Slightly less than 48% of retailers reported increased sales through June 2010 compared to last year. Nearly half think sales will be up through October, forecasting on average a 16% increase.

Optimism among specialty-equipment manufacturers is running high, according to data in a new SEMA Financial Benchmarking report, although that cheer doesn’t run as deep among retailers and distributors on the street level of the industry.

Of manufacturers surveyed for the study, 70% reported increased year-to-date sales through June 2010 compared to the year prior. That’s a 20% increase from data gathered at the beginning of the year.

Manufacturers may be moving more product, but from the looks of the retail and distribution numbers, that product may be sitting in inventory, as nearly 48% of retailers and 52% of distributors reported increased sales through the same period.

Not surprisingly then, 64% of manufacturers expect sales to improve, on average 17.5% when August, September and October numbers are totaled. That’s a little more optimistic than retailers and distributors are projecting, with just 45% of the former, and 50% of the latter, expecting a fall increase. Distributors and retailers who forecast a bump were about even on how much to expect, between 16-18 percent.

All three industry segments cited “poor sales” as their most important business problem. But “government requirements and red tape” as well as “competition from large businesses” factored next-most on the minds of manufacturers, while distributors cite “competition from Internet sales” as their second-most pressing obstacle. Slightly more than 11% of retailers listed “competition from large businesses” as their second worry.

Data is based on retailer, manufacturer and distributor responses in the just-released June SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey. Follow this link to learn more about the SEMA Financial Benchmarking program. Businesses participating in the Financial Benchmarking program receive access to finished reports before it is made available to the rest of the industry. Partcipating is easy; simply click on the appropriate link, whether you're a retailer, manufacturer or distributor.

	Slightly less than 48% of retailers reported increased sales through June 2010 compared to last year. Nearly half think sales will be up through October, forecasting on average a 16% increase.

Optimism among specialty-equipment manufacturers is running high, according to data in a new SEMA Financial Benchmarking report, although that cheer doesn’t run as deep among retailers and distributors on the street level of the industry.

Of manufacturers surveyed for the study, 70% reported increased year-to-date sales through June 2010 compared to the year prior. That’s a 20% increase from data gathered at the beginning of the year.

Manufacturers may be moving more product, but from the looks of the retail and distribution numbers, that product may be sitting in inventory, as nearly 48% of retailers and 52% of distributors reported increased sales through the same period.

Not surprisingly then, 64% of manufacturers expect sales to improve, on average 17.5% when August, September and October numbers are totaled. That’s a little more optimistic than retailers and distributors are projecting, with just 45% of the former, and 50% of the latter, expecting a fall increase. Distributors and retailers who forecast a bump were about even on how much to expect, between 16-18 percent.

All three industry segments cited “poor sales” as their most important business problem. But “government requirements and red tape” as well as “competition from large businesses” factored next-most on the minds of manufacturers, while distributors cite “competition from Internet sales” as their second-most pressing obstacle. Slightly more than 11% of retailers listed “competition from large businesses” as their second worry.

Data is based on retailer, manufacturer and distributor responses in the just-released June SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey. Follow this link to learn more about the SEMA Financial Benchmarking program. Businesses participating in the Financial Benchmarking program receive access to finished reports before it is made available to the rest of the industry. Partcipating is easy; simply click on the appropriate link, whether you're a retailer, manufacturer or distributor.

	The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8.

Does your company have a new product? Take advantage of this free marketing opportunity by entering your product in the 2010 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase.

By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.

Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.

Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.

	The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8.

Does your company have a new product? Take advantage of this free marketing opportunity by entering your product in the 2010 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase.

By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.

Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.

Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.

	The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8.

Does your company have a new product? Take advantage of this free marketing opportunity by entering your product in the 2010 SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase.

By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.

Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.

Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.

	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

The AAM Group has surpassed 1,000 retail outlets affiliated in its Parts Pro and Total Truck Centers marketing programs. AAM began an aggressive expansion of its store base earlier this year and has added nearly 500 additional stores to its programs. This expansion came as AAM created new, more flexible, program options better suited for retailers focused on installation, vehicle customization and Internet retailing.

“I am very pleased with the response to our new program offering,” said Jerry Simpson, AAM’s program sales director. “We are thrilled to be able to support this large number of retail outlets for our member warehouses and vendors and are confident our growth will continue.”

AAM offers two marketing programs designed to meet the need of specific market segments. Parts Pro Performance Centers’ marketing program addresses the needs of retailers selling performance parts. Total Truck Centers’ program offerings target retailers and installers of truck and SUV accessories.

Hurst Performance will be inducted into the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin’ Hall of Fame for the Manufacturer/Vehicle category, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the California Theatre of Performing Arts. Founded in 1958, Hurst Performance is best known for creating hot rods, such as the Hurst Oldsmobile 442, and current collectibles, such as the limited-edition Hurst Camaro, Mustang and Challenger.

“It is an honor to be inducted into an organization that represents the enthusiast community so well,” said Nate Shelton, chairman of Hurst Performance Vehicles. “This induction bridges Hurst’s rich history with its fruitful future, and we are extremely proud to be part of something that embraces that.”

The inductees will be honored during the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous at the Cruisin’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the California Theatre of Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The cost is $30 per person, and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Route 66 Rendezvous office: 415 West 2nd St., San Bernardino, CA 92401.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under pressure from some ethanol producers to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). The EPA is expected to issue a decision later this month on allowing the use of E15 in late-model cars. It could permit the use in other cars at a later date. SEMA opposes the initiative due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special-interest collector and historic vehicles.

A lack of conclusive information regarding E15’s effect on engines of different model years reinforces the need to defer or deny the increase. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure that mis-fueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. SEMA’s concerns have been echoed by a number of other organizations.

SEMA has mounted an effort to ask President Obama to stop the EPA from raising the ethanol content in gasoline. Follow this link to write the president. For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

A hearing to consider the Wisconsin-proposed regulation, Chapter Trans 123, to prohibit the registration of certain imported vehicles has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 22.

The Department of Transportation proposed Trans 123 to prohibit the registration of imported vehicles manufactured after 1967 that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). U.S. law specifically exempts imported vehicles that are 25 years old and older from these safety standards. Trans 123 offers no such reasonable exemption. The regulation permits the continued registration of subject vehicles that are already legally registered in Wisconsin, but only until they are transferred to a new owner.

The joint hearing will be conducted by the Senate and Assembly Transportation Committees in room 412 E of the State House in Madison at 10:00 a.m. The rule is currently under review by the committees, which have until October 10, 2010, to raise an objection. Follow this link to register your opposition.

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

SCHEDULE SET: A new track located in New Delhi, India, will join the Formula One World Championship schedule next season, bringing the total number of grands prix during the 2011 season to 20. The inaugural Grand Prix of India is scheduled for October 30, 2011.

SPEAK UP: Davey Hamilton will serve as the keynote speaker during the RPM Promoters Workshop Series event in Reno, Nevada, December 2–4, 2010, and Ray Evernham will fill the same role during the workshop in Daytona Beach, Florida, February 14–16, 2011.

WORLD TRAVELER: Billy Moyer scored his sixth victory in the World 100 Saturday at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The victory gave him a sweep of the two major dirt-late-model events at the track—the World 100 and the Dream XVI—this season.

MULTI-CLASS: The organizers of the SCCA Trans-Am Series will be broken down into three classes next year. The top class will be known as Trans-Am (TA), with the lower classes known as Trans-Am 2 (TA2) and Trans-Am 3 (TA3).

WELCOME BACK: The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin, will return to the IZOD IndyCar Series next season as part of the 17-race schedule announced by the series last week. Visit National Speed Sport News for the full schedule.

TOP SEED: Denny Hamlin collected his sixth victory of the season Saturday at Richmond (Virginia) International Raceway, giving him the top seed in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, which begins this week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

GOLDEN: California native Jason Meyers claimed the $50,000-to-win World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, Saturday night.

NOT FISH BATE: L.E. Tonglet, who recently won the Pro Stock Motorcycle portion of the NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, has joined Kenny Koretsky’s Nitro Fish Racing for the remainder of the NHRA season.

CASH REWARDS: The Star Mazda Championship Series will divide a prize package valued in excess of $1.5 million to drivers who competed in the series’ 20th anniversary season this year.

EXTENSION: 3M, a diversified technology company, has extended its official sponsorship agreement with NASCAR for an additional five years.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, visit www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.