News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Why the Middle East Is Promising for Specialty-Equipment Manufacturers

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:46

	Off-roading is a big and growing pastime in the UAE and throughout the Middle East where the expansive sand dunes are a favorite destination.

Some of the fastest-growing markets in recent years have been in the Middle East—the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the five neighboring countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The specialty-equipment markets in the region are in their infancy, and U.S. manufacturers have the opportunity to get into these respective markets during these exciting early days.

This is the first of a two-part series on some compelling reasons why U.S. manufacturers should take a closer look at selling into the Middle East.

“The market is developing at a breakneck speed,” said Paul “Scooter” Brothers, SEMA Chairman of the Board and COO of COMP Performance Group. “Companies that enter the market now have the best chance to do well. Those that follow might not be as successful. The best part is that the market consists of many U.S. vehicles, so little or no development time is required,” Brothers said.

Good Reasons to Look at the Middle East Market

Passionate and Growing Car Culture Booming in the Region: Some quick observations to be noted when driving through Dubai and Abu Dhabi reveal high-end customized vehicles, lots of SUVs and a great diversity of cars.

“The UAE market demonstrated to me a large degree of promise as a growth opportunity for SEMA-member companies,” said Jim Cozzie, RTM Productions. “There is a demand, there are resources and there is a wide variety of vehicles that our member companies currently offer parts for. It is evident from observations at the street level that this is a market waiting to be serviced. I have always said that car guys are car guys no matter where one travels in the world, and the Gulf region is no different. There is a passion for all types of vehicles there, a growing community of racing competitors and a thirst for the ability to accessorize and customize one’s ride.”


	SEMA is creating an opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to meet one-on-one with top buyers from throughout the region. For more information on this April 17–20 event, contact Linda Spencer SEMA’s director of international relations, at lindas@sema.org.

The Country Boasts the Largest Number of Motorsports Facilities Per Capita in the World: Motorsports is an emergent sport in the region since the introduction of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in November 2009 and that state-of-the-art facilities for both professional and amateur racing opened at the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Yas Marina Circuit is also home to the Middle East’s first approved National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) dragstrip. Bahrain International Circuit is the latest Middle East venue to hold officially sanctioned NHRA races.

One of the priorities of the UAE racing authorities is to help develop a new generation of motorsport talent in the Middle East by paving the way for low-cost entry into the sport at the grassroots level.

“The region is underestimated,” said Alex Borla, CEO of Borla Performance. “There is a hunger to be different and to stand out among wealthy peers. With a sophisticated understanding of quality and seemingly unlimited funds to buy nothing but the best, don’t be surprised to see cars that rival the rest of the world. They have our attention; it’s a happening place.”

Why the Middle East Is Promising for Specialty-Equipment Manufacturers

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:46

By Linda Spencer

	Off-roading is a big and growing pastime in the UAE and throughout the Middle East where the expansive sand dunes are a favorite destination.

Some of the fastest-growing markets in recent years have been in the Middle East—the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the five neighboring countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The specialty-equipment markets in the region are in their infancy, and U.S. manufacturers have the opportunity to get into these respective markets during these exciting early days.

This is the first of a two-part series on some compelling reasons why U.S. manufacturers should take a closer look at selling into the Middle East.

“The market is developing at a breakneck speed,” said Paul “Scooter” Brothers, SEMA Chairman of the Board and COO of COMP Performance Group. “Companies that enter the market now have the best chance to do well. Those that follow might not be as successful. The best part is that the market consists of many U.S. vehicles, so little or no development time is required,” Brothers said.

Good Reasons to Look at the Middle East Market

Passionate and Growing Car Culture Booming in the Region: Some quick observations to be noted when driving through Dubai and Abu Dhabi reveal high-end customized vehicles, lots of SUVs and a great diversity of cars.

“The UAE market demonstrated to me a large degree of promise as a growth opportunity for SEMA-member companies,” said Jim Cozzie, RTM Productions. “There is a demand, there are resources and there is a wide variety of vehicles that our member companies currently offer parts for. It is evident from observations at the street level that this is a market waiting to be serviced. I have always said that car guys are car guys no matter where one travels in the world, and the Gulf region is no different. There is a passion for all types of vehicles there, a growing community of racing competitors and a thirst for the ability to accessorize and customize one’s ride.”


	SEMA is creating an opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to meet one-on-one with top buyers from throughout the region. For more information on this April 17–20 event, contact Linda Spencer SEMA’s director of international relations, at lindas@sema.org.

The Country Boasts the Largest Number of Motorsports Facilities Per Capita in the World: Motorsports is an emergent sport in the region since the introduction of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in November 2009 and that state-of-the-art facilities for both professional and amateur racing opened at the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Yas Marina Circuit is also home to the Middle East’s first approved National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) dragstrip. Bahrain International Circuit is the latest Middle East venue to hold officially sanctioned NHRA races.

One of the priorities of the UAE racing authorities is to help develop a new generation of motorsport talent in the Middle East by paving the way for low-cost entry into the sport at the grassroots level.

“The region is underestimated,” said Alex Borla, CEO of Borla Performance. “There is a hunger to be different and to stand out among wealthy peers. With a sophisticated understanding of quality and seemingly unlimited funds to buy nothing but the best, don’t be surprised to see cars that rival the rest of the world. They have our attention; it’s a happening place.”

Superior Industries' Founder Louis Borick Passes Away

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:25


	Borick built Superior Industries from a small automotive accessories distributor in 1957 to a major aluminum road-wheel supplier servicing automotive manufacturers worldwide.

Louis L. Borick, founder and longtime president and chairman of the board of Superior Industries International, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011. He was 87.

Borick died of natural causes two days before his 88th birthday at his home in Beverly Hills, California, said his son Steven.

Louis Borick built Superior Industries from a small automotive accessories distributor in 1957 to a major aluminum road-wheel supplier servicing automotive manufacturers worldwide. He had been on the company's board of directors since 1958, serving as chairman until 2007. He was chief executive officer for Superior until January 2005.

"Louis was a good man whose efforts and entrepreneurial spirit were great assets to the wheel industry as a whole," stated former SEMA president Chuck Blum. "His foresight and contributions helped make the aluminum wheel industry as much of a commodity as it is today."

Borick was also a major supporter of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and is one of the scholarship's subfund sponsors. He donated $50,000 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2004 on behalf of Superior Industries, and the L.L. Borick subfund is awarded each year to students seeking careers in the specialty-equipment industry.

He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1995.

In a company statement, Superior said that Borick was always an entrepreneur and business visionary. He was a natural leader known for his integrity and focus on constantly adding value to the products the company produced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Louis Borick to:

Jewish Home
7150 Tampa Ave.
Reseda, CA 91335

2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund Applications Now Available

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 13:27

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation and is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Since the fund's inception in 1984, it has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to more than 600 students engaged in studies leading to careers in the automotive aftermarket or related fields.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many people, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in our industry. The specialty-equipment industry is innovative, dynamic and holds many opportunities for the next generation.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2012. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

To review eligibility requirements or to access the application, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org, 909-978-6655.

2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund Applications Now Available

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 13:27

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2012 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The scholarship application requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation and is now available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Since the fund's inception in 1984, it has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to more than 600 students engaged in studies leading to careers in the automotive aftermarket or related fields.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many people, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in our industry. The specialty-equipment industry is innovative, dynamic and holds many opportunities for the next generation.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2012. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

To review eligibility requirements or to access the application, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org, 909-978-6655.

SEMA Show Video Highlight: Time-Lapsed Ford Booth Setup and Tear Down

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 11:44

A time lapse video shows the buildup and tear down of the entire Ford display at the 2011 SEMA Show.

SEMA Board of Director Nominations Due January 4

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 11:35


	Pictured here is the 2011–2012 SEMA Board of Directors. For more information, refer to the article in the December issue of SEMA News.

As a member of the Association, we need your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the committee that is responsible for selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a Board member position.

It would also be most helpful if you would include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the qualifications of the nominees, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.   Nominations for the 2012 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2012.

Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

Your Association is vitally important to the industry and your company. Your participation in helping to ensure strong leadership for the SEMA Board of Directors is essential.  

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE 

SEMA President and CEO

Did You Weigh In? Help Select a Vehicle to Bring to the U.S.

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 11:20

Jeep Wrangler Diesel

Toyota Hilux

Ford Ranger Double Cab

SEMA, in partnership with the U.S. Commerce Department, will provide vehicles for measuring opportunities that are popular in key international markets but not available in the United States. You can help select them. Among the contenders:

Jeep Wrangler Diesel. Among other regions, the Wrangler Diesel is available in Europe (where more than 80% of Jeeps purchased are diesel-powered) and Australia. While Chrysler recently announced that it will sell a diesel Cherokee in the United States by 2013, there are no plans to bring a diesel-powered Wrangler to North America.
Toyota Hilux. This vehicle is sold in nearly every market except for North America. It is a best seller in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, throughout Europe, South Africa, southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Ford Ranger. The new Ranger, which was engineered primarily in Australia, will go into production shortly at the Ford plant in Rayong, Thailand. It will eventually be assembled in Argentina and South Africa and, after the complete rollout, available in more than 180 countries on five continents. The United States is not one of them.

View the full list of vehicles under consideration and register your vote.

Self-Certify for a $1,000 U.S. Government Grant to Explore the Middle East Market

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 11:01

Buyers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar have identified a growing list of products they are seeking. Middle East buyers have expressed an interest in suspension kits, tonneau covers, superchargers, turbochargers, exhausts, air intakes, wheels, tires, fender flares and lights.   It's not too late to participate in the inaugural Middle East matchmaking event, being held in the UAE April 17–20, 2012.

Better yet, qualified U.S. companies can be immediately approved for a $1,000 grant to help defray the costs.   This is a very limited opportunity for only a few more U.S. SEMA-member manufacturers to meet with interested Middle East buyers.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast.

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.