The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced that prices for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select and other parcel services will increase about 5% on January 18, 2009. The annual adjustment reflects higher operating costs. The USPS has adopted a once-a-year increase, generally tied to inflation, in order to provide predictability and price protection. 

Price changes for first-class mailing services, including stamps, will be announced in February and will go into effect in May 2009.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein: stuartg@sema.org.

BAD NEWS: The motorsports industry received bad news with word that Honda was withdrawing its support for Formula One racing and that Audi would pull out of the American Le Mans Series, which it has dominated in recent seasons.

NEW FEATURE: Texas Motor Speedway has eliminated 21,000 seats and will create Burnout Alley, a $2 million motorcoach area.

NEW OWNER: Tim Buckley has purchased the Matco Tools Top Fuel drag racing team from David Powers. Antron Brown will remain the driver and Lee Beard stays on as crew chief.

BOUGHT: NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham has completed his purchase of East Lincoln Speedway, a three-eighths-mile dirt track in Stanley, North Carolina.

THROWING SNOWBALLS: Brian Ickler took the checkered flag in the 41st annual Snowball Derby late-model race at Five Flags Speedway in Florida, but he was disqualified nearly two hours later for using an illegal cooling fan on his machine. The victory was awarded to runner-up Augie Grill, who had won the prestigious event the previous year as well.

CHAMPION: National Speed Sport News will award the sixth-annual Economaki Champion of Champions Award presented by Speedway Motorsports Inc. on Thursday at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

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 NAMED DRIVER OF THE YEAR: NHRA POWERade Series Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher has been named the 2008 Driver of the Year. Schumacher had a dominating season behind the wheel of his U.S. Army dragster and becomes only the third NHRA driver to win the 42-year-old award, presented annually by the Driver of the Year Foundation.

Funny Car icon John Force won the award in 1996, and Pro Stock great Greg Anderson claimed the trophy in 2004. Other past winners have included racing greats Mario Andretti, who was the first winner in 1967, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Darrell Waltrip. Schumacher raced to 15 victories and won his fifth consecutive and sixth overall NHRA POWERade Series world championship crown during a record-breaking 2008 season. He was also named the Driver of the Year third-quarter winner. 

“What an honor it is to be singled out as the Driver of the Year for 2008,” Schumacher said. “I’m happy that the NHRA is front and center again with this award. It’s been a few years since Greg Anderson won it. Of course, John Force also won it in 1996. You can’t forget the living legend himself.

"Needless to say, I wouldn’t be receiving any post-season award without the talented team that surrounded me this past season. My crew chief, Alan Johnson, and the entire crew deserve all the credit in the world. There’s no denying the fact that we had one of those dream seasons.”

A select panel of 18 journalists and broadcasters in the United States determine the award winner via secret ballot. The vote usually comes down to one or two drivers. This year proved to be particularly difficult for the panel, however. In the final tally, it was one of the closest votes in award history with Schumacher getting six votes, NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards each receiving five, with Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart, also from NASCAR, receiving one vote each.

“Usually one driver has a standout season, but this year there were a handful of guys who were all viable candidates for this award,” said Barry Schmoyer, president of the Driver of the Year Foundation. Schumacher will be presented with a trophy and Tissot watch next April at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama.

FORCE HEADLINES SAE ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: NHRA legend John Force was awarded the MSEC Motorsports Achievement Award this past week at the eighth SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference (MSEC) in Charlotte. Force received the award for his work to establish The Eric Medlen Project, a project to design a safer race car and to create a safer competitive environment named for the late racer.

The award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding leadership or contribution to motorsports during an extended period of time. Force was also joined at the conference by Dr. John Melvin, a biomechanical research scientist who worked on the Eric Medlen Project in the beginning. The SAE Award recognizes organizations that have developed a product or process considered an outstanding contribution to state-of-the-art motorsports engineering.

SCHUMACHER, PEDREGON MAKE 2008 AUTO RACING ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM: NHRA POWERade Top Fuel and Funny Car champions Tony Schumacher and Cruz Pedregon topped the list of NHRA drivers selected for the 2008 All-America Racing Team. Both Schumacher and Pedregon were selected to the First Team and join such names as Open Wheel drivers Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon, Stock Car racers Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson and Touring Series drivers Justin Allgaier and Johnny Benson.

As well as being voted to the First Team, Schumacher is one of three former winners nominated for the Titus Award, which is given to the top vote-getter on the All-America team regardless of category. Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin, Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson and Top Alcohol Funny Car champ Frank Manzo were also nominated to the Second Team, with former Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson receiving honorable mention honors.

"2008 NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR IN REVIEW" DVD AVAILABLE: Just in time for the holidays, the "2008 NHRA POWERade Countdown to the Championship Year in Review" will make the perfect gift for the number-one NHRA fan in your family. All the drama, passion, heartbreak and excitement that were welded together into the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season can be experienced again with the "2008 NHRA POWERade Countdown to the Championship Year in Review."

This must-have documentary follows the battles for the four 2008 NHRA POWERade world championships from start to finish. Hosted by acclaimed NHRA announcer Bob Frey, the DVD will contain more than 90 minutes of in-depth interviews with drivers who had memorable moments during the season, as well as plenty of side-by-side racing action from all 24 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events.

Also included are special never-before-seen bonus features. The "2008 NHRA POWERade Countdown to the Championship Year in Review" DVD will deliver all the action you can handle at 300 mph.

Pre-order the "2008 NHRA POWERade Countdown to the Championship Year in Review" DVD for $19.99 (USD) in the United States and Canada plus shipping, handling and applicable taxes. The scheduled release date for the DVD is mid-December 2008 for the holiday season. Pre-order your copy today by visiting www.nhradvd.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

RUNNING INTO AN OLD FRIEND…ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD: During a USO-sponsored tour of U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Germany, former Pro Stock world champion Jason Line met up with Rick Friday, an old friend who had served with Line at King Salmon, Alaska, when Line was stationed there during his stint in the Air Force. The two friends had not seen each other in nearly 18 years.

“This just once again defines how small the world is,” Line said. “To travel overseas and basically run into someone who I had served with in the Air Force what seems like eons ago was one of a number of highlights of a great experience.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

24: That’s the number of national events scheduled for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, beginning February 5–8, 2009, with the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California, and ending at the same historic Southern California dragstrip, November 12–15, 2009, with the Auto Club NHRA Finals, also at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, California.

DID YOU KNOW…

… that drag racing legend "Big Daddy" Don Garlits will return to NHRA competition in 2009, but not with one of his iconic Top Fuelers. Garlits, a longtime Mopar devotee and racer, has purchased the first production Dodge Challenger Drag Pak vehicle and plans to race it in NHRA Division 2 competition. He is aiming to make it to the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals to commemorate his 60th year in drag racing.

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

Howard Laga

Penray Vice President and General Manager Howard Laga is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the company. Laga is responsible for managing the daily operations. “All of us at Penray would like to congratulate Howard and thank him for his many years of outstanding performance and dedicated service to the company,” said Penray President Rod McKenzie.

“Howard has earned the respect of fellow co-workers, customers and industry members alike, and we’re lucky to have him as a member of our team.”

After more than two years at RECARO North America, Daniela Reinhardt is moving back to her home country, Germany, to face new challenges and opportunities. After December 15, she can be reached at Dani.Reinhardt@gmx.de. Maggie Scheinhuette will take over Reinhardt's marketing responsibilities and can be reached at 248/364-3818, ext. 202, or via e-mail at maggie.scheinhuette@recarousa.com.

BJ Birtwell, vice president of marketing for DUB Publishing, is leaving to pursue new endeavors. He can be reached at 949/400-6400 or bj@bookendprojects.com.

Team Mopar has set up a new blog by Team Mopar Pro Stock Driver Allen Johnson. Check out the updates at www.moparspeed.com.

Rusty Bishop

Federated Auto Parts CEO Rusty Bishop was named Chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributor’s Association (AWDA) on November 2 during the AWDA Annual Business Conference in Las Vegas. Bishop began his career in the aftermarket more than 38 years ago with Fisher Auto Parts.

During his time at Fisher, he worked in warehouse and store management and served as a director of the company. In 1985, Bishop co-founded Federated Auto Parts with the late Art Fisher, serving today as its CEO. 

The Car Care Council earned two top awards from the North American Precis Syndicate Inc. (NAPS) for its consumer radio feature “Going Green.” The story earned a Golden Thinker Award and received a Certificate of Excellence for superior achievement in media relations and ranks in the top 1% of all radio features distributed to the media by NAPS.

“Americans have become very conscious of the environment these days, looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint," said Car Care Council executive director Rich White. "This prestigious award shows that the media is very receptive to the ‘going green’ information from the Car Care Council and knows it is a winning story with their audiences."  

The Bloomington Gold Show will be held at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, June 25–28, 2009.

Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA named McCullough Public Relations Inc. as its public relations firm of record. McCullough will handle all media relations and the annual Bloomington Gold Show, America's longest-running Corvette show. This year's show will be held at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, June 25–28, 2009. Visit www.bloomingtongold.com for more information.

The Infineon Raceway Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities will distribute $417,936 to 57 qualified youth organizations in Sonoma County (California) for the 2008 season, marking the fourth consecutive year the Infineon Raceway Chapter has topped the $400,000 mark; it distributed a one-year record of $554,045 in 2005 and has distributed more than $3 million since 2002 to 175 Sonoma County youth groups. 

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket will provide a scholarship to Northwood University for its leadership program. The award, originally established by the company in 2004, makes the scholarship available to a Northwood University female student so that she can participate in the annual legislative summit.

The Sports Car Club of America announced that Paul Newman, Bill Chambres, Bill Johnson, Kim Kimberly and John Timanus will be inducted into the SCCA Hall of Fame at the 2009 SCCA National Convention. For complete information on the inductees, visit www.scca.com/newsarticle.aspx?hub=6&news=3533&archive=true.

Speedway Motors Inc. has acquired A-FAB Corporation of Boonville, Indiana, manufacturers of premium shocks, springs and radiators through its AFCO brand, high-quality automotive brakes through its U.S. Brake brand, and premium exhaust systems through its Dynatech division. Clay Smith of Speedway Motors said combining the strengths of Speedway and AFCO creates a stronger company.

“Speedway Motors is known throughout the industry for outstanding product selection, same-day shipping and great customer service,” he said. “We are excited about this opportunity as it will greatly benefit our customers."

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

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

Lauren Fix Named Aftermarket Woman of the Year

Aftermarket Woman of the Year Lauren Fix

During the 2008 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas, SBN Select Committee member Lauren Fix was awarded the Aftermarket Woman of the Year Award by the Car Care Women’s Board. Fix is a nationally recognized automotive expert; a frequently-quoted authority on automotive culture and issues; a journalist; author of three books (most recently Lauren Fix's Guide to Loving Your Car) and several service manuals; contributor to numerous technical and consumer articles; and a noted TV personality. Congratulations, Lauren!

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 ohow 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 November/December 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 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, 2009, 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. Please 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.

Attention ARMO Members Attending the H&R Show

The Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis from March 12–14, 2009, 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 H&R 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 Executive’s Network (YEN) at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery at 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 November/December issue of SEMA Member News by clicking here.
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Click on the logo to visit HRIA's website.

HRIA Column in SEMA Member News

Read HRIA's column featured in the November/December 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.

TORA Column in SEMA Member News

Read TORA's column featured in the November/December 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 MPMC's website.

Media Registers for Annual MPMC Media Trade Conference

Media who wish to attend the 12th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference may register online now at www.sema.org/media. The MPMC Media Trade Conference provides media attendees the opportunity to have up to 42 individual, 30-minute, face-to-face meetings with various manufacturers to gather technical and new-product content.

During the registration process, attendees are asked to prioritize each of the 100 exhibiting manufacturers as “must meet with,” “okay to meet with” or “do not wish to meet with.” Individualized schedules are produced for each attendee and exhibitor, utilizing the prioritizations as much as possible. 

The MPMC Media Trade Conference is widely regarded by both manufacturers and media as a “must attend” event. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the conference has grown to an extent that the number of exhibitor spots is capped at 100, due to time and space constraints. Even so, many media attendees report that they gather enough editorial and technical content in three days to last them an entire 12 months.

Likewise, exhibiting manufacturers acknowledge that the Media Trade Conference gives them exposure to media that is not available at any other venue. Only MPMC member manufacturers are eligible to apply for an exhibitor suite, making the conference a true council member benefit.

MPMC Column in SEMA Member News

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 Manufacturers’ Representatives Council (MRC) Rep Center during the week of the 2008 SEMA Show.

MRC Column in SEMA Member News

Read MRC's column featured in the November/December 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 Guidebooks 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 November/December 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.

Find Out Where the Performance Market Is Headed

You are invited to attend SEMA’s Street Performance Council Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel during the PRI Trade Show. The panel will be held on Friday, December 12, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., at the Orange County Convention Center, meeting room S230F on the third level.

To RSVP or if you have any questions about the Focus Panel, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

SPC Column in SEMA Member News

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

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

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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 November/December 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, "Telematics: Vehicle Technology That Will Change Your Business," December 11, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

 SPC Jobber/Retailer Focus Panel, December 12, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Orlando, Florida

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

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

SEMA Webinar, "Best Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic," January 22, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (PDT)

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

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

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.

This open-frame roadster displayed in the AVS booth at the 2008 SEMA Show features an electric powertrain, including weather-sealed batteries and an AVS air suspension.

Enthusiasts eager to wean themselves from petroleum dependence and those seeking new automotive challenges are finding more options then ever, especially in electric vehicles. Despite falling fuel prices, EVs have grown beyond an underground movement. Major automakers are now rushing concepts and production-intent EVs to auto show displays. Tier-one suppliers are acquiring smaller electrical component and systems suppliers. Specialists in converting cars to electric power are thriving.

Excitement for EVs was also noticeable at the 2008 SEMA Show. Fresno-based suspension manufacturer AVS displayed a complete air suspension package on a custom electric roadster featuring weather-sealed batteries.

Physics Lab from Lake Havasu, Arizona, meanwhile, displayed an innovative product: regenerative shock absorbers. The company’s electric '85 Ford Bronco (shown below) is fitted with a hydraulic system that enables an accumulator to capture energy generated during shock compression.

Although EVs aren’t yet mainstream in practice, they have penetrated consumer awareness. The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) says there are 70,000 electric vehicles on U.S. roads already, although the soft economy and tight credit market will likely stall near-term production.

Wayne Alexander, an electric-vehicle converter from Kansas, recently told the Boston Globe that his company is busier than ever thanks to the EV buzz. Business, he says, “has always been steady, but this is out of hand now. I have them waiting in line.”

Ryan Bohm of EV Source also told the Boston Globe that “there definitely has been an upturn. A lot of people ask me if business has gone down with the downturn in the economy, but it has stayed really strong.”

Not only automakers are sensing the buzz, but also their top suppliers. Canadian company Magna International recently acquired electric-component manufacturer BluWav Systems, a firm specializing in progressive electrical propulsion packages and hybrid management systems. The move represents a move to synergize the possibility of large-scale support for the electrification of future vehicles.

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

Mainstream auto buyers might be turning to fuel-sipping four-cylinders and refined V6's, but specialty-equipment enthusiasts still want a V8 in their new cars.

As automakers shift manufacturing to meet more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards, their engine lineups continue an overall shift towards smaller displacement options. In terms of market share, sales of four-cylinder engines grew from 2006 to 2007 while larger displacement eight-cylinder sales shrank.

Six-cylinder engines, however, remain largely unchanged, a shift more noticeable as more powerful compact engines replace outdated larger ones throughout the entire range. Considering the market shares of vehicles sold in 2008, the scenario is likely to be even more exaggerated. 

Compact vehicles are now beginning to erode the dominance of their midsized counterparts as consumers look to smaller, lighter and generally more affordable vehicles. Influence not only comes from economic circumstances, but also from more contemporary offerings of attractive technology in this segment. Engines are becoming more powerful while improving efficiency; interiors more suitable for multiple passengers; and overall design is in line with upscale products.

The downsizing trend is pronounced enough that the 14th year of the Ward's 10 Best Engines competition, in which Ward's editors vote on the best contemporary engine designs, includes 13 four-cylinder nominees—double the number 10 years ago. Conversely, the number of V8s nominated for the award has been cut by more than half, just four options versus nine choices a decade ago. Six-cylinder options remain the largest eligible grouping.

For the magazine's 2009 competition, there are eight forced induction candidates, along with three hybrid systems and three diesels, all meeting 50-state emissions requirements.

We see a noticeable difference in enthusiast preferences for their new cars, however. SEMA research shows that new cars powered by four-cylinder engines accounted for 20% of enthusiast new vehicle purchases. In 2008, that number dropped to nearly 16 percent. V8's, however, experienced a substantial popularity explosion, rising more than 36% in four years. Six-cylinder options meanwhile declined 25.4 percent.

Of those that purchased new vehicles in 2004 the largest group was six-cylinder engines. In contrast, the largest group for 2008 has been eight-cylinder engines. Keep in mind that these values are for new vehicles. In 2004, the largest group of vehicle purchases was for used vehicles with eight-cylinder engines.

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

SEMA research shows young adult and middle-age consumers own GPS navigation systems in near equal measure (youth holding the edge by about 2%). A new study by ABI Research explores the difference in which nav devices the two age groups prefer.

Everyone loves the convenience of portable navigation units, but age and technological confidence divide user preferences, according to a study by ABI Research, a technology research firm.

ABI conducted an online survey of 750 navigation users, both those who use portable navigation devices (PNDs), such as the popular dash-mounted units made by Garmin, Tom Tom and others, and those who use personal digital assistants (PDAs), including mobile phones. The study found that those 35 or younger preferred to navigate using mobile phones or hand-held PDAs, while older consumers preferred dealer- or specialist-installed in-dash or dash-mounted systems.

“With navigation solutions quickly spreading to all age groups in society, it becomes increasingly important for navigation vendors to offer products which address the different needs of the different age segments," says ABI Research Director Dominique Bonte.

The report adds that younger groups are more comfortable adapting to new and complicated technology, while older consumers look for plug-and-play items that work out of the box.

SEMA’s annual Automotive Lifestyles Study reveals similar results (although the specific use of navigation through mobile phones has not been examined). Slightly more younger consumers own navigation systems, although far more younger consumers own in-dash multimedia units that provide navigation features in addition to music and video functions.

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