SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider
The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit.   The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124.   Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT
A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Getting to Know the WTC Select Committee

	David Insull, director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors.

On July 1, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) installed three newly elected select committee members, though none of them are strangers to the council.

Carl Robinson is product manager at Mickey Thompson Tires. With almost 40 years of experience in the performance aftermarket, he brings a seasoned perspective to the committee. He has been involved with WTC for six years and previously served as a select committee member.

Also returning to the select committee is David Insull, who is the director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors. Insull has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 25 years, with positions and responsibilities in sales, marketing, product development, training, management and procurement. His background encompasses retail, wholesale distribution and manufacturing, and he is also an enthusiast in both the wheel and tire segments.

Insull has remained highly involved with SEMA for more than 20 years at a level well beyond an annual SEMA Show attendee. In total, he has 15 years of service as a WTC select committee member, including serving as chair for the 2012–2013 term. Insull was a member of the original Wheel Industry Council, has been on countless task forces and committees, was involved in a number of significant SEMA and WTC projects connected to TPMS as well as the J2530 wheel-testing standard, new-vehicle technology integration, working with SAE and more. He believes that the association provides the theater for a group of like-minded individuals to come together, helping guide and ensure the future of the industry by working from a common platform on the challenges and opportunities that affect all members.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc., has been attending the WTC reception at the SEMA Show for several years. His company is a full-service advertising agency serving performance aftermarket clients with print and digital marketing campaigns. Johnson himself started creating websites for wheel companies in 1994, when the Internet first launched for the general public.

Johnson and Robinson caught up with SEMA Member News to share information about their backgrounds and goals.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Carl Robinson: To both contribute and pay back to the industry that has provided me with such great opportunities as well as being at the leading edge of new technologies emerging into the market. Having firsthand knowledge can, and has, been very critical to the development of products for late-model vehicles.

Dave Johnson: I feel that it is important to serve on the select committee because I represent and I am in tune with each of the age groups that make up the wheel and tire markets. I understand each of their needs, expectations and requirements in regard to technology, marketing and user experiences.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about WTC?

CR: First learning, then giving—to understand those things that can dramatically change the climate of our business segment with government regulations and new systems integrated into autos and light trucks.

DJ: The most exciting part of this opportunity is that I get to pay back the industry that has given me such an amazing opportunity. My entire business is a direct reflection of the wheel and tire industry.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CR: Attend the open meetings and speak openly about the issues your business faces. Also listen to the other contributors for the valuable experience they are willing to share freely.

DJ: I would recommend that they spend time talking tokey prominent players in each of the verticals. Ask them what has changed over the past 20 years and where they see this industry going.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Getting to Know the WTC Select Committee

	David Insull, director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors.

On July 1, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) installed three newly elected select committee members, though none of them are strangers to the council.

Carl Robinson is product manager at Mickey Thompson Tires. With almost 40 years of experience in the performance aftermarket, he brings a seasoned perspective to the committee. He has been involved with WTC for six years and previously served as a select committee member.

Also returning to the select committee is David Insull, who is the director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors. Insull has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 25 years, with positions and responsibilities in sales, marketing, product development, training, management and procurement. His background encompasses retail, wholesale distribution and manufacturing, and he is also an enthusiast in both the wheel and tire segments.

Insull has remained highly involved with SEMA for more than 20 years at a level well beyond an annual SEMA Show attendee. In total, he has 15 years of service as a WTC select committee member, including serving as chair for the 2012–2013 term. Insull was a member of the original Wheel Industry Council, has been on countless task forces and committees, was involved in a number of significant SEMA and WTC projects connected to TPMS as well as the J2530 wheel-testing standard, new-vehicle technology integration, working with SAE and more. He believes that the association provides the theater for a group of like-minded individuals to come together, helping guide and ensure the future of the industry by working from a common platform on the challenges and opportunities that affect all members.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc., has been attending the WTC reception at the SEMA Show for several years. His company is a full-service advertising agency serving performance aftermarket clients with print and digital marketing campaigns. Johnson himself started creating websites for wheel companies in 1994, when the Internet first launched for the general public.

Johnson and Robinson caught up with SEMA Member News to share information about their backgrounds and goals.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Carl Robinson: To both contribute and pay back to the industry that has provided me with such great opportunities as well as being at the leading edge of new technologies emerging into the market. Having firsthand knowledge can, and has, been very critical to the development of products for late-model vehicles.

Dave Johnson: I feel that it is important to serve on the select committee because I represent and I am in tune with each of the age groups that make up the wheel and tire markets. I understand each of their needs, expectations and requirements in regard to technology, marketing and user experiences.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about WTC?

CR: First learning, then giving—to understand those things that can dramatically change the climate of our business segment with government regulations and new systems integrated into autos and light trucks.

DJ: The most exciting part of this opportunity is that I get to pay back the industry that has given me such an amazing opportunity. My entire business is a direct reflection of the wheel and tire industry.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CR: Attend the open meetings and speak openly about the issues your business faces. Also listen to the other contributors for the valuable experience they are willing to share freely.

DJ: I would recommend that they spend time talking tokey prominent players in each of the verticals. Ask them what has changed over the past 20 years and where they see this industry going.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Getting to Know the WTC Select Committee

	David Insull, director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors.

On July 1, the Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) installed three newly elected select committee members, though none of them are strangers to the council.

Carl Robinson is product manager at Mickey Thompson Tires. With almost 40 years of experience in the performance aftermarket, he brings a seasoned perspective to the committee. He has been involved with WTC for six years and previously served as a select committee member.

Also returning to the select committee is David Insull, who is the director of marketing and procurement of wheels and accessories for American Tire Distributors. Insull has been in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 25 years, with positions and responsibilities in sales, marketing, product development, training, management and procurement. His background encompasses retail, wholesale distribution and manufacturing, and he is also an enthusiast in both the wheel and tire segments.

Insull has remained highly involved with SEMA for more than 20 years at a level well beyond an annual SEMA Show attendee. In total, he has 15 years of service as a WTC select committee member, including serving as chair for the 2012–2013 term. Insull was a member of the original Wheel Industry Council, has been on countless task forces and committees, was involved in a number of significant SEMA and WTC projects connected to TPMS as well as the J2530 wheel-testing standard, new-vehicle technology integration, working with SAE and more. He believes that the association provides the theater for a group of like-minded individuals to come together, helping guide and ensure the future of the industry by working from a common platform on the challenges and opportunities that affect all members.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc.

Dave Johnson, president of Icon Media Inc., has been attending the WTC reception at the SEMA Show for several years. His company is a full-service advertising agency serving performance aftermarket clients with print and digital marketing campaigns. Johnson himself started creating websites for wheel companies in 1994, when the Internet first launched for the general public.

Johnson and Robinson caught up with SEMA Member News to share information about their backgrounds and goals.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Carl Robinson: To both contribute and pay back to the industry that has provided me with such great opportunities as well as being at the leading edge of new technologies emerging into the market. Having firsthand knowledge can, and has, been very critical to the development of products for late-model vehicles.

Dave Johnson: I feel that it is important to serve on the select committee because I represent and I am in tune with each of the age groups that make up the wheel and tire markets. I understand each of their needs, expectations and requirements in regard to technology, marketing and user experiences.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about WTC?

CR: First learning, then giving—to understand those things that can dramatically change the climate of our business segment with government regulations and new systems integrated into autos and light trucks.

DJ: The most exciting part of this opportunity is that I get to pay back the industry that has given me such an amazing opportunity. My entire business is a direct reflection of the wheel and tire industry.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CR: Attend the open meetings and speak openly about the issues your business faces. Also listen to the other contributors for the valuable experience they are willing to share freely.

DJ: I would recommend that they spend time talking tokey prominent players in each of the verticals. Ask them what has changed over the past 20 years and where they see this industry going.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Members Plan for PRO’s Future at Annual Long-Range Planning Meeting

PRO members and leadership heard from SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak about the future of automotive accessories.

Each year, members and volunteer leaders of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) gather to discuss council priorities and strategic goals at an annual long-range planning meeting. This year, more than two dozen members participated in the meeting, which was held on June 18 and 19 near Detroit, Michigan.

Members spent a day reviewing council activities, learning about the future of automotive accessories technology with SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak, and working in break-out groups to set goals for future PRO initiatives. The groups identified several topics of key importance to the council, including industry-specific sales training, keeping on the cutting edge of new-vehicle technology, next-generation employment challenges and increasing the value of membership, which includes making member communications more accurate, effective and efficient.

As with any SEMA event, it wasn’t all work and no play. Members gathered for a fun and friendly dinner at the MGM Grand in downtown Detroit on Thursday evening and spent Friday morning as guests of the GM Heritage Center, exploring the amazing display. As one of the leading historical automotive collections in the world, the Heritage Center preserves and displays some of the most successful and inspirational General Motors automobiles from the beginning of the 20th Century to today.

	Attendees from PRO’s long-range planning meeting were also treated to a tour of the GM Heritage Center.

The PRO select committee will be creating task forces to examine and evaluate appropriate next steps for each project discussed in Detroit this year. If you would like to contribute to those or other council projects and activities, you are invited to reach out to the select committee leadership or SEMA staff to find out how to get more involved.

Restylers, Meet Your New Representatives

At the beginning of July, PRO welcomed aboard four new select committee members. Carol Walsh has been president of Southside Trim and Glass, a family company, for 34 years. Roger Tibbetts is vice president of sales for the United States and Canada for Husky Liners and previously served on the PRO select committee. Jeffrey Amegod is president of Pacific Dealership Services. Dino Perfetti is sales manager for Automotive Concepts.

SEMA Member News caught up with Walsh, Tibbetts and Amegod to learn more about what motivates them to serve the council.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it is important to serve on the select committee?

Roger Tibbetts: Helping our industry—and specifically the restyling industry—reach new levels of consumer awareness is a key factor. Although we all want to believe that consumers are fully aware of what is possible for their vehicle, it’s the dreamers and motivators of our industry who keep things alive. It’s up to groups like PRO to help keep consumers and dealers informed.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about the council?

Jeffrey Amegod: Being able to contribute to a much-needed avenue of growth and future success.

SMN: What are your goals, and how might your experience benefit the council?

Carol Walsh: To make sure that aftermarket companies are certified and knowledgeable about the products that are being installed in vehicles. Making sure that companies understand the liability factors of our work.

While not available for an interview, Perfetti indicated that he looks forward to the challenge of helping businesses navigate the fast-paced changes of today’s vehicle connectivity through his service to PRO. He has served his entire 29-year career in the automotive aftermarket industry and is currently leading a team of sales professionals in restyling vehicles for midwestern dealers at Automotive Concepts. Perfetti believes that staying abreast of industry changes and the continuing increase of consumer awareness is most important in today’s market, and he looks forward to assisting the council in this area.