The U.S. House of Representatives passed two priority bills for labor in the opening days of the new Congress. The bills are titled the “Ledbetter Fair Pay Act” and the “Paycheck Fairness Act.”

The first bill would overturn a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that enforced a 180-day statute of limitations for filing a pay discrimination complaint. At issue was a lawsuit brought by Lilly Ledbetter, a 20-year supervisor at a Goodyear tire plant who discovered shortly before retirement that she was making about 15% less than 15 male counterparts performing similar work at the facility. A jury found in her favor, but the Supreme Court overturned the jury decision based on the 180-day filing restriction.

The legislation would relax the statute of limitations and clarify that discrimination could be alleged each time a paycheck is issued. The paycheck would represent a new violation based on the original discrimination. SEMA is working with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to oppose the bill since it would open the door to frivolous litigation and expose employers to decades old, open-ended lawsuits without time limits.

The second bill would make it easier for women to prove violations of the Equal Pay Act, which generally requires equal pay for equal work. Under current law, employers can legally pay women less than men if it is justified by factors, such as more education, training or experience. The Paycheck Fairness Act would require employers to go one step further and demonstrate that paycheck inequity is not gender-based.

It would also bar employers from punishing workers who discuss salaries with their co-workers. SEMA has joined NAM and the Chamber in opposing the legislation since current law already provides effective protection against discrimination, and the bill would expose employers to increased threats of litigation.

The Senate is expected to consider the bills in the near future. President-Elect Obama intends to sign the legislation into law if it is passed by the Senate. For additional information, contact Brian Duggan at briand@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

WELCOME ABOARD: Team Penske Racing welcomed Australian Will Power to its team early this week. Power will help the team replace Helio Castroneves as it prepares for the new season while Castroneves is preparing for his highly publicized trial on tax evasion. If Castroneves is available, he will drive the No. 3 in races.

THE TITUS: Tony Schumacher added another award, claiming the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy presented by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. It was the second time Schumacher has won the group’s driver of the year honor in the past three seasons.

KEEPING BUSY: While he is focusing on other racing interests, former NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, who still owns 20% of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, says he has little to do with the operation of the team. He is contractually obligated as a consultant to the team, but said recently if he were a free agent, he knows who he’d want to help. “If I was going to help somebody, for sure it would be Jeff Gordon,” said Evernham, who led Gordon to three of his four Cup championships.

MERGING: Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) and Petty Holdings are in the final stages of a merger that will bring veteran team owner Richard Petty, the winningest driver in NASCAR history, into the ownership structure at GEM.

SIGNED: Mario Moraes has signed to drive the KV Racing entry in the IndyCar Series this season. Moraes drove for Dale Coyne Racing last year.

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

SCHUMACHER WINS SECOND JERRY TITUS AWARD; CHAMPIONS HONORED AT AARWBA ALL-AMERICA TEAM CEREMONY: Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher won the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy this past Saturday at the 39th annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team ceremony, presented by A1GP World Cup of Motorsports. Schumacher, whose world-record setting 2008 season included 15 wins in 18 final-round appearances, seven consecutive victories, 11 straight final rounds, 31 consecutive-round wins (all are NHRA records) and a fifth consecutive and sixth overall world championship, edged out NASCAR Sprint Cup titlist Jimmie Johnson by one vote to win his second Titus Trophy.

The trophy is awarded to the driver who receives the most All-America Team votes and is named in memory of the late journalist and racer. Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon also received a Horsepower Trophy for his amazing season, and legendary NHRA announcer and broadcaster Dave McClelland received the Pioneer In Racing Award for his longtime dedication and achievement in NHRA Drag Racing. NHRA President Tom Compton was also in attendance to congratulate Schumacher on the award. For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

TOP FUEL CLASS STACKED FOR KRAGEN O’REILLY NHRA WINTERNATIONALS: With the official start to the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season just three weeks away, many familiar faces and even a few new ones in the Top Fuel category are getting ready for the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. One of those is fan favorite David Baca. Baca, who announced the formation of his own team weeks earlier, will begin the 2009 season in Pomona, California, and hopes to run a full schedule once sponsorship details come together.

“We’re going to test in Phoenix and come out with a vengeance in Pomona,” said Baca. Another familiar face returning to the Top Fuel class is that of Joe Hartley, whose family-owned and -operated team of Hartley Racing, with father Allen Hartley tuning the car, announced plans to run the complete 24-event NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season in 2009.

Among the new faces in the Top Fuel class will be those of rookie sensation Spencer Massey, who will be climbing into the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Top Fuel entry for the famed Don Prudhomme Racing team and FIA European champion Andy Carter, who plans to drive Lucas Oil sponsored Top Fuel dragster at the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals. For tickets to the 49th annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals, call 800/884-6472 or visit www.nhra.com.

MILLICAN/PICKENS TOP FUEL TEAM TO RUN ALL 24 NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES EVENTS: Top Fuel pilot Clay Millican and team owner Mark and Lauren Pickens will compete in all 24 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series events in 2009. Lance Larsen, who helped tune the Pickens-owned dragster during the seven events the team competed in during the 2008 season, will return as crew chief for the Top Fuel team.

“We are excited this year because Mark and Lauren Pickens said we would be running all of the races,” said Millican. “That certainly was very comforting to know going into this new year. It is very comforting to know we are going to be racing.” Millican and his Hope4Sudan/Motorvation dragster will begin their bid for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel world championship at the season opening Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

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. 

NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS, FIREBIRD RACEWAY, FEBRUARY 20–22: From palm trees to cactus, the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle series makes its second stop of the season in the warm desert of Phoenix. 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 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

GREATEST EVER?: Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher after winning the Jerry Titus award Saturday: “When I look back on this past season, I can safely say I was part of the greatest Top Fuel team that’s ever been assembled in NHRA history.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

49: That’s the number of years that the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series has kicked off each season at the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the famed race.

DID YOU KNOW…

…that Funny Car driver Jack Beckman not only led the Pledge of Allegiance at the 39th annual AARWBA All-America Team ceremony, but also served as the driving instructor for the AARWBA media race held earlier that day at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The race was won by drag racing photographer Ron Lewis.

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

Butch Cox

Royal Purple (RP) promoted Butch Cox to automotive division sales manager, a new position. Cox joined RP six years ago and will manage the RP sales team and work directly with national automotive accounts. Cox has more than 25 years of industry experience, including work at the dealer level with Datsun and Jaguar.

WyoTech's Laramie, Wyoming, campus chose graduate Jared Beene as its annual Dream Award winner, presented by each campus to an outstanding graduate who has overcome personal obstacles to change his or her life for the better through education. Beene, of Edmund, Oklahoma, was in the midst of his training at WyoTech’s Laramie campus when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Beene continued his chassis fabrication course throughout his diagnosis and eventual surgery, also making the difficult decision to postpone chemotherapy until after graduation. After graduating with a degree in collision/refinishing technology and management, he immediately began chemotherapy upon his return to Oklahoma and today has a clean bill of health. He is currently a body technician with OKC Autoworks in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Tracy Morrow

Toyo Tires has selected Tracy Morrow of Las Vegas as the 2008 SPEED World Challenge Fan Focus model search contest winner. A joint promotion between Toyo Tires and Modified magazine since 2005, the Fan Focus Model Search offers aspiring models a chance to become an official SPEED World Challenge model. Morrow will receive a free website from ModelsDesired.com and an interview with Toyo for a coveted promotional modeling contract.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum opens the 75th Anniversary of the 1933–1934 Ford Model 40 Exhibit, January 24, at the Pomona, California-based museum. The exhibit will feature legendary rods, including the Pierson Brothers' Coupe; the SO-CAL Coupe; the Mooneyham & Sharp 554 car (courtesy of the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing); the California Kid; Billy Gibbons' Eliminator Coupe; and more. An exhibit panel discussion will be held at 5:00 p.m. on the opening day. The exhibit runs through June. For details, visit www.museum.nhra.com.

Randy Hembrey

SCCA and SCCA Pro Racing have appointed Randy Hembrey as the Muscle Milk SCCA Trans-Am Series manager. Hembrey comes to Trans-Am from the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, where he served as the assistant chief steward in 2008.

As Trans-Am Series manager, Hembrey will oversee all program operations to ensure continuity for each event and serve as a point of contact for teams, tracks and staff. For questions regarding Trans-Am, he can be reached at rhembrey@scca.com.

Bob Osborne, crew chief for the #99 Ford driven by Carl Edwards in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, received the inaugural NASCAR MOOG “Problem Solver of the Year” Award from Federal-Mogul Corporation. The award is presented to the crew chief who posts the best overall performance throughout the Sprint Cup Series. Osborne finished the 2008 season with six weekly MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Awards, including consecutive wins in the season’s final two races.

Mike Grannan was named the new chief operating officer for Raysat Broadcasting Corporation, the company that introduced AT&T CruiseCast to the market. Grannan is now responsible for operations support of Raysat Broadcasting Corporation’s ground operations center, customer service, account provisioning and billing, and equipment shipping and logistics.

ACi Automotive Components received the 2008 Supplier of the Year-Category III award from the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. (Alliance) in recognition of its outstanding support as a valued partner in the success of the Alliance.

The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) formed a new affinity partnership with Auto Dealer Traffic designed to provide dealer members with affordable online search-marketing services. Auto Dealer Traffic offers AIADA members complete search engine marketing programs, including pay-per-click, search-engine optimization and local search.

Illumaware announced that Ford Motor Company has signed contracts to use Evokat ACES & PIES 2.5, Illumaware's online data-authoring tool. The move is intended to enhance Ford Motorcraft's brand presence in the automotive aftermarket through better, faster and more accurate data. ACES (vehicle application data) and PIES (product information standards) are the industry's accepted tools to present data between trading partners.

Rock & Roll Religion announced a licensing agreement with Hot Rod magazine, allowing it to incorporate the iconic magazine's designs and decades of images into its Clothing Collection for men, women and juniors. 

Voodoo Ride’s screensaver: the "Chillin’ Skull."

Voodoo Ride’s latest screensaver, the “Chillin’ Skull,” is now available at no charge by visiting www.voodooride.com. The “Chillin’ Skull” is the latest in a series of free screensavers that Voodoo Ride has made available.

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

Click on the logo to visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Long-Range Planning Meeting

The annual MPMC Long-Range Planning Meeting will be held on Friday, January 23, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., at the Embassy Suites LAX South in El Segundo, California, which is the site of the MPMC Media Trade Conference.

“We always have the meeting on the Friday following the Media Trade Conference,” said MPMC Chairman Bill Floyd. “The 100 member companies who exhibit at the conference only need an extra night’s hotel stay to participate in the meeting, and attendance is always very good. We include a review of the conference in the agenda, so we get quite a lot of work done every year. It’s always a productive meeting.”

Anyone interested in attending should RSVP with Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Media Trade Conference Set

The annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set to kick off on Tuesday, January 20. This annual event brings 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

Click on the logo to visit ARMO's website.

ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting

The annual ARMO Long-Range Planning Meeting is scheduled during Auction Week in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Friday, January 16, at the Resort Suites of Scottsdale. The open general membership session will be held 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. This meeting is the most important council meeting members could attend.

In addition to networking with peers, each ARMO member has the opportunity to participate in setting the agenda for ARMO’s future. Members are encouraged to attend, participate and take an active part in our industry. For more details and to make your reservation, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

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:

• 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.

• 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 HRR 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. Visit www.hotrodshow.com for a complete list of exhibitors or to learn how to be a part of this exciting and rewarding experience.
 

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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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.

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 Long-Range Planning Meeting

The SPC Long-Range Planning Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 19, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in El Segundo, California. The session will be held at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is being held at the location of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference.

RSVP for the meeting by Friday, January 16, to Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or e-mail paulm@sema.org.

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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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

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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YEN Mixer

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. 

Filler for eNews

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

SEMA Webinar, "The Specialty-Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I)," January 15, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

SEMA MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 20–22, 2009, El Segundo, California

SEMA Webinar, "Social Media: A New Way to Take Your Business to the Top," January 22, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PST)

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.

Hummer sales suffered a 50% decline in 2008 compared to 2007 levels as consumers turned away from trucks, SUVs and large family sedans.

Looking for ways to reduce costs in 2009, automakers are trimming model offerings and canceling concepts and near-production concepts. Pontiac recently axed its G8 ST sport truck concept, while Honda canceled plans for a 2010 S2000.

Light-truck production schedules have also been cut and factories idled. Ford shut down its Michigan Truck Plant in late 2008 for retooling and also plans the closure of plants in Kentucky, Minnesota and Mexico in a shift away from trucks and SUVs to small cars like the Fiesta and Focus.

Compounding the automaker’s troubles are miserable sales (down 18% in 2008 from 2007, according to Ward’s Auto) and a squeeze on consumer credit. The credit market shows some signs of thaw—General Motors’ financial arm GMAC recently received direct government funding, and CNW Research notes that 81% of prime new-vehicle loans were approved—but consumers have shifted their focus.

The vehicles bought and sold in 2008 may have a direct impact on performance parts and accessory manufacturers. Some brands may not survive 2009, or at least with the same ownership. AutoPacific reports that Saab, Volvo, Saturn and Hummer have very uncertain futures.

Hummer in particular has been hit hard. Sales are down more than 50% from 2007 to 2008. Hummer accessory parts have followed suit; in 2005, manufacturers entered 14 new Hummer parts in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase. In 2008, that number shrank to four.  

This isn’t to say trucks are done. Nissan’s Titan was up 108% and Chevy’s Silverado was up 13% in December, although both offered substantial incentives.

As the mix of vehicles on the road shift towards smaller, more frugal vehicles, we can expect to see similar shifts in the specialty-equipment industry.

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

Chevrolet’s Corvette has been a perennial favorite among gearheads for more than half a century. From classic models to modern editions, enthusiasts continue to search for the latest high-performance and restyling products for this iconic sports car.

SEMA Show exhibitors brought 30 customized examples of the classic coupe to the 2008 SEMA Show, and 58 Corvette-specific products have been displayed during the past four shows. Registration data from Experian Automotive shows that nearly 750,000 Vettes, ranging from 1967–2009 models, are scattered throughout the United States, with heavy concentrations in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

SEMA research periodically profiles owners of vehicles when a significant amount of information can be obtained for a specific model, demographic or other notable characteristic. These sample groups often paint an accurate portrait of the remaining body of owners in that automotive profile. In this case, submissions from the latest Automotive Lifestyles Survey catalog a detailed snapshot of Corvette owners.

Responses to the survey include both vehicle and lifestyle data. Corvette owners are passionate about customizing and presenting their vehicles and the automotive lifestyle; 87% claimed to have purchased a custom part or accessory within the past 12 months. Compared with other sports car owners, Corvette enthusiasts are more likely to purchase accessories and electronics (perhaps due to the car’s inherent athletic ability from the factory).

The top product purchased, by roughly nine out of 10 people, were automotive polishes/waxes, followed by exhaust upgrades (54.6%). Nearly half of the top 25 products that Vette enthusiasts purchase are performance-related, including intakes, brake upgrades and performance tires. 

One in four Corvette owners modify their engine control systems, valvetrains and electrical systems, while the most popular accessories include floor mats, license plate frames and alarm systems. Corvette owners who make purchases of specialty equipment often do so within a short span of time after obtaining the vehicle. 

Nearly seven out of 10 (69%) owners surveyed made their first purchase during the first two months of ownership. And split nearly in half, Vette owners buy from both traditional brick-and-mortar outlets, including from mail order, installers and at shows, while 51% purchase from Internet retail. 

Other demographic data on Corvette owners includes:

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