Thu, 06/05/2014 - 13:48
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
  semapac
  pac
When you chip in $20, SEMA PAC will send you a Winner's Circle lapel pin. Contribute $50 or more and receive a SEMA PAC coffee mug.

Tired of Washington, D.C.’s antics? SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC) lets you do something about it. Last year, we asked you to chip in $10 to help us celebrate a decade of protecting our industry with the "$10 for 10" campaign. More people supported SEMA PAC than ever before! This year, we're kicking things into high gear with the introduction of the SEMA PAC Winner's Circle.

When you chip in $20, we'll send you a Winner's Circle lapel pin that you can wear with pride at industry events. Contribute $50 or more, and we'll give you a SEMA PAC coffee mug (made in the USA) and access to the SEMA PAC lounge for high-octane coffee (and refills) during the 2014 SEMA Show. If you donate more than $100, lunch is on us. In addition to the caffeine boost, we'll treat you and a colleague to a hot lunch in the SEMA PAC President's Club dining room for one day during the SEMA Show. There you will be able to rub elbows with members of the SEMA PAC President’s Club, who personally contribute $1,000 annually. Best of all, you'll be supporting the car guys and gals in Congress who have our industry's back!

To take advantage of the SEMA PAC Winner's Circle, you must first become SEMA PAC Approved. We know that sounds complicated, but it's totally painless and never obligates you to contribute. Sign up now!

To learn more, visit SEMAPAC.com, or contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson at ChristianR@SEMA.org.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 11:03

By Della Domingo

  edsell
Larry Edsall
  

Get tips on how to work with reporters at the SEMA Show as veteran journalist Larry Edsall hosts the SEMA webinar on "Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show," June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to a variety of publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will share what catches his eye at the SEMA Show and how exhibitors can be featured in a future story.

Recent articles written by Edsall include:

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 11:03

By Della Domingo

  edsell
Larry Edsall
  

Get tips on how to work with reporters at the SEMA Show as veteran journalist Larry Edsall hosts the SEMA webinar on "Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show," June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to a variety of publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will share what catches his eye at the SEMA Show and how exhibitors can be featured in a future story.

Recent articles written by Edsall include:

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 11:03

By Della Domingo

  edsell
Larry Edsall
  

Get tips on how to work with reporters at the SEMA Show as veteran journalist Larry Edsall hosts the SEMA webinar on "Getting Media Coverage at the SEMA Show," June 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

As a freelance contributor to a variety of publications, including the Detroit News “Drive” section and The New York Times “Wheels” section, Edsall will share what catches his eye at the SEMA Show and how exhibitors can be featured in a future story.

Recent articles written by Edsall include:

This SEMA Education Institute (SEI) webinar will provide member companies with the information they need, and you don’t even have to leave your desk or office to participate! And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:27

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Tokico Performance Brand Formally Relaunched in North America

Motovicity Distribution has formally relaunched the Tokico brand in North America, after an 18-month hiatus of product shipments. Motovicity signed an exclusive distributor agreement with Hitachi Automotive Systems America Inc. in November 2013, and immediately began the process of restoring the product pipeline. Since taking over distribution, Motovicity has restored inventory levels and is currently setting up wholesale distributors in the United States and Canada for the shock and strut manufacturer. Motovicity Brand Manager Scott Cole reports that filling backorders is underway, with the majority of the Tokico product catalog available for distribution. Inventory is now available for popular applications, including Ford Mustang, Honda, Nissan and Mazda. Motovicity is also providing marketing and advertising support for Tokico in the form of national print advertising and a booth at the 2014 SEMA Show.

With Phase 1 of their mission to restore the Tokico brand nearly complete, Motovicity’s exclusive brand management department, (which oversees HKS, Quaife and Kelford North American wholesale distribution), is currently signing-up wholesale distributors and dealers for Tokico.

Direct Lift Helps MustangMedic Restoration Projects

 MustangMedic, Direct Lift
The MustangMedic restoration show received a 9,000-lb. capacity Direct Lift DL9 two-post lift in May.
  

Direct Lift is helping the MustangMedic restoration show boost productivity by providing the shop with its first vehicle lift. The show received its 9,000-lb. capacity Direct Lift DL9 two-post lift in May. The company has restored Mustangs and posted more than 4,000 YouTube videos documenting each project, and can now perform work under the car with the vehicle in the air.

At MustangMedic, each element of the restoration process is filmed from day one until the vehicle is sold. All videos are posted to YouTube, so clients can follow along as their Mustangs are brought back to life. MustangMedic’s videos have more than 3 million views, and there are more than 7,000 subscribers to the growing channel. Each project car has its own playlist, so viewers can watch all of its videos back-to-back. To become a subscriber, visit www.youtube.com/user/MustangMedicdotcom or www.mustangmedic.com.

The DL9 two-post lift provided by Direct Lift features asymmetric arms that provide better access to manufacturer-recommended pickup points. The arms position the vehicle toward the rear of the repair bay, so technicians can easily enter and exit the vehicle without worrying about dinging doors on the lift columns.

Jon Holder Joins K&N Executive Team as Chief Sales Officer

Jon Holder has joined K&N’s executive team as chief sales officer. Holder was most recently the senior VP of sales and business development for MagnaFlow/Car Sound Inc., where he was responsible for all global sales activities.

The company began a formal search for this position in January 2014, when Tim Martin was promoted to chief operations officer and relinquished his oversight of sales in order to focus on his new position. Other members of the K&N management team include Steve Williams, chief engineering officer; Jesse Spungin, chief marketing officer; Doug Hood, chief financial officer; and Jean Franks, vice president of administration.

Tomo Mizutani to Head Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Tomo Mizutani
Tomo Mizutani
 
  

Effective July 1, 2014,  will become president of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (TTC), headquartered in Cypress, California. TTC is the U.S. sales-subsidiary for the Toyo Tires brand of premium replacement tires for light truck, passenger car, SUV and commercial truck tires sold globally. Mizutani currently serves as president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA), also headquartered in Cypress.

A corporate officer of Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TTR), Mizutani will retain his current position at TTHA and his role as general manager of TTR’s Nitto business unit. Prior to his appointment as president of TTHA in October of 2013, Mizutani served as president of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU).

Outgoing TTC president, Tatsuo Mitsuhata, will take his leadership and expertise to Toyo Tire Europe as general manager of the company’s European business unit. He will also serve as president of Toyo Tire Europe GmbH and president of Toyo Tire Deutschland GmbH. Mitsuhata has led Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. for two-and-a-half years.

Quantum Automotive Announces Promotion of Tim Watts as the President of Superlift Suspension

 Tim Watts
Tim Watts
  

Quantum Automotive announced that Tim Watts has been promoted to president of Superlift Suspension, reporting to CEO Bob Crockett. Watts will have total oversight, including strategic direction and expansion for Superlift Suspension.

“I am thrilled, as we all are at Quantum Automotive, to offer Tim this position.” said Crockett. “He shares our vision, values and focus on innovation and places the same strong emphasis as we do on creating valuable growth and a positive customer experience. He has shown himself to be an extraordinary leader throughout his career and has a proven track record as an executive at Superlift and as a member of the SEMA Board of Directors.”

Watts will assume the role of president immediately vacating his former position of vice president of sales and marketing for Superlift. The role of vice president of sales and marketing will be evaluated as Superlift Suspension looks to grow the management team.

Walker Emissions Control Launches "Exhaust Extravaganza" Promotion for Counter Pros

Tenneco’s Walker Emissions Control brand has launched a new counterperson promotion to encourage the sales of premium Walker mufflers and welded assemblies, Walker Ultra and CalCat direct-fit catalytic converters. The new “Exhaust Extravaganza” promotion, running now through August 31, offers a $5 prepaid card for every qualifying Walker product sale. Participants can now look up qualifying parts at www.WalkerExhaust.com/qualify to quickly determine parts that are eligible for the current trade promotion.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:15

By SEMA Editors

Elections for SEMA's council and network Select Committees are underway, and voting will remain open until 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, June 13.

SEMA has collaborated with Association Voting to facilitate the election process. Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail containing the online ballot information from announcement@associationvoting.com, May 30, 2014.

Each Select Committee works together with the general membership to develop programs, services and benefits that support the vision of the group. These volunteers also work with the association's leadership to provide strategic direction for the market they represent. Committee members serve two-year terms (three terms maximum) and act as individuals, not as company representatives.

Election winners will be announced mid-June, with the individuals beginning their terms July 1, 2014.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:15

By SEMA Editors

Elections for SEMA's council and network Select Committees are underway, and voting will remain open until 5:00 p.m. (PDT), Friday, June 13.

SEMA has collaborated with Association Voting to facilitate the election process. Members eligible to vote should have received an e-mail containing the online ballot information from announcement@associationvoting.com, May 30, 2014.

Each Select Committee works together with the general membership to develop programs, services and benefits that support the vision of the group. These volunteers also work with the association's leadership to provide strategic direction for the market they represent. Committee members serve two-year terms (three terms maximum) and act as individuals, not as company representatives.

Election winners will be announced mid-June, with the individuals beginning their terms July 1, 2014.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:11

By SEMA Editors

 SEMA Show Buyers, Attendees
Exhibitors can reach more buyers through the pre-Show outreach opportunities available in the SEMA Show Daily by posting press releases to the SEMA Show Online Media Center by July 30.
  

While buyers at the SEMA Show often stop at booths that catch their eyes, 70% of buyers arrive at the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see.

One way exhibitors can get on a buyer’s list is to communicate their Show-related activities in the SEMA Show Daily. The official publication of the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Daily is a printed magazine comprised of four issues. The first issue is mailed to 40,000 industry buyers about 30 days prior to the Show, while the other three are distributed onsite to Showgoers during the event.

Because the first issue is sent to buyers in advance of the Show, buyers refer to it when making their Show plans.

To have your news considered for the first issue of the publication:

For maximum exposure, exhibitors may continue to post new releases before, during and after the SEMA Show. Journalists from throughout the world will continue to look to the Online Media Center for news. Separate releases may be submitted to promote products, vehicles, and celebrity appearances.

To read news from exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:11

By SEMA Editors

 SEMA Show Buyers, Attendees
Exhibitors can reach more buyers through the pre-Show outreach opportunities available in the SEMA Show Daily by posting press releases to the SEMA Show Online Media Center by July 30.
  

While buyers at the SEMA Show often stop at booths that catch their eyes, 70% of buyers arrive at the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see.

One way exhibitors can get on a buyer’s list is to communicate their Show-related activities in the SEMA Show Daily. The official publication of the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Daily is a printed magazine comprised of four issues. The first issue is mailed to 40,000 industry buyers about 30 days prior to the Show, while the other three are distributed onsite to Showgoers during the event.

Because the first issue is sent to buyers in advance of the Show, buyers refer to it when making their Show plans.

To have your news considered for the first issue of the publication:

For maximum exposure, exhibitors may continue to post new releases before, during and after the SEMA Show. Journalists from throughout the world will continue to look to the Online Media Center for news. Separate releases may be submitted to promote products, vehicles, and celebrity appearances.

To read news from exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press.

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 10:11

By SEMA Editors

 SEMA Show Buyers, Attendees
Exhibitors can reach more buyers through the pre-Show outreach opportunities available in the SEMA Show Daily by posting press releases to the SEMA Show Online Media Center by July 30.
  

While buyers at the SEMA Show often stop at booths that catch their eyes, 70% of buyers arrive at the SEMA Show with a plan and a list of exhibitors that they want to see.

One way exhibitors can get on a buyer’s list is to communicate their Show-related activities in the SEMA Show Daily. The official publication of the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Daily is a printed magazine comprised of four issues. The first issue is mailed to 40,000 industry buyers about 30 days prior to the Show, while the other three are distributed onsite to Showgoers during the event.

Because the first issue is sent to buyers in advance of the Show, buyers refer to it when making their Show plans.

To have your news considered for the first issue of the publication:

For maximum exposure, exhibitors may continue to post new releases before, during and after the SEMA Show. Journalists from throughout the world will continue to look to the Online Media Center for news. Separate releases may be submitted to promote products, vehicles, and celebrity appearances.

To read news from exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com/press.