Compiled by SEMA Editors
THI Corp. Is Now Truck Hero Inc.
THI Corp.—a supplier of branded light-duty truck accessories for pickup bed applications—has announced that it has changed its corporate name to Truck Hero Inc. The name change is part of a re-branding initiative that aligns the company’s long-term corporate strategy with its consumer-driven advertising and marketing programs. Truck Hero’s family of brands include Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax, BAK, A.R.E., N-FAB and two online retailers—AutoCustoms and Real Truck.
 Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assist at events and create content for MagnaFlow’s website. |
MagnaFlow Appoints Kahn Media Agency of Record
MagnaFlow has named Kahn Media as its sole media agency of record. Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assisting at events and creating content for MagnaFlow’s website. Over the last 12 months, Kahn Media was responsible for MagnaFlow’s public relations efforts, representing the brand in enthusiast forums, assisting at events around the country and with video production and editing. After a successful first year of collaboration, MagnaFlow has tapped the Moorpark, California-based agency to expand the relationship to include working hand-in-hand with its in-house team on social media and content marketing, product integration and promotion of its roster of MagnaFlow Ambassadors, which includes Mario Andretti, Chip Foose, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Dennis Anderson, Marco Andretti, Rutledge Wood, Bodie Stroud, Robby Gordon, Casey Currie, Corry Weller and Miss MagnaFlow.
Wilwood Renews Title Sponsorship of Wilwood Corvette Challenge
Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced the renewal of its partnership with Speed Ventures as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge for the 2016 season. This is the second consecutive year as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge—a time-trialing series that promotes friendly competition amongst drivers from all levels of experience and tests their skills against the clock. The series is open to all Corvette models within four classes: stock, modified, super-modified and unlimited.
Tint World Makes Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 2016 List
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500. Tint World’s ranking marks the second year the company has been named one of the 500 top-performing franchise brands. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranks franchises by factors, such as financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Out of the top 500 franchises, Tint World was ranked 371 overall, and placed in the top 25 of automotive franchise businesses.
 Ryan McDonald |
RealTruck Names New Digital Marketing Manager
RealTruck.com has announced the promotion of Ryan McDonald from digital marketing specialist to digital marketing manager. This is a new position for RealTruck.com as the company expands its online advertising department. In conjunction with the inbound marketing team, RealTruck’s digital advertising team will work to increase the company’s share of the truck accessories market and increase conversion. McDonald’s new role covers online channels strategy, developing talent within his team and growing revenue for RealTruck. McDonald joined RealTruck.com in 2015 as a digital marketing specialist.
Daystar Products International Purchases the Assets of Performance Accessories
Daystar Products International has purchased the assets of Performance Accessories. Availability and pricing have changed for some products, and all products have new part numbers and UPC codes. The new Performance Accessories line discount structure will be the same as Daystar’s discount structure. All purchases made from January 5, 2016, will be paid to Daystar Products at P.O. Box 7, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Daystar and newly acquired Performance Accessories will not be responsible for any returns or credits for purchases of Performance Accessories before January 5, 2016.
VOXX International Open Flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM Manufacturing Facility
VOXX International Corporation has announced the grand-opening of its flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM manufacturing facility based in Orlando, Florida. A groundbreaking ceremony was held January 20. The company selected Orlando due to its local-based talent pool for expansion, proximity to major transportation hubs and business friendly climate. The company reports that the decision to consolidate and expand the VOXXHirschmann Automotive manufacturing capabilities was driven by customer demand as it continues to work with tier-one and OEMs. The facility is tied together with OEM operations in the metro Detroit area. Since acquiring Hirschmann Car Communications (Hirschmann) in 2012, the company has been awarded more than $500 million in new contracts and continues to solidify its position as a leading supplier of rear-seat infotainment systems, ultra remote start systems, vehicle telematics, BT passive entry/exit, digital receivers/tuners, mobile multi-media tuners, and antennas. This was made possible through the 2014 consolidation of the company's independent OEM operations of Hirschmann, Code Systems and Invision into VOXXHirschmann.
Motovicity Announces Launch of CCW Forged Performance Wheels
Motovicity Distribution has announced the addition of CCW wheels to its line card. CCW is now available for wholesale purchase through Motovicity Distribution. For product inquiries, call 888-SPEED-16 to speak to a representative.
Quick Fuel Technology Launches New Website For 2016
Quick Fuel Technology (QFT) has launched a new website dedicated to helping consumers choose what street performance and racing components to buy, how to set them up and how to tune high-performance fuel systems. Although the information is specific to QFT products, in many cases, the information is applicable to most fuel systems industry-wide. On the homepage, QFT’s product line is broken down into categories that include Street, Drag Race, Circle Track, Marine and Custom Builds.
Nye & Associates Inc. Welcomes Thermal Research & Design to Its Roster of Manufacturing Clients
Nye & Associates Inc. has added Thermal Research & Design to its roster of manufacturers. The advertising agency will assist Thermal Research & Design with marketing projects ranging from overall branding, including B2C and B2B, to social-media implementation and planning, creative strategy, sales tools and more.
McLeod Extends Sales and Tech Hours
McLeod has opened its tech and sales lines earlier (at 7:00 a.m., PST) to better serve its customers in Eastern time zones. McLeod provides a full tech center on its website that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It contains how-to videos along with all current instructions. McLeod can be reached at 714-630-2764 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., PST. The tech center can be accessed 24/7.
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