The Russia Business Development Tour is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals.

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

	The Russia Business Development Tour is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals.

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

	The Russia Business Development Tour is for those companies interested in developing brand recognition, product loyalty and working toward mid- and longer-term goals.

• About 48,000 U.S.-made vehicles were imported into Russia in 2013, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. In addition to U.S.-made vehicles exported to Russia, Ford’s 50–50 joint venture in 2013 produced the millionth Russian-built Ford-badged vehicle. In addition, Russia is GM’s fifth-largest market for its Chevrolet brand. GM sold 174,649 vehicles in Russia overall. Popularly customized vehicles, such as the Jeep Wrangler, are now officially sold in Russia.

• Russia is the world’s sixth-largest automotive market in terms of annual passenger-vehicle sales and is the second largest in Europe after Germany. Before the economic and political crisis hit, industry experts predicted that Russia would soon become the No. 1 market. Though still expected, the date for this change in positions has been delayed by several years at least as car sales are down sharply amid the uncertainty and fiscal crisis.

• Last year’s event attracted buyers from throughout Russia. Many of these buyers traveled to the 2014 SEMA Show and participated in the U.S.–Russia roundtable.

Events schedule (tentative):

Sunday, May 17

United States government briefing and networking dinner with a select group of buyers.

Monday, May 18

Visit specialty-equipment shops.

Tuesday, May 19

Roundtable discussion with buyers and a chance for private one-on-one meetings with pre-vetted buyers.

Wednesday, May 20

Depart for the United States.

	Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Get in on the ground level at what is likely to be one of the largest consumer markets for specialty products, if not the largest.
• Gain insight into the growing specialty market for the 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. Learn what sells, what’s in demand and for which applications through networking opportunities with retailers, wholesalers and local media.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event outreach to buyers.

	Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Get in on the ground level at what is likely to be one of the largest consumer markets for specialty products, if not the largest.
• Gain insight into the growing specialty market for the 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. Learn what sells, what’s in demand and for which applications through networking opportunities with retailers, wholesalers and local media.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event outreach to buyers.

	Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.

• Exhibit at the China Auto Salon (CAS) in Shanghai where they will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted distributors and retailers from throughout China.
• Get in on the ground level at what is likely to be one of the largest consumer markets for specialty products, if not the largest.
• Gain insight into the growing specialty market for the 1.3 billion Chinese consumers. Learn what sells, what’s in demand and for which applications through networking opportunities with retailers, wholesalers and local media.
• Begin promoting their brand to Chinese buyers now through SEMA pre-event outreach to buyers.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) will sponsor Martino Motorsports, who will compete in their Mac Sherrill-built rear-engine dragster for the upcoming 2015 race season.

DEI Sponsors Martino Motorsports

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) has announced its continued partnership with national drag-racing standouts Tom and Ryan Martino (Martino Motorsports) for their upcoming 2015 race season. This season the Martinos plan to compete in the NHRA and PDRA Drag Racing Series in the Top Dragster category with their award-winning Mac Sherrill-built rear-engine dragster. The dragster will feature a two-stage Ny-Trex fogger kit and various thermal tuning products available through DEI.

Champion Racing Oil Announces 2015 “ELITE RACER” Program

Champion Racing Oil has announced the details for its 2015 “ELITE RACER” Program, providing support for participants in almost every recognized sanctioned racing event in North America and Canada.

“The Champion 2015 ‘ELITE RACER’ Program is an all-encompassing marketing program designed to link our racing and performance lubricants directly to regional and national racers for most sanctioned racing events in North America, including the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC), American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), World of Outlaws (WoO), United States Auto Club (USAC), the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM),” said Karl Dedolph, director of racing and performance products for Champion Oil.

Funrise Inc. Taps JMPR to Handle Media Relations for Tonka Toys

JMPR Public Relations Inc. has been retained by children’s toy manufacturer and distributor, Funrise Inc., to handle media relations duties for its TONKA-branded products under license from Hasbro.

	General Tire will be a major sponsor with Team Lucas in 2015.

General Tire, Team Lucas Partner for Ninth Straight Year

General Tire will be a major sponsor with Team Lucas in 2015 for the ninth straight year in a comprehensive program that includes event and television marketing in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. General Tire will also have an extensive presence at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. General Tire also provides support to Lucas Oil Off Road Racing drivers Carl Renezeder, Ryan Beat, Doug Fortin, Robby Woods, Ray Griffith and Jerret Brooks.

General Tire also will continue its automotive programming on MAVTV American Real with the “General Tire Engine Block,” from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., headlined by Stacey David's “GearZ” and four other 30-minute automotive shows. General Tire will expand its role in 2015 by becoming presenting sponsor for King of the Cage MMA on MAVTV American Real.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) will sponsor Martino Motorsports, who will compete in their Mac Sherrill-built rear-engine dragster for the upcoming 2015 race season.

DEI Sponsors Martino Motorsports

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) has announced its continued partnership with national drag-racing standouts Tom and Ryan Martino (Martino Motorsports) for their upcoming 2015 race season. This season the Martinos plan to compete in the NHRA and PDRA Drag Racing Series in the Top Dragster category with their award-winning Mac Sherrill-built rear-engine dragster. The dragster will feature a two-stage Ny-Trex fogger kit and various thermal tuning products available through DEI.

Champion Racing Oil Announces 2015 “ELITE RACER” Program

Champion Racing Oil has announced the details for its 2015 “ELITE RACER” Program, providing support for participants in almost every recognized sanctioned racing event in North America and Canada.

“The Champion 2015 ‘ELITE RACER’ Program is an all-encompassing marketing program designed to link our racing and performance lubricants directly to regional and national racers for most sanctioned racing events in North America, including the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC), American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), World of Outlaws (WoO), United States Auto Club (USAC), the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and the National Association of Diesel Motorsports (NADM),” said Karl Dedolph, director of racing and performance products for Champion Oil.

Funrise Inc. Taps JMPR to Handle Media Relations for Tonka Toys

JMPR Public Relations Inc. has been retained by children’s toy manufacturer and distributor, Funrise Inc., to handle media relations duties for its TONKA-branded products under license from Hasbro.

	General Tire will be a major sponsor with Team Lucas in 2015.

General Tire, Team Lucas Partner for Ninth Straight Year

General Tire will be a major sponsor with Team Lucas in 2015 for the ninth straight year in a comprehensive program that includes event and television marketing in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. General Tire will also have an extensive presence at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. General Tire also provides support to Lucas Oil Off Road Racing drivers Carl Renezeder, Ryan Beat, Doug Fortin, Robby Woods, Ray Griffith and Jerret Brooks.

General Tire also will continue its automotive programming on MAVTV American Real with the “General Tire Engine Block,” from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., headlined by Stacey David's “GearZ” and four other 30-minute automotive shows. General Tire will expand its role in 2015 by becoming presenting sponsor for King of the Cage MMA on MAVTV American Real.

	Exhibitors who sign up for space before April 6 will be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection—a three-week process at which time exhibitors are assigned their actual booth location and number.

• Get individual and dedicated assistance: Last year, SEMA enhanced its customer service by assigning each member company with a single point of contact to assist with all Show-related services. The in-house account reps help with booth space, sponsorships, registration and much more. Now is the best time to get to know and connect with your rep. As the SEMA Show draws closer, their schedules will be busier—as will yours. Make sure they know and understand your goals and objectives now, so that they can better assist you throughout the planning process.

• Know and understand the SEMA Show: For first-time exhibitors, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with the programs and services that the SEMA Show offers. Unlike other trade shows, the SEMA Show offers unique media opportunities, networking events and educational programs. Since the SEMA Show continues to evolve and change each year, veteran exhibitors are also encouraged to spend this time understanding how new programs may impact them. For example, a new 2015 policy states the size selected on the booth space application is the size that will be assigned during the Priority Space Selection Process. Changes to the size can be made only after the space allocation process. Applying early allows you to fully understand the new policies and changes, and gives you a chance to connect with SEMA Show Staff or your sales representative for further details regarding the change.

• Avoid technical glitches: The Internet makes it easier than ever to sign up for booth space, allowing exhibitors the ability to submit all the necessary information at a single, convenient time. Yet, the reality is that there may be technical problems. While unlikely, power may go out and connections may be lost. Don’t take the chance by waiting until the last minute, and make sure you receive a confirmation e-mail after submitting your application. (Hint: Avoid using Google Chrome when applying for booth space, as the web browser is not compatible with the application.)

	Exhibitors who sign up for space before April 6 will be included in the Priority Booth Space Selection—a three-week process at which time exhibitors are assigned their actual booth location and number.

• Get individual and dedicated assistance: Last year, SEMA enhanced its customer service by assigning each member company with a single point of contact to assist with all Show-related services. The in-house account reps help with booth space, sponsorships, registration and much more. Now is the best time to get to know and connect with your rep. As the SEMA Show draws closer, their schedules will be busier—as will yours. Make sure they know and understand your goals and objectives now, so that they can better assist you throughout the planning process.

• Know and understand the SEMA Show: For first-time exhibitors, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with the programs and services that the SEMA Show offers. Unlike other trade shows, the SEMA Show offers unique media opportunities, networking events and educational programs. Since the SEMA Show continues to evolve and change each year, veteran exhibitors are also encouraged to spend this time understanding how new programs may impact them. For example, a new 2015 policy states the size selected on the booth space application is the size that will be assigned during the Priority Space Selection Process. Changes to the size can be made only after the space allocation process. Applying early allows you to fully understand the new policies and changes, and gives you a chance to connect with SEMA Show Staff or your sales representative for further details regarding the change.

• Avoid technical glitches: The Internet makes it easier than ever to sign up for booth space, allowing exhibitors the ability to submit all the necessary information at a single, convenient time. Yet, the reality is that there may be technical problems. While unlikely, power may go out and connections may be lost. Don’t take the chance by waiting until the last minute, and make sure you receive a confirmation e-mail after submitting your application. (Hint: Avoid using Google Chrome when applying for booth space, as the web browser is not compatible with the application.)