The cost of a first-class stamp will rise by $.02, to $.44, starting on May 11, 2009. Under a 2006 law, annual postal increases may not exceed the rate of inflation (3.8% for 2008). Annual price adjustments for first-class mail and periodicals occur in May. Increases for other shipping services occur in January.

The following is a summary of select new prices:

• Letter, first ounce: $0.44
• Large envelope, first ounce: $0.88
• Parcel, first ounce: $1.22
• Additional ounces: $0.17
• Postcard: $0.28
• First-class international letter to Canada, first ounce: $0.75
• First-class international letter to Mexico, first ounce: $0.79
• First-class international letter to all other countries: $0.98
• Certified mail: $2.80

The price of a “Forever Stamp” will also increase to $0.44, but stamps purchased before May 11 at their current price of $.42 cents will always be honored since the stamp is not marked with a denomination. 

For the complete list of new prices: www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm. For further information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

DIED: Up-and-coming stock-car driver Matt Hawkins died Friday night of a gunshot wound when his weapon accidentally discharged. The Canton, Georgia, sheriff’s department is investigating the incident that killed the 21-year-old winner in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and USAR Pro Cup Series.

THE RAIN MAN: Matt Kenseth was in the lead when the rain came prematurely—ending the 51st annual Daytona 500—and giving Kenseth the biggest victory of his career Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

U.S. TEAM: It appears the official announcement regarding a new U.S.-based Formula One team, which hopes to debut in 2010, will be made February 24.

NEW MONEY: The Sports Car Club of America has received a $50,000 grant from the FIA Motor Sport Safety Development Fund to explore safety initiatives.

HALL OF FAME: The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America will induct Kenny Bernstein, David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser Jr., H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and Joe Weatherly in its August 12 ceremony at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit.

TOURING: A new American Touring Car Championship was announced by the Virginia-based U.S. Endurance Racing Association. The group is planning six race weekends.

TOP DOG: Donny Schatz remained atop the weekly National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The rankings appear weekly in America’s motorsports authority.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

NEWS NUGGETS   

WILKERSON, DIXON READY FOR PHOENIX HEAT AND LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST NHRA NATIONALS: With the first race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season officially in the record books, the series and drivers now turn their eyes towards the Arizona skies and the second stop on the circuit, the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals at Firebird International Raceway. For many drivers, the warm Arizona air will be a new start after rain soaked and stretched the season-opening Pomona event from four to six days, which gave many drivers only one pass on the season, after qualifying was shortened to only one session.

One such driver is 2008 Funny Car runner-up, Tim Wilkerson. Wilkerson shook the tires on his one qualifying pass for the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, placing him 17th, just one spot out of the field.

“It’s the start of a new season, right on the heels of our best season ever, and we sure wanted to come out (to the Winternationals) and give the Levi, Ray & Shoup people a great weekend, but Mother Nature and an airline got together and spoiled our party,” Wilkerson said. “That’s just the way it is, so we’ll have to bounce back out in Phoenix and make up for this.”

Wilkerson isn’t the only driver looking to “bounce back” in Phoenix. Another driver looking to recover from a less than impressive start to the season is Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon. Dixon held high hopes coming into Pomona. He had just signed on with new team owner Alan Johnson to drive the Al-Anabi dragster and was returning to the site of his last win just a few months previous.

But bad weather and a one-shot qualifying session kept Dixon from advancing to the eliminations. Now Dixon not only looks to defend his 2008 win at Firebird International Raceway, but also to kick his drive for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle world championship into high gear.

“Alan and I have both done well at Phoenix in the past so we’re definitely hoping for good things,” said Dixon. “I know I’m looking forward to getting four qualifying runs in, and once we get our car qualified, start looking forward to race day.”

KENNY BERNSTEIN TO BE INDUCTED INTO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME OF AMERICA: Famed NHRA driver and team owner Kenny Bernstein was named as one of the seven who will be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in its annual ceremony Wednesday, August 12, at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit. Bernstein joins such racing legends and inductees as David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser Jr., H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and the late Joe Weatherly.

“We are honored to have been chosen to join the elite members of the motorsports fraternity known as the Heroes of Horsepower,” said Bernstein. “We have been fortunate through the years to have some success on the racetrack, and to be inducted into this prestigious Hall of Fame is icing on the cake.” 

LUCAS OIL NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS: Lucas Oil Products has been named a presenting sponsor of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the world’s most prestigious drag race. The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil is set for September 2–7, at historic O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. The race is the final event of the regular season in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship.

The commitment increases Lucas Oil’s involvement in NHRA Championship Drag Racing. The company also sponsors the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series for NHRA’s large sportsman racing community. It is also the sponsor of the popular Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, and was recently named the title sponsor of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist NHRA Nationals in Phoenix. In addition, Lucas Oil provides several sponsorships for race teams, including the Top Fuel dragsters driven by Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon and European champion Andy Carter.

FULL THROTTLE TV JOINS NHRA.COM: As part of the newly revamped NHRA.com, Full Throttle along with NHRA Championship Drag Racing has created Full Throttle TV. Full Throttle TV gives NHRA fans the chance to see some of their favorite drivers talk about their cars, their lives in racing and what the fans mean to them. Full Throttle TV also contains race recaps in all four professional classes for the 2009 season.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LUCAS OIL SLICK MIST NHRA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD RACEWAY, FEBRUARY 20–22: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle series makes its second stop of the season in the warm desert of Phoenix, Arizona. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Jack Beckman (Funny Car); and V Gaines (Pro Stock).

ACDELCO NHRA GATORNATIONALS, GAINESVILLE RACEWAY, MARCH 12–15: The Pro Stock Motorcycle category opens its 2009 season at the Gatornationals, annually one of the most popular stops on the NHRA Full Throttle Series tour. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Tony Pedregon (Funny Car); Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock); and Matt Guidera (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

O’REILLY NHRA SPRING NATIONALS, HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK, MARCH 27–29: Heading back to the Lone Star State, all four categories in the NHRA Full Throttle Series will compete for points towards the Countdown to the Championship. Defending event winners include Antron Brown (Top Fuel); Del Worsham (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

DEFENDING AN EVENT WIN: Funny Car driver and defending event winner at Firebird International Raceway, Jack Beckman, talks about what it’s like returning to a track as a defending winner:

“It’s always fun to go back to a race as the previous event champion,” said Beckman. “You usually get your name in the fan guide and in the program and the announcers talk about you a little bit more. So that’s always cool.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: That’s the number of drivers who have ever won back-to-back events at Firebird International Raceway since NHRA Championship Drag Racing began competing at the track in 1985. Larry Dixon, Jack Beckman and V Gaines hope to be added to this list as they look to defend their wins in Phoenix.

• Brandon Bernstein (Top Fuel): 2003–2004
• Rod Fuller (Top Fuel): 2006–2007
• Dick LaHaie (Top Fuel): 1986–1987
• John Force (Funny Car): 1994–1997
• Bob Glidden (Pro Stock): 1985–1988
• Jim Yates (Pro Stock): 1996–1997

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Funny Car driver Ashley Force Hood and her cat Simba will be featured in an upcoming coffee-table-style book by noted photographer David Woo titled Top Dogs and Their Pets. The book will feature celebrities and their pets.

For more information, visit www.nhra.com. 

Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

Scott Davis

Drag-racing champ J.R. Granatelli has left the dragstrip to hit the dirt in the 2009 Mickey Thompson SXS Stadium Series. His return to racing takes place this weekend at the Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, California. For more information on the series, visit www.dirtalliance.com.

Scott Davis was hired by Lunati as the company’s new account representative to support the company’s more aggressive direction upon being restored to private ownership. Derek Scott, Lunati’s Director of Operations said, “With the previous ownership, engine builders were unable to deal directly with Lunati, and we just want to get the word out that things are different now. We are actively seeking relationships with qualified engine builders, and we are adding the necessary resources to handle their needs.” 

“Speedy” Bill Smith, founder and owner of Speedway Motors

The Petersen Automotive Museum and Hotrod & Restoration magazine announced that “Speedy” Bill Smith, founder and owner of Speedway Motors, is the eighth recipient of the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes significant contributions to the business and hobby of hot rodding and restoration, and this year marks the first time the award’s recipient is an individual whose impact on the industry was made from somewhere other than Southern California. The award will be presented during the Grand Opening Breakfast, Friday, March 13 at the 11th Annual Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show. For more information on “Speedy” Bill or Speedway Motors, click here. For more information on the 2009 Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show, click here.

Tim McGee

SPAL USA named Tim W. McGee as the regional sales manager for its commercial fan, blower and electronic product lines. McGee will work to develop and expand the OEM market share for SPAL USA's premium electric cooling fans and blowers in the Southeastern United States region.

Rhys Millen

HPI Racing, Kyosho America and Tamiya America, three of the largest hobby manufacturers in the world, have joined forces to participate in the first Radio Control Motorsport Experience during the 2009 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 16–19. In addition to the latest in radio-control (RC) products on display, the three companies will demonstrate RC drifting, RC rock crawling, RC tanks and Mini RC table top race cars.

Drifting World Champion Rhys Millen has joined the Team Toyo and will compete for the Formula DRIFT championship in a 550hp, 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Millen also plans to compete with the car in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb and Redline Time Attack events.

 Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

SBN Member Survey – Let Your Voice Be Heard!

This month, the SBN launched a member survey. This brief 10-question survey will provide us will vital information needed to address the specific needs and goals of our SBN membership by giving us the input needed to enhance our programming and provide opportunities for networking and personal involvement for our membership. The initial e-mail requesting your participation was sent out on February 11. The survey will be open through Friday, February 27. Please take a moment to complete this important survey. Thank you!

Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the SEMA Mentoring Program, click here.

SBN Column in SEMA Member News

Read SBN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about SBN, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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ARMO Needs You!

ARMO's strength and success depends on industry support. The ARMO Select Committee recently mailed out nomination forms for the ARMO Select Committee election and is asking you to identify the restoration industry's most talented leaders and nominate them for a seat on the ARMO Select Committee.

Please review the ARMO nomination form by clicking here, and tell us about a potential nominee and their leadership background. Self-nominations are also welcome. When filling out the nomination forms, often the best background and experience information comes from the source.

Nominations are due Friday, February 20. Please direct questions and submit forms to Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Attention ARMO Members Attending the Hotrod & Restoration Show

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, is a definite “don’t miss” event. Not only is this one of the greatest trade shows for our niche industry, but there are several educational and networking opportunities in store for ARMO members:

• Exhibitors of the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show can sign up to host a workshop/seminar during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) Education & Training Day on Thursday, March 12. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with attendees during your own one-hour session. Click here for details on HRIA Education & Training Day.

• All ARMO members are invited to attend a networking mixer hosted by the Young Executives Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery, 140 S. Illinois St., from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet new and old industry friends.

• Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 a.m., ARMO is hosting a seminar on "10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Website Results Tomorrow" by Brian Offenberger.  

ARMO Column in SEMA Member News

Read ARMO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Education Day at Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show

A record number of manufacturers are on the slate to present seminars and workshops at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis, on March 12–14. Education & Training Day, scheduled for March 12, provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers to discuss their products in great detail, focusing on the technical aspects, zeroing in on sales strategies and providing you the knowledge necessary to increase your bottom line. With only a handful of time slots remaining, sign up today to talk about your products, or join the more than 1,000 attendees learning how to make their businesses stronger and more profitable.

Receive a certificate of completion for each session you attend from start to finish. Available sessions include:

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

 

Click on the logo to visit TORA's website.

George Lathouris Named TORA Chair-Elect

The TORA Select Committee has named Keystone’s George Lathouris as its chair-elect. Lathouris will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, when Kelly Kneifl assumes the duties of chairman from current Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. Congratulations to George!

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for MRC Select Committee

MRC’s mission is to provide a forum for manufacturers’ representatives to increase their impact as a vital industry segment, exploring issues of common interest and concern, increasing the collective knowledge of all agents and elevating the overall image of the profession.

Members of MRC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the manufacturers’ representative industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice. The MRC Select Committee is asking you to identify the industry's most talented leaders and nominate them for a seat on the MRC Select Committee. 

We urge you to review the MRC nomination form by clicking here. Tell us about a potential nominee and their leadership background. Self-nominations are also welcome. When filling out the nomination forms, remember that often the best background and experience information comes from the source.
 
Nominations are due Friday, March 6, 2009. Please direct questions and submit forms to Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org or call 909/396-0289, ext. 104.

Manufacturers Seeking Rep List Now Available

Manufacturers’ representatives are encouraged to contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org to request the Manufacturers Seeking Rep List, which is available at no cost. Compiled using information collected from manufacturers prior to the 2008 SEMA Show, the listing contains details on manufacturers currently seeking the services of manufacturers’ representatives along with the lines available and company contact information. The list was originally available in the MRC Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock at stacib@sema.org. 

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MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MPMC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Click on the logo to visit PRO's website.

PRO Business Development Guidebook Now On Sale

In today’s ever-changing marketplace, staying ahead of the competition is more important and challenging than ever. To be successful, you not only need an effective business strategy, but also the tools and resources to help your company excel and stand out from the pack. The PRO Business Development Guidebook is your handy reference guide.

Beginning with an overview of the importance of having a business plan—including tips on how to develop a business plan and the many purposes it can serve—the manual offers chapter-by-chapter strategies for making your business a success.

From understanding the basics of business finance and the importance of quality and service and how to make them hallmarks of your business, to building knowledge and skills among your employees to branding your restyling business as a market leader, the guidebook offers information critical to the day-to-day and long-term operation of your business.

Whether you’re starting your own restyling business or already own one—be it mobile or brick and mortar—you’ll find the answers that you’ve been looking for in the guidebook. PRO Council members contributed much of the information contained in the guidebook, drawing on their experience and knowledge to present a valuable business tool.

Click here to download the PRO business guidebook order form, or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

PRO Column in SEMA Member News

Read PRO's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about PRO, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

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Click on the logo to visit SPC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for SPC Select Committee

Street Performance Council (SPC) Member,

Members of SPC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the street-performance industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

SPC’s mission is to provide market information, education and support to members concerning new and emerging trends. SPC is dedicated to developing effective strategies and programs, all of which address the specific needs of the street-performance industry.

Please accept this letter as an invitation to designate any number of individuals (your own name may be included) to run for an open seat on the Select Committee. Download the nomination form on the SPC website. Fill out completely each name you would like to submit for consideration. To further emphasize the importance of the Select Committee, its function and the members who serve on it, the criteria and responsibilities are also posted on the SPC website. We urge you to look it over to fully understand the significance of the Select Committee and its mission.

It is important each nomination form be returned by the deadline, Friday, February 27, 2009.

We would like to see strong participation in these election proceedings, and we thank you for making the SPC stronger by your dedication.

If have any questions regarding the election process, please contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.

Regards,

Tracie Nuñez, SPC Election Task Force Chairman
Eric Breslow, SPC Chairman

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

Read SPC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for WTC Select Committee

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Member,

Members of WTC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the wheel and tire industry by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the Select Committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

WTC’s mission is to identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good. WTC is dedicated to developing effective strategies and programs, all of which address the specific needs of the wheel and tire industry.

Please accept this letter as an invitation to designate any number of individuals (your own name may be included) to run for an open seat on the Select Committee. Download the nomination form on the WTC website. Fill out completely each name you would like to submit for consideration. To further emphasize the importance of the Select Committee, its function and the members who serve on it, the criteria and responsibilities are also posted on the WTC website. We urge you to look it over to fully understand the significance of the Select Committee and its mission.

It is important each nomination form be returned by the deadline, Friday, February 27, 2009.

We would like to see strong participation in these election proceedings, and we thank you for making the WTC stronger by your dedication.

If have any questions regarding the election process, please contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 112.

Regards,

Tim Dietz, WTC Election Task Force Chairman
Kelly Austin, WTC Chairman

Read WTC's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about WTC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org. 

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Did you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.

Discover The SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN

“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker

Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.

“Ask A Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related questions.

Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with your project.

Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing your professional career.  In this program segment you will be paired with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.

So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

For more information on the SEMA Mentoring Program, click here.

YEN Column in SEMA Member News

Read YEN's column featured in the January/February issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.

For information about YEN, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

SEMA Webinar, "Taking Positive Control of Your Company: How to Save Your Business When the Economic News Is Negative," February 26, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
 

SEMA Webinar, "Offensive and Defensive Strategies for Supply-Chain Management," March 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Increasing Profits With Fewer Customers," March 12, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show, March 12–14, 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana

SEMA Webinar, "Protecting Your Finances from the Economy," March 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Inventory Management: Stop Storing Cash in the Warehouse," March 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)   

SEMA Webinar, "Job Costing Systems That Will Boost Your Cash Flow," April 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Tough Times Bring Change: Learn How to Manage Moving Forward," April 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

 The 2009 NCMA Knowledge Exchange Conference, May 2–5, Newport Beach, California

SEMA Webinar, "Contract Law 101: Sponsored by SEMA SPC," May 7, 2009 (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Black Book," May 21, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Sales and Marketing Strategies Guaranteed to Make SEMA 2009 a Success," June 11, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "An Interactive Discussion on Selling Online," June 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

PAACE Automechanika Mexico, July 15–17, 2009, Mexico City

SEMA Webinar, "Introduction to Internet Marketing," July 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Internet Marketing Tools," August 6, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "25 Ways to be Successful at the SEMA Show," August 20, 2009 (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Basics of Website Design and Content," September 24, 2009

SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada

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 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.

Chevrolet's SEMA Show project cars on display.

The OEM auto show season is well under way, and the media was recently treated to many vehicle unveilings during the Chicago Auto Show press days. The theme for this year’s show seemed more geared toward performance compared to the “green” scene—i.e., electric vehicles, hybrids, clean diesels and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that were more prevalent at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows.

In addition, the show floor was peppered with several customized vehicles and project cars that had been at the 2008 SEMA Show, giving consumers the chance to see how the specialty-equipment industry can transform the newly unveiled production vehicles into objects of personalization.

Enthusiasts, in fact, pick auto shows as one of their information sources when researching and buying performance parts and accessories. Around 37% of enthusiasts surveyed by SEMA for the Automotive Lifestyles Study said that car shows (although not just OEM shows) are venues that serve as education on the latest specialty automotive accessories. Enthusiasts were surveyed during August–September of 2008.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

The press preview days during the Chicago Auto Show began with Ford taking the wraps off its high-performance Taurus SHO, with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, which Ford said “delivers V8 levels of power at an estimated 365 hp, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.”

Prior to bringing out the SHO, however, Ford showed several customized versions of its Transit Connect commercial vehicle and the business owners that took delivery of these vehicles specifically outfitted for their individual business needs. 

Customized Ford Transit Connect

Both the Taurus SHO modern musclecar and the Transit Connect offer enthusiasts and business owners alike vehicles that lend themselves to customization, albeit for two complete opposite purposes: work and pleasure.

Chevrolet Camaro “Bumblebee” Transformer

General Motors took a different approach in showing the media its latest vehicle offerings by bringing out four of its new cars that will serve as characters in the upcoming Transformers movie. A custom version of the Spark subcompact and Corvette Stingray concepts were among the cars used to wow the media during its press conference.

GM also went on to say that upon the release of the first Transformers movie, which heavily promoted its Camaro concept via another movie character, awareness of the new Camaro jumped 97% soon after the movie was released.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Chevrolet Spark

The third domestic automaker focused on a different market during their press conference: the heavy-duty pickup segment of consumers. Dodge unveiled its 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which they emphasized is the first version to have a crew-size cab model.

The pickup comes with either a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel or 5.7L Hemi V8 with the Heavy Duty 3500 offering towing capability at 18,500 lbs. Dodge also mentioned that while 66% of heavy-duty pickup owners opt for the diesel version, around 90% of Dodge customers go diesel.

2010 F-150 SVT Raptor

Aside from the domestic automaker press conferences, several custom renditions of new vehicles were spread out throughout the show floor. Several Chevrolet project cars from the 2008 SEMA Show were present. Ford showed off its 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor alongside a video game simulator for showgoers to experience the drivability of the truck.

Suzuki showed three customized Equator pickups, and several more examples of customization were displayed throughout the Chicago Auto Show, giving mainstream consumers an up-close look at vehicle personalization.

 
Customized Suzuki Equator pickups by 4-Wheel & Off-Road and Off-Road magazine

Chevrolet Silverado “Yacht Club HD” by RealWheels Corporation

For more original market research, visit www.sema.org/research.

Video games have become more than simple forms of entertainment; they are now veritable sources of marketing, competing with television and films for consumer dollars.

The Financial Post reports that in 2007, video games generated $9.5 billion in revenues, just shy of the $9.6 billion that movies claimed at the box office. The scope extends beyond the traditional audiences of the past. Currently, players come from all types of demographic profiles, both genders, all age groups, most developed countries and even in various role-playing modes (single-player, family, etc).

Gaming has penetrated the car market for more than a decade. With games such as Gran Turismo, Project Gotham Racing and Need for Speed, enthusiasts and mainstream consumers alike are coming into contact with product placement and brands that influence their perceptions.

According to research from directors at Carleton College and the University of Alberta, gamers absorb brand recognition more readily than spectators. As told in an article posted by the researchers in Financial Post, the group designed a study to test the relationship between video game users and the content within the game.

Focusing attention on brands and vehicle recognition, two groups of people were recruited to participate in an experiment to discover how their interaction with components of the game influenced their identity to those items.

Based on the popular game Project Gotham Racing, the groups were assigned one of two tasks: play the game individually or watch someone else as they play. The level of engagement was hypothesized to affect the overall recognition of the brands and vehicles featured. The results proved to be significant. Between the two groups, those who played the game had a substantially higher level of association to the vehicles they drove.

Conversely, those who simply witnessed the game were passive observers and did not hold the same level of enthusiasm towards the products. The study indicated a high level of agreement between the virtual world and the real world.

SEMA Show - Gran Turismo “Best of Show” Award; Infiniti G37

For the past six years, Gran Turismo (published by Sony Computer Entertainment America) has given awards to SEMA Show exhibitors as selected by the game’s producer, Kazunori Yamauchi. Five divisional awards are given with an additional designation for Best of Show. Winners from the 2008 SEMA Show include:

• Best Domestic: '67 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport (James Shipka)
• Best Truck/SUV: '38 Chevy (John Wargo)
• Best Japanese Import: 2007 Infiniti G37 (JR Rocha)
• Best European Import: Volkswagen Concept Car (Robert Gal)
• Best Hot Rod: The Factory Five Racing '33 Hot Rod (Jason Lavigne)

SEMA’s 2008 Automotive Lifestyles Survey collected the thoughts of more than 3,000 enthusiasts, of which 1,100 had owned and played video games during the past year. Their demographic information indicates that the audience of video games does extend beyond teenagers.

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Factory Five '33 Hot Rod

The '32 Ford Roadster is arguably the most iconic hot rod of all time. It continues to be a staple for gearheads seven decades after it was produced. Many '30s-era cars and trucks share the same inextinguishable fire that continues today.

SEMA polled a group of enthusiasts in January about their plans for 2009. Of the total group, nearly 100 hot-rod/street-rod owners of cars from '30–'40 submitted their forecast for the upcoming year, sharing thoughts on trends and their plans for the hobby. The largest congestion of cars were ’32–’34 model years, with roughly 40% of the group’s representation leaning heavily on Ford models (80%).

Enthusiasts value these model years and have forced the market to support the remanufacturing of bodies, chassis components and accessories. For example, Factory Five unveiled a ’33 Hot Rod kit at the 2008 SEMA Show that allows consumers the ability to own a modernized icon.

Christian Audienger’s Ford

When asked about the hottest segment of 2009, the majority stuck to their base and voted for street rod and customs, followed by musclecars and restored vehicles. Likewise, they believe the hottest trends will be do-it-yourself modifications, budget builds and high-performance street applications. While not surprising, these perceptions reinforce the concepts that outline this traditional segment: independent, creative and passionate about participating.

The most common modifications they plan to perform in 2009 are custom paint (10%), performance brake (6%) and transmission (6%) upgrades. Of the top 20 products, all but a few are performance related. Nearly half (47%) of those surveyed plan to purchase the greatest amount of products from mail-order catalogs or custom shops and installers.

DuPont Hot Hues Ford

While Internet avenues make up roughly 33% of the venues listed, the bias is towards brick-and-mortar establishments. Online auctions—namely eBay (12%)—typically revolve around rare, used or obsolete parts and reaffirm the collector status of these vehicles.

RCD Suspension '32 Ford

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