By Linda Spencer

Join SEMA for the next “Best Practices in Exporting Online” workshop featuring IP Attachés: China, India and the Middle East. These U.S. government officials will compare and contrast U.S. brand protection practices with the regions in which they are based.

In addition to explaining current issues being raised by the U.S. government in these markets, the officials will discuss both best practices for registering and enforcing your trademarks and patents in China, India and the Middle East. 

The one-hour session will be held Thursday, July 23, at 8:00 a.m. (PDT)/11:00 a.m. (EDT).

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

The U.S. Commercial Service in Turkey is organizing a free webinar to provide a general overview of Turkey’s automotive industry, including its aftermarket and customs regulations.

The U.S. Commercial Service in Turkey is organizing a free webinar on July 22, to provide a general overview of Turkey’s automotive industry, including its aftermarket and customs regulations.  

• Exporting to any country takes research, connections and doing your homework. Turkey is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Turkey’s Customs Union agreement with the EU also makes it an ideal location to penetrate markets in Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Caucasus for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

Speakers:

Michael Rosales, director – global auto and smart mobility team, U.S. Commercial Service

• Introductions

William Czajkowski, regional senior commercial officer, U.S. Commercial Service Turkey

• General information about Turkey

Naz Demirdoven, U.S. Commercial Service Turkey, automotive specialist

• General automotive industry overview; OEMs, OESs, EV market, auto accessories, imports of Turkey and industry developments

Patrizio Ragusin, Automotive Aftermarket Association of Turkey, general secretary

• General overview of the Turkish automotive aftermarket

Billur Barlin, Solmaz Customs Agency, managing director

• Customs regulations of Turkey in the automotive industry

Cuneyt Sengun, foreign trade senior manager, Ford Turkey

Osman Selcuk Sarioglu, production planning manager, Ford Otosan

Bahar Gurses, import team leader, Ford Otosan

• Operation and supply chain of Ford Otosan

Registration for the free webinar is required by July 22, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT).

By SEMA Editors

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth.

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2020 SEMA Show is July 31. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 31.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM).

Questions about the process can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.

By SEMA Editors

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth.

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2020 SEMA Show is July 31. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 31.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM).

Questions about the process can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.

By SEMA Editors

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth.

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2020 SEMA Show is July 31. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 31.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM).

Questions about the process can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.

By SEMA Editors

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth.

The deadline to apply for a feature vehicle at the 2020 SEMA Show is July 31. Exhibitors planning a feature vehicle for the Show are encouraged to mark their calendars now to allow ample time to choose the best car to represent their brand and promote its appearance appropriately.

Feature vehicles provide exhibitors the ability to highlight products and upgrades on cars and trucks positioned in designated areas away from the company’s SEMA Show booth. With unique style and unmatched innovations, feature vehicles are a visual marketing tool to help generate an organic appeal for an exhibitor’s products.

All feature vehicles must be approved and paid for by qualified exhibiting companies. Criteria for placement is based on how the exhibiting company’s products are showcased on the vehicle, whether the car has been featured in the SEMA Show previously, how complete the vehicle build is, and to what degree the vehicle captures all elements of the specialty-equipment market.

Each qualified exhibiting company is guaranteed placement for one feature vehicle. Additional vehicles will be prioritized by the exhibitors, using an electronic form that will be provided by SEMA Show management after July 31.

Complete details about feature vehicle registration are available in the Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM).

Questions about the process can be directed to Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to join the specialty-equipment industry and hear directly from SEMA leadership during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting, July 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

During the online event, SEMA Chairman Tim Martin and CEO Chris Kersting will provide essential updates on the state of the industry, the association’s programs, the year-round benefits available to members, what to expect from this year’s SEMA and PRI Shows and new initiatives that are being implemented to further assist SEMA membership.

This is a great opportunity to share the challenges and opportunities your business may be facing. Attendees will have the option to submit questions during event registration and during the live meeting.

Your participation and involvement are encouraged to help you discover how SEMA can help your business succeed and prosper during this uncertain time. Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to join the specialty-equipment industry and hear directly from SEMA leadership during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting, July 23, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

During the online event, SEMA Chairman Tim Martin and CEO Chris Kersting will provide essential updates on the state of the industry, the association’s programs, the year-round benefits available to members, what to expect from this year’s SEMA and PRI Shows and new initiatives that are being implemented to further assist SEMA membership.

This is a great opportunity to share the challenges and opportunities your business may be facing. Attendees will have the option to submit questions during event registration and during the live meeting.

Your participation and involvement are encouraged to help you discover how SEMA can help your business succeed and prosper during this uncertain time. Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

George Lathouris

George Lathouris of Warn Industries is this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. Lathouris is the vice president of global sales at Warn Industries—a manufacturer of vehicle-recovery equipment and off-road vehicle accessories.

As a volunteer, Lathouris served two terms as chairman of the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), now known as TORA, and actively informed and educated members on how to be more engaged with SEMA and industry leaders. His volunteer leadership contributions and overall influence on the marketplace resulted in him being honored and recognized as SEMA Person of the Year in 2013.

Read more about Lathouris in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

George Lathouris: I took advantage of an opportunity where I was able to unite my strong love of cars and trucks, and I went to work for a company, American Speed Equipment, that gave me the opportunity to feed my family and grow as a business professional.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

GL: I have been involved with TORA (previously the LTAA) since the early 2000s, and it only makes sense for me to continue to support the truck side of the automotive aftermarket. I started out volunteering with the council, and over time and active participation, I was thrilled to serve as its chairperson. The impact has been far-reaching, as my knowledge base increased and my ability to reach people beyond my normal means was greatly improved.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

GL: Do as many different things as possible and do not be afraid to take that challenge! Respect the past and keep your ears open, but continue to challenge the paradigm—today's world demands it!

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

GL: I'll be building that in a few years after this 40-plus-year ride is over for me, but in the interim, I picked up this Honda to have a little fun out in the California desert!

By Ashley Reyes

George Lathouris

George Lathouris of Warn Industries is this week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) volunteer spotlight member. Lathouris is the vice president of global sales at Warn Industries—a manufacturer of vehicle-recovery equipment and off-road vehicle accessories.

As a volunteer, Lathouris served two terms as chairman of the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), now known as TORA, and actively informed and educated members on how to be more engaged with SEMA and industry leaders. His volunteer leadership contributions and overall influence on the marketplace resulted in him being honored and recognized as SEMA Person of the Year in 2013.

Read more about Lathouris in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

George Lathouris: I took advantage of an opportunity where I was able to unite my strong love of cars and trucks, and I went to work for a company, American Speed Equipment, that gave me the opportunity to feed my family and grow as a business professional.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

GL: I have been involved with TORA (previously the LTAA) since the early 2000s, and it only makes sense for me to continue to support the truck side of the automotive aftermarket. I started out volunteering with the council, and over time and active participation, I was thrilled to serve as its chairperson. The impact has been far-reaching, as my knowledge base increased and my ability to reach people beyond my normal means was greatly improved.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

GL: Do as many different things as possible and do not be afraid to take that challenge! Respect the past and keep your ears open, but continue to challenge the paradigm—today's world demands it!

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

GL: I'll be building that in a few years after this 40-plus-year ride is over for me, but in the interim, I picked up this Honda to have a little fun out in the California desert!