Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:24

By Jason Catullo

Each year, hundreds of new companies attend the SEMA Show for the first time, providing buyers access to more companies and products to meet the demands of their customers.

The SEMA Show and its 12 sections represent an immense spectrum of specialty equipment, and new exhibitors are joining the Show from every market.

Below is a list of the first-time exhibitors in the Trucks, SUVs, & Off-Road section of the 2015 SEMA Show. To view all of the first-time exhibitors and their sections, visit www.SEMAShow.com/first-time-exhibitors.

Trucks, SUVs, & Off-Road First-Time Exhibitors

4X4 Accessories & Auto Parts Pty Ltd.
 ACR (China) Inc.
Advanced Metal Products
 B&F LED
Bed Bag Disposable Pickup Truck Bed Liner
 Can-Back
CargoRackz
 Cosmor Industries Ltd.
Cummins Inc. Defeo Manufacturing
Dongguan Bowang Photoelectric Co. Ltd.
 DV8 Offroad
Eight EVP LLC
 FROM Industries LLC
G3 SpA Italy
 Ginto Lighting & Electrical Co. Ltd.
Guangzhou Uma Optoelectronic Technology Co. Ltd.
 Hangcheng Industrial Parts Co. Ltd.
J.W. Speaker Corp.
 JinHua Tianying Import & Export Co. Ltd.
JK Skinz
 Longroad Campers Co. Ltd.
Marquee Off-Road
 Odor One
Rackworks
 Raptor 4x4
Rebel Off Road
 RipDark LED Lighting Co. Ltd.
Rockford Products LLC
 Rogue Racing
Ruian Tianlong Trading Co. Ltd.
 Safari Land Cruiser
Sierra LED
 TGC Suspension Systems/Top Gun Customz
TigerLights
 TramBed
Tru-Filter Mfg.
 Tuff Truck Bag
Unionlux Lighting Co. Ltd.
 US Specialty Vehicles (USSV)
Wavian USA
 Weapons Grade Fabrication
Y&T Technology Co. Ltd.
 ZDOG Truck Tool Boxes
Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:23
 SEMA Show Project Vehicle
To participate in the list of exhibitors offering products to builders, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.
  

By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. New submissions will appear in SEMA eNews when available, and the information and product offers are provided by this year’s confirmed exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2015 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

All submissions are listed on SEMAShow.com.

Latest Submissions

Engine Components/Accessories

MechMan Alternators: Racing and high-amperage alternators for audio, racing and high-amperage draws from extra electrical. Contact: Nathan Way, nathan@2drivenmarketing.com; 865-748-8191. Website: www.mechman.com.  

Exterior Components/Accessories

Bodyguard Truck Accessories: Heavy-duty, metal front- and rear-replacement bumpers and pipe steps for Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC and Jeep. Contact: Kelli Mallicote, kelli@bodyguardbumpers.com; 903-785-8939. Website: www.bodyguardbumpers.com

Bulldog Lighting: Full range of Made in the USA offroad LED lighting fixtures. Vehicle-specific mounting solutions. Contact: Dylan Sievers, sponsorship@bulldogledlighting.com; 855-533-2855. Website: www.bulldogledlighting.com.      

Superwinch: Winches and winch accessories. Contact: Rachael Glenn, rglenn@superwinch.com; 860-234-5453. Website: www.superwinch.com

Towtector/AaLadin: Hitch-mounted towing-protection system. Contact: Jefferson Lehman, jlehman@ruggedgear.com; 605-321-5382. Website: www.towtector.com

Suspension/Brake Components

QA1: Shocks, struts and suspension components. Contact: Dave Kass, dkass@qa1.net; 800-721-7761. Website: www.qa1.net.

Other Products/Services

Brandon Distributing Inc.: Cruise control for etc vehicles integrated with speed limiters and speed alert systems. Contact: Joe, joe@brandondist.com; 763-241-4172. Website: www.brandondist.com.

Bulldog Lighting: Full range of Made in the USA offroad LED lighting fixtures. Vehicle-specific mounting solutions. Contact: Dylan Sievers, sponsorship@bulldogledlighting.com; 855-533-2855. Website: www.bulldogledlighting.com.

QA1: Carbon fiber driveshafts. Contact: Dave Kass, dkass@qa1.net; 800-721-7761. Website: www.qa1.net.

All Submissions Listed on SEMAShow.com

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:23
 SEMA Show Project Vehicle
To participate in the list of exhibitors offering products to builders, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.
  

By Jason Catullo

Exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the list below. New submissions will appear in SEMA eNews when available, and the information and product offers are provided by this year’s confirmed exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product can contact the exhibitor directly.

With all project vehicles required to be supported by a current 2015 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder. Participation in the list does not guarantee product placement at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Exhibitors: To participate in the list, access the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders form located in the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual. Once submitted, the listing will appear in the next available issue of eNews.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2015 SEMA Show only. For questions or additional information, contact Jason Catullo at jasonc@sema.org.

All submissions are listed on SEMAShow.com.

Latest Submissions

Engine Components/Accessories

MechMan Alternators: Racing and high-amperage alternators for audio, racing and high-amperage draws from extra electrical. Contact: Nathan Way, nathan@2drivenmarketing.com; 865-748-8191. Website: www.mechman.com.  

Exterior Components/Accessories

Bodyguard Truck Accessories: Heavy-duty, metal front- and rear-replacement bumpers and pipe steps for Chevy, Dodge, Ford, GMC and Jeep. Contact: Kelli Mallicote, kelli@bodyguardbumpers.com; 903-785-8939. Website: www.bodyguardbumpers.com

Bulldog Lighting: Full range of Made in the USA offroad LED lighting fixtures. Vehicle-specific mounting solutions. Contact: Dylan Sievers, sponsorship@bulldogledlighting.com; 855-533-2855. Website: www.bulldogledlighting.com.      

Superwinch: Winches and winch accessories. Contact: Rachael Glenn, rglenn@superwinch.com; 860-234-5453. Website: www.superwinch.com

Towtector/AaLadin: Hitch-mounted towing-protection system. Contact: Jefferson Lehman, jlehman@ruggedgear.com; 605-321-5382. Website: www.towtector.com

Suspension/Brake Components

QA1: Shocks, struts and suspension components. Contact: Dave Kass, dkass@qa1.net; 800-721-7761. Website: www.qa1.net.

Other Products/Services

Brandon Distributing Inc.: Cruise control for etc vehicles integrated with speed limiters and speed alert systems. Contact: Joe, joe@brandondist.com; 763-241-4172. Website: www.brandondist.com.

Bulldog Lighting: Full range of Made in the USA offroad LED lighting fixtures. Vehicle-specific mounting solutions. Contact: Dylan Sievers, sponsorship@bulldogledlighting.com; 855-533-2855. Website: www.bulldogledlighting.com.

QA1: Carbon fiber driveshafts. Contact: Dave Kass, dkass@qa1.net; 800-721-7761. Website: www.qa1.net.

All Submissions Listed on SEMAShow.com

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:10
 Jeff Gordon
NASCAR's Jeff Gordon addresses the crowd at the 2014 SEMA Show as a celebrity guest of Axalta Coating Systems.
  

By Gina Ledesma

SEMA Show exhibitors who will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booth can gain additional exposure for their special attraction at the Show.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form by Friday, September 4.

Use the notification to have your special appearance publicized. Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers. The information will be provided to attendees and media during the Show.



A common reason that companies host a celebrity is drive booth traffic by providing buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market. However, celebrities are not the only tactic that draws buyer attention.

SEMA Show research identifies giveaways as one of the most effective methods to attract buyers. In fact, 2014 SEMA Show buyers cited freebies among the top five leading reasons for them to visit an exhibitor’s booth, along with product or vehicle displays, product demonstrations and a unique booth layout/design. 

Questions? Contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org or 909-978-6668.

Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2015 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.  

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:10
 Jeff Gordon
NASCAR's Jeff Gordon addresses the crowd at the 2014 SEMA Show as a celebrity guest of Axalta Coating Systems.
  

By Gina Ledesma

SEMA Show exhibitors who will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booth can gain additional exposure for their special attraction at the Show.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form by Friday, September 4.

Use the notification to have your special appearance publicized. Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers. The information will be provided to attendees and media during the Show.



A common reason that companies host a celebrity is drive booth traffic by providing buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market. However, celebrities are not the only tactic that draws buyer attention.

SEMA Show research identifies giveaways as one of the most effective methods to attract buyers. In fact, 2014 SEMA Show buyers cited freebies among the top five leading reasons for them to visit an exhibitor’s booth, along with product or vehicle displays, product demonstrations and a unique booth layout/design. 

Questions? Contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org or 909-978-6668.

Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2015 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.  

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:10
 Jeff Gordon
NASCAR's Jeff Gordon addresses the crowd at the 2014 SEMA Show as a celebrity guest of Axalta Coating Systems.
  

By Gina Ledesma

SEMA Show exhibitors who will host an industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle in their booth can gain additional exposure for their special attraction at the Show.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form by Friday, September 4.

Use the notification to have your special appearance publicized. Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers. The information will be provided to attendees and media during the Show.



A common reason that companies host a celebrity is drive booth traffic by providing buyers with a identifiable, visual connection of the company's target market. However, celebrities are not the only tactic that draws buyer attention.

SEMA Show research identifies giveaways as one of the most effective methods to attract buyers. In fact, 2014 SEMA Show buyers cited freebies among the top five leading reasons for them to visit an exhibitor’s booth, along with product or vehicle displays, product demonstrations and a unique booth layout/design. 

Questions? Contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org or 909-978-6668.

Exhibitors can learn how to get the most out of their 2015 SEMA Show, as well as additional options to reach buyers, by contacting an account rep at sales@sema.org or 909-396-0289.  

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:03

Chandra Brown of the U.S. Department of Commerce discusses the mission of getting U.S.-made specialty auto products to marketplaces around the world.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:03

Chandra Brown of the U.S. Department of Commerce discusses the mission of getting U.S.-made specialty auto products to marketplaces around the world.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 11:03

Chandra Brown of the U.S. Department of Commerce discusses the mission of getting U.S.-made specialty auto products to marketplaces around the world.

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. The 2014 SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers. The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

Thu, 07/30/2015 - 10:44

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Meyer Distributing Announces Acquisition of 5 Seasons RV

Meyer Distributing Inc. announced the acquisition of the U.S. operations of 5 Seasons RV Distribution in Portland, Oregon.

“With the recent consolidation activity in the RV parts distribution business, it’s not surprising we have received an enormous amount of requests from both RV customers and suppliers to add additional product lines to this category, and quickly,” said Bruce Terwiske, director of purchasing for Meyer.

Meyer CFO Jeff Braun stated, “5 Seasons will be a great fit for us. It gives us an additional presence in the RV parts distribution business and rounds out our nationwide logistical map! We will soon add a fleet of vehicles to deliver auto and RV parts, furniture, and our 3PL clients’ goods throughout the Northwest and bring this last region of the U.S. mainland our family-oriented business touch. We see the Northwest much like the Midwest region where independent proprietors enjoy doing business with family-owned and -operated companies. We will have 5 Seasons RV integrated in a few days, and then we’ll add additional infrastructure to connect all Meyer inventory in short order while dramatically increasing local stock in Portland. We continue to look for acquisitions and partners in the Northwest region to strengthen our presence.”

 Mitchell 1 Outstanding Student
Nicholas Conti
  

Mitchell 1 Names 2015 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student

Mitchell 1 named Nicholas Conti, a student from Falconer, New York, the 2015 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student. Mitchell 1 recognizes one student for achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. Conti received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations to attend the NACAT conference. Conti will attend Alfred State, a college of technology, in the automotive service technician program to one day own and operate his family’s business, Conti’s Service Center Inc.

TV Station KYNM Adds Rev’n

Rev'n Logo
 
  

Albuquerque-Santa Fe, New Mexico, television station KYNM officially added Rev’n, a Luken Communications network, to its programming. Geared toward performance enthusiasts, Rev'n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Albuquerque and Santa Fe area viewers can now find Rev’n content, such as "Two Guys Garage," "Bidding Wars" and "My Classic Car," on channel 21.4.

Matthew Hawkins Named President of RTM Productions

RTM Productions, a television company specializing in automotive tech content, named Matthew Hawkins president, effective August 1. Hawkins, who joined RTM in 2006 as vice president of marketing and digital media, is currently serving as executive vice president. Current RTM President Joe St. Lawrence, who founded the company 26 years ago, will continue with the company as a senior advisor.

“Matthew has been instrumental in the success and growth of RTM over the past decade,” St. Lawrence said. “Having Matthew lead RTM in the future has been my desire for some time. His hard work and vision has put RTM in a great position to serve our advertisers as we move into the digital age.”

Three America’s Car Museum’s Vehicles Prepare for ‘The Drive Home’

 66 Mustang
Three classics, including this ’66 Mustang, will travel across the United States as part of America’s Car Museum’s "The Drive Home."
  

Three America’s Car Museum (ACM) cars will trek across the United States this winter. Called "The Drive Home," the 11-day transcontinental odyssey (December 27 – January 7) includes three ACM red vintage cars—a '57 Chevrolet Nomad, '61 Chrysler 300G two-door hardtop and '66 Mustang—traveling from Tacoma, Washington, to Detroit. The Drive Home concludes with the opening of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The 2,400-mile journey will have stops along the way for enthusiast “rallies” in Portland and Bend, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri ; Bloomington and Chicago, Illinois; concluding with a major celebration in Detroit. Net proceeds from the road trip will benefit the Hagerty Education Program at ACM, a program dedicated to preparing young adults for careers in automotive restoration via hands-on, career-based training, scholarships, paid internships and apprenticeships.

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.