Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

New automotive technologies present specialty-equipment companies with both challenges and opportunities. According to SEMA research, 42% of SEMA members said that electronic control of engine and engine components have a "noticeable" or "extremely large" impact on the industry. Thirty-three percent cited clean diesel technology as having a similar impact, and 30% looking at hybrids as having a noticeable or extremely large impact on their businesses.

Electronics, software and the convergence of mechanical, electrical and material systems—what is becoming known as "mechamatronics" and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer tremendous opportunities for SEMA members to grow, says SEMA Vice President, Vehicle Technology, John Waraniak.

"The key point, and many SEMA member companies know this well, is that product innovation does not come from the discovery of technology, but from being the first to use these technologies to create new and exciting market opportunities, as well as solve problems and meet consumer and enthusiast demands," Waraniak explains. "It's estimated that electronics and convergent technologies represent 70% of the innovation in today's vehicles and up to 30% of the value."

For more insight into the challenges and opportunities facing specialty-equipment companies today, visit www.sema.org/research and download the 2007 Trends and Forecasts Quarterly Update-Q1, another SEMA-member exclusive publication produced by the Research and Information Center.

During his Keynote Luncheon address to 2007 SEMA Show attendees, Toyota’s truck/SUV marketing chief outlined four ways that specialty-equipment businesses can join the automaker’s aggressive accessories strategy.

“There is significant opportunity for SEMA members to be part of our growth,” said Brian Smith, Toyota Corporate Marketing Manager, Toyota Trucks and SUVs, starting with becoming a supplier for Toyota, Lexus or Scion Genuine Accessories. Smith says Toyota has over 80 supplier partners.
 
“We are open to look at new mainstream accessories that provide the highest quality, reliability and durability, along with a manufacturer warranty designed to give Toyota customers high value along with high quality.”

Specialty-equipment companies can also become an “up-fitter partner” serving the small business/commercial market. Toyota currently works with Weatherguard, ARE, Adrian Steel and Tommygate, and Smith urged companies with a well-known brand name, nationwide distribution and a complement of products different from its existing partners to join its partner network.

Another way is to provide product for the Toyota Truck Specialty Guide, which currently features over 100 specialty products and accessories not usually found at dealerships, ranging from mainstream accessories like trailer hitches and wind deflectors, to loading ramps, vent shades and bed rail systems.

“We will entertain new, exciting products that complement the truck buyer’s desires,” Smith explained. The Guide will be updated in spring 2008.

The first step for most companies will be to establish a partnership with a local Toyota dealer. The dealership’s sales manager, service manager, parts manager and general manager are all key contacts for any supplier looking to do business with a dealership, Smith said, illustrating his point with an example of a supplier/dealership relationship involving a SEMA member.
  
“One of the key aspects of what we heard from both the SEMA member and the dealer management team was the seamless transaction to the customer when a problem arises.”
   
The ability to offer and handle warranty issues is key for working with any Toyota dealer, Smith added, noting that Toyota dealers who were successful in selling accessories had partnered with local suppliers who “provided high-quality service and a seamless process of taking care of customer concerns.”

Smith added that Toyota was just beginning to launch its accessory program nationwide, and cautioned against rushing out to local dealers to get involved in the Vehicle Personalization Program. “The rollout will take time. If you have a customer-first reputation, when your local Toyota dealer starts to focus on accessories, you will probably be on his list. There’s an opportunity for many of you to be part of our growth. In fact, we can’t do it without you.”

For more information on SEMA OEM initiatives, visit www.sema.org/oem.

Each year the SEMA Show recognizes products that set new standards for innovation and imagination. Following are the winners of the SEMA New Product Awards:

Best New Interior Accessory Product
Winner: PLX Devices Inc. – OBD Organic LED Gauge
Runner Up: Spotlight
Runner Up: Plasmaglow

PLX Devices representative Paul Lowchareonkul accepts the Best New Interior Accessory Product Award from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray (second from right) and SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie (right).

PLX Devices OBD Organic LED Gauge

Best New Exterior Accessory Product
Winner: Go Rhino! Products/Xtreme Racks – Step-N-Tow
Runner Up: MacNeil Automotive Products
Runner Up: Cruiser Accessories

Chris Kersting, Trucking Times & Sport Utility News editor Dave Herrmeyer (second from right) and SEMA Chairman Jim Cozzie present Best New Exterior Product Award to Go Rhino!'s Ron Storer.

Go Rhino! Step-N-Tow

Best Engineered New Product
Winner: JME Enterprises Inc. – Pro Series Mustang Suspension
Runner Up: Professional Products
Runner Up: KW Automotive North America

Julio Mayen of JME Enterprises accepts the Best Engineered New Product Award from Chris Kersting, Hot Rod magazine's Rob Kinnan, and Jim Cozzie. 

JME Enterprises Pro Series Mustang Suspension

Best New Merchandising Display
Winner: Truck Accessories Group Inc. – Gear-it-up Counter Display
Runner Up: PIAA Corp.
Runner Up: HushMat

Chris Kersting, Gary Light from Speed Warehouse, Inc. (second from right) and Jim Cozzie present Joel Ayres of Truck Accessories Group/Leer (second from left) with the award for Best New Merchandising Display.

Leer Gear-it-up Counter Display

Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product
Winner: Rancho – MyRide
Runner Up: Wade Automotive
Runner Up: Innovate Motorsports

Rancho MyRide

Best New Packaging Design
Winner: Auto Meter Products – Street Rod InterAct Display Rack
Runner Up: Cruiser Accessories
Runner Up: Shell Lubricants

Auto Meter's Jeffrey King accepts the award for Best New Packaging Design from Chris Kersting, SEMA News Editorial Director Matt Pearson (second from right) and Jim Cozzie.

Auto Meter Street Rod InterAct Display Rack

Best New Performance-Street Product
Winner: Nitrous Express – “V” Gauge
Runner Up: Tesla Electronics Inc.
Runner Up: Stainless Steel Brake Corp.

Chris Kersting, Styling & Performance magazine publisher Allison Lombardo (second from right), and Jim Cozzie present a Nitrous Express representative with the award for Best New Street Performance Product.

Nitrous Express “V” Gauge

Best New Performance-Racing Product
Winner: Comp Performance Group – Drag Race Torque Converter
Runner Up: Race Pumps
Runner Up: Vortech/Paxton

Chris Kersting, Precision Engine magazine group publisher Travis Weeks (second from right) and Jim Cozzie present Comp Performance Group's Paul "Scooter" Brothers and another representative (center) with the award for Best New Performance Racing Product.

Comp Performance Group Drag Race Torque Converter

Best New Pickup/Van/SUV Product
Winner: Go Rhino! Products/Xtreme Racks – Step-N-Tow
Runner Up: Net Shape International LLC
Runner Up: Pilot Automotive Inc.

Ron Storer from Go Rhino! accepts the award for Best New Pickup/Van/SUV Product from Chris Kersting, Sam Memmolo from Two Guys Garage (second from left) and Jim Cozzie.

Go Rhino! Step-N-Tow

Best New Street Rod/Custom Car Product
Winner: Barry Grant Inc. – Demon 98 Carburetor
Runner Up: Experi-Metal Inc.
Runner Up: American Speed Co.

Barry Grant Demon 98 Carburetor

Best New Mobile Electronics Product
Winner: PLX Devices Inc. – OBD Organic LED Gauge
Runner Up: Audiovox Corp.
Runner Up: David Instruments Corp.

Paul Lowchareonkul from PLX Devices accepts the Best New Mobile Electronics Product award from Chris Kersting, Mobile Electronics magazine's Travis Weeks (second from right) and Jim Cozzie.

PLX Devices OBD Organic LED Gauge

Best New Tools and Equipment Product
Winner: Warn Industries – Warn Works PullzAll
Runner Up: Cam Logic Technologies
Runner Up: Specialty Autoparts USA

Chris Kersting presents the Best New Tools and Equipment Product award to Ken Scuito of Warn Industries, along with AdvanStar's Jim Savas and Jim Cozzie.

Warn Works PullzAll

To view photos of more than 1,500 new products, visit www.semaphotos.com.

Wade Kawasaki, president of Avanche Corporation and long-time SEMA member, was presented with the 2007 SEMA Person of the Year Award.

"I'm very honored to be recognized by SEMA and my peers," Kawasaki said. "This industry has been such a big part of my life and my involvement with SEMA has enabled me to advance important industry initiatives, help guide and develop the growth of the next generation of leaders, and build some great relationships along the way."

Joel Ayres of Truck Accessories Group/Leer (left) and Wade Kawasaki of Avanche Corp.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award honors individuals recognized for distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. Kawasaki has been considered a strong voice in the automotive specialty-equipment market in several areas, including education, technology solutions, and international relations.

He is currently Chairman of SEMA's International Trade Committee, has served twice as Chairman of the SEMA Show, is a founding member and on the board of SEMA's Political Action Committee, and is active on several other SEMA committees. He is also a founding member of SEMA's Young Executives Network (YEN).

Kawasaki is president of Avanche Corporation, comprised of Racing Sports Akimoto (sport compact manufacturer), DUB-air (youth/urban market manufacturer), and Exports International (W.D.). The company has served the specialty-equipment market since 1987. He also serves on the Board of Directors of an Automotive Technology start-up and Northwood University's Automotive Aftermarket Management Advisor.

Three new vehicles and one new Hybrid vehicle were recipients of the 2007 SEMA Vehicle Design Awards announced today at the SEMA Show. The awards honor the most accessory-friendly vehicles of the year in four separate categories: Car, Truck, SUV and Hybrid. The Nissan Titan took top honors in the Truck category, the Cadillac CTS won in the Car category and the Hummer H2 won in the SUV category. The newest award for the most accessory-friendly Hybrid vehicle went to the Chevrolet Tahoe.

 
Most Accessory-Friendly Truck - Nissan Titan

Each SEMA Vehicle Design Award recipient was part of a selection process that encompassed SEMA member companies and automakers who regularly participate in technology sharing programs. These programs consist of various data sharing, measurement sessions and technology transfer initiatives which provide valuable information for each specialty equipment manufacturer to be in sync with the launch of new vehicles.

Most Accessory-Friendly Car - Cadillac CTS

The SEMA Vehicle Design Awards were established to honor those newly introduced vehicles that best exemplify the alliance between the OEMs and SEMA-member companies. The awards recognize and celebrate the vehicles that a select group of voting members has chosen as the most accessory-friendly vehicles of the year.

 
Most Accessory-Friendly SUV - Hummer H2

"The SEMA Design Awards are becoming more exciting every year with the growing number of accessory-friendly vehicles and options now available for consumers,” said John Waraniak, SEMA VP of Vehicle Technology. "These vehicles are great examples of how automakers and SEMA members are working together to design for customization and engineer for accessorization.”

 
Most Accessory-Friendly Hybrid - Chevrolet Tahoe

For more information on SEMA OEM initiatives, visit www.sema.org/oem.

Below are the Ford and General Motors Design Award winners from the 2007 SEMA Show.

Ford

Ford Design Awards - Awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Design
Best of Show: DeBerti Designs, F-450
Best of Ford Show Stand: CDC, 1967 Mustang
Best Heritage Vehicle: Lakeside Rods & Rides/Doug Hoppe, 1935 Ford Coupe

Special Achievement
3dCarbon, Focus
Fabtech, F-350
Focus Sport, Focus
Galpin Auto Sport, F-450
Mob Steel, 1968 Lincoln Continental
MRT, MKZ
Steeda, Focus
Street Scene Equipment, F-350
X-treme Toyz, F-450
 
Outstanding Project Vehicle Development and Execution
Mickey Thompson, F-250
RK Sport, Focus
Skyjacker, F-250
Street Concept, Expedition
Turbonetics, Mustang

General Motors

The following General Motors Design Awards were presented at the 2007 SEMA Show. GM congratulates these award winners for their innovation, creativity and contributions to the specialty-equipment industry.

Best GM Vehicle
Builder: American Supercars (Phil Sommers)
Vehicle/Part: ’63 Mid-Engine Corvette

Best GM Compact Car 
Builder: GM Addiction (Donna Eschrich and  Kenneth Hynes)        
Vehicle/Part: ’07 Chevrolet Cobalt

Best GM Roadster    
Builder: T.Das Integrated Devel (Tajai Das & Associates)
Vehicle/Part: ’07 Saturn Sky

Best GM Restored Vehicle        
Builder: Original Parts Group (James Ferguson)
Vehicle/Part: ’66 Chevelle

Best GM Hot Rod    
Builder: Mike Hess           
Vehicle/Part: ’37 Chevrolet Coupe

Best GM SUV     
Builder: RD Kustoms (Rick Dore)
Vehicle/Part: ’07 Chevrolet HHR

Best GM Crossover    
Builder: Innovative Automotive  (Jason Plotke)  
Vehicle/Part:  ’08 GMC Acadia

Best New GM Interior   
Builder: Callaway Cars (Steve & Reeves Callaway)
Vehicle Part: ’07 C6 Corvette

Best New GM Exterior   
Builder: Bonspeed Design (Brad Fanshaw)  
Vehicle/Part: ’07 GMC Sierra

Best New Product    
Builder: Street Scene Equipment (Mike Spagnola)
Vehicle/Part: ’07 GMC Sierra

Best High Performance  Product   
Builder: Melling Performance (Mike Osterhaus)
Vehicle/Part: Billet Oil Pump

Most Innovative Product         
Builder: Stainless Steel Brakes (Mike Jonas)          
Vehicle/Part: Combo Master Cylinder/Prop Valve

Best New Accessory   
Builder: Abear Motorsports (Richard Harbert)     
Vehicle/Part: Enclosed Coil/Rocker Arm Cover

For more information on SEMA OEM initiatives, visit www.sema.org/oem.

As a part of its partnership with the 2007 SEMA Show, Hot Wheels awarded four customized vehicles with the Hot Wheels Design Award, recognizing vehicles that embodied the essence of the Hot Wheels, including speed, power, performance and attitude.

Hot Wheels also presented the Best Custom Car and Best Custom Truck awards, both new to the Show, at the annual New Products breakfast. 

Winners of the awards included:

SEMA Best Custom Car: Mike Terzich’s '67 Mustang (Copperback) in the BASF booth

SEMA Best Custom Truck: early 60’s Chevy pickup in the Envision Wheels booth

Hot Wheels Speed Award: The Speed Demon Bonneville Race Car (Poteet and Main)

Hot Wheels Power Award: '70 Cheville in the Bassani Exhaust booth

Hot Wheels Performance Award: 350Z Roadster Drift car in the Nissan booth. (driven by R. Unser)

Hot Wheels Attitude Award: '37 Ford R-Window in the Weld Racing/Wheels booth

Hot Wheels Designer's Choice Award: Chrysler SR392 Roadster in Mopar booth

The Performance Warehouse Association presented its awards for Person of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year awards during the Industry Awards Banquet at the 2007 SEMA Show.

 PWA Person of the Year - Dan Gresham

Dan Gresham

Daniel R. Gresham is an operating executive with more than 30 years of management and investing experience. He earned a BA in economics from Davidson College in 1968 and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam.  He then obtained his MBA from Tulane University in 1973.

After leaving graduate school Dan joined Allied Signal where he worked as a financial analyst for two years.  From there he moved to Continental Can Co. where he served in a variety of staff and operating positions.  In his final assignment at Continental Can he was President of the General Packaging Division and had P&L responsibility for a $200 million packaging business with 1,100 employees and 13 plants. 

In 1987 Dan and the previous Chairman of Continental formed a leveraged buyout firm, New Canaan Investments, and made a series of investments both in the United States and Europe.  In 1996, Dan and his partners at NCI joined with Fremont Partners in the acquisition of Kerr Group, Inc., a publicly-traded specialty plastic closure company. 

Following his work on Kerr with Fremont in 1996, Dan and his partners purchased Dynojet Research, Inc., where he assumed the role of CEO.  Dynojet has a large presence in the motorcycle aftermarket parts industry as well as the automotive aftermarket as a developer of diagnostic performance testing equipment. 

In 2000, Dynojet was sold and Dan retired to his home on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  In early 2004 he failed retirement and reentered the performance world. He and his new partners purchased MSD Ignition where he currently serves as CEO.
Dan has been married to Judy for 39 years and they have a son who is an F18 pilot in the Navy.

PWA Manufacturer of the Year - MSD Ignition

Like many companies in the performance aftermarket, MSD Ignition was started in a garage by a man who needed a better ignition.  Today, MSD is the leader in performance ignition technology and is used on the fastest and quickest engines in everything from NASCAR to powersports and top fuel dragsters.

MSD Ignition now encompasses over 125,000 square feet of manufacturing and developing space in El Paso, Texas.  The company employs over 400 employees including an excellent core of highly trained engineers, technicians, assembly specialists and a host of performance enthusiasts.  Together this group designs, develops, tests and manufactures a diverse line of performance electronic components ranging from ignitions and magnetos to alternators and fuel injection.  MSD products have revolutionized performance and racing ignitions in virtually every form of motorsports!

For more information on PWA, visit www.pwa-par.org