Hybrid Customers Want Fuel Efficiency

Hybrid vehicle systems can serve to either improve fuel economy or increase horsepower. Judging by units sold, customers prefer models that offer improved fuel economy. Fuel efficient hybrid models such as the Toyota Prius have enjoyed increasing sales, while models that use hybrid systems to increase horsepower, including the Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander, have seen decreasing sales since their introductions.

The Growing Diesel Performance Market

The increased popularity of diesel engines has increased demand for performance parts and accessories. Surveys reveal that public perception of diesel engines has improved in recent years. A recent TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence survey showed 51 percent of respondents believe modern diesel engines are not the under-performing vehicles they once were, and 50 percent agree diesel engines are more fuel efficient than gasoline engines. In addition, respondents revealed they are willing to pay up to $1,700 extra for better fuel efficiency in a vehicle. This is significant because diesel engine options for light-duty passenger cars typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500 more than standard gasoline engines. A growing number of publications are providing positive press for diesel engines, while an increasing number of companies in the diesel performance market are advertising in these magazines. Gale Banks of Gale Banks Engineering predicts the diesel market share for cars and 1/2- ton pickups will grow to 16 to 18 percent over the next 15 years. The media has played a role in helping the public become receptive to diesel engines as performance-capable alternatives to gasoline engines. A growing number of publications are providing positive press for diesel engines, while an increasing number of companies in the diesel performance market are advertising in these magazines. In fact, the total number of advertising pages purchased by performance diesel companies in Diesel Power magazine soared 330 percent between 2005 (134 pages) and 2006 (577 pages). As diesel engines have become cleaner, quieter and more powerful over the past several years, a surge is becoming evident in the heavy-duty diesel pickup and light-duty diesel vehicle performance markets. According to a SEMA Automotive Lifestyles survey of diesel enthusiasts, the top three specialty equipment performance part purchases in 2006 were exhaust kits, air intake performance air filter replacements and cold air intake conversions. Reported purchases of performance air filters increased from 38.5 percent in 2005 to 50.1 percent in 2006, while purchases of cold air intake conversions more than doubled from 20.5 percent in 2005 to 45.6 percent in 2006. The survey also reveals a growing number of these consumers are turning to the internet to purchase parts and accessories. These internet purchases have come largely at the expense of custom shop/installers, with 17 percent of respondents reporting purchasing from a custom shop/installer, down from 36 percent in 2005. Top 20 Diesel Specialty Equipment Purchases Product Product Exhaust Kit - Pipes/Muffler/etc. Air Intake - Performance Air Filter Replacement Air Intake - Cold Air Intake Conversion Engine Performance Chip/Computer Window Tinting/Lamination Floor Mats - Custom Tires - Plus-sized Alarm System Gauges - Custom Satellite Radio Wheels - Custom Springs/Shocks/Suspension/Sway Bars Stereo - CD Changer Exterior Lighting Turbocharger Grille - Custom Suspension - Lift Kits Tires - Performance Fog Lights - Custom Stereo - Amplifier 2006 53.1% 50.1% 45.6% 42.9% 38.3% 33.7% 33.7% 33.4% 32.6% 28.3% 24.8% 24.5% 24.5% 24.0% 22.4% 22.1% 20.5% 20.2% 19.4% 19.1% 2005 53.8% 38.5% 20.5% 35.9% 43.6% 38.5% N/A 17.9% 28.2% 15.4% 33.3% 33.3% 25.6% 15.4% 17.9% 17.9% 17.9% N/A 30.8% 23.1% Where Diesel Enthusiasts Purchase Specialty Equipment Retail Channel Internet Retail Store Website Custom Shop/Installer Independent Parts Store/Installer Do Not Know Specific Brand/Manufacturer's Website Catalogue Mail Order Auction Website Chain Auto Parts Store Magazine Mail Order Vehicle Dealership Car/Truck Show Retail Department Store Not Applicable Newspaper Classifieds 2006 28% 17% 13% 10% 7% 7% 6% 4% 4% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 2005 13% 36% 13% 5% 10% 5% 5% 8% 0% 5% 0% 0% N/A 0% AMSOIL offers premium quality Ea Air Filters and Ea Universal Air Induction filters ideal for the gasoline and diesel performance markets. Ea Air Filters AMSOIL Ea Air Filters incorporate nanofiber technology which has been used exclusively in severe and heavy duty applications. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are more efficient and have greater capacity than cellulose and wet gauze filters, effectively extending engine and filter life and reducing engine wear. Cleaning of Ea Filters with a shop vacuum or low pressure shop air is recommended every 25,000 miles or one year, and they have a total service life of 100,000 miles or four years. Ea Universal Air Induction Filters AMSOIL Ea Air Induction Filters are constructed of advanced nanofiber technology and fit most popular air intake systems on the market, providing improved cold air intake and excellent efficiency for superior engine protection and performance. Ea Air Induction Filters are cleanable and remain serviceable for long filter life, saving money on filter costs. Cleaning of Ea Air Induction Filters with a shop vacuum or low pressure shop air is recommended when designated by the restriction gauge or according to operating conditions.

Rinker Wins ChampBoat Season Finale

Team AMSOIL powerboat racer and two-time defending ChampBoat Series champion Terry Rinker provided a thrilling end to the 2007 ChampBoat Series season on November 3-4 in Savannah, Ga. After earning his first pole position of the season, Rinker knew he needed a win in the feature race to have a shot at his third straight championship. Rinker got off to a quick start for the early lead, and despite being pushed hard by Shaun Torrente and Chris Fairchild, he held his ground to take his 17th career win. Teammate Randy Rinker also had a successful day, finishing fourth. Although Tim Seebold's third place finish was enough to secure him the championship, Rinker finished the season a strong third whilethe victory moves him into third on the all-time ChampBoat wins list. Savannah Final Results 1) Terry Rinker 2) Chris Fairchild 3) Tim Seebold 4) Randy Rinker 5) Michael Schubert 6) Lynn Simburger 7) Jeff Shepherd 8) Brian Venton 9) Ned Mihajlovic 10) Chuck Unkle See "Updates" for the 2007 ChampBoat television schedule.

Aftermarket Continues Growing

According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the value of the light vehicle aftermarket is expected to surpass $200 billion within the next few years. After reaching $185.2 billion in 2006, the market is expected to approach $193 billion by the end of 2007. As in years past, vehicles over 10 years old made up the largest percentage of dollars spent, equating to $80.8 billion in 2006. The segment of vehicles six years old and older is expected to continue growing at a steady pace, while vehicles five years old and newer are projected to peak this year before declining to below $45 billion in 2010.

LaRocco Returns For One More Win

Team AMSOIL supercross legend Mike LaRocco wins 2007 U.S. Open race of champions, while Team AMSOIL teammates Jake Weimer and Dan Reardon shine in the main event. Retired Team AMSOIL supercross star and 2002 U.S. Open of Supercross champion Mike LaRocco was invited to compete in a special race of champions at the 2007 U.S. Open of Supercross. LaRocco was up for the challenge and pitted his Honda CR 250 against fellow U.S. Open champions Jeff Emig and Damon Huffman on the weekend of October 12-13 in Las Vegas. LaRocco did not disappoint the capacity crowd at the MGM Grand Arena, showing off the speed and riding skills that made him a top contender and crowd favorite for 19 years of professional motocross and supercross racing. To the delight of the crowd, LaRocco won both races and stood atop the podium for one more time in his brilliant career. In the main event, Team AMSOIL racer Jake Weimer was joined by new teammate Dan Reardon for a shot at the top prize of the weekend. After Reardon and Weimer finished seventh and tenth respectively on Friday night, Weimer stole the show on Saturday by grabbing the holeshot and taking the win, with teammate Reardon finishing fourth. Overall, Weimer and Reardon finished fourth and seventh respectively. U.S. Open Race of Champions FinalResults 1) Mike LaRocco 2) Jeff Emig 3) Damon Huffman U.S. Open Final Results 1) Grant Langston 2) Chad Reed 3) Josh Demuth 4) Jake Weimer 5) Mike Alessi 6) Andrew Short 7) Dan Reardon 8) Justin Brayton 9) Tim Ferry 10) Michael Byrne