Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Tim Sayers

Tim Sayers Joins The Marx Group as Account Executive/Product and Market Specialist
Tom Marx, president and CEO of The Marx Group, has announced the addition of Tim Sayers as an account executive/product and market specialist. Based in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area, Sayers will support clients in the automotive, heavy-duty and high-performance/specialty segments of the aftermarket. Most recently, Sayers was the operations and marketing manager for IMCO and Cherry Bomb Exhaust in Loudon, Tennessee, where he was responsible for product management and marketing in the United States and Canada. Sayers has more than 30 years of diverse automotive experience working in the OE replacement, OE service, high-performance, emissions-control, heavy-duty and specialty segments. He has worked with all levels of individuals in the automotive aftermarket from repair shop owners and technicians to wholesale and retail parts distributors and manufacturers.

From L-R: Ken Brown, Billy Eordekian and SEMA's Clayton Drescher.

TIA's Brown Speaks to California Dealers at 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels Luncheon
On January 16, Tire Industry Association (TIA) President Ken Brown was the keynote speaker at the second-annual 1-800EveryRim.com – OEM Wheels Happy New Year Luncheon. This being the first speaking engagement of his term, Brown’s topic was “TIA Today, TIA Tomorrow” with an emphasis on training. As 1-800EveryRim President Billy Eordekian spoke, he stressed the importance of “association membership and associating” while mentioned specifically the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA), SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and TIA—all represented at the event. Including CTDA Vice President Chris Barry, there also was a strong Independent Tire Dealers Group (ITDG) presence. CTDA Board Member Ed King presented Eordekian with a plaque honoring him for his leadership and service to CTDA as president from 2010–2013.

Toyo Tires Grows Partnership with Anaheim Ducks; Honda Center Freeway Marquee Features Toyo Tires Signage
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced a new, greater partnership with the National Hockey League’s top-ranked Anaheim Ducks and their home arena, Honda Center. “Home ice” support was first provided by Toyo Tires during the 2007 NHL playoffs when the Ducks captured the Stanley Cup in the final, and the company has had signage around the ice as recently as last season. The new agreement grows the partnership to include year-round elements, such as a static sign on the arena marquee next to the busy 57 freeway in Anaheim, California. Toyo Tires will also be seen inside Honda Center as the logo rotates on two LED rings before and after all events, and on signage around the concourse. During Ducks games, fans in the arena and those watching from home will once again see the Toyo Tires logo on dasherboards around the ice. Those at Honda Center will also have the chance to win a “Toyo Seat Upgrade” each home game. One of the team’s two Zambonis is fully wrapped with the Toyo Tires logo, and both vehicles rely on Toyo M-55TM light truck tires when they roll out to groom the ice.

	Tim King's ’66 Chevelle.

Power Automedia Welcomes Tim King as Chevy Hardcore Editor
Power Automedia has hired Tim King as editor of Chevy Hardcore. King grew up shadowing his father in the garage. From there, his passion grew and led him down a career path that touched nearly every area of the automotive industry. Now King brings his diverse skills and passion to the Chevy Hardcore readership. At the age of 15, King bought his first car—a ’66 Chevelle, which he still owns to this day. Not only is he a gear head, but he also holds two bachelors' degrees from Cal State San Bernardino.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

The El Mirage lives in four-door form! Behold the first photos of a production-intent IVER for Cadillac's full-size rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan.

Caught testing in the sub-zero climes of GM's Canadian winter-testing grounds, the big RWD caddy shows a lean, chiseled shape that takes cues from the lovely El Mirage coupe concept that debuted last August at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to sources, only sedan prototypes have been built to date, but a coupe is a possibility later in the model's lifecycle. The design is a clear break from the pudgy, inflated shape found on the front-wheel-drive Cadillac XTS, and has the potential to get noticed amid high-end luxury nameplates in ways that the XTS never could. The El Mirage sedan prototypes were testing alongside a BMW 740i and a Kia K9 still wearing its European plates.

GM's new rear-wheel-drive Omega architecture underpins this new flagship Cadillac, which is said to share nothing with the ATS or CTS. Cadillac has reportedly trademarked the name "LTS" which is thought to be a possible moniker for this range-topping, rear-driven luxury sedan. A Buick variant is also said to be in the works, which is destined primarily for the Chinese market. Whether Buick's Omega variant will ever see U.S. dealerships is still reportedly undecided.

Cadillac's new flagship sedan is due for the ’16 model-year.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The El Mirage lives in four-door form! Behold the first photos of a production-intent IVER for Cadillac's full-size rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan.

Caught testing in the sub-zero climes of GM's Canadian winter-testing grounds, the big RWD caddy shows a lean, chiseled shape that takes cues from the lovely El Mirage coupe concept that debuted last August at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to sources, only sedan prototypes have been built to date, but a coupe is a possibility later in the model's lifecycle. The design is a clear break from the pudgy, inflated shape found on the front-wheel-drive Cadillac XTS, and has the potential to get noticed amid high-end luxury nameplates in ways that the XTS never could. The El Mirage sedan prototypes were testing alongside a BMW 740i and a Kia K9 still wearing its European plates.

GM's new rear-wheel-drive Omega architecture underpins this new flagship Cadillac, which is said to share nothing with the ATS or CTS. Cadillac has reportedly trademarked the name "LTS" which is thought to be a possible moniker for this range-topping, rear-driven luxury sedan. A Buick variant is also said to be in the works, which is destined primarily for the Chinese market. Whether Buick's Omega variant will ever see U.S. dealerships is still reportedly undecided.

Cadillac's new flagship sedan is due for the ’16 model-year.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The El Mirage lives in four-door form! Behold the first photos of a production-intent IVER for Cadillac's full-size rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan.

Caught testing in the sub-zero climes of GM's Canadian winter-testing grounds, the big RWD caddy shows a lean, chiseled shape that takes cues from the lovely El Mirage coupe concept that debuted last August at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. According to sources, only sedan prototypes have been built to date, but a coupe is a possibility later in the model's lifecycle. The design is a clear break from the pudgy, inflated shape found on the front-wheel-drive Cadillac XTS, and has the potential to get noticed amid high-end luxury nameplates in ways that the XTS never could. The El Mirage sedan prototypes were testing alongside a BMW 740i and a Kia K9 still wearing its European plates.

GM's new rear-wheel-drive Omega architecture underpins this new flagship Cadillac, which is said to share nothing with the ATS or CTS. Cadillac has reportedly trademarked the name "LTS" which is thought to be a possible moniker for this range-topping, rear-driven luxury sedan. A Buick variant is also said to be in the works, which is destined primarily for the Chinese market. Whether Buick's Omega variant will ever see U.S. dealerships is still reportedly undecided.

Cadillac's new flagship sedan is due for the ’16 model-year.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By John Stewart

The Nissan Sport Sedan concept, introduced at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, is thought by many to be a close representation of what Nissan’s ’15 Maxima sedan would look like.

The Nissan Sport Sedan, although presented as a concept vehicle and design study at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, previews a future four-door production vehicle. The concept is thought by many to be a close representation of what Nissan’s ’15 Maxima sedan would look like. The styling and equipment shows that Nissan is working to attract owners with a passion for cutting-edge design and driving dynamics.

The energetic Sport Sedan is the latest from a company that has become known for bold and emotional design. The Sport Sedan Concept rides on custom 21-in. aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-profile 275/30R21 tires. The front-wheel-drive Sport Sedan Concept is powered by a 300-plus-hp 3.5L V6 engine backed by a sport-tuned Xtronic CVT and features an innovative suspension layout with performance dampers.

"Our new design direction mirrors the strength, power and capabilities of the engineering and innovation that serves as the foundation of every Nissan vehicle," said Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. "Nissan is a brand for people seeking bold and passionate experiences, and who are willing to make choices outside of traditional boundaries. That's why Nissan is committed to breaking new ground in automotive design."

Nearly 200 SEMA-member manufacturers have measured the first two global vehicles SEMA has imported through a partnership with the US Department of Commerce—a ’12 Toyota Hilux and ’13 Ford Ranger T6. Both vehicles are heavily customized around the world but not available in the United States. To measure either of these vehicles, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.

With the first 40 votes in, four vehicles—the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four-door, VW Amarok, Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi L200—are on the short list of vehicles that are popular globally, but not sold in the United States, which members are interested in measuring to create export-ready product. Now is your chance to vote for one of these four vehicles or any other vehicle that fits the criteria of vehicles popularly customized outside the United States but not sold in this country.

Please also let us know the vehicle configurations in which you are most interested. This program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is designed to facilitate exports of United States-made products by providing access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popular globally but not sold in the United States.

Members continue to have access to the first two vehicles imported through this program—a ’12 Toyota Hilux and a ’13 Ford Ranger T6. Contact SEMA's Mike Spagnola for access to either of these vehicles at mikes@sema.org.

Vote now for the next global vehicle.

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at at lindas@sema.org.

VW Amarok	Nissan Patrol
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four-door	Mitsubishi L200

Nearly 200 SEMA-member manufacturers have measured the first two global vehicles SEMA has imported through a partnership with the US Department of Commerce—a ’12 Toyota Hilux and ’13 Ford Ranger T6. Both vehicles are heavily customized around the world but not available in the United States. To measure either of these vehicles, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.

With the first 40 votes in, four vehicles—the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four-door, VW Amarok, Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi L200—are on the short list of vehicles that are popular globally, but not sold in the United States, which members are interested in measuring to create export-ready product. Now is your chance to vote for one of these four vehicles or any other vehicle that fits the criteria of vehicles popularly customized outside the United States but not sold in this country.

Please also let us know the vehicle configurations in which you are most interested. This program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, is designed to facilitate exports of United States-made products by providing access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popular globally but not sold in the United States.

Members continue to have access to the first two vehicles imported through this program—a ’12 Toyota Hilux and a ’13 Ford Ranger T6. Contact SEMA's Mike Spagnola for access to either of these vehicles at mikes@sema.org.

Vote now for the next global vehicle.

Questions? Contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at at lindas@sema.org.

VW Amarok	Nissan Patrol
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado four-door	Mitsubishi L200

SEMA members traveling with SEMA to the 2014 SEMA Middle East event will visit specialty shops, participate in a briefing with U.S. Embassy officials based in the region and exhibit at a local show. Networking opportunities with pre-vetted buyers round out the program.

Three subsidized slots remain for the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East at the third SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 11–14, 2014.

Why should you explore the Middle East market for your products?

• The UAE and their neighbors in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait are crazy about cars.

• The markets in the region are booming with ’14 passenger vehicle sales in line to set new records.

• Classic car restoration—either restored in the United States and then shipped to the region or restored locally—is the current trend.

• Whether off-roading or drag racing, enthusiasts in the region are seeking to push the limits on power.

• Deep pockets—The UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have among the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes and thus the funds to pursue their hobby. As more people have money to spend and the local economy continues to grow, consumer expenditure in the UAE is expected to top Dh766 billion this year—up by 7% from 2013—according to Euromonitor International—a London-based market intelligence firm.

• Consumers are seeking out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides.

• The vast desert is the venue for the hot off-roading market.

• Musclecars—classic and modern—are popular. The seventh-generation Corvette will be available in the Middle East in early 2014, and the sixth-generation Mustang will come to consumers in the UAE and surrounding countries.

• As more people have money to spend and the local economy continues to grow, consumer expenditure in the UAE is expected to top Dh766 billion this year—up by 7% from 2013—according to Euromonitor International—a London-based market intelligence firm.

More than 160 pre-vetted buyers from nine countries met with 41 SEMA-member exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers are located beyond United States borders. By diversifying, SEMA members can better position themselves for future economic downturns.

“The Middle East has tremendous upside for the performance market,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of Florida-based SCT Performance. “We have seen eight-to-one growth over our two years working with SEMA at this event. It plays a big part in our international growth strategy, as do China and Brazil. It helps take the potential inconsistency out of the U.S. market and gives us a strong offshoot to sell into.”

Motorsports and vehicle personalization have a strong and growing base throughout the region, and a quick drive around Dubai or Abu Dhabi would surprise any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles traveling the roads. Off-roading is also extremely popular throughout the region with SUVs and pickup owners heading into the desert.

“Automotive styling in the Middle East is a confluence of influences from around the globe,” said David Borla, sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance. “Whether it’s musclecars, high-end exotics, Jeeps, pickups, SUVs, luxury sedans or sport compacts, you will find a cross section of the world’s finest automotive offerings. But it doesn’t stop there. Personalization is just as important as the platforms themselves, and there is a pervasive culture of tailoring vehicles to meet individual specifications, needs or preferences.

“The conditions in the Middle East have created a ‘perfect storm’ that promotes the growth and prosperity of the automotive aftermarket. Beyond the affluence and brand consciousness you see on the surface, there is a growing infrastructure of distribution and service that makes it easy for enthusiasts to buy, install and maintain aftermarket parts. Combine that with great roads and what seems like infinite sand dunes, and you have a giant playground for people who love to play with cars."

U.S. Department of Commerce $1,000 grants are available to help qualified companies defray participation costs.

The exploratory and sales trip to the UAE will include a tour of local shops and an opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout the region. Last year's event included buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. Read the SEMA News article covering the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

Don't wait, register today. Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

SEMA members traveling with SEMA to the 2014 SEMA Middle East event will visit specialty shops, participate in a briefing with U.S. Embassy officials based in the region and exhibit at a local show. Networking opportunities with pre-vetted buyers round out the program.

Three subsidized slots remain for the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East at the third SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 11–14, 2014.

Why should you explore the Middle East market for your products?

• The UAE and their neighbors in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait are crazy about cars.

• The markets in the region are booming with ’14 passenger vehicle sales in line to set new records.

• Classic car restoration—either restored in the United States and then shipped to the region or restored locally—is the current trend.

• Whether off-roading or drag racing, enthusiasts in the region are seeking to push the limits on power.

• Deep pockets—The UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have among the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes and thus the funds to pursue their hobby. As more people have money to spend and the local economy continues to grow, consumer expenditure in the UAE is expected to top Dh766 billion this year—up by 7% from 2013—according to Euromonitor International—a London-based market intelligence firm.

• Consumers are seeking out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides.

• The vast desert is the venue for the hot off-roading market.

• Musclecars—classic and modern—are popular. The seventh-generation Corvette will be available in the Middle East in early 2014, and the sixth-generation Mustang will come to consumers in the UAE and surrounding countries.

• As more people have money to spend and the local economy continues to grow, consumer expenditure in the UAE is expected to top Dh766 billion this year—up by 7% from 2013—according to Euromonitor International—a London-based market intelligence firm.

More than 160 pre-vetted buyers from nine countries met with 41 SEMA-member exhibitors at the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference. Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers are located beyond United States borders. By diversifying, SEMA members can better position themselves for future economic downturns.

“The Middle East has tremendous upside for the performance market,” said Rick Trudo, CEO of Florida-based SCT Performance. “We have seen eight-to-one growth over our two years working with SEMA at this event. It plays a big part in our international growth strategy, as do China and Brazil. It helps take the potential inconsistency out of the U.S. market and gives us a strong offshoot to sell into.”

Motorsports and vehicle personalization have a strong and growing base throughout the region, and a quick drive around Dubai or Abu Dhabi would surprise any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles traveling the roads. Off-roading is also extremely popular throughout the region with SUVs and pickup owners heading into the desert.

“Automotive styling in the Middle East is a confluence of influences from around the globe,” said David Borla, sales and marketing manager for Borla Performance. “Whether it’s musclecars, high-end exotics, Jeeps, pickups, SUVs, luxury sedans or sport compacts, you will find a cross section of the world’s finest automotive offerings. But it doesn’t stop there. Personalization is just as important as the platforms themselves, and there is a pervasive culture of tailoring vehicles to meet individual specifications, needs or preferences.

“The conditions in the Middle East have created a ‘perfect storm’ that promotes the growth and prosperity of the automotive aftermarket. Beyond the affluence and brand consciousness you see on the surface, there is a growing infrastructure of distribution and service that makes it easy for enthusiasts to buy, install and maintain aftermarket parts. Combine that with great roads and what seems like infinite sand dunes, and you have a giant playground for people who love to play with cars."

U.S. Department of Commerce $1,000 grants are available to help qualified companies defray participation costs.

The exploratory and sales trip to the UAE will include a tour of local shops and an opportunity to meet with buyers from throughout the region. Last year's event included buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA.org/MiddleEast. Read the SEMA News article covering the 2013 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference.

Don't wait, register today. Questions? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

	Ford project-vehicle requests require two components: an e-mail project summary (due February 21, 2014) and a detailed written proposal (due March 3, 2014).

Ford Motor Co. has revealed the eligible models for its 2014 project-vehicle program. The Ford booth at the 2014 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to the manufacturer's existing lineup:

1. All-New Ford Mustang—proposals for this vehicle should be submitted in one of the following categories**:

• Road Racing (Street-Legal Track Car)
• Formula Drift
• Boy Racer
• Street Performance (American Muscle/Hot Rod)
• Sportsman Drag Racing
• Super Car Luxury

** Proposals should not include reference to the 50th anniversary of Mustang.

2. All-New Ford F-150—proposals for this vehicle should be submitted in one of the following categories:

• Off-Road
• Street Performance
• Ultimate Work
• Ultimate Play
• Outdoor Lifestyle
• Luxury

3. All-New Ford Transit

4. Ford Fiesta ST

5. Ford Focus ST

6. Ford Expedition

7. Ford Super Duty

Information for the above models can be found on the Ford media website or www.ford.com. These links will allow you to research the models and find high-resolution images that may be used for your proposal rendering.

The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted in two parts, and that all proposals meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria outlined below:

2014 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 3, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 1, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted in two parts and meet the following Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program criteria:

Part 1

E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 21, 2014. Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme
• Vehicle modifications
• New product development
• Promotional plan
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Part 2

Mail a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 3, 2014. Include details supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering and past project vehicle examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at: www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or designer/restyler dedicated to supporting new product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability, $3 million in automotive liability, $1 million in employer liability and demonstrate worker's compensation coverage. An umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner's discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development
2. Modifications to the vehicle
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event)
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies)
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle
6. Additional exposure
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration
8. E-mail, disc or fax reports will not be accepted

Submit Ford Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Co.
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579
Dearborn, MI 48124
Attn: Sherry Kollien & Mike Nicopolis
semainfo@ford.com