The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) updated its tire registration rule to allow consumers to register their tire purchases electronically rather than by mailing back a paper registration form. The action had been urged by SEMA and a number of other industry groups including the National Automobile Dealers Association, the Tire Industry Association and the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

Electronic registration should greatly increase the number of consumers who register their purchase (beyond the estimated 10%). It should also decrease the amount of information that is inaccurate, incomplete or illegible when the forms have been completed. The registration forms are valuable since they provide tire manufacturers with the ability to contact the consumer in case there is a tire recall. 

Under the rule, tire manufacturers, distributors and dealers are required to provide a paper registration form to purchasers of new tires. Manufacturers may now authorize voluntary registration through a website, via fax or through other electronic means. Independent tire distributors and dealers may, in lieu of providing a paper registration to the consumer, voluntarily register a tire with participating manufacturers. 

Alternatively, the independent tire distributors and dealers may inform the consumer of the ability to register electronically rather than by paper. Collected registration information must be kept on record for at least five years.

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

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the standard business-mileage deduction at 55 cents for 2009. This is below the 58.5 cents allowed during the second half of 2008, but above the 50.5 cents permitted during the first half. Widely fluctuating gasoline prices triggered two different rates for 2008.

The mileage calculation reflects the cost of fuel along with other vehicle fixed and variable operating expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, tires, etc. Businesses and individuals who use their car for business have the option of using the standard rate in lieu of keeping records of their actual expenses. 

The 2009 standard rate of 55 cents per mile applies to the use of automobiles (including vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business purposes. 

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

STAYING PUT: Juan Pablo Montoya has rejected offers from several Formula One teams to remain in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

TRADE OUT:  A new trade show will come to the city of Indianapolis in December of 2009, with the International Motorsports Industry Trade Show being held at the Indiana Convention Center December 2–3. The show will be produced by Performance Events Promoters with assistance from the Indiana Motorsports Association.

GREEN RACE: Organizers are planning GreenPrix USA for the streets of Savannah, Georgia’s, Hutchinson Island on March 13–15. Former Champ Car racing cars and the Atlantic Championship Series will be featured.

TURKEY GOBBLER: Bobby Santos III won the 68th annual Turkey Night Grand Prix for USAC midgets held Thanksgiving night at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. In New Jersey, Jimmy Blewett won the Turkey Derby modified race at Wall Township Speedway.

QUARTER MAN: Carl Edwards was voted the fourth-quarter Driver of the Year by the national voting panel for the prestigious award, which awards a quarterly winner and the annual Driver of the Year.

SEBRING DEBUT: Audi will debut its new R15 prototype at the 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring (Florida) International Raceway March 21.

MIDGET MAN: Despite losing the USAC Mopar Midget Championship by a single point to youngster Cole Whitt, Tracy Hines earned the National Midget Driver of the Year award for the second time in his career.

POWER RANKINGS: NHRA Top Fuel point leader Tony Schumacher remains at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication.

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          

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2008 POWERade SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONS: In a year that saw a five-time repeat champion, two two-time repeat champions and one who collected his very first in just his second season of competition, the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season was full of action and plenty of drama that began in February at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and ended less than a month ago back at the same historic track. Here’s a closer look at the 2008 NHRA POWERade series world champions and the seasons they had:

TONY SCHUMACHER, U.S. ARMY DRAGSTER

• Won 15 of 18 final rounds
• Collected 9 No. 1 qualifiers
• Had a round win/loss record of 76–9
• Passed Joe Amato on the Top Fuel all-time wins list with his 53rd career win at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals
• Tied Greg Anderson for the most event wins (15) and most round wins (76) in a single season
• Collected his fifth-consecutive and sixth-overall world championship.
• Quote: “We’ve always been known as a pressure team, and to come out with no pressure on and win the first (round) of the year against Doug Kalitta, I said ‘That’s going to set the tone for the year,’ and we came out swinging and haven’t let our guard down.”

CRUZ PEDREGON, ADVANCE AUTO PARTS TOYOTA SOLARA

• Won the final three races of the season
• Collected three No. 1 qualifiers
• Had a round win/loss record of 37–20
• Never dropped below the sixth spot in the point standings all season
• Clinched his second world championship after brother and teammate, Tony Pedregon, beat Robert Hight in the first round of the Auto Club NHRA Finals
• Quote: “When Tony beat Robert, it was like I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Was I really the champ? Was that it? There must’ve been someone else with a mathematical chance, right?”

JEG COUGHLIN, JEGS.COM CHEVY COBALT

• Won three of eight final rounds
• Collected three No. 1 qualifiers
• Had a round win/loss record of 43–20
• Never dropped below fourth in the point standings all season
• Clinched his second-consecutive and fourth-overall world championship with his qualifying run at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona
• Quote: “This is an extremely sweet moment for me. It’s a new generation with the Countdown to 1 and we’ve been fortunate enough to win both championships under this format. It’s a real testament to the caliber of this team and its ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest. These guys are stout.”

EDDIE KRAWIEC, SCREAMIN’ EAGLE VANCE & HINES HARLEY-DAVIDSON

• Went to four final rounds, all of which came in the Countdown to 1 playoffs
• Collected three No. 1 qualifiers
• Had a round win/loss record of 27–17
• Clinched his first world championship with his semifinal round win over teammate Andrew Hines at the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona
• Became only the second driver in NHRA history (Rob Bruins, Top Fuel 1979) to win a world championship without winning a national event during the season
• Quote: “Consistency pays off. It shows you that you just need to go rounds at the end. We made the Countdown in seventh place and have been in four of the last five finals. I haven’t had a chance to win my first (event) Wally yet, but I’ve got a big gold Wally (for winning the championship). I do have a $75,000 check here though, so if someone wants to sell a Wally, I could buy one.”

BROWN TO SPEAK ON PANEL AT SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL MARKETING FORUM: NHRA Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown will join a distinguished group from the motorsports community as a panel speaker at Sports Business Journal’s 2008 Motorsports Marketing Forum in New York. Brown, along with Joie Chitwood of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Julie Sobieski of ESPN, Jay Frye of Red Bull Racing, Al Johnson of Aflac and David Zucker of Petty Enterprises will discuss a variety of racing topics, including the economy, TV ratings and the future of motorsports.

Also on hand for the event will be NHRA President Tom Compton, NHRA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Gary Darcy and Senior Director of Sales and Business Development John Siragusa. The two-day event begins December 2 at the Westin Times Square in New York City.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

SECOND PLACE…AGAIN: Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson on finishing second in the point standings for the third year in a row: “We didn’t get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but we got the next-best thing, and that’s the NHRA Finals win at Pomona. ‘Jeggie’ is the world champion. He did a better job and he deserves to be champion.”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

10: That’s the number of months that Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher consistently stayed in the No. 1 spot in the point standings. Schumacher won the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California, and stayed atop the point standings the entire 2008 NHRA POWERade season.

DID YOU KNOW…

… that newly crowned Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Eddie Krawiec recently added the title “husband” to his lists of accomplishments as he and new wife Annemarie Tribuzio were married last week at St. Thomas More Church in Manalapan, New Jersey.

The crew at GT Channel have a new performance driving video series on their website. Entitled “FAB 2,” it features three of the top pro drift drivers competing to execute the most stylish and flawless 180 slide into a parking spot. Adding to the challenge: they must perform it in a front-drive Scion tC. Check out the videos here.

Bobit Business Media announced that Bill Middaugh has joined the company as advertising sales manager for Hotrod & Restoration magazine and trade show. Middaugh brings a wealth of experience in the enthusiast automotive aftermarket publishing world to Bobit.

Most recently, he served for 18 years at Source Interlink Media on titles such as Hot Rod, Street Rodder, Popular Hot Rodding, Super Chevy, Chevy High Performance, Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords and High Performance Pontiac. Before his time at Source Interlink, Bill worked at the McMullen Design and Marketing ad agency. Middaugh can be reached at 310/533-2446 or bill.middaugh@bobit.com.

Jake Moran

Longtime member of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA), Jake Moran, announced that he will step down as the national field director for the NSRA, effective December 31. Moran has been a member of the NSRA since its inception in 1970 and has been the national field director since December 1984.

Effective January 1, 2009, Tom Wilkerson will become the NSRA’s new national field director. Wilkerson has served as an NSRA state inspector and as chief inspector in the west central division since 2001.

Bradley David Productions' newest show, "Busted Knuckle," began airing this week on the SPEED Channel. The show features host Rich Ragains, a Louisville, Kentucky, native who travels the country working with other people who share his passion for all things mechanical.

The pilot episode features Ragains visiting Delta Air Lines in Atlanta to change the brakes on a Boeing 777 aircraft. Then, he builds armored vehicles at Texas Armoring Corp. in San Antonio, Texas.

The airtimes (all times EST) are: Thursday, December 4, 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.; Friday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 6, 2:30 a.m.; and Sunday, December 7, 10:30 a.m.

A preview of the show is available at www.youtube.com/bradleydavid.

Pertronix Inc. announced that it has acquired the assets of JBA Performance Exhaust located in San Diego, California. Pertronix, a leading supplier for more than 40 years in the electronic ignition business, launched its exhaust division in 2000 after acquiring Ermie Immerso Enterprises (Thunderbird Products).

Pertronix plans a robust advertising and marketing effort to leverage demand for the JBA line through their existing performance parts distribution system. For additional information, contact Jim Hairston at Pertronix Inc.: 909/599-5955.

Carlisle Events has introduced a green classification for show-field participants registering for six of the eight Carlisle Events specialty shows. The green classification was created to give a home to green vehicles utilizing new fuel-efficient technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell, electric, gas-electric hybrids, biodiesel and clean diesel vehicles.

Awards will be given to the top three vehicles registered in the green class at the Carlisle Performance and Style, May 8–10; Carlisle Import/Kit-Replicar Nationals, May 15–17; Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, June 5–7; Carlisle All-GM Nationals, June 26–28; Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals, July 10–12; and Carlisle All-Truck Nationals, August 7–9.

Vic Edelbrock, president and CEO of the Edelbrock Corporation, awarded the Vic Edelbrock Sr. Memorial Scholarship award to Barry Derheim of Sioux Falls, Iowa. The $5,500 scholarship was presented during the 2008 SEMA Show. Now in its fifth year, this scholarship is endowed by Vic Edelbrock and the Edelbrock Corporation in support of continued automotive education through the WTI Foundation and WyoTech.

This scholarship is based on an essay submission and is awarded annually to a WyoTech student who exemplifies hard work, dedication to the automotive industry and outstanding citizenship.  

Popular FOX-TV race analyst Jeff Hammond will join NASCAR Sprint Cup star Joey Logano and 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Benson at the Motorsports 2009 Race Car & Trade Show, taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center in New Jersey. All three of the personalities will meet with fans and sign autographs during the two-day show set for January 16–17, 2009.

Dan Speicher

HUGHES Telematics appointed technology industry veteran Dan Speicher as its new chief information officer. Speicher will manage infrastructure and overall systems development for the company's revolutionary next-generation telematics architecture.

He will manage the company’s IT and systems development as the company prepares to launch its innovative suite of safety and security, diagnostic, convenience, navigation and infotainment services in Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

AMP Research and "MOTORZ" have teamed up to produce new online instructional videos featuring AMP product installations. The videos highlight installation techniques for the AMP Research Power Step, BedStep and Bed X-Tender.

Chris Duke, the host of "MOTORZ," shows viewers how to install products on their vehicles using common tools already in their garage. Duke offers step-by-step instructions on how to get the job done and provides helpful tips to avoid problems along the way. To see the AMP Research videos, check out www.MOTORZ.tv.

Laser Design Inc. signed a distribution agreement with Quality Measurement Technology (QMT) in Auburn, Washington (Seattle area), to meet increased demand for its Surveyor 3-D laser scanning systems throughout the northwestern United States. The QMT distributorship will showcase and demonstrate Laser Design’s portable Surveyor-FA (Faro-arm) scanner and its Surveyor WS-Series high-precision scanning system to area customers.

Laser Design President C. Martin Schuster stated, “The meteorologists at QMT have a wealth of experience in performing 3-D laser scanning for prominent area companies and suppliers to the aerospace industry. QMT is an important addition in our strategy for becoming a 3-D scanning technology leader in the Seattle area. We are pleased to have QMT represent our products and services, and provide support to our customers."

Skyjacker Suspension promoted Lee McGuire to director of marketing and operations. McGuire joined the marketing department at Skyjacker in August of 2003 and has continued to excel and manage many projects beyond the scope of marketing.

She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2002 with a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) degree in marketing and in 2006 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Click on the logo to visit SBN's website.

The annual SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast powered by the SBN was held Thursday morning, November 6th, at the Las Vegas Hilton during the SEMA Show and was another great success! Several hundred attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast while honoring outstanding members of our industry, including SBN 2008 Woman of the Year Award winner Lori A. LaCrosse; SBN 2008 Athena Award winning company Competition Cams (Ron Coleman and Scooter Brothers); and SEMA Memorial Scholarship winner Diane Elizabeth Melville.

Once again, the speed networking portion of the morning brought industry professionals together for a unique meet-and-greet session unlike any event at SEMA. Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Drag Racing, was on hand to sign autographs, and the event was enjoyed by all. Sincere thanks go out to the SBN Select Committee, SEMA staff liaison Jan Desma, SEMA Vice President of Councils Will Woods, SEMA Board liaison Wade Kawasaki and all our sponsors for making this event possible.

Please watch the SBN website for video coverage of this event courtesy of PowerTV Media coming soon to www.sema.org/sbn. We would again like to thank our sponsors for helping make the 2008 SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast a success: 

• Alliant Insurance Services
• AutoTrader Classics
• AutoVisuals
• Bowler Performance Transmissions
• COMP Performance Group
• Custom Logistics
• Davert Tools
• eTool Developers LLC
• Hypertech
• Martin & Company Advertising
• Off-Road Concepts
• PowerTV Media
• R&R Marketing
• RightPSI
• Skyjacker Suspensions
• Source Interlink Media
• The Marx Group
• WBD Group - Grip Twist
• Window Canvas
• Writetec Media Services

SBN Honors Winners of Its Committee Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Athena Award: COMP Performance Group

• Woman of the Year Award: Lori LaCosse

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 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 Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Dennis Gage, Bradley David Productions/"My Classic Car"

• Hall of Fame Award: Randy Shannon, Source Interlink Media

• Hall of Fame Award: Steve Ames, Ames Performance Enterprises

• Person of the Year Award: Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Co. Inc.
  

• Business of the Year Award: Carlisle Events

• Restoration Vehicle of the Year Award: 1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible; owned by Tom Gerrard; restored by American Classic Auto Restoration Inc.

New products shown and judged at Spring Carlisle:

• Original Restoration Category: 1969 Yenko Camaro Continuation Series, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists 

• Resto Mod Category: Roller-Hoop Body Rotation System, DSK Auto Products LLC, Doug Kielian

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 Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Debbie Walls, Lokar Performance Products
  

• Hall of Fame Award: George Lane, Motor State Distributing

• Business of the Year Award: Speedway Motors

• Industry Recognition of an Individual Award: Bret Voelkel, Air Ride Technologies
  

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 Booth Draws a Crowd While Raising Money for Victory Junction Gang Camp

The 2008 TORA SEMA Show booth in South Hall featured this vehicle from Dingmaster.


Cap-it International's vehicle on display.

A.R.E. made a $1,000 donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp to display their vehicle.

“I cannot remember any time in recent history that our booth had such a constant stream of traffic,” said TORA Chairman Ron DiVincenzo. “The quality and diversity of our three display vehicles offered something for literally everyone in the light-truck accessories market, from off-road to high-tech electronics to a packaged commercial truck that looks as good as it performs. I cannot thank the owners enough. They really raised the bar on the quality of our booth, all the while making a tremendous donation to Victory Junction Gang Camp. I could not be more pleased.”

Each vehicle represents a $1,000 donation made to Victory Junction Gang Camp on behalf of the vehicle owner. A total of $3,000 was raised for the camp that serves kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

“I must also thank our Select Committee members,” said DiVincenzo. “Each one volunteered time during a busy Show schedule to make sure the booth was staffed at all times. The vehicles drew them in, and our Select Committee was there to deliver the message about TORA member benefits.”

TORA Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• 2008 Best New Product Under $500: Undercover, Swingcase

• 2008 Best New Product Over $500: Roll-N-Lock, E series

• 2008 Retailer of the Year Award: John Chamberlaine, Action Group of Companies

• 2008 TORA Hall of Fame Award: Anne Johnson, Keystone Automotive

• 2008 TORA Chairman’s Award: Todd Yeoman, American Technology Components

• 2008 Best POP Display Award: Agri-Cover, EZ Retriever/Stocking Display

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Kelderman Air Suspension

• 2008 Ford Styling Awards Best Use of Accessories on a Ford Truck/SUV (presented by Ford): Westin Automotive Products

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.

MPMC Awards Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• MPMC Media Person of the Year Award: Ed Zinke, Source Interlink Media

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.” Following the close of registration on December 5, 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.

MRC Project Brainstorming Session at the PRI Show
 
MRC will be conducting a Project Brainstorming Session at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. All reps are welcome and encouraged to participate in this open forum and address issues faced daily by reps in all segments of the automotive industry. Bring your ideas and suggestions to raise the bar for all manufacturers reps. So we can accommodate attendees with food and beverage, we ask that you take a moment and contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289 x104 or stacib@sema.org.
 
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 Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Hall of Fame Award: Bill Perry, Bill Perry & Associates

• STAR Award (Sales Team Annual Recognition): Winfield Consumer Products/Husky Liners
  

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 Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

• Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Nardine, Bob’s Top Shop

• Restyler of the Year: Diana Braschler, Dealer Source Ltd.

• Truck Accessory Specialist of the Year: Charlie Pruitt, Auto & Truck Restylers

• Trimmer of the Year: Eric Browner, Auto Mat Co.

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 Honors Winners of Its Council Awards at the 2008 SEMA Show

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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 MRC Project Brainstorming Session, December 10, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Orlando, Florida
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 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.

At the end of October, Mazda shipped the 2 millionth Mazda3 from its Hofu assembly plant in Japan. Also known as the Axela in other markets, the sedan and 5-door hatch have been international hits since their debuts five years ago. The compact has been sold in 101 countries and sales figures for the current model prove that it remains popular a half-decade later.

Mazda recently unveiled the second-generation 2010 Mazda3 with bolder exterior and a new 2.5L engine. Enthusiasts have welcomed the current iteration, especially the limited-edition Mazdaspeed3. SEMA has compiled a detailed consumer and purchasing profile for enthusiasts who own the current Mazda3 or its closest competitors, which include the Acura RSX, Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza WRX, Ford Focus, Scion tC and Volkswagen Golf.

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

Despite their youth and relatively low incomes, enthusiasts in the “Gen Y” age range are big buyers of custom automotive parts and accessories. Results from the 2008 Automotive Lifestyles Survey conducted August–September of this year show that 16-27-year-old enthusiasts spent, on average, nearly $3,000 on specialty equipment over the last year.

And with their $65,000 average annual household incomes, this youth market continues to devote a sizable chunk of discretionary income to its cars, according to the survey.

Exhaust kits and performance air-filter replacements top the list of products purchased by “Gen Y” enthusiasts surveyed. In fact, because of the relatively low cost and bolt-on nature of most of these products, they typically are the first specialty-equipment products purchased once enthusiasts take ownership of their new vehicles.

Many surveyed bought products that they perceived would help improve fuel economy—a growing concern during the summer months. These enthusiasts waste no time accessorizing their vehicles after purchase; nearly three out of four surveyed said that they first began personalizing their rides within the first two months of ownership. 

The 16-27-year-old enthusiasts surveyed here are subscribers of automotive magazines and visitors to automotive forums, so it comes as no surprise that they say that they get information about specialty-equipment products prior to purchase from these types of media.

When it comes to actual purchasing however, the highest percentage said they buy from online retail stores (35%), trumping manufacturer websites (15%), custom shops (13%) and auction websites (12%).

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