures. This lack of standardization is often the source of lost productivity and lower customer satisfaction. This session will cover key service principles for all types of TPMS and the importance of having quick access to part numbers and relearn procedures. As part of this presentation, there will also be a TPMS overview for every major domestic and import manufacturer.

Wednesday, November 3: TPMS Scan Tool Panel – Without a properly formatted TPMS relearn or scan tool, a technician cannot determine why the TPMS indicator light remains illuminated after the relearn procedure has been completed. The TPMS indicator could be caused by a number of problems, but some type of electronic diagnostic tool will probably be required to remedy the situation. This panel will feature the top technical experts from each of the major TPMS relearn/scan tool manufacturers who will provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the functions that their respective tools can deliver and then participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentations.

Thursday, November 3: Turning TPMS Into a Profit Center – Everyone knows that adapting to TPMS is going to come with some degree of pain. As the industry leader in TPMS training, TIA has worked with thousands of technicians and hundreds of tire dealers to discover how retailers can make TPMS a profit center instead of an expense. This discussion will cover the steps that companies can take from the sales counter all the way to the service bay to ensure that TPMS does not become a burden. By following the guidelines in this presentation, retailers are sure to increase their TPMS component sales and boost profits.

Tires at 2:

Tuesday, November 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets – The franchise of Tires at 2 is back with an all-new panel sharing all-new secrets. It’s truly amazing how tire dealers are always willing to share the ideas that have made them successful. You can call it “giving something back” or “doing what is best for the industry,” but we call it the longest-running session in TIA history that shows no sign of slowing down. This year’s presenters will focus on all the usual subjects, such as employee compensation, marketing and customer retention, but they will also provide some additional insight on a specific aspect of their business that is the key to their success. There’s a lot of information to be shared, and only those in attendance will get it straight from their peers.

Wednesday, November 3: Strong Selling in a Weak Economy – Fixing the bottom line of a balance sheet is often accomplished by putting the focus on the revenue at the top. Without any major economic turnarounds on the horizon, tire dealers need to improve their sales skills more than ever. The economic challenges currently facing the retail tire and auto service industry will be discussed, and essential success factors, proven sales and customer service strategies to succeed in today's weak market will be given.

Thursday, November 4: Establishing a Wheel Torque Program – There has been a lot of attention on wheel torque lately as service providers are starting to recognize the liability that is created when a tire and wheel assembly is not installed with the correct amount of torque. But, more and more dealers are discovering that there are many aspects to a wheel torque program, so any failure along the line can result in a loose wheel. In this session, attendees will receive a comprehensive look at each component of a wheel torque program. This session will also discuss the latest torque tool technology, in addition to the recalibration requirements for all types of torque control devices.

Management at 4:

Tuesday, November 2: Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace – Are You at Risk? – Most small-business owners don't think they have a drug or alcohol problem with their employees and are surprised to learn that 72% of drug users are employed. Where are they employed? They work for companies who don't test! Studies show that 19% of on-the-job fatalities test positive for either drugs or alcohol and that abusers are 3.6 times more likely to have on-the-job accidents and five times more likely to file workers compensation claims. This session will help attendees understand the steps needed to establish a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Wednesday, November 3: Mastering Management – This session, led by ContactPoint, an industry leader in customer service sales training, coaching and call recording will help attendees understand how to communicate more effectively within a business setting, engage in customer service and put your business ahead of your competitors. They will learn skills that will help them separate from the rest of the industry and increase their ability to close every sale.

Thursday, November 4: Effective Marketing and Profitable Sales Growth in the Fleet/Commercial Tire Segment – For years, tire dealers have struggled to grow profitably in the fleet space. Thanks to new programs available through national partners, dealers now have the ability to grow fleet sales without the historical issues of cash flow, bad debt and collection costs. Attendees will learn how they can tap into the lucrative fleet market at this informative session.

“As one of the leading tire service training organizations in the world that has trained thousands of technicians, no one is better equipped to deliver the kind of relevant, informative educational sessions those in the tire industry will find useful than TIA,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We have created educational session tracks that give Expo attendees the best of both worlds; they can attend high-quality sessions and still have time to do business on the Expo floor.”

Interested Expo attendees can find out the latest session and speaker information, as well as hotel reservation and TIA special event information by visiting the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA), one of the leading global authorities on tires, today announced the educational sessions for the 2010 Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA, which is a part of the 2010 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. For the latest Expo information and updates, visit the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

There will be four educational session tracks at this year’s Expo: TPMS at 10, Truck Tires at 10, Tires at 2 and Management at 4. The following is a current list of each session within these tracks (Note: Truck Tires at 10 session information is being finalized and will be released shortly):

TPMS at 10:

Tuesday, November 2: TPMS Service and Maintenance – Now that every new vehicle under 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire retailers must adapt to numerous systems with unique service procedures. This lack of standardization is often the source of lost productivity and lower customer satisfaction. This session will cover key service principles for all types of TPMS and the importance of having quick access to part numbers and relearn procedures. As part of this presentation, there will also be a TPMS overview for every major domestic and import manufacturer.

Wednesday, November 3: TPMS Scan Tool Panel – Without a properly formatted TPMS relearn or scan tool, a technician cannot determine why the TPMS indicator light remains illuminated after the relearn procedure has been completed. The TPMS indicator could be caused by a number of problems, but some type of electronic diagnostic tool will probably be required to remedy the situation. This panel will feature the top technical experts from each of the major TPMS relearn/scan tool manufacturers who will provide attendees with a quick glimpse of the functions that their respective tools can deliver and then participate in a question-and-answer session following the presentations.

Thursday, November 3: Turning TPMS Into a Profit Center – Everyone knows that adapting to TPMS is going to come with some degree of pain. As the industry leader in TPMS training, TIA has worked with thousands of technicians and hundreds of tire dealers to discover how retailers can make TPMS a profit center instead of an expense. This discussion will cover the steps that companies can take from the sales counter all the way to the service bay to ensure that TPMS does not become a burden. By following the guidelines in this presentation, retailers are sure to increase their TPMS component sales and boost profits.

Tires at 2:

Tuesday, November 2: Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets – The franchise of Tires at 2 is back with an all-new panel sharing all-new secrets. It’s truly amazing how tire dealers are always willing to share the ideas that have made them successful. You can call it “giving something back” or “doing what is best for the industry,” but we call it the longest-running session in TIA history that shows no sign of slowing down. This year’s presenters will focus on all the usual subjects, such as employee compensation, marketing and customer retention, but they will also provide some additional insight on a specific aspect of their business that is the key to their success. There’s a lot of information to be shared, and only those in attendance will get it straight from their peers.

Wednesday, November 3: Strong Selling in a Weak Economy – Fixing the bottom line of a balance sheet is often accomplished by putting the focus on the revenue at the top. Without any major economic turnarounds on the horizon, tire dealers need to improve their sales skills more than ever. The economic challenges currently facing the retail tire and auto service industry will be discussed, and essential success factors, proven sales and customer service strategies to succeed in today's weak market will be given.

Thursday, November 4: Establishing a Wheel Torque Program – There has been a lot of attention on wheel torque lately as service providers are starting to recognize the liability that is created when a tire and wheel assembly is not installed with the correct amount of torque. But, more and more dealers are discovering that there are many aspects to a wheel torque program, so any failure along the line can result in a loose wheel. In this session, attendees will receive a comprehensive look at each component of a wheel torque program. This session will also discuss the latest torque tool technology, in addition to the recalibration requirements for all types of torque control devices.

Management at 4:

Tuesday, November 2: Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace – Are You at Risk? – Most small-business owners don't think they have a drug or alcohol problem with their employees and are surprised to learn that 72% of drug users are employed. Where are they employed? They work for companies who don't test! Studies show that 19% of on-the-job fatalities test positive for either drugs or alcohol and that abusers are 3.6 times more likely to have on-the-job accidents and five times more likely to file workers compensation claims. This session will help attendees understand the steps needed to establish a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Wednesday, November 3: Mastering Management – This session, led by ContactPoint, an industry leader in customer service sales training, coaching and call recording will help attendees understand how to communicate more effectively within a business setting, engage in customer service and put your business ahead of your competitors. They will learn skills that will help them separate from the rest of the industry and increase their ability to close every sale.

Thursday, November 4: Effective Marketing and Profitable Sales Growth in the Fleet/Commercial Tire Segment – For years, tire dealers have struggled to grow profitably in the fleet space. Thanks to new programs available through national partners, dealers now have the ability to grow fleet sales without the historical issues of cash flow, bad debt and collection costs. Attendees will learn how they can tap into the lucrative fleet market at this informative session.

“As one of the leading tire service training organizations in the world that has trained thousands of technicians, no one is better equipped to deliver the kind of relevant, informative educational sessions those in the tire industry will find useful than TIA,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield. “We have created educational session tracks that give Expo attendees the best of both worlds; they can attend high-quality sessions and still have time to do business on the Expo floor.”

Interested Expo attendees can find out the latest session and speaker information, as well as hotel reservation and TIA special event information by visiting the “Events” section of www.tireindustry.org.

SEMA News - July 2010

New Car-Care Techniques and Technologies Promote the Rise of Shine

	In addition to clay for removing contaminants, waterless car washes and microfiber for cleaning and polishing, advanced chemistry has led to innovations in protectants. Meguiar’s, for instance, has created a chemical “hydrophobic” action that literally pushes water off the surface of the car. Courtesy of Meguiar’s

Barry Meguiar’s family has been in the car-care business for 109 years, and he’s personally headed up the company that carries the family name for more than four decades. As the president of Meguiar’s Inc., he’s seen the economic roller coaster trundle up and down many times before, but he’s never seen anything like the last couple of years. Despite the fact that his company not only weathered the storm but actually prospered, posting a double-digit gain in 2009 alone, he said that this recession battered the car-care industry like none other in his lifetime.

“In every other case when we’ve had a downturn, our category—appearance car care chemicals—has had amazing growth,” he said. “People felt that they had to take care of the car they owned because they couldn’t afford a new one. A lot of new customers came into the category, and the market grew. That didn’t happen this time. It was clearly a deeper recession than we’d seen before. It hit people harder and scared them to death. They were wondering if they could even keep their cars and their homes.”

Indeed, the downturn created a shakeout in the category itself, both through consolidation and from the demise of some of the smaller “boutique” and private-label companies in the car-care market. Those who remain have also seen changes. Adam Bateman, marketing manager for Wizards Products, said that the economy altered people’s priorities. They became more conscious of value and more discriminating about not only stretching their dollars, but also about how products performed, he said. They started reading product labels, looking for good product descriptions and directions about how to properly use car-care products.

Craig Burnett, lead chemist for Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners, said that enthusiasts as well as general consumers are demanding higher-quality products that are easy to use and provide excellent appearance and durability results. A broader range of products and techniques are often needed to care for the new finishes and materials that the automakers have developed.

	Consumers are looking for easy-to-use, quality products to maintain vehicles that they are keeping longer than originally intended. Courtesy of Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners

Jason Linkswiler, global business manager for the car-care group at 3M, pointed out that some consumers have become more hands-on with their vehicles. “With the recession, folks are trying to do some of their minor repair and care projects themselves rather than taking their cars to a shop,” he said. “They’re looking to do that at home for a lower cost but still get high-quality results. If you’ve been to an auto retailer lately, you may have noticed an expansion in the number of do-it-yourself kits. We’re designing and launching kits around headlight restoration, scratch removal and other areas. All are under the theme of helping customers do the projects themselves using simple tools and processes.”

In some cases, the stagnation in new-vehicle sales has actually helped the car-care category, said Randall Wemmer, president and CEO of Hi-Lustre Products Inc. Wemmer believes that the increase in basic and preventive maintenance his company has seen has resulted from people holding on to their cars longer.

“People are investing more time and money to maintain the car’s appearance,” he said. “Regular washing and detailing has become a standard. It’s simple: If you take care of your car, its value and longevity will be increased.”

Meguiar said that his own company’s extraordinary growth is the result of its marketing emphasis on “car guys”—a term he uses to encompass both male and female automotive enthusiasts.

“They’re passionate about cars,” he said, “and they use the car hobby as a respite from what’s going on in the rest of the world. The car hobby and car events are a bit of an oasis. There’s a lot of bad news out there, but not at a car show. It’s just smiling faces and people sharing their passion.”

New technologies will also spur car-care rejuvenation, the experts said. Both Wemmer and Meguiar cited changes in the paints used on new vehicles in the 21st century as catalysts for changes in car-care products. Wemmer also cited clay for removing contamination, waterless car washes and microfiber for cleaning and polishing as significant new-product developments.

	The industry must continually provide products that consumers can trust, that really work and that are backed with a wealth of information, said industry veteran Barry Meguiar. Courtesy of Meguiar’s

“Modern paints are very hard,” Wemmer said, “so using a diminishing abrasive that puts its own deep scratch into the surface before it breaks down can create real problems. Hi-Lustre’s polishing compounds use finer abrasives and can cut just as fast as harsher abrasives but are more controllable. This makes using a rotary polisher, especially when combined with foam and softer wool pads, much safer and easier and puts the advantage of the rotary’s speed in range of any technician willing to learn proper technique.”

Bateman said that waterborne paint use has become more mainstream and is even mandated in some states, so manufacturers have had to adapt their existing product lines or create entirely new lines to be compatible with waterborne finishes. Meguiar said that laws regulating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogens have changed the make-up of the products that can be used to care for paint finishes.

“There has been regulatory pressure not just on those of us who supply packaged goods, but also those who supply the ingredients, raw materials and chemicals to us,” Meguiar said. “We’ve gone way beyond regulations in decreasing VOCs. In fact, we have developed products that are VOC-free.”

Burnett said that hard chrome plating has also diminished considerably in the past few years. Most “chrome” now is a lightweight plastic with a chrome-like finish or a plastic chrome-look cladding.

“Chrome plating is less prevalent due to environmental pressures as well as weight-reduction measures, since chrome is traditionally done on heavy steel components such as bumpers,” Burnett said. “Consumers shouldn’t use aggressive polishes and cleaners on these finishes, and it’s important that they are identified as chromed plastic and are treated as such.”

That type of education can help revive the car-care category, said Jill Subera, a marketing analyst for 3M. “Making sure that consumers understand what they’re purchasing and educating them about new projects they can try is essential,” she said. “Retailers should be extending and expanding the do-it-yourself market. As consumers remain price-conscious, they’ll continue to walk into those retailers but not know what to purchase or how to do something.”

Linkswiler and Burnett said that drill-powered polishing and restoration systems offer one such do-it-yourself innovation. “3M has created a whole new category centered around a phased process that uses a household drill to bring the user’s headlights back to new condition,” Linkswiler said, and Burnett noted that the Mothers PowerBall line can help do-it-yourselfers polish everything from oxidized plastic headlights to billet wheels or a custom paint job.

	Education is a key element in stimulating growth in the car-care category, such as offering tips and giving confidence to do-it-yourselfers who are hesitant about taking a drill-powered buffer to their headlights or their clear coat. Courtesy of 3M

The Internet plays a key role in disseminating information about those new systems. Subera pointed out that one of the top 10 automotive searches on eHow.com is a tutorial on removing scratches from automotive finishes. “If you do web searches on sites such as YouTube.com, you’ll see that people are searching for ‘how-to’ information,” she said. “Video content has become very important, offering tips to do-it-yourselfers and giving confidence to people who are hesitant about taking a drill-powered buffer to their headlights or their clear coat.”

Wemmer also pointed to the Internet as a marketing tool, making it easier to sell products. “The Internet is a global store, open 24/7, growing by leaps and bounds every day,” he said. “And because of Internet forums, people from all over the world can share information about products and techniques. This has resulted in a more educated group of technicians and customers.”

That type of marketing opportunity, which spans cultural and socioeconomic boundaries as well as international borders, has led Meguiar’s, 3M and other major players in the car-care arena to extend their reach to Europe, Asia and the rest of
the world. 

“It’s no longer just focused on the United States,” Linkswiler said. “People from all over the world are participating in car-care Internet forums, and we see significant global interest to distribute and sell 3M car care products. Because of our global infrastructure, we can react quickly to meet and support such demands with our local teams. We are observing an influx of product innovation from other parts of the world that will be entering the United States in the next few years. With globalization, there will be tremendous opportunities to develop new car-care products and services for our global partners.”

The challenge for the industry is to keep up with those developments, said Meguiar. “The industry and its retailers need to look at not just what will boost sales right now but what will help in the long term,” he counseled. “That means products you can trust, that really work and that are backed with a wealth of information. The global growth of the car hobby is the most exciting news that I know of. Supporting car guys around the world should be one of our highest priorities.”  

SEMA News - July 2010 

We’ve just come from the first SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, held May 25–27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the feedback we’ve gathered has been tremendous. The goal of the Summit was to inform attendees about how to maximize each exhibitor’s presence, save money on Show expenses, demonstrate how social media can extend any exhibitor’s marketing reach and increase traffic—and sales—at every booth. The SEMA Board of Directors, the SEMA Show committee and the association staff committed themselves to innovation and improvement for each aspect of the SEMA Show, ensuring that every exhibitor’s investment delivers the greatest possible value. If you weren’t able to attend, here are just a couple of the programs we highlighted to help exhibitors get ready for the 2010 SEMA Show:

Exhibitor and Buyer Matchmaking: Eligible exhibitors can effectively and efficiently connect with buyers before, during and after the SEMA Show through the use of an online Matchmaking service. The program makes it easy to identify prospective business partners and allows both buyers and sellers to communicate with one another while maintaining complete confidentiality. All registered personnel for eligible exhibiting companies may take part in the Matchmaking service. For complete details, contact Alan Dicker via e-mail or by phone at 909/978-6722.

New Products Showcase: Placing a new product in the Showcase at the SEMA Show is almost like exhibiting at a second booth. Buyers and media search the new-product entries for items that they will highlight during the coming year. Electronic scanners that are provided to each buyer and media attendee have made it even simpler for them to gather information about exhibitor products—including a high-resolution photo and company contact information—and every item displayed in the New Products Showcase receives continuing coverage in SEMA News magazine as well as on a digital archive website, where media download information and images throughout the year.

Enthusiast Opinions and Social Media: The Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project that was introduced at the 2009 SEMA Show will be expanded at the 2010 event. Through the program, the nation’s most active and influential automotive enthusiasts help industry professionals identify future trends by providing firsthand feedback on the products and vehicles debuting at the SEMA Show.

We were able to provide exhibitors and attendees with immediate and in-depth feedback about their preferences, attitudes and outlook toward our industry and its products using the program in 2009. In addition to completing surveys, the participants used social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube, to share their feedback on products, vehicles and trends from the Show. To learn more about the SEMA Show Enthusiast Opinion Leader Research Project, contact Megan McKernan at meganm@sema.org.

The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held again in advance of the 2011 SEMA Show, and I encourage every member of the association to attend. Through the programs outlined above and the dozens of others delivered at the Show, the greatest opportunities for building business lie ahead. The next step is to ensure that your company forges its plans to exhibit in 2010 and build its industry awareness. While we are still months away from SEMA Show week—November 2–5 this year—the advance exhibitor registrations are running well ahead of last year’s figures and are surpassing even the 2008 trends. Be sure that your company is there to capitalize on the surge. 

—Christopher J. Kersting, CAE
President and CEO, SEMA

SEMA News - July 2010

Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513) at the request of the SEMA and the
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), designating July 9, 2010, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by ARMO as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.

The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by SEMA and its councils as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. Restoration businesses help to save our nation’s heritage while providing well-paying, high-skill jobs nationwide.

SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, “We greatly appreciate the U.S. Senate’s recognition of the important role classic car restoration serves in our country. As Americans gather at car cruises and other events in conjunction with Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 9, these vital contributions will be honored and preserved.”

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country. “Individuals, car clubs and businesses affiliated with ARMO are proud to be recognized as leaders in today’s economy,” said Jim Barber, ARMO chairman. “Car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events will be scheduled for July 9 nationwide. ARMO is looking forward to assisting with these events and is appreciative of this special acknowledgment by the Senate.” 

Dennis Overholser, chairman of SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) said that HRIA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and education programs is well represented by the resolution. “We are pleased that our elected officials have acknowledged our positive presence in local communities,” he said.

“I look forward to working with other business owners, collectors and enthusiasts to make the inaugural Collector Car Appreciation Day a success nationwide.”

A variety of events are currently being scheduled to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile as part of Collector Car Appreciation Day. For a listing of events, please contact Jim Skelly, SEMA council director, at 909/978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.  

SEMA News - July 2010

Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars

The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513) at the request of the SEMA and the
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), designating July 9, 2010, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by ARMO as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. 

S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports.

The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by SEMA and its councils as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. Restoration businesses help to save our nation’s heritage while providing well-paying, high-skill jobs nationwide.

SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, “We greatly appreciate the U.S. Senate’s recognition of the important role classic car restoration serves in our country. As Americans gather at car cruises and other events in conjunction with Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 9, these vital contributions will be honored and preserved.”

In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country. “Individuals, car clubs and businesses affiliated with ARMO are proud to be recognized as leaders in today’s economy,” said Jim Barber, ARMO chairman. “Car cruises, club gatherings and other educational events will be scheduled for July 9 nationwide. ARMO is looking forward to assisting with these events and is appreciative of this special acknowledgment by the Senate.” 

Dennis Overholser, chairman of SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) said that HRIA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry through its projects and education programs is well represented by the resolution. “We are pleased that our elected officials have acknowledged our positive presence in local communities,” he said.

“I look forward to working with other business owners, collectors and enthusiasts to make the inaugural Collector Car Appreciation Day a success nationwide.”

A variety of events are currently being scheduled to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile as part of Collector Car Appreciation Day. For a listing of events, please contact Jim Skelly, SEMA council director, at 909/978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.  

SEMA News - July 2010

Leadership Days Celebrate the Spirit of the Industry

	The Pinewood Drag Races feature miniature race cars built by children from Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities.

It’s almost that time of the year again when SEMA recognizes the efforts of its Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. As the outgoing Board members are honored for their service, the newly elected directors are presented and welcomed by SEMA members. The event, to be held Friday, July 23, 2010, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, is the culmination of SEMA Leadership Days—three days filled with activities that celebrate the spirit of the industry and its members.

Pinewood Drag Races

The Pinewood Drag Races—where miniature race cars are built for the stock class by children from Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp and then sponsored by participants through their donations to the charities—are one of several SEMA summer fundraising events, which also include the Show ’N Shine car show and the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Participants who sponsor a child’s car will be designated as the team owner and race under the child’s name. Proceeds from the activities benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp charities. Childhelp is an organization that assists abused and neglected children and Victory Junction Gang Camp provides life-changing camping experiences to disabled and chronically ill children.

Participants can also enter their own derby cars. The drag races will take place from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and feature three classes: stock, modified and unlimited. The finals will take place shortly before the banquet begins. Enter the race here.

The race will also feature an auction of pinewood cars painted by the kids from the charities to resemble the cars of their favorite NASCAR, IRL or NHRA drivers. Each derby car will be autographed by both the child and driver, providing an exclusive item for auction. “The Starting Lineup” auction will take place online at www.sema.org and at the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

“This is our fourth year of SEMA Cares benefitting the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp as the industry honors SEMA Board members and new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees,” said Joel Ayres, SEMA Cares Committee chairman. “This would not be possible without the generosity of SEMA members volunteering their time, finances and talent. This will be our third year for the Pinewood drag races and our second year for the SEMA Show ’N Shine car show. Last year, we raised more than $170,000 thanks to the generosity of WD-40 and many other SEMA companies and individuals.”

Recognizing the SEMA Board of Directors

The Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser recognizes the dedicated service of the SEMA Board of Directors—a wholly volunteer group of talented individuals who are elected by the membership to lead the association in its efforts. As the outgoing directors are thanked, those who have been newly elected to serve the association are welcomed.

The 2010 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees—Richard “Dick” McMullen of McMullen Advertising, Chuck Schwartz of ConvExx and Van Woodell of Weathers Auto Supply—will also be celebrated at the gala. The inductees will be honored for their dedication, service and devotion to their businesses and the industry.

Chip Foose Returns

	Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and star of TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” will return as grand marshal of the SEMA Show ’N Shine car show.

Chip Foose, award-winning automotive designer and fabricator and star of TLC’s “Overhaulin’,” will return as grand marshal of the second-annual SEMA Show ’N Shine public car show on Saturday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Held in connection with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser and the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, the Show ‘N Shine car show will draw some of the best local enthusiast cars, trucks and classics, with all proceeds benefiting children’s charities Childhelp and Victory Junction. More than 200 vehicles packed the Pasadena Convention Center last year.

Foose, a California native and an integral part of its car culture for the past decade, began working for his father’s automotive company as a boy and, at age 31, became the youngest member inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997. He established his company, Foose Design, a year later.

“I was thrilled to be a part of the inaugural SEMA Show ‘N Shine last year and am even more excited to return for 2010,” Foose said. “SEMA is an important organization for car enthusiasts and industry people like myself, and I’m proud to take part and work in supporting children’s charities through this event.”

Foose’s design talent will be displayed at the show through his personal vehicles and those he’s worked on, including a ’59 Bel Air, among others. Last year, Foose brought a ’56 Ford F-100 pickup, the ’02 Ford T-Bird “Speedbird” that starred in “Rides,” and his Foose Coupe.

“It’s fantastic to have Chip Foose back again this year,” Ayres said. “Last year, I watched as Chip paused from an interview to draw a car on the T-shirt of one of the children from Childhelp. The young boy later exclaimed it was the best day of his life. Chip’s celebrity status was a major reason for the success of our inaugural show, and we were pleased to hear his generous offer to once again help the children of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.”

According to Show ’N Shine organizer Mike Spagnola of Street Scene Equipment, Foose is an industry icon, one that any automotive enthusiast will recognize. “He’s one of the most down-to-earth automotive celebrities I’ve ever met, and we’re thrilled that he’s accepted an invitation to join us once again.”

Street Performance Council Business Technology Conference

	The Street Performance Council (SPC) Business Technology Conference, on July 23, 2010, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, will feature keynote speakers covering topics focused on the newest trends and strategies for conducting business in the digital age.

Both Show ’N Shine and the Pinewood Drag Races are part of the 2010 SEMA Leadership Days. Other activities include the Street Performance Council (SPC) Business Technology Conference, to be held July 23, 2010, at the Pasadena Convention Center from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Automotive specialty-equipment market industry leaders and digital technology experts will convene for the day-long conference, which will include panel discussions and keynote speakers covering topics focused on the newest trends and strategies for conducting business in the digital age.

“Technology has revolutionized how business is conducted, and our member companies are having to change the way they operate,” said Tom Myroniak, SEMA vice president of marketing and member services. “This conference will help participants understand and address the potential opportunities and challenges associated with doing business with new media.”

Developed by the Street Performance Council, the event has become a premier business development forum that gives participants a competitive advantage through insight on and implementation of effective digital and social media strategies. Addressing the most current challenges and tools, attendees will leave with an understanding of the business opportunities that exist with new media. They will also learn about proven strategies and best practices from experts in the fields of digital marketing, social media, business development and eCommerce.

The sessions will include everything from market research in the digital age and reaching customers on forums/blogs to social media for your business and getting people to read your e-mails.

The 2010 SEMA Leadership Days will include individual and collective council meetings, Board of Directors’ functions and town hall meeting and the annual Business Technology Conference. For complete details, visit here. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the other activities that will be held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/978-6684 or via e-mail at lisam@sema.org.  

SEMA News - July 2010                     

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme announced his retirement in January, closing the book on a stellar drag-racing career that spanned nearly five decades.

In his 32 seasons as a driver, Prudhomme earned four consecutive Funny Car championships, 49 Top Fuel victories and two nearly undefeated seasons with his U.S. Army-sponsored Monza Funny Cars in 1975 and 1976. After getting out from behind the wheel in 1994, Prudhomme went on to spend 15 years as a race team owner, bringing his total championship tally to six and his national event win count to 112.

Harder to quantify in exact numbers is the impact Prudhomme had on drag racing as a business when he and Tom McEwen inked a then-groundbreaking sponsorship deal with Mattel in 1970. Not only did they pave the way for countless cross-promotional marketing and sponsorship opportunities to come, but their “Snake vs. Mongoose” match races generated tremendous excitement among racing fans. Plus, thousands of kids were introduced to the sport thanks to the HotWheels diecast versions of Prudhomme’s and McEwen’s Mopar Funny Cars.

All of this was ahead of Prudhomme when this photo was taken in 1961. Hot Rod magazine was writing a profile of “TV” Tommy Ivo (in the bow tie) and his monstrous four-engine dragster, and Petersen Publishing Company photographer Eric Rickman shot Ivo and Prudhomme on the set of Ivo’s television show, “Margie.” At the time, Prudhomme had put a successful car-painting career on hold to tour with Ivo as he campaigned this and other dragsters around the country.

It wouldn’t be long, though, before Prudhomme struck out on his own. Driving a dragster he bought from Ivo, he earned his first big win at the Bakersfield Top Fuel & Gas Meet in 1962.