Fifty-one press conferences are scheduled for the 2010 SEMA Show, including General Motors LLC on Tuesday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m.

In addition to debuting new products, many SEMA Show exhibitors will be making newsworthy announcements during the annual event taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. The official 2010 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is now available to help editors and reporters see and hear some of the big announcements being made. With 51 press conferences included, this year’s schedule is one of the busiest in recent years.

The Official 2010 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

9:00 a.m.–American Honda Motor Co. Inc.: 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Accessory Announcements (Booth #24887)
9:30 a.m.–Hyundai Motor America: Hyundai SEMA News Conference (Booth #24387)
10:00 a.m.–Kia Motors America: Kia Motors America SEMA Show Vehicle Unveiling and Press Briefing (Booth #10803)
10:30 a.m.–Ford Motor Co: Ford Motor Co. Press Conference (Booth #22200)
11:00 a.m.–General Motors LLC: Performance Parts, Technology (Booth #23743)
11:30 a.m.–Toyota: New Toyota Project-Vehicles Press Conference (Booth #36127)
12:00 p.m.–SEMA Media Lunch: The SEMA Award Lunch (Booth #30239)
1:00 p.m.–SEMA: Green Performance Press Conference (Booth #36203)
1:15 p.m.–Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR): Discover the Deep Orange Prototype Vehicle, Where Refreshing New Vehicle Technology Ideas Meet Excellent Partnerships (Booth #36203)
1:35 p.m.–Superchips: Superchips Brings Google’s Android-OS to the Aftermarket With New In-Cabin Device (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:00 p.m.–Mission Motor Co.: Mission Motors Unveils High-Performance EV Powertrain Drivetrain Division, Announces Major OEM Customer (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:25 p.m.–Hankook Tire America: Hankook Unveils Latest Ultra-High Performance Passenger Tire (Booth #43071)
2:50 p.m.–Topline Products: The Most Popular 2011 Wheel Styles—Results of On-Line Vote (Booth #43061)
3:15 p.m.–ARP Inc: Bryan Fuller Unveils the Impaler (Booth #23427)
3:40 p.m.–Audi: Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak—A Research Study in Motion (Booth #11245)
4:10 p.m.–Local Motors: Local Motors Rally Fighter: First Open-Source Production Car (Booth #24501)
4:40 p.m.–Mopar: Mopar Makes It (Booth #43129)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

8:00 a.m.–Liquid Wrench Breakfast: Liquid Wrench Announces New Product Extension (Continental Tires Media Center)
9:00 a.m.–Snow Performance: Turbos, Boost and Water-Methanol Injection (Booth #20849)
9:30 a.m.–Lawson Industries: Lawson Industries Introduces New Generation Qwikcat Catalytic Converter (Booth #21732)
10:00 a.m.–Garmat: Intelle-Air: The Intelligent Way to Increase Productivity and Decrease Costs: Intelle-Air Mobile Prep Station. (Continental Tires Media Center)
10:30 a.m.–Tire Industry Association (TIA): Tire Industry Association Annual Press Conference (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:00 a.m.–E-Solution Professionals: Ezytire Retail Tire Dealer eCommerce Websites (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:30 a.m.–RTM Productions Inc: Exciting New Programming Announcement From RTM Productions and The Powerblock (Grand Lobby)
1:00 p.m.–SEMA: Connected Vehicle Technologies Press Conference (Booth #36203)
1:25 p.m.–Egge Machine Co.: Egge's SpeedShopMall.com (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:50 p.m.–Kelderman Air Suspension Systems: Kelderman Unveils K-Team Van for Rampage Jackson (Grand Lobby)
2:15 p.m.–ARB/Motive Club/Venchurs: XPLORE FJ Cruiser to Benefit the National Parks Foundation (Outside in front of LVCC)
2:40 p.m.–Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): MPMC Hall of Fame Inductions (Association Center)
2:40 p.m.–Formula Drift: Formula Drift Championship announces multi-platform brand expansion (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:05 p.m.–PartPal: Revolutionizing How Auto Parts Are Bought and Sold (Booth #21640)
3:30 p.m.–Vortech/Paxton: New Compressor System (Booth #22963)
3:55 p.m.–Innovative Vehicle Solutions: Innovative Vehicle Solutions Launches Performance Packages and Rear Vision Systems (Booth #24223)
4:25 p.m.–Ohio Technical College: Ohio Technical College Press Conference (Booth #12773)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

9:00 a.m.–ASA Tire Systems: ASA Tire Systems Announces Major Endorsement From Industry Leader (Booth #42089)
9:30 a.m.–GE Money/CarCareONE: (Booth #42059)
10:00 a.m.–OPTIMA Batteries: OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational Announcement (Booth #23059)
10:30 a.m.–R/A Profit$: Starting Today You Can Generate Passive Income 24/7 (Booth #11769)
11:00 a.m.–FashionPaint USA: Revolutionizing Chrome Effect Finishes for the Powdercoating Industry (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:30 a.m.–Uncle Tod Motorsports: Kid KJ—The World’s Youngest Monster Truck Driver—Signs With Monster X Tours (Continental Tires Media Center)
12:00 p.m.–AMP Research Lunch: AMP Research: The Real Distribution Story (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:00 p.m.–National Auto Body Council: Recycled Rides Program (Location TBD)
1:25 p.m.–Shin Shield LLC: Introduction of New Shin Shield Product (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:50 p.m.–Linear Logic LLC: Plug-I Device Lets You Monitor Your Vehicles Carbon Footprint (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:15 p.m.–Chicago Brand Industrial Inc.: Introducing the Stainless Steel Open-End Ratchet Wrench (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:40 p.m.–I-CAR: John Edelen Will Provide an Update on the I-CAR Professional Development Program (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:05 p.m.–Marshall Motoart LLC: Marshall Motoart Presents New UTV 5.5 Cage and One Cool Stool (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:30 p.m.–Retro USA: Look of Yesterday for Cars of Today (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:55 p.m.–Right Coast Inc: 2nd Annual Gene Winfield Award and New Truck Show Announced (Continental Tires Media Center)
4:25 p.m.–Harsch Speedway Commerce Center: 48 Acres Open at Nation's Most Synergistic Motorsports Business Complex (Continental Tires Media Center)

The SEMA Show is an annual trade-only event drawing more than 100,000 professionals from the automotive specialty-equipment market. Buyers come from more than 100 countries to meet with exhibitors who use the SEMA Show to debut the newest products and trends in the $32 billion vehicle customization market.

	Fifty-one press conferences are scheduled for the 2010 SEMA Show, including General Motors LLC on Tuesday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m.

In addition to debuting new products, many SEMA Show exhibitors will be making newsworthy announcements during the annual event taking place Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, 2010, in Las Vegas. The official 2010 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is now available to help editors and reporters see and hear some of the big announcements being made. With 51 press conferences included, this year’s schedule is one of the busiest in recent years.

The Official 2010 SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

9:00 a.m.–American Honda Motor Co. Inc.: 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Accessory Announcements (Booth #24887)
9:30 a.m.–Hyundai Motor America: Hyundai SEMA News Conference (Booth #24387)
10:00 a.m.–Kia Motors America: Kia Motors America SEMA Show Vehicle Unveiling and Press Briefing (Booth #10803)
10:30 a.m.–Ford Motor Co: Ford Motor Co. Press Conference (Booth #22200)
11:00 a.m.–General Motors LLC: Performance Parts, Technology (Booth #23743)
11:30 a.m.–Toyota: New Toyota Project-Vehicles Press Conference (Booth #36127)
12:00 p.m.–SEMA Media Lunch: The SEMA Award Lunch (Booth #30239)
1:00 p.m.–SEMA: Green Performance Press Conference (Booth #36203)
1:15 p.m.–Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR): Discover the Deep Orange Prototype Vehicle, Where Refreshing New Vehicle Technology Ideas Meet Excellent Partnerships (Booth #36203)
1:35 p.m.–Superchips: Superchips Brings Google’s Android-OS to the Aftermarket With New In-Cabin Device (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:00 p.m.–Mission Motor Co.: Mission Motors Unveils High-Performance EV Powertrain Drivetrain Division, Announces Major OEM Customer (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:25 p.m.–Hankook Tire America: Hankook Unveils Latest Ultra-High Performance Passenger Tire (Booth #43071)
2:50 p.m.–Topline Products: The Most Popular 2011 Wheel Styles—Results of On-Line Vote (Booth #43061)
3:15 p.m.–ARP Inc: Bryan Fuller Unveils the Impaler (Booth #23427)
3:40 p.m.–Audi: Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak—A Research Study in Motion (Booth #11245)
4:10 p.m.–Local Motors: Local Motors Rally Fighter: First Open-Source Production Car (Booth #24501)
4:40 p.m.–Mopar: Mopar Makes It (Booth #43129)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

8:00 a.m.–Liquid Wrench Breakfast: Liquid Wrench Announces New Product Extension (Continental Tires Media Center)
9:00 a.m.–Snow Performance: Turbos, Boost and Water-Methanol Injection (Booth #20849)
9:30 a.m.–Lawson Industries: Lawson Industries Introduces New Generation Qwikcat Catalytic Converter (Booth #21732)
10:00 a.m.–Garmat: Intelle-Air: The Intelligent Way to Increase Productivity and Decrease Costs: Intelle-Air Mobile Prep Station. (Continental Tires Media Center)
10:30 a.m.–Tire Industry Association (TIA): Tire Industry Association Annual Press Conference (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:00 a.m.–E-Solution Professionals: Ezytire Retail Tire Dealer eCommerce Websites (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:30 a.m.–RTM Productions Inc: Exciting New Programming Announcement From RTM Productions and The Powerblock (Grand Lobby)
1:00 p.m.–SEMA: Connected Vehicle Technologies Press Conference (Booth #36203)
1:25 p.m.–Egge Machine Co.: Egge's SpeedShopMall.com (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:50 p.m.–Kelderman Air Suspension Systems: Kelderman Unveils K-Team Van for Rampage Jackson (Grand Lobby)
2:15 p.m.–ARB/Motive Club/Venchurs: XPLORE FJ Cruiser to Benefit the National Parks Foundation (Outside in front of LVCC)
2:40 p.m.–Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC): MPMC Hall of Fame Inductions (Association Center)
2:40 p.m.–Formula Drift: Formula Drift Championship announces multi-platform brand expansion (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:05 p.m.–PartPal: Revolutionizing How Auto Parts Are Bought and Sold (Booth #21640)
3:30 p.m.–Vortech/Paxton: New Compressor System (Booth #22963)
3:55 p.m.–Innovative Vehicle Solutions: Innovative Vehicle Solutions Launches Performance Packages and Rear Vision Systems (Booth #24223)
4:25 p.m.–Ohio Technical College: Ohio Technical College Press Conference (Booth #12773)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

9:00 a.m.–ASA Tire Systems: ASA Tire Systems Announces Major Endorsement From Industry Leader (Booth #42089)
9:30 a.m.–GE Money/CarCareONE: (Booth #42059)
10:00 a.m.–OPTIMA Batteries: OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational Announcement (Booth #23059)
10:30 a.m.–R/A Profit$: Starting Today You Can Generate Passive Income 24/7 (Booth #11769)
11:00 a.m.–FashionPaint USA: Revolutionizing Chrome Effect Finishes for the Powdercoating Industry (Continental Tires Media Center)
11:30 a.m.–Uncle Tod Motorsports: Kid KJ—The World’s Youngest Monster Truck Driver—Signs With Monster X Tours (Continental Tires Media Center)
12:00 p.m.–AMP Research Lunch: AMP Research: The Real Distribution Story (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:00 p.m.–National Auto Body Council: Recycled Rides Program (Location TBD)
1:25 p.m.–Shin Shield LLC: Introduction of New Shin Shield Product (Continental Tires Media Center)
1:50 p.m.–Linear Logic LLC: Plug-I Device Lets You Monitor Your Vehicles Carbon Footprint (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:15 p.m.–Chicago Brand Industrial Inc.: Introducing the Stainless Steel Open-End Ratchet Wrench (Continental Tires Media Center)
2:40 p.m.–I-CAR: John Edelen Will Provide an Update on the I-CAR Professional Development Program (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:05 p.m.–Marshall Motoart LLC: Marshall Motoart Presents New UTV 5.5 Cage and One Cool Stool (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:30 p.m.–Retro USA: Look of Yesterday for Cars of Today (Continental Tires Media Center)
3:55 p.m.–Right Coast Inc: 2nd Annual Gene Winfield Award and New Truck Show Announced (Continental Tires Media Center)
4:25 p.m.–Harsch Speedway Commerce Center: 48 Acres Open at Nation's Most Synergistic Motorsports Business Complex (Continental Tires Media Center)

The SEMA Show is an annual trade-only event drawing more than 100,000 professionals from the automotive specialty-equipment market. Buyers come from more than 100 countries to meet with exhibitors who use the SEMA Show to debut the newest products and trends in the $32 billion vehicle customization market.

The 2010 SEMA Show opens on November 2, the same day as key state, local and federal elections. Don't forget to vote before leaving for the Show.

This year’s mid-term elections are the most anticipated in recent memory. The current volatile political landscape holds an uncertain future for members of both parties. On November 2, 2010, voters will head to the polls to elect thousands of state and local leaders, including 435 members of Congress, 22 U.S. Senators and 28 governors.

As the balance of power in Washington remains uncertain, the decisions made on Election Day will impact our communities and our industry. Given that most of the specialty-equipment industry will be in Las Vegas attending the SEMA Show, individuals are encouraged to vote prior to leaving for the Show.

SEMA has compiled a complete list of voter registration/absentee ballot forms for all 50 states. Follow this link to find your state and vote early.

SEMA would also like to encourage member companies to post the following helpful link on their websites, directing consumers and industry insiders to absentee voting information: www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62804

With so much at stake this year, the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) encourages you to exercise your civic duty and vote. For more information, contact PAC Administrator Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org or 202/783-6007 x19

Snagged while testing in the Alps by the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co., the 2012 Impreza 5-door appears to have a few changes in the greenhouse. In back, it looks as if the rear windshield has less slope to it than the current model, and there is a new configuration for the rear-quarter glass. Near the front, we can also see a new setup that includes a piece of front-quarter glass.

While lots of the other details are hidden by thick camouflage, honeycomb grille inserts and very angular headlights are easy to see on this prototype.

Priddy says that the regular powertrain should continue to be the 2.5L Boxer motor we're all familiar with. Some modest updates for increased fuel economy should be expected. According to Priddy, the biggest news is that a hybrid model is likely to show up this time around!

Production for the next-gen Impreza is currently slated to start in June 2011, with the hybrid model following a year later in 2012. Watch for the likely debut at next year's Tokyo Motor Show.

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

Snagged while testing in the Alps by the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co., the 2012 Impreza 5-door appears to have a few changes in the greenhouse. In back, it looks as if the rear windshield has less slope to it than the current model, and there is a new configuration for the rear-quarter glass. Near the front, we can also see a new setup that includes a piece of front-quarter glass.

While lots of the other details are hidden by thick camouflage, honeycomb grille inserts and very angular headlights are easy to see on this prototype.

Priddy says that the regular powertrain should continue to be the 2.5L Boxer motor we're all familiar with. Some modest updates for increased fuel economy should be expected. According to Priddy, the biggest news is that a hybrid model is likely to show up this time around!

Production for the next-gen Impreza is currently slated to start in June 2011, with the hybrid model following a year later in 2012. Watch for the likely debut at next year's Tokyo Motor Show.

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

 

	Krissy MacLauchlan

BedSlide, a brand of Tākit, has hired Krissy MacLauchlan as key account manager. The company reported that she will work with larger accounts to spearhead its initiatives and projects, while continuing to focus on new product lines. “I know what it’s like to own your own company,” MacLauchlan explained. “There are often many hats to wear when servicing clients. I am very much looking forward to being on the team here. It’s a team effort with the goal of exceptional customer care that makes a company stand out, or not. At Tākit, our loyal customers are our focus.”

Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf and Barry Huff were named to the board of directors at Fisker Automotive. Dr. Schöpf has an automotive career spanning 38 years. He held critical positions at Mercedes-Benz, including executive vice president and member of the board of Mercedes Car Group with links to Chrysler, Mitsubishi and McLaren. Huff has four decades of international financial experience, which includes serving as Deloitte LLP’s vice chairman from 1995–2008.

The following are the new employees on the sales team at Grant Products International: Wes Fisher brings more than a decade of automotive aftermarket management experience. Strong relationships with the company's W/Ds, retailers and sales reps alike offer an excellent communication platform for Grant Products to build upon. Wesley Wood brings more than 15 years of combined experiences to include: automotive service, product engineering, and product development, quality and sales to compliment the Grant Products’ sales team. Wood’s professional profile includes working at an OEM, tier 1 suppliers and a marketing firm. Richard Nedeljkovic brings years of automotive aftermarket and heavy-duty experience to the Grant Sales team.

 

Bryan Wilson

Midway Industries Inc., the parent company of Centerforce Clutches, promoted Bryan C. Wilson to general manager. With more than 15 years of experience managing the Midway/Centerforce marketing and IT departments, the company feels that Wilson is well qualified and prepared to take over the helm as general manager. “In this position, I hope to bring a fresh approach to product development, team building and process improvements,” said Wilson. “My main objective will be to help Centerforce be even more effective in bringing exciting, high-quality clutch products to the automotive aftermarket.”

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

	Take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select as the winners of the SEMA Award.

In just a few weeks, SEMA Show exhibitors will showcase their innovations with thousands of new products and customized vehicles. As the visionaries of the industry, exhibitors will choose the hottest cars, trucks and 4x4-SUVs on the market through the first-ever SEMA Award presentation.

To determine the winners of the SEMA Award, every single booth vehicle at the 2010 SEMA Show will be tallied, and the most prominent models will be recognized as the year’s top trend-setting vehicles.

While exhibitors will ultimately choose the hottest car, hottest truck and hottest 4x4-SUV based on what they decide to showcase in their booths, a panel of industry experts has identified a few noteworthy vehicles as contenders for the award. See who the contenders are, and take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select. You may even qualify to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge begins October 1 on the SEMA Facebook Page. Become a fan of the site today, then take the SEMA Challenge. See if you can predict which vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in!