This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Peter MacGillivry explain the “magic” behind the SEMA Show and how everything is put together.

SEMA’s Tom Gattuso and Peter MacGillivry explain the “magic” behind the SEMA Show and how everything is put together.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Howard Laster

Howard Laster Named to Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association Board of Governors

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket has announced that Howard Laster, head of aftermarket – North America Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket (CVAM), has been named to the Board of Governors of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). As a member of AASA Board of Governors, Laster has been tasked with working with the senior leadership team to establish short-term and long-term goals for the association and its councils. Laster will also work to oversee and advise the various AASA councils, which include the AASA Intellectual Property Council, Brake Manufacturers Council, Marketing Executive Council and the Overseas Automotive Council. Laster has been with Continental for more than 22 years, serving in a variety of executive and sales management roles. He is responsible for overall business strategy, product quality and performance, along with the development of effective sales and marketing activities in North America for the Continental ATE and VDO brand of products.

ZF Expands Development Capabilities for Autonomous Driving

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is expanding its development competences in the autonomous driving field. On December 1, 20 developers from the IEE Sensing Germany GmbH, based in Kösching, Germany, will become part of the ZF Group and work for ZF’s subsidiary Zukunft Ventures under the name “Zukunft Mobility.” IEE Sensing Germany GmbH specializes in the development of functions for driver assistance, integrated vehicle safety and autonomous driving. Its 20 employees include computer scientists, physicists and software developers, who will be working on developing these functions for the future, particularly in the sensor and software development sectors, and the simulation and test procedures, to make them ready for production. With the new location in Kösching, ZF also gains direct access to the A9 testing ground and can test autonomous driving in real traffic conditions.

Bob Miller (left) and Kyle Fischer (right).

Lubrication Specialties Inc. Names Kyle Fischer Director of Marketing, Bob Miller Director of Sales

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced that two key management positions have been filled—director of marketing and director of sales. Both positions were filled prior to the 2017 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas and in time for 2018 planning. Robert “Bob” Miller recently was hired as director of sales to work with developing distribution of Hot Shot’s Secret sales through the company’s network of manufacturer representatives. Miller will also work directly with the company’s retail accounts to introduce new products, promotions and training. Prior to accepting his position at LSI, Miller served as the national sales manager for WVNO/WRGM radio and WOHZ/WMFD TV in Mansfield, Ohio. Kyle Fischer, LSI’s new director of marketing, has close to 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and management positions. Prior to joining LSI, Fischer served as the regional marketing manager for Trident Marketing, where he oversaw lead generation, trade shows and business development partnership programs while effectively growing his territory to be the top market for sales and revenue.

Automotive Events Inc. Appoints New President

Automotive Events Inc. has named Iain Dobson company president, effective November 27. Previously, Dobson served as Automotive Events’ senior vice president for 14 years. He led the company’s production services division, overseeing logistical design, product training, testing and substantiation services and all performance and related programming. Dobson took over the post from John Thorne, who still serves as the company’s chief executive officer. Prior to Automotive Events, Dobson served as general manager of Atkinsons Motorsports and as an editor of Motoring News.

RPT Distributing Joins The AAM Group as Distribution Member

The AAM Group has announced the addition of RPT Distributing as its 21st member company. Offering more than 125 product lines and maintaining more than 100,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, RPT services multiple states from its Brandon, Mississippi, headquarters.

Howell EFI Announces New Mobile-Friendly, Interactive E-commerce Website

Howell EFI has launched an all-new, mobile-friendly, interactive e-commerce website. The new platform now features a blog with updated tech information, tips for successful stress-free installation, customer experiences and the latest industry news. The new e-commerce website is also designed to allow the company to interact directly with customers online to assist with their purchase decisions or provide immediate customer service online from the website. The e-commerce site allows customers to buy directly with a secured shopping cart and to develop a personal online account to track orders.

CRP Automotive has named Ken Edwards (center) of Kanmar Inc. its 2017 Rep Agent of the Year.

CRP Automotive Presents Ken Edwards 2017 Rep Agent of the Year Award

CRP Automotive has named Ken Edwards of Kanmar Inc. its 2017 Rep Agent of the Year. Edwards is the President of Kanmar Inc., a Canadian sales agency representing OE and aftermarket manufacturers in the automotive and heavy-duty industries. Edwards received the 2017 Rep Agent of the Year Award from CRP Automotive for helping the company grow its business in the Canadian market. Edwards, a former CRP Automotive employee, has represented CRP Automotive as an agent since 2008. Edwards served as an employee of CRP Industries Canada from 2005 until 2008. Kanmar Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and Edwards represents CRP Automotive and all of its brands, working primarily in the Ontario, Canada, area.

DENSO and NEC Establish Joint Venture to Develop Essential Connectivity Technologies

DENSO Corp. and NEC Platforms Ltd. have unveiled a new joint venture, DENSO NEXT CO. LTD. The company will develop in-vehicle information and communications equipment critical for fostering a connected environment inside vehicles, such as instrument clusters, heads-up displays and onboard communication equipment. The company will start operations December 1. DENSO NEXT will harness DENSO’s automotive engineering and manufacturing capabilities and NEC Group’s technologies and track record in the information and communications technology (ICT) business to design and bring to market advanced in-vehicle equipment. DENSO NEXT will be located on the premises of NEC’s Tamagawa Plant in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. The innovations developed by DENSO and NEC Platforms engineers will enable DENSO to more efficiently produce existing information and communications equipment, and to create new products in line with vehicle cockpit advancements.

National Auto Parts Warehouse Announces Its Third Acquisition of 2017

National Auto Parts Warehouse (NPW) companies has announced its third acquisition for 2017—Associate Jobbers Warehouse operations in Boaz, Alabama. The deal is set to close after the turn of the New Year. With this purchase, NPW now has a facility that services Alabama, Western Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, South Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas and Mississippi.         

Meyer Distributing Adds Highway Products

Meyer Distributing has added Highway Products to its offering in the commercial and truck segments. Highway Products product line includes truck boxes, headache racks, bed rails, truck slides, a full line of semi boxes and semi accessories, as well as service bodies and flat beds. 

NTB Tire & Service Centers Expansion Continues

The NTB Tire & Service Centers (NTB) brand has expanded over the past two years. TBC Corp., parent company to NTB, has opened 27 new NTB locations and relocated four over the past 20 months. TBC Corp. will open an additional seven stores over the next five months. NTB provides a broad range of automotive maintenance and tire services to customers at more than 450 retail locations in 23 states.

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.

By Linda Spencer

Participants of the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program will exhibit at the Abu Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates. In Australia, participants will exhibit at the Melbourne-based MotorEx show. Program fees for each event include a turnkey booth, hotels and meals. Federal grants are available for qualified companies.

SEMA will host a business-development program conference call, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. (PST), for members who want to learn more about trips to two promising overseas markets—Australia and the Middle East. Hear from SEMA's international department and fellow members who have participated in prior business-development programs. Topics will include information about the venues, with whom attendees will meet, turnkey booth details, costs and available federal grants.

Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org to obtain the conference call-in numbers.

SEMA Middle East—Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), April 3–8

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region.

Exhibitor registration.

SEMA Australia—Melbourne, Australia, May 24–28

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Exhibitor registration.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited, so register now.

For more information, or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Participants of the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program will exhibit at the Abu Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates. In Australia, participants will exhibit at the Melbourne-based MotorEx show. Program fees for each event include a turnkey booth, hotels and meals. Federal grants are available for qualified companies.

SEMA will host a business-development program conference call, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. (PST), for members who want to learn more about trips to two promising overseas markets—Australia and the Middle East. Hear from SEMA's international department and fellow members who have participated in prior business-development programs. Topics will include information about the venues, with whom attendees will meet, turnkey booth details, costs and available federal grants.

Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org to obtain the conference call-in numbers.

SEMA Middle East—Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), April 3–8

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region.

Exhibitor registration.

SEMA Australia—Melbourne, Australia, May 24–28

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Exhibitor registration.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited, so register now.

For more information, or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

Participants of the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program will exhibit at the Abu Dhabi-based Custom Show Emirates. In Australia, participants will exhibit at the Melbourne-based MotorEx show. Program fees for each event include a turnkey booth, hotels and meals. Federal grants are available for qualified companies.

SEMA will host a business-development program conference call, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. (PST), for members who want to learn more about trips to two promising overseas markets—Australia and the Middle East. Hear from SEMA's international department and fellow members who have participated in prior business-development programs. Topics will include information about the venues, with whom attendees will meet, turnkey booth details, costs and available federal grants.

Contact Kristin Atwan at kristina@sema.org to obtain the conference call-in numbers.

SEMA Middle East—Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), April 3–8

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region (buyers attended the 2017 event from 11 countries), where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization make this an attractive region.

Exhibitor registration.

SEMA Australia—Melbourne, Australia, May 24–28

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that Australia has more hot rodders per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Exhibitor registration.

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited, so register now.

For more information, or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales and Customer Service Associate: VIAIR Corp. is hiring a sales and customer-service associate to provide daily sales and customer-service support across all industries, domestic and international. Successful candidates should have a track record of providing outstanding customer service, with knowledge of the automotive industry, and some previous experience in sales.

Painter: Ambition Road Hot Rods & Muscle Cars is hiring an experienced painter. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of professional experience in paint and body of high-end custom cars. Basic fabrication skills are a plus. A strong work ethic and the ability to produce high-quality work are a must.

Marketing Communications/Digital Media Specialist: Cognito Motorsports Inc. is hiring a marketing communications/digital media specialist responsible for implementing and maintaining email and social-media marketing campaigns, and interfacing with various clients in the truck, SUV and UTV industry. The ideal candidate will have basic knowledge of HTML, PHP and Wordpress; proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of social-media best practices with multi-platform administrative experience; and website administrative experience.

Product Development Manager: RANDYS is hiring a product development manager to lead an aggressive and results-driven cross-functional team to develop and launch new products that help drive company growth, profitability and market share. This position will also be responsible for creating future product offerings by sales channel using Voice of the Customer (VOC) program data. The ideal candidate will have a record of owning a product roadmap for break-through products; be able to define business and product metrics; and know how to build, maintain and enhance relationships in a cross-functional environment.

Product Engineer: Speedway Motors is hiring a product engineer to be a technical resource for the design, manufacture and support of both in-house and sourced products. This position works directly with suppliers and the Speedway Motors machine shop to determine the optimal method and materials for use on the company’s products. The product engineer will determine specifications critical to the form, fit and function of the finished product. This position will also work on prototype components that will be tested in service. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field or a combination of education and more than three years’ experience is required. Candidates must be proficient in the Solid Works CAD platform.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.