Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Christian Castro (center) has been named the grand-prize winner of FCA’s 2017 National Sweepstakes. His prize was the all-new redesigned ’18 Jeep Wrangler. |
FCA 2017 National Sweepstakes Entrant Wins All-New ’18 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
FCA US LLC has announced that Christian Castro has been named the grand-prize winner of its 2017 National Sweepstakes. He was one of more than 630,000 registrations in the annual sweepstakes. As the winner, Castro received a $45,000 voucher to put toward his choice of any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM or FIAT brand vehicle. He selected the all-new redesigned ’18 Jeep Wrangler, which is pre-configured with a black exterior and matching black interior, paired with red accents in the stitching and seat belts. Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Downey, California, delivered the prize vehicle to its new owner. The ’18 Jeep Wrangler was featured at the 2017 SEMA Show, where it was named “Hottest 4x4-SUV” for the eighth consecutive year. Eligible consumers have until December 31 to enter the 2018 FCA US LLC National Sweepstakes. Purchase is not required to enter or win.
 Brian Norko |
NGK Spark Plugs Appoints Brian Norko Vice President of Aftermarket
NGK Spark Plugs Inc. has announced changes in its executive management team. Senior Vice President of Aftermarket Mike Schwab will assume a more global leadership role in developing targeted initiatives for the Pan-American or “PAMA” Aftermarket regional headquarters. As vice president of aftermarket sales and marketing, Brian Norko will expand his responsibilities leading all growth initiatives within the brand marketing, product management and category management functions, in addition to his current sales leadership role. Since joining NGK Spark Plugs in 2016 as vice president of sales, Norko has implemented a more streamlined sales structure, re-aligning sales territories to allow for improved customer service and engagement. This includes added marketing and technical training support. Norko was previously the global director of business and product development at Federal-Mogul Corp. With more than 29 years of experience in the aftermarket industry, Norko is also a member of the Automotive Sales Council. He will continue to report to Schwab.
 Jeff Paz from Franklin, Tennessee, is the grand-prize winner of its AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes, with his ’17 Dodge Challenger, built by Sam Mahdavi. |
Winner of the AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes Selected at 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour
AVS has announced that Jeff Paz from Franklin, Tennessee, is the grand-prize winner of its AVS Supercharged All-American Car Sweepstakes. The winner was chosen and presented with the keys to the car at the final stop on the 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour at the zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. Three randomly selected finalists were chosen to make the trip to Concord for the final stop of the 2018 Hot Rod Power Tour. Runner-ups Chris Vogel and Matt Moss each received a $1,500 gift card for their choice of products from Lund International. The ’17 Dodge Challenger was built by Sam Mahdavi, host of the “Sam’s Garage” TV show. The 550hp Challenger Hemi Scat Pack Shaker Edition is equipped with a body kit that included AVS fender flares, rocker panel extensions, rear spoiler and front splitter. It also features an AVS Aeroskin hood protector and blackout taillight covers. Additional power comes from an Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger and improved sound comes from a MagnaFlow stainless exhaust system. The Challenger sits on MHT Rotiform 22-in. forged wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires, covering a set of high-performance StopTech brakes. A Hellwig Suspension Products front sway bar and Ringbrothers custom hood pins were added. Additional exterior upgrades include an AMP Research fuel door, custom undercar lighting and a billet grill. The interior received custom Katzkin Leather upholstery.
 Gloria Moreno |
Marx Group Promotes Gloria Moreno to Digital Technology Manager
Marx Group has promoted Gloria Moreno to digital technology manager. Moreno joined Marx Group in 2006 with a focus on digital marketing. Throughout her career at Marx Group, Moreno has been involved in the design and development of client websites, led successful social media campaigns from strategy and planning through execution and launched dozens of digital advertising campaigns. More recently, Moreno has guided the digital team to optimize content and tracking to target specific audiences with an expertise in SEO, content development, email marketing and analytics. In this new role, Moreno will continue to work on web development and integrated digital strategies with a special focus on SEO and PPC. She also will play a significant role in Marx Group’s analytics and performance analysis services, to help clients understand the full range of their paid, owned and earned media to grow their audience and more effectively measure ROI.
 Erika Klein |
Global Shop Solutions Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary of Vice President of R&D Erika Klein
Global Shop Solutions celebrates the 25-year annivesary of Vice President of R&D Erika Klein. As the daughter of Dick Alexander, founder of Global Shop Solutions, Klein has been involved with the company since she was a young girl. Her journey as an employee started in the service department, helping customers navigate software, before transitioning into the role of chief software designer. During her tenure, she led the release of dozens of applications that simplified manufacturing.
National Auto Parts Warehouse to Acquire San Diego Location of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse
National Auto Parts Warehouse Companies (NPW) has announced that it has agreed to acquire the San Diego location of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse, expanding NPW’s presence in Southern California. The transaction is expected to close before the end of June. The San Diego location is the second NPW acquisition in the Southern California market, and joins three other NPW locations in California. The San Diego location operates in a 10,000-sq.-ft. warehouse and has been in business since 2010.
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