Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of membership and councils, explains the benefits of becoming a member of SEMA.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Curtis Schabath

Motovicity Appoints New Head of Marketing; Launches “Scratch and Dent” Savings Program

Motovicity Distribution has hired Curtis Schabath as its new marketing manager. With more than a decade in marketing, a majority of that being in the automotive (GM and VW) and agency realms, Schabath specializes in digital strategy, experiential promotions and content creation. Together, Motovicity and Schabath plan to utilize targeted campaigns, advertising, Motovicity-produced events, while evolving the company’s website to become more of an overall presence in their fields.

In addition, Motovicity is adding savings through a newly implemented products imperfection initiative. With thousands of parts regularly leaving and entering Motovicity’s storage space, some are bound to have been mishandled or manufactured with a cosmetic flaw. Since Motovicity is not a retailer, restocking is not an option; therefore, “Scratch and Dent” is Motovicity’s way of taking care of mishaps and benefitting all parties involved. Customers will be able to see photos of the actual merchandise and read a thorough condition report of the exact product in the photo. On top of the strict due diligence put forth in verifying these parts, the transparency of price reduction ensures that buyers not only know what they will receive, but also that there’s a significant price reduction that overly justifies the savings.

Champion Oil Now Available at Keystone Automotive

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. now offers the complete line of Champion racing and performance motor oils, chemicals, additives and lubricants. Keystone operates seven distribution centers and 47 cross-docks in the United States and Canada. Its distribution network utilizes more than 350 trucks/trailers to provide next-day or two-day delivery to customers in 48 states and nine provinces in Canada.

Atticus Firey	Ryan Friedlinghaus

Automotive Care Laboratories Inks Partnership With West Coast Customs

Automotive Care Laboratories LLC (ACL) has announced it has reached an agreement with West Coast Customs to develop an expanding portfolio of car-care products, fuel and oil additives and other multiple products in adjacent categories, as the exclusive marketer and distributor for the branded portfolios. According to Atticus Firey, ACL CEO, the strategic implementation with West Coast Customs for the car-care and engine oil additives categories reflects the company’s continued commitment to strategic value-based expansion. Firey has also recently announced the opening of the company’s new West Coast office in Orange County, California. West Coast Customs, founded in 1993 by Ryan Friedlinghaus, is a vehicle customization shop internationally known for its original designs and TV show, “Inside West Coast Customs,” airing weekly on the Velocity Channel.

Rancho Spring Promotion Offers Consumers Up to $400 Back in Rebates on Total Purchases

Performance enthusiasts shopping for suspension, ride control and RockGear accessory upgrades this spring can earn money back on all purchases of Rancho brand products through the Rancho “All Systems Go In…4, 3, 2, 1” mail-in rebate offer. Running from February 1–July 31, the promotion will give consumers the opportunity to earn Visa Prepaid cards worth up to $400 for Rancho brand purchases totaling $2,000 or more; $300 for purchases totaling $1,700 to $1,999.99; $250 for purchases totaling $1,400 to $1,699.99; $200 for purchases totaling $1,100 to $1,399.99; $150 for purchases totaling $800 to $1,099.99; $100 for purchases totaling $500 to $799.99; and $50 for purchases totaling $200 to $499.99. Price thresholds included in the offer do not cover installation/labor costs or taxes. Offer submissions must be postmarked by August 31 to qualify.

Warn Industries Launches New Dealer-Friendly Pickup Program

Warn Industries is now offering consumers the ability to purchase many of its products from the company’s website and have them delivered to a Warn–Parts Via Network Dealer for free pickup and installation. Buyers may purchase a variety of items, including truck and powersports winches, certain bumpers and mounting systems and select accessories. Parts Via is designed to connect brands, retail/installer outlets and consumers to improve the sales and service experience, and can deliver parts to almost anywhere in North America the next day. Opting to have products shipped to the retailer/installer can save the consumer money on shipping. Warn Industries believes Parts Via will provide access to local services, technical expertise and installation support. For additional information about becoming a Warn Parts Via network dealer, visit www.partsvia.com/get-started.

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Jamo Performance Exhaust to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has expanded its diesel truck product offerings with the addition of JAMO Performance Exhaust’s line of stainless-steel race exhausts to its line card.

The ARES Design Coupe for the Bentley Mulsanne outside ARES’ new Design Technical Center in Modena, Italy.

ARES Officially Opens Design Technical Centre in Modena, Italy

After three full years of trading, ARES Design has taken ownership and developed a bespoke facility in Modena, Italy, to design, develop, produce and handover coach-built limited-edition cars for clients from around the world. The first cars announced in this growth phase for ARES were presented to groups of global media, investors, clients and other friends of ARES. The first cars released in ARES’ fourth year of trading have all been developed, designed and constructed through a network of expert suppliers under instruction and guidance from ARES Design. They include: ARES Design Coupe for the Bentley Mulsanne, ARES Corvette Stingray, ARES Design X-Raid, ARES Design Porsche 964 Targa and ARES Design Land Rover Defender: supercharged and naturally-aspirated.

Sinister Diesel Launches New Website

In response to its growing customer base, the marketplace and the ever-changing diesel parts industry, Sinister Diesel has launched a new faster, easier website at www.sinisterdiesel.com.

DENSO Automotive Technical Academy Expands Aftermarket Training Program

DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has added three new training classes to its selection of instructor-led automotive repair courses. The classes expand DENSO’s technical training program, developed to ensure technicians have the diagnostic and troubleshooting expertise to repair vehicles efficiently and correctly the first time. DENSO’s 2018 roster now includes the following courses: Chrysler Drivability and Code Diagnostics, Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L Common Rail Diesel and Duramax LML & LGH Diesel Engine Emission Diagnostics. With these new seminars, DENSO offers a total of 39 classes under its Technical Training Program through the DENSO Automotive Technical Academy (DATA).

DynoMax “Get Up to $100” Spring Consumer Promotion Offers Rebates on Qualifying Performance Exhaust Systems

This spring, performance enthusiasts can earn money back on purchases of DynoMax Performance Exhaust products through the “Get Up to $100” consumer mail-in rebate promotion. Valid on purchases made between February 1–July 31, the promotion will offer consumers a $100 Visa Prepaid card when they buy a qualifying high-performance exhaust system invoiced at $500 or more. Other rebate amounts also are available through the promotion. Consumers who spend $300 to $499 on a qualifying exhaust system can earn a $75 Visa Prepaid card, while those who spend $150 to $299 can earn a $50 Visa Prepaid card. A complete list of qualifying DynoMax exhaust systems are available on www.dynomax.com. Offer submissions must be postmarked by August 31 to qualify.

Elgin Industries Names John Deere Partner-Level Supplier for Sixth Consecutive Year

One year after Elgin Industries’ induction into the John Deere Supplier Hall of Fame, the company has earned recognition as a Partner-Level Supplier in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program for the sixth consecutive year. Partner-Level status is Deere & Company’s highest supplier rating. A global manufacturer of engine and chassis components, Elgin earned the award based on outstanding customer support in 2017 and the internal engine components it supplies to John Deere operations around the world. Participating suppliers are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including cost management, delivery, quality, technical support and wavelength, which is a measure of responsiveness.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries can apply at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries can apply at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization are encouraged to submit an application to host a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show. Of particular interest to the industry are speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

To learn more, access the application and read the criteria.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

The 2017 SEMA Show education program featured more than 60 sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2018 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

Applications for speaker submissions are available until Monday, February 12, 2018. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2018. For more details, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

Speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization are encouraged to submit an application to host a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show. Of particular interest to the industry are speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

To learn more, access the application and read the criteria.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

The 2017 SEMA Show education program featured more than 60 sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2018 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

Applications for speaker submissions are available until Monday, February 12, 2018. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2018. For more details, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.

By SEMA Editors

Speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media and vehicle customization are encouraged to submit an application to host a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show.

SEMA Show Education is now accepting applications for industry professionals interested in hosting a seminar during the 2018 SEMA Show. Of particular interest to the industry are speakers with experience in marketing and sales, customer service, business management, automotive trends, social media, and vehicle customization.

To learn more, access the application and read the criteria.

The educational seminars make up an essential component of the SEMA Show. In addition to connecting automotive manufacturers with professional buyers from all over the world, the four-day SEMA Show is the leading venue for industry experts to network in person and learn new business strategies.

The 2017 SEMA Show education program featured more than 60 sessions. While topics address basic business practices, such as customer service, marketing and social media, the 2018 program will emphasize issues that are of greatest concern to businesses in the automotive aftermarket.

All speakers should be able to focus on industry issues and not a specific company position or agenda.

Applications for speaker submissions are available until Monday, February 12, 2018. Speaker entries will be answered no later than April 20, 2018. For more details, contact Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org, 909-978-6743.