At the request of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, the Oregon Speaker of the House has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) to prohibit the sale and distribution of aftermarket motor-vehicle parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.”

The bill is primarily focused on aftermarket tires and would authorize the Environmental Quality Commission to implement enforcement regulations, likely based on a rolling-resistance calculation.

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA submitted comments to the Department of Defense/U.S. Marine Corps regarding a potential expansion of the Marine Corps Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, in Johnson Valley, California. The Marine Corps contends that it needs additional land for training and may seek to incorporate the 189,000 acres in Johnson Valley which is currently devoted to off-highway (OHV) recreation.

The area is home to numerous competitive motorized events that draw thousands of competitors and spectators to the area every year. SEMA believes the loss of this area to OHV enthusiasts would have a serious negative impact on the OHV market, the enthusiast’s community and the local economy.   

SEMA recommended that the Marine Corps reassess the need for expansion, or expand into other adjacent areas that are not currently used for OHV events. If the OHV lands must be vacated, SEMA suggested that other nearby sites controlled by the Bureau of Land Management be considered or private lands be purchased for OHV use. 

SEMA will continue to work closely with other groups active in the OHV market and enthusiast community and with Department of Defense officials on this issue. The subject is of importance to the many SEMA members that market OHV products.

For more information, contact Brian Duggan briand@sema.org.

SITTING OUT: Rahal Letterman Racing will sit out at least the first portion of the IndyCar Series until the team finds sponsorship. Team co-owner Bobby Rahal would like to return his team to action for the Indianapolis 500 if funding develops.

SOLD: Dover Motorsports Inc. has sold Memphis Motorsports Park to Gulf Coast Entertainment for a reported $10 million in cash. The facility includes a three-quarter-mile asphalt track, quarter-mile dragstrip and dirt track.

THE ROCKET: 360 sprint-car driver Jesse Hockett earned $12,500 for winning the fifth-annual Ronald Laney Memorial at East Bay Raceway Park in Florida.

SAME DAY: The Brumos 250 Grand Am sports-car race and the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will be held the same day—July 4—at Daytona International Speedway.

HE’S BACK: Three-time World of Outlaws champion Sammy Swindell is returning to the series full-time this season, driving for California owner Tom Rolfe.

RULES CHANGES: The NHRA has suspended oil-down penalties for the 2009 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in hopes of saving competitors money. Also, the NASCAR Camping World Series has made several rules adjustments in an effort to reduce the cost to competing race teams.

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

NEW TEAMS, NEW DRIVERS, NEW SPONSOR; 2009 FULL THROTTLE SEASON BEGINS IN POMONA: After an almost three-month break, NHRA Drag Racing returns with new drivers, new teams and a brand-new series sponsor. The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series begins this weekend in the same place it finished in 2008, the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California, with the 49th annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals.

For many drivers, it will be the chance to begin fresh with a new team and new crew. One such driver is reigning Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher. Though Tony will begin the 2009 season behind the wheel of his familiar Don Schumacher Racing/U.S. Army dragster, that will be the only familiar thing for “The Sarge,” as Schumacher will begin his campaign for a seventh world championship with a brand-new crew chief, Mike Green, and new crew members turning the wrenches on the 7,000hp beast.

Schumacher’s former crew chief, the famed tuner Alan Johnson, also will see some change in 2009. Under the Al-Anabi Racing team banner, Johnson moves from the crew chief to owner spot for his new team and will field a Top Fuel entry driven by two-time world champion Larry Dixon and a Funny Car driven by fan-favorite Del Worsham.

The Johnson-owned team has already seen a bit of success during testing just two weeks ago, when Worsham ran the fastest time of the weekend among Funny Cars in Phoenix at 4.049 seconds. Another driver who saw much success during the Phoenix pre-season test was Matco Tools dragster pilot Antron Brown.

Brown posted a run of 3.781 seconds, which should help entering the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, as Brown begins the season with new co-crew chiefs Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald, and a new team owner, former Funny Car driver Mike Ashley.

PREMIUM SEATING AND FAN RELIEF PROGRAMS STILL AVAILABLE FOR KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: With the kick-off to the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season this weekend at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, many seat packages are still available for the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals. Top Eliminator Club tickets, one of the best values in drag racing, are still available and offer fans reserved-seat starting-line grandstand tickets for all four days of the race, daily complimentary catered meals, complimentary soft drinks and access to the climate-controlled TEC hospitality center with private restrooms and closed-circuit broadcast of the race, as well as complimentary parking.

A limited number of west-side $20 adult general-admission tickets remain available for advance purchase for all four days of the event as well as military appreciation day tickets, which give active-duty military one complimentary adult reserved ticket for Friday qualifying with a valid ID.

On Saturday and Sunday, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a coupon good for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more of NHRA-branded or Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals merchandise at NitroMall. To take advantage of these ticket prices and programs, call 800/884-6472 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

JOHNSON TAKES WIN AT LAS VEGAS PRO STOCK SHOWDOWN: Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson continued to prepare for his pursuit of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle world championship with a win at the annual Las Vegas Pro Stock Showdown at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Johnson drove past defending world champion Jeg Coughlin to pick up his first win at the annual pre-season testing event.

“We’ve been testing a lot of different things this weekend, even in the final, but we didn’t get way off base,” said Johnson. “We’re here to get faster for Pomona. We’re not content right now, but I think we’ll be in pretty good shape.” Johnson will look to collect his first Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals win this weekend.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS, AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA, FEBRUARY 5–8: The 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season gets underway in sunny Southern California as drivers in three professional categories begin their bid for the NHRA Full Throttle world championship. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock).

NHRA ARIZONA 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).

HE SAID, SHE SAID

‘SUPERMAN’ VISITS THE SUPER BOWL: 14-time Funny Car world champion, John Force, on visiting Super Bowl XLIII: “I was amazed at the amount of football fans that love their drag racing. The autograph line went for three hours, and it was exciting. I have never been to a Super Bowl before, so it was great to see all the events.
   "I was a guy that played football but never really accomplished much on the field, but today I got to talk with Jason Campbell, the quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He was a nice kid.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

62: That’s the number of Full Throttle vehicles that will compete in the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals: 21 Top Fuel entrees, 18 Funny Car entrees and 23 Pro Stock entrees.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Funny Car driver Robert Hight helped kick off the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season Monday by serving as Grand Marshall for the NHRA Parade of Vehicles. The parade included 12 haulers, three Safety Safari trucks, two Pontiacs and two L.A. County Sheriffs and toured the Greater Los Angeles area.

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

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

The American International Automotive Dealers Association (AIADA) honored longtime member and past director John H. (Jack) Thompson of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with the David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented annually to an individual whose deep commitment and contributions to the international auto industry and his or her community sets them apart.

Infineon Raceway Media Relations Department Manager John Cardinale was named the NASCAR Track PR Representative of the Year at the annual NASCAR PR Summit. Voted on by members of the motorsports media, previous winners of the award and NASCAR PR, the NASCAR Track PR Representative of the Year award recognizes the outstanding efforts of a track representative.

Funkmaster Flex unveils the Ford Flex at the 2007 SEMA Show.

Well-known DJ and car aficionado Funkmaster Flex will host a new series on Spike TV, “Fast Machines With Funkmaster Flex.” The new half-hour series premieres Sunday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. (ET/PT) as part of Spike TV’s auto programming block, “The PowerBlock.” Each episode will showcase Flex’s talents in updating and modifying cars with his team of experts.    

 The Automobile Club of Southern California and Shelby Automobiles Inc. will host the annual Wally Parks Fundraising Dinner on Thursday, February 5—the first night of the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals—at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, in Pomona, California. The event will include Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme unveiling a limited-edition Shelby Mustang built by Shelby Automobiles in Las Vegas. For more information, visit http://museum.nhra.com.

Dave Butts was promoted to vice president of information technology for Recaptured Energy Technologies. Butts is responsible for the vehicle systems development and technology solutions functions of the company. Prior to joining Recaptured Energy, Butts developed, built and expanded decision-support and business-process integration hardware, software and network platforms for Fortune 500 companies. 

Dave Butts

SEMA member Permatex is celebrating 100 years in business in 2009. The company was founded in 1909 by chemist Constant A. Benoit Sr., who started the business with a glue that he developed for bonding bicycle tires. Permatex now has more than 350 products and produces approximately 1,200 SKUs.

Hastings Manufacturing Company LLC promoted Jeffrey P. Guenther to senior director of international sales and worldwide marketing. Guenther will focus on the sales opportunities throughout much of the world, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, South America, Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and China. Guenther has 20-plus years with Hastings Manufacturing, having joined the company after graduating from Central Michigan University.

Tuffy Security Products is celebrating 20 years of designing and manufacturing security and storage compartments for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs. The company started in a garage in Denver, Colorado, by the current owner after he had his vehicle broken into and all his valuables stolen. Today, Tuffy operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in Cortez, Colorado.

Despite a declining economy and cutbacks in client marketing budgets, FM3 Performance Marketing says that it grew its motorsports marketing client portfolio by more than 200% in 2008. Marketing Vice President Wally Olczak attributes the success to the firm’s knowledge of the high-performance industry and unique point-of-contact marketing campaigns. FM3 handles complete sponsorship and event management services through its production arm. For more information visit www.fm3marketing.com.  

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

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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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 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 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 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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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.

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.

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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Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

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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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, "Business Efficiency 101: Using Product Information to Increase Sales, Boost Image and Reduce Costs," February 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA Webinar, "Job Costing Systems That Will Boost Your Cash Flow," February 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

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

SEMA Webinar, "Change Management," April 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

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

SEMA Webinar, "Sales and Marketing Strategies Guaranteed to Make SEMA '09 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)

Aftermarket eForum, July 13–15, 2009, Chicago, Illinois

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.

NASCAR is making strides to make its brand of motorsport more environmentally responsible. SEMA-member companies are also developing innovative products and solutions to lessen environmental impact.

Environmentally friendly products are not just for the “green” crowd anymore. Products and services designed to decrease their impact on the environment are making their way into every market. SEMA Show exhibitors displayed their ability to lead the way with product innovations coupled with social responsibility.

Product manufacturers, installation shops and event venues are searching for ways to innovate their products and services to incorporate a “green” agenda, sometimes in areas that might otherwise be overlooked.

After switching to unleaded fuels a little over two years ago—a move critics thought was late—the NASCAR series is now embarking on an aggressive program to clean its operations and image. The American Le Mans Series (AMLS), Formula 1, National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) and other sanctioning bodies have made efforts to educate people on alternative vehicle technologies; ALMS with use of cellulosic ethanol, F1 instating hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) and EDRA for being an entirely electric racing series.

Now, the spotlight is being shifted to operating and business processes to address solutions that are unrelated to the vehicles themselves. Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO, spoke to reporters on the Sprint Media Tour about their new approach.

“I want to tell you something today that is ever increasingly important to the industry of NASCAR, and that's our comprehensive approach to making this sport greener and environmentally smarter," said France.

NASCAR has appointed a chief director to develop environmentally friendly green practices at facilities for all teams, drivers, venues and NASCAR departments.

One such change has been the progressive move towards LEED certification—a rare and highly acclaimed award given for sustainable construction, energy conservation and innovation. The association’s newest buildings—NASCAR Plaza and Daytona Speedplex—will be designed around these principles. 

Vehicle manufacturers have proposed new techniques for introducing new materials into the construction and manufacture of products. Ford’s interior engineers have developed a renewable soy-based polyurethane seat foam and fabric derived from recycled materials. Both products have been introduced in the Ford Mustang and Escape.

Likewise, Toyota has developed bio-plastics made from plant-derived sources. Its Raum model (Japanese market only) received recognition for being the first vehicle assembled with interior equipment composed of 100% plant-based plastics. Beginning in 2009, Toyota hopes to incorporate this process into 60% of vehicle interior components on select models.

These factors—vehicle technology and business operations—are becoming mainstream considerations. Since the beginning of January, SEMA has collected feedback from thousands of enthusiasts. Responses to one particular topic are especially notable. More than 500 enthusiasts submitted unprompted suggestions to the following question: What should manufacturers of performance parts and accessories focus on in 2009?

More than one quarter (28.1%) of responses mentioned at least one of the following topics/keywords: fuel efficiency, green, alternative fuels and emissions. Additional suggestions will follow in future articles as we code responses by keywords.

Not to be mistaken, price, performance, style and quality were also mentioned frequently. However, these are expected values and established characteristics favored by enthusiasts. New topics are beginning to creep into the equation and could indicate a shift in values or expectations.

SEMA Show exhibitors displayed innovative products and solutions to environmental concerns for both consumers and members of the trade. For example, J&S Products introduced the Speed-E-Pan oil change system. The pan is an all-in-one container for changing, storing and transporting used motor oil. By using a recyclable cardboard base and an oil-resistant two-ply plastic lining, the entire container and oil can be taken to a recyclable auto center, reducing waste and spillage.

Other products were also designed to reduce the impact of garage work by reducing the level of hazardous chemicals in products. Tork, for example, displayed an eco-friendly line of wet wipes for hands and surfaces.

3M brought a simple solution to wheel maintenance and environmental concerns for toxic metals. Their Wheel Weight System addressed individual lead weights as a balancing media by introducing an alternative composite material stored in a continuous roll. Rather than applying a series of clip-on pre-cut lead blocks, 3M has created a flexible lead-free material that can be cut to any desired size and applied with adhesive. Starting in late 2009, lead will be prohibited as a balance media in some areas. Installers, wheel rebuilders and retailers need to be aware of this legislation and its possible solutions. 

Car care products from multiple companies highlighted the opportunities to turn vehicle cleaning into an environmentally friendly activity for both hobbyists and retailers. Eco Touch claims to have created a metal and chrome polish made from plant-derived ingredients free of contaminants and a waterless car wash that reduces water use and run-off. Car Planet brought a range of organic cleaning solutions to touch up tires, glass and everything in between without employing abrasive chemicals.

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

The Fiat 500 is a popular European citycar that could find its way to America through the Fiat/Chrysler partnership.

In the global automotive shakedown, vehicle manufacturers have intensified their efforts to come out ahead, if not simply survive. Companies are looking towards mergers, partnerships or other economies of scale to reach new markets or cut costs.

Fiat and Chrysler have announced a mutually beneficial partnership to roll out during the next five years and address the shortcomings of each brand. The Italian company has offered to acquire a 35% stake in the U.S. carmaker, meaning that the brand will once again have deep ties to Europe as it did when purchased by Daimler-Benz AG in 1998.

Fiat brings the experience of a fuel-efficient product portfolio and will supply Chrysler with much-needed compacts, subcompacts and city cars, while enjoying a pre-established dealer network as the tradeoff. The deal comes with no cash investments from either party, but does tap into the established facilities that each currently own, according to Automotive News.

For example, one detail from the tentative agreement is the transition of Chrysler’s Toluca, Mexico, plant from the Dodge Journey crossover and Chrysler PT Cruisers to retool for the Fiat 500—a retro-inspired European city car with an established following abroad.

Also in the deal are other small cars Chrysler needs to meet the next series of much stricter fuel-economy standards. Automotive News reports that along with the Fiat 500, Chrysler will receive another minicar based on the Fiat Panda or a rebadged derivative.

According to JATO Dynamics, the Panda has been the best-selling minicar/citycar car in Europe since 2002 with the 500 trailing close behind, much like the smart car here where it continues to sell extremely well regardless of economic conditions.

Alfa Romeo will return to U.S. shores with the 8C Competizione sports car, but could also include hatchback imports like the 147 replacement or the MiTo.

Other B segment cars include something built on the Fiat/GM SCSS platform, possibly both the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Fiat Grande Punto. They share the same platform and sell well. Alfa Romeo is developing a replacement for their 147 model compact hatchback to be released in 2009, likely dubbed the 149.

This new model will supersede the 147 and fall above the MiTo hatchback, marking a bold re-entry into the U.S. market with the 8C Competizione sports car.

Another benefit to Chrysler is obtaining access to Fiat’s range of four-cylinder engines. Currently, Chrysler’s smallest engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder from the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Michigan.

The new additions could spell an opportunity for supply synergies and shared technology for all brands—a synergy that would benefit specialty-equipment manufacturers as well, offering a small-engine range spread over a diverse field of vehicles. 

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