United Components Inc.’s (UCI) board of directors appointed Daniel Johnston as its new chief financial officer. Johnston, who will also serve as a member of the board, was previously vice president and chief financial officer of Solae LLC, a producer of soy-based food products. Prior to Solae, Johnston spent more than 10 years in senior financial and operational positions at United Industries Corp.

Delphi named Walter Guertler as its new sales director of its global Gas Engine Management Systems (EMS). Guertler replaces Gary Bertolini, who is retiring following his more than 37 years with GM/Delphi in engineering, operations and sales assignments. Guertler joins Delphi from Siemens VDO Automotive where he was a vice president and key account executive on the Chrysler account in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Larry Carter, president and CEO of Car-O-Liner North American Operations, announced that he will retire at the end of June after holding his leadership position for 17 years. He will remain as a director of the company’s board and as a senior advisor to Alignment Systems AB, the parent company of Car-O-Liner. Jeff Kern has been appointed managing director and president of the North American operations of Car-O-Liner Co. and Alignment Systems, and will succeed Carter effective July 1. Kern has held several senior positions within Hunter Engineering Co., most recently as director of OEM Programs and Detroit regional manager.

Ex Goodyear North American Tire Group President Jon Rich was named president and CEO of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc., formerly known as GE Silicones. Rich, who left Goodyear this past March, worked for GE Silicones from 1996–2000.

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC worked with the team at Bigfoot, recognized as The Original Monster Truck, to develop a new look for America’s first rolling car crusher. Boasting the Firestone shield and a paint theme portraying the tradition of the Firestone brand, Bigfoot (pictured below) now carries the Tiresafety.com logo. Tiresafety.com is an informative website created by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire to make tire and automotive safety information easily accessible to motorists via the Internet.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• 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 Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
  
• MPMC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 MPMC Select Committee Election

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. – Incumbent
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Kyle Fickler, Aeromotive Inc.
• Geoffrey Gerko, Mr. Gasket Performance Group
• Joe Hige, Turbonetics Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. – Incumbent
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. – Incumbent
• Dan Qualls, Total Seal Inc.
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. – Incumbent
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition – Incumbent
• John Sonnefeldt, Eaton Performance Products

Election ballots were mailed to all MPMC members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the MPMC. Vote now! If you have any questions, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

More SEMA council and committee news:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

The following council members are the candidates for the ARMO Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

ARMO Select-Committee Candidates

• Melvin Benzaquen, Classic Restoration Enterprises, Inc.
• Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ken DeVries, Trader National Publishing
• Steven Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc.
• Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Sandy Patterson, Primedia (Incumbent)
• Curt Patterson, AMAA (Incumbent)
• Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions Inc. (Incumbent)
• Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER

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

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

The following council members are the candidates for the HRIA Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

HRIA Select-Committee Candidates

• Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine (Incumbent)
• Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom (Incumbent)
• Dick Dixon – Automotive Education Alliance, Inc.
• Mike Kinney – Las Vegas Rod & Custom
• Rick Love – Vintage Air Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows
• Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. – (Incumbent)
• Brian Reese – Comp Performance Group
• Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products
• Janeen Webb - Primedia

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 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 Perricone at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacip@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

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)

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

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

Members of the SCC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SCC Select Committee Election

• Ross Berlanga, KTC Media Group
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM – Incumbent
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rachlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Albert Reda, Vibrant Performance
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution – Incumbent
• Gary Rubio, Performance Motorsport Inc.
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions – Incumbent
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics, Inc. – Incumbent
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.

Election ballots were mailed to all SCC members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballot. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SCC. Vote now!If you have any questions, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes 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)

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

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

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

Members of the SBN have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SBN Select Committee Election

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Savitri Dhiman, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Kristine Lindahl, ARP
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. - Incumbent
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling Mills, Street Thunder Magazine
• Jan Sica, Vince Sica and Associates
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN Magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

Election ballots were mailed to all SBN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SBN committee. Vote now!
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• 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.

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

Young Executives Network (YEN)

Members of the Young Executives Network have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 YEN Select Committee Election

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway – Incumbent
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring – Incumbent
• Zac Compton, Classic Instruments Inc.
• Jamie Cook, Wangs International/Pilot Automotive
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Jason Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories, Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing – Incumbent
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas – Incumbent
• Derrick Johnston, Alliance Sales
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering, Inc. – Incumbent
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors, Inc. – Incumbent
• Shawn Pitts, Considine Sales & Marketing
• Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
• Douglas Schriefer, Barry Grant, Inc.
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply – Incumbent

Election ballots were mailed to all YEN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the YEN committee. Vote now! If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Did you know that the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the SEMA Young Executives Network, 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, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Did you know that 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.
  
• Becoming involved in SEMA at an early age will help you work your way to the top. Did you know that current SEMA Chairman of the Board, Mitch Williams, was once a member of YEN? If you are interested in becoming a YEN member, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes 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

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

>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas

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

The early-bird registration deadline for the 2007 Aftermarket eForum has been extended to June 15. Attendees can save $200 off the regular rates when they register online, by fax or mail. The eForum will be held July 16–18 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago and features an agenda packed with featured presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions and educational tracks—all focused on innovative technology solutions to today’s business challenges.

Members of AAIA, AWDA, AIA Canada, MEMA and SEMA can register the first attendee for $695. Additional attendees are $595. Non-member rates are $895/$795.

For more information on the 2007 Aftermarket eForum, contact 301/654-6664. To view the agenda, download the brochure and register online, visit www.aftermarketeforum.com.

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:

• Shipping Lead, Azusa, California
• Sales, City of Industry, California
• Sales, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Buyer, Azusa, California

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.

The companies and links below represent the members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) that sponsored the council's Industry Awards Reception during the SEMA Spring Expo and SEMA OFFROAD events. For more information on PRO, visit the council's website by clicking here.

PRO Industry Awards Reception Sponsors

• Advantage Truck Accessories: www.advantagetruckaccessories.com
• Auto Trim of North America: www.atna.net
• Big Country: www.bigcountryauto.com
• Bobit Publishing: www.bobit.com
• Keystone Restyling Products : www.keystonerestyling.com
• Restyler's Choice: www.restylerschoice.com
• Luverne Truck Equipment: www.luvernetruck.com
• Razzi Ground Effects (Razzi Corp): www.razzi.com
• 3M Automotive Division: www.3m.com/automotive
• Truck Accessories Group/Leer: www.leer.com
• Trucking Times Magazine: www.truckingtimes.com
• Westin Automotive Products: www.westinautomotive.com

After falling for two months in a row, consumer demand for new automobiles rebounded 3% in May, with 17% of all U.S. households saying that they are very (8%) or somewhat (9%) likely to purchase or lease a new automobile within the next six months (versus 14% who were likely to purchase or lease a new automobile in April), according to TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence.

This month, demand for new automobiles improved among 21 of the 26 consumer groups that TechnoMetrica tracks, fell among three groups, and remained virtually unchanged among two. The sharpest increases occurred among African-American and Hispanic consumers (+11.4 percentage points), 18–24 year olds (+11.1), Midwesterners (+7.3) and parents (+6.9).

On the other hand, demand fell most among those with household incomes above $75K (-6.5), followed by consumers aged 45–64 (-2.9) and Southerners (-1.2).

The highest demand levels were observed among people aged 25–44 (24% say they are likely to purchase or lease a new automobile within the next six months), African-American and Hispanic consumers (23%), parents and suburbanites (21%, respectively).

Groups least likely to purchase or lease a new vehicle included those over the age of 65 (10%), consumers between the ages of 45–64 (11%), those with only a high school education, as well as those with annual incomes between $30K–$50K (13%, respectively).

Of the 17% of households that are likely to purchase or lease a new vehicle within the next six months, 15% say they are likely to make their purchase/lease within one month, while 27% are looking two to three months in the future and 50% expect their purchase/lease to occur four to six months down the line.

With 23% of the vote, midsize cars rank first among likely buyers, while compact cars, with a 21% share, hold second place. Other vehicle types that made rank in May’s survey included: 

• Small SUVs (15% of likely buyers say they are most likely to purchase or lease this type of vehicle)
• Minivans (10%)
• Fullsize cars (8%)
• Trucks (7%)
• Large SUVs (7%)

Consumers preferences tended to lean more strongly towards domestic automakers (44%), although Asian automakers did well too (35%). In terms of brand, Ford (14%) held the top spot, followed closely by Toyota (13%), Honda (12%) and Chevrolet (10%).

Planned new-vehicle expenditures were roughly inline with expectations, with the average likely buyer planning to spend around $24,000 for a new vehicle. However, a sizable number (33%) do plan on spending more than $30K, and 11% plan on spending more than $40K.

Source: TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence. (May 31, 2007). “Demand for Autos Rebounds in May.” AutoView Newsletter. www.technometrica.com.

SEMA research has shown that 83% of new-vehicle buyers agree that their vehicles should represent good investments. Consumers want their vehicles to retain value and may make their future purchase decisions partly based on this factor. With this in mind, CarGurus (www.cargurus.com), an automotive community offering consumers pricing information on new vehicles, assembled its list of the 10 best and 10 worst vehicles in terms of retention value.

Using its Web Price Index, CarGurus, assembled lists of the popular 2007 cars that have historically had the best and worst value retention in the past (as measured by the percent of MSRP retained over five years and 65,000 miles). Study findings included that:

• The 2007 Jeep Wrangler took the top spot, having retained 73% of its value over a five-year/65,000-mile period
• Five of the Top 15 value-retaining cars were Toyotas
• Surprisingly, sports cars such as the Ford Mustang and Porsche 911 were both on the list of Top 15 value-retaining cars, as shown in the table below:

CarGurus took the 250 most popular cars as measured by sales volume and selected cars shipping in 2007 that had similar trims shipping in 2001. CarGurus then measured the value of a used 2001 version of the car with 65k miles (in today’s dollars) versus the original MSRP (from 2001) to measure “value retention.”

Source: CarGurus. (June 5, 2007). “CarGurus Releases Auto Industry’s First and Only ‘Web Price Index’—Pricing From the Democracy of the Web.” CarGurus press release courtesy of PR Newswire.