By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Becca Butler

The second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres on the Velocity Network, Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Tune in as the program takes fans behind the scenes of what is considered by many to be the most prestigious automotive event on the planet. Watch as expert judges scrutinize the entries, see hometown interviews with some of the industry’s top builders and relive the excitement as the winner is announced in front of thousands at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

By Linda Spencer

In addition to China, the Middle East and Russia, the SEMA Business Development Programs is expanding into the Australian market for 2016.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on this four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market. Meet with pre-vetted buyers from the region and tour customizing shops. See first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the opportunities for your products. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. Awards of $1,000 are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs. 

Register now! For questions or more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Some facts about the Australian market:

• V8 powertrains are popular in Australia/New Zealand just as they are in the United States.
• A similar cars/light trucks mix exists as in the United States with more than half of the passenger vehicles sold annually in Australia being SUVs, pickups and other light trucks.
• They have an established motorsports culture, which includes drag racing.
• An enthusiastic car culture exists. As one United States manufacturer observed about Australian gearheads: “You will find in Australia and New Zealand knowledgeable enthusiasts who have the ability to understand the features and benefits of what we do and why we are different.”
• All segments popular in the United States also exist in Australia, including street performance, off-roading, hot rodding, drag racing and American musclecars.
• There is a strong demand for the new U.S. Mustang. Even before the first RHD Mustangs arrived in December, presales were so high that there was a 10-month waiting list. The Camaro is speculated to replace the Holden Commodore, and the possible entry of the Dodge Challenger is rumored. Manufacturers will be able to develop products for not only the U.S. market, but also worldwide with the same set of tooling.
• Fullsized pickups are officially being exported to Australia and New Zealand. Dodge Ram pickups are heading to Australia by the end of the year. Experts from Holden Special Vehicles complete the conversion from left- to right-hand-drive. It’s the first time a fullsize American pickup will be sold in Australia with manufacturer backing since 2007.
• Australia is an important market for U.S.-built vehicles. Currently, Australia has imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth-highest destination for American-built vehicles. As vehicle assembly in the region disappears, this growing trend accelerates even further. Holden, Toyota and Ford ceasing their manufacturing activities in Australia means that global platforms will replace those cars. 
• Australia provides access to so many different vehicles in one place, it can result in application/product development that will open up many other markets that also sell those same vehicles. 
• Australia and the United States share a common language, which eases communication.
• American products enter Australia tariff-free due to a 2005 Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).  
• Though the mining sector has taken a bit of hit lately, it still provides opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to provide product for this sector.

By Linda Spencer

In addition to China, the Middle East and Russia, the SEMA Business Development Programs is expanding into the Australian market for 2016.

SEMA has announced Australia as the fourth venue for its popular overseas Business Development Programs. The pilot project will be held May 25–29, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. Join fellow SEMA members on this four-day visit to learn about this customizing-crazed market. Meet with pre-vetted buyers from the region and tour customizing shops. See first-hand what vehicles are on the road and the opportunities for your products. SEMA has again partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. Awards of $1,000 are available to qualified companies to help defray participation costs. 

Register now! For questions or more information, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Some facts about the Australian market:

• V8 powertrains are popular in Australia/New Zealand just as they are in the United States.
• A similar cars/light trucks mix exists as in the United States with more than half of the passenger vehicles sold annually in Australia being SUVs, pickups and other light trucks.
• They have an established motorsports culture, which includes drag racing.
• An enthusiastic car culture exists. As one United States manufacturer observed about Australian gearheads: “You will find in Australia and New Zealand knowledgeable enthusiasts who have the ability to understand the features and benefits of what we do and why we are different.”
• All segments popular in the United States also exist in Australia, including street performance, off-roading, hot rodding, drag racing and American musclecars.
• There is a strong demand for the new U.S. Mustang. Even before the first RHD Mustangs arrived in December, presales were so high that there was a 10-month waiting list. The Camaro is speculated to replace the Holden Commodore, and the possible entry of the Dodge Challenger is rumored. Manufacturers will be able to develop products for not only the U.S. market, but also worldwide with the same set of tooling.
• Fullsized pickups are officially being exported to Australia and New Zealand. Dodge Ram pickups are heading to Australia by the end of the year. Experts from Holden Special Vehicles complete the conversion from left- to right-hand-drive. It’s the first time a fullsize American pickup will be sold in Australia with manufacturer backing since 2007.
• Australia is an important market for U.S.-built vehicles. Currently, Australia has imported 42,000 vehicles from the United States in the first eight months of this year, making it the sixth-highest destination for American-built vehicles. As vehicle assembly in the region disappears, this growing trend accelerates even further. Holden, Toyota and Ford ceasing their manufacturing activities in Australia means that global platforms will replace those cars. 
• Australia provides access to so many different vehicles in one place, it can result in application/product development that will open up many other markets that also sell those same vehicles. 
• Australia and the United States share a common language, which eases communication.
• American products enter Australia tariff-free due to a 2005 Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA).  
• Though the mining sector has taken a bit of hit lately, it still provides opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to provide product for this sector.

By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

THI Corp. Is Now Truck Hero Inc.

THI Corp.—a supplier of branded light-duty truck accessories for pickup bed applications—has announced that it has changed its corporate name to Truck Hero Inc. The name change is part of a re-branding initiative that aligns the company’s long-term corporate strategy with its consumer-driven advertising and marketing programs. Truck Hero’s family of brands include Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax, BAK, A.R.E., N-FAB and two online retailers—AutoCustoms and Real Truck.

Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assist at events and create content for MagnaFlow’s website.

MagnaFlow Appoints Kahn Media Agency of Record

MagnaFlow has named Kahn Media as its sole media agency of record. Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assisting at events and creating content for MagnaFlow’s website. Over the last 12 months, Kahn Media was responsible for MagnaFlow’s public relations efforts, representing the brand in enthusiast forums, assisting at events around the country and with video production and editing. After a successful first year of collaboration, MagnaFlow has tapped the Moorpark, California-based agency to expand the relationship to include working hand-in-hand with its in-house team on social media and content marketing, product integration and promotion of its roster of MagnaFlow Ambassadors, which includes Mario Andretti, Chip Foose, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Dennis Anderson, Marco Andretti, Rutledge Wood, Bodie Stroud, Robby Gordon, Casey Currie, Corry Weller and Miss MagnaFlow.

Wilwood Renews Title Sponsorship of Wilwood Corvette Challenge

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced the renewal of its partnership with Speed Ventures as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge for the 2016 season. This is the second consecutive year as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge—a time-trialing series that promotes friendly competition amongst drivers from all levels of experience and tests their skills against the clock. The series is open to all Corvette models within four classes: stock, modified, super-modified and unlimited.

Tint World Makes Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 2016 List

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500. Tint World’s ranking marks the second year the company has been named one of the 500 top-performing franchise brands. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranks franchises by factors, such as financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Out of the top 500 franchises, Tint World was ranked 371 overall, and placed in the top 25 of automotive franchise businesses.

Ryan McDonald

RealTruck Names New Digital Marketing Manager

RealTruck.com has announced the promotion of Ryan McDonald from digital marketing specialist to digital marketing manager. This is a new position for RealTruck.com as the company expands its online advertising department. In conjunction with the inbound marketing team, RealTruck’s digital advertising team will work to increase the company’s share of the truck accessories market and increase conversion. McDonald’s new role covers online channels strategy, developing talent within his team and growing revenue for RealTruck. McDonald joined RealTruck.com in 2015 as a digital marketing specialist.

Daystar Products International Purchases the Assets of Performance Accessories

Daystar Products International has purchased the assets of Performance Accessories. Availability and pricing have changed for some products, and all products have new part numbers and UPC codes. The new Performance Accessories line discount structure will be the same as Daystar’s discount structure. All purchases made from January 5, 2016, will be paid to Daystar Products at P.O. Box 7, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Daystar and newly acquired Performance Accessories will not be responsible for any returns or credits for purchases of Performance Accessories before January 5, 2016.

VOXX International Open Flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM Manufacturing Facility

VOXX International Corporation has announced the grand-opening of its flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM manufacturing facility based in Orlando, Florida. A groundbreaking ceremony was held January 20. The company selected Orlando due to its local-based talent pool for expansion, proximity to major transportation hubs and business friendly climate. The company reports that the decision to consolidate and expand the VOXXHirschmann Automotive manufacturing capabilities was driven by customer demand as it continues to work with tier-one and OEMs. The facility is tied together with OEM operations in the metro Detroit area. Since acquiring Hirschmann Car Communications (Hirschmann) in 2012, the company has been awarded more than $500 million in new contracts and continues to solidify its position as a leading supplier of rear-seat infotainment systems, ultra remote start systems, vehicle telematics, BT passive entry/exit, digital receivers/tuners, mobile multi-media tuners, and antennas. This was made possible through the 2014 consolidation of the company's independent OEM operations of Hirschmann, Code Systems and Invision into VOXXHirschmann. 

Motovicity Announces Launch of CCW Forged Performance Wheels

Motovicity Distribution has announced the addition of CCW wheels to its line card. CCW is now available for wholesale purchase through Motovicity Distribution. For product inquiries, call 888-SPEED-16 to speak to a representative.

Quick Fuel Technology Launches New Website For 2016

Quick Fuel Technology (QFT) has launched a new website dedicated to helping consumers choose what street performance and racing components to buy, how to set them up and how to tune high-performance fuel systems. Although the information is specific to QFT products, in many cases, the information is applicable to most fuel systems industry-wide. On the homepage, QFT’s product line is broken down into categories that include Street, Drag Race, Circle Track, Marine and Custom Builds.

Nye & Associates Inc. Welcomes Thermal Research & Design to Its Roster of Manufacturing Clients

Nye & Associates Inc. has added Thermal Research & Design to its roster of manufacturers. The advertising agency will assist Thermal Research & Design with marketing projects ranging from overall branding, including B2C and B2B, to social-media implementation and planning, creative strategy, sales tools and more.

McLeod Extends Sales and Tech Hours

McLeod has opened its tech and sales lines earlier (at 7:00 a.m., PST) to better serve its customers in Eastern time zones. McLeod provides a full tech center on its website that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It contains how-to videos along with all current instructions. McLeod can be reached at 714-630-2764 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., PST. The tech center can be accessed 24/7. 

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.