Compiled by SEMA Editors
Tokico Performance Brand Formally Relaunched in North America
Motovicity Distribution has formally relaunched the Tokico brand in North America, after an 18-month hiatus of product shipments. Motovicity signed an exclusive distributor agreement with Hitachi Automotive Systems America Inc. in November 2013, and immediately began the process of restoring the product pipeline. Since taking over distribution, Motovicity has restored inventory levels and is currently setting up wholesale distributors in the United States and Canada for the shock and strut manufacturer. Motovicity Brand Manager Scott Cole reports that filling backorders is underway, with the majority of the Tokico product catalog available for distribution. Inventory is now available for popular applications, including Ford Mustang, Honda, Nissan and Mazda. Motovicity is also providing marketing and advertising support for Tokico in the form of national print advertising and a booth at the 2014 SEMA Show.
With Phase 1 of their mission to restore the Tokico brand nearly complete, Motovicity’s exclusive brand management department, (which oversees HKS, Quaife and Kelford North American wholesale distribution), is currently signing-up wholesale distributors and dealers for Tokico.
Direct Lift Helps MustangMedic Restoration Projects
 The MustangMedic restoration show received a 9,000-lb. capacity Direct Lift DL9 two-post lift in May. | |
Direct Lift is helping the MustangMedic restoration show boost productivity by providing the shop with its first vehicle lift. The show received its 9,000-lb. capacity Direct Lift DL9 two-post lift in May. The company has restored Mustangs and posted more than 4,000 YouTube videos documenting each project, and can now perform work under the car with the vehicle in the air.
At MustangMedic, each element of the restoration process is filmed from day one until the vehicle is sold. All videos are posted to YouTube, so clients can follow along as their Mustangs are brought back to life. MustangMedic’s videos have more than 3 million views, and there are more than 7,000 subscribers to the growing channel. Each project car has its own playlist, so viewers can watch all of its videos back-to-back. To become a subscriber, visit www.youtube.com/user/MustangMedicdotcom or www.mustangmedic.com.
The DL9 two-post lift provided by Direct Lift features asymmetric arms that provide better access to manufacturer-recommended pickup points. The arms position the vehicle toward the rear of the repair bay, so technicians can easily enter and exit the vehicle without worrying about dinging doors on the lift columns.
Jon Holder Joins K&N Executive Team as Chief Sales Officer
Jon Holder has joined K&N’s executive team as chief sales officer. Holder was most recently the senior VP of sales and business development for MagnaFlow/Car Sound Inc., where he was responsible for all global sales activities.
The company began a formal search for this position in January 2014, when Tim Martin was promoted to chief operations officer and relinquished his oversight of sales in order to focus on his new position. Other members of the K&N management team include Steve Williams, chief engineering officer; Jesse Spungin, chief marketing officer; Doug Hood, chief financial officer; and Jean Franks, vice president of administration.
Tomo Mizutani to Head Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.
 Tomo Mizutani | |
Effective July 1, 2014, will become president of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (TTC), headquartered in Cypress, California. TTC is the U.S. sales-subsidiary for the Toyo Tires brand of premium replacement tires for light truck, passenger car, SUV and commercial truck tires sold globally. Mizutani currently serves as president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA), also headquartered in Cypress.
A corporate officer of Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TTR), Mizutani will retain his current position at TTHA and his role as general manager of TTR’s Nitto business unit. Prior to his appointment as president of TTHA in October of 2013, Mizutani served as president of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU).
Outgoing TTC president, Tatsuo Mitsuhata, will take his leadership and expertise to Toyo Tire Europe as general manager of the company’s European business unit. He will also serve as president of Toyo Tire Europe GmbH and president of Toyo Tire Deutschland GmbH. Mitsuhata has led Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. for two-and-a-half years.
Quantum Automotive Announces Promotion of Tim Watts as the President of Superlift Suspension
 Tim Watts | |
Quantum Automotive announced that Tim Watts has been promoted to president of Superlift Suspension, reporting to CEO Bob Crockett. Watts will have total oversight, including strategic direction and expansion for Superlift Suspension.
“I am thrilled, as we all are at Quantum Automotive, to offer Tim this position.” said Crockett. “He shares our vision, values and focus on innovation and places the same strong emphasis as we do on creating valuable growth and a positive customer experience. He has shown himself to be an extraordinary leader throughout his career and has a proven track record as an executive at Superlift and as a member of the SEMA Board of Directors.”
Watts will assume the role of president immediately vacating his former position of vice president of sales and marketing for Superlift. The role of vice president of sales and marketing will be evaluated as Superlift Suspension looks to grow the management team.
Walker Emissions Control Launches "Exhaust Extravaganza" Promotion for Counter Pros
Tenneco’s Walker Emissions Control brand has launched a new counterperson promotion to encourage the sales of premium Walker mufflers and welded assemblies, Walker Ultra and CalCat direct-fit catalytic converters. The new “Exhaust Extravaganza” promotion, running now through August 31, offers a $5 prepaid card for every qualifying Walker product sale. Participants can now look up qualifying parts at www.WalkerExhaust.com/qualify to quickly determine parts that are eligible for the current trade promotion.