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

>> SEMA Webinar: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), July 12, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Webinar: Urban Lifestyle Report, July 26, 10 a.m. (PST)
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> SEMA Webinar: SEMA Show Case Study Review—How Exhibitors Create Success, August 7, 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:

• Truck Suspension Sales Tech, Costa Mesa, California
• Buyer, Azusa, California
• General Ledger Accountant, Azusa, California
• Outside Sales Rep, Oklahoma 
• Manufacturing Engineer, Lakeville, Minnesota
• Marketing Manager, Lakeville, Minnesota

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.

Discover Financial Services recently conducted a survey asking consumers what they would be willing to do to save money during this time of high gas prices. According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, the survey found that 80% of Americans say their car or truck is very important to their everyday lives.

Nearly half of the nation’s car owners would be willing to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle if gas prices were to rise by $1 or more. Seventy percent of those surveyed said they would cut back on entertainment spending first, while 66% indicated they would change vacation plans in order to combat fuel prices. 

The survey was conducted as part of the Discover Spending Confidence Monitor. It was completed via telephone by 1,000 adults and had a margin of error of +/- 3. Ed Stolbof, senior vice president of marketing for Discover Financial Services, said that, “It appears the first line of defense to lessen the impact of rising gas prices is expense management.” Consumers would rather cut back spending in other areas than change driving habits. Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said that they were not likely to walk or ride a bike as an alternative form of transportation. Less than 25% of those polled said they would use public transportation.

Although this survey included responses from only 1,000 consumers, it is a good indicator of one thing: Americans love their cars, and would reduce discretionary spending on things such as vacations rather than give up their car.

Source:  Bodipa-Memba, Alejandro. (June 26, 2007). “Americans Would Rather Pinch Pennies Than Get Around Without Car.” Detroit Free Press.  Retrieved July 2, 2007, from www.freep.com.

Mercedes-Benz just announced pricing for its C class models, according to AutoWeek. The automaker actually cut the cost of the upper trim levels of the 2008 C class, but increased the base price by $1,500. The new C class will be available on August 7 in sport and luxury trim levels that feature suspension tuning and distinctive front ends, wheels and interior trim.

The C300 Sport replaced the C230 Sport sedan. It is equipped with a 3.0L 228-hp V6 engine, upgraded from the 2.5L V6 currently found in its predecessor. The 2008 C300 is priced at $31,975 and, according to Mercedes-Benz, has considerably more standard equipment than its predecessor. The C300 luxury sedan will start at $33,675—$500 less than the current C280 luxury model. The C350 Sport sedan will have a base price of $37,275, down $1,500 from 2007. And the C350 luxury sedan has been dropped from the C class lineup.

Source: Kurylko, Diana T. (July 3, 2007). “Mercedes Announces C Class Pricing.” AutoWeek. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.autoweek.com.

According to The Car Connection, here is what's new for Lincoln in 2008:

2008 Lincoln MKZ
This entry-level sedan will return for 2008 with a lot of updates, including a retro-styled cabin. The MKZ name replaced the Zephyr name, which had only lasted for one year. The 3.5L V6 will carry over for the 2008 model, with 263 hp and 249 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive will be an option. The new engine will run on regular 87-octane gasoline and, according to The Car Connection, is one of the most powerful engines in its class.

For 2008, the MKZ has added standard Sirius satellite radio. And later in the year, the Ford-Microsoft Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system will be standard. Also for standard for 2008 are a reverse-sensing system, premium leather seats with heating and cooling functions and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Ten-way power seats are also standard, along with 17-inch tires, side and curtain airbags, an iPod jack and LED taillamps. The optional navigation system is voice-activated. Also optional is a THX II-certified audio system with 14 speakers, high-intensity discharge headlamps and a power sunroof.

2008 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator returns for 2008 with two editions—standard and long wheelbase. The long wheelbase is 14.7 inches longer than the standard model and has 25 cubic feet more storage capacity. The 2007 model was completely redesigned, and the 2008 model’s updates are mostly related to comfort and convenience. It will include a standard power liftgate and standard heated and cooled front seats. 

The 2008 model will be equipped with independent suspension and a 300-hp, 5.4L V8 with six-speed automatic transmission. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available. The maximum tow rating will be 9,100 lbs. Some new options for 2008 include a Monochrome Limited Edition Package which includes new outer trim and cladding, power folding side mirrors and unique badging. The interior for the Monochrome package includes black carpet and floormats, black wood trim and black leather insert seats and the Lincoln logo stitched on the headrests.

Also standard for 2008 are Sirius satellite radio, a power-folding third row seat, a rearview camera and a THX II-certified audio system. The standard Navigator has 103.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the all seats folded down, and the L version has 128.2 cubic feet of space. Some of the standalone options include 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels, premium leather seats, power running boards, a power moonroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2008 Lincoln MKX
The MKX, Lincoln’s crossover, is powered by a 3.5L, 263-hp V6 with six-speed automatic transmission.  Front-wheel drive is standard on the MKX, with all-wheel drive being an option. Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control and side-curtain airbags are also standard. Sirius satellite radio is standard for 2008, as are heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker 600-watt THX audio system with surround sound and a DVD-based GPS navigational system. Also included are adaptive projector-beam headlights that pivot as the vehicle turns and a reverse-sensing system.

Ford’s Sync system will arrive for the MKX later in the year. The Sync system uses Bluetooth technology along with a touch screen to control communications and entertainment. New for 2008 is a Limited package. This package features 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome door handles, ebony wood accents and premium leather seats. The Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which is also found on the 2008 Navigator, will also be available. An Elite package will include voice-activated navigation system, Vista roof and THX II-certified audio system. Some of the standalone options include: Vista roof; roof-rack side rails; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; 20-inch chrome-clad wheels; and voice-activated DVD navigational system.

2008 Lincoln Mark LT
The Mark LT is Lincoln’s fullsize luxury pickup. For 2008, Sirius satellite radio will be standard.  Options will include a rearview mirror camera, remote start system and a monochrome appearance package with body-color grille surrounded by body-color bumpers and 20-inch seven-spoke chromed wheels.

The powertrain and trim levels carry over from the 2007 model year. The same 5.4L, 300-hp V8 with electronic throttle control will still be found under the hood. The maximum-rated towing capacity for the Mark LT is 8,900 lbs. Standard is the four-speed automatic transmission. The suspension of the Mark LT is softened up relative to the F-Series, according to The Car Connection. The Mark LT is available in both rear- and four-wheel drive, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard.
 
Sources:  Padgett, Marty. (July 3, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKZ: What’s New: Behind the Waterfall Grille, Better Details.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Navigator: What’s New: Lincoln’s Big SUV Looks Backward for 2008.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln MKX: What’s New: Blinging in the New Year With More Trim.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

Padgett, Marty. (July 5, 2007). “2008 Lincoln Mark LT: What’s New: A Snazzy Truck Adds Luxe Features.” The Car Connection. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.thecarconnection.com.

According to AutoWeek, Detroit’s automakers are working quickly to install fuel-saving diesel engines in their light trucks. And Nissan and Toyota may join them as well. Diesels have been common in the domestic automakers’ heavy-duty pickups, but as fuel economy concerns grow, as well as pressures form the competition, we may start seeing them in the light-duty trucks as well.

According to AutoWeek, Ford Motor Co. will likely be the first to market when it puts a diesel in the F-150 pickup in 2009. In May, General Motors announced its plans for a 4.5L Duramax diesel to be used in its light-duty pickups. Some news reports have indicated that Nissan is planning a diesel for the Titan, while Toyota has indicated it is looking into the possibility of a diesel for the Tundra.

Diesel engines typically boost fuel economy by 25%–30%. They are attractive for consumers who tow heavy loads, and they also have a higher resale value. A Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a diesel should see improved fuel economy of 19.5 mpg city/25 mpg highway, compared to the gasoline-powered version with 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway. A Hummer H2 powered with a diesel engine could get 16 mpg or more on the highway, compared to the current model, which gets 13 to 14 mph on the highway.

Ford’s diesel plans include a light-duty diesel for the F-150 and possibly the Expedition in 2009. This 4.4L engine will be a larger version of the 3.6L turbocharged V8 used in the European-market Land Rover Range Rovers. “Our 30 years of truck leadership is founded on having the most capable and innovative trucks our there,” says Wes Sherwood of Ford.

Earlier this year, Chrysler confirmed that it will use at least one new engine from Cummins Inc. in the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. This will be a 4.2L V6 that Cummins developed with the United States Department of Energy. According to AutoWeek, the early test version of this diesel pushed out 190 hp and 570 lb.-ft. of torque.

The diesels have been popular and profitable for the Detroit 3. Roughly 40% of the 796,000 Ford F-Series trucks sold in the United States last year were diesel-powered. The sales of GM’s heavy-duty Silverado and Sierra diesels are capped at around 200,000 units annually due to production restraints at the plant in Moraine, Ohio. Dodge sold about 150,000 heavy-duty Ram pickups equipped with the Cummins diesel in 2006.

A diesel will cost a consumer about $6,660 more than a comparable gasoline engine. But AutoWeek says that a study by the Martec Group shows that after 4.5 years of ownership, a diesel truck is worth $4,700 more than a gasoline-powered truck. After those 4.5 years, a diesel owner will have spent about $4,200 less on fuel.

In summary, the following are expected to hit the market in future:

• Ford—4.4L turbocharged V8 for F-150 and possibly Expedition in 2009
• Dodge—4.2L turbocharged V6 for Ram 1500 in 2010
• GM—4.5L turbocharged V8 for Silverado/Sierra pickups and Hummer H2 in 2010
• Nissan—Not definite. Might use V6 or V8 diesel in Titan (from International Truck and Engine Corp.) in 2010
• Toyota—Not definite. Currently working with Isuzu to develop diesels; might see a diesel in Tundra in 2010

Source:  Truett, Richard.  (July 2, 2007).  “Driven to Diesels: Automakers Scramble to Offer Diesels in Light-Duty Trucks.”  AutoWeek. Retrieved July 2, 2007, from www.autoweek.com.

According to WardsAuto, the Hummer H2 has become the modern icon of conspicuous consumption. For the specialty-equipment market, it has become somewhat of an icon for customization. For 2008, the next Hummer H2 will be more powerful than ever.

The 2008 H2 will be powered by a 393-hp, 6.2L V8 with a six-speed transmission. The interior, along with the grille, will also receive a facelift. Its curb weight approaches 7,000 lbs., and will feature a new low-range four-wheel-drive transfer case. WardsAuto claims that the redesigns now make the H2 worthy of its price tag and that the overall design feels much more cohesive than the cobbled-together, parts-bin menagerie of the previous model.

There are several optional "infotainment" features, as well as safety improvements, including standard full-length rollover-curtain airbags, improved stability control and anti-rollover systems. The vehicle will also have upgraded brakes that will better maintain pressure during sudden stops. There will also be an available rearview camera system from Magna International Inc., which integrates into the rearview mirror on the models not equipped with a navigation system. The H2 can tow up to 8,000 lbs., up from 6,500 lbs. in 2007. It will also have improved acceleration, quicker steering ratio and a four-channel brake-based traction-control system. The Environmental Protection Agency does not rate the fuel economy for the vehicle because of it weight, but GM says that it sees an improvement of 10% from 2007, which would put it somewhere between 12–13 mpg.

Source: Sutton, Mike. (July 3, 2007). “New Hummer H2 Rules Where Pavement Ends.” WardsAuto.  Retrieved July 5, 2007, from www.wardsauto.com.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which according to AutoWeek will go on sale in spring 2008, is expected to challenge BMW’s new M3 for outright driver appeal. Tobias Moers of Mercedes-Benz says that the C63 has more development miles than any other cars in AMG’s 40-year history.

The C63 will be equipped with a 6.2L, 457-hp V8. It will have a seven-speed automatic transmission, 442 lb.-ft. of torque and will feature an electronic stability program that can be switched off completely. When the button is held down for longer than three seconds, the system is disabled. It will continue to operate under braking and will be completely disengaged under load.

The entire frontend structure has been redesigned around a series of six radiators. The front axle of the CLK63 Black Series has been adopted, and the overall length of the vehicle will be 1.3 inches longer than the standard C-Class. Its precision steering will provide sharper turn-in and greater feedback. The suspension will be four-link in front, five-link in the rear. It will be equipped with 18-inch wheels on 245/50 front and 255/35 rear Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires. 

On the outside you’ll find a twin-slat grille, titanium-colored headlight inserts, a restyled steel hood, widened front fenders and bulging wheel arches. There is also a trunk-mounted spoiler and retroflex rear bumper, and the taillamp lenses have been darkened. The interior features contoured sport seats with electronic cushion adjustments, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel with remote shift paddles.

Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-to-62 mph e.t. of 4.5 seconds—0.3 seconds quicker than that for the new BMW M3. Top speed is capped at 155 mph. However, there is an optional package that includes a remapped ECU that extends the top end to 174 mph. No price tag has yet been set for the C63.

Source: Kable, Greg. (July 3, 2007). “Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: The New C63 Cozies Up With Style and Speed.” AutoWeek. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from www.autoweek.com.

The limited-production Volkswagen R32 will be one of the cars with a lot of appeal for the sport-compact market, but it won’t be easy to get. And according to WardsAuto, its price tag will be more than twice that of the $15,000 base-model Rabbit hatchback and will have exotic-car performance.

The previous generation of the R32 was introduced in the United States back in 2004 and quickly sold out with an allotment of only 5,000 units. The 2008 model will also be allotted only 5,000 units, and VW has already pre-sold 1,000. It will be about $10,000 more than the GTI and unfortunately, will not be nearly as fast as its competitors—such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution—in the price range. Ward’s calls it a rare but affordable exotic.

It will be powered by a 250-hp, 3.2L narrow-angle V6 that will produce 236 lb.-ft. of torque and will have a 0-to-62 mph acceleration of 6.4 seconds. Ward’s also emphasizes the R32’s exhaust sounds, which pick up where the previous R32 left off. Even if it’s not as fast as its closest competitors, Ward’s says that in terms of refinement, driving comfort and overall practicality, the R32 is miles ahead of its peers.

The R32 will be equipped with a multilink suspension in the rear along with McPherson struts and anti-roll bar up front. The standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system can transfer up to 75% of the torque to the rear wheels.

Source: Winter, Drew. (June 27, 2007). “Volkswagen’s Affordable Exotic.” WardsAuto. Retrieved July 5, 2007, from www.wardsauto.com.

Hydraulic components are found many places in the automotive and specialty-equipment industries. They can be found on carbon-fiber hoods and the lift gates of SUVs. They are often slow and noisy. But some people have developed a product that could potentially replace standard hydraulics—the electromagnetic actuator.

According to Yet2.com, the electromagnetic actuator is a highly sensitive motion-control device that employs more reliable and cleaner electromagnetic technologies to replace slower, less precise, larger, noisier and environmentally unfriendly hydraulic components. It’s expected to have hundreds of applications, not only as a replacement technology, but also as an enabling technology. It makes use of an armature in the form of a piston. The piston moves on its own slide bearing rings, which are fitted into pole pieces at each end and at strategic positions along the length of the armature. One of the great things about the technology is that nothing wears but the two bearings and one seal. The piston itself is fitted with an output shaft, rod or thrust tube. The opposite end of the machine can be mounted on a universal joint so as to provide swing in any direction.

The actuator has the ability to operate under water, in a vacuum or in a hostile or sterile environment.  There is zero time delay between current flow and output thrust. The motor is very robust and tolerant of its environment due to the relaxed tolerances of the overall design. The gas spring motor is actually part of the motor. And the actuators themselves have a constant-reluctance design, providing a smooth output force. The actuators are compatible with new and patented forms of automotive uses, and the design may be scaled easily across a wide range of thrusts, velocities and piston travel distances. The article claims that the actuators are totally silent and are environmentally safe. They are precise to five microns, and there is no electromagnetic interference. 

Other features include the fact that the electric piston can be sealed to the stationary structure, allowing it to act as a fluid power element. This is ideal for a gas spring system. The gas spring can therefore be used as a means to support the deadload. The gas spring can also act as an energy storage reservoir in reciprocating mechanisms. And, as the article states, both of the (patented) techniques greatly reduce the power that has to be supplied to the actuator for gravitational or inertial acceleration of the load.

For the entire article, refer to Yet2.com. The electromagnetic actuator is a simple yet sophisticated component, which many in the specialty-equipment market will find useful and will have a lot of fun incorporating into the design process.

Source:  “Electromagnetic Actuator.” Yet2.com. Retrieved July 6, 2007, from www.yet2.com.