By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars, sponsored by SEMA-member companies, racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support SEMA Cares' charities.

The fourth annual Council Cup will once again pit council against council in the name of SEMA Cares' charities. Which group will rise up and prove its dominance and ability to rally its members to sponsor the most Pinewood cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as  members fire up their competitive spirits.

This year’s Council Cup promises to be the most action-packed yet between the SEMA councils. Council Cup defending champion Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is still hot after serious trash talking took place at last year’s event. They don’t intend to give up the cup without a serious challenge. No spy cams or “smoking tires” have been uncovered, but rumor has it SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has hired a former champion as a “consultant” for a possible entry this year in an effort to take back the Cup.

Lee McGuire, Young Executives Network (YEN) chairman, fired the first shot when she stated, "The Council Cup has eluded YEN in the past, but we have been in the finals and want a victory, so look out this year. It’s on!"

An Aussie never to be backed into a corner, Vic Wood, the chairman of Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), immediately came back with, "This really is a no contest. MPMC is on the cutting edge of race-car tech and our vehicle, which is currently undergoing wind-tunnel development at a top-secret location in the Mojave Desert north of Las Vegas (commonly known as Area 51), will have all of the latest attributes to take back the crown! MPMC says bring it on!"

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, takes place Friday, July 26, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for the Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway. 

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities. Purchase your own Pinewood car, participate and help a child in need.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, sponsored by eBay Motors, featured hundreds of pinewood cars, sponsored by SEMA-member companies, racing against the clock for bragging rights and to support SEMA Cares' charities.

The fourth annual Council Cup will once again pit council against council in the name of SEMA Cares' charities. Which group will rise up and prove its dominance and ability to rally its members to sponsor the most Pinewood cars? There is no doubt the heat is going to turn up as  members fire up their competitive spirits.

This year’s Council Cup promises to be the most action-packed yet between the SEMA councils. Council Cup defending champion Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is still hot after serious trash talking took place at last year’s event. They don’t intend to give up the cup without a serious challenge. No spy cams or “smoking tires” have been uncovered, but rumor has it SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has hired a former champion as a “consultant” for a possible entry this year in an effort to take back the Cup.

Lee McGuire, Young Executives Network (YEN) chairman, fired the first shot when she stated, "The Council Cup has eluded YEN in the past, but we have been in the finals and want a victory, so look out this year. It’s on!"

An Aussie never to be backed into a corner, Vic Wood, the chairman of Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), immediately came back with, "This really is a no contest. MPMC is on the cutting edge of race-car tech and our vehicle, which is currently undergoing wind-tunnel development at a top-secret location in the Mojave Desert north of Las Vegas (commonly known as Area 51), will have all of the latest attributes to take back the crown! MPMC says bring it on!"

Held in conjunction with the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors, takes place Friday, July 26, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. There is no better location for the Pinewood Drag Races than Pomona—home of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Auto Club Raceway. 

Proceeds from the races benefit SEMA Cares charities. Purchase your own Pinewood car, participate and help a child in need.

The shooters at KGP Photography have just gotten their first shots of a final, production-spec prototype for the ’15 Ford F-150, caught running on public roads.

The F-150 is expected to follow the design lead foreshadowed by Ford's Atlas Concept, which bowed during January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Elements of the Atlas concept can be seen peeking through bits of the camouflage.

As important as the next F-150's styling is what it will be made of. There are rumors of extensive use of aluminum, which could result in massive weight reduction. Questions remain as to just how far Ford is willing to go in its use of the expensive and tricky metal. There are some interesting things around the rear wheelwells of this F-150 prototype—unpainted metal with the look of untreated aluminum around the rear bed—which may provide the first clue to the metallurgical makeup of this massively important product within the Ford empire.

Sources say that this next F-150 will utilize Ford's new range of V6 engines (being developed under the codename "Nano"), likely displacing 2.9L in the F-150 range. Direct injection and dual-stage turbocharging are rumored to be part of the Nano's defining technologies. A diesel engine is also a near certainty for the next F-150 range.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have just gotten their first shots of a final, production-spec prototype for the ’15 Ford F-150, caught running on public roads.

The F-150 is expected to follow the design lead foreshadowed by Ford's Atlas Concept, which bowed during January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Elements of the Atlas concept can be seen peeking through bits of the camouflage.

As important as the next F-150's styling is what it will be made of. There are rumors of extensive use of aluminum, which could result in massive weight reduction. Questions remain as to just how far Ford is willing to go in its use of the expensive and tricky metal. There are some interesting things around the rear wheelwells of this F-150 prototype—unpainted metal with the look of untreated aluminum around the rear bed—which may provide the first clue to the metallurgical makeup of this massively important product within the Ford empire.

Sources say that this next F-150 will utilize Ford's new range of V6 engines (being developed under the codename "Nano"), likely displacing 2.9L in the F-150 range. Direct injection and dual-stage turbocharging are rumored to be part of the Nano's defining technologies. A diesel engine is also a near certainty for the next F-150 range.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography have just gotten their first shots of a final, production-spec prototype for the ’15 Ford F-150, caught running on public roads.

The F-150 is expected to follow the design lead foreshadowed by Ford's Atlas Concept, which bowed during January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Elements of the Atlas concept can be seen peeking through bits of the camouflage.

As important as the next F-150's styling is what it will be made of. There are rumors of extensive use of aluminum, which could result in massive weight reduction. Questions remain as to just how far Ford is willing to go in its use of the expensive and tricky metal. There are some interesting things around the rear wheelwells of this F-150 prototype—unpainted metal with the look of untreated aluminum around the rear bed—which may provide the first clue to the metallurgical makeup of this massively important product within the Ford empire.

Sources say that this next F-150 will utilize Ford's new range of V6 engines (being developed under the codename "Nano"), likely displacing 2.9L in the F-150 range. Direct injection and dual-stage turbocharging are rumored to be part of the Nano's defining technologies. A diesel engine is also a near certainty for the next F-150 range.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

	The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will host several educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will host several educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA at the 2013 SEMA Show, which runs November 5–8, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

TPMS at 10
Understanding and Managing the Risks of Servicing TPMS
Speakers: Representatives from Dill Air Controls, ATEQ Corp., Bartec USA, OTC/SPX, Continental, Schrader International, Group 31, Alligator, Pacific, TRW, Myers Tire Supply, Revolution Supply, Orange Electronic, Standard Motor Products and TIA

With more and more vehicles equipped with tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) entering service bays today and in the future, many questions regarding liability, service and profitability are posed to today's tire dealers. We have assembled a panel of industry experts to guide attendees through the world of TPMS and how it relates to their everyday operation.

Truck Tires at 10
Shoulder Repairs in the Field
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

After years of debate and study, the industry has finally approved a procedure for repairing punctures up to 3/8-inch in the shoulder of truck tires with standard plug and patch materials. The Reinforced Shoulder Repair (RSR) uses the same basic procedures for regular puncture repairs, but there are some differences related to repair unit selection and placement. This seminar will introduce the concept of the RSR and explain the parameters for properly installing these repairs in the field.

Tires at 2
Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets
Speakers: TBA

Every year, two of the industry’s leading trade publications recognize a tire dealer for their accomplishments. Tire Business has the Humanitarian Award, which is focused on a dealer who makes significant charitable contributions to their community. Tire Review issues the Top Shop Award to a dealer who demonstrates a continued effort to be the best at everything in their respective market. This year’s winners will each give a brief description of their companies and then offer some insight on what they think has made them successful. Following the presentations, the winners will participate in a question-and-answer session.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

TPMS at 10
TPMS Troubleshooting
Speakers: Sean MacKinnon, TIA director of automotive training development; Matt White, TIA director of automotive tire service; other industry experts TBA

TIA's Matthew White and Sean MacKinnon will be joined by several industry representatives to cover the TPMS problems and fixes of the past year, as well as what's in store for the future of TPMS service.

Truck Tires at 10
Monitoring Tire Pressure on Trucks
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

With rising fuel and tire costs, the ROI for TPMS is more attractive than ever. Fleets are starting to recognize the savings that come from properly inflated tires, so they are turning to different types of technology to monitor tire pressure. This seminar will cover the most popular systems on the market, describe how they operate and outline the specific service procedures for each system.

Tires at 2
Understanding Tire Buyers in the Information Age
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

Over the past few years, interest regarding the habits of tire buyers has become higher than ever because more and more consumers are doing their own research before talking to a retailer. Between the government’s proposed new labeling regulations, TPMS and the increasing level of technology associated with low rolling resistance and run-flat tires, motorists who are in need of tires are bombarded with more information than ever before in making a purchasing decision. This seminar will update attendees on the status of the new tire labeling and TPMS regulations and also look at several studies to help provide insight into the decision-making process for different types of consumers.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Understanding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president

When health care reform (“ObamaCare”) was signed into law March 23, 2010, there were a lot of questions from the business community. Fast-forward three years and there are even more questions. Dr. Roy Littlefield has been representing the tire industry on Capitol Hill for more than 30 years and he will provide attendees with an overview of the legislation, what it means for the tire industry and how dealers can comply with the completely new set of regulations. PPACA continues to be a hot topic for business owners/managers and this seminar is certain to answer a lot of questions.

By SEMA Editors

	The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will host several educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will host several educational sessions for the Global Tire Expo–Powered by TIA at the 2013 SEMA Show, which runs November 5–8, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

TPMS at 10
Understanding and Managing the Risks of Servicing TPMS
Speakers: Representatives from Dill Air Controls, ATEQ Corp., Bartec USA, OTC/SPX, Continental, Schrader International, Group 31, Alligator, Pacific, TRW, Myers Tire Supply, Revolution Supply, Orange Electronic, Standard Motor Products and TIA

With more and more vehicles equipped with tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) entering service bays today and in the future, many questions regarding liability, service and profitability are posed to today's tire dealers. We have assembled a panel of industry experts to guide attendees through the world of TPMS and how it relates to their everyday operation.

Truck Tires at 10
Shoulder Repairs in the Field
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

After years of debate and study, the industry has finally approved a procedure for repairing punctures up to 3/8-inch in the shoulder of truck tires with standard plug and patch materials. The Reinforced Shoulder Repair (RSR) uses the same basic procedures for regular puncture repairs, but there are some differences related to repair unit selection and placement. This seminar will introduce the concept of the RSR and explain the parameters for properly installing these repairs in the field.

Tires at 2
Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets
Speakers: TBA

Every year, two of the industry’s leading trade publications recognize a tire dealer for their accomplishments. Tire Business has the Humanitarian Award, which is focused on a dealer who makes significant charitable contributions to their community. Tire Review issues the Top Shop Award to a dealer who demonstrates a continued effort to be the best at everything in their respective market. This year’s winners will each give a brief description of their companies and then offer some insight on what they think has made them successful. Following the presentations, the winners will participate in a question-and-answer session.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

TPMS at 10
TPMS Troubleshooting
Speakers: Sean MacKinnon, TIA director of automotive training development; Matt White, TIA director of automotive tire service; other industry experts TBA

TIA's Matthew White and Sean MacKinnon will be joined by several industry representatives to cover the TPMS problems and fixes of the past year, as well as what's in store for the future of TPMS service.

Truck Tires at 10
Monitoring Tire Pressure on Trucks
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

With rising fuel and tire costs, the ROI for TPMS is more attractive than ever. Fleets are starting to recognize the savings that come from properly inflated tires, so they are turning to different types of technology to monitor tire pressure. This seminar will cover the most popular systems on the market, describe how they operate and outline the specific service procedures for each system.

Tires at 2
Understanding Tire Buyers in the Information Age
Speaker: Kevin Rohlwing, TIA senior vice president of training

Over the past few years, interest regarding the habits of tire buyers has become higher than ever because more and more consumers are doing their own research before talking to a retailer. Between the government’s proposed new labeling regulations, TPMS and the increasing level of technology associated with low rolling resistance and run-flat tires, motorists who are in need of tires are bombarded with more information than ever before in making a purchasing decision. This seminar will update attendees on the status of the new tire labeling and TPMS regulations and also look at several studies to help provide insight into the decision-making process for different types of consumers.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Understanding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) – 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Roy Littlefield, TIA executive vice president

When health care reform (“ObamaCare”) was signed into law March 23, 2010, there were a lot of questions from the business community. Fast-forward three years and there are even more questions. Dr. Roy Littlefield has been representing the tire industry on Capitol Hill for more than 30 years and he will provide attendees with an overview of the legislation, what it means for the tire industry and how dealers can comply with the completely new set of regulations. PPACA continues to be a hot topic for business owners/managers and this seminar is certain to answer a lot of questions.

By Della Domingo

	The Center for International Commerce (CIC) is available to international buyers and includes private meeting rooms, a lounge area, interpreters and complimentary WiFi.

With more than 15,000 international buyers expected at the 2013 SEMA Show, exhibitors at the upcoming event have an opportunity to learn about new markets and what they can do to grow their businesses internationally.

"As global demand for the industry's products soars, there is huge opportunity for our members," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. "We have a comprehensive international relations program to help U.S. manufacturers connect with buyers in the most relevant markets."

The SEMA Show offers a list of resources specifically designed to help international buyers work more effectively with exhibitors at the SEMA Show.

These benefits include:

• Online registration: The online registration site includes a designated "International Visitors" tab that features basic information about the Show in seven different languages. An "International Travel Support" tab is also available to connect visitors from key countries to travel information specific to their location. International buyers are also able to seamlessly generate personalized Letters of Invitations that can be used for requesting visas.

• Badge pickup: International visitors are able to pick up their badges on-site at International Registration, where interpreters are on hand and ready to assist.

• Center for International Commerce: Centrally located within the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Center for International Commerce (CIC) is available to international buyers and includes private meeting rooms, a lounge area, interpreters and complimentary WiFi.

• Exhibitor Directory: To help international buyers, the SEMA Show Directory includes a list of exhibitors that currently export outside the United States. The list makes it easy for international buyers to hone in on the companies with whom they are most likely to do business.

• Networking: At the Show, SEMA hosts the International Happy Hour. With 1,000 international buyers, exhibitors and media, the event is the world's largest international networking event for of specialty-equipment companies.

In addition to the resources available at the SEMA Show, the association's international relations program includes trade missions to key countries throughout the year, international research to identify developing markets, working with international officials on legislative issues and more. SEMA was recently honored with the President's "E" Award for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

For more information about programs and services available to international visitors at the SEMA Show or how to connect with international buyers, contact Linda Spencer at 301-231-7695 or e-mail lindas@sema.org.