By Kyle Cheng

According to the September “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, there are clear signs the economy is slowing.

While many economic fundamentals remain solid, there are clear signs the economy is slowing. This, in turn, makes us more susceptible to shocks and downside risks. Concerns about tariffs and trade tensions with China have increased over the last month and are likely influencing the real economy.

Consumer spending remains a bright spot. Yet, consumer sentiment saw its largest monthly decline since December 2012, in part because of concerns about tariffs. Consumers are taking note of growing risks on the horizon.

The manufacturing sector is beginning to show some signs of slowing, as well as the job market. While 130,000 jobs were added in August, approximately 34,000 are temporary census workers. Likewise, the three-month average private payroll growth over the last two months is at its lowest level since 2012.

To learn more, download the September “SEMA Industry Indicators Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

According to the September “SEMA Industry Indicators” report, there are clear signs the economy is slowing.

While many economic fundamentals remain solid, there are clear signs the economy is slowing. This, in turn, makes us more susceptible to shocks and downside risks. Concerns about tariffs and trade tensions with China have increased over the last month and are likely influencing the real economy.

Consumer spending remains a bright spot. Yet, consumer sentiment saw its largest monthly decline since December 2012, in part because of concerns about tariffs. Consumers are taking note of growing risks on the horizon.

The manufacturing sector is beginning to show some signs of slowing, as well as the job market. While 130,000 jobs were added in August, approximately 34,000 are temporary census workers. Likewise, the three-month average private payroll growth over the last two months is at its lowest level since 2012.

To learn more, download the September “SEMA Industry Indicators Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk, Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro.

Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Paul Jurewicz, ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk
Scheduled to Appear: Mattel Hot Wheels #V333

Mattel Hot Wheels Legends Tour Detroit winner and Select Six Win Field award Syracuse Nationals are just some of the accolades Paul Juerwicz has picked up on his way toward the SEMA Show. He intends to add another in BOTB. His ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk features a ’57 Studebaker cowl/windshield, a ’60’s Pontiac front clip, ’60–’63 Chevy Corvair rear panel, a ’60 Thunderbird hood and an ’80s Audi station wagon sunroof used as a trunk lid for the car’s profile. The build sits atop of an ’80s Jaguar rear suspension and a ’90s Corvette chrome-plated front suspension. A ’96 Lincoln modular 4-cam V8, modified intake manifold Demon 3-bbl carburetor and MSD distributor power the build with a C-4 automatic transmission and Ididit steering column making it move.

Troy Gudgel, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: HRIA/ARMO #23393

A previous BOTB participant, Troy Gudgel enters with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The vehicle body features a hand-built aluminum lift-off top, custom-built rear sheetmetal, hand-built bumpers and a widened rear. The Camaro also includes one-off taillights, custom BASF paint and a flush-mount front and rear windshield. The build is powered by a supercharged LT4 engine that pushes out 700 hp and sits atop a custom-built engine bay and bellow by a hand-built aluminum hood. The interior features a hand-built aluminum dash and custom-built interior panels wrapped in high-end Italian leather.

Jim and Mike Ring, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: BASF #V36

The Ringbrothers hope to catch lightning in a bottle again with a ’69 Camaro commemorating its 50th anniversary. Adding aggressive stealth styling while retaining its iconic beauty, this Camaro has been completely redesigned in CAD, machined in high-density foam and produced in carbon fiber. Ringbrothers widened the body 4 in. front to back. Aside from custom-billet details, the body is 100% carbon fiber, powered by Wegner‘s 416 LS3 with an 890hp Whipple supercharger. The Camaro also features custom HRE wheels and an interior by a Upholstery Unlimited.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk, Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro.

Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Paul Jurewicz, ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk
Scheduled to Appear: Mattel Hot Wheels #V333

Mattel Hot Wheels Legends Tour Detroit winner and Select Six Win Field award Syracuse Nationals are just some of the accolades Paul Juerwicz has picked up on his way toward the SEMA Show. He intends to add another in BOTB. His ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk features a ’57 Studebaker cowl/windshield, a ’60’s Pontiac front clip, ’60–’63 Chevy Corvair rear panel, a ’60 Thunderbird hood and an ’80s Audi station wagon sunroof used as a trunk lid for the car’s profile. The build sits atop of an ’80s Jaguar rear suspension and a ’90s Corvette chrome-plated front suspension. A ’96 Lincoln modular 4-cam V8, modified intake manifold Demon 3-bbl carburetor and MSD distributor power the build with a C-4 automatic transmission and Ididit steering column making it move.

Troy Gudgel, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: HRIA/ARMO #23393

A previous BOTB participant, Troy Gudgel enters with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The vehicle body features a hand-built aluminum lift-off top, custom-built rear sheetmetal, hand-built bumpers and a widened rear. The Camaro also includes one-off taillights, custom BASF paint and a flush-mount front and rear windshield. The build is powered by a supercharged LT4 engine that pushes out 700 hp and sits atop a custom-built engine bay and bellow by a hand-built aluminum hood. The interior features a hand-built aluminum dash and custom-built interior panels wrapped in high-end Italian leather.

Jim and Mike Ring, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: BASF #V36

The Ringbrothers hope to catch lightning in a bottle again with a ’69 Camaro commemorating its 50th anniversary. Adding aggressive stealth styling while retaining its iconic beauty, this Camaro has been completely redesigned in CAD, machined in high-density foam and produced in carbon fiber. Ringbrothers widened the body 4 in. front to back. Aside from custom-billet details, the body is 100% carbon fiber, powered by Wegner‘s 416 LS3 with an 890hp Whipple supercharger. The Camaro also features custom HRE wheels and an interior by a Upholstery Unlimited.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week's featured builds include: Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk, Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro and Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro.

Paul Jurewicz’s ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Troy Gudgel’s ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Ringbrothers’ ’69 Chevrolet Camaro

Paul Jurewicz, ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk
Scheduled to Appear: Mattel Hot Wheels #V333

Mattel Hot Wheels Legends Tour Detroit winner and Select Six Win Field award Syracuse Nationals are just some of the accolades Paul Juerwicz has picked up on his way toward the SEMA Show. He intends to add another in BOTB. His ’57 Studebaker Golden Hawk features a ’57 Studebaker cowl/windshield, a ’60’s Pontiac front clip, ’60–’63 Chevy Corvair rear panel, a ’60 Thunderbird hood and an ’80s Audi station wagon sunroof used as a trunk lid for the car’s profile. The build sits atop of an ’80s Jaguar rear suspension and a ’90s Corvette chrome-plated front suspension. A ’96 Lincoln modular 4-cam V8, modified intake manifold Demon 3-bbl carburetor and MSD distributor power the build with a C-4 automatic transmission and Ididit steering column making it move.

Troy Gudgel, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: HRIA/ARMO #23393

A previous BOTB participant, Troy Gudgel enters with a ’69 Chevrolet Camaro. The vehicle body features a hand-built aluminum lift-off top, custom-built rear sheetmetal, hand-built bumpers and a widened rear. The Camaro also includes one-off taillights, custom BASF paint and a flush-mount front and rear windshield. The build is powered by a supercharged LT4 engine that pushes out 700 hp and sits atop a custom-built engine bay and bellow by a hand-built aluminum hood. The interior features a hand-built aluminum dash and custom-built interior panels wrapped in high-end Italian leather.

Jim and Mike Ring, ’69 Chevrolet Camaro
Scheduled to Appear: BASF #V36

The Ringbrothers hope to catch lightning in a bottle again with a ’69 Camaro commemorating its 50th anniversary. Adding aggressive stealth styling while retaining its iconic beauty, this Camaro has been completely redesigned in CAD, machined in high-density foam and produced in carbon fiber. Ringbrothers widened the body 4 in. front to back. Aside from custom-billet details, the body is 100% carbon fiber, powered by Wegner‘s 416 LS3 with an 890hp Whipple supercharger. The Camaro also features custom HRE wheels and an interior by a Upholstery Unlimited.

By Rich Hail

There are eight hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy access to monorail stations.

The 2019 SEMA Show is less than 50 days away and hotels are filling up fast. If you haven’t booked your room yet, get over to the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page where you’ll have access to the most affordable and convenient hotel options available to exhibitors and attendees.

Why book through SEMA? Here are the Top 10 reasons why:



10. Best rate pledge

9. Top tier customer support


8. Book now, pay later


7. Reservation flexibility


6. No hidden fees, taxes or charges


5. Wide selection of hotels


4. 36 hotels offer free shuttle service to LVCC


3. Multiple hotels with easy monorail access


2. You still get points for your hotel loyalty program


1. Airfare discounts, too!
 
Booking direct, you’ll receive SEMA’s negotiated rates, which can save you up to 35% or more! That’s cash you can use to treat your best client or top prospect to dinner on the strip. The rates are guaranteed but selection and availability are not. Make your reservation now to secure your room for the 2019 SEMA Show.

By Rich Hail

There are eight hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy access to monorail stations.

The 2019 SEMA Show is less than 50 days away and hotels are filling up fast. If you haven’t booked your room yet, get over to the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page where you’ll have access to the most affordable and convenient hotel options available to exhibitors and attendees.

Why book through SEMA? Here are the Top 10 reasons why:



10. Best rate pledge

9. Top tier customer support


8. Book now, pay later


7. Reservation flexibility


6. No hidden fees, taxes or charges


5. Wide selection of hotels


4. 36 hotels offer free shuttle service to LVCC


3. Multiple hotels with easy monorail access


2. You still get points for your hotel loyalty program


1. Airfare discounts, too!
 
Booking direct, you’ll receive SEMA’s negotiated rates, which can save you up to 35% or more! That’s cash you can use to treat your best client or top prospect to dinner on the strip. The rates are guaranteed but selection and availability are not. Make your reservation now to secure your room for the 2019 SEMA Show.

By Chad Simon

Jay Leno will be a special guest at the New Products Awards Breakfast, to be held before the start of the 2019 SEMA Show, Tuesday, November 5, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The New Products Awards recognize the most innovative and cutting-edge aftermarket products that will be for sale in 2019.

Jay Leno will help kick off the opening day of the 2019 SEMA Show, Tuesday, November 5, as a special guest at the New Products Awards Breakfast. The awards recognize the most innovative and cutting-edge aftermarket products that will be for sale in 2019.

Each of the 16 award categories has one winner and two runners-up. Winners are selected based on a variety of factors, such as superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability and more.

Product categories include:

• Collision Repair & Refinish
• Exterior Accessory Product
• Interior Accessory Product
• Mobile Electronics Product
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
• Performance-Racing Product
• Performance-Street Product
• Powersports Product
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product
• Tire and Related Product
• Tools and Equipment Product
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
• Wheel and Related Product
• Engineered New Product
• Merchandising Display
• Packaging Design

Tickets to the event— to be held at 7:30 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino—are free and available online when registering for your SEMA Show badge.

New Product entries submitted by SEMA- and TIA-member companies that are checked-in before 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, will be included in SEMA’s annual New Products Awards competition. Award winners will also be recognized at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet the evening of Thursday, November 7.

For more information, visit the SEMA Show website.

By Chad Simon

Jay Leno will be a special guest at the New Products Awards Breakfast, to be held before the start of the 2019 SEMA Show, Tuesday, November 5, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

The New Products Awards recognize the most innovative and cutting-edge aftermarket products that will be for sale in 2019.

Jay Leno will help kick off the opening day of the 2019 SEMA Show, Tuesday, November 5, as a special guest at the New Products Awards Breakfast. The awards recognize the most innovative and cutting-edge aftermarket products that will be for sale in 2019.

Each of the 16 award categories has one winner and two runners-up. Winners are selected based on a variety of factors, such as superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability and more.

Product categories include:

• Collision Repair & Refinish
• Exterior Accessory Product
• Interior Accessory Product
• Mobile Electronics Product
• Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
• Performance-Racing Product
• Performance-Street Product
• Powersports Product
• Street Rod/Custom Car Product
• Tire and Related Product
• Tools and Equipment Product
• Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
• Wheel and Related Product
• Engineered New Product
• Merchandising Display
• Packaging Design

Tickets to the event— to be held at 7:30 a.m., at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino—are free and available online when registering for your SEMA Show badge.

New Product entries submitted by SEMA- and TIA-member companies that are checked-in before 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, will be included in SEMA’s annual New Products Awards competition. Award winners will also be recognized at the annual SEMA Industry Awards Banquet the evening of Thursday, November 7.

For more information, visit the SEMA Show website.

By SEMA Editors

Five Las Vegas hotels, including the Stratosphere, are offering nightly rates less than $150 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Showgoers on a tight budget are encouraged to make reservations at these hotels while rooms are still available.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the rate per night, distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotel star rating. Here are five hotels that cost less than $150 per night for the 2019 SEMA Show:

• Downtown Grand Las Vegas – $142
• Palace Station – $125
• Plaza Hotel and Casino – $125
• Stratosphere – $144
• Tropicana Las Vegas – A Doubletree by Hilton Hotel – $145

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2019 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.