Porsche 911s From the 2008 SEMA Show
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Members of the Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) realize that hours can be spent simply talking about how bad the economy is. But, now is the time to do something about it. We all need to come together to share experiences, ideas and strategies to do things differently and to grow.
Make plans now to attend MANAfest May 31–June 3, 2009 at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada.
Would you like to grow sales, save time, save money and maybe diversify your business? Would you like to get great insights on rep legal issues, contracts and agreements? Would you like to learn where our economy and manufacturing in North America are headed in 2009–2010? Would you like to network with 250 sales experts and learn how to solve the biggest challenges facing reps?
Register today for MANAfest 2009, and invest in yourself, your rep firm and your future.
For more information, call or e-mail Bryan Shirley, president and CEO of MANA: 877/626-2776 or bryan@MANAonline.org.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Members of the Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) realize that hours can be spent simply talking about how bad the economy is. But, now is the time to do something about it. We all need to come together to share experiences, ideas and strategies to do things differently and to grow.
Make plans now to attend MANAfest May 31–June 3, 2009 at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada.
Would you like to grow sales, save time, save money and maybe diversify your business? Would you like to get great insights on rep legal issues, contracts and agreements? Would you like to learn where our economy and manufacturing in North America are headed in 2009–2010? Would you like to network with 250 sales experts and learn how to solve the biggest challenges facing reps?
Register today for MANAfest 2009, and invest in yourself, your rep firm and your future.
For more information, call or e-mail Bryan Shirley, president and CEO of MANA: 877/626-2776 or bryan@MANAonline.org.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Members of the Manufacturers Rep Council (MRC) realize that hours can be spent simply talking about how bad the economy is. But, now is the time to do something about it. We all need to come together to share experiences, ideas and strategies to do things differently and to grow.
Make plans now to attend MANAfest May 31–June 3, 2009 at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada.
Would you like to grow sales, save time, save money and maybe diversify your business? Would you like to get great insights on rep legal issues, contracts and agreements? Would you like to learn where our economy and manufacturing in North America are headed in 2009–2010? Would you like to network with 250 sales experts and learn how to solve the biggest challenges facing reps?
Register today for MANAfest 2009, and invest in yourself, your rep firm and your future.
For more information, call or e-mail Bryan Shirley, president and CEO of MANA: 877/626-2776 or bryan@MANAonline.org.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:
"The Race Goes Green" Conference, April 16, 2009, Long Beach, California
The 2009 NCMA Knowledge Exchange Conference, May 2–5, 2009, Newport Beach, California
SEMA Webinar, "Contract Law 101: Sponsored by SEMA SPC," May 7, 2009 (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "Black Book," May 21, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "An Interactive Discussion on Selling Online," June 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico City
SEMA Webinar, "Introduction to Internet Marketing," July 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA Pinewood Drag Race, August 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (PDT), Pasadena, California
SEMA Internet Symposium, August 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (PDT), Pasadena, California
SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, August 1, 2009, Pasadena, California
SEMA Webinar, "Internet Marketing Tools," August 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "25 Ways to be Successful at the SEMA Show," August 20, 2009 (PDT)
SEMA Webinar, "Basics of Website Design and Content," September 24, 2009
SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2009, Las Vegas
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.
Looking for Some Extra Publicity for Your Industry Event?
Publicize your events through the SEMA Online Calendar of Events located at http://www.sema.org/calendar. The calendar is stocked with information on events taking place throughout the year, broken down by month. Examples of events featured in the calendar include consumer shows and club events, educational and training workshops, conventions and trade shows, races and more.
To submit your event details for the calendar, e-mail company name and the date(s), location and name of the event to Shirley Presecan at shirleyp@sema.org.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Podcasts merge the inevitable evolution of technology with our First Amendment rights. While it sounds high-tech, it is actually quite simple; any person who has an iPod or any MP3 playing device can download a podcast, an audio or a video file made available for syndicated download on the Internet.
These files are not music as people typically associate with MP3s, rather a podcast can consist of a person talking about a particular subject, reviewing a product or even having a debate between several people.
eMarketer projects a figure of 37.6 million people downloading podcasts on a monthly basis by 2013, up 20.2 million from 2008’s figure; a 17% growth between now and then. To further support this, surveys from Pricegrabber.com shoppers show that more than half of those surveyed online also listened to or downloaded podcasts.
The breakdown of the survey results were heavily skewed, with young adult males between the ages of 18 and 29 making up the majority of the results.
While podcasts may seem irrelevant to SEMA members, various organizations have already taken advantage of podcasts. CK Media, who produces the DriftZone podcast for the Formula Drift series, has used podcasts for the past three years to convey vehicle buildups, driver interviews and event recaps for fans. BBC radio produces an F1 podcast for each practice day, race day and post-race discussion.
So what is a SEMA member to do with this technology? For starters, members who support a racing team can create a podcast to follow the team’s progress and keep fans informed. Podcasts can chronicle research and development on new products and take consumers behind the scenes to understand the work that goes into the products they buy.
Some companies insert advertisements into podcasts or sponsor ones made by others. With the advancement of technology it is easier than ever to reach consumers across the globe.
As technological phenomenon’s, such as MySpace and Facebook, automotive-focused forums and even the widespread use of smart phones (Blackberry and iPhone) have proven, staying current with technology is not only relevant, but could ultimately be an inexpensive solution to engaging your audience. — SEMA Research & Information Center
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
Podcasts merge the inevitable evolution of technology with our First Amendment rights. While it sounds high-tech, it is actually quite simple; any person who has an iPod or any MP3 playing device can download a podcast, an audio or a video file made available for syndicated download on the Internet.
These files are not music as people typically associate with MP3s, rather a podcast can consist of a person talking about a particular subject, reviewing a product or even having a debate between several people.
eMarketer projects a figure of 37.6 million people downloading podcasts on a monthly basis by 2013, up 20.2 million from 2008’s figure; a 17% growth between now and then. To further support this, surveys from Pricegrabber.com shoppers show that more than half of those surveyed online also listened to or downloaded podcasts.
The breakdown of the survey results were heavily skewed, with young adult males between the ages of 18 and 29 making up the majority of the results.
While podcasts may seem irrelevant to SEMA members, various organizations have already taken advantage of podcasts. CK Media, who produces the DriftZone podcast for the Formula Drift series, has used podcasts for the past three years to convey vehicle buildups, driver interviews and event recaps for fans. BBC radio produces an F1 podcast for each practice day, race day and post-race discussion.
So what is a SEMA member to do with this technology? For starters, members who support a racing team can create a podcast to follow the team’s progress and keep fans informed. Podcasts can chronicle research and development on new products and take consumers behind the scenes to understand the work that goes into the products they buy.
Some companies insert advertisements into podcasts or sponsor ones made by others. With the advancement of technology it is easier than ever to reach consumers across the globe.
As technological phenomenon’s, such as MySpace and Facebook, automotive-focused forums and even the widespread use of smart phones (Blackberry and iPhone) have proven, staying current with technology is not only relevant, but could ultimately be an inexpensive solution to engaging your audience. — SEMA Research & Information Center
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
The Mitsubishi EVO was among the top three compact-performance vehicles most owned
and accessorized.
As part of SEMA’s annual Automotive Lifestyles Study, more than 3,000 enthusiasts were surveyed on their accessorization and buying behavior, and results reveal that the Ford Mustang, Nissan 240SX and Chevrolet Corvette are the vehicles owned and accessorized most often in their respective categories.
Ford Mustangs have a mainstream appeal while the Nissan 240SX is more specific to
the compact-performance market.
Among those polled, 37% were compact-performance enthusiasts. Topping the list of vehicles driven by urban enthusiasts were Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes, Ford F-Series pickups and Honda Civics (see table above.) Other more notable "urban" vehicles, such as the Chrysler 300 and Cadillac Escalade, have more presence at urban-lifestyle-targeted car shows; actual enthusiasts sporting an "urban" look, however, often drive vehicles characteristic of a multitude of market niches.
Urban enthusiasts also have an eye for luxury (shown by the two Lexus models also making the list of most-owned vehicles).
Performance is the leading factor for compact-performance enthusiasts. The Nissan 240SX, Honda Civic and Mitsubishi EVO were at the top of the list for this category of drivers.
"For compact-performance enthusiasts, an underlining factor has always been bang-for-the-buck performance," said Zack Krelle, SEMA market research analyst. "Even though the cars are becoming more complex and upscale, the crowd keeps an eye out for affordable upgrades."
The Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro comprised the list of vehicles most owned and accessorized by the total survey sample, which consisted of hot rodders and off-roaders, musclecar enthusiasts, restoration-vehicle enthusiasts and those into light trucks, in general.
Similar products top the lists for both segments, however, urban enthusiasts favor milder
performance upgrades and aesthetics. Window tinting and alarm systems are some of the
exceptions.
The table above shows that both compact-performance and urban enthusiasts value both performance and appearance products. Performance parts, such as cold-air intakes and exhaust kits, were purchased by large percentages of those surveyed, however, those within the compact-performance market purchased to a greater degree.
While both products arguably provide marginal performance gains compared to more advanced engine and drivetrain upgrades, enthusiasts are attracted to the relatively low price, appearance under the hood, noticeable sound and performance improvements provided by these products. Also, appearance products (such as body kits and stereo head units, respectively) are more popular among compact-performance and urban-lifestyle enthusiasts compared to all the automotive enthusiasts surveyed.
The data gathered from SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyles Survey provides a thorough understanding of compact-performance and urban-lifestyle enthusiasts, significantly improving the chances of SEMA-member companies in getting their products into the hands of the desired consumers.
View more results of the SEMA Automotive Lifestyles Survey in the April issue of SEMA News.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
The Mitsubishi EVO was among the top three compact-performance vehicles most owned
and accessorized.
As part of SEMA’s annual Automotive Lifestyles Study, more than 3,000 enthusiasts were surveyed on their accessorization and buying behavior, and results reveal that the Ford Mustang, Nissan 240SX and Chevrolet Corvette are the vehicles owned and accessorized most often in their respective categories.
Ford Mustangs have a mainstream appeal while the Nissan 240SX is more specific to
the compact-performance market.
Among those polled, 37% were compact-performance enthusiasts. Topping the list of vehicles driven by urban enthusiasts were Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes, Ford F-Series pickups and Honda Civics (see table above.) Other more notable "urban" vehicles, such as the Chrysler 300 and Cadillac Escalade, have more presence at urban-lifestyle-targeted car shows; actual enthusiasts sporting an "urban" look, however, often drive vehicles characteristic of a multitude of market niches.
Urban enthusiasts also have an eye for luxury (shown by the two Lexus models also making the list of most-owned vehicles).
Performance is the leading factor for compact-performance enthusiasts. The Nissan 240SX, Honda Civic and Mitsubishi EVO were at the top of the list for this category of drivers.
"For compact-performance enthusiasts, an underlining factor has always been bang-for-the-buck performance," said Zack Krelle, SEMA market research analyst. "Even though the cars are becoming more complex and upscale, the crowd keeps an eye out for affordable upgrades."
The Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro comprised the list of vehicles most owned and accessorized by the total survey sample, which consisted of hot rodders and off-roaders, musclecar enthusiasts, restoration-vehicle enthusiasts and those into light trucks, in general.
Similar products top the lists for both segments, however, urban enthusiasts favor milder
performance upgrades and aesthetics. Window tinting and alarm systems are some of the
exceptions.
The table above shows that both compact-performance and urban enthusiasts value both performance and appearance products. Performance parts, such as cold-air intakes and exhaust kits, were purchased by large percentages of those surveyed, however, those within the compact-performance market purchased to a greater degree.
While both products arguably provide marginal performance gains compared to more advanced engine and drivetrain upgrades, enthusiasts are attracted to the relatively low price, appearance under the hood, noticeable sound and performance improvements provided by these products. Also, appearance products (such as body kits and stereo head units, respectively) are more popular among compact-performance and urban-lifestyle enthusiasts compared to all the automotive enthusiasts surveyed.
The data gathered from SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyles Survey provides a thorough understanding of compact-performance and urban-lifestyle enthusiasts, significantly improving the chances of SEMA-member companies in getting their products into the hands of the desired consumers.
View more results of the SEMA Automotive Lifestyles Survey in the April issue of SEMA News.
Thu, 04/02/2009 - 00:00
A journalist from Pisteros magazine, an enthusiast publication in Argentina, is traveling to Los Angeles in April and is interested in interviewing SEMA members about innovative new products. He will also be arranging photo shoots of products and project vehicles for both Pisteros magazine as well as a Spanish-language publication in the United States—Automundo Magazine.
For more information, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA’s international director, at lindas@sema.org.
European cars are quite popular in Argentina with the Fiat Palio, Peugeot 206, Renault Clio and VW Golf and Fox among the most popular cars to modify.
Two Argentinean journalists, Paulo Di Renzo of Maxi Tuning/Maxi Audio and Alex Saligari of Pisteros, selected a total of 20 products (listed below with their commentary on why they selected these products) from the more than 1,500 products in the New Products Showcase at the 2008 SEMA Show which they believe will have the best chance of success in Argentina.
Mobile Suitcase Display, Auto Meter Products
“Interesting product presentation based on a versatile commercial proposal. Variety of models and ranges exhibited with clarity and simplicity.”
American Muscle Gauge Series, Auto Meter Products
“Product of great adaptability for classic cars and hot rods. Exquisite design and notable quality of completion, endorsed by a prestige marque.”
Multi Pro R2, Eibach Springs Inc.
“A specialistic marque that does not stop surprising us with its products. Of great reputation in Argentina, Eibach is synonymous with innovation and experience.”
Jack-Rack, Jack-Rack
“Pickups are the allies of heavy work in the Argentine fields. This product turns out to be very useful to distribute loads and increase the volume of the load.”
Competitor Series Mopar Throttle Assembly, Lokar Performance Products
“Quality of completion and design with the seal of one of the most prestigious companies. Ideal for a sport machine of long ago.”
Steering Wheel Y, Shutt Auto
“Shutt is a very well-known marque in Argentina. Their products always are well-received and are appraised in the majority of professional cars. The chromed details are an exclusive extra feature.”
G-Tech/Pro EGS, Tesla Electronics Inc.
“An efficient and very useful tool for those who look to operate at maximum aptitude at the track. Innovative, versatile and with the endorsement of a reputable company.”
Rattle Tracker, Thomas Automotive Industries
“A work tool that mechanics will adore. Technology is very well received when daily work can be more exact and simple.”
RangeFinderPro, TVK Industries Inc.
“Fascinating. An exquisite gearshift as much at the aesthetic level as at the functional level.”
3D Letter, Young Sung USA
“An accessory of great popularity that is always welcome. The possibility of combining letters and symbols is an added value."