Thu, 11/29/2018 - 10:07

By Kyle Cheng

Industry Indicators
Download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Over the past month, the U.S. stock market has witnessed significant volatility and equity correction, wiping out the gains made so far in 2018. Despite this, the economy continues to run on all cylinders. Consumer sentiment remains positive and high, with spending growing at one of its highest rates since 2000—although vehicle sales were essentially flat in October. Additionally, October added another 250,000 jobs.

However, hurdles are looming. As we move into 2019 and 2020, waning fiscal stimulus and restrictive monetary policy may hinder growth. Likewise, housing continues to weaken, and affordability is a major concern in some markets. A strengthening dollar and weak economic growth outside the United States will also affect the economy.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out SEMA's new "Industry Perspectives Report."

Interested in learning about what young accessorizers drive? Curious about their motivations and how to reach them more effectively? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report.”

Download both of these reports and much more for free.

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 10:07

By Kyle Cheng

Industry Indicators
Download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Over the past month, the U.S. stock market has witnessed significant volatility and equity correction, wiping out the gains made so far in 2018. Despite this, the economy continues to run on all cylinders. Consumer sentiment remains positive and high, with spending growing at one of its highest rates since 2000—although vehicle sales were essentially flat in October. Additionally, October added another 250,000 jobs.

However, hurdles are looming. As we move into 2019 and 2020, waning fiscal stimulus and restrictive monetary policy may hinder growth. Likewise, housing continues to weaken, and affordability is a major concern in some markets. A strengthening dollar and weak economic growth outside the United States will also affect the economy.

To learn more, download the November “SEMA Industry Indicators” report from SEMA Market Research.

Want to learn more about the state of our industry? Interested in seeing current and projected product trends? Check out SEMA's new "Industry Perspectives Report."

Interested in learning about what young accessorizers drive? Curious about their motivations and how to reach them more effectively? Check out the new “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report.”

Download both of these reports and much more for free.

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:50

Explorer

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Explorer

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:30

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Supply Chain Manager: Daystar Products International is hiring a supply chain manager to assist logistics processes for the development of new products, inventory maintenance, manufacturing, shipment and delivery and returns on products; keep detailed records, generate reports and develop presentations to help management understand the logistics perspective; and build relationships within the company and with external parties, such as suppliers, third-party providers and distributors. The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in business management, supply chain management or a related field; a minimum of three years’ experience in a related field, Automotive experience is preferred, and the ability to manage logistics of all aspects of the supply chain, from product development to the shipment of finished items.

Wheel Sales and Applications Specialist: Kansei Wheels is hiring a wheel sales and applications specialist to search, develop and manage dealer accounts; provide customer and racer service via phone and email; use technical wheel fitment knowledge to approach customer service needs; and develop and maintain sponsorship relationships. The ideal candidate will have an intimate knowledge of performance Japanese cars used for drift, touge and street driving to aid in the sales growth to dealer accounts and individuals. A passion for tuning and a positive attitude are highly preferred.

Classic Car Mechanic/Technician: Bumbera’s Performance is hiring a classic car mechanic/technician who is a hard-working self-starter and highly knowledgeable about domestic classic cars ranging from the ’50s–’00s. The ability to jump right in and start working is a must. Knowledge of most domestic vehicles is required. Candidates must have their own tools.

Public Relations Account Executive: Kahn Media Inc. is hiring a public relations account executive responsible for developing and implementing PR and social-media strategies, maintaining relationships with journalists, communicating directly with clients, attending events and trade shows to support clients, facilitating interviews with the media, capturing content for social media use and creating monthly, quarterly and yearly reports for clients. The ideal candidate will be a talented writer, have a deep understanding of the current media landscape, have a thorough working knowledge of all major social-media channels and a passion for communication.

Prototype Fabricator: MagnaFlow is hiring a prototype fabricator to cut, size, notch and form tubing and hangers as necessary to properly fit vehicles; measure and document the design of prototype parts; and produce small quantity production runs to validate designs. MIG and TIG welding and metal fabrication skills are required. Bilingual (English-Spanish) candidates are preferred.

Thu, 11/29/2018 - 09:28