By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed a bill that would finalize land-use designations covering more than 18 million acres of land in seven eastern and southern Utah counties. The Utah Public Lands Initiative (PLI) [HR 5780] creates motorized recreation zones in San Juan and Grand Counties encompassing more than 375,000 acres, along with a 93-mile red rock OHV trail connecting towns in Emery, Grand and San Juan Counties. 

SEMA supports the PLI’s collaborative approach to making final designations in order to provide certainty regarding how land is managed, including wilderness, conservation and recreation areas. Without the legislation, 1.4 million acres of land may soon be designated as the Bears Ears National Monument. Such a listing would prohibit new roads or trails and require drafting of a new land-management plan that could lead to more road closures. The legislation will likely be scheduled for a vote by the House of Representatives after the November election. The bill has not yet been introduced in the U.S. Senate. 

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Dennis Pittsenbarger catches up with Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of the Coker Group and the current chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors, during the 2015 SEMA Show.

Dennis Pittsenbarger catches up with Wade Kawasaki, president and COO of the Coker Group and the current chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors, during the 2015 SEMA Show.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Life is Better Off-Road SEMA builder award’s inaugural winner was the CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs.

Transamerican Auto Parts Renews the “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA Vehicle Build Award

Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) has announced the 2016 renewal of the “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA builder award. This recognition has established itself as the premier industry prize awarded by Transamerican Auto Parts to the best-presented, truly off-road-capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the Show. The award’s inaugural winner—the CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs—was chosen from among hundreds of submissions by a panel of leading industry authorities at the 2015 SEMA Show in a ceremony hosted by television personality and noted automotive enthusiast Rutledge Wood. The award is open to all off-road vehicle constructors and product manufacturers on display at the SEMA Show. It will once again be judged by a panel of the off-road industry’s leading authorities who select 10 semi-finalists from among the submitted entries based on such criteria as off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, craftsmanship quality and overall vehicle presentation. The panel will then choose one Jeep and one truck/SUV as the two finalists to be considered for recognition as the most authentic, off-road-capable vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show.  

The award, a custom-designed trophy, will be presented by Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO Greg Adler, Thursday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m., at the Pro Comp/Transamerican Auto Parts booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience area (Located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot). The winner will also receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA magazine, a professional photo shoot and recognition across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels. A promotional email campaign will highlight the award and winners and TAP will extend an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows and Truck & Jeep Fests.

To submit your off-road SEMA display vehicle for award consideration, visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award. For more information, complete rules, terms and conditions, email questions to lifeisbetteroffroadaward@transamericanautoparts.com.

VP Racing Fuels and Andre Hardy, owner and operator of Montauk Native Gas located in Mastic, New York, have formed a retail branding partnership.

Founder of Montauk Native Gas Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Branding Program

Officials with VP Racing Fuels have announced a retail branding partnership with Andre Hardy, owner and operator of Montauk Native Gas located in Mastic, New York. Effective with its reimaging, Hardy’s station will be the first on Long Island to brand with VP and the first to distribute VP’s race fuel blends on the island. The station also co-sponsors an NHRA Funny Car and a Top Alcohol Funny Car team, both of which will provide marketing support for the station and the VP Racing Fuels brand.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The Life is Better Off-Road SEMA builder award’s inaugural winner was the CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs.

Transamerican Auto Parts Renews the “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA Vehicle Build Award

Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) has announced the 2016 renewal of the “Life is Better Off-Road” SEMA builder award. This recognition has established itself as the premier industry prize awarded by Transamerican Auto Parts to the best-presented, truly off-road-capable truck, Jeep or SUV on display at the Show. The award’s inaugural winner—the CC Legend Jeep by Addictive Desert Designs—was chosen from among hundreds of submissions by a panel of leading industry authorities at the 2015 SEMA Show in a ceremony hosted by television personality and noted automotive enthusiast Rutledge Wood. The award is open to all off-road vehicle constructors and product manufacturers on display at the SEMA Show. It will once again be judged by a panel of the off-road industry’s leading authorities who select 10 semi-finalists from among the submitted entries based on such criteria as off-road reliability and capability, real-world functionality, craftsmanship quality and overall vehicle presentation. The panel will then choose one Jeep and one truck/SUV as the two finalists to be considered for recognition as the most authentic, off-road-capable vehicle at the 2016 SEMA Show.  

The award, a custom-designed trophy, will be presented by Transamerican Auto Parts President and CEO Greg Adler, Thursday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m., at the Pro Comp/Transamerican Auto Parts booth #62112 within the SEMA SCORE Baja 1000 Experience area (Located outside of the South Hall in the Silver Lot). The winner will also receive a cover feature and multi-page vehicle spotlight in ORA magazine, a professional photo shoot and recognition across the spectrum of Transamerican social media and digital channels. A promotional email campaign will highlight the award and winners and TAP will extend an invitation to be displayed in feature locations at TAP-sponsored events, tradeshows and Truck & Jeep Fests.

To submit your off-road SEMA display vehicle for award consideration, visit www.transamericanautoparts.com/award. For more information, complete rules, terms and conditions, email questions to lifeisbetteroffroadaward@transamericanautoparts.com.

VP Racing Fuels and Andre Hardy, owner and operator of Montauk Native Gas located in Mastic, New York, have formed a retail branding partnership.

Founder of Montauk Native Gas Signs on With VP Racing Fuels Branding Program

Officials with VP Racing Fuels have announced a retail branding partnership with Andre Hardy, owner and operator of Montauk Native Gas located in Mastic, New York. Effective with its reimaging, Hardy’s station will be the first on Long Island to brand with VP and the first to distribute VP’s race fuel blends on the island. The station also co-sponsors an NHRA Funny Car and a Top Alcohol Funny Car team, both of which will provide marketing support for the station and the VP Racing Fuels brand.

By SEMA Editors

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1-4, Las Vegas.

Before, during and after the Show, Weego will have service techs ready to provide jump starts to any feature or booth vehicle exhibiting in the Show. Exhibitors can text their location to 844-805-2906 or send a Tweet to @myweego for help.

Large signs placed throughout the Show, promotional post cards, social media posts and trade ads will announce and provide instructions of how to contact Weego for a jump start. Weego will be exhibiting at the Westgate in Booth #16007.

“At last year’s Show we were called into action multiple times to jump start exhibitors’ vehicles; so in preparation for this year’s Show, we approached the sponsorship team at SEMA and created this unique, first-time-ever program,” said Gerry Toscani, CEO of Weego.

Weego’s latest product, Jump Starter 44 is entered in the 2016 SEMA Show’s New Product Showcase.

By SEMA Editors

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1-4, Las Vegas.

Before, during and after the Show, Weego will have service techs ready to provide jump starts to any feature or booth vehicle exhibiting in the Show. Exhibitors can text their location to 844-805-2906 or send a Tweet to @myweego for help.

Large signs placed throughout the Show, promotional post cards, social media posts and trade ads will announce and provide instructions of how to contact Weego for a jump start. Weego will be exhibiting at the Westgate in Booth #16007.

“At last year’s Show we were called into action multiple times to jump start exhibitors’ vehicles; so in preparation for this year’s Show, we approached the sponsorship team at SEMA and created this unique, first-time-ever program,” said Gerry Toscani, CEO of Weego.

Weego’s latest product, Jump Starter 44 is entered in the 2016 SEMA Show’s New Product Showcase.

By SEMA Editors

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show.

Weego has been named the Authorized SEMA Jump Starting Service Sponsor for the 2016 SEMA Show, November 1-4, Las Vegas.

Before, during and after the Show, Weego will have service techs ready to provide jump starts to any feature or booth vehicle exhibiting in the Show. Exhibitors can text their location to 844-805-2906 or send a Tweet to @myweego for help.

Large signs placed throughout the Show, promotional post cards, social media posts and trade ads will announce and provide instructions of how to contact Weego for a jump start. Weego will be exhibiting at the Westgate in Booth #16007.

“At last year’s Show we were called into action multiple times to jump start exhibitors’ vehicles; so in preparation for this year’s Show, we approached the sponsorship team at SEMA and created this unique, first-time-ever program,” said Gerry Toscani, CEO of Weego.

Weego’s latest product, Jump Starter 44 is entered in the 2016 SEMA Show’s New Product Showcase.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

This year’s tour celebrated the Monroe brand’s 100th anniversary and continued its emphasis of the “Everything Gets Old. Even Your Shocks” consumer education campaign.

Monroe Shockmobiles Complete Extensive 2016 Summer Tour Through United States and Canada 

From the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 to the 2016 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota, the Monroe Shockmobiles traveled more than 10,000 miles through the United States and Canada this past summer. This year’s tour celebrated the Monroe brand’s 100th anniversary and continued its emphasis of the “Everything Gets Old. Even Your Shocks” consumer education campaign. The Monroe Shockmobiles and the Monroe Brand Ambassadors completed hundreds of stops at consumer events, including baseball games, concerts and festivals, and customer visits at service provider locations and parts distributorships. The tour schedule led to hundreds of thousands of roadside impressions among consumers and more than two million people following the tour on the Monroe brand’s social media channels. The tour also provided Monroe partners with content and visibility through their own social pages. The Shockmobiles and respective tow vehicles featured 100th anniversary graphics and “Made for the Road Ahead” messages, plus a 50,000-mile inspection reminder.

PPG Continues Support of National SkillsUSA Championships

PPG once again supported the SkillsUSA Championships, which were held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, June 22–23. SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit organization, serves more than 300,000 high school, middle school and college students, preparing them for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization acts as a link between education and industry, helping students excel in their chosen field and qualify for jobs in the real world. PPG has long been involved with SkillsUSA, primarily in the automotive segment of the national championships, and is a major sponsor of the event.

This year, 80 students participated in the two automotive areas—repair and refinish. PPG helped establish the refinish competition in 2008 and brought eight volunteers to the championships for the 2016 event. One of the volunteers, Jamie Redd, PPG training center manager, is a segment leader in the national competition. He began by assisting SkillsUSA on the state level in 1997, then got involved on the national level. Some students are eventually hired by PPG or its customers. Jessica Crowley competed four years ago in the refinish segment and won a bronze award. Today she is a PPG technical sales instructor and has returned to the championships floor as a judge. Crowley is featured in the current issue of SkillsUSA Champions magazine.

The first vehicle Ringbrothers will unveil at the 2016 SEMA Show is a ’48 Cadillac Series V fastback named “Madam V” in the Flowmaster booth (#22351) in the Central Hall, Tuesday, November 1, at 1:30 p.m.

Ringbrothers Revs Up for 2016 SEMA Show

Ringbrothers will bring an eclectic collection of cars to the 2016 SEMA Show, representing Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford and Winnebago. In addition, Jim and Mike Ring will also make a major announcement about their new partnership with Prestone Products Corp. during a press conference, Wednesday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m. The press conference will include a preview of one of the most unique build projects Ringbrothers has ever undertaken, which will debut at the 2017 SEMA Show.

The first vehicle Ringbrothers will unveil at the 2016 SEMA Show is a ’48 Cadillac Series V fastback named “Madam V” in the Flowmaster booth (#22351) in the Central Hall, Tuesday, November 1, at 11:20 a.m. “G-Code”—to be revealed in the Royal Purple booth (#23057) in the Central Hall the same day at 3:00 p.m.—is only the second ’69 Camaro the Rings have ever built. The ’65 widebody Mustang convertible “Ballistic” will be the first car to ever be unveiled in the Ringbrothers booth (#23283), Wednesday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m. “The World’s Fastest Winnebago”—a ’72 “Happy Camper” Winnebago Brave—will also make its first SEMA Show appearance this year. Hosted in the Prestone booth (#30327) in the Upper South Hall, the 900-plus-horsepower RV will be on display with its doors open for showgoers to explore its tikki lounge and WWII Bomber-inspired, party-ready interior. Ringbrothers and Prestone will also make a joint announcement in the Prestone booth during a press conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Cars and Coffee Moving to SPEEDVEGAS Beginning October 8

Every Saturday morning, beginning October 8, hundreds of car enthusiasts will convene at SPEEDVEGAS to participate in the popular weekend pop-up attraction, Cars and Coffee. This event attracts 600 to 1,000 car aficionados, including Southern Nevada residents and tourists, to meet fellow car enthusiasts as they showcase their exotic, muscle and vintage cars. More than 250 cars are typically on display. Admission is free and the event is open to guests of all ages from 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

The debut of Cars and Coffee at SPEEDVEGAS comes following a nearly 10-year engagement at its previous location near St. Rose Parkway and Eastern Avenue. Due to the event’s growing popularity, organizers sought a new location that would not only be a draw itself, but also provide ample space for continued expansion. The first 10 attendees and first 10 cars owners who arrive will receive a complimentary SPEEDVEGAS experience, which will include the option to drive or ride for three laps in any car of their choice. After that, all spectators and car enthusiasts who come that day will receive $20 ride-along laps in any one of the available SPEEDVEGAS musclecars and drift cars. All attendees will also be entered into a special drawing throughout the October 8 event to win prizes provided by Cars and Coffee and SPEEDVEGAS.

Tom Blades

Blades Awarded Executive Leader of the Year by Ideas America

Grote Global Vice President of Operations Tom Blades was named Executive Leader of the Year during the 74th annual Ideas America Training Summit, held September 13–15 in Atlanta. The award recognizes the importance of executive management’s support of employee involvement through their leadership and employee involvement activities. Ideas America is an international organization that brings together a variety of professionals who work to encourage employees to become more involved in their workplaces. Grote has been a member of Ideas America for nearly 20 years and has had an employee suggestion program since 1971. Blades was one of six nominees.

U.S. Postal Service Selects AM General For Next-Generation Prototypes of Postal Delivery Vehicles

AM General’s designs for advanced postal vehicles have been selected by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as part of the USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) Prototype awards. The awards were in support of the service’s plans and need for replacing their aging fleet. AM General will build a series of prototype vehicles for testing by the USPS that seek to provide fuel efficiency and zero-emissions capability. The AM General advanced postal vehicle is designed to grow with the new demands in delivery on the postal service and ensure that USPS can manage the changing mail mix with improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability. The postal award is part of AM General’s commercial business, which was selected by Mercedes-Benz as its only contract manufacturer in the United States, producing the R-Class vehicle in Mishawaka, Indiana. The postal vehicle’s design and development will be conducted at AM General’s Center for Advanced Automotive Design in Livonia, Michigan. The contract award from the Postal Service is part of the USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle program, under which several prototype designs will be designed, built and tested over an 18-month period. Production requirements and future vehicle replacement award(s) will be determined by the Postal Service after NGDV Prototype testing.

Timeless Kustoms will unveil its latest build, “Vicious,” a twin-charged ’65 Mustang in MagnaFlow’s 2016 SEMA Show booth (#23543).

Timeless Kustoms to Unveil 1,000-hp, Twin-Charged “Vicious” ’65 Mustang in MagnaFlow Booth

Timeless Kustoms will unveil its latest build, “Vicious,” a twin-charged ’65 Mustang in MagnaFlow’s 2016 SEMA Show booth (#23543), Tuesday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m. Highlights include an Art Morrison Chassis, Ford Performance Aluminator powerplant, custom Magnaflow Exhaust, and an EMCO Gears sequential gearbox that utilizes a Centerforce DYAD clutch. Boost is provided by a Magnuson supercharger and two Precision Turbos with wheels provided by Forgeline.

RealTruck.com Announces Partnership and Sponsorship With Carson Wentz

RealTruck.com has officially announced that it will enter into a partnership with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz on his newest truck build. The company will provide all the accessories for Wentz’ new pickup. The build will be promoted on social media channels, specifically RealTruck.com’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as Carson Wentz’ own Instagram and Twitter. Follow the build via the following hashtags: #WentzMobile, #WentzBuild, #TheWentzTruck and #RealTruck.

PPG Again Exclusive Paint Sponsor of FenderBender Live at the SEMA Show

For the sixth consecutive year, PPG is the exclusive paint sponsor of FenderBender Live—FenderBender magazine’s website for 2016 SEMA Show coverage. FenderBender Live provides comprehensive reporting of this year’s SEMA Show, which runs November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Running concurrently with the SEMA Show, FenderBender Live’s coverage will include news items, interviews with key industry professionals, celebrities, exhibitors and staff, and photos from the event floor. Industry professionals are invited to visit the FenderBender Live website to sign up for daily email recaps that will be available through FenderBender Live’s free newsletter; website content will also be updated continuously.

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.

The 2016 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. Online registration for the Show, available now through October 14, is $40.

The 2015 SEMA Show gathered more than 170,000 individuals together to do business. The annual Show features manufacturers representing all segments of the industry highlighting their latest product innovations—from wheels, tires, mobile electronics, restyling kits and paint, to exhaust kits, engine upgrades, suspension components, interior products and much more.