News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Recognizing and Supporting the Future of the Industry

Wed, 10/01/2014 - 08:34

SEMA News—October 2014

EDUCATION

Recognizing and Supporting the Future of the Industry

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting posed with students at the Scholarship Winner Pitstop at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $152,000 to 61 individuals. The awards include 44 SEMA Scholarships, which are presented to current students, and 17 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of SEMA-member companies. In addition, one student was awarded a full-tuition scholarship for the 2014–2015 academic year to Ohio Technical College.

On behalf of the industry, we offer congratulations and continued success!

2014 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

Tyler W. Bagby, Johnson County Community College
Damian T. Begler, School of Automotive Machinists
Brandon J. Belcher, University of Northwestern Ohio
Brenden D. Bungert, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Alexis Art Cadiao, Mira Costa College (Steve Woomer Award)
Ryan A. Call, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Trevor A. Chaney, University of Northwestern Ohio
Dalyn M. Cirac, University of Northwestern Ohio
Austin T. Ellis, Colorado School of Mines
Lee S. Engelhardt, Northwood University
Sara J. Erhart, Wyoming Technical Institute (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Award)
Chester L. Fisher, University of Northwestern Ohio
Justin L. Furman, Washtenaw Community College
Matthew Fusco, Northwood University
Hugo Hernandez, California State University-Northridge (Louis L. Borick Award)
Austin W. Hiebert, McPherson College (John Menzler & Hot Rod Industry Alliance Award)
Nicholas V. Hines, University of Northwestern Ohio
Leonard R. Howe, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Eric A. Jiskra, Eastern Michigan University
Jeremy Johnson, Columbus State Community College (Melvin Burton Award)
Jeffery Kesterson, Oregon Institute of Technology
Thomas C. Klein, University of Northwestern Ohio (Don Turney Award)
Mark Lopresto, Cleveland Institute of Art (Harlan Felder Award)
Brent Maynard, University of Northwestern Ohio (Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Award)
Shaun Michael McCarthy, Stanford University
Jacob E. Mischel, North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Sara E. Mohon, Clemson University
Tyler K. Nelson, Brigham Young University-Idaho (Performance Warehouse Association & Truck and Off-Road Alliance Award)
Harmon L. Newhouse, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Kaj Niegmann, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
Joel R. Ortberg, University of Northwestern Ohio
Amir Sadeghi Pari, Austin Community College
Masey S. Peone, Central Washington University (Thurston Warn Award)
Kyle D. Peterson, University of Northwestern Ohio
Garrett Rider, University of Missouri-Columbia (Mike Kunzman Award)
Bobby J. Robertson Jr., McPherson College
Juan Rodriguez Jr., Universal Technical Institute-Sacramento
Robert S. Rose, University of Northwestern Ohio (Joe Hrudka Award)
Mclane T. Rowley, University of Northwestern Ohio (K&N Engineering Award)
Paul J. Sakalas, Kent State University (Jeff Moses-Automotive Restoration Market Organization & Manufacturers Representative Network Award)
Andrew J. Smallman, Kettering University (Emerging Trends & Technology Network Award)
Zachariah J. Sprenger, De Anza College (K&N Engineering Award)
Michael C. Sydow, Ferris State University
Sarah K. Wilkerson, Santa Barbara City College (Louis L. Borick Award)

2014 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

David M. Chamberlain, COMP Performance Group/Lunati LLC (Dan Borré Award)
Laura M. Conrad, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America Inc. (Trudy Thompson Award)
Michael DiCanzio, Turn 5 Inc.
Debra S. Dixon-Coen, Nissan North America (Leo Kagan Award)
Kyle J. Fichtner, DEEZEE Manufacturing (Joseph Amato Award)
William Filter, Dana Holdings/Spicer
Mitchell R. Kaup, BluePrint Engines (Young Executive’s Network)
Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates Racing Engines (Top Student Award)
Adam C. Lovelady, Toyota Motor Sales USA
Joshua Mishler, Advanced Plating
Kelly A. Muldoon, Venchurs Inc.
Philip F. Muscat, Pratt & Miller Engineering
Thomas Rousseve III, Falken Tire Corp. (JA Borré and Wheel & Tire Council Award)
Jordan S. Sneathen, SEMO Classic Mustang Inc.
Kirstin E. Stone, Turbosmart USA (Wally Parks Award)
Heather Vance, Tenneco (Nat Danas Award)
Joshua C. Wang, JE Pistons

The online application for next year’s awards will be accepted November 3, 2014 through March 27, 2015.

For additional information, visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

Recognizing and Supporting the Future of the Industry

Wed, 10/01/2014 - 08:34

SEMA News—October 2014

EDUCATION

Recognizing and Supporting the Future of the Industry

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting posed with students at the Scholarship Winner Pitstop at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $152,000 to 61 individuals. The awards include 44 SEMA Scholarships, which are presented to current students, and 17 loan-forgiveness awards presented to employees of SEMA-member companies. In addition, one student was awarded a full-tuition scholarship for the 2014–2015 academic year to Ohio Technical College.

On behalf of the industry, we offer congratulations and continued success!

2014 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Award Winners

Tyler W. Bagby, Johnson County Community College
Damian T. Begler, School of Automotive Machinists
Brandon J. Belcher, University of Northwestern Ohio
Brenden D. Bungert, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Alexis Art Cadiao, Mira Costa College (Steve Woomer Award)
Ryan A. Call, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Trevor A. Chaney, University of Northwestern Ohio
Dalyn M. Cirac, University of Northwestern Ohio
Austin T. Ellis, Colorado School of Mines
Lee S. Engelhardt, Northwood University
Sara J. Erhart, Wyoming Technical Institute (SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Award)
Chester L. Fisher, University of Northwestern Ohio
Justin L. Furman, Washtenaw Community College
Matthew Fusco, Northwood University
Hugo Hernandez, California State University-Northridge (Louis L. Borick Award)
Austin W. Hiebert, McPherson College (John Menzler & Hot Rod Industry Alliance Award)
Nicholas V. Hines, University of Northwestern Ohio
Leonard R. Howe, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Eric A. Jiskra, Eastern Michigan University
Jeremy Johnson, Columbus State Community College (Melvin Burton Award)
Jeffery Kesterson, Oregon Institute of Technology
Thomas C. Klein, University of Northwestern Ohio (Don Turney Award)
Mark Lopresto, Cleveland Institute of Art (Harlan Felder Award)
Brent Maynard, University of Northwestern Ohio (Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Award)
Shaun Michael McCarthy, Stanford University
Jacob E. Mischel, North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Sara E. Mohon, Clemson University
Tyler K. Nelson, Brigham Young University-Idaho (Performance Warehouse Association & Truck and Off-Road Alliance Award)
Harmon L. Newhouse, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Kaj Niegmann, Georgia Institute of Technology (Bernie Karp Award)
Joel R. Ortberg, University of Northwestern Ohio
Amir Sadeghi Pari, Austin Community College
Masey S. Peone, Central Washington University (Thurston Warn Award)
Kyle D. Peterson, University of Northwestern Ohio
Garrett Rider, University of Missouri-Columbia (Mike Kunzman Award)
Bobby J. Robertson Jr., McPherson College
Juan Rodriguez Jr., Universal Technical Institute-Sacramento
Robert S. Rose, University of Northwestern Ohio (Joe Hrudka Award)
Mclane T. Rowley, University of Northwestern Ohio (K&N Engineering Award)
Paul J. Sakalas, Kent State University (Jeff Moses-Automotive Restoration Market Organization & Manufacturers Representative Network Award)
Andrew J. Smallman, Kettering University (Emerging Trends & Technology Network Award)
Zachariah J. Sprenger, De Anza College (K&N Engineering Award)
Michael C. Sydow, Ferris State University
Sarah K. Wilkerson, Santa Barbara City College (Louis L. Borick Award)

2014 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners

David M. Chamberlain, COMP Performance Group/Lunati LLC (Dan Borré Award)
Laura M. Conrad, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America Inc. (Trudy Thompson Award)
Michael DiCanzio, Turn 5 Inc.
Debra S. Dixon-Coen, Nissan North America (Leo Kagan Award)
Kyle J. Fichtner, DEEZEE Manufacturing (Joseph Amato Award)
William Filter, Dana Holdings/Spicer
Mitchell R. Kaup, BluePrint Engines (Young Executive’s Network)
Jennifer LaFever, Roush Yates Racing Engines (Top Student Award)
Adam C. Lovelady, Toyota Motor Sales USA
Joshua Mishler, Advanced Plating
Kelly A. Muldoon, Venchurs Inc.
Philip F. Muscat, Pratt & Miller Engineering
Thomas Rousseve III, Falken Tire Corp. (JA Borré and Wheel & Tire Council Award)
Jordan S. Sneathen, SEMO Classic Mustang Inc.
Kirstin E. Stone, Turbosmart USA (Wally Parks Award)
Heather Vance, Tenneco (Nat Danas Award)
Joshua C. Wang, JE Pistons

The online application for next year’s awards will be accepted November 3, 2014 through March 27, 2015.

For additional information, visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise—$5.57 Billion in Sales in 2013

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 17:47

By Jason Catullo

	SEMA Market Research reports that sales for light-truck products reached $5.57 billion in 2013, which is an 8% increase compared to 2012.

After hitting a peak in 2007, the light-truck accessory segment was one of the market niches most affected by the recent recession and the escalation of fuel prices in the last few years. But signs are pointing up, according to SEMA Market Research, as sales for light-truck products reached $5.57 billion in 2013, which is an 8% increase compared to 2012.

Once dominated by accessory and appearance products, only to lead to the recession crash, their rebound is driving current growth. A closer look at the market also reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. In terms of product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

Media members interested in learning more about the current market for light-truck accessories are invited to join nearly two-dozen exhibitors during the first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview, taking place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), this event is designed specifically to provide journalists with early access to exhibitors decicated to the light-truck accessory market.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise—$5.57 Billion in Sales in 2013

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 17:47

By Jason Catullo

	SEMA Market Research reports that sales for light-truck products reached $5.57 billion in 2013, which is an 8% increase compared to 2012.

After hitting a peak in 2007, the light-truck accessory segment was one of the market niches most affected by the recent recession and the escalation of fuel prices in the last few years. But signs are pointing up, according to SEMA Market Research, as sales for light-truck products reached $5.57 billion in 2013, which is an 8% increase compared to 2012.

Once dominated by accessory and appearance products, only to lead to the recession crash, their rebound is driving current growth. A closer look at the market also reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. In terms of product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members: Download a free copy of the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report, which provides detailed insight on the compact-performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street rod and custom, and racing niches.

The SEMA Annual Market Report is conducted yearly to help SEMA-member companies understand the industry and make informed business decisions. SEMA research reports are available to SEMA members at no cost, and to nonmembers at a nominal fee. SEMA research reports are listed and can be accessed at www.SEMA.org/research.

Media members interested in learning more about the current market for light-truck accessories are invited to join nearly two-dozen exhibitors during the first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview, taking place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), this event is designed specifically to provide journalists with early access to exhibitors decicated to the light-truck accessory market.

SCORE Display to Include Interactive Programs, Celebrity Signings

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 16:42

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Show SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will feature three major iconic Baja 1000-winning vehicles.

The SEMA Show SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will include a number of attractions for off-road and desert racing fans, including interactive activities, display rigs with driver and celebrity signings, video streams of SCORE Dirt Live and three major Iconic Baja 1000 winning vehicles. Located in Silver Lot 3 just outside the LVCC South Hall, the 70,000 square-foot exhibit brings the thrill and excitement of off-roading to SEMA Showgoers.

The three iconic vehicles that will be at the SEMA Show are:

The 1980 Baja 1000 class winning BFG Blazer driven by the legendary Frank "Scoop" Vessels
The Rod Hall, 1969 Baja winning Bill Stroppe Bronco
The Mark Stahl Class 1 buggy that won the 1978 and 1980 Baja 1000

These historical vehicles will enable SEMA attendees an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the SCORE Baja 1000, while also being exposed to the current unlimited technology of the marquee SCORE Trophy Trucks and Class 1 vehicles. Teams displaying will also be qualifying for their starting position for this year's SCORE Baja 1000 the evening of Tuesday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and will be available for autograph sessions and interviews at two scheduled press conferences: Tuesday and Wednesday, November 4 and 5, both at 2:30 pm.

The SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will keep Showgoers enthralled with its display, interactive activities, and qualifying race results.

SCORE Display to Include Interactive Programs, Celebrity Signings

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 16:42

By SEMA Editors

	SEMA Show SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will feature three major iconic Baja 1000-winning vehicles.

The SEMA Show SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will include a number of attractions for off-road and desert racing fans, including interactive activities, display rigs with driver and celebrity signings, video streams of SCORE Dirt Live and three major Iconic Baja 1000 winning vehicles. Located in Silver Lot 3 just outside the LVCC South Hall, the 70,000 square-foot exhibit brings the thrill and excitement of off-roading to SEMA Showgoers.

The three iconic vehicles that will be at the SEMA Show are:

The 1980 Baja 1000 class winning BFG Blazer driven by the legendary Frank "Scoop" Vessels
The Rod Hall, 1969 Baja winning Bill Stroppe Bronco
The Mark Stahl Class 1 buggy that won the 1978 and 1980 Baja 1000

These historical vehicles will enable SEMA attendees an opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the SCORE Baja 1000, while also being exposed to the current unlimited technology of the marquee SCORE Trophy Trucks and Class 1 vehicles. Teams displaying will also be qualifying for their starting position for this year's SCORE Baja 1000 the evening of Tuesday, November 4, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and will be available for autograph sessions and interviews at two scheduled press conferences: Tuesday and Wednesday, November 4 and 5, both at 2:30 pm.

The SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will keep Showgoers enthralled with its display, interactive activities, and qualifying race results.

New Event Provides Journalists With Exclusive Preview

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 16:29

By Della Domingo

The first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm.

Editors and reporters will have exclusive, dedicated access to nearly two-dozen exhibitors during the first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview, taking place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), this event is designed specifically to provide journalists with early access to exhibitors.

Exhibitors at the Media Preview are committed to helping reporters develop stories by being available to meet for interviews, giving those on a deadline the opportunity to file stories before the Show even opens. Members of the media will get an exclusive preview of the newest products and innovations that will be on display from these companies throughout the week. Having access to these exhibitors before the Show is open to the industry gives participating journalists the advantage of an early start on their stories. In addition, they will have more time to develop their stories and the chance to visit more exhibitors during the week, allowing further Show coverage.

The preview includes 19 companies that will showcase products in the Media Center, Room N110 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Participating companies are:

Media can RSVP for the event when applying for credentials at www.SEMAShow.com/register, or e-mail pr@sema.org.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/media.

New Event Provides Journalists With Exclusive Preview

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 16:29

By Della Domingo

The first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm.

Editors and reporters will have exclusive, dedicated access to nearly two-dozen exhibitors during the first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview, taking place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), this event is designed specifically to provide journalists with early access to exhibitors.

Exhibitors at the Media Preview are committed to helping reporters develop stories by being available to meet for interviews, giving those on a deadline the opportunity to file stories before the Show even opens. Members of the media will get an exclusive preview of the newest products and innovations that will be on display from these companies throughout the week. Having access to these exhibitors before the Show is open to the industry gives participating journalists the advantage of an early start on their stories. In addition, they will have more time to develop their stories and the chance to visit more exhibitors during the week, allowing further Show coverage.

The preview includes 19 companies that will showcase products in the Media Center, Room N110 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Participating companies are:

Media can RSVP for the event when applying for credentials at www.SEMAShow.com/register, or e-mail pr@sema.org.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/media.

New Event Provides Journalists With Exclusive Preview

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 16:29

By Della Domingo

The first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview will take place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm.

Editors and reporters will have exclusive, dedicated access to nearly two-dozen exhibitors during the first-ever SEMA Show Media Preview, taking place Monday, November 3, from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), this event is designed specifically to provide journalists with early access to exhibitors.

Exhibitors at the Media Preview are committed to helping reporters develop stories by being available to meet for interviews, giving those on a deadline the opportunity to file stories before the Show even opens. Members of the media will get an exclusive preview of the newest products and innovations that will be on display from these companies throughout the week. Having access to these exhibitors before the Show is open to the industry gives participating journalists the advantage of an early start on their stories. In addition, they will have more time to develop their stories and the chance to visit more exhibitors during the week, allowing further Show coverage.

The preview includes 19 companies that will showcase products in the Media Center, Room N110 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Participating companies are:

Media can RSVP for the event when applying for credentials at www.SEMAShow.com/register, or e-mail pr@sema.org.

For more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/media.

Evolving Technologies That Are Changing How We Drive

Thu, 09/25/2014 - 15:30

By SEMA Editors

	The SAE 2014 Convergence Conference & Exhibition, themed "Evolving the Customer Experience Through the Transformation of Electronics," will be held October 21–22, 2014, at the COBO Center in Detroit.

Themed "Evolving the Customer Experience Through the Transformation of Electronics," the SAE 2014 Convergence Conference & Exhibition will offer an in-depth examination of the growth of electronic systems over the next 40 years, while mapping out technologies and integration that will impact the driving experience of the future.

"Connected and autonomous driving are leading the way in the integration and convergence of automotive and consumer electronics for vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket companies," said John Waraniak, SEMA's vice president of vehicle technology. "SAE Convergence is the place to learn how to compete today and prepare for tomorrow."

For decades, the SAE Convergence Conference & Exhibition—October 21–22, at the COBO Center in Detroit—has brought together technology leaders from across the globe to address the impact of electronics systems and the issues critical to mobility electronics implementation. This year features a compelling lineup focusing on the most relevant issues surrounding electronics technology.

Every event element is designed to encourage and enable the open exchange of ideas and discussion surrounding the critical decisions that are made in the implementation of mobility electronics technology.

Join the leaders who inspire the development of innovative products and solutions that exceed customer needs at SAE 2014 Convergence.