Compiled by SEMA Editors
NAIAS Moves Reimagined Show to September 2021 and Beyond
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has announced it will move its reimagined indoor and outdoor show, originally planned for summer 2021, to September 28–October 9, 2021. NAIAS officials say the show is teed up to be a global powerhouse of current product and next-generation mobility combined with immersive brand activations and product engagement for both the international media and the public.
NAIAS will remain a fall show going forward after the inaugural event in September 2021. Show dates have already been secured with TCF Center for the next three years. NAIAS organizers secured dates towards the end of the month, in part, to be mindful of the new IAA in Munich, which is scheduled for the first full week in September.
NAIAS officials also plan to expand the show’s marketing reach, drawing additional show visitors from beyond the region and state. The campaign will emphasize that consumers can preview all of the latest new cars and trucks headed to dealership showrooms while also enjoying Detroit and Michigan in the fall.
The September 2021 show will include the same product experiences that were originally planned for the June show, including dynamic displays and experiential ride-and-drives. The NAIAS campus will include product and technology activations both inside TCF Center and throughout the city.
NAIAS will continue to host seven shows in one: Motor Bella, The Gallery, Press Preview, AutoMobili-D, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and Public Show.
Additionally, NAIAS’ monthly Q’d Up Mobility series will provide a glimpse into what the 2021 show has queued up for guests—an idea that was born out of interest and support after the cancelation of the 2020 show.
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AACF Launches Topgolf Tournament November 5
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced its plans to launch its first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship on November 5, 2020.
AACF board president Lynn Parker said, “When the SEMA and AAPEX trade shows were cancelled in the interest of public safety, AACF made the decision to cancel its largest annual fundraising event, the Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament. While this was the right thing to do, we needed to find a way for aftermarket industry employees to connect and have fun as an industry family, and raise funds to assist those in need during this challenging time.”
AACF’s first Topgolf Top Contender National Championship will be an integrated tournament that allows teams to compete in real-time via 60 Topgolf locations throughout North America. The Top Contender format increases the competitive fun, as teams from all locations will compete in real time in the same game. Live leaderboards will be displayed in each time zone starting at 2:00 p.m. (PST) on November 5.
Teams of six players each will compete against other teams to score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets. The more accurate the shot, the more points each team will earn. A national champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. Deadline for registration is November 3.
 Champion Oil has announced a stand-alone blog that aims to become a complete resource center for diesel enthusiasts. |
Champion Launches Digital Resource Center for Performance Diesel Enthusiasts
Champion Oil has announced a stand-alone blog that aims to become a complete resource center for diesel enthusiasts. Champion’s new blog aims to establish itself as a vital resource for diesel performance enthusiasts by becoming a hub connecting enthusiasts to other digital platforms, such as diesel forums, press releases, email, websites, RSS feeds and other social-media platforms. The Blue Flame Diesel Blog also has links that provide real-time information on such subjects as diesel fuel prices, truck stop locations, technical information, torque specs, how to become a Champion Oil distributor, real-time crude oil prices, diesel seminars, online purchases and locations where to buy.
Meyer Distributing Opens New Sales Office in Pennsylvania
Meyer Distributing has announced the addition of a Pennsylvania-based office. The new location expands Meyer's inside sales team with the addition of Margaret Edwards, Frank Arvonio, Randy Bowers, Jason Williams, Jack Marchetti and Rich Mackonis.
 Kyle Fischer |
Lubrication Specialties Inc. Promotes Kyle Fischer to Director of Branding and Promotions
Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) President Brett Tennar has announced the immediate promotion of Kyle Fischer to director of branding and promotions. Fischer joined LSI in 2017 as director of marketing followed by a promotion in 2019 to director of sales. He has quickly risen through the ranks taking on increased responsibility and senior leadership roles to build awareness and sales of the company’s performance automotive aftermarket brand—Hot Shot’s Secret. A self-professed gearhead with a passion for anything race related, Fischer has parlayed his 20-plus years of professional experience in the automotive aftermarket to grow the brand to more than 30 performance products for gas and diesel vehicles to reach across multiple markets.
As director of branding and promotions, a newly created position, Fischer will be responsible for working closely with the director of marketing and director of sales to develop positioning for Hot Shot’s Secret-branded products for each market. He will also coordinate and implement promotional activities to select targeted audiences that ensure a consistent brand image. He will have input on all advertising buys, content, social media, race events, brand ambassadors, product content, promotions and trade show activity, and will work closely with the company’s key leadership to increase brand awareness and product sales in the United States and abroad.
Garrett Motion Acquired by KPS Capital Partners
Garrett Motion has entered an agreement for KPS Capital Partners to purchase its business, subject to court approval and customary closing conditions. Garrett also announced the company had launched a debt restructuring process through a Chapter 11 filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. Garrett intends to operate without interruption during the process, according to the company.
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