Las Vegas Prepares for SEMA 2013

Preparations for this show begin months in advance.

Car w/AMSOIL both on and under the hood. 

Has it already been a year since SEMA 2012? Philosophers have long debated whether time is real or a matter of perceptions. Hence as we get older it seems that time is going faster than when we were young. Nevertheless, a year's worth of days have passed since the last year's crates were packed, and now we're here once again, unpacking crates, getting for another week of meetings, and when possible slipping away to see the glitz and bling that is all part of this incredible annual event put on by the largest collection of businesses in the world, each associated with the automotive aftermarket.

Las Vegas, where the rest of the world comes looking for luck, has become a center of commerce, and until the advent of the Internet age and electronics revolution no commercial enterprise has produced more jobs than the auto industry, the real heartbeat of America in the 20th century.

Tomorrow the Specialty Automotive Manufacturers Association, representing more than 6,000 companies, will commence once more to create an environment for commerce here in the city that never sleeps. Some of what we see and hear will be shared here.

We have a local auto dealer whose tag line is "Where the cars are." But once you've been to SEMA, you'll understand why THIS is where the real cars are. There are people for whom a trip to SEMA is a bucket list dream. If you're one of these, we're hoping your dream comes true. And when it does, be sure to visit the AMSOIL booth and say hello.

You can't miss us. Booth 24661 in the Central Hall.

Anticipation Building for SEMA 2009

AMSOIL is preparing for the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show coming to Las Vegas in November. Just about every leader in the automotive industry will be in attendance to showcase their offerings to the performance automotive world. Again this year, AMSOIL is installed in several high-profile cars that are sure to turn heads. Below are just a few glimpses of what to expect on display at this year’s show, all proudly running AMSOIL.

First up is Air-Zenith, a world-class manufacturer for DC 12Volt Air Suspension compressors and accessories. They will be in attendance with their AMSOIL-lubed 1985 Porsche 944. A show car indeed, it is slated for many upcoming appearances in various shows over the next year. With plenty of fancy modifications from the door handles to the carpet in the interior, AMSOIL was happy to oblige their request for the best lubricants to install in this ride.

Up next is Mike Bonanni of Double Down Motorsports and his jaw-dropping 2009 Nissan 370Z Touring car (top left). Mike uses this to race in ‘Time Attack’ events, which is the next generation for the tuner enthusiast. His Nissan is unlike most anything else out there, and with several accomplishments already under his belt Mike is sure to emerge on the scene a star.

Finally, David Williams with Kustom Edge will arrive to showcase his sweet truck that is sure to get people talking. A 2006 Chevy 1500 decked out in 28’ rims, Chevy SS front bumper and an amazing paint job will show people why Kustom Edge evolved from a garage operation to a full-blown customs shop. Attention to detail from the inside out makes this ride worthy of all the attention it’s sure to receive.

These are just three examples of what we’re up to. AMSOIL will be installed in more show cars than ever, from a group of extremely talented Camaro builders, to Hemi's, Lexus, and beyond. Stay tuned for updates throughout the show and afterwards. If you can’t be there, be sure to follow the action on the right here for SEMA 2009 in November.

Las Vegas Dealer Meeting a Success

At the end of a long day with a multitude of miles under your feet walking a major show like SEMA, you would think the evening would be a nice time to kick back and relax. Technical director Dan Peterson and director of aftermarket products Karl Dedolph consider it only the start of a typical day here in Las Vegas. Evenings offer additional opportunities to share the AMSOIL story and tell what's new.

Actually, Karl and Dan conducted two meetings yesterday. In the afternoon, they presented a technical seminar on gasoline additives at the Las Vegas Convention Center which was attended by show goers, editors and AMSOIL Dealers. In the evening, they held a meeting for AMSOIL Dealers at the Distribution Center here.

The agenda was packed with DJ introductions, announcements, an overview of AMSOIL performance products, sales testimonials, Q&A, and previews of coming attractions. Attendees began arriving at 5:00 p.m. Pizzas were ordered, followed by good conversations until 7:00 when the meeting started, continuing till 9:15, with good conversations and informative exchanges taking place later still.

Feedback from the attendees was that it was fun and informative, with lots of Dealer participation. The Jim Cleary and staff did a great job with preparing the facilities and in hospitality. As they say, you should have been there.

Photos: Tech director Dan Peterson; photos by Karl Dedolph.

SEMA Show Razzles and Dazzles

It's election day, USA, and simultaneously the opening day of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. SEMA has announced that 120,000 attendees pre-registered, and when the doors opened the show floor aisles were quickly congested. Despite the negative flavor of news media reports about the economy, you can see here that business is thriving for many and despite concerns in the auto industry, there's plenty of enthusiasm on display here this week.

No matter who gets elected, people will continue to be passionate about their cars. That's why AMSOIL is present at SEMA 2008, because nothing is more exciting than performance and style.

If you can't be here in person, you can be sure plenty of these cars will be appearing in magazines in the months ahead, so you'll still get a chance to see what we're up to. These are showcase examples of what the performance market is all about.

Today AMSOIL announced the introduction of 148 AMSOIL/Injen gasoline air intakes for 150 new applications as part of the start of today's show.* In addition, nearly two dozen tuner vehicles are on display wearing the AMSOIL emblem including cars featured by Lexus and Nissan. When it comes to performance, AMSOIL delivers and here in the heart of the performance scene it is exciting to see AMSOIL recognized as an integral part of what it means to bring a car to its optimum.

At the end of day one, despite the economic hardships endured by some, there is a vibrant mood on the show floor. People will continue to own vehicles and will continue to desire that their vehicles express their values.

Tomorrow... the show continues.

* Check out the Injen/AMSOIL announcement here

Much Anticipated SEMA Show Now Here

It’s Monday and the show floor is a scrambling mass of crates, carpets, cars and energy as near 2000 companies assemble their booths for the 2008 SEMA Show. There are many car shows, but there is only one SEMA, a Mecca for performance car enthusiasts.

Though there have been rumblings of a number of “no shows” due to the economy, the three main halls look to have ample goods and services on display to give any enthusiast a rush.

Rodders, tuners, trucks and late models are all on display, putting on the dog. As customary, if it has something to do with cars, or in the coverage of the car scene, it's here. The quantity of vehicles decked to the nines is not yet announced but it is well beyond what a normal human can take in, a-pleasin’ both aesthetically and from an engineering standpoint.

Quite a few vehicle builders were proud to be associated with AMSOIL this year. Here are a few images from Vegas, with the aim of whetting your appetite for more. And tomorrow, it's Showtime.

SEMA 2007 Just Around the Corner

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) bills itself as the premier automotive specialty products trade association in the world and its annual show in Las Vegas each year is "the place to be" if you are in any way associated with this industry. The SEMA Show draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. Last year the SEMA Show attracted more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries for its unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, marine and RV markets. This year, SEMA Show 2007 anticipates a continuation of this trend, expecting to draw domestic and international buyers through two million square feet of exhibits. The displays are segmented into 11 sections, and a New Products Showcase features more than 1,400 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

This is the 41st Anniversary of the SEMA Show, promising to consume more Las Vegas real estate than ever. In the next few weeks we'll be making a few announcements here on the blog, and starting October 29th hope to share some of the sites and sounds of SEMA 2007, live from Las Vegas.

In the meantime, here are a few images from last year's show, knowing that the best is yet to come.