SEMA Member News—November/December 2014
TORA Celebrates Successful New Products Showcase
Dozens of Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) manufacturers participated in the promotional opportunities available at the fifth annual New Products Showcase and stock-to-show truck build by RV 4 Wheel Drive & Performance Automotive at the Carlisle All-Truck Nationals on August 1–3, 2014. Thanks to all the SEMA members who participated:
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Long-Range Planning Meeting Results in Better Understanding of Market Challenges
This past summer, the TORA scheduled its periodic long-range planning meeting to coincide with other events in Southern California that included the SEMA Garage open house and the annual Installation Gala. Nearly 30 members of the TORA select committee and at-large members met to discuss issues, challenges and opportunities affecting light-truck, off-road, diesel, Jeep and SUV aftermarket businesses. New topics of interest and concern focused on vehicle data, OE relations and youth and member engagement.
“As chair of TORA, I’d like to personally thank all of the members who attended our open meeting in Diamond Bar,” said Melanie White. “My first engagement into councils was through an TORA open meeting, and I fell in love with the format of brainstorming as a group about industry issues. It’s a very cool experience to get together as a group of professionals where people are able to take their company hats off and put their industry hats on. Your input is so valuable and appreciated.”
Network and Give Back at TORA’s Industry Awards Reception
Each year at the SEMA Show, TORA raises more than $5,000 for SEMA Cares charities. The pinewood drag races at the reception allow all members to contribute.
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Another tradition for TORA members at the reception is the pinewood drag races, where attendees rent and race pinewood trucks to raise money for the charities supported by SEMA Cares. The racers are built and decorated by children from the very facilities the event supports and will be available for a $20 donation. Supporting SEMA Cares is an initiative that has remained important to TORA for a long time. The council raises more than $5,000 each year from Show-related activities alone.
Visit TORA Booth #34183 in South Hall
Buyers: Interested in meeting the leading exhibitors in the truck and off-road industry? Exhibitors: Want to build leads for the week in a casual environment on the SEMA Show floor? You are invited to the TORA Industry Happy Hour at booth #34183 in Upper South Hall on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wrap up the first day of the SEMA Show by mingling with motivated buyers and exhibitors and learn more about the council from the select committee. On your way into the Show throughout the week, take a look at the five feature vehicles representing TORA’s niche on display outside South Hall.
Learn More About Opportunities in Electronics
TORA will also power an automotive electronics seminar entitled “Electronics Restyling in Light Trucks—The Opportune Audience,” on Tuesday, November 4, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, room N256.
At more than 50% of vehicle sales in North America, light trucks represent a platform for an aftermarket enthusiast to customize. Wheels, bumpers, lighting and window tint are just the start. These enthusiasts are driven by technology and want to restyle their interior electronics with the latest in entertainment, safety and convenience features.
Adding better sound, safety from reverse cameras and rear-seat entertainment options furthers the opportunities for this passionate audience of light-truck enthusiasts. Steve Brown, Alpine Electronics of America’s restyle development manager, will inform attendees about the discretionary dollars these owners spend on customizing light trucks and how to capitalize on the opportunity to enhance the electronics for these vehicles. This is a must-attend event for TORA members who want to better understand their customers, trends in the market and how to boost sales.