SEMA News - October 2009

Keynote Coffee with eBay Motors at the 2009 SEMA Show

	Rob Chesney, vice president of eBay Motors will lead a panel on the influence of the internet.

The Internet is known for shaping industries by providing transparency in content, inventory and eventually pricing. Several industries have seen this cycle mature over the past 10 years. The new-car industry was the first to see this cycle of transparency play out in its space and emerge with a new set of assets to compete. On Monday, November 2, from 8:00-9:00 AM at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom C, Rob Chesney, vice president of eBay Motors, will lead a panel of industry experts to explore the eventual end state of the industry, as influenced by the Internet. Sub-topics will include: the role of content; pricing transparency; video; the evolution and role of aggregators; the co-mingling of services and parts; the role of catalog provider content and application data; and shifts in search behavior.

In “The Role of the Internet in Shaping Parts and Accessories Sales in 2009 and Beyond,” Chesney will draw from his personal experience leading the world’s largest automotive site through these decisions at eBay with its vehicles and parts business over the past eight years. Chesney has seen the evolution of the vehicles business as impacted by the current macroeconomic climate, along with the major changes occurring in the automotive industry.

The panel will have a range of experts including Rob Chesney, Vice President of eBay Motors; Jad Dunning, CEO of DriverSide; Michelle Morris, Director of North America Automotive Sales for Google; Bryan Murphy, CEO of WHI Solutions, Inc.; Famous Rhodes, Director of Parts and Accessories for eBay Motors; Glenn Rogers, CEO of CarDomain; Steve Sigg, eBusiness Manager for ACDelco.

Click here for more information on the program.

 

SEMA Phase II and III CAR Reports Premiere at SEMA State of the Association

Through a multi-phased series of specialty-equipment industry forecasting reports put out by SEMA and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), members are able to increase their understanding and awareness of vehicle technology challenges and opportunities to support their business development and planning efforts.

The Phase I report, released last year, is entitled “The Specialty-Equipment Company of the Future: Guideposts for Technology Forecasting and Strategic Planning.”

The Phase II report is entitled “Powertrain Forecast and Analysis: What is Coming and What Are the Implications for the Specialty-Equipment and Performance Aftermarket Industry?” It addresses the rapidly changing powertrain plans of the OEMs for the U.S. Market.

Also available now is the Phase III report entitled “The Major Determinants of U.S. Automotive Demand: Factors Driving the U.S. Automotive Market and Their Implications for Specialty-Equipment Suppliers,” which presents an analysis of the economic drivers of the U.S. automotive market and their potential impact on SEMA-member companies.

At the 2009 SEMA State of the Association gathering, John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, and Brett Smith of CAR shared exclusive insights from the CAR reports.

“This is must-read material for those who plan to survive and thrive in the challenging years ahead,” said Waraniak. “These reports will be useful to the decisions you make today. The information will increase your understanding and knowledge about vehicle manufacturer plans for powertrain technology and economic forecasts that feature the specialty-equipment industry.”

The 2009 CAR reports can be downloaded here. Member login and password are required to download the reports. For password assistance, please contact Tim Johnson at 909/396-0289, ext. 138.

 

SEMA and Clemson University Announce Innovative Partnership

	Immediate Past Chairman Jim Cozzie announced a unique collaboration between SEMA and Clemson University.

SEMA’s outgoing chairman, Jim Cozzie, took the podium during the annual board officer’s installation ceremony prior to handing over the gavel to incoming chair, Rick Rollins, and announced one of the most innovative alliances in SEMA’s 47-year history to the audience of more than 500 attendees. Cozzie outlined a partnership between California-headquartered SEMA and South Carolina-based Clemson University, which launched the $215 million International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in 2003.

“The new alliance represents an unprecedented industry/academia platform for advanced vehicle technology and performance aftermarket education program development, notably forged in the midst of one of the automotive industry’s most challenging periods in history,” Cozzie said. “The automotive original-equipment and aftermarket industries are undergoing serious transformations and will continue to evolve in the coming years. The Clemson relationship can benefit SEMA-member companies by providing vehicle technology integration, development and support to help members leverage new business opportunities.”

According to Chris Przirembel, Clemson University’s vice president for research and economic development, the partnership represents “…an extraordinary opportunity for Clemson, as a major university committed to becoming one of the world’s leading automotive and motorsports research and education centers, to join with SEMA and its powerful industry membership base in a shared mission to help shape the future of the automotive performance aftermarket industry.”

As part of the agreement, Clemson University’s Campbell Graduate Engineering Center on the 250-acre CU-ICAR campus—located midway between Atlanta and Charlotte along I-85 in Greenville, South Carolina—is positioned to serve as a systems integration and testing center for SEMA and its 7,500 members.

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting said that the Clemson-SEMA relationship supports SEMA’s vehicle technology strategic goals for identifying industry needs and developing effective solutions to assist members with complex vehicle technology challenges and opportunities.

“In the midst of these difficult times, we hope to collaboratively develop a clear pathway for the multi-billion automotive aftermarket industry and SEMA-member companies,” Kersting said.

Clemson University is a nationally ranked science and technology-oriented public research university known for its emphasis on collaboration, focus and a culture that encourages faculty and students to embrace bold ideas. For more information, visit Clemson's research homepage.

 

Powersports 20 Group to Meet at 2009 SEMA Show

The 2009 SEMA Show will be the site of Gart Sutton’s early November 20 Group meeting. Well-known in the powersports, marine and recreational vehicle industries, Sutton operates 23 powersports 20 Groups nationwide, helping dealers boost sales, profits and operational efficiency through his educational and consulting firm, Gart Sutton & Associates.
In addition to the two-day meeting during the Show, Sutton and attending dealers will walk the Show floor checking out exhibitor products.

“I’m excited about attending this year’s Show,” Sutton said. “Given the SEMA Show’s existing powersports buyer interests and exhibitor offerings, it only makes sense to have a dedicated powersports section. Giving powersports a higher profile at the SEMA Show will also help satisfy the industry need for a West Coast powersports trade show.”

The SEMA Show is a trade-only event open to qualified industry professionals. For more information on registration or exhibit space, visit the SEMA Show website.

 

Fast Facts

Meyer Distributing Inc. opened a new stocking facility in Denver, Colorado. Marking the first step of Meyer’s planned westward expansion, the new warehouse will hold one of the largest inventories of truck and SUV accessories in the region for same-day shipment, next-day route truck delivery and warehouse pick-up. Meyer Distributing Inc., Jasper, IN; 800/639-3787.

Hankook Tire America Corp. named Todd Hershberger senior vice president of sales and marketing for the United States. In the newly created position, Hershberger is responsible for directing the company’s replacement-tire sales and marketing efforts, which include directing the company’s field sales organization, corporate account managers and brand activities. Hankook Tire America Corp., Wayne, NJ; 800/426-5665.

Bed Wood and Parts retained bonspeedMedia to assist with its brand position, marketing and corporate image in the automotive aftermarket. bonspeedMedia is known for its specialized branding, event and product marketing in the automotive, luxury and motorsports markets. Bed Wood and Parts, Hopkinsville, KY; 270/424-3000.

TruXedo introduced a new dealer website at www.truxedo.com. Dealers now have access to company news, technical information and downloadable images and flyers as well as the ability to order marketing materials and replacement parts online. TruXedo, Yankton, SD; 877/878-9336.

Eastern Catalytic named Michael Dougherty national sales manager. He will be responsible for developing new sales accounts and account management activities. Before joining Eastern Catalytic, Dougherty worked for the Ford Motor Co. as its Philadelphia regional accessories sales manager. Eastern Catalytic, Langhorne, PA; 215/702-3600.

Mitchell 1 named Mark T. Kennedy of Westminster, Maryland, the 2009 automotive technology outstanding student. The company presented Kennedy with a check for $2,500 and a recognition certificate during an awards ceremony. Kennedy graduated from the Carroll County Career & Technology Center in Westminster, and he plans to further his educational goals at the Community College of Baltimore County in the General Motors automotive technology program. Mitchell 1 also named Mike Godson (pictured) 2009 educator of the year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference held recently at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mitchell 1, Poway, CA; 858/391-5000.

Permatex named Diane Nesprido (left) senior product manager and promoted Lauren Mencarini (right) to creative director. Nesprido, who has been with Permatex since 2003, is responsible for the company’s product management and marketing departments, oversees No Touch appearance products, Spray Nine Cleaners and the Permatex Silicone Gasketing and Adhesive and Sealants lines. She is in charge of overall marketing communications, including trade shows and new product introductions. Mencarini has more than 20 years of experience in in-house marketing communications and worked in Permatex’s creative department for the past 10 years.

The Busted Knuckle Garage, a brand of Almost There! Inc., will sponsor Kevin Parker of Parker Motorsports, the 2007 rookie of the year in late-model stocks. The Busted Knuckle Garage, Prescott, AZ; 928/708-0897.

Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian recently addressed a rumor about the track being turned into an off-road, racing-only facility in 2010. Stated Kazarian: “Not sure who started the rumor or why, but let me assure everybody, it is absolutely not true. Like they are today, sprint cars, stock cars, motorcycles and off-road racing are all part of the future at Perris Auto Speedway."

Crane Cams has reopened under the new ownership of S&S Cycle. With manufacturing and sales operations of its ignition and motorcycle lines up and running, the company is newly housed in a facility at 1640 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach. S&S Cycle acquired Crane’s intellectual properties, patents, trademarks, camshaft masters, inventory and some equipment in April 2009. Crane Cams, Daytona Beach, FL; 866/388-5120.

Bossco International hired Jeremy Janke as operations manager. Janke’s background includes working with factories in China and facilitating product importing and exporting to major retailers around the world.

Toyo Tire (USA) Corp.’s website, www.toyotires.com, won best in class in the consumer goods category of the 2009 Interactive Media Awards. The awards are presented annually by the Interactive Media Council Inc., a non-profit organization consisting of web designers, programmers, advertisers and web-related professionals. Toyo Tire (USA) Corp., Cypress, CA; 714/236-2080.

To help employers find the right talent in the least amount of time while keeping expenses in check, WyoTech has launched Corporate-Connect. The virtual recruiting tool is an online hub that allows employers to post free job campaigns, interview applicants online and build their brands with targeted users. Learn more about Corporate-Connect by contacting Helene DeAlleaume at WyoTech-Long Beach at 562/624-5879. WyoTech, Laramie, WY; 307/742-3776.

“Autoworld Radio”—a live, three-hour talk show on Sundays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on The National Radio Network—has expanded its reach through the Genesis Communication Network (GCN). The show is now available through GCN online, and listeners have access to on-demand play, archives of all programs and the availability of a free “AutoWorld” podcast. Hosted by Bob Long for 17 years, “AutoWorld” is devoted to America’s love affair with the automobile and reaches a combined audience of more than 1.4 million avid listeners each week.

CADNA Automotive Inc.’s founder and chairman of the board, David Rognlien, has reached an agreement with Devin Hart, the company’s president and CEO, for Hart to acquire a significant ownership stake in the company. Specific terms of the buy-sell agreement were not disclosed. CADNA Automotive is an automotive aftermarket supplier and licensee of well-known premium brands Prestone, Autolite, Fram and proprietary brand Armor Mark.