The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• ARMO has elected Steve Moskowitz of Antique Automobile Club of America and Mark Vogt of Classic Industries to its Select Committee. “I’m looking forward to working with Steve and Mark on the ARMO Select Committee,” said ARMO Chairman Ernie Silvers. “They are joining what has proven to be one of the most enthusiastic and hard-working groups that have ever existed. With the group that we have in place, we will definitely make great progress.”
  
  Re-elected to the ARMO Select Committee are Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited Inc., Roger Niehaus of Auto Custom Carpets Inc., Sandy Patterson of Primedia, and Jim Vinarski of Carlisle Events. Continuing in service on the ARMO Select Committee are Jim Barber of CARS, Laura Bergan of American Collectors Insurance, Jeff Broadus of Car Collector magazine, Marshall Giorgi of Rare Parts, Kim Mitchell of Eaton Detroit Spring, Sheila Perkins of Bradley David Productions, Alex Tainsh of Trim Parts and Walter Vaughan of Steele Rubber Products.

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• The HRIA welcomes the newest Select Committee members Eric Saltrick of Steele Rubber Products and Mike Kinney of Las Vegas Rod & Custom.  These gentlemen join the re-elected Select Committee members: Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine, Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom, Rick Love – Vintage Air and Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. 
  

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

The following are the results of the TORA Select Committee election:

Manufacturers Category

• Re-Elected (1) -  Bryan Baker – A.R.E.
• New Select Committee Members (2):  Jason Bruce, Street Scene Equipment; Eric Kwasnicka, DuPont Performance Coatings

Retailer/Dealer Category

• Re-Elected (1) - Casey Miser – All American Truck & SUV Accessory Centers
• New Select Committee Members (3):  Charlie Card, Vehicle Accessories; Russ Fletcher, Fletcher’s Truck Caps; Ronald Towry, Truck Gear SuperCenter

Manufacturers' Reps/Media/WD Category

• Re-Elected (1) - George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive

TORA Open Long-Range Planning Meeting

• TORA's Open Long-Range Planning Meetings is set for Wednesday, August 22, at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. For flight and hotel arrangements, contact Manya Petropaki at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268 or e-mail manya.p@travelstoreUSA.com.
  
  
• Kelly Kneifl, Division Manager of Automotive Accessories at Shur-Co, has been elected by the TORA Select Committee to serve as council chair-elect. Kelly, a member of the Select Committee, will serve starting July 1 as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Ron DiVincenzo of Cap World. Former Chairman Todd Yeoman will remain on the Select Committee in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.
  
  
• The DVD “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint-color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Bostock at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacib@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent Select Committee members:

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance  (Incumbent)
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Kyle Fickler,  Aeromotive Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. (Incumbent)
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. (Incumbent)
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition (Incumbent)
  
  
• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• MRC has appointed Mike Bolio of Scafidi-Bolio & Associates, Wade Cobb of Hapco LLP, Irv Cohen of SS Sales & Marketing Group, Chris Fairless of R&R Marketing Consultants, Tony Gee of Foster-Babcock & Associates and Scott Majors of MBA Marketing Group onto its Select Committee. “We’re excited about the new faces joining the MRC Select Committee,” said MRC Chairman John Iannotte. “The MRC is an active group with a lot going on, so it is great to have such a talented and enthusiastic group joining us.”
  
  Appointed onto the MRC Select Committee for a third term are Jim Kerr of Kerr & Associates Inc., Jim Klassen of JK Sales and Bill Perry of Bill Perry & Associates. The MRC Select Committee also includes seven members who are continuing to serve. They are Joel Rosenthal of Gantt Thomas, Mark Adin of PSKB, Bob Bader of Hapco LLP, Bill Chamberlain of JS Chamberlain & Associates Inc., Evan Mecham of Evan Mecham & Associates, Zane Shaffer of Wes-Coast Marketing and Alex Walker of Bob Cook Sales.
  
• MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:
  
  
  2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• The votes have been tabulated, and PRO welcomes four incumbents and four newcomers to the council's Select Committee. Incumbents include Bill North, Webasto Product N.A.; Ray Ott, Auto Trim Design of Cleveland East; Karl Stearns, Auto Trim International; and Bob West, Westin Automotive Products. The newly elected members are Jeff Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories; Doug Jacobs, Restyler's Choice; Joey Johnston, Tops & Trends; and Scott Wolin, AC Wolin Group.
  

• The PRO Select Committee has chosen Karl Stearns, vice president of sales and marketing for Auto Trim International, to serve as council chair-elect. A member of the Select Committee, Stearns will serve as chair-elect for two years prior to assuming the role of chairman. He will serve alongside incoming Chairman Chuck Blum of Chuck Blum Consulting. Former Chairman B.J. Leanse will remain on board in an advisory capacity as chairman emeritus.

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

• SCC Business of the Year, Person of the Year, Industry Image and Industry Icon Award  nomination forms have been mailed to all SCC members. The awards will be presented during the SCC Reception Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 5 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Pavilion 6. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SCC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 24.
  
  
• SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN
  Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry—you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

SCC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent Select Committee members:

• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance (Incumbent)
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM (Incumbent)
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rathlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution (Incumbent)
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions (Incumbent)
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics Inc. (Incumbent)
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.
  
  
• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez began her role on July 1, when Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, took over as SCC chairman.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

Tim Dietz of Standards Testing Laboratories Inc. is the new WTC Chairman-elect. His background includes:

• Seventeen-year veteran of the tire & wheel testing industry
• Instructor for STL’s annual Tire Technology informational seminar
• Co-developed testing procedures for NHTSA (FMVSS 139 plunger, bead unseat & impact)
• Co-developed testing procedures for OEM and Aftermarket manufacturers
• Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• Member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F09-03, Tire Aging Committee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Road Hazard Impact Subcommittee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Head Seat Subcommittee
• Member ASTM F09-03, Light Truck Flat to Curved Testing Surfaces Subcommittee

WTC Awards

• WTC Lifetime Achievement and Person of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all WTC members. The awards will be presented during the WTC Reception set for Wednesday, November 1, 5–7 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the WTC Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Nominations are due by Friday, August 17.

WTC Reception

• Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the wheel and tire industries’ top companies and also have a good time? Become a sponsor of the WTC Reception during the 2007 SEMA Show. The reception is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 5-7 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all WTC members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship Agreements must be received by Friday, September 28.

SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking - a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry - you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

WTC would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent Select Committee members:

• Keith Alinder, Wheel Pros Inc.
• Ron Escue, Enkei International (Incumbent)
• Doug Frymer, Law Office of Douglas A. Frymer
• Fenton Liffick, Prestige Auto Tech
• Dean Pellegrino, Tru Align LLC
• Paul Spartos, WheelTech International Corp. (Incumbent)
• Michael Webster, Discount Tire Direct (Incumbent)
• Brock Weld, BMF Wheels (Incumbent)

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• SBN Athena and Woman of the Year Award nomination forms have been mailed to all SBN members. The awards will be presented during the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN on Thursday, November 1, 7:15 a.m. - 9 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Your nominations and support are important to your committee. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the SBN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN Sponsorship
  Like to get some exposure for your company in front of the industries’ top companies and also meet new people? Become a sponsor of the SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN during the 2007 SEMA Show. The breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all SBN members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the WTC Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.
  
  
• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.
  
  
• SBN has sponsorship opportunities available for its annual breakfast held in conjunction with the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. For information, visit www.sema.org/images/pdf/2007SBNBreakfastSponsorshipAgreement.pdf.
  
  
• The SBN would like to congratulate the following newly elected SBN Select Committee members:  

Newly Elected SBN Select Committee Members

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. (Incumbent)
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling-Mills, Street Thunder magazine
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

YEN Awards

• YEN Young Executive of the Year and Vanguard  Award nomination forms have been mailed to all YEN members. The awards will be presented during the YEN Reception scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. Your nominations and support are important to your council. If you need a nomination form or have any questions about the YEN Awards, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Return all nominations by Friday, August 17.

YEN Reception

• Would you like to gain more exposure for your company among our industry’s rising young executives?  Would you like to enjoy a fun evening getting to know these future industry leaders?  Become a sponsor of the Young Executives Network Reception! The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 5–7:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Hilton. The reception will have a 50’s theme. Sponsorship agreement forms have been mailed to all YEN members. If you need a Sponsorship agreement form or have any questions about the YEN Reception, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. Sponsorship agreements must be received by Friday, September 28, 2007.

SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN

• Get Connected at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, too! Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A. Connect with fellow SEMA members at the annual SEMA Networking Breakfast, Powered by SBN. Participate in Speed Networking—a unique and effective way to build your nexus of contacts. Every few minutes meet someone new in the automotive industry—you’ll make more new contacts at one breakfast than most people make in six months! To purchase tickets or for more information on the networking breakfast, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

YEN would like to welcome and congratulate the following new and incumbent select committee members:

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway (Incumbent)
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring (Incumbent)
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing (Incumbent)
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas (Incumbent)
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering Inc. (Incumbent)
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors Inc. (Incumbent)
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply (Incumbent)
  
  
• The annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the YEN, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006. If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• YEN 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 YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard assumed the position when Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, took over as YEN chairman on July 1.
  
  
• Did you know that the 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 our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Mitch and Karen Rhodes’ ’48 Ford Nash Coupe and Larry Johnston’s '50 Chevy Hardtop were chosen as PPG’s Dream Cars at the 10th annual Goodguys PPG Nationals, July 13–15 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Mitch Rhodes, of Helena, Ohio, restored the rare-model Nash for his wife, enlisting Pee Wee’s Restoration of Fremont, Ohio, for the paint scheme utilizing Sunset Red over Rose Metallic and Gold Ash colors from PPG’s Vibrance collection.

Johnston of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, personally assembled his radically reshaped and restored ’50 Chevy Hardtop, entrusting Plisco Auto Body in East Pittsburgh for all the bodywork and the bright two-tone finish using New Chianti Red and Lamborghini Orange.



The annual "PPG Dream Car" awards are given to one car in the pre-'49 street-rod category and one for '49 and later custom vehicles, and are given to vehicles that best demonstrate outstanding use of color, design, gloss and execution of the paint job.

Filler for eNews

Filler for eNews

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

>> SEMA Webinar: SEMA Show Case Study Review—How Exhibitors Create Success, August 7, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s Leegin Decision Means for Minimum Resale Price Agreements, August 10, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Webinar: Boost Your Company Image, Sales and Profitability With Good Product Data, August, 16, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas
>> MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2008, Los Angeles

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

SEMA-members companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities at www.sema.org/classifieds. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enable the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

• Meyer Distributing Sales Executive, Houston, Texas
• Meyer Distributing Sales Executive, Dallas, Texas
• Associate Product Manager, Emporia, Kansas
• National Accounts Manager, Rancho Dominguez, California
• Regional Sales Manager, Emporia, Kansas

SEMA members: Have a job opening that you need filled? Members are invited to post classified ads on www.sema.org/classifieds free of charge. Categories include Positions Available, Positions Wanted, Rep Opportunities, WD Opportunities, For Sale, Items Wanted, Business Opportunities and Internships. Visit the site for details.

New-vehicle registrations among ethnic groups increased by nearly 11% from 2003–2006, according to data released by R. L. Polk & Co. Hispanics, Asians and African Americans are represented in the category. Polk also reports non-ethnic new-vehicle registrations are down 7% for the same timeframe.

“Auto manufacturers can no longer afford to ignore ethnic markets or assume that they will respond to mainstream marketing,” said Mark Pauze, solutions consultant, for R. L. Polk & Co. “Manufacturers that focus on these markets and measure their progress are making important inroads with them. Polk works with many manufacturers to identify opportunities in the ethnic markets and to track their performance.”

Polk’s enhanced data on ethnic markets shows whom owns and buys vehicles based on the actual registered owner, and not just the characteristics of the neighborhood in which they live. The data also utilizes two independent sources to enhance Polk’s ethnic coding by utilizing sophisticated algorithms to provide detailed segmentation of Asian, Hispanic, African American and many other ethnic groups.

“By targeting minority customers with messages that resonate with their own unique heritage and culture, automakers and auto dealers can strengthen relationships, create deeper bonds with customers and sell more vehicles. Polk’s new methods for tracking minority customers will allow automotive marketers to analyze the ethnicity of eight major ethnic groups and up to 287 individual ethnic backgrounds. Polk’s new ethnic coding system has increased our coverage and accuracy in identifying ethnic households across the board,” added Pauze.

Within the greater spectrum of its ethnic automotive analysis, Polk can provide customers with tailored studies of ethnic vehicle choices by segment, make and model; ethnic vehicle-buying populations mapped on a national and regional level; brand loyalty; and demographic analysis comparing different ethnicities to the general market.

Source: R. L. Polk & Co. (July 24, 2007). “Polk Data Shows Nearly 11% Growth in Ethnic Market from 2003 to 2006.” R. L. Polk & Co. press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

The motorized recreational vehicle (RV) and non-motorized or “towable” RV market, hindered by a slow economy, is expected to pick up speed over the next five years, growing 5% and reaching $15.9 billion, according to “Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing in the U.S.”, a new report from market research publisher SBI.

Trailing the 3% spike brought on in late 2005 and into 2006 by FEMA purchases for Hurricane Katrina victims, 2006 ended flat with a less-than-1% loss, closing the year at $12.3 billion. Higher interest rates, higher gas prices and a slower housing market are expected to continue restricting consumers’ RV purchases through 2007, dropping the market nearly 4% to under $12 billion.

Barring any major hiccups in the economy or any other unforeseen events, however, SBI projects that the market will absorb excess RV units from Hurricane Katrina by 2008, and growth of 8% to 10% will resume during the next three years, topping the market out at 431,000 units and $15.9 billion by 2011.

Nevertheless, even marginal rises in interest rates could cause severe pain for consumers. RVs purchases, which can cost in excess of $100,000, are often treated as second homes. Interest can be deducted, somewhat offsetting the impact of rising rates, but not completely.

“The real health of the industry is directly affected by consumer confidence, interest rates and the cost of fuel,” notes Tatjana Meerman, Publisher of SBI. “A strong economy is the industry’s best friend. When interest rates rise, RV purchases decline.”

Source: SBI. (July 24, 2007). “U.S. Recreational Vehicle Market Expected to Regain Momentum by 2008 and Coast to $15.9 Billion by 2011.” SBI press release courtesy of PR Newswire.

Chrysler recently announced that it would extend its powertrain warranty from the three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty to a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty applies to most new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles purchased from dealer inventory and delivered on or after July 26, 2007. With a lifetime warranty, will more consumers purchase Chrysler vehicles? In a recent survey of new-vehicle buyers, vehicle warranty ranked 13 among the top 52 characteristics important to consumers when shopping for a new vehicle. 

The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components—engine, transmission and drive system. The new powertrain warranty is limited to the first registered owner or retail lessee. Customers should contact dealers for details on vehicle selection.

“This new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It’s peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle,” said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President–North America, Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, Chrysler Group.

To continue warranty coverage, the owner must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer once every five years. This inspection will be performed at no charge. The inspection must be made within 60 days of each five-year anniversary of the vehicle's warranty start date.

Landry added, “The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty underscores our focus on quality and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates our commitment to customers and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. That’s why we put ‘lifetime’ on it.”

Customers may visit Chrysler.com, Jeep.com and Dodge.com for more information. A warranty promotion—print, radio, television and Internet—began Friday, July 27.

Past research has showed that two-thirds (66%) of consumers surveyed indicated that they were concerned with warranty issues when they install aftermarket parts on their new vehicles. With Chrysler extending its powertrain warranty to the lifetime of the vehicle, does this pose a problem to the specialty-equipment industry? 

Source: Chrysler Group. (July 26, 2007). “Chrysler Introduces New ‘Best-in-Industry’ Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Vehicles.” Chrysler Group press release courtesy of PR Newswire; SEMA Research & Information Center.