Compiled by SEMA Editors

Air Design, along with Eibach, TSW Wheels, Borla Exhaust and K&N, joined forces for a one-off ’18 Kia Stinger GT with a custom bright-orange paint job, which was named “Best in Show” by Cars.com.

Air Design Receives Special Recognition at 2017 SEMA Show

Air Design received three special recognitions at the 2017 SEMA Show. Ford Motor Co. presented Billy Longfellow, vice president of design and engineering at Air Design USA, with the Outstanding Achievement in Design award for its ’18 Ford F-150 and Mustang Ground Effects kit. The team also was a recipient of a SEMA Global Media Award for its over-molding technology present in the ’18+ Ford Mustang carbon-fiber rear-deck spoiler. Air Design, along with Eibach, TSW Wheels, Borla Exhaust and K&N, joined forces for a one-off ’18 Kia Stinger GT with a custom bright-orange paint job. The vehicle, which featured Air Design’s Aerokit, was named “Best in Show” by Cars.com at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.

Centric Parts Names Wilson Dias as Vice President/General Manager of StopTech Division

Centric Parts, a division of APC Automotive Technologies, has announced that Wilson Dias has joined the company as vice president/general manager of its StopTech division. Dias will oversee sales, design engineering, procurement, manufacturing and quality. Greg Woo, recently promoted to president of Centric Parts, made the announcement and noted that Dias is the latest industry executive joining APC/Centric Parts as the company positions itself for further growth in its core business of brake system and chassis components. Before joining Centric, Dias served at Honeywell for more than 13 years in several senior-level capacities, including business director for Turbo/Thermal Products, global business director for Thermal Products and product line manager for Thermal Engineering. Prior to Honeywell, Dias was the OEM business manager for AlliedSignal in Brazil.

CURT Group received the Honda Accessory Performance Award for Operations at the 2017 American Honda Accessory Supplier Conference in Las Vegas.

CURT Group Presented With Honda Accessory Performance Award

CURT Group was presented with the Honda Accessory Performance Award for Operations at the 2017 American Honda Accessory Supplier Conference in Las Vegas. CURT Group was awarded for its commitment and dedication to the American Honda Accessory Operations. According to Honda, CURT has demonstrated the highest levels of performance in all areas of accessory operations, including on-time delivery, field quality, packaging and transportation. Customer service is also noted as playing a factor in determining the recipient of this award.

Big O Tires Expands Footprint in Four States

Big O Tires has expanded its brand in Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, in partnership with Mark Rhee and Western Automotive Ventures. Rhee, an existing franchisee of the Big O Tires brand with 12 locations in Nevada, now owns and operates 56 locations, which were formerly NTB Tire & Service Center locations. 

Lumileds earned awards for Best Website, Best New Product, Best Packaging, and Best Digital Display Ad at the 2017 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.

Lumileds Earns Multiple Marketing Awards for Philips-Branded Automotive Lighting Products

Lumileds earned four key marketing awards during the 2017 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Show in Las Vegas, October 31–November 2. The awards included Best Website, Best New Product, Best Packaging, and Best Digital Display Ad. The awards were presented during the 2017 Automotive Communications Awards ceremony, which was sponsored by the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board and the Import Vehicle Community’s Import Product and Marketing Awards.

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 Jenny Galvan

In addition to examining accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the new report also provides insight on the personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades made by Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts.

The latest SEMA market research report focuses on profiling owners of ’91–’17 Jeep Wranglers (TJ and JK). This report is designed to help readers understand the people who modify their Jeeps, and allow businesses to make better decisions around product, sales and marketing strategies. For those who are in the  business of selling or distributing Jeep products and/or accessories, the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” is worth a close read.

By looking at accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the data depicts the habits and accessorization patterns of Jeep owners. It also sheds light on their personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades more likely to suit their lifestyles now and in the future.

According to the report, more than 60% of TJ and JK Wranglers are modified with specialty-equipment parts. This translates to about 1.3 million customized vehicles in the United States.

Questions addressed in the report include:

• How many Jeep Wrangler owners go off-roading?
• How often does an accessorizer work on his or her Jeep? And how soon after first taking it home will he or she begin modifications on it?
• Where do Jeep owners and accessorizers buy their parts? In store? Online?
• What are the demographics of these Jeep enthusiasts, owners and accessorizers?

SEMA members can download the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” for free. Non-SEMA members may also access the report for a small fee.

By Jenny Galvan

In addition to examining accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the new report also provides insight on the personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades made by Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts.

The latest SEMA market research report focuses on profiling owners of ’91–’17 Jeep Wranglers (TJ and JK). This report is designed to help readers understand the people who modify their Jeeps, and allow businesses to make better decisions around product, sales and marketing strategies. For those who are in the  business of selling or distributing Jeep products and/or accessories, the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” is worth a close read.

By looking at accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the data depicts the habits and accessorization patterns of Jeep owners. It also sheds light on their personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades more likely to suit their lifestyles now and in the future.

According to the report, more than 60% of TJ and JK Wranglers are modified with specialty-equipment parts. This translates to about 1.3 million customized vehicles in the United States.

Questions addressed in the report include:

• How many Jeep Wrangler owners go off-roading?
• How often does an accessorizer work on his or her Jeep? And how soon after first taking it home will he or she begin modifications on it?
• Where do Jeep owners and accessorizers buy their parts? In store? Online?
• What are the demographics of these Jeep enthusiasts, owners and accessorizers?

SEMA members can download the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” for free. Non-SEMA members may also access the report for a small fee.

By Jenny Galvan

In addition to examining accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the new report also provides insight on the personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades made by Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts.

The latest SEMA market research report focuses on profiling owners of ’91–’17 Jeep Wranglers (TJ and JK). This report is designed to help readers understand the people who modify their Jeeps, and allow businesses to make better decisions around product, sales and marketing strategies. For those who are in the  business of selling or distributing Jeep products and/or accessories, the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” is worth a close read.

By looking at accessory purchases, vehicle usage and interests, the data depicts the habits and accessorization patterns of Jeep owners. It also sheds light on their personal interests and the types of vehicle upgrades more likely to suit their lifestyles now and in the future.

According to the report, more than 60% of TJ and JK Wranglers are modified with specialty-equipment parts. This translates to about 1.3 million customized vehicles in the United States.

Questions addressed in the report include:

• How many Jeep Wrangler owners go off-roading?
• How often does an accessorizer work on his or her Jeep? And how soon after first taking it home will he or she begin modifications on it?
• Where do Jeep owners and accessorizers buy their parts? In store? Online?
• What are the demographics of these Jeep enthusiasts, owners and accessorizers?

SEMA members can download the “SEMA Jeep Wrangler Report” for free. Non-SEMA members may also access the report for a small fee.

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.

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

Inside Sales Representative: Transamerican Wholesale is hiring an inside sales rep responsible for working with existing customers and generating new business for the wholesale division in the Jacksonville, Florida, area. The ideal candidate will have three years of experience in aftermarket sales and/or customer service. A bachelor’s degree and automotive aftermarket experience are preferred.

Marketing Manager: Energy Suspension is hiring a marketing manager to develop insightful marketing campaigns; engage and communicate with various media contacts for public relations and editorial opportunities; and generate, edit and distribute PR materials according to specific market requirements and proof for accuracy. Occasional travel to attend consumer and trade shows and key customer events is required. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of social-media platforms, associated media requirements and best practices. Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, and professional printing/publishing skills are essential.

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.

Fabricator: Ambition Road Hot Rods & Muscle Cars is hiring an experienced fabricator. The ideal candidate will have at least three years’ experience in TIG welding, metal finishing and fabricating custom parts. Body work and paint experience are pluses. A strong work ethic and the ability to produce high-quality work are musts.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) Happy Hour, December 6, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC General Membership Meeting, December 6, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Sanctioning Body/Manufacturer Discussion, December 7, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Motorsports and Performance Tech Roundtable, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 23–25, 2018, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018

• 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• Air Lift Co.
• Axalta Coating Systems
• Dometic
• Horn Blasters Inc.
• Hypertech
• Leer
• Ranch Hand
• Rigid
• Spyder
• Superwinch

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.

This is the facelift for the RAM Power Wagon.

The HD-based Power Wagon will get another facelift before it moves to the new platform introduced by the upcoming 1500. The crosshair grille returns, and some new light treatments and sheetmetal will likely align it closer to the new RAM.

Inside, expect updates to UConnect and materials.

This should pave the way for a new Power Wagon in about two years’ time.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the facelift for the RAM Power Wagon.

The HD-based Power Wagon will get another facelift before it moves to the new platform introduced by the upcoming 1500. The crosshair grille returns, and some new light treatments and sheetmetal will likely align it closer to the new RAM.

Inside, expect updates to UConnect and materials.

This should pave the way for a new Power Wagon in about two years’ time.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde