Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.

By John Stewart

Auto sales analysts are predicting growth in car sales overall, some to levels as high as 15.4 million for 2013. This would be good news for aftermarket manufacturers and retailers, as unit growth in the types of vehicles that enthusiasts tend to customize continues to gain momentum.

Truck sales will be a positive factor for 2014, according to Toyota officials speaking at the Chicago Auto Show. They estimated the fullsize pickup segment exceeded 1.6 million units in 2012, and could hit 1.8 million by 2015. According to statistics offered by Toyota, the fullsize pickup segment has typically been one of the most loyal in the industry, with owners usually replacing their old trucks with new ones of the same type and brand. Toyota marketing spokespeople were encouraged that in today's market, truck owners are taking the opportunity to change brands. They also report greater segment switching as people move from SUVs and cars to gain the unique capabilities and increasing comfort of fullsize pickups. With a return to personal-use pickups, the mix of 1/2-ton Crew Cabs has grown from 48% to almost 60% over the last five years, according to Toyota.

’14 Toyota Tundra

	’14 Toyota Tundra

Among the vehicles expected to lend growth potential for the pickup segment is the ’14 Toyota Tundra. Toyota unveiled a new exterior design that features a muscular front view and a wider, taller grille and headlamps that interlock with the rest of the front fascia. The hood was raised by 1.6 in., contributing to the bolder appearance. A new bed design helps carry the character lines down the side leading to a new tailgate that has an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” embossed into the sheet metal. A new bumper goes from one to three pieces, allowing for grade differentiation and lower customer replacement costs.

To satisfy the growing number of premium fullsize truck buyers, the redesigned Tundra will offer five distinct grades, each with a “unique flavor” that is immediately recognizable—including a different front grille for each, rather than just an equipment build up from grade to grade. The grades range from entry-level SR for the work-use buyer, to the high-end Platinum edition that will offer premium interior design. The SR5 will continue to be the volume model. Toyota also announced the 1794 Edition, inspired by the ranch founded in 1794 where the Tundra plant is now located in San Antonio. It reflects a western lifestyle with saddle-brown premium leather seating and ultrasuede accents.

’14 Ram Commercial ProMaster

	’14 Ram Commercial ProMaster

Chrysler debuted the all-new ’14 Ram Commercial ProMaster—a fullsize van for the North American market. The new offering is an example of Ram and Fiat joining forces to expand the market internationally and offer the Ram Commercial ProMaster to businesses across the globe.

"As Ram takes a larger presence in the commercial truck market, the ’14 Ram ProMaster is a great addition, contributing to a one-stop shop of commercial-duty Ram trucks and vans," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO Ram Truck Brand. Diaz cited durability, capability and low total cost of ownership as advantages for the Ram ProMaster commercial truck.

Inspired by the Fiat Ducato, the Ram ProMaster offers the North American segment the first six-speed automated manual transmission controlled by high-tech software that responds to road conditions. The ’14 Ram ProMaster's powertrain features a 3.6L Pentastar V6 rated at 280 hp, or a 3.0L four-cylinder EcoDiesel engine rated at 174 hp with an 18,500-mile oil-change interval.

Thirteen chassis configurations will be offered, including the 1,500-series short-wheelbase, low-roof cargo van and 3,500-series chassis-cab cutaway. Ram's new full-size van will include more than 35 safety features, including a ParkView backup camera and ParkSense. An advanced technology system, Uconnect, will offer drivers a hands-free text-reply feature and a global positioning satellite to provide time-saving routes.

’14 Kia Forte 5-door

	’14 Kia Forte 5-door

Kia Motors America (KMA) rolled out an all-new ’14 Forte 5-door. The Forte 5-door SX’s European-inspired hatchback design is complimented by an all-new 1.6L gasoline direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, making the all-new Forte 5-door SX the most powerful Forte from KMA to date. The Forte 5-door is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

“We received very positive feedback after the all-new Forte sedan made its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we expect the all-new Forte 5-door will build upon that success,” said Michael Sprague, KMA executive vice president of marketing and communications.

Presented in two trim levels—EX and SX—with two distinct engine choices, the Forte 5-door will offer customers premium amenities and features not normally found in the compact segment. Under the hood, the Forte 5-door buyer will have a 2.0L GDI four-cylinder engine putting out 173 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. The performance-oriented SX comes standard with the 1.6L turbo four-cylinder—a first for the Forte line. The SX also offers buyers the chance to pick their own gears with a standard six-speed manual transmission, or they may opt for the six-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

’14 Ford Fiesta ST

	’14 Ford Fiesta ST

Ford countered with the ’14 Fiesta ST, in many ways a race car built for the street. With Ford’s global launch of Fiesta ST under way, Ford Racing will introduce the ST performance badge in the 2013 season of the Global RallyCross Championship and Global X Games events. The move is part of an expanded Global RallyCross program for Ford as it capitalizes on the popularity of the series and its increased visibility through X Game personalities, including Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan and Ken Block.

Fiesta ST is the result of the combined efforts of Team RS in Europe and SVT in the United States. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg. A new high-output variant of the 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. This compact performance machine sports a unique grille and chin spoiler with new rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Bright-tipped dual-exhaust pipes and high-mount spoiler along with unique 17-in. wheels complete the visual package.

’14 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

	The ’14 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 hp and 258 lb-ft torque.

Chevrolet debuted the ’14 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, entering the U.S. and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of its hottest-selling sedan—the Cruze, which will feature the cleanest diesel passenger-car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Built in Lordstown, Ohio, the ’14 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers a combination of segment-leading features and efficiency. Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway.

The compact sedan’s new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 hp and 258 lb.-ft. torque, with 0–60 performance of 8.6 seconds.

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards, including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, a 3.20 final drive ratio, a 140-amp alternator, an 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-in. alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, an Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan and a five-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

	The Ford Ranger T6 has already been previewed and examined by more than 60 companies since being made available to SEMA members two weeks ago.
	The original vehicle introduced as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program last year was a 2012 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux.

By SEMA Staff

Due to popular demand, two new dates have been added to the Ford Ranger T6 and Toyota HiLux SEMA Measuring Sessions. The two new sessions will be held at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, February 20 and 27.

Register now, free of charge, to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6 and ’12 Toyota Hilux.

The vehicles were shipped to the United States through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program.

The Ranger T6 is sold throughout the world, except for the United States and Canada. Purchased in South Africa, the Australian-designed midsize pickup is offered in three cab-body styles: Double, Super and Regular. The vehicle available to members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine.

This is the second vehicle to be imported as part of SEMA's International Vehicle Measuring Program, which makes available difficult-to-access vehicles so that members can measure them and create export-ready products. The Ranger is being introduced by Ford as an alternative to the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navaro, Mitsubishi Triton and Chevy/Holden Colorado.

The original vehicle introduced as part of the program last year was a ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The truck is a best-seller in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, throughout Europe, South Africa, southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. When the vehicle was obtained in 2012, more than 14 million Hiluxes had been sold worldwide. So far, more than 160 SEMA-member companies have previewed the HiLux.

For more information on the International Vehicle Measuring Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.  

	The Ford Ranger T6 has already been previewed and examined by more than 60 companies since being made available to SEMA members two weeks ago.
	The original vehicle introduced as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program last year was a 2012 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux.

By SEMA Staff

Due to popular demand, two new dates have been added to the Ford Ranger T6 and Toyota HiLux SEMA Measuring Sessions. The two new sessions will be held at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, February 20 and 27.

Register now, free of charge, to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6 and ’12 Toyota Hilux.

The vehicles were shipped to the United States through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program.

The Ranger T6 is sold throughout the world, except for the United States and Canada. Purchased in South Africa, the Australian-designed midsize pickup is offered in three cab-body styles: Double, Super and Regular. The vehicle available to members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine.

This is the second vehicle to be imported as part of SEMA's International Vehicle Measuring Program, which makes available difficult-to-access vehicles so that members can measure them and create export-ready products. The Ranger is being introduced by Ford as an alternative to the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navaro, Mitsubishi Triton and Chevy/Holden Colorado.

The original vehicle introduced as part of the program last year was a ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The truck is a best-seller in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, throughout Europe, South Africa, southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. When the vehicle was obtained in 2012, more than 14 million Hiluxes had been sold worldwide. So far, more than 160 SEMA-member companies have previewed the HiLux.

For more information on the International Vehicle Measuring Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.  

	The Ford Ranger T6 has already been previewed and examined by more than 60 companies since being made available to SEMA members two weeks ago.
	The original vehicle introduced as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program last year was a 2012 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux.

By SEMA Staff

Due to popular demand, two new dates have been added to the Ford Ranger T6 and Toyota HiLux SEMA Measuring Sessions. The two new sessions will be held at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, February 20 and 27.

Register now, free of charge, to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6 and ’12 Toyota Hilux.

The vehicles were shipped to the United States through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program.

The Ranger T6 is sold throughout the world, except for the United States and Canada. Purchased in South Africa, the Australian-designed midsize pickup is offered in three cab-body styles: Double, Super and Regular. The vehicle available to members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine.

This is the second vehicle to be imported as part of SEMA's International Vehicle Measuring Program, which makes available difficult-to-access vehicles so that members can measure them and create export-ready products. The Ranger is being introduced by Ford as an alternative to the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navaro, Mitsubishi Triton and Chevy/Holden Colorado.

The original vehicle introduced as part of the program last year was a ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The truck is a best-seller in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, throughout Europe, South Africa, southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. When the vehicle was obtained in 2012, more than 14 million Hiluxes had been sold worldwide. So far, more than 160 SEMA-member companies have previewed the HiLux.

For more information on the International Vehicle Measuring Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.  

	The Ford Ranger T6 has already been previewed and examined by more than 60 companies since being made available to SEMA members two weeks ago.
	The original vehicle introduced as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program last year was a 2012 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux.

By SEMA Staff

Due to popular demand, two new dates have been added to the Ford Ranger T6 and Toyota HiLux SEMA Measuring Sessions. The two new sessions will be held at the SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, February 20 and 27.

Register now, free of charge, to measure the ’13 Ford Ranger T6 and ’12 Toyota Hilux.

The vehicles were shipped to the United States through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the SEMA International Vehicle Measuring Program.

The Ranger T6 is sold throughout the world, except for the United States and Canada. Purchased in South Africa, the Australian-designed midsize pickup is offered in three cab-body styles: Double, Super and Regular. The vehicle available to members is a 4x4 double cab with a 2.5L five-speed gasoline engine.

This is the second vehicle to be imported as part of SEMA's International Vehicle Measuring Program, which makes available difficult-to-access vehicles so that members can measure them and create export-ready products. The Ranger is being introduced by Ford as an alternative to the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navaro, Mitsubishi Triton and Chevy/Holden Colorado.

The original vehicle introduced as part of the program last year was a ’12 double-cab 4x4 Toyota Hilux. The truck is a best-seller in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, throughout Europe, South Africa, southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. When the vehicle was obtained in 2012, more than 14 million Hiluxes had been sold worldwide. So far, more than 160 SEMA-member companies have previewed the HiLux.

For more information on the International Vehicle Measuring Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.  

By SEMA Staff

	"R U Faster Than a Redneck?" will pit domestics, such as the Ford Mustang, driven by rednecks against imports represented by average Joes.

"R U Faster Than a Redneck?" premieres Friday, February 22, with a special advance preview on the SPEED Channel immediately following the season-opening NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Daytona. Starting Monday, February 25, the series then moves to its regular time slot Monday nights on SPEED at 9:00 p.m. (EST)

The show "R U Faster Than a Redneck?" is a battle between automotive makes that has raged throughout the ages; domestic versus import, represented by rednecks with American muscle versus average Joes with an exotic or tuner car. It is hosted by comedian Jon Reep with race commentary provided by the original voice of the Daytona 500 and newly inducted National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame member Ken Squier.

The racing is real and highly competitive, with $10,000 on the line for any average Joe defeating the redneck drivers through the three rounds of competition. Each round is a one-on-one matchup featuring side-by-side racing on one of America's most technical road courses—Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

NASCAR driver and SPEED Analyst Kenny Wallace is a guest celebrity in Episode 1; actor John Schneider from "The Dukes of Hazzard" is the celebrity guest racer in Episode 3.

"R U Faster Than a Redneck?" comes from the producers of popular shows "American Trucker," "Hot Rod TV," "Overhaulin'" and "Rides."

	Jon Reep

The show's initial concept came out of the historic Vanderbilt Cup, which was contested on Long Island, New York, starting in 1904, where American manufacturers put up money to see how they stood up against their European counterparts.

Comedian Jon Reep, known as the "Metro Jethro," is best recognized for his role as the Hemi guy in Dodge's Ram truck advertising campaign. Reep, the overall winner of "Last Comic Standing" (Season 5), can currently be seen as the host of SPEED's new series "R U Faster Than a Redneck?" and in the upcoming action movie Black Sky. Additional portrayals include his role as Raymus in the movie, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and as a goodwill worker in Disney Channel's "Good Luck Charlie." Reep is also a Comedy Central regular, appearing in "Comedy Central Presents: Jon Reep" and "Jon Reep: Metro Jethro."

Watch the show's video promo on YouTube.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The economic climate for America’s small businesses continues to improve despite lingering challenges from the 2008–2009 recession, according to a new report issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. The “Small Business Economy” report provides detailed information on expanding production and profits, and declining unemployment and bankruptcies. Small businesses represent half of the private-sector output since the peak of the recession in 2009. Manufacturing sales, which dropped between 2005 and 2009, were up 11.2% in 2009–2010 and 11.7% in 2010–2011. 

Read a copy of the report.  

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The economic climate for America’s small businesses continues to improve despite lingering challenges from the 2008–2009 recession, according to a new report issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. The “Small Business Economy” report provides detailed information on expanding production and profits, and declining unemployment and bankruptcies. Small businesses represent half of the private-sector output since the peak of the recession in 2009. Manufacturing sales, which dropped between 2005 and 2009, were up 11.2% in 2009–2010 and 11.7% in 2010–2011. 

Read a copy of the report.  

Questions? Contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Legislation containing a SEMA amendment to totally exempt from the license tax vehicles and parts cars stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair was approved by the House of Delegates. The license tax is applied to vehicles that do not display current license plates. Under the bill, vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempt from the tax. The bill will next be considered by the Virginia Senate Transportation Committee.  

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.