Audi AG has been experiencing some increased sales, as well as increased transaction prices, due to the success on the racetrack, according to Ward’s Auto. For the past seven years, Audi has won the Le Mans and has “been the overwhelming factor in the ALMS since it entered the series in 2001.”

Scott Keogh told Ward’s Auto that racing has been helpful in selling sports cars, including the S8, RS 4 and S6. Racing is also making it feasible for the automaker to push the price range for the R8 above $100,000, which goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2007. As of now, the company already has two years worth of orders for the R8. Production of the R8 will limit sales to 800 units per calendar year.

The current base price for the R8 is $110,000, with the inclusion of an automatic transmission adding an additional $8,000. The long wait for taking delivery of an R8 has actually boosted sales of other models, such as the S8, because many people want their car “right now.”

Audi’s performance diesels, FSI direct-injection gasoline and aerodynamic advances were derived from Audi race cars. The Audi TT and A3 use Audi’s sequential manual transmission, which was developed for racing. The automaker has a program it uses to promote the company’s racing successes to potential car buyers called “Stars and Cars.” Before each ALMS race, an event is held with 300–600 potential customers in attendance. And right now, the Audi R10 TDI is the only diesel-powered car competing. It is the same model which has won Le Mans for the past seven years, and Audi believes that this will help sell the 3L TDI-powered Q7 SUV when it goes on sale late 2008 or first quarter 2009.

Source:  Shuldiner, Herb.  (July 11, 2007). “Audi Racing Driving Brand Sales to New Record.” Ward’s Auto. Retrieved July 12, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.

As the automotive industry continues the debate regarding which alternative fuel should replace gasoline, some scientists have been studying the effects and environmental impacts of those alternatives in question. As Neil Winton of Detroit News Online states, “evidence continues to mount that car manufacturers are barking up the wrong tree with their push to convince motorists that ethanol-powered cars are a great way to pursue a green agenda.”

In Europe, some car makers including Saab, Ford and Volvo, have been making claims that burning ethanol made from sugar or corn derivatives will cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. These claims are being called into question. Some experts have pointed out that taking into account the whole lifecycle of renewable crops, with the substitution of land currently used for food, plus the extra fertilizer, water, transportation and energy needed to convert it into industrial alcohol, the likely result is that more CO2 will be emitted than from conventional fossil fuel.

In Sweden, buyers are offered everything from a $1,460 subsidy to lower fuel taxes to free parking and no road tolls to encourage the purchase of ethanol-powered vehicles and still sales are behind those of diesel-powered vehicles. One of the main reasons: diesel engines offer more than a 50% improvement in fuel consumption over ethanol power. Peter Schmidt, editor of Automotive Industry Data (A.I.D.) says that “cars modified to run on E85 consume, on average, between 20 and 30 percent more fuel than those operating on gasoline.” Sweden currently has a plan to become fully energy self-sufficient by 2020, with renewable fuels accounting for the majority. The country is pushing to have 25% of its gas stations providing ethanol by 2008. Currently, less than 1% of all stations there provide ethanol. 

According to the article, “Jerry Taylor, senior fellow at the Cato Institute based in Washington, DC, isn’t impressed by arguments in favor of ethanol.” He has very harsh criticism for the push for ethanol. In fact, he says that “the U.S. ethanol program exists to transfer money from taxpayers to farmers and ethanol processors.” He also points out that the use of ethanol will not reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that gasoline is not the biggest contributor to industrial greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, coal consumption is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases, and a lot of coal goes into ethanol production. A study conducted by Stanford University found that more use of E85 will produce worse air quality and lead to other problems including increased ozone-related mortality and hospitalization, as well as a 9% increase in asthma cases in Los Angeles and 4% increase nationwide. Taylor also states that “ethanol is a ‘green’ fuel only to the extent that it produces green-colored currency for corn farmers and ethanol processors.”

In the coming years we should expect to see more studies conducted regarding renewable and alternative fuels. The only thing that is for certain is that the future of fuels is uncertain. 

Source:  Winton, Neil. (July 3, 2007). “Diesel Efficiency Likely to Trump Even Subsidized Ethanol.”  Detroit News Online. Retrieved July 9, 2007 from www.detnews.com. 

According to Ward’s Auto and Automotive News, the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedan will feature a dual clutch automatic transmission system. The Lancer Evo will go on sale in fall 2007 in Japan, and early 2008 in the United States.

The Twin Clutch SST (sport shift transmission) makes use of two clutches in place of a traditional automatic transmission’s torque converter. The result is faster, smoother gear changes, similar to those experienced with manual transmissions. There are six odd and even gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. This enables the next gear in series to be “pre-engaged.” The system is similar to the Volkswagen Direct Shift Gearbox system. The clutches are activated for gear shifts through electronics, either automatically or at the driver’s command. 

The Twin Clutch system has three operating modes: normal, sport and s-sport. Normal is targeted for city driving, using low-speed shift points for increased comfort and fuel economy. The sport mode is intended for situations requiring engine braking. It uses higher shift points and faster shifting. And the S-Sport mode is an extension of the sport mode, but keeps the engine turning at higher revolutions.

According to the articles, the S-AWC (super all-wheel-control system) will again be available on the Evolution. The current system includes antilock brakes, an active center differential and active yaw control, which actively splits torque based on input from several accelerometers. The new AWC system has been updated to include active stability control.

Sources: Ward’s staff. (July 10, 2007). “Mitsubishi to Offer Twin Clutch Transmission on Lancer Evolution.” Ward’s Auto. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.

Jewett, Dale. (July 10, 2007). “New Mitsubishi to Get Dual-Clutch Transmission, Stability Control.” Automotive News. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.autonews.com.

The SEMA International Relations Programs provides comprehensive services to help automotive specialty-equipment companies expand worldwide. As the global demand for the industry's products soars, a dedicated staff seeks to identify the biggest opportunities and educates members on how best to proceed. From qualified trade leads to international legislative advocacy and research studies, the SEMA program is a valuable resource to those looking to increase business.

Visit www.sema.org/international for more.

SEMA is pleased to announce the hiring of William Miller as the association’s new senior vice president of operations. The new position, created as part of an internal restructuring to increase association capabilities, reports directly to SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. Miller will oversee the following five departments: Events and Communications; Marketing and Membership Services; Market Research and Information; Internal Systems and Project Teams; and OEM Relations.

“Bill is a proven leader who knows and understands our business,” said Kersting. “In this new position, he is going to be instrumental in helping SEMA improve departmental alignment and efficiencies. I am excited to have him join our team and about what it means in terms of improved service to the SEMA membership.”

The announcement caps off a number of recent executive management changes, including the addition of Will Woods as vice president of councils, and the promotion of Tom Myroniak from marketing director to vice president of marketing and membership services.

Miller, an accomplished sports/entertainment executive, brings with him more than 15 years of experience with Penske Motorsports Inc. and International Speedway Corp. Most recently, he served as president of the California Speedway in Fontana, California, where he led the track to unprecedented growth, increasing facility usage and overseeing the largest single-day sporting event in California. During Miller’s tenure at the California Speedway, the track acquired a reputation as a successful multipurpose venue, offering exceptional guest services and hospitality.

“I am honored to be a part of the SEMA team,” said Miller, who began his new position on Monday, July 2. “SEMA has a great deal to offer, and I look forward to working with the industry to grow and enhance SEMA’s member programs.”

Miller can be reached directly at billm@sema.org or 909/396-0289, ext. 113.

Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines and COMP Performance have teamed up to donate a 2008 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy to the silent auction at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Featuring a twin-cam 96 cubic-inch engine that puts down 89 ft lbs torque, the Fat Boy also comes with 17-inch Bullet Hole Disc cast aluminum wheels with a fat 200mm wide tire out back and dual chrome mufflers.

In addition to its charity golf tournament, the SEMA Installation Banquet and Gala Fundraiser supported by DUB magazine and Hot Wheels presented by Advanstar will feature an auction to benefit the Petty Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp children's charities. Among the impressive roster of items to be offered at the upcoming charity auction are exotic resort and cruise vacations, one-of-a-kind prints and photography, performance driving school certificates and NASCAR collectibles.

The Gala Auction begins at 6 p.m., Friday, July 27, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, in Irvine, California.

If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please visit: http://www.sema.org/images/pdf/gala_silent_auction.pdf

More exciting auction items are being added daily. Stay tuned to your weekly eNews update to view the latest additions to the auction lineup.

Items currently entered in the Gala Auction:

2008 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy motorcycle, donated by Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines and COMP Performance

Two-night stay for (2) couples at Cibolo Creek Ranch, near Big Bend National Park, Texas, donated by Cibolo Creek Ranch

Jeff Gordon-signed mini hood, donated by Joel Ayres

 

'32 75th Anniversary Roadster Pedal Car, donated by Warehouse 36

Framed watercolor print “Caravan Stop," donated by Dana Forrester Automotive Art

RR-56 Brute Race Ramps, donated by Brute Industries

The Shadow, Volumes 1–8, with original art, covers and illustrations, donated by Nostalgia Ventures

Skateboard hand-painted with SEMA logo donated by Peter MacGillivray

“How to Wire Your Hot Rod,” autographed and donated by author Dennis Overholser

NASCAR jacket (size XXL), donated by Dennis Overholser

Large Giclee canvas piece by Bruce Kaier, donated by Hot Rod Heritage

Tony Stewart autographed side panel, donated by Victory Junction Gang Camp

Full-page ad in Restyling Magazine, donated by Restyling Magazine

Tour of the National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Kentucky donated by Carl Sheffer

Garmin Nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant GPS receiver, donated by Lokar Performance Products

2007 Master’s Pin Flag signed by Fuzzy Zoeller donated by Tommy Daniels

2007 Master’s Pin Flag signed by Ben Crenshaw donated by Tommy Daniels

Framed photo of the 12th hole, Master’s Tournament, Augusta, Georgia, donated by Tommy Daniels

 

Framed photo of the 13th hole, Master’s Tournament, Augusta, Georgia, donated by Tommy Daniels

2008 SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals VIP Package, including air, hotel, tickets and parking for two, donated by Summit Racing Equipment

Philip Stein ladies watch donated by Diane and Peter MacGillivray

 

Kyle Petty’s 2006 Charity Ride jacket, donated by Jeff Kelderman, Kelderman Air Ride

 

Three certificates for two-day Grand Prix Specialty Driving Course at Bob Bondurant’s School of Performance, donated by Ira Gabriel,  Primedia.

“Backstage” Dinner for 10 at the 2007 SEMA Show Industry Banquet

Get Your Empties First at the 2007 SEMA Show certificate (Mobile Electronics, Racing & Performance hall, Wheel & Tire hall)

VIP Parking at the 2007 SEMA Show certificate (2)

 

Marriott gift basket certificate, donated by Experient

$500 towards a reception in a SEMA Show booth, donated by Aramark




-Two tickets to “O” at the Bellagio, donated by the Bellagio Hotel & Casino

-Audio/visual services to be provided in a booth/meeting room at the 2007 SEMA Show, donated by AVW-Telav

-’32 Ford Deuce book signed and donated by author Tony Thacker

-Front wheel from former BAR Honda Formula 1 car donated by Tony Thacker

-Vintage-style NHRA tin sign autographed by Wally Parks, donated by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

-Vintage-style tin sign for Wally’s Fuel & Gas autographed by Wally Parks, donated by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

-Vintage-style NHRA wool jacket autographed by Wally Parks, donated by the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum

-COGApa Automotive PA Systems (2 pieces), donated by COGApa

-Deluxe Kreepstool AT (aluminum frame deluxe rolling stool), donated by 4Teck

-Philip Stein Tesler Technology Ladies Watch donated by Anne Johnson

-Signed print of Chili’s Little Deuce Coupe

-Barrett-Jackson Fundraiser and Auction tickets, donated by Childhelp

-(2) Power Wheels Ford Mustang, donated by Mattel

-NASCAR Nextel Cup package and NASCAR Family Album, donated by NASCAR

-Richard Petty Shadow Box, donated by Victory Junction

-Kyle Petty-signed Hot Wheels print

-Richard and Kyle Petty-signed Victory Junction Gang Camp race helmet, donated by Victory Junction

-Bobby Labonte-signed leather jacket, donated by Victory Junction

-Tony Stewart-signed side panel, donated by Victory Junction

-Kevin Harvick-signed diecast, donated by Victory Junction

-Seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise with a balcony room. Ports of call include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas (departs 9/30/07), donated by Patrick Judge, Keystone Automotive Operations

3-day/2-night deluxe accommodations at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas, donated by the Mirage Hotel

 

3-day/2-night deluxe accommodations at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, donated by Planet Hollywood

3-day/2-night one-bedroom suite at the Hilton Grand, Las Vegas Strip, donated by Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas

3-day/2-night MGM Grand and Signature package including bungalow suite accommodations, limo transfer between airport and hotel and two tickets to Cirque Du Soliel’s “KA,” donated by MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

3-day/2-night package at the Las Vegas Hilton, including deluxe room and dinner for two at Benihana Village, donated by the Las Vegas Hilton

3-day/2-night stay at Circus Circus, donated by Circus Circus

3-day/2-night stay at Excalibur Hotel and two tickets to "Tournament of Kings" show, donated by Excalibur

2-night VIP accommodations at the Westin Casuarina, donated by the Westin Casuarina

3-day/2-night stay at Hooter’s Casino, including deluxe room and dinner for two at Hooter’s restaurant, donated by Hooters Casino Hotel

-3-day/2 night Imperial Palace package, including free bottle of champagne, "Legends" concert tickets w/one cocktail, Emperor’s Buffet and admission to IP Auto Collection, donated by Imperial Palace

-3-day/2 night stay at Sahara Hotel and dinner for two at Paco’s Mexican restaurant, donated by Sahara Hotel & Casino

More exciting auction items are being added daily. Stay tuned to your weekly eNews update to view the latest additions to the auction lineup.

SEMA Show exhibitors, your badge and badgeholder for the 2007 SEMA Show could be on its way to you as early as the second week of August. 
That's right!  If you're a SEMA Show alumnus, registered and approved, your badge and badgeholder will be sent to you before the Show. No waiting in line! Simply step off the monorail or shuttle bus, wear your badge and badgeholder and walk directly into the Show. It's our thank you for being an important part of the Show's success through your consistent attendance.

How do you know if you are an alumnus? If you attended the SEMA Show in either 2005 or 2006, you should have already received several e-mails and postcards with your personal and company alumni numbers on them. Included on the e-mails and postcards are the few simple steps to register for 2007. You can also find all your registration needs at www.SEMAShow.com, just click on "Attendee Registration." If you don't know your number, just type in your e-mail address as it was listed in 2006 and your number will be sent directly to you. It's that easy!

Haven't been to the SEMA Show before? Simply register online, and then bring a personal I.D. (driver's license) and a business I.D. (paycheck stub) to any of the registration areas surrounding the Las Vegas Convention Center. Your badge will be printed and you'll be on your way to new products, new resources and new marketing ideas.

Questions? Contact Show Management at SEMA-Reg@ConvExx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 118. 

According to a federal government ruling, 100% of new motor vehicles will need to have a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) by 2008. While tire-pressure monitoring systems represent an important development in car safety, they also pose challenges for our industry. Improper dismounting, for example, can break sensors, costing you time and money.

Servicing the tires on vehicles equipped with TPMS can result in an expensive lesson when the proper procedures are not followed. The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has trained thousands of technicians in North America on guidelines for handling the tires, as well as the vehicles, and will present an overview of how TPMS technology affects the replacement-tire market. This webinar will focus on the service-related issues that have been occurring and the steps that service providers can take to prevent broken sensors and disabled systems.

To tune into the webinar, click on www.sema.org/webinar and scroll down to “How to Participate.”

And don’t forget, on August 7 SEMA will present a webinar about how to maximize your SEMA Show experience.

Entitled “Don't Say ‘Next Year I’ll Do the Show Better.’ Just Do It Now—We’ll Show You How,” this webinar features speaker Chuck Schwartz of ConvExx sharing case studies of SEMA Show exhibitors that have found success, and how you can capitalize on their winning strategies.

Because a large portion of your annual marketing budget is allocated to the SEMA Show, it's important to capitalize on your investment. Discover how to accomplish your goals and receive overwhelming success on August 7, at 10 a.m. (PST). Prepare yourself for the 2007 SEMA Show. Start by creating a winning game plan today.

Filler for eNews

With the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan to appear in U.S. showrooms later this summer, the online market for C-class parts and accessories is nearly $2 million per month strong, despite a recent leveling off in sales.

Since January, C-class parts and accessory sales via online auction have averaged $1,795,00 a month, peaking in March at $1,908,000 total sales (numbers rounded to nearest hundred) according to data from Terapeak, a developer of market-focused research software that monitors online sales and auctions.

The most popular categories were exterior goods, primarily grilles and car covers, followed by headlamps and taillights, then interior items like switches, knobs, floor mats and shift knobs. Exterior item sales between June 6-July 5 totaled $274,000, while lighting and lamps accounted for $276,700 and interior goods comprising $160,200 of total sales.

Total sales have leveled off some since a June 12th peak of $88,947, a slowdown perhaps an indicator of consumers waiting on the new model, available in 228- and 268-hp versions. 

Wheels and tires were not surprisingly the most profitable category, averaging $632,000 a month since April. The best day for wheel sellers was May 7th, when $35,100 worth of wheels, tires and assorted wheel/tire accessories were sold.

How prevalent is Internet purchasing among specialty-equipment enthusiasts?

"The past two years, SEMA research has shown that the highest percentage of automotive enthusiasts indicate they purchased their performance parts and accessories over the Internet," says SEMA research analyst Ty Michael.

"Interestingly, roughly the same percentage of enthusiasts indicated that they purchased their parts at traditional brick and mortar shops. Thirty-nine percent of enthusiasts said they purchased on the Internet, compared to 31% who indicated they went to a physical location to make their purchases."

Terapeak's Motors P&A Research provides sellers with access to comprehensive research on the past year of online auction data and allows users to get in-depth research reports on the competition and themselves. More at www.terapeak.com/motors.