News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Tell Me Again Why I Need to Be Internet Friendly…?

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:27

SEMA News—January 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Tell Me Again Why I Need to Be Internet Friendly…?

“It is forecast that by 2025, 20% of global retailing will be conducted through online channels.”
—Frost & Sullivan Mega Trends Research.

Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has assembled a handpicked team of industry veterans to grow and take the co-op in exciting new directions, including the launch of SEMA Search. That’s why every manufacturer and reseller of consumer products needs to be paying attention today to where the Internet is going and learn how to leverage its substantial influence and power.

Now hear me out before you get your hackles up and declare me yet another of the “end of the brick-and-mortar” doomsayers. The statistics are there for anyone to read, and the fact-based opinions of some very sharp folks are telling us in no uncertain terms that consumers are continuing to gravitate to the Internet to research and purchase all sorts of goods. The automotive parts and accessories category is no exception.

Frost & Sullivan is forecasting that North American revenue from the online sale of auto parts and accessories will nearly quadruple in the next eight years to more than $16 billion. Some say that prediction is conservative. I agree.

Also, current information indicates that more than 75% of potential buyers of specialty automotive parts research on the Internet before buying. Not all buy online, but the information on the Internet is darn sure influencing what is being sold, if not where.

If you are a manufacturer, you must have your product visible in the right places on the web, and you need to control how it is being represented. If you are a reseller, especially in brick and mortar, you need to at least be aware of what is going on with your online competitors. Remember, the number of people who are moving to the web for research leading to a purchase is increasing steadily year over year. To make matters worse, younger consumers who were raised with a keyboard in their hands are natural-born Internet shoppers. As they become more affluent, this will only serve to increase the speed of that trend.

So how do you position for success in a marketplace that is moving steadily to the convenience, affordability and ease of search, click, found?

Manufacturers can start with making sure that products are well represented in all the right places and that potential online resellers are given fair consideration as legitimate opportunities for sales growth. Put aside the all-too-common position of “guilty until proven innocent” and get to know these new customers. And, as I have mentioned so many times before, get your product data in order and make it available! If you don’t control the content and message, your customers will try to do it themselves while often creating confusion, inaccuracy and excessive returns in the process.

If you are a manufacturer, you must have your product visible in the right places on the web, and you need to control how it is being represented.

Resellers, on the other hand, need to be good partners with manufacturers. Let suppliers know that their product data is critical to successful sales growth, and urge them to make it available. Respect and adhere to manufacturers’ policies, diligently ensure accuracy and completeness of your product presentations and create an atmosphere of confidence and trust. Support brands in your stores for more reasons than who has the lowest price this week. Measure quality, stand behind the products you sell with pride and work closely with manufacturers and their reps to truly create a market. After all, when was the last time you met a businessman who credited his good fortune and long-term growth to selling the cheapest stuff he could get his hands on?

To learn more about how you can take control of your product data and manage it at the lowest possible cost, contact SEMA Data Co-op Director of Membership Jim Graven at jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org or 888-958-6698 x4.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

More than 60,000 of those badges went to buyers, who came from all over the world. The numbers represented a 7% increase over those from the previous year and were the highest in SEMA Show history. It was the third year in a row that the Show had seen significant growth.

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:20

SEMA News—January 2015

EVENTS

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014

Igniting the Industry

THE BEST OF SEMA 2014 Each year, during the first week of November, manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories gather in Las Vegas to debut their new products and connect with buyers and media. As the largest annual gathering of small businesses, the SEMA Show provides these manufacturers with a venue for which to do business. They spend months in advance preparing their booths and securing meetings, and they work nonstop during the Show to connect with buyers who are seeking the hottest, newest products to fill their store shelves.

With more than 2,400 exhibitors at the 2014 SEMA Show, the most recent event was the ideal platform for industry professionals to discover new products and trends. In addition to four dedicated Show days, the 2014 SEMA Show included pre- and post-event activities that offered added opportunities for networking and training.

New at the 2014 SEMA Show was a Media Preview, hosted by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) on Monday before Show opening. Hundreds of editors and reporters met with exhibitors for a sneak peak as to what they would be sharing in the days to follow. Also new was SEMA Ignited, a brand-new event that took place on Friday evening after the SEMA Show concluded. Taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas, SEMA Ignited was open to consumers and attracted more than 10,000 individuals to the event.

“The unprecedented participation levels this year indicate that the industry is moving into growth mode,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “This was a record-breaking year, and we’re seeing companies ready and eager to do business.”

On the pages that follow, we’ve selected a few highlights from the 2014 Show. Thumb through the pages, enjoy the photography and watch as the industry gets ignited.

Surprise!

TheAt a Tuesday-morning press conference, SEMA Show attendees assembled to see Toyota reveal an apparently street-legal car that looked like an ordinary ’15 Camry XSE sedan. Only blacked-out windows and suspiciously large rear tires suggested this was anything other than a stock passenger car. Moments later, a stunned audience found a full tube-frame, 900hp drag-race car capable of running an estimated 9.80-second quarter-mile.

Originality

The SEMA Show provides one of life’s few opportunities to be rewarded for being different. It’s a place where style, originality and inventive instincts drive innovation, and where unfettered imagination can be celebrated. Here thrash metal guitarist Kerry King from Slayer plugs in and demonstrates the audio capabilities of the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC, using the car to jam without any external equipment.

Trends

The SEMA Show is where trends first become apparent, when suddenly out of nowhere, new ideas populate the Show floor. There were dozens of new trends for automotive aficionados to identify for 2014, including the prevalence of colored wheels, growing not taller but wider.

Charisma

Richard Petty and Dennis Pittsenbarger (host of Discovery Channel production “Highway to Sell”) enjoy a cross-generational moment on the SEMA Central stage. The SEMA Show is a mecca for automotive royalty of all kinds, including TV personalities, celebrated race car drivers, sports figures and iconic artisans.

Smile!

Dozens of concept cars, custom builds and meticulous restorations were unveiled at the 2014 SEMA Show. With more than 3,300 credentialed media in attendance, plus a huge social-media footprint, the news of the day exploded across the web. Here, the sheet comes off Ford’s 600hp King Cobra Mustang, a news event that quickly accumulated more than 756,000 hits on Google.

Competition!

SEMA Showgoers had a unique opportunity to meet top off-road and desert race drivers at the 2014 SEMA Show. The 70,000-sq.-ft SCORE Baja 1000 Experience was located outside of South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The SCORE exhibit included dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, and was just one of the racing and motorsports exhibits at the Show. The Racing and Performance exhibitor contingent, the largest segment at the Show, grew by 8% for 2014.

Admiration

A parade like no other in the world, the SEMA Cruise features hundreds of the world’s most amazing cars and trucks. Like any good parade it’s free, so anyone can take in the automotive spectacle. More than 2,000 enthusiastic viewers crowded the exit road to applaud the efforts of hundreds of exhibitors.

Dream

Growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing—otherwise known as 3-D printing—was evident at the 2014 SEMA Show. By turning digital files into solid objects, product development cycles can be shortened, innovative ideas can be tested, and new creations can be dreamed, produced and modified as never before. Phoenix-based Local Motors took the technology to a new level by printing an entire Strati car in 44 hours, and driving it away from the Show.

Builders’ Battle Won

Feature vehicle builders—architects in metal, fabricators and craftspersons—are heros at the SEMA Show. This year 129 builders participated in the Battle of the Builders, in which top vehicle builders were recognized for their originality and workmanship. The competition was the foundation for a nationwide television special that will air in early March on the Velocity Network. The climax came when the top three vote-getters appeared on stage at SEMA Ignited. Kyle Tucker’s ’69 Chevy Camaro (center stage) was judged to be the most outstanding, topping a field of 165 exceptional vehicles.

My Old Kentucky Home

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 09:10

SEMA News—January 2015

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

My Old Kentucky Home

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

From left to right: Christian Robinson, SEMA government affairs; Jeff Major, Bed Wood & Parts founder; U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY); Eric Snyder, SEMA government affairs.

Like many car guys, Jeff Major’s passion for street rods, stock cars and classic trucks was acquired as he helped his father in the garage. While working on his own ’57 Chevy pickup not long ago, Major couldn’t find the right wood for the bed of his truck, so he took a page out of his father’s playbook and took matters into his own hands. Literally. It was on that day in 2006 that Bed Wood & Parts was born.

Today, Bed Wood & Parts manufactures American-made, ready-to-finish bed kits for virtually any truck or specialty vehicle dating back to 1915. Based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the company offers consumers more than 40 types of wood through a network of 80 dealers.

Bed Wood & Parts isn’t the only notable product to come out of western Kentucky. U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY) also hails from Hopkinsville—a place he called home until he went off to the University of Kentucky, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate. Rep. Whitfield served in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1974–1975 while practicing law in Hopkinsville, where he operated a successful oil distributorship.

Since 1994, Rep. Whitfield has served Kentucky’s first Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bed Wood & Parts, its ownership and employees are all part of Whitfield’s constituency. In Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the automotive aftermarket industry. He also chairs its Subcommittee on Energy and Power, which oversees American energy policy.

“I was excited to visit the folks at Bed Wood & Parts,” Rep. Whitfield said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about America’s vibrant automotive aftermarket industry and how it is creating jobs right here in Kentucky.”

Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has assembled a handpicked team of industry veterans to grow and take the co-op in exciting new directions, including the launch of SEMA Search.
Bed Wood & Parts uses the latest woodworking technology and CNC machinery to manufacture its products.

During his tour, Rep. Whitfield was able to see how Bed Wood & Parts mills, sands and finishes American wood into a product that’s ready to install. Each one of the company’s kits is manufactured at the Hopkinsville headquarters using the latest woodworking equipment and computer numerical control machinery.

Like 92% of SEMA-member companies, Bed Wood & Parts is a small business. During his visit, Rep. Whitfield was able to hear firsthand from Major what needs to be done to help small businesses, such as his prosper and hire more skilled workers. With a new Congress set to begin work in January, it’s a message Major is confident Rep. Whitfield will share with his colleagues back in Washington.

“Having an ally like Rep. Whitfield is huge,” Major said. “As a small-business owner, I was excited to show him not only how we’ve grown but also how we’re prepared to expand even further, creating more badly needed jobs.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, please contact Christian Robinson via e-mail in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward is the CEO and lead designer of ICON, which is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. He joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012.

“As an automotive designer and enthusiast, my passion has always been the automobile industry.” Ward said.

“Regulatory reform is necessary for its sustainability and longevity. I can’t sit idly and hope for change. I joined the President’s Club to ensure that my voice is heard and that we can achieve a regulatory system that functions on the merits of hard-working people looking for success and paving the road for innovation and U.S. manufacturing growth.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, please contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20, or by e-mail at christianr@sema.org.