Compiled by SEMA Editors
PerTronix Performance Brands Adds Aeromotive
PerTronix Performance Brands has announced it acquired Aeromotive Inc. and Waterman Racing Components. Over the past 26 years, Aeromotive has designed and manufactured the highest quality fuel systems and components for the automotive aftermarket and OEM manufacturers. Aeromotive will continue to operate out of its Lenexa, Kansas, manufacturing and development facility, while Waterman Racing Components will continue to operate out of its Concord, North Carolina, and Brownsburg, Indiana, locations. Aeromotive’s leadership team will continue to manage the business. Following record sales years for both Aeromotive and PerTronixPerformance Brands, the acquisition was a natural fit. PerTronix Performance Brands is a premier automotive aftermarket group of companies with the PerTronix Ignition, JBA Performance Exhaust, Doug’s Headers, Patriot Exhaust, Compu-Fire, and Spyke brands. Lineage Capital, Boston, Massachusetts, invested in PerTronix Performance Brands in 2016, and has continued to support PerTronix’s growth with the Aeromotive acquisition. The Spartan Group LLC served as advisor to Aeromotive through the process.
 Michael Good |
Dynamat Names New Executive Leadership
Dynamat Inc. has announced new executive leadership to lead the company into the next evolution of its products and market presence. The company was recently acquired by Gladstone Investment Corp. Founder, Scott Whitaker has retired from Dynamat, but is assisting with the transition as a consultant. Michael Good, an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, operations, and process management, has been named president of Dynamat. Good is a long-time advocate of Dynamat and will bring a wealth of experience to the company. He will work closely with the team to ensure that Dynamat continues to assist their partners in growing their business and serving their customers. Good comes to Dynamat most recently from FinishMaster, where he led all marketing and sales training efforts. He also serves on various not-for-profit boards, including several in the automotive industry. Whitaker retired from his role as president after 30 years of being an industry-leading innovator in a vertical market that he created. He will remain engaged with Dynamat as a consultant through February 2021.
 On November 19, at 8:00 p.m. (EST), Ford will show off its hottest new rides streaming live on YouTube. |
Ford to Show Off Hottest New Rides Streaming Live on YouTube
On November 19, at 8:00 p.m. (EST), Ford will show off its hottest new rides streaming live on YouTube. The SEMA Special event will feature live, interactive Q&A sessions with designers, engineers, builders and drivers, and will also highlight Bronco, Bronco Sport, F-150 and Mustang Mach-E. Sessions take place throughout the day, and attendees have a chance to win a VIP Experience with Ford during the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Space is limited to the first 250 registrants, so reserve your spot today. To get on the invitation list for one of these exclusive sessions, click here.
Premium Guard Inc. Acquires Global Aftermarket Filters Business from Tenneco
Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) has purchased Tenneco’s global aftermarket filters business in Mexico. The announcement was made by Anan Bishara, CEO and president of PGI, who noted that the acquisition, which was finalized on October 31, includes Tenneco’s manufacturing facility in Tultitlan, Mexico, operations, the Interfil and Engine Clean brands, and filter inventories. Premium Guard plans significant investment at the Tultitlan facility to fulfill customer requirements and volume, and will remain a strategic supplier for Tenneco’s Champion brand. The company expects a smooth transition of ownership with no changes to staff or management at this time.
 Power Automedia’s EngineLabs is joining the newly announced online event, Engine Performance Expo, as digital media sponsor. |
EngineLabs Named Official Digital Media Sponsor of Engine Performance Expo
Power Automedia’s EngineLabs is joining the newly announced online event, Engine Performance Expo, as digital media sponsor. Scheduled for January 7-9, 2021, this free online event will take place over three days and will feature live lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and educational seminars with the performance engine industry’s top parts manufacturers and builders.
“The Engine Performance Expo is a brilliant example of how this industry continues to adapt and overcome the pandemic. However, the implications of this event go well beyond 2021. Not only is a very obvious need being filled in the short-term, but this event can reach around the globe to share information that will progress the field of engine building for years to come,” says Scott Parker, vice president of content for Power Automedia.
“My favorite part of the PRI Show was AETC. The information gathered and connections made were invaluable,” says Total Seal’s Lake Speed Jr. “The Engine Performance Expo utilizes technology to bridge the ‘knowledge gap’ left behind this year, to come together to share products and processes in a way we’ve never done before. Being able to watch a block be set up and bushed for keyway lifters is something you could not do at AETC. This three-day event provides unparalleled access to the best people, products, and processes in the industry, and you don’t have to go anywhere or pay anything to do it!”
As the digital media sponsor, updates and exclusive coverage of the event will be found at EngineLabs.com. The Expo’s current schedule can be found here with the final schedule of events and guest speakers to be published in early December. Those enthusiasts who are interested can pre-register via the Expo’s website registration here.
Champion Oil Announces New Rep Agency for the Southeast Region of the U.S.
Champion Brands has announced this week that All-Midwest Sales LLC has become its Racing and Performance Aftermarket Rep Agency for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Champion has selected the rep agency to increase the distribution of its racing and performance products in the Southeast region of the United States.
 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 received a Printing United Alliance 2020 Product of the Year Award for Media-Adhesive Back Vinyl. |
3M Wrap Film Series 2080 Wins Printing United Alliance 2020 Product of the Year for Media
3M Commercial Solutions Division has announced that 3M Wrap Film Series 2080 received a Printing United Alliance 2020 Product of the Year Award for Media-Adhesive Back Vinyl. Open to all Printing United Alliance supplier members, the Product of the Year competition evaluates products that are, or will be, available for sale in 2020. A panel of judges from across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest’s 200+ entries in more than 85 categories spanning analog, digital, output and non-output technologies.
N.G.K. Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. Announces Executive Change
N.G.K. Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc., has announced a new position for one executive team member. Kent Howard has been promoted to senior vice president, strategic growth and partnerships. In this newly created role, Howard will be tasked to develop new partnerships and pathways to strategically grow the N.G.K. business into four key business fields: Environment & Energy, Mobility, Medical, and Communications. He will work closely with Dirk Schapeler, senior vice president of N.G.K.’s global innovation division. Howard was most recently senior vice president, O.E.M., Cutting Tools and Tech Center, and has been with N.G.K. for 23 years.
Pep Boys Receives Six Automotive Communications Awards
Pep Boys received six awards for excellence in the 2020 Automotive Communications Awards (ACA) program, which recognizes auto care industry manufacturers, service networks and other organizations for outstanding business-to-consumer and business-to-business advertising, marketing and public relations activities. The annual awards program is sponsored by Women in Auto Care (WiAC), which is dedicated to the advancement, education and empowerment of women within the auto care industry. WiAC is part of the Auto Care Association, which provides advocacy, education, networking, technology, market intelligence and communications resources to serve its members in the aftermarket. Pep Boys was honored for several initiatives, each designed to support its growth strategy.
Pep Boys received the following ACA awards:
- Best Billboard: “Go Further Red Door” Brand Introduction
- Print Ad: Pep Boys Fleet Preventative Maintenance Promotion
- Consumer/Community Event: Progressive’s Keys to Progress Veteran Vehicle Donation Initiative
- Social Media Campaign: Tech of the Year Program
- Radio or Podcast: COVID-19 Reconnect Phase Radio with Tire Manufacturing Partner Promotions
- Co-op Advertising: Summer Road Trip Campaign with Shell
 The RMT Jeep Gladiator features a 3.5-in. suspension lift system from JKS Manufacturing with the FOX Performance Elite 2.5 shocks for on-road comfort and improved capability when hitting the terrain. |
RMT Overland Offers Turn-Key Adventure Vehicles
The latest addition to the RMT Overland line of turn-key adventure vehicles is the RMT Jeep Gladiator, which features a 3.5-in. suspension lift system from JKS Manufacturing with the FOX Performance Elite 2.5 shocks for on-road comfort and improved capability when hitting the terrain. The FOX Performance Elite 2.5 shocks come with external compression adjusters that allow drivers to quickly adapt to terrain and vehicle loads with the turn of a knob. With this technology, the transition from asphalt to dirt becomes easier, allowing overlanders to get back to doing what they love, thanks to the FOX Powered Vehicles Group.
“All RMT Overland trucks arrive at dealerships as fully equipped overland trucks eager to be driven for whatever journey lie ahead,” said Drew Kerley, director of marketing, RMT Overland. “Driving an RMT Overland custom truck means your first stop off the lot has a clear path to adventure, whether it be your next remote campsite, hiking trail, fishing hole or the extreme desert dune.”
Rep Sewell Named as Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association 2020 Industry Champion
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has named Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL07) as the recipient of the 2020 MEMA Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award. The award was presented virtually November 9, before a group of MEMA division members, many of whose companies have facilities in Sewell’s Alabama 7th Congressional District. The annual Industry Champion Award is given in memory of Joseph M. Magliochetti, who served as the chairman and CEO of Dana Corp. until his death in 2003. Magliochetti was widely recognized as a leader and a visionary in the supplier industry, and his tenure as MEMA’s chairman left a vibrant legacy of advocacy and outreach on behalf of motor vehicle suppliers.
LEGACY Racing Announces New Interactive Website
The new LEGACY Racing website is now live. LEGACY Racing Association, the newly formed off-road racing organization based in Las Vegas, has announced the launch of its new interactive website. The site now has LEGACY's 2021 events listed with more in depth details on each event coming soon.
Brembo to Open New U.S. Aftermarket Distribution Center
Brembo has announced plans to open a new aftermarket distribution center in the Memphis metropolitan area this November. The distribution center will handle warehousing and logistics services for the company's aftermarket brake pads, rotors, brake fluid and related components. The facility is located near Brembo's group of customers in the U.S. and Canada. According to Brembo, the new building aims to provide best-in-class service levels, including a substantial lead time reduction.
 (L–R): Sarah Lee (Army, founder of Waypoint Vets), Jonathan Parrish (Air Force), Kevin Blanchard (Marines), Chris Myers (Air Force), Van Booth (Army), Marisa OlGrady-Kessner, Jolene Raciborski (Army), Daniel Smith (Army), Joe Makouske (Marines), and Jonathan Zambella (Marines, Owner of Zion Guru). Photo Credit: Charles Kessner Media LLC |
Hot Shot’s Secret Sponsors Waypoint Vets Utah Canyoneering Adventure
Recently, Hot Shot's Secret president Chris Gabrelcik met with Army veteran Sarah Lee who last year not only bicycled across America meeting with veteran groups along the way to raise awareness for the overwhelmingly high suicide rate of Army veterans but was also inspired to form her 501 (c) (3) non-profit Waypoint Vets—an organization designed to unite and empower veterans through activities and adventure. The cost is covered for veterans who participate. Waypoint Vets plans the adventures and takes care of the travel, meals, lodging, and most gear, and organizes a variety of activities to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels. Gabrelcik was captivated by her passion and the goals of her non-profit and donated $10,000 to cover the cost for the first Canyoneering adventure held in late October that allowed nine vets to participate in this inaugural trip.
“Next year, Waypoint Vets will be going from one National Adventure to five; to include canyoneering near Zion, Utah; storm chasing in the Midwest; a kayaking/mountaineering excursion at Lake Powell, Arizona; a Women Veteran’s Retreat in Destin, Florida; and cycling the summit of Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains. This is only the beginning,” Lee concluded.
Hypertherm Introduces New Virtual Event Hub
Hypertherm is introducing the Hypertherm Connection Hub—a new virtual event platform that provides access to live product demonstrations, learning opportunities and conversations with Hypertherm plasma, waterjet and software experts. The first event takes place on November 17. Hypertherm’s OMAX Corp. will present two live webcasts. The first event, airing from locations in both Illinois and Washington state, will provide an in-depth look at the OMAX Jetmachining Center, while the second will broadcast from the OMAX Demonstration Lab. Experts will take attendees through the process of drawing, posting and cutting parts, and demonstrate the versatility of waterjet by cutting two materials at once. One day later, Hypertherm’s robotic software team will show participants how to optimize robotic programming with its Version 7.3 offline robot programming. Other planned events include demonstrations of X-Definition plasma, examples of different air plasma applications, a webcast on how to reduce the operating cost of a plasma system, and a webcast that compares plasma with oxyfuel cutting. Hypertherm will present this last event in separate English and Spanish-language sessions. Individuals interested in exploring the many free offerings or registering for an event can do so at www.hypertherm.com.
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