Off-Road 2.0: Performance Technology and Lifestyle Trends – Powered by TORA
John Waraniak, SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology, hosted conversation with 10 industry leaders in the off-road aftermarket. John starts off by saying “Don’t let this [COVID-19] crises become a capability crises, don’t fail to prepare for the future so use this time to prepare and as we move forward in the industry we are going to continue to be challenged but when we look back, we’re going to look at how we responded.” The key takeaways from the presentation included New vehicles, Trucks, SUV, CUV, Trucks account for 21% of SEMA market, America Loves Pickup trucks, and how off-road and outdoor lifestyles are driving new markets.
Panel speakers included:
1. DAVE PERICAK – Director Enterprise Product Line Management – Ford Icons
2. DOM LESTER – Chief Engineer, Performance variants GM
3. DAVE HERRINGTON – American Expedition Vehicles OE level performance parts
4. SEL NARAYANA – Executive Director of KTM. Offering the best motorcycle meant for racing on and off-road
5. TROY LEE – Former motorcycle racer to custom off-road painting artist
6. JIM DOWNEY – Zone Director, Refinish Sales at PPG
7. NATALIE SCOTT – Marketing director, Automotive Refinish at PPG
8. TOM ZIELINSKI – Z-Performance Auto and Motorcycle Events
9. DAVE COLE – Owner of King of the Hammers
10. RICKY JOHNSON – Johnson Offroad
Online Car Sales: Keeping Accessories a Priority, Powered by PRO
Moderator Josh Poulson from Auto Additions Inc. held a panel with dealership president David Salsido, president of Auto Action Group Joe Cardinale, General Manager Derek Ellis of South Pointe Chevrolet, and Kevin Gillies of Integrity Customs. Both Joe Cardinale and Kevin Gillies are past winners of the SEMA Restyler of the Year award. Josh Poulson brings these groups together because they, along with many other dealerships and restylers, compliment each other very well. It is smart for dealerships to partner with restylers because it’s a win-win in the industry. “A POP in a dealership can help promote your specialty products services while helping dealerships maximize profits. But dealer showroom real estate is extremely valuable so be sensitive to not take up too much room.” – The Shop Mag. Josh posed the question to both David Salsido and Derek Gillies, “What benefit do you see partnering with a restyler rather than do restyling in house?” They both agreed that dealership space is limited and the trust in the restyler is always there, day or night to ultimately help a customer.
Although dealerships and restylers make a great couple, the threat of COVID-19 and government shutdown affected them earlier this year. Josh asked David Salsido, “How things have been since the beginning the of year to now?” “We were hit pretty bad with COVID-19 so we had to change the way we made employees and customers feel safe. We did this by making sure we sanitized everything. Although we had to shut down on March 20th, we slowly reopened in May. Luckily it’s been a steady year overall.” Joe Salsido replied. Kevin mentioned that their Tulsa location had a 30% drop in sales but has since recovered completely and is now sitting at their best year yet.
Legendary Designer, Chip Foose Shows Off 1974 Jaguar E-Type
Chip Foose, legendary automobile designer and the host of TV’s Overhaulin’ shows off a custom 1974 Jaguar E-Type. Not only does this classic look good from the outside, Foose outfitted this sport compact with all the bells and whistles on the inside. The engine has been swapped out for a Chevrolet 6.2L V8, a Magnaflow exhaust, Baer Brakes, and Arc audio.
Make Sure To Find PDM at SEMA360 For Live Demos!
Brand DNA – Protect Your Most Valuable Asset
12:00 eastern – Product data is your Brand’s DNA. Managing features, attributes, and digital assets should parallel the product development process. With a streamlined process, you will provide accurate, consistent, real-time information to all your sales channels including product catalogs, websites, marketplaces, etc.
Powering Up Sales – Solutions for Data Management Q&A
3:00 eastern – Ask us anything! Here is a chance to have a candid discussion and Q&A regarding manufacturer product data and how you can be more efficient with selling more products quicker.
Want to manage your product data more efficiently? Try out a demo or contact us at info@pdm-automotive.com.
