FROM THE ASSOCIATION
Who You Gonna Call?
In addition to the annual SEMA Show, the association works continuously to supply a wide array of programs and benefits members can tap into 365 days a year. Here are just a few:
- Most members are aware that SEMA’s Market Research department offers regular reports that provide market insights to keep the industry abreast of trends and their implications. But on top of that, members can access comprehensive counts of vehicles on the road in the United States. This Vehicles In Operation (VIO) data comes via a partnership with Experian Automotive and can be a key information source helping to define and quantify areas of opportunity. Manufacturers considering developing products for a particular vehicle can now get a clear picture of how many units are on the road. Retailers thinking of stocking parts for a particular vehicle can use VIO data to assess how many units are in their area and what their potential customer base looks like. To find out how to access VIO data, email research@sema.org.
- SEMA has long made a priority of helping members understand and resolve vehicle technology, systems integration, and engineering challenges as they arise. The SEMA Garage was built with that priority in mind, and now the advanced vehicle technology group has added capacity on two fronts. First, a full advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) program was launched in May in Detroit, the first to focus on how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS. The new Detroit facility offers 5,000 sq. ft. to conduct ADAS static testing, the ability to conduct dynamic testing at a third-party test site, plus expert staff. Second, there will be enhanced focus on finding ways to assist the industry to exploit the ongoing trend of electrification. To that end, SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology Luis Morales is meeting with companies in that field, both in the restomod segment of the aftermarket and at the OEM level. His mission includes developing approaches and programs that will help deliver solutions and benefits for companies in the growing field of electric propulsion. He is stationed at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and can be contacted by emailing luism@sema.org.
- Insights into advanced automotive technology, human resources solutions, automotive market research, small-business management techniques and more are available on demand through SEMA’s new virtual education platform. The platform, launched in mid-December, has accumulated more than 1,000 unique users and is a resource that also offers discussions with industry leaders about trends and opportunities; tips on navigating legislative and regulatory issues; and expert guidance on effective marketing techniques. The virtual education library is available to all industry professionals. In addition to live webinars, employees of SEMA-member companies can access more than 100 educational videos at no cost or at a discount. Log in to www.sema.org/education to create a free profile tailored to your individual preferences. Questions? Contact SEMA Education Director Pamela Brown-Matthis at pamelabm@sema.org.
- Product data management keeps getting easier with SEMA Data. It’s been more than a year since SEMA Data introduced plugins to automate uploading eCatalog data for WooCommerce and Shopify eCommerce platforms, simplifying the process and speeding up time-to-market. There is now a third plug-in available, this one for resellers on the Big Commerce platform. Meanwhile, manufacturers have until August 1 to qualify their product data to SEMA Data Excellence scorecard. The SEMA Data eCatalog Team is available to work with members to update their data quality to the highest levels. Manufacturer members can shoot an email to info@semadata.org to connect with the team and get guidance about their data quality, and how to elevate their product line to the level most attractive to retailers. Bonus: SEMA Data Excellence brands get special recognition at this year’s SEMA Show.
