Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

General Motors is accepting project vehicle proposals for the 2008 SEMA Show, November 4–7 in Las Vegas. GM's program focuses on two key areas for its 2008 SEMA Show project vehicle programs: passenger car performance accessories and large SUV/pickups with full accessory programs from the accessories market.

Key passenger cars considered include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Vibe and G8, and Saturn Astra. Other GM product lines are available in limited quantities within the scope of this program. Proposals will be reviewed on an individual basis for approval.

Three copies of the proposal, including a rendering on 8½ x 11 paper (stapled, not bound), are requested and preferred over e-mail submissions. To be considered, proposals must include the four General Motors criteria listed below for content and definition:

• An introductory letter defining the theme of the project vehicle (i.e. appealing to which market segment) and its general content, vehicle need date and project completion date.

• A list of specific system upgrades including partnered sources, if appropriate. Please use the Excel formatted “Sheet B” which will be provided by calling Bob Kern as stated below.

• A proposed list of intended events, trade shows, publications, etc., where the vehicle will be promoted. Availability for the 2008 SEMA Show is required. Please state where the vehicle will be displayed at the SEMA Show and who will sponsor the vehicle if placed in a feature spot. Note that partners are required to promote the vehicle through November 1, 2009. Proposals with guaranteed interior booth space will be given preferred consideration.

• An 8½ x 11 copy of a color rendering illustrating front and side appearance (composite 3/4 views acceptable) with the intended color and graphic scheme defined. If the interior will be significantly modified, an interior sketch is recommended as well. Preservation of front-end brand identity (divisional emblem and possibly grille features) is mandatory.

SEMA members interested in developing a General Motors project vehicle for the 2008 SEMA Show are encouraged to prepare a Project Description Plan and submit it to:

Bob Kern                        
SEMA Relations Manager           
Suite 100                
2382 Browning Dr.
Orion, MI 48360
e-mail: rob_eagle22@yahoo.com
phone: 313/667-6126
cell phone: 313/300-9471 (best access)
fax: 313/667-5001

Please note that quantities for each brand are limited. Vehicle availability (timing) may vary by brand, depending on start-of-production schedules. It is recommended to submit proposals early for preferential consideration, but no later than May 15, 2008. Approved projects need to be completed no later than October 18, 2008.

SEMA members are encouraged to participate in SEMA's upcoming webinar, "How to Sell Like a Pro, Part II", to learn the tips needed to effectively  develop sales leads and close in a way that generates long-term customers. In this session, you'll learn how to communicate value in the language buyers understand and act upon, develop credibility and build customer loyalty that will help build profitable relationships and enhance your sales career. (Note: This webinar is the second part of a two-part series. To download part one see below).   

Without the heavy cladding that accompanied earlier spy shots of the car, the forthcoming BMW 7 Series looks every bit the elegant Mercedes-Benz S-Class competitor in these latest shots from photographer Brenda Priddy and her network of spy shooters. Spied near BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, the new 7 Series mimics design elements of the X5 and X6 with its huge twin-kidney grille and wrap-around headlights.

"Though still disguised with a fake rear spoiler, it is clearly visible that the rear end and especially the trunk lid will become much more elegant compared to the current car's [rear]," Priddy says. In addition to exterior updates, BMW will also introduce a new iDrive system and a rumored eight-speed transmission, she adds. The new 7 Series is expected to bow at the Paris Auto Show later this year as a 2009 model.

Filler for eNews

It’s hard to sell and generate leads online if prospects can’t even find your website. Participate in SEMA's first webinar session of May to learn the key ingredients your website needs to generate traffic online. Participants will learn the basics of how to structure their website so that it is ranked high by search engines and is easily found by prospects.

Title: Beginner's Guide to High Search Engine Rankings
When: Thursday, May 1, 2008, 10:00 a.m. (PST)
Presenter:  Brian Offenberger, BizGrowth Search Engine Solutions

What You'll Learn

• How to develop a website that is easily found by prospects
• Five basic website musts/high natural search engine rankings
• Free diagnostic tools to grade website impacts
• The importance of incoming links and how to get them

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

SEMA's Webinar Program
The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show Education Week right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly being added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers. All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone.

All previously conducted SEMA webinars are available to download anytime by clicking here. To view upcoming presentations that you can attend via the telephone and Internet, click here.

The Tennessee State Legislature has approved a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for custom vehicles. The bill defines a custom-built car as a vehicle that is built for private use and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer.

Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. The measure will now be sent to Governor Phil Bredesen for his signature and enactment into law. For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-supported legislation to create classic motor vehicle project titles for vehicles at least 25-years old, not road-worthy, and currently without a title or with a title from another state, was approved by the Kentucky State Legislature.

Under the bill, a classic motor vehicle project title would prohibit the use of vehicles bearing these titles on the highway but, once restored, a regular title could be issued. The measure will now be sent to Governor Steve Beshear for his signature and enactment into law. For details, contact Steve McDonald: stevem@sema.org.