• Data requirements were acquired and compared from five of the top warehouse distributors and retailers in the industry and a set of required product data fields was developed
  
  
• The product information from 19 of the largest manufacturers in the industry was validated to the PIES standard
  
  
• 46 instances of complete product information synchronization between suppliers and distributors were accomplished
  
  
• A number of necessary changes to the standards have been identified and suggested to the standards body
  

Benefits from the Phase II process

For Manufacturers:

• Manufacturers are now able to convey information for thousands of products previously unknown to their warehouse distributor trading partners, resulting in a greater opportunity for increased sales
  
  
• Invoice reconciliation time will be reduced as a result of synchronization
  
  
• Accurate recommended jobber pricing increases customer satisfaction
  
  
• The single Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) eliminates the need for multiple output formats. In many cases these manufacturers have created a product data file that can be shipped at a moment's notice to other trading partners.
  
  
• New products can be introduced to the market in a fraction of the time used in past practice.
  

For Distributors and Retailers:

• Discovered thousands of parts in their systems that don't actually exist, reducing confusion internally and increasing customer satisfaction
  
  
• Invoice reconciliation time will be reduced as a result of synchronization
  
  
• Discovered thousands of parts that they hadn't previously known existed, resulting in an opportunity for increased sales.
  

To learn more about the SEMA Business Technology Committee and to find a White Paper with all the details about the study, visit www.sema.org/btc.

• Data requirements were acquired and compared from five of the top warehouse distributors and retailers in the industry and a set of required product data fields was developed
  
  
• The product information from 19 of the largest manufacturers in the industry was validated to the PIES standard
  
  
• 46 instances of complete product information synchronization between suppliers and distributors were accomplished
  
  
• A number of necessary changes to the standards have been identified and suggested to the standards body
  

Benefits from the Phase II process

For Manufacturers:

• Manufacturers are now able to convey information for thousands of products previously unknown to their warehouse distributor trading partners, resulting in a greater opportunity for increased sales
  
  
• Invoice reconciliation time will be reduced as a result of synchronization
  
  
• Accurate recommended jobber pricing increases customer satisfaction
  
  
• The single Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) eliminates the need for multiple output formats. In many cases these manufacturers have created a product data file that can be shipped at a moment's notice to other trading partners.
  
  
• New products can be introduced to the market in a fraction of the time used in past practice.
  

For Distributors and Retailers:

• Discovered thousands of parts in their systems that don't actually exist, reducing confusion internally and increasing customer satisfaction
  
  
• Invoice reconciliation time will be reduced as a result of synchronization
  
  
• Discovered thousands of parts that they hadn't previously known existed, resulting in an opportunity for increased sales.
  

To learn more about the SEMA Business Technology Committee and to find a White Paper with all the details about the study, visit www.sema.org/btc.

Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network caught the 2011 Porsche 911 cabriolet (dubbed the "998" internally, Priddy says) turning laps at the Nurburgring. Priddy says that some early media reports pegged this as the next 911 Turbo, but these pictures suggest otherwise.

"You can see that the side air intake in front of the rear wheels are fake, as is the huger rear wing which hides the shape of the smaller, standard 911 spoilers," she explains.

Compared to the current model, the front lights stand more upright and the side mirrors have moved from the side window corner to the side of the door. The rear lights are also temporary, she says. The next-gen 911 will feature the same flat-six engine as its predecessor—with a likely power surge—as well as the new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

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

Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network caught the 2011 Porsche 911 cabriolet (dubbed the "998" internally, Priddy says) turning laps at the Nurburgring. Priddy says that some early media reports pegged this as the next 911 Turbo, but these pictures suggest otherwise.

"You can see that the side air intake in front of the rear wheels are fake, as is the huger rear wing which hides the shape of the smaller, standard 911 spoilers," she explains.

Compared to the current model, the front lights stand more upright and the side mirrors have moved from the side window corner to the side of the door. The rear lights are also temporary, she says. The next-gen 911 will feature the same flat-six engine as its predecessor—with a likely power surge—as well as the new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

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

Brenda Priddy's spy shooter network caught the 2011 Porsche 911 cabriolet (dubbed the "998" internally, Priddy says) turning laps at the Nurburgring. Priddy says that some early media reports pegged this as the next 911 Turbo, but these pictures suggest otherwise.

"You can see that the side air intake in front of the rear wheels are fake, as is the huger rear wing which hides the shape of the smaller, standard 911 spoilers," she explains.

Compared to the current model, the front lights stand more upright and the side mirrors have moved from the side window corner to the side of the door. The rear lights are also temporary, she says. The next-gen 911 will feature the same flat-six engine as its predecessor—with a likely power surge—as well as the new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

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

Pete Meier is the new technical editor of Motor Age magazine.

Pete Meier was named the new technical editor of Motor Age magazine, an Advanstar Communications publication. Previously a contributing editor for the magazine, Meier is an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician, a sponsoring member of the International Automotive Technicians' Network and a trained vocational instructor.

The Tire Group International hired Ricardo Villanueva as country manager for its sales office in the Dominican Republic, which the company opened in 2008. Villanueva’s most recent position was vice president of sales for Serit Tires, where he was an integral part of the company’s growth in the Dominican Republic and South American markets.

Currie Enterprises is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2009. To commemorate the event, the company is offering a 2 1/4-inch, limited-edition, self-adhesive, gold–embossed medallion free with the purchase of any Currie catalog. The medallion was originally designed for Currie Axles.

Pilot Automotive appointed David Tang to vice president of retail sales. He was most recently the vice president of sales with Elegant LLC and prior to that served as executive vice president of sales and marketing for 3A Racing. Tang will be responsible for selected retail accounts and for identifying and supporting new business opportunities at Pilot. Pilot COO Mitch Williams noted, "We are very pleased to have a person of David’s caliber joining our team. He is a highly regarded expert in the automotive aftermarket, and this is a win-win-win situation for Pilot, for David and, most importantly of all, for our customers."

Katzkin Leather Inc. and Webasto Product North America have combined their sales organizations. Effective May 1, the newly expanded Katzkin sales team is the single point of contact for both companies’ product lines. The 12-member sales team is led by National Sales Manager Ron Leslie. Collectively, Webasto Product North America and Katzkin have more than 2,000 authorized dealers serving new- and used-car dealerships in the United States and Canada.

Daystar Products recently added 10,000 sq. ft. to its operations in Phoenix.

Daystar Products recently completed a 10,000-sq.-ft. addition to its manufacturing facility in Phoenix, bringing the facilities total square footage to 40,000. The addition will help the company expand its manufacturing capabilities and provides additional warehousing space for Daystar’s product lines. The building serves as its corporate headquarters and includes the main office, manufacturing and warehousing operations and a tool-making center.

As part of its 35th anniversary celebration, Skyjacker Suspensions has expanded its facilities to provide additional warehouse and manufacturing space. The expansion is also in response to consistent demand for its products. “It’s exciting that market demand necessitated this expansion. We are forecasting a great year due to some conservative and strategic planning,” said Lonnie McCurry Jr., chief operations officer.

Jennifer Tio

Jennifer Tio, president of Chicago-based Maximum Marketing Services Inc., was elected to the Chicago Manufacturing Center board of directors. Tio joined Maximum Marketing Services in 1985 and was named company president in 2006. Honored as the 2005 Aftermarket Woman of the Year, Tio is active in many organizations, including the Automotive Communications Council and the Car Care Council Women’s Board, having served a five-year term as president.

California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is supported by SEMA. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity for a two-year term beginning in 2007.

The caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the public's eyes. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.

Mike Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and reelected in 2008. Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.

In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the Assembly to allow certified aftermarket and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.

“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to '60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the caucus.”

Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. He counts a '52 Ford F-1 pickup truck, '55 Ford Fairlane, '60 Ford Stakebed, '63 Chevrolet Corvette, '90 Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette, '93 Chevrolet Corvette and '03 Chevrolet Corvette among his prized personal collection.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator John Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”

“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”

California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is supported by SEMA. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity for a two-year term beginning in 2007.

The caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the public's eyes. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.

Mike Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and reelected in 2008. Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.

In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the Assembly to allow certified aftermarket and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.

“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to '60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the caucus.”

Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. He counts a '52 Ford F-1 pickup truck, '55 Ford Fairlane, '60 Ford Stakebed, '63 Chevrolet Corvette, '90 Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette, '93 Chevrolet Corvette and '03 Chevrolet Corvette among his prized personal collection.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator John Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”

“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”

California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is supported by SEMA. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity for a two-year term beginning in 2007.

The caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the public's eyes. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.

Mike Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and reelected in 2008. Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.

In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the Assembly to allow certified aftermarket and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.

“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to '60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the caucus.”

Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. He counts a '52 Ford F-1 pickup truck, '55 Ford Fairlane, '60 Ford Stakebed, '63 Chevrolet Corvette, '90 Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette, '93 Chevrolet Corvette and '03 Chevrolet Corvette among his prized personal collection.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator John Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”

“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”

California Assemblyman Mike Duvall is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The Caucus is supported by SEMA. Duvall succeeds New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich who served in that capacity for a two-year term beginning in 2007.

The caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love for automobiles. To date, almost 400 state legislators from all 50 states have joined the group. The caucus serves to raise the motor vehicle hobby’s profile in state legislatures across the country, and in the public's eyes. Many of these lawmakers seek to preserve and expand the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and regulations.

Mike Duvall represents the 72nd Assembly District in California. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2006 and reelected in 2008. Within a month of his arrival in Sacramento, Duvall was appointed to the Vice-Chairmanship of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the many roadway, rail, air and port operations of the California Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol.

In 2007, Duvall sponsored legislation in the Assembly to allow certified aftermarket and performance parts to be sold and installed on motorcycles. In recent years he has also used his committee position to oppose legislation to require annual emissions inspections of vehicles 15 years and older and new-vehicle surcharges based on carbon emissions.

“From pre-World War II classics to street rods to '60s-era musclecars to late-model imports and everything in between, the automobile stands as a testimony to ingenuity and craftsmanship while serving as a source of recreation for tens of thousands of enthusiasts and collectors throughout the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “In his years of public service, Assemblymember Mike Duvall has a proven record of commitment to enabling this enthusiasm for years to come. We look forward to his leadership of the caucus.”

Despite his busy legislative schedule, Duvall is the consummate car guy. He counts a '52 Ford F-1 pickup truck, '55 Ford Fairlane, '60 Ford Stakebed, '63 Chevrolet Corvette, '90 Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette, '93 Chevrolet Corvette and '03 Chevrolet Corvette among his prized personal collection.

“I welcome the opportunity to serve as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus,” Duvall said. “The past leaders of the caucus, Assemblymember Bill Reilich of New York and Senator John Brueggeman of Montana, have set the bar very high. I will work with them and other caucus members to ensure that the automotive hobby is kept alive and well for future generations.”

“It is my goal to seek out other lawmakers to join us,” Duvall continued. “As a member of the California Assembly, I have been diligent in my efforts to work with fellow legislators to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state. Those that don't share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the unintended effects of many of the bills that are introduced each year. It is the role of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership caucus, especially its chairman, to teach and inform. I’m excited by that challenge.”