GM Makes 3D Drawings Available To SEMA Customizers

SEMA AND GENERAL MOTORS GO LIVE WITH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. - The technology-transfer program called tek-
connect originated by General Motors for the members of SEMA, the 
Specialty Equipment Market Association, is now on-line.

Announced at the 2001 SEMA Show in Las Vegas by John G. Middlebrook, GM 
vice president, general manager for vehicle brand management and 
corporate advertising, tek-connect will make available three-
dimensional drawings and specifications of 18 GM models to SEMA member 
manufacturers. The initial vehicles for which the specifications are 
available to SEMA member companies are the Chevrolet Cavalier and the 
Pontiac Sunfire, two models which lend themselves to customization and 
are particularly popular with younger drivers.

GM's goal, according to Middlebrook, is to make GM vehicles the 
platform of choice for customization. "Armed with the most up-to-date 
data, SEMA members will no longer need to 'reverse engineer' in order 
to design components for GM vehicles," he said.

"The tek-connect program supports GM's partnership efforts with SEMA 
member companies," said Charles R. Blum, president of SEMA. "It will 
allow quicker, more accurate development of accessories to customize 
and personalize General Motors vehicles. In the end, the consumer will 
be the big winner in this partnership effort."

Ford Motor Company initially partnered with SEMA on a similar 
technology transfer program for SEMA members, and currently provides 
technical information on nine Ford models as well as a powertrain 
technology initiative.

SEMA member manufacturers can access the new General Motors drawings 
and specifications by logging onto SEMA's business-to-business website, 
www.sema.org.

SEMA represents the $25 billion specialty automotive industry. The 
trade association has more than 4,900 member companies. It is the 
authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth 
information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. 
The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and 
technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and 
recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. 
Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, Calif., 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; 
or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.