Bondurant has announced a drawing to win a three- or four-day Bondurant Racing School Experience. Proceeds from the drawing benefit Childhelp, a 501(c)(3) based in Phoenix, Arizona.

https://childhelp.tapkat.org/winbondurantracingschool

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Kristen Fregoso

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide both members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the Association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region.

SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Berea, Ohio, where members and prospective members will gather at Flaming River on Thursday, June 7, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings provide members and prospective members with the opportunity to learn about the association’s current programs and objectives while networking with automotive aftermarket professionals from the same geographic region. These personal interactions give members a chance to share the business challenges and opportunities they face. As SEMA staff interacts with attendees, they also gain valuable feedback which helps identify how current benefits can enhance members’ business operations to better meet their needs.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website, contact Kristen Fregoso at 909-978-6697 or email kristenf@sema.org.

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

What do you think about the state of the industry? We need help from the SEMA community!  

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, help us out and take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to provide the best information for our industry.

By Matt Kennedy

In a recent study conducted by SEMA Market Research, most manufacturers, distributors and retailers surveyed saw increased sales over the past year.

SEMA has released a new market research study, which estimates that more than two-thirds of automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers expect their sales to grow over the next year. While expectations are mostly positive among manufacturers, where 82% expect to see an increase, 74% of distributors and 68% of retailers also expect sales growth. In addition, companies continue to add new products to meet consumer demand in response to a growing customer base.

The report also puts a spotlight on manufacturers, of which 42% feel growing their customer base is the most important path to growing their sales. Part of this strategy involves exploring international markets: 84% of manufacturers surveyed are actively or indirectly selling their products outside the United States, and a majority of those selling abroad (80%) expect their international sales to grow over the next three years.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Find out what the biggest barriers are perceived to be within your segment and learn about current and projected product trends. Check out SEMA’s new free SEMA Industry Perspectives Report.

To see all of the reports available through SEMA Market Research, visit www.sema.org/research.

What do you think about the state of the industry? We need help from the SEMA community!  

Some of you may have received an email from a company called Directions Research. If you receive a message from them inviting you to take a survey, rest assured that it is legitimate.

If you get this invitation, help us out and take a few minutes to provide your feedback. This will help us to provide the best information for our industry.

By SEMA Editors

A new series of short video tutorials available at www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary cover how to use the SEMA Data Co-op’s Product Information Management System 2.0.

The updated SEMA Data Co-op Product Information Management System (PIMS) 2.0 has been released and is easier than ever to use. The series of four, one- to two-minute videos are designed help SDC-member manufacturers and resellers get started using the SDC PIMS.

To access the SDC PIMS video series, go to www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary.

By SEMA Editors

A new series of short video tutorials available at www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary cover how to use the SEMA Data Co-op’s Product Information Management System 2.0.

The updated SEMA Data Co-op Product Information Management System (PIMS) 2.0 has been released and is easier than ever to use. The series of four, one- to two-minute videos are designed help SDC-member manufacturers and resellers get started using the SDC PIMS.

To access the SDC PIMS video series, go to www.semadatacoop.org/videolibrary.

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

The state of California and the federal government are providing funds to lower the cost to participate in the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, to be held August 15–19, in Shanghai, China. The first 10 California-based companies to register will be offered $2,300 toward program fees.

With the grants, $2,000 includes four nights’ hotel, a turnkey booth at the largest specialty-equipment show in the region, interpreters and meals to initiate or grow sales to this country of 1.4 billion consumers.

2018 SEMA China Business Development Program
Shanghai, China
August 15–19

Participants spend a week promoting their brands and gaining insights into how Chi­nese enthusiasts obtain products and use their vehicles in this market of 1.4 billion people. Learn about the developing Chinese car culture and eagerness among Chinese enthu­siasts to upgrade their rides to take them to the racetrack, off-roading or everyday use.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the China Auto Salon in a turnkey booth. A limited number of $1,500 grants are available for qualified California-based companies (in addition to the $800 federal grants).

Register now!

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Injen Technology attendees at the show included Ron Delgado (standing), president and CEO, and Jay Crouch, director of global business development (second right). Crouch said that Injen Technology has exported cold-air intakes and exhaust systems into the Chinese market for about a decade. “Chinese consumers are enthusiastic with their booming car culture and are continually looking to the United States for new trends and products,” he said. “These new products and trends are increasingly being reflected in their vehicles, which reinforces the fact that U.S. products are in high demand in China. From U.S.-branded trucks and Jeeps to Euros and sport compacts, every aspect of the aftermarket is represented well in China, and they are yearning for aftermarket support.”

Nickolaus DiBlasi (center), global product manager for Race Winning Brands, was surprised at the size and potential for U.S. specialty-equipment products in China. “The aftermarket potential in China is completely opposite from what I had thought going into the SEMA China Business Development trip,” he said. “[Our pre-conception] was only a high-end aftermarket that catered to exotics such as Lamborghinis, Porsches and other $100,000-and-over vehicles. After spending time in China, we found that there is so much more. We were pleased to see Camaros, Mustangs, VWs, Audis and Toyotas.”

By Linda Spencer

“Chinese enthusiasts crave American-made parts,” said Robert Scheid (second left), director of business development for McLeod Racing LLC. “Knowing what they are looking for and finding credible distribution takes participating in this huge market in person.”

The state of California and the federal government are providing funds to lower the cost to participate in the 2018 SEMA China Business Development Program, to be held August 15–19, in Shanghai, China. The first 10 California-based companies to register will be offered $2,300 toward program fees.

With the grants, $2,000 includes four nights’ hotel, a turnkey booth at the largest specialty-equipment show in the region, interpreters and meals to initiate or grow sales to this country of 1.4 billion consumers.

2018 SEMA China Business Development Program
Shanghai, China
August 15–19

Participants spend a week promoting their brands and gaining insights into how Chi­nese enthusiasts obtain products and use their vehicles in this market of 1.4 billion people. Learn about the developing Chinese car culture and eagerness among Chinese enthu­siasts to upgrade their rides to take them to the racetrack, off-roading or everyday use.

The 2018 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the China Auto Salon in a turnkey booth. A limited number of $1,500 grants are available for qualified California-based companies (in addition to the $800 federal grants).

Register now!

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/china.

Injen Technology attendees at the show included Ron Delgado (standing), president and CEO, and Jay Crouch, director of global business development (second right). Crouch said that Injen Technology has exported cold-air intakes and exhaust systems into the Chinese market for about a decade. “Chinese consumers are enthusiastic with their booming car culture and are continually looking to the United States for new trends and products,” he said. “These new products and trends are increasingly being reflected in their vehicles, which reinforces the fact that U.S. products are in high demand in China. From U.S.-branded trucks and Jeeps to Euros and sport compacts, every aspect of the aftermarket is represented well in China, and they are yearning for aftermarket support.”

Nickolaus DiBlasi (center), global product manager for Race Winning Brands, was surprised at the size and potential for U.S. specialty-equipment products in China. “The aftermarket potential in China is completely opposite from what I had thought going into the SEMA China Business Development trip,” he said. “[Our pre-conception] was only a high-end aftermarket that catered to exotics such as Lamborghinis, Porsches and other $100,000-and-over vehicles. After spending time in China, we found that there is so much more. We were pleased to see Camaros, Mustangs, VWs, Audis and Toyotas.”

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Jeff Holland

Mitsubishi Motors Appoints Jeff Holland Director of Public Relations

Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA) has announced the appointment of Jeff Holland to the position of director, public relations in North America. In this new role, Holland will be responsible for the development and management of MMNA’s external and internal public relations strategies and overseeing the company’s events efforts. Prior to joining Mitsubishi Motors, Holland revealed two new electric vehicles from startup automotive brands Bollinger Motors and Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. Previous positions also included leading the American Suzuki Motors’ PR and social media team and serving in various communications leadership positions at General Motors, where he helped launch numerous high-profile vehicles and technologies. Holland also provided key support for vehicle projects at Jaguar-Land Rover and Toyota Racing Development. Holland’s appointment is effective immediately.

Mike Timmons

Omix-ADA Announces Organizational Changes to Its Domestic Sales Team

Omix-ADA has announced a detailed list of recent promotions and appointments made by its internal domestic sales team. These changes were made in a direct effort to increase the company’s overall strength in the marketplace. At the forefront of these changes, Mike Timmons has been announced as the vice president of sales at Omix-ADA. He has been with the Truck Hero family since 2011, most recently serving as the vice president of sales for BedRug. Ryan Jackson was appointed to the position of director of product management. Jackson previously served as director of sales for Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge since 2012. Additionally, Pat Johnson was appointed national sales manager for the United States and Western Canada, while Ray Weaver was designated as the national sales manager for major accounts. Weaver still manages both the Northeast and Eastern Canadian territories in his new position. Both Johnson and Weaver have extensive prior experience as domestic sales representatives with Omix-ADA. Three regional sales managers were also announced. Zach English will cover the Southeast region, Spencer Slade the Central region and Fred Gatti the Western region. Also reporting to the national sales managers are Dave Logan and Sean Burger, who have accepted new positions as territory sales representatives.

EnerSys Awarded Approved Supplier Status at Mid-States Distributing Co. Inc.

EnerSys recently achieved “approved supplier” status at Mid-States Distributing Co. Inc. Mid-States is a buying cooperative that was founded in 1954 and whose members are retailers in the farm and home store channel. They are approaching 700 stores in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. As an approved supplier, EnerSys now has access to buyers for the Mid-States member stores.

Team Considine Sales & Marketing of Jacksonville North Pulaski High School #1, from Jacksonville, Arkansas, came in first place with a time of 26:41.

Seven New Teams Qualify for Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual National Championship at Atlanta Motorama

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge started the second half of its schedule at the Summit Atlanta Motorama in Atlanta, April 28–29, where a total of 11 schools fielded 19 teams from Alabama and Georgia, of which seven qualified for the Dual National Championship, to be held later this year at the SEMA Show and PRI Tradeshow. To qualify for the Dual National Championship, a team must finish disassembling and reassembling a small-block Chevrolet engine in less than 33 minutes, including penalties. The following teams qualified:

• Team Considine Sales & Marketing – Jacksonville North Pulaski High School #1, Jacksonville, Arkansas: 26:41
• Team Pertronix – Monticello Occupational Education Center #1, Monticello, Arkansas: 27:50
• Team Summit Racing – Peach County High School #1, Fort Valley, Georgia: 28:41
• Team Derale Performance – Maxwell High School of Technology #1, Lawrenceville, Georgia: 32:03
• Team Fel-Pro – Sylvan Hills High School #1, Sherwood, Arkansas: 32:22    
• Team R&R Marketing – Etowah High School #1, Woodstock, Georgia: 32:26
• Team Champion Spark Plugs – Maxwell High School of Technology #2, Lawrenceville, Georgia: 32:31

Thirty-three teams have qualified for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual National Championship, with six qualifying events left before the end of the season. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.