Compiled by SEMA Editors
Cascadia Capital Advises Rosen Electronics on Sale to AAMP
Cascadia Capital has announced that it served as the exclusive advisor to Rosen Electronics on its sale to AAMP—a manufacturer of automotive audio, video and connectivity products and a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity. Rosen Electronics is a manufacturer of automotive electronics, including rear-seat entertainment, in-dash multimedia systems and a full range of safety products. Cascadia Capital's representation of Rosen Electronics marks the fourth deal in the firm's automotive aftermarket practice, which also includes Grease Monkey, Bully Dog and Western Peterbilt. Rosen Electronics is a long-time SEMA member and chose fellow SEMA member Cascadia Capital for its extensive experience in the industry.
 Ringbrothers will partner with the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, utilizing 3M products on new builds, developing new tools and offering consumers the opportunity to buy professional-grade 3M refinishing products through Ringbrothers.com. |
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division and Ringbrothers Announce New Partnership
Ringbrothers has announced a new alliance with 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division, formalizing a relationship between the custom car builder and one of the refinishing suppliers that spans nearly four decades. This partnership will result in the development of new tools and comprehensive solutions for the enthusiast market. The announcement was made at the Ringbrothers headquarters in the village of Spring Green, Wisconsin, among the thousands of automotive enthusiasts attending the kick-off party for the 2015 Hot Rod Power Tour. The 3M store at Ringbrothers.com is expected to launch in July 2015.
Betts Truck Parts & Service Adds Bee Line Laser Wheel Alignment to Service Portfolio
Betts Truck Parts & Service has announced the addition of Bee Line computer alignment to its service offering for heavy-duty vehicles. Bee Line’s computerized alignment systems utilize lasers, which are designed to provide more accurate alignment than manual or infrared sensors. Utilizing this system, Betts Truck Parts & Service can provide service customers with complete alignment of steer, drive and trailer axles. Bee Line laser alignment service is available at all five California service locations in Fontana, Fresno, Sacramento, Santa Fe Springs and San Leandro. All service locations for Betts Truck Parts & Service now have the service available for customers.
 Jim Trent |
PRW Hires National Sales Manager
PRW Industries Inc.—a manufacturer of high-performance engine components for hot rods and race cars—has hired Jim Trent to join the PRW team as our new national sales manager. Trent is a 20-plus-year veteran of the aftermarket in performance, traditional hard parts, tools and equipment. He has sold to and worked with most of the outlets within the SEMA, PWA, PRI and APAA accounts. In addition, he was involved not only with aftermarket products, but also serviced allied accounts in the medical, commercial and industrial markets.
 Auto Enthusiast Day will feature drifting demonstrations by Team Nitto drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Odi Bakchis, Mike Whiddett and Tanner Foust. |
Nitto Tire to Hold Third Annual Auto Enthusiast Day in Anaheim, California
Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. created the Auto Enthusiast Day event—a free car show designed to bring together every facet of the automotive world in one place. Now in its third year, Auto Enthusiast Day will include a car show for enthusiasts and car clubs to show off their modified and restored vehicles; a vendor midway featuring the hottest products in the automotive industry; drifting demonstrations by Team Nitto drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Odi Bakchis, Mike Whiddett and Tanner Foust; and raffle giveaways. New for 2015 will also feature various drivers from Nitto’s Ultra4 Off-Road motorsports team.
Auto Enthusiast Day will be held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, August 1, from 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Vendor space is also free of charge for companies that want to show off their latest products, but space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for Auto Enthusiast Day are available online and interested vendors can reserve their spot by contacting bryan@formulad.com.
 L–R: AAM vice president of purchasing and vendor relations John DeBalso and Ralph Accinno. |
AAM Honors Ralph Accinno at Annual Meeting
Thanking him for his years of service and support, The AAM Group presented Ralph Accinno with a custom painting at a special dedication held during its recent annual membership meeting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s board of directors and served as an advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.
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