At the 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA, the number of exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA captured media attention months before opening day on November 2. With expectations high, positive headlines began to circulate as early as November 5, when Modern Tire Dealer declared "Attendance Looks Promising" in its Breaking News section online. This is extremely significant because 2010 represents the inaugural Global Tire Expo, a joint effort by SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to create a tire industry-only part of the SEMA Show, open to all segments of the tire industry, including automotive, commercial, retreading, recycling and more.

“By working with TIA, we created the Global Tire Expo to meet the needs of the tire industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Kersting further points out that many buyers at the SEMA Show are looking to expand their product lines to include tire-related products. The 2010 Global Tire Expo more than delivered, even when just examining initial statistics. Show management indicates that tire- and wheel-related new-product submissions for the New Products Showcase were up more than 45%. In addition to product premieres, the number of Global Tire Expo exhibitors was up 11.5% representing a total of 194 companies, including 47 first-time exhibitors.

In talking with Tire Review magazine for an article in the SEMA Show Daily, published on-site during the Show, TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield clearly recognized the potential for success with the inaugural Global Tire Expo. “The strong exhibitor presence is proof positive that TIA’s and SEMA’s efforts are reaping positive results,” said Littlefield. “We appreciate the support these manufacturers are showing and are especially pleased to know that the new Expo is resonating with them.”

In addition to the number of exhibitors and new products, the Global Tire Expo also included expanded educational session tracks targeted to the tire market. The tracks included “TPMS at 10,” “Tires at 2,” “Truck Tires at 10” and “Management at 4.” Littlefield explained that the substantial educational offerings further reinforced that the 2010 Expo was a must-attend event.

“The educational sessions offered at the Expo provide tire industry attendees with the best of both worlds; they can get up-to-the-minute, relevant and entertaining information from some of the world’s leading experts in the tire industry and still have enough time to make important business contacts and meet plenty of potential suppliers,” said Littlefield.

Taking advantage of the record participation at the 2010 Global Tire Expo, TIA made several announcements during the Show concerning new and expanded programs and services for its membership. Topics included: a new health insurance option for employees of TIA member organizations, the addition of a workers' compensation insurance member benefit and the launch of TIA's new Certifiedtireservice.com website.

While the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo is almost a year away, it's clear that momentum is already building. As the media finishes editing the highlight reel from 2010 and the statistical analysis nears completion, the vote seems unanimous—The 2010 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo raised the bar far beyond expectations. The event is clearly North America's only conference and trade show dedicated to the tire industry. For more information on exhibiting at the 2011 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Highlighted this week are some of the latest sales positions available for various levels.

Sales Manger: American Eagle Wheel is looking for a sales manager for its distribution center located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Requirements include exceptional customer service skills, proven sales performance in the aftermarket wheel industry and strong sales, presentation and communication skills.

Automotive Performance Sales: AAM Competition has a full-time sales position available that involves retail, phone and Internet sales. The position is entry-mid level, with excellent opportunities for advancement in the company.

Commercial Fleet Sales Manager: A company near the St. Paul area in Minnesota is seeking a commercial fleet sales manager with 5–7 (or more) years of experience in current business development with fleet accounts. Prior management of commercial accounts focused on automotive and light-/medium-duty trucks required.

	Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc., pictured here with SEMA Membership Outreach Specialist AJ Carney, was recognized as SEMA's Top Ambassador for 2010 during the SEMA Show.

SEMA Ambassadors were honored and recognized during the 2010 SEMA Show for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. SEMA Ambassadors fulfill an important role by participating in the Member-Get-a-Member recruitment campaign, sharing the value of SEMA membership with non-members, advising and mentoring new members by escorting them to industry events and encouraging volunteer participation among other SEMA members.

During the Show, the association hosted an Ambassador Luncheon to honor the contributions of the 2010 winners and to present the Top Ambassador Award.

The 2010 Top Ambassador Award was presented to Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. Three of the Ambassadors were honored at the luncheon for their commitment in recruiting SEMA members and council members.

The following Ambassadors were recognized as Honorable Mentions:

• John Menzler, Competition Cams Inc.
• Scott O’Toole, RPM Data Services
• Bob Kern, General Motor Corp.

More information about volunteer opportunities, such as the Ambassador Program, is available at www.SEMA.org/ambassador or by calling AJ Carney at 909/978-6697.

	Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc., pictured here with SEMA Membership Outreach Specialist AJ Carney, was recognized as SEMA's Top Ambassador for 2010 during the SEMA Show.

SEMA Ambassadors were honored and recognized during the 2010 SEMA Show for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. SEMA Ambassadors fulfill an important role by participating in the Member-Get-a-Member recruitment campaign, sharing the value of SEMA membership with non-members, advising and mentoring new members by escorting them to industry events and encouraging volunteer participation among other SEMA members.

During the Show, the association hosted an Ambassador Luncheon to honor the contributions of the 2010 winners and to present the Top Ambassador Award.

The 2010 Top Ambassador Award was presented to Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. Three of the Ambassadors were honored at the luncheon for their commitment in recruiting SEMA members and council members.

The following Ambassadors were recognized as Honorable Mentions:

• John Menzler, Competition Cams Inc.
• Scott O’Toole, RPM Data Services
• Bob Kern, General Motor Corp.

More information about volunteer opportunities, such as the Ambassador Program, is available at www.SEMA.org/ambassador or by calling AJ Carney at 909/978-6697.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.