By SEMA Editors

	George Lathouris was named 2013 SEMA Person of the Year.

SEMA awards nominations are due Friday, July 25, 2014. SEMA members have the opportunity to select nominees for the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year Award. These awards have been established to honor worthy candidates for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding to the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.

Take a moment to review the SEMA Awards website and review the criteria and listing of past honorees before providing a brief statement, including comments as to why, based on the award criteria, your choice is deserving of this award. All completed nominations forms are confidential and vital to helping the Task Force make their selections.

By SEMA Editors

	George Lathouris was named 2013 SEMA Person of the Year.

SEMA awards nominations are due Friday, July 25, 2014. SEMA members have the opportunity to select nominees for the 2014 SEMA Person of the Year, Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year Award. These awards have been established to honor worthy candidates for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding to the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.

Take a moment to review the SEMA Awards website and review the criteria and listing of past honorees before providing a brief statement, including comments as to why, based on the award criteria, your choice is deserving of this award. All completed nominations forms are confidential and vital to helping the Task Force make their selections.

By SEMA Editors

	Todd Petersen of MSD Performance was the 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award recipient.

SEMA is seeking nominations to identify youthful innovators whose work is substantially changing the way the automotive aftermarket is doing business. These nominations will be used to select the third-annual SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award. SEMA will honor the award winner at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, which takes place the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2014.

The winning candidate will be energetic and passionate about the enthusiast marketplace. He or she will have contributed a bright, novel way to fix something broken, build something really new or make something better.

He or she may be the MVP on a team that leads with a game-changing product or service. They may have been the first to act on a new trend, invent an original product people did not yet know they needed, or work independently to devise and implement stellar ideas that better suit the changing marketplace of the new millennium.

Whatever the case, the SEMA Gen-III Innovator will be young—less than 40 years of age as of December 31, 2014. If you know someone who exhibits the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, we need your help in identifying that person for the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award.

Please fill out the 2014 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award Nomination Form and tell us about the person you think deserves a moment in the spotlight. All nominees will be invited, along with a guest, to attend and participate in the SEMA Banquet. Gen-III Innovator Award nomination forms must be submitted prior to close of business, Friday, July 25, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

For more information about that award, please visit www.sema.org/innovator or contact Lindsay Bianco at LindsayB@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

	Todd Petersen of MSD Performance was the 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award recipient.

SEMA is seeking nominations to identify youthful innovators whose work is substantially changing the way the automotive aftermarket is doing business. These nominations will be used to select the third-annual SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award. SEMA will honor the award winner at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, which takes place the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2014.

The winning candidate will be energetic and passionate about the enthusiast marketplace. He or she will have contributed a bright, novel way to fix something broken, build something really new or make something better.

He or she may be the MVP on a team that leads with a game-changing product or service. They may have been the first to act on a new trend, invent an original product people did not yet know they needed, or work independently to devise and implement stellar ideas that better suit the changing marketplace of the new millennium.

Whatever the case, the SEMA Gen-III Innovator will be young—less than 40 years of age as of December 31, 2014. If you know someone who exhibits the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, we need your help in identifying that person for the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award.

Please fill out the 2014 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award Nomination Form and tell us about the person you think deserves a moment in the spotlight. All nominees will be invited, along with a guest, to attend and participate in the SEMA Banquet. Gen-III Innovator Award nomination forms must be submitted prior to close of business, Friday, July 25, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

For more information about that award, please visit www.sema.org/innovator or contact Lindsay Bianco at LindsayB@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

	Todd Petersen of MSD Performance was the 2013 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award recipient.

SEMA is seeking nominations to identify youthful innovators whose work is substantially changing the way the automotive aftermarket is doing business. These nominations will be used to select the third-annual SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award. SEMA will honor the award winner at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet, which takes place the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2014.

The winning candidate will be energetic and passionate about the enthusiast marketplace. He or she will have contributed a bright, novel way to fix something broken, build something really new or make something better.

He or she may be the MVP on a team that leads with a game-changing product or service. They may have been the first to act on a new trend, invent an original product people did not yet know they needed, or work independently to devise and implement stellar ideas that better suit the changing marketplace of the new millennium.

Whatever the case, the SEMA Gen-III Innovator will be young—less than 40 years of age as of December 31, 2014. If you know someone who exhibits the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, we need your help in identifying that person for the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award.

Please fill out the 2014 SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award Nomination Form and tell us about the person you think deserves a moment in the spotlight. All nominees will be invited, along with a guest, to attend and participate in the SEMA Banquet. Gen-III Innovator Award nomination forms must be submitted prior to close of business, Friday, July 25, at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

For more information about that award, please visit www.sema.org/innovator or contact Lindsay Bianco at LindsayB@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

	Mercedes-Benz will select the four most innovative and exciting project vehicles—based on the automaker’s new midsize van concept—to display in its booth at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the approved companies will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design.

Background—Exploring the Potential for a Midsize Van in the U.S. Market

Commercial vans are used mainly by businesses and public services, with a wide array of uses, including package/freight delivery, trade vehicles for carpenters and electricians, mobile repair workshops, emergency services, luxury transportation and even mobile pet grooming. Moreover, they have also captured the imagination of private owners, who use them not only as transportation, but also to realize their passions.

The Sprinter Van revolutionized the large van segment in the United States, bringing the tall, efficient and ergonomic European van to American customers and, incidentally, providing a vehicle template for other manufacturers that are only now bringing in their own European-style vans.

Now, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is exploring the potential of the midsize commercial van segment in the United States. The concept offers up to 194 cu. ft. of cargo space or seating for up to eight passengers in a versatile, compact, efficient vehicle. Many American customers have indicated strong interest in this midsize van concept, according to MBUSA, and the OEM is consequently now evaluating the U.S. market opportunity for the commercial van, targeting mainly small- and midsize businesses that transport cargo and passengers.

A Midsize Van at the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show, with its diverse attendees, provides a natural platform to explore the potential of the midsize van platform. A showcase of diverse van-based designs, developed and executed by tuners and upfitters across the United States, will allow attendees to experience the full scope of the van’s potential and allow them to imagine the different uses for the vehicle. The SEMA Show will also be the first time when this new concept is shown in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to build awareness for the concept while gathering feedback on unique vehicle variations.

Project Vehicle Proposal

A midsize commercial van can provide the basis for numerous different vehicle concepts and designs that require a larger vehicle and deliver more excitement and utility than is possible in a passenger car. To explore these possibilities, MBUSA will host a tuning and upfitting competition to develop and build the most exciting midsize van concepts. Tuners and upfitters across the United States are invited to propose showcar concepts based on the midsize van. MBUSA will select the four most exciting concepts to be realized. Each vehicle’s creators will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design. All four vehicles will be displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Vans booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, and they will compete with one another for the most votes by SEMA Show attendees and Internet voters.

Each proposal should focus on one or two of the different uses for which the midsize van would be perfect—and take it to the extreme. Concept ideas include:

• Ultimate Roadtrip Van: The vehicle you’d want to take on the longest, best vacation of your life.
• Perfect Mobile Office: Everything you need to be productive and comfortable on the road in one compact package.
• Definitive Tailgating and Party Van: The van that provides the right setting for a party anytime, anywhere.
• Success on Wheels: The van that lets you grow your business by taking it mobile, taking advantage of the space the midsize cargo van offers.
• Limo on Steroids: The van for group transportation with over-the-top style.

MBUSA is open to considering any concept that takes the van to the next level. Concepts that focus on commercial applications are especially welcome. A total of four concepts will be selected to be built by aftermarket companies and displayed to compete with one another at the SEMA Show. Only one project vehicle per theme will be awarded.

Following the Show, the four aftermarket companies will take possession of the vehicle for the next 12–18 months for the purposes of their approved marketing plan, but MBUSA reserves the right to schedule the vehicles for display with written notice in advance. Vans will ultimately be returned to MBUSA at the conclusion of the promotional period with all modifications intact, which become the property of MBUSA.

Aftermarket companies and upfitters that wish to apply for this opportunity must submit proposals that include the following information:

• Executive Summary – One-pager to focus on the key benefits of the proposal and prior experiences to support this new role.
• Vehicle Description – List of specific modifications and accessories to be added, including a total customer pay price, along with a color rendering.
• Examples of previous project vehicles by the applicant.
• Promotional plan – Detailed marketing/PR plan for the show vehicle over the next 12–18 months.
• Timing – Specific dates, vehicle delivery and project timing and completion date. Vehicles must be completed by October 20, 2014.
• Commitment to feature the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz logos and nomenclature intact with visible likeness to the production vehicle.
• Feature the van with its original engine, though power-boosting accessories are acceptable.
• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos.
• Allow photo/video production by MBUSA during the build process, if requested by MBUSA.
• Booth number for their exhibit space at the 2014 SEMA Show.
• All costs associated with preparing the response to this Request For Proposal shall be borne solely by the aftermarket companies/upfitters.
• Finally, this Request For Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement between the aftermarket companies/upfitters and MBUSA. It should be made clear that a project vehicle will only be awarded upon the execution of an agreement by MBUSA and the aftermarket companies/upfitters, as required by MBUSA.

All proposals must be submitted to MBUSA via email to sema@mbusa.com by July 28, 2014.

Proposal Submission: July 28, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: August 4, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Mid-August

Preliminary Project Van Specifications

Measurements

Length/width/height (in.): 202/76/74
Wheelbase/ground clearance (in.): 126/5.7
Payload/Towing (lbs.): 2,579/5,000
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.): 194
Cargo area length/height (in.): 92/54

Powertrain

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, direct injection
Total Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 @ 5,000 RPM
Net Torque: 273 lb.-ft.

By SEMA Editors

	Mercedes-Benz will select the four most innovative and exciting project vehicles—based on the automaker’s new midsize van concept—to display in its booth at the 2014 SEMA Show. Each of the approved companies will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design.

Background—Exploring the Potential for a Midsize Van in the U.S. Market

Commercial vans are used mainly by businesses and public services, with a wide array of uses, including package/freight delivery, trade vehicles for carpenters and electricians, mobile repair workshops, emergency services, luxury transportation and even mobile pet grooming. Moreover, they have also captured the imagination of private owners, who use them not only as transportation, but also to realize their passions.

The Sprinter Van revolutionized the large van segment in the United States, bringing the tall, efficient and ergonomic European van to American customers and, incidentally, providing a vehicle template for other manufacturers that are only now bringing in their own European-style vans.

Now, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is exploring the potential of the midsize commercial van segment in the United States. The concept offers up to 194 cu. ft. of cargo space or seating for up to eight passengers in a versatile, compact, efficient vehicle. Many American customers have indicated strong interest in this midsize van concept, according to MBUSA, and the OEM is consequently now evaluating the U.S. market opportunity for the commercial van, targeting mainly small- and midsize businesses that transport cargo and passengers.

A Midsize Van at the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show, with its diverse attendees, provides a natural platform to explore the potential of the midsize van platform. A showcase of diverse van-based designs, developed and executed by tuners and upfitters across the United States, will allow attendees to experience the full scope of the van’s potential and allow them to imagine the different uses for the vehicle. The SEMA Show will also be the first time when this new concept is shown in the United States, presenting a unique opportunity to build awareness for the concept while gathering feedback on unique vehicle variations.

Project Vehicle Proposal

A midsize commercial van can provide the basis for numerous different vehicle concepts and designs that require a larger vehicle and deliver more excitement and utility than is possible in a passenger car. To explore these possibilities, MBUSA will host a tuning and upfitting competition to develop and build the most exciting midsize van concepts. Tuners and upfitters across the United States are invited to propose showcar concepts based on the midsize van. MBUSA will select the four most exciting concepts to be realized. Each vehicle’s creators will receive a pre-production van and a budget of up to $50,000 to make vehicle modifications based on their design. All four vehicles will be displayed in the Mercedes-Benz Vans booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, and they will compete with one another for the most votes by SEMA Show attendees and Internet voters.

Each proposal should focus on one or two of the different uses for which the midsize van would be perfect—and take it to the extreme. Concept ideas include:

• Ultimate Roadtrip Van: The vehicle you’d want to take on the longest, best vacation of your life.
• Perfect Mobile Office: Everything you need to be productive and comfortable on the road in one compact package.
• Definitive Tailgating and Party Van: The van that provides the right setting for a party anytime, anywhere.
• Success on Wheels: The van that lets you grow your business by taking it mobile, taking advantage of the space the midsize cargo van offers.
• Limo on Steroids: The van for group transportation with over-the-top style.

MBUSA is open to considering any concept that takes the van to the next level. Concepts that focus on commercial applications are especially welcome. A total of four concepts will be selected to be built by aftermarket companies and displayed to compete with one another at the SEMA Show. Only one project vehicle per theme will be awarded.

Following the Show, the four aftermarket companies will take possession of the vehicle for the next 12–18 months for the purposes of their approved marketing plan, but MBUSA reserves the right to schedule the vehicles for display with written notice in advance. Vans will ultimately be returned to MBUSA at the conclusion of the promotional period with all modifications intact, which become the property of MBUSA.

Aftermarket companies and upfitters that wish to apply for this opportunity must submit proposals that include the following information:

• Executive Summary – One-pager to focus on the key benefits of the proposal and prior experiences to support this new role.
• Vehicle Description – List of specific modifications and accessories to be added, including a total customer pay price, along with a color rendering.
• Examples of previous project vehicles by the applicant.
• Promotional plan – Detailed marketing/PR plan for the show vehicle over the next 12–18 months.
• Timing – Specific dates, vehicle delivery and project timing and completion date. Vehicles must be completed by October 20, 2014.
• Commitment to feature the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz logos and nomenclature intact with visible likeness to the production vehicle.
• Feature the van with its original engine, though power-boosting accessories are acceptable.
• Commit to creating weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process, including photos.
• Allow photo/video production by MBUSA during the build process, if requested by MBUSA.
• Booth number for their exhibit space at the 2014 SEMA Show.
• All costs associated with preparing the response to this Request For Proposal shall be borne solely by the aftermarket companies/upfitters.
• Finally, this Request For Proposal does not constitute a binding agreement between the aftermarket companies/upfitters and MBUSA. It should be made clear that a project vehicle will only be awarded upon the execution of an agreement by MBUSA and the aftermarket companies/upfitters, as required by MBUSA.

All proposals must be submitted to MBUSA via email to sema@mbusa.com by July 28, 2014.

Proposal Submission: July 28, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: August 4, 2014
Vehicle Delivery: Mid-August

Preliminary Project Van Specifications

Measurements

Length/width/height (in.): 202/76/74
Wheelbase/ground clearance (in.): 126/5.7
Payload/Towing (lbs.): 2,579/5,000
Cargo capacity (cu. ft.): 194
Cargo area length/height (in.): 92/54

Powertrain

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder gasoline, turbocharged, direct injection
Total Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 @ 5,000 RPM
Net Torque: 273 lb.-ft.

By SEMA Editors

	Dodge's project vehicle program for 2014 offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability.

Dodge has announced its project vehicle program for 2014. This program offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability. The upcoming launch of Scat Pack and Shaker heritage models provides an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted per the criteria outlined below.

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 1, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by August 22, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted and meet the following Dodge Project Vehicle Program criteria:

• E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by August 1, 2014. Include bullet points for:
• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.
• Proposed vehicle modifications
• New products potentially being developed for the Challenger through the project
• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show, such as:
  • Tour of events (location and dates)
  • Specific magazine feature articles
  • Online promotion
  • Company advertising featuring the vehicle
  • Additional exposure
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant
• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Requirements:

• Preservation of vehicle badging, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the two-year contract.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from Dodge.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.
• Commit to creating bi-weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process and product development, including photos, video and commentary.
• Grant Dodge the right to use content from the bi-weekly progress reports and assist Dodge in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to Dodge or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to provide quarterly reports to Dodge regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in California by Monday, October 27, 2014.

Please submit formal proposals to Chad Seymour.

By SEMA Editors

	Dodge's project vehicle program for 2014 offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability.

Dodge has announced its project vehicle program for 2014. This program offers companies the opportunity to get a jump start on the competition by securing one of the new ’15-MY Challengers in advance of market availability. The upcoming launch of Scat Pack and Shaker heritage models provides an opportunity to stand out in a competitive market. The automaker requests that project-vehicle proposals be submitted per the criteria outlined below.

Proposal Submission Deadline: August 1, 2014
Award Recipient Notification Date: by August 22, 2014

All project vehicle requests must be submitted and meet the following Dodge Project Vehicle Program criteria:

• E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by August 1, 2014. Include bullet points for:
• Vehicle Theme: Describe very clearly your overall build theme, target audience, etc.
• Proposed vehicle modifications
• New products potentially being developed for the Challenger through the project
• Promotional, media and social media outreach plan prior to and beyond the SEMA Show, such as:
  • Tour of events (location and dates)
  • Specific magazine feature articles
  • Online promotion
  • Company advertising featuring the vehicle
  • Additional exposure
• Examples of previous project vehicles and promotional activities by the applicant
• Detailed renderings of the proposed vehicle in .jpg format
• Vehicle display location at the 2014 SEMA Show

Requirements:

• Preservation of vehicle badging, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the two-year contract.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Be financially and technically capable of building a one-off show car without financial or parts support from Dodge.
• Be willing to partner with other non-competing aftermarket companies or enthusiast publications to enhance the vehicle project.
• A history of active promotion of vehicle projects with an established marketing plan.
• Commit to creating bi-weekly progress reports during the vehicle build process and product development, including photos, video and commentary.
• Grant Dodge the right to use content from the bi-weekly progress reports and assist Dodge in acquiring usage rights from any sponsors or individuals whose logos or images might appear in that content.
• Commit to make the vehicle available to Dodge or its dealers, if requested, for additional shows and exhibits for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to provide quarterly reports to Dodge regarding media coverage and event activity for the project vehicle for a minimum of two years from the initial delivery date.
• Commit to have the completed vehicle available for photography in California by Monday, October 27, 2014.

Please submit formal proposals to Chad Seymour.

By SEMA Editors

	Trim Parts Holdings Corp. has acquired Mr. Mustang.

Trim Parts Acquires Mr. Mustang

Trim Parts Holdings Corp. has announced the acquisition of Mr. Mustang, making the company the latest member of a rapidly growing family of top-tier restoration parts manufacturers. Mr. Mustang manufactures and distributes high-quality ’64–’73 Ford Mustang restoration components. Founded in 1975 by Carl Pendley, Mr. Mustang became a highly respected and well-known name among Mustang enthusiasts around the world by manufacturing its brand of more than 200 components to exact OEM specifications.

“One of our top priorities is to continue with the same high-quality parts and great personal service that Mr. Mustang is known for,” said Mitch Williams, CEO of Trim Parts Holdings. “We are very excited about Mr. Mustang joining the Trim Parts Holdings family.  There are only a few cars in automotive history that have had the impact of the Mustang on American culture and we are pleased to be a part of that tradition.”

Upon the acquisition, Mr. Mustang will operate out of Trim Parts’ facility in Lebanon, Ohio, and production will be headed up by Pendley's daughter, Connie Johnson.

Stacey David’s GearZ to Air on Velocity

Rattletrap Productions announced that "Stacey David’s GearZ" is coming to Velocity by Discovery in October and November 2014. The show will air at 8:30 a.m. (EST) Sunday mornings on the Velocity channel. Velocity is a Discovery network primarily comprised of automotive programming. "GearZ" will also continue syndication on MAVTV on Fridays and Sundays, elevating the viewership potential of this award winning DIY show to close to 100 million.
   
Along with network syndication, there is also the opportunity to stream all "GearZ" episodes whenever you want.  Viewers can also get access to full-length, commercial free HD episodes through the online community titled GearZNation.   

With more than 100 episodes in syndication, "Stacey David’s GearZ" continually sets the bar for informative, instructional, and entertaining automotive programming. The show is full of how-to editorial that covers everything from hard-core fabrication to make-overs, to simple tips and tricks. It’s also packed with informative stories on people, products and events that shape the whole gearhead experience. For advertising opportunities, contact Brian Zembrycki at brianz@rattletrapproductions.com.

Yokohama to Move to Newly Constructed Distribution Facility

Yokohama's new 658,000-square-foot facility in Chino, California.

Yokohama Tire Corp. announced that it will move its Western Region Distribution center from the company's current facility in Fullerton, California, to its new 658,000-square-foot facility in Chino, California. The move is expected to be completed late this year. The new Western Region Distribution Center, located at 16388 Fern Avenue in the county of San Bernardino, is designed to hold tires at more than twice the capacity of the existing warehouse and bring together both full-time and contract labor. It will be used to distribute Yokohama’s products.

Ron Skyrme Joins Flaming River to Lead New Business Development

	Ron Skyrme

Flaming River Industries Inc. announced that hot rodding and racing veteran Ron Skyrme will join its team. Skyrme will lead new-business development for Flaming River and will call on customers and represent Flaming River at industry shows and events in areas primarily west of the Mississippi River. Skyrme has been involved in the automotive industry since the early 1970s and started out in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he opened up his own paint and striping shop at the age of 22.

He most recently finished a 24-year career with DuPont USA—working as a Technical Advisor in the Automotive Finishes Division. He was instrumental in helping to develop DuPont’s Hot Hues line of custom vehicle finishes.

Nitto Tire's 2nd Annual Auto Enthusiast Day August 2

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. is bringing together enthusiasts from across all facets of the automotive spectrum for the 2nd Annual Auto Enthusiast Day, Saturday, August 2, in Anaheim, California. The company’s first Auto Enthusiast Day in December of 2013 was held to commemorate its surpassing the five-million fan mark on Facebook.

Auto Enthusiast Day offers free entry for all car show participants, vendors and spectators, and the event includes a car show, a drifting demo, a vendor midway and raffles. Enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to meet Team Nitto drivers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Matt Powers, Matt Field, Odi Bakchis, Chelsea DeNofa and Mel Wade. Tickets for the event are available online at www.autoenthusiastday.com, and interested vendors can reserve their spot by contacting bryan@formulad.com.

UNOH Offers Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology Supervision

The University of Northwestern Ohio announced that the school will offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology Supervision. The course of study goes beyond the technical automotive education provided by the Associate Degree level, adding advanced technical and business management classes. The degree is designed as a 2+2 Bachelor’s program and can be completed in the College of Applied Technologies. Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree will help students get a head start in their career with skills in marketing, customer service, safety regulations, and management. This allows students who have obtained an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology, Agricultural Equipment Technology, Diesel Technology, High Performance Motorsports Technology, or Alternate Fuels Technology to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in just two additional years of study.

Prospective students fall into two categories: those who have already completed an Associate’s Degree, and those who are just entering college for the first time.  For those who have already received their Associate Degree in one of the above-mentioned fields, they can begin classes in the fall or spring quarter for 24 months.

For more information about the program, or to enroll, contact the University of Northwestern Ohio Admissions office at 419-998-3120 or email info@unoh.edu.

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.