SEMA News - August 2009
 |
As the ad says, the SEMA Show truly is “Like a Pit Stop for Your Business.” |
SEMA is employing highly targeted methods to attract tire and wheel buyers to this year’s SEMA Show. More than 11,000 tire, wheel and equipment buyers attended last year’s Show. The extensive, multi-channel marketing is targeting not only past attendees but also fresh new prospects that have never attended the SEMA Show.
“The key to relevant messaging is to provide useful content that will help buyer’s businesses succeed during these challenging times,” said Dan Hobgood, SEMA senior director of marketing. “For example, e-mail and direct mail to wheel and tire buyers include specific wheel and tire market and industry information, hot new products, exhibitors that have already signed up and education sessions that key in on that buyer group’s interests.”
Full-page color ads featuring the Wheel, Tire & Equipment section of the Show are already running in major industry trade publications, including Tire Review, Modern Tire Dealer and Tire Business. Banner ads are also running on trade websites.
From more than 100,000 direct mailers, e-mails and voicemails, the message is clear: There is no better place than the SEMA Show to find everything you need to work smarter and increase sales.
SEMA Webinar Simplifies Process of Obtaining Emissions Certification
SEMA recently hosted a webinar entitled “Meeting Federal and California Emissions Regulations Without Penalties and Fines.” It was presented by Jim McFarland, SEMA technical consultant, to clarify discrepancies and answer questions that have surrounded emissions certification standards.
 |
| SEMA recently hosted a webinar entitled “Meeting Federal and California Emissions Regulations Without Penalties and Fines,” which helped answer many of the questions regarding emissions regulations. |
- Obtain required forms from CARB
- List vehicle brands, engine families and model years for which emissions-related products will be sold
- Complete forms and submit to CARB in El Monte, California
- Review “test letter” and select test facility
- Coordinate testing with emissions lab
- Be prepared to determine solutions to any emissions failure issues
- Upon completion of EO, utilize compliance in the proper fashion
SEMA has also produced the Black Book—a collection of information designed to give members a step-by-step guide in obtaining emissions certification.
For any questions on obtaining compliance status, refer to the SEMA Black Book or contact Jim McFarland at 901/377-1210. To download a PDF and audio version of this webinar as well as to access an archive of past webinars, visit SEMA webinar archives.
Top 10 New Exterior Accessory Products
SEMA used a new digital tracking method for the 2008 SEMA Show New Products Showcase, allowing buyers to scan product bar codes with an electronic fob and receive product details via printout or e-mail. The following are the Top 10 New Exterior Accessory Products scanned by attendees. See all of the products entered in the New Products Showcase at www.semadigital.com.
Big Time Auto Parts/Austin International |  |
Tricplate.com |  |
Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance |  |
Young Sung USA |  |
PlasmaGlow |  |
Husky Liners |  |
Nathan Airchime Over The Road |  |
Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance |  |
Lund International |  |
Applied Coatings International LLC |  |
FAST FACTS
| Dick Wells has received a Sparco High Performer Award for his dedication to the sport of drag racing. He was the editor of National Dragster in the ‘60s before moving on to work at Hot Rod magazine. Wells is responsible for creating the SEMA News publication as well as starting the National Street Rod Association magazine, Street Scene, and the Performance Warehouse Association’s newsletter. |  |
PPG Industries appointed Steve Lampe vice president of purchasing and distribution. Lampe began his career with the company in 1978 as senior auditor. PPG Industries, Strongsville, OH; 440/572-2800.
EnerSys Energy Products Inc., makers of the Odyssey line of batteries, and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) reached an agreement that makes Odyssey the technical partner of RCR. The Odyssey logo will be included on the No. 7 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet driven by Casey Mears. EnerSys Energy Products Inc., Reading, PA; 610/208-1991.
Hastings Manufacturing Co. named Paul Garzelloni the company’s senior applications engineer. Garzelloni has more than 30 years of experience in piston ring design, process and applications engineering. Hastings Manufacturing; 269/945-2491.
The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced that the 2010 season will kick off with a brand new event—the Goodguys 1st Spring Nationals, at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 12–14. The 2010 Goodguys event season will officially begin and close in Scottsdale at Westworld. Early-bird registration forms are available here. . |  |
Kumho Tires has opened Tires 4U, an outlet in North America dedicated to the Kumho Tire global retail format. The store, which opened on June 3 in Buena Park, California, sells a full line of passenger, competition, light truck and SUV tires and includes mounting, balancing and alignment services. Kumho Tires, Rancho Cucamonga, CA; 800/445-8646.
Marx Group Advisors launched a new resources page on its website. The new resources provide information and advice to anyone undergoing a merger or acquisition. Marx Group Advisors, San Rafael, CA; 415/453-0844.
ATX Group hired Tom Metzger as senior vice president over the company’s global sales and account management functions. Metzger comes to ATX after a distinguished 24-year career at Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the automotive division of Harman International.
|  |
Advanstar Communications has launched its 2009 Top Shop Contests for Motor Age and Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) magazines. The competition for Motor Age identifies the top 10 U.S. mechanical repair shops, and the ABRN competition, in its inaugural year, honors the top 10 collision-repair facilities. For complete information and registration, visit the registration page. Advanstar Communications, Woodland Hills, CA; 818/593-5000.
International Speedway Corp. promoted Craig Neeb to vice president of multi-channel marketing and chief information officer (CIO). Neeb, formerly the company’s managing director and CIO since 2000, is responsible for executing multi-channel marketing programs associated with International Speedway’s marketing strategy.
Steele Rubber Products has partnered with the East Lincoln Speedway to become the official sponsor of the Steele Rubber Products Limited Sportsman division. Steele Rubber Products, Denver, NC; 704/483-9343.
Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves and his Penske Racing teammate Ryan Briscoe visited Snap-on’s Milwaukee manufacturing facility on May 29. Both drivers received a tour of the plant and signed autographs for the Snap-on associates who work at the facility. |  |
ASA Tire Systems announced that response to the $1M Tire Dealer Bailout Program continues to grow. Nearly 250 independent tire dealerships nationwide have submitted grant requests and are currently being considered for funding. Dealers interested in applying for funding still have time and are invited to visit the company’s website, to fill out an application. ASA Tire Systems, Nashua, NH; 603/889-8700.
Robert Allen has joined the Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC Ride-Rite Division as regional sales manager. He has more than 15 years of experience in manufacturing sales, previously working as national sales manager at Danaher Corp. Firestone Industrial Products Company, Indianapolis, IN; 317/575-7000.
Predator Motor Corp. has added two new dealerships for its X-18 off-road vehicle. The new dealerships are Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernardino, California; and CBM Motorsports in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Predator Motor Corp., Temecula, CA; 951/699-4370.
Mitchell 1’s national training manager, Tim McDonnell, was named a 2009–2010 Automotive Management Institute (AMI) board member during the AMI board of trustees meeting recently held in Orlando, Florida. McDonnell has been Mitchell 1’s national training manager since 2004. Mitchell 1, Poway, CA; 858/391-5000. |  |
Yakima was recognized by Subaru of America with the 2008 Subaru Supplier Excellence Award for overall excellence in product development, marketing, quality, sourcing, supply, transportation, warranty and accounting. Yakima, Beaverton, OR; 971/249-7536.
The San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau, producer of the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, has redesigned its website. New elements allow car enthusiasts to post photos, videos and comments from past years.
Brandware Public Relations was selected as the agency of record for Johnny Pag Motorcycles. Brandware is set to provide brand and product public relations services to support Johnny Pag’s mission of “getting more riderson the road.” Brandware Public Relations, Atlanta, GA; 770/649-0880.
Summit Racing Equipment updated its website. New enhancements include user-friendly shopping tools, a new look and more content and technical information. Summit Racing Equipment, Akron, OH; 330/630-0270.
