Thu, 03/01/2012 - 14:00

On March 1, 2012, the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. 

The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 14:00

On March 1, 2012, the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15-blended fuel to consumers. 

The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives, which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale. 

More information is available. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:56

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was passed by the Washington State House of Representatives. It has already been approved by the Senate and now will be sent to Governor Chris Gregoire for her signature and enactment into law. 

Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:56

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle” was passed by the Washington State House of Representatives. It has already been approved by the Senate and now will be sent to Governor Chris Gregoire for her signature and enactment into law. 

Under a SEMA-drafted provision, the bill would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis. Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:46
   mpmc, motorsports
 

MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

 

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

  • Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.
  • Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.
  • Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.
  • Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:46
   mpmc, motorsports
 

MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

 

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

  • Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.
  • Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.
  • Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.
  • Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:46
   mpmc, motorsports
 

MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

 

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

  • Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.
  • Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.
  • Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.
  • Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:46
   mpmc, motorsports
 

MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

 

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

  • Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.
  • Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.
  • Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.
  • Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:46
   mpmc, motorsports
 

MPMC members produced the “Business of Engine Building” seminar at the 2011 PRI Show in Orlando. From left to right, veteran engine builders Tracy Dennis, Keith Dorton, Ron Hutter, David Reher, Scott Shafiroff and Carl Wegner answered questions from moderator Alan Reinhart. Have an idea for another seminar topic? Join MPMC now and help make it happen!

 

Does your company manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events? The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)—a SEMA council—provides a number of benefits to its more than 200 member companies.

Benefits include access to a best practices reference guide dedicated to common manufacturing business questions, contact information for more than 200 fellow motorsports parts manufacturers and an opportunity to have three days of 30-minute meetings with editors from print and electronic media.

Four Reasons to Join the MPMC:

  • Business Guidelines Manual: Written, produced and designed specifically for performance product manufacturers, the manual addresses the many challenges faced by manufacturing companies like yours. Definitions, resources, options, examples and even sample documents are included in the various sections. Each section is written and formatted for quick and easy referencing. Topics include bar coding, catalogs, counterfeiting, electronic data exchange, freight policies and much more. The manual is available for download or viewing, but only to MPMC members, through the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) MPMC Education Track.
  • Media Trade Conference: Another opportunity unique to MPMC, and available only to MPMC-member companies, is the MPMC Media Trade Conference (MTC). The MTC brings 100 MPMC manufacturers together with 200+ editorial staff from national and international media for three days of 30-minute, face-to-face meetings to discuss editorial content. Space is limited each year to 100 manufacturers, selected via lottery, but only MPMC members have the opportunity to participate.
  • Industry Outreach: MPMC members work with other industry contacts to produce seminars, panel discussions and events for the benefit of not only fellow manufacturers, but the shop owners and consumers who ultimately use their products. This past year at the PRI Show in Orlando, Florida, MPMC hosted a two-hour discussion in which six of the most renowned engine builders in the country shared their business experiences with an audience of 150+ shop owners and aspiring engine builders.
  • Networking: MPMC hosts various events throughout the year to further promote relationship building. A networking breakfast at the U.S. Nationals and a Hall of Fame Breakfast at the PRI Show are examples of how MPMC works to bring manufacturers together with media and other industry colleagues. In addition to meetings with the media, the Media Trade Conference also offers two evening receptions, lunches and break periods that present myriad networking opportunities.

MPMC is the only SEMA council dedicated specifically to manufacturing companies. If you are not already a member, there is no better time to join than right now. Membership is only $100 annually and an application is available on the MPMC website.

Contact MPMC’s staff liaison Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org for more information.

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:38

SEMA News—March 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

         
automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima       automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima 
automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima        automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima 

Land Rover Scoop

When It Hits: Release dates for the Scoop have not been officially announced.

What Priddy Says: Land Rover has been open about plans to tweak and modify the Scoop for its U.S. debut. Additions to the hardtop include a combination roof rack, light bar and snorkel as well as new wheels and tires, while a surfboard rack and roof box were saved for the open-
air version.

     

Nissan Pathfinder

When It Hits: Nissan has reported that the 2013 Pathfinder is set to go on sale this fall.

What Priddy Says: The new Pathfinder will ride on a uni-body platform, replacing the current body-on-frame version that is slated for production for the ’13 model year. Other additions include third-row seats, engine offerings similar to the Infiniti JX and a new hybrid
version.

         
automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima        automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima 
automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima        automotive industry, automotive industry news, automotive news, MINI Cooper S, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW i8, Nissan Altima 

BMW i8

When It Hits: The i8 is expected to go on sale in 2014.

What Priddy Says: The pre-production i8 spotted here is based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW may forgo the diesel engine of the concept in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder to work in coordination with a hybrid system.

     

Nissan Altima

When It Hits: Production is slated to start in the third quarter of 2012, with the coupe and hybrid to follow for the 2014 model year.

What Priddy Says: A new grille and sleeker headlights are easy to see through the light camouflage, and more aggressive fog lights are also visible. The Altima will continue on the Nissan D platform, and a new 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder engine is expected. It’s not clear if Nissan will keep the older 2.5L I4 motor around, however, an updated version of the 3.5L V6 should continue as the up-market motor.