SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Getting to Know the WTC Select Committee

	David Insull, director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors.

On July 1, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) installed three newly elected select committee members, though none of them are strangers to the council.

Carl Robinson is product manager at Mickey Thompson Tires. With almost 40 years of experience in the performance aftermarket, he brings a seasoned perspective to the committee. He has been involved with WTC for six years and previously served as a select committee member.

Also returning to the select committee is David Insull, who is the director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors. Insull has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 25 years, with positions and responsibilities in sales, marketing, product development, training, management and procurement. His background encompasses retail, wholesale distribution and manufacturing, and he is also an enthusiast in both the wheel and tire segments.

Insull has remained highly involved with SEMA for more than 20 years at a level well beyond an annual SEMA Show attendee. In total, he has 15 years of service as a WTC select committee member, including serving as chair for the 2012–2013 term. Insull was a member of the original Wheel Industry Council, has been on countless task forces and committees, was involved in a number of significant SEMA and WTC projects connected to TPMS as well as the J2530 wheel-testing standard, new-vehicle technology integration, working with SAE and more. He believes that the association provides the theater for a group of like-minded individuals to come together, helping guide and ensure the future of the industry by working from a common platform on the challenges and opportunities that affect all members.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc., has been attending the WTC reception at the SEMA Show for several years. His company is a full-service advertising agency serving performance aftermarket clients with print and digital marketing campaigns. Johnson himself started creating websites for wheel companies in 1994, when the Internet first launched for the general public.

Johnson and Robinson caught up with SEMA Member News to share information about their backgrounds and goals.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Carl Robinson: To both contribute and pay back to the industry that has provided me with such great opportunities as well as being at the leading edge of new technologies emerging into the market. Having firsthand knowledge can, and has, been very critical to the development of products for late-model vehicles.

Dave Johnson: I feel that it is important to serve on the select committee because I represent and I am in tune with each of the age groups that make up the wheel and tire markets. I understand each of their needs, expectations and requirements in regard to technology, marketing and user experiences.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about WTC?

CR: First learning, then giving—to understand those things that can dramatically change the climate of our business segment with government regulations and new systems integrated into autos and light trucks.

DJ: The most exciting part of this opportunity is that I get to pay back the industry that has given me such an amazing opportunity. My entire business is a direct reflection of the wheel and tire industry.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CR: Attend the open meetings and speak openly about the issues your business faces. Also listen to the other contributors for the valuable experience they are willing to share freely.

DJ: I would recommend that they spend time talking tokey prominent players in each of the verticals. Ask them what has changed over the past 20 years and where they see this industry going.