By SEMA Editors
 Jesse Jones |
Jesse Jones Named Engine Pro President
Engine Parts Group Inc. has appointed Jesse Jones as president of the engine parts distribution group. Jones has vast experience with both automotive aftermarket and OE suppliers, including senior management positions at MAHLE Clevite, Dana Inc. and Cometic Gaskets. Jones began his new position February 10, and will be based in Michigan, close to many of the group’s supplier partners and central to the national Engine Pro distributor network. He will be responsible for the group’s overall leadership, including growth initiatives and strategic planning. His focus will include strengthening the group’s supplier programs and relationships, expanding product line coverage, and developing new market opportunities.
Mark Turner Steps Down as CEO of Daystar Products International
On February 3, Mark Turner, CEO of Daystar Products International, changed his role with the company. He is no longer CEO; however, he will continue working for the company developing products and working as brand ambassador to promote Daystar and its related brands. All inquiries related to sales and marketing should be directed to Kelly Davis, general manager. All other issues, including operations and finance, should be directed to Tom Schneider, chief financial officer.
 The Tecnicentros Mundial locations in Caguas, San Juan Centro, Rio Piedras, Campo Rico, Dorado, and Ponce will be converted to Pep Boys-branded service centers. |
Icahn Automotive Acquires Tecnicentros Mundial
Icahn Automotive, which owns and operates Pep Boys, has completed its acquisition of Tecnicentros Mundial—a six-location automotive service chain in Puerto Rico. The Tecnicentros Mundial locations in Caguas, San Juan Centro, Rio Piedras, Campo Rico, Dorado, and Ponce will be converted to Pep Boys-branded service centers, and employees at those locations will join the Pep Boys team. The acquisition will increase the number of Pep Boys locations on the island to 33, of which 30 locations will provide automotive service. The company will also acquire an existing warehouse facility.
Ironman 4x4 Hires Justin MacLauchlan as Marketing Manager
Ironman 4x4 has announced that Justin MacLauchlan has joined the company as marketing manager responsible for conceiving and executing marketing strategies and tactics that drive brand exposure and sales growth. In addition to sales goals, MacLauchlan will help overall brand development and messaging in the marketplace. With the team’s guidance, Ironman is looking to enlarge its marketing efforts to provide a stronger presence across North America. MacLauchlan comes to Ironman 4x4 by way of PIAA Corp., where he was the brand manager in charge of overall marketing efforts. He has years of experience in the automotive industry, with more than 10 years in various marketing, design and advertising positions.
QA1 Launches New, More Streamlined Website
On the heels of a rebrand with a more modern logo and look, QA1 has launched a website to reflect the new branding and vision for the company. The new site is designed to offer improved navigation, a more prominent Tech Center and a better integration of QA1’s different markets. The new site features a prominent vehicle filter in the Automotive section and various configuration options for products across all markets. According to the company, the site is more streamlined and offers smoother navigation and more imagery than the previous site, which launched in 2014.
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