By SEMA Editors

	Chris Kersting, SEMA’s CEO, told board members last week that SEMA endorses the Las Vegas Convention Center’s expansion effort because it will enable the SEMA Show to grow.

Big news for Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors voted to approve a contract for the purchase of the historic Riviera Hotel & Casino's 26-acre site as the cornerstone for its planned Las Vegas Global Business District.    

Under the agreement, the LVCVA will purchase the site for a total of $182.5 million.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the closure of the 60-year-old Riviera will take place May 4, just days after the property reaches its 60th anniversary. The hotel-casino is owned by Starwood Capital Group and is managed by Las Vegas-based Paragon Gaming. Paragon will be responsible for closing the property and turning it over to the LVCVA for demolition. Paragon CEO Scott Menke said that the company is working with various Nevada agencies to assist in the transition.

In a statement, LVCVA President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter said that the Global Business District is “the single most important economic development project in the state.” The acquisition, she continued, gives the LVCVA “the much-needed space for expansion while also providing a highly visible presence on one of the most famous streets in the world—the Las Vegas Strip—and is essential in helping us to reach our goal of 45 million visitors.”

The $2.3 billion expansion project is the largest economic development initiative the LVCVA has undertaken since the Las Vegas Convention Center was originally built in the late 1950s.

Chris Kersting, SEMA’s CEO, told board members last week that SEMA endorses the expansion effort because it will enable the SEMA Show to grow. “For Las Vegas to be No. 1, it has to continue to modernize and expand,” he said.

The Riviera site is a key component of the LVCVA's land acquisition strategy, providing an entrance to the Global Business District on the Strip. Envisioned to be completed in two phases, the first phase focuses on the Riviera site and includes 750,000 sq. ft. of new exhibit space and 187,500 sq. ft. of supporting meeting space as part of the new 1.8-million-sq.-ft. expansion. Phase Two focuses on renovating the existing convention center and includes a 100,000-sq.-ft. general session space and another 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Including public areas and service areas, the expansion and renovation increase the facility from its current total footprint of 3.2 million sq. ft. to nearly 5.7 million sq. ft. Once construction begins, the entire project is expected to take five to eight years to complete.

For more information on the Las Vegas Global Business District, visit GlobalBusinessDistrict.com.

Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion

The authority has made several land acquisitions for the planned $2.3-billion Las Vegas Global Business District, but most of that property has been south of the existing Las Vegas Convention Center campus off Sierra Vista Drive.

The Global Business District proposal, a plan to refurbish the 3.2 million sq. ft. of convention halls to maintain the city’s lead as the nation’s top trade show destination, includes a transportation component that community leaders have been discussing for nearly a year.

Authority officials have said that about 20 major trade shows have expressed interest in Las Vegas, but couldn’t come because the calendar was full and there wasn’t enough room to accommodate them. They believe the planned 750,000-sq.-ft. expansion and the renovated facilities would help them land those shows and bolster the city’s position as the nation’s leading trade show host.

The announcement was hailed as good news for the Las Vegas resort market, if the end of an era for a venerable Strip hotel. MGM Resorts International Chairman Jim Murren said he supports the transaction because it allows the convention authority to have a presence on the Strip. The Global Business District, he said, will give Las Vegas another boost in its competition for convention business with Chicago, Orlando and other cities.

“This is really going to be bad news for other convention markets,” Murren said. “I love this deal because it will create an attractive corridor from the Strip to the Convention Center. It’s going to help bring people down to that end of the Strip.”

Justin Moon, director of innovation at Lixar, visits SEMA Central to discuss automotive technology integration via mobile devices—how to make it seamless and transparent.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds, newest innovations and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

Justin Moon, director of innovation at Lixar, visits SEMA Central to discuss automotive technology integration via mobile devices—how to make it seamless and transparent.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds, newest innovations and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

Justin Moon, director of innovation at Lixar, visits SEMA Central to discuss automotive technology integration via mobile devices—how to make it seamless and transparent.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds, newest innovations and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2015 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 3–6.

As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

SEMA Education has put together a series of videos from the industry's best and brightest to provide the skills to keep your business in the game.

SEMA Show Education Days is the convergence of Industry and Business thought leaders.  The vast diversity and innovation driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas. Practical and progressive, these ideas will challenge and equip both the individual and business to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. 

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies, and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media.

SEMA Education has put together a series of videos from the industry's best and brightest to provide the skills to keep your business in the game.

SEMA Show Education Days is the convergence of Industry and Business thought leaders.  The vast diversity and innovation driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas. Practical and progressive, these ideas will challenge and equip both the individual and business to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. 

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies, and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media.

SEMA Education has put together a series of videos from the industry's best and brightest to provide the skills to keep your business in the game.

SEMA Show Education Days is the convergence of Industry and Business thought leaders.  The vast diversity and innovation driven focus of the SEMA Show makes it an unparalleled platform for stimulating and exchanging ideas. Practical and progressive, these ideas will challenge and equip both the individual and business to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. 

The SEMA Show education program typically includes more than five dozen sessions. Topics will focus on industry trends, technologies, and opportunities, while also addressing basic business practices such as customer service, accounting, marketing and social media.

By SEMA Editors

	The Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT’s custom two-tone paint job features Petty Blue for the car's lower half and a custom tri-coat pearlescent blend of Ford Tuxedo Black for the upper half.

Ford Motor Co. and Petty’s Garage are teaming up to build a new 627hp Mustang GT—a limited-edition fastback inspired by the Petty’s Garage Mustang GT that was on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Two versions of the Petty’s Garage Mustang GT will be built this year; the Stage 1 version will be limited to 100 units, while the even more exclusive Stage 2 version will total 43 units. Stage 1 Petty’s Garage Mustang GT will feature a host of custom modifications—both visual tweaks and under the hood.

A Petty’s Garage fascia at the front imparts a unique look, while a reworked rear fascia features a center exit exhaust and prominently showcased race-inspired spoiler. Inside, the Mustang GT features custom embroidered head restraints, floor mats and Richard Petty’s own signature on the dashboard.

A Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, cold-air intake, custom engine calibration and MagnaFlow exhaust system are fitted to Mustang GT’s 5.0L engine, boosting output to 627 hp. Power is delivered to the road by custom 20-in. Petty’s Garage HRE FlowForm wheels shod with Continental tires. Stage 1 Mustang GT can be ordered in any color, with all unique bodywork painted to match in-house at Petty’s Garage.

Along with the features found on the Stage 1 car, the Stage 2 version includes a Petty’s Garage Wilwood big-brake upgrade and a complete Petty’s Garage custom two-tone paint job. Stage 2 Mustang GT will ride on Petty’s Garage HRE three-piece forged aluminum wheels. Of the 43 Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GTs planned, only 42 remain, as rock n’ roll legend Brian Johnson has an order in for the first car.

The Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT’s custom two-tone paint job is identical to the 2014 SEMA Show car. Using crushed-and-tumbled glass combined with Petty Blue paint, Petty’s Garage has created a one-of-a-kind color for the lower half of the car. A custom tri-coat pearlescent blend of Ford Tuxedo Black complements Petty Blue for the upper half. “The King’s” legendary No. 43 is ghosted into the paint on the fastback Mustang GT’s hood and C-pillar.

The Petty’s Garage Stage 1 car carries an MSRP of $62,210, while the Stage 2 car comes in at $92,210. Orders for this limited-edition Mustang GT can be placed at any Ford dealership on a first-come, first-served basis.

By SEMA Editors

	The Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT’s custom two-tone paint job features Petty Blue for the car's lower half and a custom tri-coat pearlescent blend of Ford Tuxedo Black for the upper half.

Ford Motor Co. and Petty’s Garage are teaming up to build a new 627hp Mustang GT—a limited-edition fastback inspired by the Petty’s Garage Mustang GT that was on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Two versions of the Petty’s Garage Mustang GT will be built this year; the Stage 1 version will be limited to 100 units, while the even more exclusive Stage 2 version will total 43 units. Stage 1 Petty’s Garage Mustang GT will feature a host of custom modifications—both visual tweaks and under the hood.

A Petty’s Garage fascia at the front imparts a unique look, while a reworked rear fascia features a center exit exhaust and prominently showcased race-inspired spoiler. Inside, the Mustang GT features custom embroidered head restraints, floor mats and Richard Petty’s own signature on the dashboard.

A Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, cold-air intake, custom engine calibration and MagnaFlow exhaust system are fitted to Mustang GT’s 5.0L engine, boosting output to 627 hp. Power is delivered to the road by custom 20-in. Petty’s Garage HRE FlowForm wheels shod with Continental tires. Stage 1 Mustang GT can be ordered in any color, with all unique bodywork painted to match in-house at Petty’s Garage.

Along with the features found on the Stage 1 car, the Stage 2 version includes a Petty’s Garage Wilwood big-brake upgrade and a complete Petty’s Garage custom two-tone paint job. Stage 2 Mustang GT will ride on Petty’s Garage HRE three-piece forged aluminum wheels. Of the 43 Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GTs planned, only 42 remain, as rock n’ roll legend Brian Johnson has an order in for the first car.

The Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT’s custom two-tone paint job is identical to the 2014 SEMA Show car. Using crushed-and-tumbled glass combined with Petty Blue paint, Petty’s Garage has created a one-of-a-kind color for the lower half of the car. A custom tri-coat pearlescent blend of Ford Tuxedo Black complements Petty Blue for the upper half. “The King’s” legendary No. 43 is ghosted into the paint on the fastback Mustang GT’s hood and C-pillar.

The Petty’s Garage Stage 1 car carries an MSRP of $62,210, while the Stage 2 car comes in at $92,210. Orders for this limited-edition Mustang GT can be placed at any Ford dealership on a first-come, first-served basis.

By SEMA Editors

	Yutaka Katayama, “Mr. K”

Nissan legend Yutaka Katayama, the man known as “Mr. K,” died February 20. He was 105. Katayama ran Nissan’s U.S. operations in the ’70s and was widely known as the father of the Datsun Z sports car. He retired from Nissan in 1977.