Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Dodge has selected Nexen Tire for the debut and launch of the new ’19 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. |
Dodge Selects Nexen Tire as Supplier for New ’19 Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 Launch
Dodge has selected Nexen Tire for the debut and launch of the new ’19 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. The tire, called the Nexen N-FERA SUR4G Drag Spec, was designed together with Dodge and its high-performance team of engineers at SRT to create a street-legal drag tire that can perform on tracks with either minimal or full track preparation. Named for the quarter-mile distance (1,320 ft.), the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is powered by the 392 Hemi V-8 that delivers 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with TransBrake.
Federal-Mogul Motorparts Commemorates 100th Anniversary of Fel-Pro Gaskets Brand
Fel-Pro Gaskets has reached its 100th year. Founded in July 1918 in Chicago, and since 1998 a brand from global vehicle components manufacturer Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Fel-Pro’s 100th anniversary celebration included customer promotions and other activities spanning several months. It culminated in a party last Saturday for more than 1,400 employees and their family members at the 1-million-sq.-ft. Fel-Pro engineering, product management, manufacturing and distribution complex in Skokie, Illinois.
 A rendering of the reimagined North American International Auto Show starting in 2020 in and around Cobo Center in Detroit. |
Transformational Move Announced for the North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced that starting in 2020, the show will make a transformational move to June, starting the week of June 8. The reimagined event will take the show from inside Cobo Center to a canvas of brand activation and engagement opportunities. While the foundation of the show inside Cobo Center will continue with vehicles and mobility technologies being showcased, transformation plans call for growth in both branding and event opportunities at multiple venues throughout Detroit, and perhaps beyond. Hosting the show in June sets the stage for exhibitors to conduct outdoor experiential brand activations, immersing and engaging the media and consumers in product experiences. A sampling of outdoor experiential activities might include dynamic vehicle debuts, ride and drives, autonomous/automated driving and off-road challenges. According to NAIAS, the move to June will translate into substantial cost savings for exhibitors. By eliminating November, December and January holidays from the move-in equation, exhibitors will see reduced overtime labor costs for builds. Additionally, the show will have a shorter move-in schedule of three weeks, significantly reduced from the current eight weeks on average it takes for move-in.
Hot Shot’s Secret Builds New Website With Focus on Expanding Markets and Video
Hot Shot’s Secret now has a new website that expands the company’s focus on new markets identified as Semi, Motorcycle, RV, Automotive and Construction. The new website features additional market landing pages: Powersports, Marine, Lawn & Garden and Racing, and multiple new product pages, including Adrenaline Race Oil, Antifreeze, Blue Diamond Oil and Diesel Winter Anti-Gel. Additionally, all product pages now have in-depth product descriptions. For prospective customers looking for product, the website has a store dealer locator that will guide visitors to the retail store within 50 or 100 miles of their location.
 Donna Henson |
Covercraft Names Henson Vice President of Finance
Covercraft Industries LLC has named Donna Henson vice president of finance. Previously, Henson operated as the company’s controller from 2013–2017. After serving as treasury services supervisor at Western Farmers Electric Cooperative from 2017–2018, Henson returns to Covercraft in her new role. Henson is based in the Covercraft home office in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Rockford Fosgate Named Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor of the 2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for Fifth Consecutive Year
Rockford Fosgate has announced that for the fifth consecutive year, it will be the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally during the 78th annual event, August 3–12. Rockford Fosgate will bring high-performance motorcycle audio systems to the crowds of enthusiasts on Lazelle Street in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, as well as at the Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, South Dakota, during the Rally. Rockford Fosgate has partnered with its authorized dealers to perform on-site installations for bikers who will also have the opportunity to purchase Rockford Fosgate audio systems at the Lazelle street location during the event. Rockford Fosgate will also sponsor the 16th Annual Mayor’s Ride, held during the Rally.
 Tom Marx (front center) of Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group and other industry leaders met with Chinese aftermarket business leaders to educate and discuss the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions, as well as marketing within the U.S. automotive aftermarket. |
Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group Work with Shanghai-Based AMInsight Consulting to Educate Chinese Business Leaders on U.S. Aftermarket
Tom Marx of Hart Marx Advisors and Marx Group and other industry leaders met with Chinese aftermarket business leaders to educate and discuss the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions, as well as marketing within the U.S. automotive aftermarket. Shanghai’s AMInsight Consulting, in partnership with Dave Barbeau of Barbeau Consulting, designed and delivered this program to representatives from 11 Chinese aftermarket companies, comprised primarily of suppliers and distributors. The business leaders visited multiple aftermarket companies during their stay in the United States. Marx focused on valuation multiples and their determining factors, transaction overview from both the buyer and seller perspective and case studies detailing common challenges that business owners face and the benefits of successfully implemented merging and acquisition and organic business growth strategies.
R&R Marketing Partners With E-Z UP in Nationwide Promotions
International E-Z UP Inc. has chosen R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. to promote its products in the automotive and powersports segments across the nation. E-Z UP has more than 150 design patents, award-winning custom printing and a large selection of products and accessories.
Turn 14 Distribution Adds Fox Factory Inc. to Line Card
Turn 14 Distribution has announced the addition of FOX Factory Inc. to its line card. FOX Factory Inc. designs and develops high-performance shock absorbers and racing suspension products for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, off-road cars, trucks and SUVs.
David Cush Appointed New CEO of Service King
Service King Collision Repair Centers has announced the appointment of David Cush as chief executive officer, effective immediately. He replaces Chris Abraham, who has departed from the role. Cush most recently served as CEO of Virgin America. During his tenure at the company, Cush led the airline’s growth into a $2 billion dollar business, with 63 aircraft in operation while winning every major airline quality award. Earlier this year, Cush was appointed to the board of Service King. Prior to his time at Virgin America, Cush spent 20 years in various executive roles at American Airlines in finance, sales and marketing, international planning and operations, exiting the company as senior vice president of global sales and distribution. Cush also spent two years as chief operating officer of Aerolineas Argentinas, the national carrier of Argentina.
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