Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Ivan Korda |
Ivan Korda Joins Xceleration Media Group as Sales Director
The Xceleration Media team continues to grow with the addition of Ivan Korda as a dedicated sales director for all XM print and digital properties. He comes to Xceleration Media from COMP Cams, where he worked in the technical services department. He will work to provide a variety of marketing and advertising opportunities for partners in titles including OneDirt, Drag Racing Scene, Power & Performance News, Street Rod Life and Gearheads4Life.
Saleen Opens New Showroom in Shanghai
The Saleen brand opened its first international showroom in Shanghai, China. The showroom is located in the upscale Jing An District in Shanghai. Saleen is planning that the location will assist in broadening the Saleen experience and further the brand. The opening is the result of an agreement between Saleen and Saleen Motors International (“SMI”), an affiliate of GreenTech Automotive and licensee of the Saleen brand in Asia. The store will have Saleen vehicles, parts and accessories on the showroom floor, which will allow potential buyers to see, touch and buy Saleen.
New Owner of Erik Buell Racing Says the Firm Could Make a Comeback
The sale of Erik Buell Racing (EBR) was approved last week in Walworth County Circuit Court with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Liquid Asset Partners as the winning bidder. (EBR) is an East Troy, Wisconsin, motorcycle manufacturer that ceased operations in April 2015. EBR was involved in a venture in 2014 with Hero MotoCorp Ltd., which ended in a settlement in July 2015. EBR was founded by Erik Buell in 2010 after Harley-Davidson closed the Buell Motorcycle Company in 2009. Liquid Asset Partners was successful in purchasing the assets after an eight-month process by the court receiver.
 Greg Adler goes undercover on “Undercover Boss,” airing February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. |
Greg Adler Goes to Be Featured on “Undercover Boss” February 5
Greg Adler, president and CEO of 4 Wheel Parts will go undercover to meet the employees who keep his company on the right track, on “Undercover Boss,” Friday, February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. During the boss’ undercover mission, the pressure rises when he is tasked with mounting massive tires on a Jeep.
Drake Automotive Group Announces New Partnership
Drake Automotive Group LLC has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Detroit-based Huron Capital Partners LLC. This new partnership will support the continued growth of the Drake brands through investment in new products, technology and acquisitions.
 Eric Andres |
Eric Andres Joins Wilwood; Attending King of The Hammers 2016
Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced Eric Andres has joined the Wilwood sales and technical team, and will attend King of The Hammers 2016. Andres brings to Wilwood more than two decades of experience in the off-road market with various companies, including Jackson Racing, Sway-A-Way and The Brake Man. Andres will attend his first event of the year this week at King of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. Wilwood attends each year to help educate drivers on the best braking applications for their budget, experience level and suspension setup. Technical representatives are available throughout the week to provide hands-on support and to answer questions. Wilwood’s exhibit space is #41A and will be on the lakebed February 1–6.
 Matt Sather |
RealTruck Announces Creation of Merchandising Manager Position
RealTruck.com’s rapid growth and expansion has led to new position additions to better manage growing departments. In the newly created merchandising manager position, Matt Sather will oversee the brands team in its efforts to grow brand and category offerings and onboard new products. Sather began working for RealTruck in 2013 as a customer service representative, and he later transferred into the brands department as a brand manager assistant. He was then promoted to the brand manager position in November 2013. Sather will report directly to Business Development Director Shawn Herrick.
ITW to Acquire ZF TRW Engineered Fasteners and Components Business
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Engineered Fasteners and Components business from ZF TRW for approximately $450 million. EF&C, a global supplier of engineered fastening systems and interior technical components to the automotive OEM market, generated revenues of approximately $470 million in 2015. Headquartered in Germany, the company operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally and employs approximately 3,500 people.
Pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2016.
 Mark Iasiello |
Mark Iasiello Named General Manager of Power Heavy Duty
At its annual member meeting during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2016, Power Heavy Duty announced the appointment of Mark Iasiello as the organization’s new general manager. During the past four years, Iasiello served as director of business development, national accounts for VIPAR Heavy Duty. In his new role, Iasiello will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Power Heavy Duty, including member development. Iasiello spent more than 20 years at Dayco Products LLC, where he served in a variety of sales management positions before becoming the company's heavy-duty national sales manager. He also spent five years at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association as vice president of member development for commercial vehicle suppliers. He received the Northwood University Management Education Award in 2009. Brett Upton will continue in his business-development role with the organization.
Omix-ADA Announces Year-Long Consumer and Jobber Rebate Program
Omix-ADA has announced that it is continuing its Year-Long Customer Rebate Program for 2016, and for the first time ever, is extending its rebate program to jobbers. From January 1–December 31, 2016, both consumers and jobbers can submit a mail-in rebate to Omix-ADA when they purchase $149.99 or more of Rugged Ridge, Omix-ADA, Alloy USA, Outland or Precision Gear products from a qualified retailer or wholesale distributor on a single invoice. For every eligible purchase, consumers and jobbers will receive a cash rebate equal to 5% of the retail purchase price, with a maximum of a $200 rebate per invoice. Complete instructions are available on the Omix-ADA website.
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