Thu, 03/19/2015 - 09:39

Think about the last time you personally went to the web to research a potential purchase—and remember that, according to the latest Google research, more than 77% of potential buyers of our products do just that. What were the things that led you to a particular product, brand or even place to buy?

Chances are, you began eliminating options based on the amount of good information available. Can’t find enough detail about Brand X? Let’s take a look at other options. Technical specs on Brand B lacking, but Brand C has lots of great detail to help you make a decision? You start to gravitate away from Brand B. Does Website A have tons of choices with great information while Website Z struggles to present the most basic info and images? I know which direction I would lean.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 09:15

Compiled by SEMA Editors

National Performance Warehouse Acquires Racer’s Equipment Warehouse
In its first acquisition since August 2014 when it purchased Engine Rebuilders Warehouse in Dania Beach, Florida, National Performance Warehouse has purchased Racer’s Equipment Warehouse, which has been in business for more than 50 years and serves all varieties of automotive enterprises in the New England area. Racer’s is the regional wholesale specialist in marketing and selling brand-name lines for Jeeps, trucks, SUVs, off-roading, hot rods, musclecars, drag and circle track cars and street performance. Racers is also a long-standing member of The AAM Group and has a large number of Parts Pro and Total Truck jobbers in the Northeast.

 danny counting cars
“Counting Cars” highlights the repair projects by Danny "The Count" Koker, owner of Count's Kustoms.
  

Quest Automotive Products Renews Partnership With "Counting Cars"
Quest Automotive Products, the manufacturer of Matrix and USC brand automotive repair products, paints and finishes, has renewed its partnership of the popular reality television series "Counting Cars." The Matrix and USC brands have supported the show since its inaugural season in 2012. The show chronicles the repair projects undertaken by Danny "The Count" Koker, owner of Count's Kustoms, a Las Vegas, Nevada, body shop that specializes in restoring and customizing classic cars and motorcycles. The show airs every Tuesday on History at 9:00 p.m. (EST), 8:00 p.m. (CST).

Ryan Evans, the paint specialist on the show, said he is excited to be able to use USC and Matrix products again this season.

"Our ability to make repairs, create custom colors and spray flawless finishes with USC and Matrix products is incomparable. We have very high standards, and the quality of their products doesn't just meet those standards, it enhances them as well as the quality of our restorations."

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.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 08:59
 bmw

A prototype for the next-generation BMW X3 has broken cover, hitting a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle. The prototype was caught testing with a current X3, and a check into German records has confirmed this prototype as registered as an X3.  

The next X3 is expected to use a version of the RWD BMW F30 3-Series platform, with an AWD version obviously part of the package. The X3 will continue with a diesel powertrain, along with a new addition of a hybrid-drive system and with the familiar range of BMW engines available in the 3-Series range.

 bmw

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 08:59
 bmw

A prototype for the next-generation BMW X3 has broken cover, hitting a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle. The prototype was caught testing with a current X3, and a check into German records has confirmed this prototype as registered as an X3.  

The next X3 is expected to use a version of the RWD BMW F30 3-Series platform, with an AWD version obviously part of the package. The X3 will continue with a diesel powertrain, along with a new addition of a hybrid-drive system and with the familiar range of BMW engines available in the 3-Series range.

 bmw

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 08:59
 bmw

A prototype for the next-generation BMW X3 has broken cover, hitting a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle. The prototype was caught testing with a current X3, and a check into German records has confirmed this prototype as registered as an X3.  

The next X3 is expected to use a version of the RWD BMW F30 3-Series platform, with an AWD version obviously part of the package. The X3 will continue with a diesel powertrain, along with a new addition of a hybrid-drive system and with the familiar range of BMW engines available in the 3-Series range.

 bmw

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 07:25
Manufacturers are invited to visit the SEMA Garage to gather fitment data for the ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4.

The SEMA Garage will have a ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with the 2.7 EcoBoost available for measuring and test fitment until April 3. Registration is available online. Manufacturing members simply login, choose the date and time (between 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), and provide brief details on the part to fit or section of the truck measure.

Notes:

  • Attendance by pre-registration only.
  • Cameras will be permitted.
  • Registration requires login.

Questions? Contact Jim Moore at JimM@SEMA.org or 909-978-6739.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 07:25
Manufacturers are invited to visit the SEMA Garage to gather fitment data for the ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4.

The SEMA Garage will have a ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with the 2.7 EcoBoost available for measuring and test fitment until April 3. Registration is available online. Manufacturing members simply login, choose the date and time (between 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), and provide brief details on the part to fit or section of the truck measure.

Notes:

  • Attendance by pre-registration only.
  • Cameras will be permitted.
  • Registration requires login.

Questions? Contact Jim Moore at JimM@SEMA.org or 909-978-6739.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 07:25
Manufacturers are invited to visit the SEMA Garage to gather fitment data for the ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4.

The SEMA Garage will have a ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with the 2.7 EcoBoost available for measuring and test fitment until April 3. Registration is available online. Manufacturing members simply login, choose the date and time (between 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), and provide brief details on the part to fit or section of the truck measure.

Notes:

  • Attendance by pre-registration only.
  • Cameras will be permitted.
  • Registration requires login.

Questions? Contact Jim Moore at JimM@SEMA.org or 909-978-6739.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 07:25
Manufacturers are invited to visit the SEMA Garage to gather fitment data for the ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4.

The SEMA Garage will have a ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with the 2.7 EcoBoost available for measuring and test fitment until April 3. Registration is available online. Manufacturing members simply login, choose the date and time (between 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), and provide brief details on the part to fit or section of the truck measure.

Notes:

  • Attendance by pre-registration only.
  • Cameras will be permitted.
  • Registration requires login.

Questions? Contact Jim Moore at JimM@SEMA.org or 909-978-6739.

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 07:25
Manufacturers are invited to visit the SEMA Garage to gather fitment data for the ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4.

The SEMA Garage will have a ’15 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with the 2.7 EcoBoost available for measuring and test fitment until April 3. Registration is available online. Manufacturing members simply login, choose the date and time (between 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), and provide brief details on the part to fit or section of the truck measure.

Notes:

  • Attendance by pre-registration only.
  • Cameras will be permitted.
  • Registration requires login.

Questions? Contact Jim Moore at JimM@SEMA.org or 909-978-6739.