LAST CALL TO GET HANDS-ON WITH TOYOTA'S TOP-SELLING COMPACTS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

SEMA Manufacturing members are invited to participate in Toyota's upcoming Measuring Session for the top-selling Corolla S and Matrix XRS. Cameras are allowed. Both of the vehicles made their world premieres during the 2007 SEMA Show and the measuring session represents a continuation of SEMA's efforts to bring pre-launch vehicles from the OEMs to the manufacturer membership.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla represents the 10th generation of the perennial favorite. "We believe in the importance of the small-car segment," said Toyota Corporate Marketing Manager Tim Morrison.

WHAT: 2009 Toyota Corolla S and Matrix XRS Measuring Session; Toyota Motor Sales USA

  • All-new body styling and interior
  • New engines: 1.8L and 2.4L
  • Launch date: early 2008

WHERE: Toyota Service Development Center
2015 W. 190th St.
Torrance, CA 90501  
  
WHEN: Wednesday, February 6, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Sessions will be limited to 60 minutes. No more than three companies at one time, two persons per company.

REGISTER: Deadline is Friday, February 1. E-mail a response with time preference, name(s), company name, address, phone number and e-mail addresses(s) to measuringsession@sema.org.

NOTE: Cameras are permitted

QUESTIONS: Bill Wolf, SEMA, 909/396-0289, ext. 177 or Sandy Conolly, ext. 155.

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: "BE CREATIVE, PERSEVERE AND STICK TO YOUR DREAM"
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

SEMA SPRING EXPO/SEMA OFFROAD SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND PRODUCT AND SERVICE SPECIALS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

LAST CALL! SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD On-Site Sponsorship Opportunities!

Attention SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD exhibitors: There is still time to purchase additional branding and signage at the upcoming SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD in Indianapolis. Enhance your presence on-site and boost your branding efforts with affordable billboards, aisle signs and banners!
 
Call Motor Media Inc. at 818/248-4449, and we will gladly review high-profile locations and pricing promotions. Step out of the crowd, and increase traffic to your display!

Exhibitor Special Offers

SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD exhibitors are invited to promote any special offers, giveaways, promotions, new products or discounted pricing that might be offered at the upcoming shows through SEMA eNews. If you have anything you’d like to include, send a detailed explanation to Joe Lu at joel@sema.org, and it will be included in the newsletter. For complete information on the two shows, visit www.semaspringexpo.com or www.semaoffroad.com.

Questions regarding show specials or the upcoming events? Contact Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org.

The Latest Offers

Winner International (Booth #2015): 
Winner International Inc., maker and marketer of The Club vehicle anti-theft device, has developed and introduced a new line of products to its line up—The Club Tire Claw, The Club Tire Claw XL and the Wheel Club. As an incentive to new dealers, Winner International is offering a $100 incentive for new orders placed at the show. This applies only to dealers who are not current customers that place orders at the show itself and meet the standard minimum order and pricing criteria.
  
Nokia Automotive (Booth #2007); MITO Corporation (Booth #2009):
Nokia Automotive is excited to demonstrate the latest in Bluetooth technology for your vehicle. The exhibit will include the latest product offerings in car kits, headsets and navigation devices. Nokia Automotive, along with its distributor, MITO Corporation, will be offering free ground shipping on any orders placed during SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD.

Streamline International LLC (Booth #1515):
Stop by and see the revolutionary Titan Exhaust Air Jack. The Titan Exhaust Air Jack is designed to lift a vehicle using its own exhaust gas. The jack can help you get your vehicle unstuck from mud, sand or snow with little or no assistance. It is especially useful for 4WD enthusiasts extracting their vehicles from precarious spots. Exhaust gas inflates the airbag and raises the vehicle; once lifted to the desired height, the engine can be turned off, and the jack will remain inflated for hours. 

ProRYDE Suspension Systems (Booth #1319):
ProRYDE will be showcasing its first fully adjustable leveling solutions product line at the SEMA Spring Expo. Along with its Duck Head patented torsion bar keys and LIFTmachine (patent pending) adjustable strut leveling kits, ProRYDE also offers a product called LiftALIGN for control arm displacement & alignment issues that are the result of installing any manufacturers’ upper strut leveling kits.

Penda Corporation (Booth #1602):
The revolutionary Penda Venture thermoplastic tonneau cover, the first thermoplastic unit to bring sleek styling, a premium finish and exceptional strength and versatility to today’s trucks, will be the centerpiece of Penda Corporation’s exhibit at the SEMA Spring Expo. For additional information regarding the Penda Venture tonneau cover, call 866/PENDA-99 or visit www.penda.com. 

Corsa Performance Exhaust (Booth #2014):
Attendees can stop by the Corsa Performance booth for all new-product information, including its new exhaust systems for the 2004–2006 Nissan Titan 5.6L and 2007–2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax and Double Cab. Corsa will be displaying an LS7-powered SSR built by Lingenfelter Performance (in the feature vehicle area). Details about the SSR are available from Kevin at LPE (260/724-2552).

Swift Hitch (Booth #1326):
Drop by the Swift Hitch booth to see its wireless camera system with built-in night vision used to hitch up your enclosed trailer, camper, snowplow, boat trailer, horse trailer or anything to your vehicle fast in three easy steps. Mount the magnetic camera on your tailgate; view yourself backing up and then HITCH UP.

  • Fully automatic Night Vision camera allows the user to hitch up in total darkness.
  • Both camera and display simply charge from any vehicle 12-volt socket (charge cable included)
  • Wireless, high-resolution color display with user selectable normal or reverse image.
  • Can also be used as an inspection camera for all sorts of applications.

For information call 888/809-5183 or visit www.swifthitch.net.

More SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD Offers

BD Diesel Performance (Booth #1302):  BD will introduce the X2, the ultimate diesel monitoring system at the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD.

  • The X2 allows digital monitoring of up to seven parameters at the same time—and when used with a BD X-Tuner or other power module, it provides ultimate engine control and protection.
  • The X2 can data log monitored parameters so they can be played back or downloaded onto a laptop.
  • Capable of controlling multiple modules at the same time—great for “stacked” applications.
  • LCD screen features white backlight for easy night viewing, molded A-pillar housing makes mounting easy.

For more information, call 800/887-5030, or visit www.dieselperformance.com.

Flitz International Ltd. (Booth #2323): Flitz International will be offering auto hot buys and special pricing on waxes, polishes and supplies. With each purchase, Flitz will give away free product. For a complete breakdown of the “auto hot buys” products, click here to download PDF.
 
TruXedo (Booth #2118): All dealers that sign up to become a New TruXedo Select Dealer at the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD will be entered into a drawing for a free TruXedo Dealer Package, including POP Displays, a TruXedo tonneau cover, six TruXseal tailgate seals, 12 bottles of Pro-Tex protectant spray and TruXedo promotional items. Package valued up to $1,400. 

Siriani & Associates (Booth #1416):
The SEMA Freight Savings Plan saves SEMA members an average of $2,757 per year on air and ground package shipping and $2,693 on less-than-truckload shipping. At the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD, discover how to ship smart and save by visiting with Donn Buenafe at the SEMA Association Booth. For a free freight quote, call Siriani & Associates at 800/554-0005 or e-mail info@siriani.com.

Car Care One (Booth #2002): Enroll in Car Care One at the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD and your Car Care One registration fees ($150) will be waived. You will also receive a pair of Mechanix gloves (Mechanix is a registered trademark of Mechanix Wear Inc.).

ICI Innovative Creations Inc. (Booth #2017): 

  • Baja style light bar - 47% discount off all remaining inventory.
  • New ICI Mud Flaps - 5% off any order of flaps, no minimums.
  • 3-inch Round Nerf Bars - 5% discount on show orders.
  • 4-inch Oval Nerf Bars - 10% discount on show orders.

Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge (Booth #1324):  Rugged Ridge will be unveiling its new Mirror Relocation Brackets for the 2007–2008 Jeep Wrangler at the SEMA Spring Expo/SEMA OFFROAD. 

  • The brackets’ special design allows you to move your factory mirrors from the door to the body of the vehicle.
  • Remove your doors for trail use without losing your mirrors!
  • Constructed of black powdercoated steel for long life and extra durability. 
  • For more information about the Rugged Ridge Mirror Relocation Brackets or to locate a Rugged Ridge distributor, please visit www.omix-ada.com or call 770/614-6101.
MERCHANDISE YOUR PRODUCT WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

THE VEHICLES THAT WILL AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

SIMPLE STEPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR WEB SALES AND PRESENCE
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

SEMA members: Join the SEMA webinar, “Building an Online Parts Presence: How to Use the Internet to Maximize Your Parts Business,” on Thursday, February 14, at 10 a.m. (PST), to gain insight on how your company can maximize business through the Internet.

Famous Rhodes, director of parts and accessories for eBay Motors, explores how to use the Internet to build a complementary sales channel for your parts inventory. According to January 2007 Nielsen/Net ratings, eBay Motors is the most visited automotive website on the planet with more than 12 million visitors each month. Tune in to this SEMA webinar to learn how you can use the Internet to reach more customers and gain more exposure to your aftermarket business.

Upcoming Webinar: The Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) and What You Need to Know About It
Also, mark your calendar for our February 15 webinar, "PIES: What You Need to Know." No matter what side of the supply chain your company serves, keeping the flow of information moving is key to limiting paperwork, securing more business and lowering costs across the board. Synchronizing your data to an industry standard is the first step to making your data work for you.

SEMA endorses and uses the Aftermarket “PIES” product data standards. The Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) is the best practice for the management and exchange of a tremendous variety of product-attribute information in the automotive aftermarket industry. Following an industry standard is the first step towards global data synchronization with trading partners, and this will yield increased sales, shorter new-product introduction cycles and lower operating costs. Presented by Ed Heon, CEO, DATAgility Inc., this webinar will cover the benefits of PIES and the steps needed to take your business to the next level.

Need More Info?
The driving force behind the association's goal of data synchronization in the industry is the SEMA Business Technology Committee (BTC). The BTC's mission is to help members adopt widely accepted industry data standards. This is accomplished by educating members through various SEMA outlets, including webinars, seminars, editorials, digital forums and articles. To access the tools you need to get started, click here.

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.

For additional information on the SEMA webinar program, contact Pat Talaska-Benson at patt@sema.org.

SPY SHOTS—NEW HUMMER H3T CREW CAB
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00



The spy photographers from Brenda Priddy & Co. grabbed these winter testing shots of the much-anticipated Hummer H3T CrewCab. Although the original concept was a shortbed pickup with just two doors, economic decisions made the four-door H3 variant more affordable to produce, Priddy says.

"The shortbed, which can almost be described as 'cute,' will offer a cargo area roughly 4 feet x 4½ feet," Priddy says. She adds that a hard tonneau cover will be available as an option, as will several choices of lockable cargo boxes.

The H3T’s optional cargo boxes are expected to include a small lunchbox/toolbox with the ability to easily lift off and take to your worksite. Other boxes are likely to include cargo boxes spanning the length or width of the bed. Engine options will include the new 5.3L, 295-plus horsepower V8 as first shown in the H3 Alpha, as well a 3.7L 242 hp inline five-cylinder. 


The Shreveport-built H3T will start production in August and arrive in the third or fourth quarter as a 2009 model. Hummer plans to build about 35,000 units annually.

PHOTO GALLERY—THE TOP PARTS FOR VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLES
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Filler for eNews

HAWAII CONSIDERS TAXING “GAS GUZZLERS”
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. The bill was considered in committee on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle.

If this effort is successful, the effects on a consumers’ ability to purchase the vehicle of choice, not to mention vehicle safety, could be impacted.

For more information, click here and for more details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

NEW JERSEY BILL PROVIDES EMISSIONS-INSPECTION EXEMPTION FOR NEWER CARS
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 00:00

Legislation reintroduced in the New Jersey State Assembly proposes to exempt newer motor vehicles from the state’s mandatory emissions-inspection program. Under the measure, motor vehicles that are five model years old or less would be exempted. For more information, click here.

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