Buzz

"Volkswagen was a driving force in SCCA history for many years," said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We're excited to be back on the track with our SCCA partnership, increasing interest in the SCCA competition and bringing our new and exciting products to the track."

Two Volkswagen GLI Fahrenheits will serve as the official pace cars and have received body-kit upgrades, full graphics package, and a full light package. The vehicles will be present at all World Challenge races remaining in 2007 and through 2009. The same vehicles will also pace all 25 races at the National Championship Runoffs at Heartland Park Topeka, Oct. 12-14.

In addition to the pace vehicles, Volkswagen will provide 10 course vehicles for the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships, held at Heartland Park Topeka, Sept. 25-28.

Earlier this season, Volkswagen announced a contingency award program with a payout amount of up to $300,000 available to Volkswagen participants in SCCA. The automaker has already awarded more than $48,000 in contingency prize money this season. The contingency program is designed to monetarily reward Volkswagen drivers when they compete and finish on the podium at SCCA-sanctioned events.

TURNPRO MAGNETIC FINGER "ATTRACTS" SEMA PROJECT BUILDERS

The Magnetic Finger is a snug, stretchy, finger glove with a powerful magnet under the surface of the index fingertip. The finger glove fits securely and the magnet allows you to hold and retrieve any small metal object with precise control. When not in use, it attaches to the outside of any metal toolbox so it's always there when you need it.

The Magnetic Finger can also be used for home improvements and repairs, automotive, bicycle, motorcycle, and watercraft maintenance, arts and crafts, sewing, fishing, plumbing, and electrical projects.

SEMA members working on a vehicle build for the SEMA Show can receive up to four Magnetic Fingers. To order, contact Terry Kohl (920) 622-5536, or e-mail [email protected].

SPAL USA'S "ROCKET RANGER" PICKUP SETS NEW LAND SPEED RECORD

The "Rocket Ranger" achieved an average speed of 215.091 mph—nearly 2 mph faster than the previous record of 213.583 mph in the "C/Diesel Truck" class. SPAL's record is recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI).

In 2001, SPAL USA approached Ford with the "Rocket Ranger" concept. Ford was eager to offer support by providing a stock Ford Ranger pickup. Currently, the "Rocket Ranger" is equipped with a Ford Powerstroke/International 6.0-liter diesel engine equipped with Hypermax intercooled series turbochargers, injectors and Mach 7 performance module, dual SPAL USA 12-inch high-performance cooling fans, and a ZF 6-speed transmission.

The "Rocket Ranger" qualified for the land speed record three times but had difficulty making the back-up run. During the first back-up run, a failed piston forced the team to change the truck's engine in Utah's 100-degree heat; an oil pump issue interfered with the second back-up run. The team may return to the Bonneville Salt Flats in October to beat its own land speed record.

SPAL's "Rocket Ranger" set its first land speed record in 2001 at the SCTA/BNI World Finals with a Roush-built NASCAR Nextel Cup engine enlarged to 371 cubic inches. It reached 205.208 mph and shattered the existing "Modified Mid/Mini Pickup" class mark by almost 25 mph.

In 2003, SPAL USA's "Rocket Ranger" returned to Bonneville to mark the first time a Powerstroke diesel engine was used for a land speed record attempt. The truck reached a respectable 222 mph, but was unable to complete a back-up run due to an electrical issue caused by an intercooler explosion on a previous run.

BREMBO AND SABELT ANNOUNCE JOINT VENTURE

This industrial partnership will combine the best knowledge and technological assets of two historic brands in the safety sector. It will enable the Brembo Group to significantly expand its product range, expanding the scope from active safety components for motor vehicles and motorcycles (braking systems), to include passive safety products (seats and seat belts, protective racing gear, child safety products) and special accessories for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

ROUSHtv TO TAKE VIEWERS BEHIND THE CURTAIN

To get an insider look behind closed doors, simply log on to www.ROUSHtv.com, where five videos are available for viewing, many of which will take viewers into areas where cameras are normally prohibited. This site can also be found via the new tab atop the menu bar of the main ROUSH Performance Web site and will be continually updated with new videos and is worth bookmarking for return visits.

ROUSH is currently developing 26 different videos that cover a variety of topics, such as engine and vehicle assembly, testing procedures, manufacturing and fabrication, and a general overview of ROUSH Performance.

Based in Livonia, Michigan, "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling, and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information, see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com, or call (800) 59-ROUSH.

AASA: SIZE OF AFTERMARKET LIKELY TO GROW IN 2007

The light-vehicle automotive aftermarket industry is expected to grow over the next several years, with the largest increase predicted for 2007, according to new research from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). A detailed analysis of the size of the aftermarket is included in the 2007-2008 AASA Automotive Aftermarket Status Report.

According to AASA, the value of the light-vehicle aftermarket (parts and labor) will break the $200 billion mark within the next few years. The light-vehicle aftermarket reached $185.2 billion in 2006, a 2.9-percent increase over 2005. AASA estimates the light-vehicle aftermarket will finish 2007 at nearly $193 billion, an increase of 4 percent.

"We expect the aftermarket to only increase in size in the future," said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. "Our industry is vital to keeping the 232 million vehicles on U.S. roads running safely and efficiently and, ultimately, in keeping Americans productive and mobile."

Vehicles more than 10 years old continued to comprise the largest share of dollars spent, reaching approximately $80.8 billion in 2006. This category, along with the six- to 10-year-old vehicle group, is expected to continue to expand at a stable pace, while new to five-year-old vehicles are projected to reach a peak in 2007 before declining to just short of $45 billion in 2010.

According to Frank Hampshire, AASA senior director of research, AASA uses the "Survey Cost Method" to calculate the size of the industry. "This method involves multiplying the number of vehicles on the road for each model year by a survey-derived estimate of service and repair dollars spent on vehicles by model year," he explained. "This method accurately captures the full spectrum of aftermarket activity, but offers limited means of analyzing or estimating expenditures by DIY share or type of product/service."

AASA's estimates for the light-vehicle aftermarket exclude warranty work, collision, and accessories, but include fleet maintenance and repair. AASA's estimates do not include parts for medium and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, off-highway equipment, farm machinery, motorcycles and scooters, snowmobiles, watercraft, industrial equipment, or recreational vehicles.

In terms of aftermarket components and services, AASA's size of the aftermarket estimates is restricted to replacement parts and related services and does not include appearance products and services, gasoline, dealer preparation, car audio and entertainment centers, hand tools and service diagnostic equipment, and paint and body equipment.

FREE "HOW-TO" CD/DVD FOR FALL CAR CARE MONTH

October is Car Care Month, so the Car Care Council reminds automotive aftermarket industries and organizations to order the "how-to" CD and DVD, which contain extensive information and marketing materials designed to help vehicle service providers get actively involved in Fall Car Care Month.

The DVD features a 12-minute "how-to" video with step-by-step instructions on how to plan and host popular consumer vehicle check-up events. The CD contains a comprehensive event planning guide complete with sample press releases, radio spot scripts, camera ready ads, samples of vehicle inspection forms, brochures, logos, and more. To request a copy of the two-disc set, log on to www.carcare.org. Single copies are available for free. For multiple copies, call (240) 333-1088.

CARL SHEFFER ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION FROM SEMA

Carl Sheffer, vice president, OEM Relations for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), announced his resignation from the association effective Aug. 31, 2007. Sheffer will continue with the organization in a consultancy role. John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology, and Bill Wolf, senior manager of OEM relations, will assume Sheffer's duties on an interim basis.

"I am extremely proud of the significant contributions I've made to both the SEMA organization and its member companies. It's been an honor to help raise SEMA's profile throughout the industry, especially within the OEM community," said Sheffer.

"We appreciate Carl's contribution to the SEMA organization and to our member companies. He is held in high regard by his peers and we look forward to working with him in a consultancy role in the future," said Chris Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA.

With more than 35 years in the automotive and specialty-equipment industry, Sheffer's passion for the automobile is well known. During his tenure at SEMA, he broadened and increased the participation of OEMs at the SEMA Show and further strengthened the relationship between the OEMs and SEMA-member companies.

Sheffer also has played a key role in expanding the Technology Transfer program, which is a key SEMA service that provides direct access to CAD data from several OEMs to hundreds of SEMA-member companies, thus reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new vehicle accessories to the aftermarket.

SCION LAUNCHES ALL-NEW CONSUMER-DRIVEN PROGRAMS

Scion, the youth brand from Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., has launched two all-new consumer-driven summer contests geared to bring together Scion loyalists from all walks of life. The "Scion Owners Contest" and the "Scion Most Enthusiastic Club Contest" recently hit the streets in July with individual Internet launches. The programs extend through September, culminating with winners selected and prizes awarded to 1st place victors. Each individual program highlights the very "best" Scion Car Club and Scion Owner.

The Scion "Owners Contest" is a two-month online "car show" that identifies the best Scion in multiple categories. Scion will promote the Scion "Owners Contest" via the Internet through blogs and chat rooms, e-mail blasts, viral marketing, and more. Scion will also use popular events like Hot Import Nights, DUB Car Shows, and Night Shift to promote the programs.

The winner of each category will receive an Illest/Sickest/Hottest trophy and the Best of Show will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hot Import Nights Car Show in Miami Beach on Dec. 15, plus coverage in Scion Magazine and www.scion.com. This event speaks to core Scion loyalists who put their own money up to trick out their ride.

The categories include:

1) Single One Illest/Sickest/Hottest Feature

• Illest/Sickest/Hottest Paint Job
• Illest/Sickest/Hottest Interior
• Illest/Sickest/Hottest I.C.E. (In Car Entertainment System)
• Illest/Sickest/Hottest Engine

2) Vehicle Model Competition Awards

• Illest/Sickest/Hottest xA, xB, and tC

3) Grand Daddy Award

• Illest/Sickest/Hottest Street Scion
• Illest/Sickest/Hottest Show Scion
• Best of Show a.k.a. "The Grand Daddy of All Grand Daddy Awards"

With more than 200 Scion clubs and crews nationwide, Scion is kicking off one of the largest campaigns the brand has ever undertaken. The goal is to find out which club is the most unique, enthusiastic, and dedicated.

Contestants must submit a three- to five-minute video expressing how wildly enthusiastic their club is about the Scion brand. The categories to be judged are:

• Most Enthusiastic Scion Car Club
• Deepest Scion Car Club
• Best Themed Scion Car Club

There will be first- through third-place awards for each category. The winner of the competition will receive a "one-of-a-kind" trophy and best of all bragging rights as the best (Scion) club in the United States.

For more complete information on all of the criteria for these programs, visit www.scion.com.

EDSEL FORD II RECEIVES $200,000 CHECK FOR JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH

Detroit Street Rods (DSR) recently presented Edsel Ford II with a check for $200,000 on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as part of the Ford 75th Anniversary Deuce celebration of the legendary 1932 Ford. The presentation was made at the Grosse Pointe estate of Ford's grandparents, Edsel and Eleanor Ford.

Earlier this year, Ford Motor Company officially licensed DSR to produce up to 100 Deuce roadsters to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, noted for the advanced styling by Edsel Ford—Henry's son—and the performance of the first mass-produced V-8 engine—the Ford "flathead." Although in production for only a single model year, the Deuce has become an American icon as the quintessential hot rod.

The Ford 75th Anniversary Deuce is based on the award-winning Dearborn Deuce roadster body that combines the beauty of Ford's original design with contemporary technology. The first Anniversary Deuce was actually built for Edsel Ford II and gifted to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to sell at this past January's Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the roadster brought $330,000 for the charity. The remaining 99 Ford 75th Anniversary Deuces, including 10 Edsel Signature Series models, are being sold through select Ford dealers starting at $165,000 and built at Saleen in Troy, Mich., where the limited-edition Ford GTs were assembled and painted.

TOYOTA DONATES TUNDRA CREWMAX TO THE 2007 SEMA SHOW SILENT AUCTION

"Each year we have a vehicle donated to be the featured item and each year it seems as though the donated vehicle gets nicer and nicer. This year is certainly no exception," said Bianca Hennings, a YEN member and the 2007 SEMA Silent Auction Task Force chairperson. "The brand-new Tundra that Toyota sent us is loaded to the max with every single option that comes from the Toyota plant. It is simply an amazing vehicle that we are looking forward to auctioning off for a truly good cause, such as the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund."

The 2007 Toyota Tundra is currently being customized by a professional team of enthusiasts led by Mike Spagnola, a SEMA board member and president/CEO of Street Scene Manufacturing, Inc.

The Silent Auction has been a don't-miss feature of the SEMA Show since 1993. Presented by YEN, the Silent Auction has raised close to $1 million since its inception. These funds are raised to support scholarships for students seeking careers in the specialty-equipment industry and student loan forgiveness for those working for SEMA-member companies.

The 2007 SEMA Silent Auction will be located on the Sky Bridge above the South Hall lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Place your bids during show hours Tuesday through Thursday. Bidding closes Thursday at 5 p.m., and all winners must claim their merchandise by Friday at 4 p.m.

Currently, SEMA's Young Executive Network has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee. If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, you can join YEN. For more information about participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, log on to www.SEMAShow.com/silentauction or www.semasilentauction.com.

AUTOMAKERS HEAD FOR THE SEMA SHOW

Automakers are increasingly collaborating and partnering with the specialty-equipment industry, and they're turning to the annual SEMA Show to identify new trends and products.

At the 2007 SEMA Show being held Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007, in Las Vegas, 14 automakers are scheduled to exhibit and many of them plan to make major announcements and debut new vehicles during the week. Open only to qualified trade professionals, the SEMA Show caters to key decision makers, designers, media, and businesses that form a powerful grassroots voice in the automotive industry.

"As the premier automotive accessories trade event in the world, the SEMA Show creates many opportunities for automakers," said Carl Sheffer, SEMA's vice president, OEM relations. "The SEMA Show is a vital component of their marketing plan and is an effective way to reach a powerful audience."

Among those exhibiting at the 2007 SEMA Show is Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., which began exhibiting at the SEMA Show in 1998. However, this year marks the first time the automaker will be featured as the vehicle "manufacturer" of the show.

Joining Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., at the SEMA Show are General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, American Honda, Nissan North America, Hyundai Motor America, KIA Motors America, Inc., Lexus, Mazda North America Operations, Scion, Subaru of America, Inc., American Suzuki, and Volkswagen. The 14 automakers will have a total of more than 30 nameplates represented at the event.

In addition to exhibiting, automakers support the SEMA Show through a number of programs. SEMA's Project Vehicle program is an example of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and exhibiting member-companies working together to attract buyers, media, and eventually consumers.

The Project Vehicle program begins with OEM-brand teams providing stock vehicles to SEMA-member companies. The SEMA members equip the stock vehicles with accessories that best suit the vehicle's lifestyle, adventure, or general-use applications. For participating automakers, the modified vehicles illustrate design versatility and utility while adding flair and performance unavailable from the stock equipment catalogue.

The Technology Transfer program affords SEMA members confidential technical data from OEM partners well in advance of public announcement. Body specifications, project vehicle access, and the free flow of vital new-model data now enable SEMA-member companies to create, design, and build parts and accessories in-sync with projected new-vehicle market launches.

Tech Transfer specialists will attend the SEMA Show and demonstrate how the process—including confidential CAD-CAM data transfer—allows SEMA-member companies to access the automaker's information and participate in a critical business-to-business dialogue with potentially significant customers.

Association members who participate in programs, such as the Technology Transfer, Tech Talks, and Measuring Sessions, are then allowed to judge the SEMA Vehicle Design Awards, presented annually at the SEMA Show. Winners join a prestigious list of past recipients and have the opportunity to display winning vehicles in future SEMA shows and major auto shows, and often see their work featured in automotive publications.

Press conferences and sponsored media events make up a significant part of automaker activity at the SEMA Show, where manufacturers seek access to a global media pool ranging from key industry communicators to the latest lifestyle broadcast programs. The launch of new models and technologies continues throughout show week and further attests to the growing importance the OEM community lends the show and the media attention it garners.

OEM executives, engineers, and designers consider the SEMA Show critical to their understanding of the overall industry and trends likely to influence the sale of particular vehicle types or specific segment growth.

For more information on the SEMA Show, or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

MITCHELL 1 WORKSHOP IN CLEVELAND

Mitchell 1 will hold this year's fourth Shop Management System Training Workshop in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 4 – 6, at the Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown. The training workshop—designed for those who have been using their shop management system for six months or more—will guide users through advanced functionality in the OnDemand5 Manager system. Instructors will explore advanced setup, inventory, reporting, management, and more, as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging and Customer Retention Marketing (CRM).

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1's management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who combined, have 24 years of Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits, and boost productivity.

"This advanced training workshop is designed to turn existing shop management system customers into power users who get the most out of their software and business," said Dwulet. "The sessions will uncover strategies allowing attendees to compete successfully against dealerships, maximizing their maintenance and repair opportunities."

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1's management system training workshop, log on to www.buymitchell1.com/form/m1users.htm. Registration must be completed by Sept. 21.