The new SEMA Board members will be recognized during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser in July. Also during the event, members of the specialty-equipment industry will recognize the services of outgoing SEMA Board members and celebrate the induction of the newest members to the SEMA Hall of Fame.

Results of the 2012 SEMA Board of Directors election are in, with two new members joining the group and three members re-elected to the Board.

The newest members of the group are Russell Stephens, representing the manufacturer category, and Nick Gramelspacher, representing the distributor/retailer category. Three incumbent Board members were re-elected to a three-year term: John Hotchkis in the manufacturer category, Jim Bingham in the distributor/retailer category, and Luanne Brown in the services category.

Members of the 2012–2013 SEMA Board of Directors 

• Chairman of the Board: Scooter Brothers, COMP Performance Group
• Chairman-Elect: Nate Shelton, B&M Automotive Group
• Immediate Past Chairman: Rick Rollins, Rollins Performance Marketing/Consulting
• Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
• Joel Ayres – Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Bedslide/Takit LLC
• Jeff Bates – Principal/Partner, Bob Cook Sales
• Jim Bingham – President and CEO, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom Inc.
• Luanne Brown – President & CEO, eTool Developers
• Jim Chick – Director, Sales & Marketing, Bestop Inc.
• Donnie Eatherly – President, P&E Distributors Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher – National Sales Manager, Meyer Distributing
• John Hotchkis – President, Hotchkis Performance LLC
• Myles Kovacs – President & Co-Founder, DUB Publishing Inc.
• Tim Martin – Vice President, K&N Engineering Inc.
• JR Moore – Director, Warehouse Operations, Performance Warehouse
• Mike Spagnola – President, Street Scene Equipment
• Russell Stephens – President, MSD Performance
• Steve Wolcott – CEO, ProMedia LLC
• Van Woodell – President/Owner, Weathers Auto Supply
• Jeep Worthan – Vice President, Sales, Auto Meter

Dan Gresham of Coutant Capital will continue as secretary/treasurer for the Board, and Russ Deane of Trainum, Snowdon & Deane continues as general counsel.

“We are grateful to the volunteers who share their industry knowledge and expertise by serving on the SEMA Board of Directors,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “These leaders ensure that we are focused on the most crucial issues and that we tackle the industry’s biggest challenges. Many key programs that we have today are a direct result of guidance from the SEMA Board.”

The new Board members will be recognized during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, 2012, in Pomona, California. Also during the event, outgoing members Ron Funfar, John Iannotte, Bob Moore, Adrian Murray, Ed Orzetti, Chris Thomson and Tim Watts will be recognized, along with the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Nick Arias Jr., Bill France Sr., Mark Heffington, and Bob Larivee Sr.

Proceeds from the gala will be contributed to two organizations: Childhelp and Victory Junction—the two charities affiliated with the SEMA Cares initiative. Tickets and details for the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser are available at www.SEMA.org/gala.

For assistance or questions, contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.

	SEMA will host three Measuring Sessions for the ’12 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The first will take place at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, followed by sessions in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

Wheel, suspension, air-intake, exhaust, in-car entertainment, bedliners, grille guard and tonneau cover manufacturers are among the SEMA members who have already registered to measure a ’12 Toyota Hilux.

SEMA will import the Hilux to the United States as part of an exciting new program to provide SEMA members with access to vehicles that are popular overseas, but not sold in the United States. 

“We created this program to assist members in overcoming a traditional hurdle—gaining access to vehicles only found overseas,” noted Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations.  

The program is made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working in partnership with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

The ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux was selected as the first vehicle to bring to the United States under this program. There have been more than 14 million units sold in 135 countries worldwide since its introduction. The Hilux is a top-selling vehicle in key countries/regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, Central America and the Middle East.

The West Coast session will take place at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, in late July with others sessions will be scheduled shortly in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Following the measuring sessions, the vehicle will also be made available to members to conduct measurement/fitment checks in their own facilities.

Register now to participate in one of the three ’12 Toyota Hilux Measuring Sessions. 

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or call 202-415-8008.

	SEMA will host three Measuring Sessions for the ’12 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The first will take place at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, followed by sessions in the Midwest and on the East Coast.

Wheel, suspension, air-intake, exhaust, in-car entertainment, bedliners, grille guard and tonneau cover manufacturers are among the SEMA members who have already registered to measure a ’12 Toyota Hilux.

SEMA will import the Hilux to the United States as part of an exciting new program to provide SEMA members with access to vehicles that are popular overseas, but not sold in the United States. 

“We created this program to assist members in overcoming a traditional hurdle—gaining access to vehicles only found overseas,” noted Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations.  

The program is made possible by a Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program grant from the U.S. government, which is working in partnership with SEMA to identify and create export opportunities for SEMA members.

The ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux was selected as the first vehicle to bring to the United States under this program. There have been more than 14 million units sold in 135 countries worldwide since its introduction. The Hilux is a top-selling vehicle in key countries/regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, Central America and the Middle East.

The West Coast session will take place at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, in late July with others sessions will be scheduled shortly in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Following the measuring sessions, the vehicle will also be made available to members to conduct measurement/fitment checks in their own facilities.

Register now to participate in one of the three ’12 Toyota Hilux Measuring Sessions. 

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org or call 202-415-8008.

	The ’12 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep sales in China rose 81% in 2011 to 22,294 units, and 2012 is off to a good start with Jeep sales rising 52% in the first four months of this year to 7,887 units, according to LMC Automotive Ltd. By the end of 2012, Jeep will have 150 dealers in China, up from 110 now. Chrysler currently sells the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass and Patriot models in China and plans to introduce the Grand Wagoneer.

"U.S. companies are the world leaders in developing innovative and functional products for Jeeps," said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations. "The growing popularity of Jeeps throughout China spells enormous export opportunities for SEMA members, and the upcoming SEMA China Business Development program puts U.S. manufacturers in direct contact with buyers of accessories for Jeeps and other brands."

Spencer added that with U.S. grants of up to $1,500 provided by the U.S. government to qualified SEMA members, the time to explore sales potential in China has never been greater.

For more information on how to reserve one of the three remaining slots on the SEMA China Business Development Tour, visit sema.org/china or the 2012 China Business Development Tour Exhibitor Registration page.

	The ’12 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Jeep sales in China rose 81% in 2011 to 22,294 units, and 2012 is off to a good start with Jeep sales rising 52% in the first four months of this year to 7,887 units, according to LMC Automotive Ltd. By the end of 2012, Jeep will have 150 dealers in China, up from 110 now. Chrysler currently sells the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass and Patriot models in China and plans to introduce the Grand Wagoneer.

"U.S. companies are the world leaders in developing innovative and functional products for Jeeps," said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s director of international and government relations. "The growing popularity of Jeeps throughout China spells enormous export opportunities for SEMA members, and the upcoming SEMA China Business Development program puts U.S. manufacturers in direct contact with buyers of accessories for Jeeps and other brands."

Spencer added that with U.S. grants of up to $1,500 provided by the U.S. government to qualified SEMA members, the time to explore sales potential in China has never been greater.

For more information on how to reserve one of the three remaining slots on the SEMA China Business Development Tour, visit sema.org/china or the 2012 China Business Development Tour Exhibitor Registration page.

Engaging the youth market is a challenge for many companies in the specialty-equipment market. With the advancements in technology, the amount of vehicle choices and the evolving role that automobiles play in American culture, capturing the attention of such a diversely influenced demographic requires varying tactics, depending on market niche.   

Have the youth of today really changed all that much when compared with the youth of 20 or 30 years ago? Have these changes actually given companies more of an opportunity to reach younger consumers?

No question, the youth are the future of our market. SEMA members: Discuss this topic through the SEMA Members group on LinkedIn. Let your peers know how you capture the attention of the youth segment, or what you think will work. To join the discussion, you must first create a free LinkedIn account. And while you’re there, we encourage you to check out the many other discussions going on.

	The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is a great way for exhibitors to announce to builders that they are offering products for vehicles on display at the 2012 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

	The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is a great way for exhibitors to announce to builders that they are offering products for vehicles on display at the 2012 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Exhibitors: Get your parts on more vehicles at the 2012 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list is a simple way to connect manufacturers looking for additional product exposure at the SEMA Show with the builders who design and create the vehicles that grab the attention of media and buyers from around the world.

Product-placement opportunities such as these are so beneficial that manufacturers often offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate. To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form.

The latest addition to the list will be included each week in SEMA eNews, when available. The list is open to exhibitors of the 2012 SEMA Show only and is intended to build awareness for SEMA Show exhibitors and their products.

For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org 909-978-6713.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Volkswagen.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are vehicles from Volkswagen.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.