Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Bill Garoutte |
Chuck Sulkala Scholarship Fund to Honor Retired Founder of National Auto Body Council; Bill Garoutte Selected to Take Helm
The Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship Fund has been established to honor the 50-year career and legacy of the retired founder and executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). The Sulkala scholarship fund, which will be administered by the Collision Repair Industry Foundation (CREF), was announced at the National Auto Body Council’s Annual Member Reception in Palm Springs, California.
Bill Garoutte, a veteran business development, marketing and collision industry executive, has been selected to take the helm at the organization, succeeding Sulkala. In his new position, Garoutte will be responsible for developing and executing NABC’s strategic plans and fiscal objectives, membership development, marketing and administration. Garoutte served on the NABC Board of Directors from 2007–2012, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) from 2005–2009 and as a business and marketing consultant for Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) for the past four years.
Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge and Austin Hatcher Foundation Partner for One-Off Hurst Edition Wrangler JK Build
Omix-ADA has announced it has partnered with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer on a Jeep build to help raise awareness and increase support for their cause. The inspiration for the build comes from one of the rarest Jeeps ever produced—the ’71 Jeep Hurst Edition Commando. Based off of a basic two-door wagon, the Jeep Commando was treated to a host of styling upgrades by Hurst Performance, including a hood-mounted tachometer, air scoop, dual-gate shifter, special Hurst badging and Champagne White paint with red-and-blue striping. The base for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Omix-ADA’s Hurst recreation is a brand-new ’17 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited, donated by Mountain View Chrysler Jeep of Ringgold, Georgia. Omix-ADA will provide both design guidance as well as build support backed by the company’s parts catalog. The physical transformation from stock Jeep to Hurst Commando will take place at Truck ‘N Trailers USA in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The ’17 Jeep Wrangler “Hurst Commando” Edition will make appearances across the country at various motorsports and automotive events. The goal is to not only raise awareness for the charity, but also to auction the Jeep off with the proceeds benefitting the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
Transamerican Wholesale Opens New Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Distribution Center
Transamerican Wholesale (TAW) has announced that operations have commenced at its newest of six national distribution centers located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This brand-new facility encompasses more than 200,000 sq.-ft. of warehouse space while housing millions of dollars in new truck, Jeep, SUV and UTV aftermarket parts and accessory inventory. The new Carlisle distribution center will offer TAW customers significant benefits, including reductions in freight costs and more attractive shipping rates, according to Victor Gonzales, director of wholesale operations. Next-day delivery will also be expanded with three new delivery routes to the Philadelphia and Baltimore regions.
APC Automotive Technologies Launches New Diesel and Power Generation Program for Light, Medium and Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles
APC Automotive Technologies LLC has launched its new replacement parts category program for light-, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The complete offering, covering all classes of commercial vehicles, now includes a range of manufactured components from APC’s DieselTech (exhaust and emissions), recently acquired DuraFit (aftertreatment) and Centric Parts (brake systems) brands. The announcement was made during 2018 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week by APC Automotive Technologies CEO Hugh Charvat.
 Hunter Engineering will be featured by Masters Entertainment: Perfomance TV and Brenton Productions: Velocity through February. |
Hunter Engineering at 2017 SEMA Show Featured on Performance TV and Velocity
Hunter Engineering will be featured by Masters Entertainment: Perfomance TV and Brenton Productions: Velocity through February. Hunter Engineering showcased 20 new and enhanced product offerings at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hunter’s SEMA TV segments (times are EST) for Masters Entertainment: Performance TV include:
- January 23: 7:00 p.m. on Rev’n
- January 27: 1:00 p.m. on Rev’n
- January 28: 1:00 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Rev’n
- February 2: 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on MAVTV
Brenton Productions: Velocity:
- February 2: 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Velocity
 Power Automedia has announced the official debut of a completely redesigned next-gen platform across 12 of its digital automotive magazine properties. |
Power Automedia Launches New Design and Platform For Digital Magazine Network
Power Automedia has announced the official debut of a completely redesigned next-gen platform across 12 of its digital automotive magazine properties. The fresh new look and user interface were introduced to the magazines’ 2 million monthly readers this week. The new Power Automedia next-gen platform optimizes the reader, content and advertising experience across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. The following Power Automedia titles are launched on the new platform: Ford Muscle, Next-Gen Ford Performance, Chevy Muscle Cars, Corvette, LSX GM, Hot Rods & Muscle Cars, Drag Racing, Street Rods, Off Road, Diesel Trucks, Engine Performance and Performance Driving.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.