The Dodge Ram was one of AutoTrader.com's most-researched vehicles in the last months of 2008.

Trucks and SUVs aren’t completely off consumers' radars, particularly now that gas prices have fallen to sub-$2 levels.

AutoTrader.com reports an increase in searches for pickups, certain SUVs and family sedans from October to the end of the year. In December, the most-researched vehicles included the Ford F-150 (+23%) and Dodge Ram (+43%).

The Honda Pilot, Odyssey and Accord and Chevrolet Impala also saw increased interest as consumers investigated dealership inventories. Despite slumping new-car sales, online traffic suggests that consumers are delaying purchases but continuing to window shop. These factors could signal a significant pent-up demand for the near-term.

Prices for these types of vehicles have been lower than traditional values due to saturated supplies and diminished demand. Dealerships have increased their incentive programs and cut prices on new vehicles to reel in customers, driving down the price of used vehicles in the process.

Additionally, used-vehicle dealerships are facing the same economic characteristics and have felt the pressure to lower prices. Shoppers have become less impulsive about new-vehicle purchases and are looking for pre-owned options.

Shoppers are also increasingly looking to American options in their car purchases. A new Kelley Blue Book (KBB) study indicates that American consumers are growing more aware of the perils of domestic automobile manufacturers and concerned for their survival.

KBB asked consumers about their preferences for country of origin in the products they buy. For general purchases, three out of four shoppers claimed to prefer American-made products.

Over half (51%) of the respondents try to source American-made products if the items are competitive, while 14% are willing to endure inconvenience for American products. Six percent shop exclusively for domestic items.

Buyers have similar patriotic sentiments when vehicle shopping. Among consumers to whom country of origin is a key concern, 33% preferred American manufacturers. Twelve percent preferred Japanese cars, while 5% opted for German engineering.

While these sentiments reflect only a fraction of those surveyed, nearly 90% of all respondents have a domestic vehicle on their list of considerations.

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

A recent survey of global senior automotive executives by accounting and consulting firm KPMG reveals conservative expectations for the industry’s growth in 2009.

Executives remain poised to curtail spending and lean their operations. They are still generally committed to alternative-fuel technologies, however. More precisely, the survey indicated that executives and product planners have a growing optimism for the consumer-lead demand for fuel-efficiency and alternative fuels.

Roughly nine out of 10 (91%) considered hybrid systems the “most important innovation in coming years.” Confidence in electric-propulsion systems also grew dramatically, up to 82% from 60% in 2007.

For the 10th consecutive year, KPMG has surveyed senior representatives at vehicle manufacturers and top-tier suppliers from around the world. The 2009 edition collected opinions from 200 executives and speaks volumes for the complexity and sensitivity of the challenges facing the automotive industry.

The previous survey issued a sense of optimism and momentum for 2008, but those expectations were dashed by a global economic meltdown.

On the whole, the general attitude for 2009 is more conservative. Companies expect lower revenues while maintaining a commitment to technological advancement and higher product quality, thus reducing profits. They also foresee additional bankruptcies and a series of lengthy efforts to restructure throughout the supply chain.

In Detroit, the conduct of automakers at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) marks changes impacting the specialty-equipment industry. Not only have some manufacturers decided to opt-out of press conferences, but some have foregone the show entirely.

Most cite financial reasons and budget cuts, but others admit they have little to announce. The vehicles and technologies represented by both the KPMG findings and what is on display at NAIAS, however, are important to the specialty-equipment industry.

Chevrolet will unveil the production version of the compact Beat and smart will show its electric fortwo. Both models were never intended for sale in the United States, but that may change with increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and safety standards.

For the second consecutive year, executives expressed their intention to invest in new models and products. Ninety-one percent (91%) said investment will increase in the coming two years.

Coincidently, they also aim to reduce overall costs by reducing marketing and advertising budgets, postponing the expansion of new facilities and aggressively building on cross-share platforms and components.



As a sign of things to come, crossover vehicles supplant the need for large SUVs and share their underpinnings from other models. The new Lexus HS 250h will adopt the platform and drivetrain of the Toyota Prius.

The second-generations of the Cadillac SRX and Chevrolet Equinox will shrink down to the GM Theta platform, the Lincoln MKT will sit atop a shared platform with the Ford Flex and the MINI Crossman borrows from the BMW X1.

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

The elections are over, and Congress intends to make changes to a health care system that has left 27 million small-business owners, employees and dependents without insurance. SEMA is working on Capitol Hill to find answers, but we also need your feedback on possible solutions. 

SEMA urges you to take an electronic survey on options for improving access to health care coverage.

Click Here 

It takes only a few minutes to complete. All responses must be received by Friday, January 30.

• Should employer-based health care remain the model for coverage?
• What are the best ways to reduce premium costs but maintain high quality?
• What tax incentives would help small businesses provide affordable coverage to workers?
  

The following survey will assist SEMA as it presses lawmakers to deliver health care solutions for our members. We need your guidance on a number of key issues that will affect your business, so your response is important.

The rapidly developing arena of vehicle communications and connected-vehicle technology offers important opportunities for SEMA-member companies. The Specialty-Equipment Automotive Company of the Future: Guideposts for Strategic Planning (Phase I) study prepared by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), investigates trends in the connected-vehicle space through several methods: A survey of technology experts from the automotive and telematics sectors; interviews with connected-vehicle experts from the automotive industry and beyond; participation in connected vehicle forums; and participation in meetings with federal- and state-level officials.

The study identifies technology trends that are significant for members to keep in mind, since the products offered by members may help accelerate the deployment of this technology and help it reach a critical mass.

• The future of vehicle communications includes multiple channels
• OEM firewalls will limit some options (and create others)
• On-board connected-vehicle hardware will range from fully embedded to not-at-all embedded
• Connected-vehicle standards are partially in place and more are needed to spark the market
• The regulatory environment affecting the connected-vehicle environment is critical and in flux
• Data are critical (and thus may be lucrative)

“There are significant challenges, but even greater opportunities for SEMA-member companies in developing products and services for connecting drivers with their vehicles, other vehicles and the roadside infrastructure," said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.

With economic uncertainty continuing to circle the country, specialty-equipment businesses need to seek opportunities to create additional revenue through proper training; marketing and sales techniques; and industry and customer outreach. With the current competitive landscape, relying on a product that “sells itself” is simply not enough.

Now is the ideal time to register for SEMA's all-new truck and restyling education expo, the Technical Skills & Training Conference. Designed to give jobbers, retailers and installers a competitive advantage in this challenging economy, the conference features new products, technical and educational seminars, and hands-on product demos with manufacturers. See below for events and seminar schedule. Register to attend online by March 13 for $75.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/tstc.

2009 SEMA Technical Skills & Training Conference
March 27–28, 2009, Orlando, Florida

Education seminars and Roundtables include:
Online Marketing Seminar: "Free Tools to Increase Website Sales"
Date: March 27, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (repeat)
Presenter: Brian Offenberger, BizGrowth Solutions

Get ready to drive more traffic to your website. This innovative, idea-generating session will arm you with critical information to get your company online and sales revving. Watch your results soar in less than 90 days after attending this informative session. No theory, no hype—just lots of practical, easy-to-implement ideas that work, including:

• Get on the first page of Google and other search engines quickly and cheaply.
• Discover the four things you must NEVER do and 12 sure-fire ways to build incoming links.
• Identify eight free ways to spy on your competition—and a few cheap ways they hope you never learn.
• Find free diagnostic tools to evaluate your website—and those of your competitors.

E-mail Marketing Seminar: "Reach 10,000 Customers for $100"
Date: March 27, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (repeat)
Presenter: Michael Kelly, ClickMail Marketing

E-mail is easy, but not easy to do right! Attend this session and learn about your top two e-mail challenges: deliverability and relevance. Michael Kelly will cover best practices and pitfalls, as well as how to reduce your marketing budget through effective e-mail practices. This could be your single best ROI on just a few minutes of your time.

Seminar Roundtables
During the TSTC Roundtables, attendees will participate in small groups (roughly 20 individuals) to discuss the issues impacting their businesses. Topics include online marketing, e-mail marketing, cash flow and inventory management. Come prepared to share your experiences!

–Online Marketing Roundtables with Brian Offenberger (available by RSVP only)
Date: March 27, 2009
Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.; 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m. (repeat)

–E-mail Marketing Roundtables with Michael Kelly (available by RSVP only)
Date: March 27, 2009
Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.; 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m. (repeat)

Cash Flow Management Seminar: "Beat the Cash Crunch"
Date: March 28, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Tom Shay, Profits+Plus

Do you know how to make profit in good times? What happens when the cash isn't there to drive your business? Tom Shay knows the specialty-equipment market and will show you how to accurately project the cash and inventory needs of your business for the remainder of 2009 and beyond. You'll leave this session prepared to create a plan for success.

Inventory Management Seminar: "Turn It or Get Burned"
Date: March 28, 2009
Time: 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Tom Shay, Profits+Plus
Are you getting burned? Other than extending the margins on the products you offer, are there other ways to make more money? Yes! Increase the turn rate for the sale of merchandise. Tom Shay will lend his expertise in helping you understand how to determine how much inventory you need in your business during each part of the year and to have cash on hand for the purchase of new inventory. Your bottom line will be thanking you for attending this session.

Seminar Roundtables
During the TSTC Roundtables, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate with a small group (roughly 20 individuals) of their peers to take part in discussions on the issues impacting their business. The topics will include online marketing, e-mail marketing, cash flow and inventory management. These sessions will only be successful if you come prepared to share!

–Cash Flow Roundtables with Tom Shay (available by RSVP only)
Date: March 28, 2009
Time: 1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (repeat)

–Inventory Management Roundtables with Tom Shay (available by RSVP only)
Date: March 28, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (repeat)

Now more than ever, the specialty-equipment industry needs strong, visionary leadership. SEMA's 2009 Board of Directors Nominating Committee is asking you to identify the industry's most talented leaders and nominate them for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Take a few minutes to tell us about a potential nominee and their leadership background. Self-nominations are also welcome; often the best background and experience information comes from the source.

Nominations for the 2009 SEMA Board of Directors election are due Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Please complete the nomination form, and submit it to Nominating Committee Chairman Mitch Williams at mitchwilliams@pilotautomotive.com or liaison Christine Papavero at christinep@sema.org.

Be sure to include background information and qualifications to the Nominating Committee.

Click here to access the 2009 SEMA Board of Directors nomination form. The form is a writeable PDF; please follow the instructions below to complete and return it. 

1: Place your mouse cursor over the text fields and type in your responses as required.

2: When complete, go to File and select Save As...

3: You can keep the same file name or rename it, then save it to your computer

4: Open your e-mail program (Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, etc.), compose an e-mail to Mitch Williams or Christine Papavero, and locate and attach the file before sending.

In a flurry of last minute activity, SEMA-model legislation (now known as H.B. 5194) to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature and now awaits the signature of the governor before becoming law.

House Bill 5194 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicles they most closely resemble.   

For more information, click here. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Planning for the 2009 SEMA Show educational seminars is in progress, and suggestions for topics are welcomed.

To increase the likelihood of having your recommendation utilized, please be sure to include three or four bullet points on the topic, who the target audience will be and why the subject is of importance. Also, note that all sessions will be one hour in length.
 
Please submit suggestions on or before Friday, January 16, using the form at www.SEMAshow.com/speakers or contact Nathan Ridnouer at nathanr@sema.org.

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