With the introduction of the MOTORin’ mobile app, automotive event organizers throughout the country now have a cost-effective, modern tool to reach consumers and promote events ranging from car shows and auto auctions to drifting or race competitions free of charge. Created through a partnership between SEMA and ClassicCars.com, the new MOTORin’ app is a car and truck event finder designed to make it easy for auto enthusiasts to find events by date, location or category and to help event organizers get the word out about their shows. Fans of automotive events can simply log on to the mobile app and find upcoming events near them based on their GPS location, or they can search for events by date, location, distance, keywords or category.

While identifying multiple growth opportunities for the specialty-equipment industry, the recently released “SEMA Advanced Vehicle Technology Opportunities Report” (see p. 90) predicts specific growth potential in the area of lateral-collision avoidance systems. To better understand this advanced driver assistance (ADAS) technology, SEMA News turned to SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak.

The diesel powertrain has always been a great necessity for the American driver but perhaps never garnered the love and recognition it truly deserves. Most appreciated for its functionality around the farm and on the jobsite, diesel is the fuel of choice for many fullsize trucks, utility vans and other heavy-duty work vehicles. But while many are quick to reserve the application of diesel power sources solely to those work vehicles, the market shows a thirst for more applications.

Within the off-roading segment, side-by-sides (aka UTVs) have emerged as popular second vehicles for Jeep and truck enthusiasts. Beyond this crossover market, a growing number of newbie buyers are also opting for UTVs as their first forays into outdoor and powersports recreation, thanks to the economical price of admission. Nowadays, a reasonably capable stock UTV can be had for as little as $11,000, and manufacturers have become fiercely competitive in the race to offer consumers a bevy of tough, agile, trail-ready side-by-sides.