One of the World’s Largest Vehicle Markets

SEMA News recently traveled to Moscow to take a look at the center of the specialty-equipment market in the world’s largest country in terms of area (more than 6.6 million square miles). Russia is one of the fastest-growing emerging market economies and one of the five countries that make up the so-called BRICS, along with quickly growing Brazil, India, China and South Africa.

This article looks at the size of Russia’s passenger-vehicle market, the interest in customizing, consumer purchasing power, types of vehicles on the road and the implications for U.S. specialty-equipment companies as well as growth potential, opportunities and challenges.

Here’s the big news: The SEMA Data Co-op is currently building SEMA Search, an online product look-up tool powered by the SDC product information library.

Scheduled for roll-out in November of this year, SEMA Search will allow member retailers, including countermen and sales consultants at brick-and-mortar retail outlets, to find and present the digital product information and images of their manufacturer partners for every customer.

Not only will this provide the opportunity for resellers to view more sales options than ever, they will also enjoy this information at a speed to market rarely experienced before.

How to Cover the Basics and More

Whether they be OEM “dollar vehicles” or shop display cars, the aftermarket loves to promote itself through project builds and other collectible autos. Many retailers or garages will have one or more in the lot or showroom to wow customers. Manufacturers, of course, use them to showcase products at consumer automotive events and trade shows. At the annual SEMA Show, you’ll scarcely find a booth without one.

Build vehicles are valuable commodities, so whether your business keeps them on display at the shop or takes them on the road to tout your brand, you’ll want to have them properly insured. Yet, adequately covering them can be complicated.

GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-350 Smokestacked, C7 Corvette Pace Car

Evolving Trends and Modern Technology Keep Product Manufacturers on Their Toes

Anyone who has ever walked into a retail store knows that the number of car-care options available can be overwhelming, even to the most hardcore car guy. It’s not much easier for the product manufacturer, either. Paints are getting harder and more durable, so car-care developers have to reformulate their products to keep up with constantly evolving technology.

Car care encompasses a wide range of surfaces, from paint to wheels and tires. Each offers several material options, such as clear coat vs. matte and chrome vs. aluminum. There are literally hundreds of products specifically designed for each type

The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center is now open to provide manufacturers with access to a full emissions-testing EO certification lab and dyno services. Located adjacent to SEMA’s Diamond Bar, California, headquarters, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will include a full mechanic’s garage and tech center.

The building was purpose-built 10 years ago with a full dyno lab that uses highly technical and sophisticated equipment to measure emissions output at a level consistent with the Air Resources Board requirements for EO certification. Working in conjunction with the Auto Club, SEMA is able to use the equipment to provide members with a valuable, low-cost resource for testing and obtaining certifications for new products.

Toyota made its first-ever public reveal at a major music event, unveiling the redesigned ’14 4Runner at the recent Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California. To celebrate the premiere of the new 4Runner, Toyota created a whimsical, “World of Wonders” stage complete with carnival games, circus performers and a special performance by country recording artist
Dierks Bentley.

Now in its fifth generation, the Toyota 4Runner features a rugged new exterior design along with a powerful 4.0L, 270hp V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The new midsize SUV will be available in three grades—the well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for off-road enthusiasts. 4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear-wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 or a full-time multi-mode 4x4 with a locking center differential.

SEMA will host its annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The annual event is well attended by automotive professionals and recognizes the newest Board members, while honoring the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.

“The annual installation banquet is a chance to honor our newly elected Board of Directors as well as our Hall of Fame members,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The fact that we are able to support SEMA’s selected charitable organizations is an added bonus and something we are proud to sponsor.”

This year’s SEMA Show booth-selection process was a success. Almost 2,000 exhibitors signed up for priority booth selection, which took place May 2–15, 2013. This represents a 6% increase over last year’s numbers, and a complete, updated floorplan is now available at www.SEMAShow.com. Since 91% of buyers base their decisions on whether to attend the SEMA Show partly on what companies are exhibiting, these numbers are certainly a testament to the early support and enthusiasm for this year’s SEMA Show. Companies are able to sign up any time for exhibit space at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. The SEMA Show is set for November 5–8, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.