Auto spy photographer Brenda Priddy says this is first proof of Ford’s all-new V8, code-named “Coyote." The 5.0L, four-valve, naturally aspirated V8 will be offered in the 2011 Mustang and F-150. Priddy estimates the mill will make 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. torque, with fuel economy close to that of today’s 5.4L engine.
Auto spy photographer Brenda Priddy says this is first proof of Ford’s all-new V8, code-named “Coyote." The 5.0L, four-valve, naturally aspirated V8 will be offered in the 2011 Mustang and F-150. Priddy estimates the mill will make 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. torque, with fuel economy close to that of today’s 5.4L engine.
President Obama directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider a Bush Administration decision which denied California and other states from regulating greenhouse gases emitted from motor vehicles. The president also directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to finalize a rule to increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2011–2015. Both actions had been anticipated.
In late 2007, President Bush signed into law energy legislation to raise the CAFE standards for passenger cars and light trucks by 40%, to an industry average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. SEMA worked with the automakers and other industry associations as part of the CAFE Coalition to help negotiate a compromise approach that would allow carmakers to reach a fair and attainable standard.
The EPA cited the new law as justification for denying California’s waiver request to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from automobiles starting in 2009. The CO2 rules were issued by the California Air Resources Board and adopted by 13 other states. The EPA ruled that the new CAFE law will achieve greater CO2 savings than the California program and that a federal approach provides a national solution, as opposed to a potential patchwork of state rules.
If the EPA grants California’s waiver request, more than a dozen states that have adopted the California rules will be able to mandate a 30% cut in greenhouse gases from passenger cars and light trucks by 2016. SEMA has joined with the automakers in support of a national approach to greenhouse gases.
Since CO2 is a direct by-product when a fossil fuel is burned and there is no other practical method for capturing tailpipe emissions of CO2, SEMA and the automakers contend that the California rules are a de facto fuel-economy regulation. Only the federal government can establish fuel standards.
The NHTSA has been directed to complete its new fuel-economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks by the end of March. The agency issued a proposed rule last year to implement the 2007 energy law beginning with model year 2011. The draft rule would speed up the time table to reaching the goal of 35 mpg by 2020 a bit faster than anticipated. The auto companies have requested more time to achieve the goal.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
BIG WINNERS: Forty years after his father won the Rolex 24 at Daytona, David Donohue made a late pass on Juan Pablo Montoya to lift the Brumos Porsche team to victory in the twice-around-the-clock endurance race at Daytona International Speedway. Donohue teamed with Buddy Rice, Darren Law and Antonio Garcia to give Brumos its first Rolex triumph since 1978.
NEW ENGINE: Ford unveiled its new Ford FR9 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series engine during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Tour. It is the first purpose-built NASCAR engine that Ford Motor Company has ever built.
AWARD WINNERS: Tony Schumacher earned the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year award and Jerry Coons Jr. was selected as the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans Driver of the Year. Carl Edwards received the National Motorsports Press Association Driver of the Year and Jimmie Johnson picked up the Speed Performer of the Year award.
DIED: Legendary sprint car and modified driver Lou Blaney died at age 69. He is the father of racers Dale and Dave Blaney.
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.
NHRA DRIVERS PREPARE FOR POMONA WITH TESTS IN PHOENIX: With the official start to the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season, the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, just a week away, many teams took advantage of their last weekend before the season by brushing up on their tuning and driving skills during time trials this past weekend at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix.
Matco Tools dragster pilot Antron Brown and newly crowned co-crew chiefs Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald showed that crew changes in the off-season hadn’t had a huge affect on their efforts. The Matco Tools dragster posted the quickest time of the weekend at 3.781 seconds. Top Fuel pilot Larry Dixon, backed by team owner Alan Johnson, didn’t take long to show the strength of the Jason McCulloch-led, world-championship-winning team.
Dixon posted the third quickest time in Top Fuel with a run of 3.817, while Dixon’s replacement at Don Prudhomme Racing, Spencer Massey, held on to the fifth quickest time in the field at 3.899. Top Fuel rookie Shawn Langdon completed the necessary passes to obtain his Top Fuel license for the 2009 season in his Lucas Oil/Dixie Choppers dragster.
In Funny Car, Del Worsham proved his worth to new team owner Alan Johnson, posting the quickest time in the Funny Car class at 4.049 seconds. John Force Racing driver and 2008 Auto Club Road to the Future award winner Mike Neff was a close second with a 4.071 second pass, while rookie Don Schumacher Racing driver Matt Hagan held on to the third quickest spot of the weekend with a 4.091-second run.
NHRA’S YES PROGRAM CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2009: NHRA’s Youth & Education Services program presented by the U.S. Army, the first and only program of its kind in the world of motorsports, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009 and continues to inspire and provide career guidance to thousands of high school students across the United States. Created in 1989 as a way to connect education and drag racing, the YES program is a one-day event held at 16 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events each season.
It is motorsports’ first and only full-time program devoted exclusively to educational programming. The YES program demonstrates to young men and women the variety of career opportunities in motorsports, the U.S. Army and the automotive industry.
Joining the U.S. Army as key partners in the YES program are WyoTech, Universal Technical Institute, Mercedes-Benz, Beat the Heat, AAA, Skills USA, Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln Electric, and BRAKES.
FIREBIRD; NHRA TEAM UP FOR NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS FANS: Firebird International Raceway, along with NHRA and NAPA Auto Parts, have announced the availability of discount coupons and a special day for military members during the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals, February 20–22. To help ensure that all fans can enjoy the action, a discount coupon will be available starting February 2 at all Valley NAPA Auto Parts locations as well as other yet-to-be-determined locations throughout the Valley.
With the coupon, race fans will get $5 off the price of a ticket during Friday and Saturday qualifying sessions and $10 off Sunday finals. In addition to the discount coupons, all active military members with a valid military ID can receive one free reserved ticket for Friday qualifying.
To purchase tickets for the NHRA Arizona Nationals, call 602/268-0200 or visit www.ticketforce.com.
IMPROVEMENTS AT HOUSTON RACEWAY PARK BIG FOR BOTH RACERS AND FANS: In preparation for the 22nd annual O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals, March 27–29, Houston Raceway Park has begun improvements on the facility that will benefit both driver and fan. Items addressed in recent weeks include the track surface, Sportsman pit area, luxury suites, spectator parking, ticket offers and permanent safety components.
Penhall Co., a private paving company, spent hundreds of hours smoothing the track from the start of the launchpad to the eighth-mile mark. Permanent lighting throughout the parking lots, modeling improvements in the tower suites, media center and race control, and improvements to the sportsman pits have also taken place during the off season.
Fans who purchase advance tickets will receive a $10 voucher to Houston Raceway Park’s official merchandise and active military members with proper identification will receive free reserved seating for Friday qualifying. For tickets to the O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals, call 281/383-RACE or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
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).
For tickets, call 800/884-6472 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. To request credentials for the event, contact Director of Public Relations Michael Padian at mpadian@nhra.com.
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). For tickets, call 602/268-0200 or visit at www.ticketforce.com.
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. For tickets, call 800/884-6472 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
HE SAID, SHE SAID
GETTING RID OF THE PRE-SEASON JITTERS: Top Fuel rookie and reigning Super Comp Champion Shawn Langdon had every reason to be just a bit nervous heading into the time trials in Phoenix this past weekend, where the rookie needed to make the proper passes to earn his Top Fuel license.
“I was really nervous coming into the weekend for a number of reasons,” Langdon said. “There were a lot of scenarios I had in my head, and most of them happened this weekend, like what it feels like to have tire shake, drop a cylinder, or smoke the tires, but now I’ve experienced them firsthand, so I know what it’s like. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I do feel like I can go to Pomona and race this car now.”
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
6.527: That’s the quickest time during 2009 pre-season testing for the Pro Stock category set by three-time world champion Greg Anderson at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida. The Pro Stock category will hold one more test session this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway before the start of the season, the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California.
DID YOU KNOW…
…that six-time and defending Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher and NHRA president Tom Compton met with more than 200 members of the media last Thursday during an NHRA press luncheon as part of the annual NASCAR Media Tour at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
For more information, visit www.nhra.com.
Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@sema.org.
Karen Evans St. John was named president of Kee Auto Top Manufacturing Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Evans St. John has worked for Kee Auto Top for 25 years in several capacities, including manufacturing, research, sales and marketing and human resources.
Karen Evans St. John
SPAL USA promoted former inside sales representative Ryan Siedel to regional sales assistant for the company's automotive aftermarket high-performance fan, blower and electronic accessory products.
Siedel will assist the sales team in the growth and development of SPAL USA's product line and is responsible for account maintenance, logistics of product procurement and delivery, and helping support the company's sales and marketing initiatives. Siedel can be reached at rsiedel@spalusa.com.
Ryan Siedel
The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced that for the first time in history, builder Roy Brizio will round up the hot rods and customs he’s built over the past 32 years and display them together as a group at this year’s Goodguys 23rd Eagle One West Coast Nationals, August 21–23, at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds in California. For more information, visit www.good-guys.com.
Roy Brizio will gather his collection of creations to display at the Goodguys 23rd Eagle One West Coast Nationals.
Beck/Arnley hired Tony Reeves as a catalog specialist. He will assist with all catalog and database responsibilities and help manage the image database and customer files. Reeves has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and previously spent 20 years with Beck/Arnley working in catalog research.
Tony Reeves
General Tire signed a three-year deal with BJ Baldwin Motorsports for all SCORE races, Mint 400 and a short course schedule. Baldwin began the season last weekend at the SCORE Laughlin Leap and Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nevada.
BJ Baldwin
Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels announced that it will not participate as a major sponsor of the NHRA in 2009. Ken Warner, vice president of sales and marketing for Mickey Thompson stated, “The tough decision to suspend our relationship with NHRA after more than 26 years is due to several concerns, including a recent mandate by the NHRA that Pro Stock racers will be required to compete exclusively on Goodyear tires.”
“The decision to compete solely on one manufacturer's tires may ultimately diminish the level of competition in the Pro Stock series," Warner added. "The spirit of open competition drives this sport and by limiting the racers' choice of tires, that spirit is severely diminished. We hope the sanctioning body revisits this ruling and opens up the competition to manufacturers like Mickey Thompson who are willing to put years of technology and experience into making tires that help win races."
For more information, visit www.mickeythompsontires.com.
The matte gold-colored Hurst 50th Anniversary Dodge Viper was sold for the high bid of $275,000 during the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Viper was number one of 50 Limited Series coupes and convertibles decked out with Hurst gear, including a Hurst Hard-Drive gold anodized shifter, Hurst black-chrome forged aluminum wheels and a Hurst charcoal leather interior with logo. Woodhouse Dodge announced it would donate profits from the sale to Victory Junction Gang Camp, a charity for chronically ill children.
Hurst's number one of 50 Limited Series Dodge Vipers sold for $275,000 during the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction.
Speedway Motors Inc. acquired the street rod-related assets of Total Performance Inc. Speedway Motors is one of the largest manufacturers and retailers of specialty street rod and racing products. Total Performance manufactures high-quality fiberglass T-bucket bodies, frames and kits, as well as a wide variety of related street rod components.
All Total Performance operations will be consolidated into Speedway Motors’ facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Speedy” Bill Smith, founder and President of Speedway Motors, said that the transaction closed earlier this month and that a smooth, seamless transition is expected. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
KICKER recently honored 16 of its U.S. retailers with Retailer-of-the-Year Awards at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show. Authorized KICKER Dealers-of-the-Year are: Enable Holdings (Chicago); ZTech Audio Plus (Terre Haute, Indiana); Creative Car Audio (Joplin, Springfield, and Sedalia, Missouri); Jack’s Stereo (Waco, Texas); TAS Electronics (Holland, Ohio); Car Tunes Stereo Center (Allen Park, Michigan); Sound FX (Lewes, Delaware); Installations Unlimited (North Syracuse, New York); Interstate Electronics (Hazlet, New Jersey); T.M. Electronics (Savannah, Georgia); and Cruisin’ Concepts (DeLand, Florida); Car Tunz (Williston, North Dakota); Foss Car Audio (Kent, Washington); Coronado Electronics (San Diego, San Ysidro, and Chula Vista, California); Elite Car Stereo (Pearl City and Honolulu, Hawaii); and Pacific Audio Tinting and Accessories (El Paso, Texas).
Have you moved on? Up? Know someone who has? Let us know: editors@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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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 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:
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:
Air Ride Technologies
"Air Suspension 101"
A technical seminar covering the basics of air suspension design and installation.
American Autowire
"Electrical Systems–Street Rods to MuscleCars"
In this workshop, generic applications to vehicle-specific options will be discussed, as well as determining requirements for the best fit for your customer.
Art Morrison Enterprises
"Street Rod Chassis Design"
Art Morrison will be conducting a seminar on AME chassis design and the methods for measuring a car for a custom AME chassis and suspension.
Barry Grant
"Multiple Carburetion Selection and Tuning"
Let Barry Grant show you how to choose the proper carburetors for multiple carburetor applications. This seminar will also offer additional tuning tips for these setups.
Borgeson Universal
"Steering Safety"
Learn about steering setups, products and designs.
Bowler Performance Transmissions
"Shift Into Overdrive. Better Fuel Technology for Your Hot Rod"
Covering modern overdrive transmissions, lock-up converters, bolt on overdrive units, transmission coolers, transmission throttle correction systems and much more!
BTC-SEMA Business Technologies Committee
"Business Efficiency 101"
Learn how to use product information to increase sales, boost image and reduce costs.
Classic Instruments
"Classic Instruments' New Products and Extraordinary Custom Department"
Classic Instruments will introduce new products to the audience, showcase its custom and retrofit department while providing information on the vast capabilities and options.
COMP Cams
"Discovering Tomorrow's Valvetrain Technology Today"
This seminar will discuss the future of valvetrain technology and how it relates to modern engine design.
Detroit Speed & Engineering
"True Suspension Techniques That Work"
Get ready for an overview of suspension design techniques to make any hot rod or musclecar, ride and handle like a late-model performance car.
Eaton Detroit Spring
"The Secrets to Outstanding Leaf and Coil Spring Suspensions"
This seminar will cover everything from the basics to advanced suspension theory and will discuss how to achieve the ride height and ride quality you desire using steel spring suspension systems.
Edelbrock Corporation
"New Products for 2009"
Learn all about Edelbrock’s new products for 2009, including Pro-Flo Fuel Injection Kits, street rod shocks and headers, classic vintage products and much more.
FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology)
"EFI 101"
Learn all about the basic fundamentals and benefits of electronic fuel injection in this enlightening workshop.
Fatman Fabrications
"Hot Rod Chassis and Suspension Design Principals"
Receive the principles of engineering geometry that are used to create designs that work as well as they look!
Flaming River Industries
"Steering Systems and Solutions"
Learn how to select the proper steering component, from the tilt column to the rack-and-pinion. Check out the latest electric power steering technology while being introduced to the Keyless Secure Start Tilt Column.
Gotta Show Products
"Hot Rod Plumbing and Applications"
How to help your customers and make more sales.
Hot Rod Air Inc.
"Hot Rod Air Product Line and Air Conditioning Basics"
Learn all about quality automobile air conditioners and related components to keep your street rods, custom classic cars and trucks running in the "coolest" conditions.
HushMat
"HushMat Solution for Treatment of Heat and Noise in Hot-Rod Restoration Interior"
Discover why Ford, GM and Chrysler have utilized these materials for years!
ididit Inc.
"Steering Fun with Ken and Jane"
Ken and Jane Callison will bring their 23 years of knowledge to you with new products, installation tips and tricks, and how to make more money selling the best steering columns on the market!
Lincoln Electric
"Aluminum Welding with the TIG Process"
Don’t miss this seminar about aluminum welding! Learn to build an aluminum fuel cell for your hot rod using TIG welding.
Lokar Performance Products
"Secrets to Successful Sales and Brand Recognition"
Gain knowledge on how successful sales build a brand, future sales and your bottom line!
Classic Instruments
"Classic Instruments' New Products and Extraordinary Custom Department"
Classic Instruments will introduce new products to the audience, showcase its custom and retrofit department, while providing information on the vast capabilities and options.
Mothers Polishes Waxes Cleaners
"Mothers Professional–Efficient and Profitability"
Receive a hands-on introduction to the new technology in abrasives and compounding glazings.
Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance
"Digital Fuel Injection and Engine Management"
Learn the secrets of tuning and the advantages of the Accel/DFI Thruster EFI systemfirst hand: Quite simply, the cure for the common carburetor.
SBN – SEMA Businesswomen’s Network
"Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program and What It Can Do for YOU!"
Learn what this mentoring program can do for your business to improve your bottom line and create endless sales opportunities.
Stainless Steel Brakes
You Don't Need Big Brakes to Stop!"
Bigger isn't always better.
Steele Rubber Products
"Everything You Never Thought You Would Need to Know About Rubber Parts!"
This informative topic will include how-to, technical tips, custom applications and new parts development.
Street Thunder
"Discover the Benefits this National Enthusiast Club has to Offer"
This seminar will outline the club’s purpose, how it works and how it can help your business grow.
TCI
"Overdrive Transmissions and Torque Converters"
TCI will be discussing the latest four-through-six speed automatics for Ford, Chrysler and GM applications. Horsepower ranges, installation tips and specific traits of each transmission family will be the main topics.
Vintage Air
"The Vintage Air Difference"
This insightful introduction of the basics to performance air conditioning will help you to become familiar with the Vintage Air product line and their newer products.
Wilwood Engineering
"Brake System Tech Seminar"
An in-depth discussion of high-performance brake systems and components, including master cylinder size and selection; brake calipers and pistons rotor styles; pad compounds and bias balancing.
To register, click here.
For more information about the Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show, visit www.hotrodshow.com.
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.
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Media Trade Conference a Success
The annual MPMC Media Trade Conference kicked off on Tuesday, January 20. The annual event brought 100 MPMC-member manufacturers together with upwards of 200 media representatives for three days of face-to-face meetings. Unlike other trade events, the meetings are dedicated to providing and gathering editorial content. Ad sales are prohibited from the meeting agendas. A possible 42, half-hour long meetings are scheduled over the three-day event, and many media report that they get a full 12 months' worth of technical material at this single event.
“We really want to thank all the participants at this year’s event,” said MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd. “No one has to mention the economic crunch we are all feeling. To have so many exhibitors and media committed to the Media Trade Conference is an indicator of the importance of the event itself and the dedication of our members and the media. A heartfelt thank you from MPMC to everyone involved.”
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.
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Click on the logo to visit MRC's website.
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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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 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.
For information about SPC, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
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Click on the logo to visit WTC's website.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
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
“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 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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Click on the logo to visit YEN's website.
Join YEN
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 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.
The organizers of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) have announced the theme and speakers for the 2009 event. Carrying the theme “Winning Strategies in a Changing Aftermarket,” the 14th edition of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) is scheduled for May 6–7 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago.
“We listened to past attendees and their requests for topics and issues, and the dynamic GAAS 2009 reflects their input,” said Dave Caracci, GAAS chairman. “Industry executives are scrutinizing costs to attend events and demand ROI of intelligence, insight and data that they can transfer into immediate strategies. GAAS 2009 is built to deliver actionable take-aways for great business profitability, efficiency and competitiveness.”
Speakers and topics already confirmed include Bill Strauss, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, “The Long Term Effects of Fuel Prices;” Dr. John Wormald of autoPOLIS, “The Environmental Crisis, The Auto Industry and The Aftermarket;” Rich Detskas, Automotive Manager, SGS Testing Company, “Outsourcing to Third World Quality: The Good, Bad and Ugly;” and David Portalatin, NPD Group, “Consumer Insights: Just Ask!”
Two panel discussions are also planned. The topics are “What Will the DIY Market Look Like in the Next Five Years” and “Internet Business Model’s In Today’s Aftermarket.”
For more information on the GAAS or to register for the 2009 event, visit www.globalsymposium.org. Early-bird registration savings of $200 are available until March 20.
The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket. R.L. Polk is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.
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Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:
SEMA Webinar, "Increase Profitability With Fewer Customers," March 12, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
Hotrod and Restoration Trade Show, March 12–14, 2009, Indianapolis, Indiana
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, "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.
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