Thu, 08/23/2018 - 14:46

By Kristopher Porter

TORA Feature Vehicle
Submissions are now being accepted for truck, Jeep and off-road builds to display at the 2018 SEMA Show as a part of TORA’s feature vehicle program.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for truck, Jeep and off-road builds to display at the 2018 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program. Submissions are now being accepted in the following categories: lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep/SUV, off-road and street/lowered vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 70,000 qualified buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers whose parts are installed on each vehicle.  

Six vehicles will be selected as a part of the 2018 TORA feature vehicle program. TORA feature vehicles will have premium placement at the 2018 SEMA Show. One vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth in the Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured outside of the South Hall. The cost of these spots is $2,000. If selected, applicants must also make a mandatory donation of $500 to SEMA Cares Charities on top of the premium placement fee.

Applications are due by September 4. Get your name out there as a builder—apply today!

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 14:46

By Kristopher Porter

TORA Feature Vehicle
Submissions are now being accepted for truck, Jeep and off-road builds to display at the 2018 SEMA Show as a part of TORA’s feature vehicle program.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is looking for truck, Jeep and off-road builds to display at the 2018 SEMA Show as a part of its feature vehicle program. Submissions are now being accepted in the following categories: lifted vehicles, diesel, Jeep/SUV, off-road and street/lowered vehicles.

The SEMA Show is the best-attended trade event in the automotive aftermarket industry, attracting more than 70,000 qualified buyers. Having a feature vehicle at the Show will bring invaluable exposure for the builders and manufacturers whose parts are installed on each vehicle.  

Six vehicles will be selected as a part of the 2018 TORA feature vehicle program. TORA feature vehicles will have premium placement at the 2018 SEMA Show. One vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth in the Upper South Hall, while the other five will be featured outside of the South Hall. The cost of these spots is $2,000. If selected, applicants must also make a mandatory donation of $500 to SEMA Cares Charities on top of the premium placement fee.

Applications are due by September 4. Get your name out there as a builder—apply today!

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 11:14

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting explains the opportunity that ADAS brings and how it will help the aftermarket industry grow.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 11:14

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting explains the opportunity that ADAS brings and how it will help the aftermarket industry grow.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 11:14

SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting explains the opportunity that ADAS brings and how it will help the aftermarket industry grow.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 10:59

By Zane Clark

SEMA Education
SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional development and industry-focused sessions, with topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business.

With just over two months before the doors open at the annual SEMA Show, pre-registration for the industry’s leading education program is in full swing. SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional-development and industry-focused sessions. With topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business, there is sure to be high-value programming for all Show attendees.

Pre-registration data provides insight to the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today as interest in education often parallels the marketplace. Below are the top five sessions for which Show attendees have registered:

Education Opening Keynote with Megan Alexander

When: October 29, 2018: 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Megan Alexander is a national news correspondent, author, speaker and actress. She can be seen every evening on the longest-running, top-rated syndicated national news magazine TV show “Inside Edition.” Alexander will share intimidate insights from her personal journey that will focus on how to thrive in your career while staying true to your beliefs.

Working With Social Media Influencers

When: October 31, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Join automotive multi-platform media company GarageMonkey as they present intimate interviews with some of social media’s most popular and followed influencers—social media-focused content creators and personalities. 

Working with YouTube and Facebook Stars

When: November 1, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

While everyone knows it’s important to have a social media strategy, are you really getting the engagement you want and good return on investment? Enter so-called “social influencers.” These are car guys who speak to the digital generation, have amassed tremendous audiences on Facebook, YouTube and other social platforms and influence the decisions of the next generation of customers.

Hot Rod Builder's Panel, Powered by HRIA

When: November 1, 2018: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air and featuring renowned builders such as Troy Trepanier, Bobby Alloway and Kyle Tucker, this interactive panel discussion will delve into topics like design, fabrication, customer service and the challenges of running a small business.

Intro to Online Marketing

When: November 1, 2018: 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256

Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence using search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 10:59

By Zane Clark

SEMA Education
SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional development and industry-focused sessions, with topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business.

With just over two months before the doors open at the annual SEMA Show, pre-registration for the industry’s leading education program is in full swing. SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional-development and industry-focused sessions. With topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business, there is sure to be high-value programming for all Show attendees.

Pre-registration data provides insight to the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today as interest in education often parallels the marketplace. Below are the top five sessions for which Show attendees have registered:

Education Opening Keynote with Megan Alexander

When: October 29, 2018: 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Megan Alexander is a national news correspondent, author, speaker and actress. She can be seen every evening on the longest-running, top-rated syndicated national news magazine TV show “Inside Edition.” Alexander will share intimidate insights from her personal journey that will focus on how to thrive in your career while staying true to your beliefs.

Working With Social Media Influencers

When: October 31, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Join automotive multi-platform media company GarageMonkey as they present intimate interviews with some of social media’s most popular and followed influencers—social media-focused content creators and personalities. 

Working with YouTube and Facebook Stars

When: November 1, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

While everyone knows it’s important to have a social media strategy, are you really getting the engagement you want and good return on investment? Enter so-called “social influencers.” These are car guys who speak to the digital generation, have amassed tremendous audiences on Facebook, YouTube and other social platforms and influence the decisions of the next generation of customers.

Hot Rod Builder's Panel, Powered by HRIA

When: November 1, 2018: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air and featuring renowned builders such as Troy Trepanier, Bobby Alloway and Kyle Tucker, this interactive panel discussion will delve into topics like design, fabrication, customer service and the challenges of running a small business.

Intro to Online Marketing

When: November 1, 2018: 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256

Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence using search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 10:59

By Zane Clark

SEMA Education
SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional development and industry-focused sessions, with topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business.

With just over two months before the doors open at the annual SEMA Show, pre-registration for the industry’s leading education program is in full swing. SEMA Show Education features more than 100 professional-development and industry-focused sessions. With topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business, there is sure to be high-value programming for all Show attendees.

Pre-registration data provides insight to the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today as interest in education often parallels the marketplace. Below are the top five sessions for which Show attendees have registered:

Education Opening Keynote with Megan Alexander

When: October 29, 2018: 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Megan Alexander is a national news correspondent, author, speaker and actress. She can be seen every evening on the longest-running, top-rated syndicated national news magazine TV show “Inside Edition.” Alexander will share intimidate insights from her personal journey that will focus on how to thrive in your career while staying true to your beliefs.

Working With Social Media Influencers

When: October 31, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Join automotive multi-platform media company GarageMonkey as they present intimate interviews with some of social media’s most popular and followed influencers—social media-focused content creators and personalities. 

Working with YouTube and Facebook Stars

When: November 1, 2018: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

While everyone knows it’s important to have a social media strategy, are you really getting the engagement you want and good return on investment? Enter so-called “social influencers.” These are car guys who speak to the digital generation, have amassed tremendous audiences on Facebook, YouTube and other social platforms and influence the decisions of the next generation of customers.

Hot Rod Builder's Panel, Powered by HRIA

When: November 1, 2018: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N258

Moderated by Rick Love of Vintage Air and featuring renowned builders such as Troy Trepanier, Bobby Alloway and Kyle Tucker, this interactive panel discussion will delve into topics like design, fabrication, customer service and the challenges of running a small business.

Intro to Online Marketing

When: November 1, 2018: 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Upper North Hall, N256

Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence using search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising.

Sign Up. Show Up. Preview all sessions and register.

Contact SEMA’s Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 10:55

This is the second in a two-part series about SEMA programs and resources to assist SEMA members in growing their overseas sales. The first part, “SEMA Programs and Resources for Global Commerce,” appeared in the April issue of SEMA News.

Thu, 08/23/2018 - 10:50

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Lee McGuire
Lee McGuire

Lund International Hires Lee McGuire as Senior Director of Marketing for Jeep and Off-Road

Lund International has announced it has hired industry veteran Lee McGuire as its new senior director of marketing for Jeep and off-road. With the addition of McGuire, Lund International will continue to expand its growth in the Jeep and light-truck markets. McGuire began working at Skyjacker Suspensions while also pursuing a Master of Business Administration, which she earned from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2006. She has been actively involved with SEMA, having served on several select committees and task forces, including the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). McGuire was recognized by SEMA News as one of its “35 Under 35,” and as a Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals Top 20 under 40 Nominee.

EPWI
(L–R): Felix Hernandez, account manager, Mahle; Paul Van Woensel, president, EPWI; John Douglas, general manager of Mahle Aftermarket US; Luke Van Woensel, director of marketing, EPWI; Roger Borer, sales manager, EPWI; Olaf Henning, managing director of Mahle Aftermarket Worldwide; and EPWI’s account manager Jesse Wadell, Mahle. 
EPWI
(L–R): Luke Van Woensel, director of marketing, EPWI; Bill McKnight, training manager, Mahle; Paul Van Woensel, president, EPWI; Jackson Van Woensel, EPWI. 

 

Engine & Performance Warehouse Names 2017 Vendor, Representative of the Year

Engine & Performance Warehouse Inc. (EPWI) has named Mahle Motorsports the EPWI 2017 Vendor of the Year and Bill McKnight of Mahle Aftermarket the EPWI 2017 Representative of the Year at the awards dinner during EPWI’s annual summer conference, August 9, in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The annual Vendor of the Year award is presented to the supplier or manufacturer based on performance scores during the prior year in seven categories: distribution/sales policies, pricing policies, inventory, returns, labor claims, office support and shipping/packaging. The Rep of the Year is selected annually, on a rotating basis by region, using combined votes based on performance scores during the prior year in three categories: sales support, distribution philosophies and timely and accurate follow-through.

Caleb
Caleb Hammond 

Terminally Ill Boy Asks Public for Racing Stickers

According to the Des Moines Register, Caleb Hammond, 11, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2017. After months of unsuccessful chemotherapy treatments, a bone marrow transplant and a week in a medically induced coma with heart failure symptoms, he and his family recently decided to stop treating his illness and spend time together. Hammond is a racing fan, and is asking the public to send him racing stickers. Stickers can be mailed to 314 N. J St., Oskaloosa, IA 52577, or you can donate to his family’s GoFundMe campaign.

Wiseco Completes Multi-Year Agreement for Presenting Rights at Haltech World Cup Finals

Wiseco Performance Products has completed a multi-year agreement with Miller Brothers Productions, and will showcase its automotive product line at the Haltech World Cup Finals at Maryland International Raceway. Beginning in 2019, the event, which takes place in Mechanicsville, Maryland, will officially be known as the Haltech World Cup Finals Presented by Wiseco. The five-day, drag-racing showcase features import versus domestic drag racing, a custom car show and manufacturer’s midway. This year’s World Cup Finals is expected to draw close to 400 domestic and international heads-up racers who will compete for more than $110,000 in 10 separate classes of competition. Wiseco representatives will be on-site to offer technical expertise while supporting racers and discussing products with fans and competitors.

Roadwire
First place in the Kids Choice Award competition went to a Chevy pickup customized to resemble the McQueen car from the Cars movie.

Roadwire Teams Up With Olive Crest to Benefit Disadvantaged Children

Roadwire Cares, the nonprofit charity of Roadwire Inc., has recently partnered with Olive Crest to present “Christmas in July” for hundreds of at-risk Southern California children. The community-wide event—the second annual partnership between Roadwire and Olive Crest—drew more than 400 children and their families to Olive Crest’s Los Angeles facility. The event featured displays of accessorized trucks and vintage Chevy Impalas furnished by a local car club. The children picked toys from a large selection donated by Roadwire and participating car owners. They also judged the second annual Kids Choice Award, giving first place to a customized Chevy pickup decked out to resemble the McQueen car from the Disney Pixar Cars movie.

Aeromotive
Fueling the limited-production, drag-racing special Cobra Jet down the track is Aeromotive’s Pro Series Fuel pump. 

Aeromotive Fuels 50th Anniversary Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Dragster

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mustang Cobra Jet, Ford Performance unveiled last week its new limited-production, drag-racing special Cobra Jet at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. Ford described it as the fastest production Mustang on the dragstrip, capable of quarter-mile times in the mid-8-sec. range trapping at 150 mph. Fueling this new machine down the track is Aeromotive’s Pro Series Fuel pump. While horsepower figures have not been released yet, prevailing thought is that it will be substantial, considering it comes with a bored-out 5.2L version of Ford’s Coyote V8 and a 3.0L Whipple supercharger. Additional features include a 9-in. solid rear axle, height-adjustable coilovers, an NHRA-certified roll cage and FI-certified racing seats. Only 68 of the commemorative Cobra Jets will be built with a choice of two color options: Race Red or Oxford White. The price is set at $130,000.

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.