By SEMA News Editors
Toyota Motor North America Names New SVP, Vehicle Plants
Toyota Motor North America has announced two changes to its executive structure, promoting Kevin Voelkel to senior vice president, vehicle plants, and Susann Kazunas to plant president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX).
Kevin Voelkel (left) and Susann Kazunas.
Voelkel, previously plant president, TMMTX, and group vice president, North America truck manufacturing, will be responsible for overseeing North American vehicle production at its Baja California, Canada, Guanajuato, Indiana, Mississippi and Texas facilities. He will retain responsibility for all North American truck manufacturing.
Kazunas will assume Voelkel's role as plant president, TMMTX, and will report to Voelkel, senior vice president, vehicle plants. Susann was most recently vice president, manufacturing, TMMTX.
Voelkel is replacing Brian Krinock, former senior vice president, vehicle plants, who is retiring.
For more information, visit toyota.com.
GiroDisc Wins 2023 Turn 14 Distribution New Supplier Award
Turn 14 Distribution has awarded GiroDisc with its New Supplier Award for 2023.
Turn 14 Distribution's New Supplier Award is presented to a supplier with whom the company began doing business over the last 12 months. GiroDisc, a brake rotor manufacturer, was awarded the New Supplier Award for 2023 for its willingness to collaborate, dedication to quality and commitment to meeting the demands of the distributor's dealer network, Turn 14 Distribution representatives said.
"Each year, we evaluate sales volume, collaboration, promotion, training, support, and relationship strength for each new brand to determine the winner of this award. From the beginning, our partnership with GiroDisc has surpassed all expectations, marked by an immediate surge of success. Our enthusiasm for the new brand was immediately shared by our dealer network, leading to an increased demand for the GiroDisc product line. We value our strong relationship and look forward to achieving even greater success in the future," said Mike Malloy, director of purchasing, Turn 14 Distribution.
For more information, visit turn14.com.
Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024
Officials have announced the Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees, who will be honored during the induction and awards ceremony on Thursday, September 19, in Detroit, Michigan. Induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is reserved for noteworthy individuals whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace.
The Automotive Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees are Bill Ford, Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson, John James Sr., Wendell Scott, Vivek Sehgal and Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Vic Edelbrock Jr. of Edelbrock Performance.
For inductee biographies, visit the Automotive Hall of Fame webpage here. For more information, visit automotivehalloffame.org.
Dragonfly Energy Partners With Forest River
Dragonfly Energy, manufacturer of Battle Born Batteries, has formed a new partnership with OGV Luxury Coach, a new division of Forest River, a Berkshire Hathaway-owned RV manufacturer.
As part of the partnership, Battle Born lithium batteries will be included as standard equipment on all OGV units and will be the exclusive lithium provider for the brand of custom-built Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Class B vans and custom Prevost Bus conversions.
For more information, visit dragonflyenergy.com.
I-CAR Announces Executive Appointments
I-CAR, the non-profit repair industry education organization, has appointed Jeff Peevy as vice president, industry relations, and Mark Miller as vice president, technical operations.
Jeff Peevy (left) and Mark Miller.
Peevy joined I-CAR in 2020 and brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the role, and will be tasked with fostering essential industry relationships.
Miller will take on Peevy's former duties as vice president, technical operations, and will spearhead the company's ongoing technical initiatives.
For more information, visit i-car.com.