The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The spy-shooting sleuths at Brenda Priddy & Co. recently captured shots of VW's new sedan out for a late-season, desert-testing run. Referred to as the NMS (as in “new midsize sedan”), this new car will fit in after the Jetta in VW’s lineup, but Priddy is not sure if it will replace the Passat, be named Passat in the States or be in addition to the new Passat. However, Priddy believes that based on what she saw, the car will replace the Passat here in North America because they are simply too similar in size to warrant both cars.

Volkswagen has openly mentioned the NMS and what the company hopes to accomplish with this vehicle and its required amenities. Volkswagen has promised generous legroom, a large cargo/trunk area, more and super-sized cup holders, an improved interior, ABS with front and rear disc brakes, ample airbags, interface with various mobile devices, a six-speed double clutch (DSG) transmission or five-speed manual, FSI and TDI powerplants and a possible AWD option.

Priddy says that initially the engines and transmissions will be manufactured in Mexico, along with the new Beetle and Jetta engines. The first pilot builds will start this coming January, according to Priddy, with the Chattanooga plant starting full production on the ’12 models in the spring.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Highlighted this week are some of the latest sales positions available for various levels.

Sales Manger: American Eagle Wheel is looking for a sales manager for its distribution center located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Requirements include exceptional customer service skills, proven sales performance in the aftermarket wheel industry and strong sales, presentation and communication skills.

Automotive Performance Sales: AAM Competition has a full-time sales position available that involves retail, phone and Internet sales. The position is entry-mid level, with excellent opportunities for advancement in the company.

Commercial Fleet Sales Manager: A company near the St. Paul area in Minnesota is seeking a commercial fleet sales manager with 5–7 (or more) years of experience in current business development with fleet accounts. Prior management of commercial accounts focused on automotive and light-/medium-duty trucks required.

	Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc., pictured here with SEMA Membership Outreach Specialist AJ Carney, was recognized as SEMA's Top Ambassador for 2010 during the SEMA Show.

SEMA Ambassadors were honored and recognized during the 2010 SEMA Show for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. SEMA Ambassadors fulfill an important role by participating in the Member-Get-a-Member recruitment campaign, sharing the value of SEMA membership with non-members, advising and mentoring new members by escorting them to industry events and encouraging volunteer participation among other SEMA members.

During the Show, the association hosted an Ambassador Luncheon to honor the contributions of the 2010 winners and to present the Top Ambassador Award.

The 2010 Top Ambassador Award was presented to Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. Three of the Ambassadors were honored at the luncheon for their commitment in recruiting SEMA members and council members.

The following Ambassadors were recognized as Honorable Mentions:

• John Menzler, Competition Cams Inc.
• Scott O’Toole, RPM Data Services
• Bob Kern, General Motor Corp.

More information about volunteer opportunities, such as the Ambassador Program, is available at www.SEMA.org/ambassador or by calling AJ Carney at 909/978-6697.

	Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc., pictured here with SEMA Membership Outreach Specialist AJ Carney, was recognized as SEMA's Top Ambassador for 2010 during the SEMA Show.

SEMA Ambassadors were honored and recognized during the 2010 SEMA Show for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. SEMA Ambassadors fulfill an important role by participating in the Member-Get-a-Member recruitment campaign, sharing the value of SEMA membership with non-members, advising and mentoring new members by escorting them to industry events and encouraging volunteer participation among other SEMA members.

During the Show, the association hosted an Ambassador Luncheon to honor the contributions of the 2010 winners and to present the Top Ambassador Award.

The 2010 Top Ambassador Award was presented to Jim Barber of Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. Three of the Ambassadors were honored at the luncheon for their commitment in recruiting SEMA members and council members.

The following Ambassadors were recognized as Honorable Mentions:

• John Menzler, Competition Cams Inc.
• Scott O’Toole, RPM Data Services
• Bob Kern, General Motor Corp.

More information about volunteer opportunities, such as the Ambassador Program, is available at www.SEMA.org/ambassador or by calling AJ Carney at 909/978-6697.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.

The I-CAR TechPro World Tour debuted at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Through a partnership between the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and SEMA, the 2010 SEMA Show for the first time featured a dedicated area for more than 250 collision industry exhibitors. SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education drew more than 125 individuals through two days of educational offerings that covered topics targeting collision-repair professionals.

“Based on the obvious energy and excitement that filled the halls of the Show and the feedback we have received from exhibitors, attendees, speakers and Show management, this first-year initiative is by any measure a tremendous success and significant benefit both for the industry and our association,” said SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. “SCRS worked incredibly hard this year to put together what we felt would offer the industry a fresh and exciting option for shops looking to step outside of their business to find education, inspiration and ideas that can carry their businesses successfully into the future. This was a first-year effort with strong results given the economy and the uncertainty about launching a new venue within the industry. I am confident that those in attendance believe we accomplished our goals.”

I-CAR training classes and the debut of the I-CAR TechPro World Tour were also featured, while collision industry groups held several meetings throughout the week. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting attracted nearly 400 attendees, including 66 first-timers, and the CIC Achievement Awards Luncheon drew more than 300 attendees. In addition, there were meetings conducted by SCRS, I-CAR, NABC, AASP, the OEM Roundtable and others. According to SCRS, more than 11 collision industry groups took advantage of the free meeting space offered to the industry by the SEMA Show and the Las Vegas Hilton.

“We measure our success by the feedback we hear from our strategic partners, exhibitors and attendees,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA’s vice president of communications and events. “Our collaboration with SCRS and the collision industry enabled us to take a solid step forward in developing a Show that serves the industry. Looking forward we’ll continue to invest in such resources as world-class education and Show features that will attract leading collision-repair companies to the annual SEMA Show.”

Based upon the success of the 2010 SEMA Show, the collision industry and SCRS are both assured that they will have a prominent place within the 2011 SEMA Show.

For more information visit www.scrs.com.

"Top Gear" Hits the History Channel
The U.S. version of "TOP GEAR" is headed for the History Channel. The series is set to premiere this Sunday, November 21, 10:00 p.m. (EST)/9:00 p.m. (CST) and will be hosted by comedian and car buff Adam Ferrara, champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood.

Ken Grammer Returns to Synergy Racing
Synergy Racing announced that Ken Grammer returned to the team to assume daily operations. Grammer was originally a member of the management staff during the 2004–2005 season which culminated in the team winning the 2005 Grand-Am Rolex GT Driver’s Championship. Grammer takes over for Kerrigan Smith, Synergy Racing acting general manager, who accepted the position of director of track operations with Virginia International Raceway.

Ruth Ehlinger was elected the president of the Car Care Council Women's Board.

Ehlinger Named President of Car Care Council Women's Board
Ruth Ehlinger was elected the president of the Car Care Council Women's Board. In this position, Ehlinger will preside over all meetings and help supervise the affairs of the board for a three-year term. Ehlinger has been a member of the Women’s Board since 2001. In addition to the presidency, Ehlinger will continue to serve as the chair of the Consumer Education Committee until a new chairperson is chosen.

BMF Salutes Veterans With Wheel Giveaway
Starting November 2010, BMF Wheels will give away one set of wheels each month for one year to selected veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The first set of wheels was given away during the 2010 SEMA Show to Jeff Polich, a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan and a Bronze Star with Valor recipient. To nominate a veteran, follow this link.

Stronghold Motorsports Hosts Off Road Night
Stronghold Motorsports will host Off Road Night with the Ontario Reign hockey team at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California, on December 1. The event will feature a number of off-road vehicles and appearances by members of the Stronghold Motorsports Team, including the most recent addition, seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. The event is part of Stronghold's efforts in support of Racing for a Cause to benefit Loma Linda Children's Hospital.

Classic Collision Opens New Facility in Georgia
Classic Collision opened a new collision-repair center in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The 70,000-sq.-ft. facility occupies the former Tom Jumper parts and service buildings, and the company expects the facility to handle as many as 8,000 vehicles annually. The company also reported the facility will employ 40 to 50 people in the coming year.

Pirelli Opens Its First Plant in Mexico
Pirelli recently announced plans to construct its first tire-production plant in Mexico. The new factory, to be located in the city of Silao (about 400 kilometers from Mexico City), will produce high-performance and ultra high-performance tires for cars and light trucks. Pirelli reported that it will initially invest approximately $210 million in the plant, which Pirelli says will generate 700 direct and 300 indirect jobs in the local Silao area. The facility will cover an area of 120,000 square meters and will be operational in 2012.

SCCA RallyCross National Championship Relocates
The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) RallyCross National Championship has been relocated to the I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Nebraska, for the event set for October 7–9, 2011. The RallyCross National Championship will be hosted by the Nebraska Region and joins the SCCA Tire Rack Solo National Championship in Lincoln, Nebraska, as SCCA National Championship events in the Cornhusker State. The 2011 RallyCross National Challenge season begins with the Eastern States Championship at Stafford (Connecticut) Speedway, January 15–16, 2011. For more information, visit www.scca.com/rally.

Google's recent move to forsake Net Neutrality—the premise that all content on the web should be distributed even-handedly—threatens to have serious consequences for specialty-equipment industry websites, especially if other titans of the Internet follow suit. Slower-loading industry websites and bidding wars for preferential treatment from Internet service providers (ISPs) could become a sobering new reality for auto-parts businesses as the Internet's current democratization gives way to enhanced service for those with the deepest pockets. [Read more]