Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Tom Marx |
Tom Marx to Be Featured Presenter at 2017 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership Program
Appearing for the fifth straight year as a featured presenter at the 2017 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership program, Tom Marx, partner, Hart Marx Advisors, will provide industry leaders insight on consolidation within the heavy-duty and commercial vehicle aftermarket. Marx, an expert on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), will look at “Surviving and Thriving in a Consolidating World” on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, during the July 9–13 program. This session will examine the common consolidation scenarios young executives might face, including the sale of a company, divestiture of a business unit, an acquisition or a merger. He will also discuss different events that could impact participants, such as the next generation moving into leadership and the role of private equity. He will also share market data on what has changed in recent M&A activity. The course provides an opportunity for heavy-duty leaders to participate in an interactive question-and-answer session. To learn more and register, visit the Northwood University website.
 Kevin Annison |
Motorsport TV Hires Former Fox Sports SPEED Channel Exec as Network President
Former FOX Sports/SPEED Channel television network and digital media executive Kevin Annison will join Motorsport Network to spearhead the group’s planned expansion in traditional and internet television as the president of Motorsport.tv. The appointment of Annison comes one week after former NASCAR Digital Media Vice President Colin Smith joined Motorsport Network as CEO. Motorsport Network acquired European cable network Motors TV last year, and Annison will lead the team as the newly renamed Motorsport.tv expands from its European cable and satellite roots to a global internet television network reaching large and small screens of race fans around the world. Annison not only played a major role in the acquisition, relaunch and relocation of SPEED Channel from 2001 through 2004, he also served as vice president and general manager of the digital media division and oversaw the launch of SPEED2.com—the internet television over-the-top network dedicated to motorsports. He also managed the network’s expansion into live and multi-camera streaming; multiplatform rights renewals with NASCAR, Formula One and MotoGP; the launch of mobile apps; the creation of video and video-on-demand channels on cable television, Apple TV, Hulu and YouTube and is also a renowned expert in digital and social-media business models.
 Robert Johnson |
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Appoints New Board Trustee
Bob Hirsch, president of Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has announced the appointment of Robert Johnson to its board of trustees. Johnson is the executive director, finance at Bridgestone Retail Operations, and has worked in the automotive and retail industry for the past 15 years. Founded in 1959 to assist members of the automotive aftermarket and their families, the AACF has distributed millions of dollars to help in times of great need. To make a donation or to learn more about the foundation and its cause, visit www.aacfi.org or contact Executive Director Joel Ayres at 916-628-0271.
Galpin Motors Becomes Exclusive Kia Dealership in San Fernando Valley Serving Southern California
Galpin Motors has announced that it has opened its latest franchise, Galpin Kia, and is officially the exclusive Kia dealership in the San Fernando Valley serving all of Southern California. Galpin Kia includes both sales and service, and is located in North Hills, California. The dealership serves customers with the brand’s full line of cars and SUVs. Galpin Kia officially opened October 24, 2016. In May 2017, Galpin Kia finished the month as the number-eight Kia dealer in the country. Galpin Kia is the 12th franchise to join Galpin’s family of brands, which currently includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Aston Martin, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen, Lotus, Volvo, Jaguar and Spyker. The Kia dealership will operate out of a 10,000-sq.-ft. temporary facility while the permanent showroom is built.
 Hundreds of Jeep owners traveled to the Jeep Heritage Expo to showcase their personal Jeeps, purchase parts from on-site vendors and get an up-close and personal look at Omix-ADA’s private Jeep collection. |
Second Annual Omix-ADA Jeep Heritage Expo Celebrates Company’s Dedication to the Brand and Benefits Local Community
Omix-ADA hosted hundreds of Jeep enthusiasts at its Suwanee, Georgia, headquarters on June 3. The second annual Jeep Heritage Expo built upon the success of last year’s event with hundreds of custom Jeeps in attendance. Omix-ADA’s own private collection, which includes 30 rare Jeeps ranging from very early ’41 prototypes to the latest Wranglers, was also on display to the public. The company will celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year. For this year’s event, Omix-ADA partnered with Habitat for Humanity to raise money to support the local Atlanta community. All of the proceeds from the Jeep Heritage Expo were donated to the organization, totaling $3,800 in one day. Hundreds of Jeep owners traveled to the Expo to showcase their personal Jeeps, purchase parts from on-site vendors, and get an up-close and personal look at Omix-ADA’s private Jeep collection.
Chip Foose and Barry Meguiar to Host “Car Guys for United Way” Car Show
On Saturday, June 24, in Chanhassen, Minnesota, 3M Auto and United Way will host “Car Guys for United Way,” a car show and community event featuring legendary designer Chip Foose and car-care expert and television personality Barry Meguiar. At Car Guys for United Way, attendees can expect to see a plethora of one-off custom-painted hot rods and trucks. A live auction will take place on-site, and one bidder will have the opportunity to watch Foose hand-draw his/her personal vehicle live at the event. A host of 3M Auto products and installations will also be up for grabs during the auction. All of the proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will be donated to United Way to further support the Twin Cities community. Tickets start at $25.
 The check presentation was made last Friday at the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) meeting and luncheon, held at the Ontario Convention Center, by TORA Chair Kathryn Reinhardt and 4 Wheel Parts executives Brent Goegebuer and Sam Cervantes. |
4 Wheel Parts Round Up Campaign Raises More Than $30,000 for ORBA
4 Wheel Parts presented a check in the amount of $30,872 to the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) as part of its “Round Up” charitable fundraising initiative. The Round Up initiative served to raise funds to support the foundation’s goals of promoting, preserving and expanding meaningful off-road recreation on public and private land. Led by 4 Wheel Parts Regional Manager Jeremy Komorn, the full roster of 80 stores across North America supported the campaign by providing customers the option of rounding up to the next dollar at checkout with the proceeds to be directly contributed to ORBA to further its objectives. The presentation was made last Friday at the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) meeting and luncheon, held at the Ontario Convention Center, by TORA Chair Kathryn Reinhardt and 4 Wheel Parts executives Brent Goegebuer and Sam Cervantes. For more information about ORBA, make a donation or to become a member, visit www.orba.biz.
SpeedVideo’s Mobile Live Video Draws More Than 4.9 Million Minutes Viewed
SpeedVideo’s past 10 events accumulated a total of 3.4 million video views. While simultaneously broadcasting to SpeedVideo’s website, social media platforms captured an even larger audience specifically targeting those on mobile devices. In total, 63% of the views were from either a mobile phone or tablet. The past 10 drag-racing events racked up almost five million minutes of broadcast time. SpeedVideo will live broadcast 36 events in 2017 with a projected audience of more than six million performance enthusiasts between live broadcasts and social media.
 BestDrive’s new location at S. Transport Street, in Boise, Idaho, is centrally located to service the increasing demand from fleet customers. |
BestDrive LLC Opens New Boise Location
BestDrive LLC, a commercial tire dealer and retreader, celebrated the opening of its newest location in Boise, Idaho. The new shop and service center continues the increasing expansion of the Continental Tire and ContiLifeCycle retread service network throughout the United States and the rest of North America.
Permatex Partners with PowerNation TV to Promote Core Products
Permatex has announced an advertising partnership with PowerNation TV. As part of this partnership, PowerNation TV will showcase and integrate Permatex and Fast Orange-brand products in its premium programming, which include Detroit Muscle, Engine Power, Truck Tech and Xtreme Off-Road. PowerNation is an automotive how-to program produced by RTM, creator of the PowerBlock. Across cable TV, digital TV, and streaming platforms, Powernation’s programs reach more than 120 million viewers annually. According to Dan Clarke, Permatex senior product manager, Permatex chose to partner with PowerNation because of its broad reach through traditional broadcasting, cable with Spike TV and free streaming app on Roku and Apple TV. Throughout the partnership, Permatex will utilize traditional commercials and integrated product placements on PowerNation TV programming. The programs will showcase both Permatex and Fast Orange brands, including a new line of gasket makers, premium hand cleaners and Permatex Fast Orange Grease X.
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