Wednesday, November 16, 2016

What can we expect for 2017 - in DIESEL Motorsports?

Well the election year is almost over and now back to normal business for 2017! I forecast quarters 2, 3 and 4 will be big improvements over last year's revenues. In fact I see them improving each quarter as the year progresses.

The first quarter will be good but it will take some time for the new direction business will be taking for the next four years. Manufacturing will be on the rise with less restrictions from the EPA which means the economy will slowly make a come back. Ford and GM has already announced moving manufacturing back to our country from Mexico.

More jobs and more money for our automotive industry! Add in the tax cuts (when implemented) and you will see companies freeing up the purse strings to hire more people, produce and stock more product. 



They will do this in order to anticipate the increase in sales from consumers. It's been a long haul for many stretching the use of their old diesel trucks for hauling, work and pleasure - frankly many are getting worn out!

The average ownership of a pickup truck is now 11-13 years according to Polk Research, even being a diesel I'm sure many of you have seen maintenance repairs go up the past years. Now you will see new truck purchases and the older trucks go to secondary used truck consumers. 

That is why the diesel industry will see a slow increase as the trickle down effect of new truck owners wanting performance and accessory items plus the older truck purchaser wanting additional repairs and upgrades to those used diesel trucks.

Be ready for both and decide which will be profitable for your business. There is profit in both if you know how to offer service on both. Do some research during the winter on new truck drivetrains and what fails on them.

I have already talked to some mechanics at dealerships and found items they are reporting failing on new Eco-diesels and new model drive trains. Use the winter to get smart because a change is in the wind for diesels.

Monday, November 7, 2016

What I saw at the SEMA Show 2016! DIESEL Motorsports

I saw a lot more diesel trucks on display than any year EVER! However, they were stock mostly with huge lift kit suspensions, large wheels and low profile tires! The typical CA lift truck that is hard to come by in the Midwest states. Why?

Because we have REALLY bad roads and highways that are full of potholes, ridges and low shoulders! These kind of trucks do not run smooth on our roads along with 6 months of cold, salt, snow and slop they have to tread through during Winter months.

Have you ever tried to clean salt residue off of a wheel that has run through the junk for weeks - brutal! There was some nice rat rod trucks along with some conversions.

Overall most of the diesel performance part suppliers do not display at SEMA but the hard parts and fluids are on display. I saw a lot of other companies jumping into the marketplace which is a good thing. Because if enough companies realize the potential then more people will display more items for diesels.

I did see some great looking grilles, wheels for 8 lug, exhaust tips, internal performance parts for the engines, new fluids, new cooling systems, and lots of accessories for trucks. SEMA is the only show on planet where you can see all aspects of the automotive world, be it performance, offroad, pleasure or customizing your ride.

But you gotta know where to look and how to offer those wanting to sell their products how you can sell their products. They are there to sell their products and make some profitable returns on their products.

Seeing new products for our diesels is very exciting but finding them on 27 miles of walking is somewhat over-whelming if you don't know where to go at the show. It takes planning in advance and scheduling your time during the day. Even by planning we still walked 6-8 miles per day visiting and viewing new products and companies.

Every year we come home tired and wore out but very happy we attended. If you want to go plan a year in advance, bring good walking shoes and lots of money$!


New Dmax headers from AFE

New Radiator from AFE

New iPad or smart pad holder from Carvelle that is magnetic and slips right over existing radio dash, play your tunes, videos or gauges right in front of you

Cummins 4cyl common Rail drop-in crate engine including wiring harness and chip

NEW 8-Lug Wheels from Weld

Killer Engine Build from Wagler with ARP products

New Camo design from Covercraft Seatsavers

New Engine pan from PPE

Rolling Big Power Grilles with several NEW designs

NEW DIESEL Cetane Boost from Boostane

RBP copper plated wheels for 8-lug market

. . .  and much more!