RealTruck Hires Tom Luttrell as Chief Information Officer

RealTruck has hired Tom Luttrell as its new chief information officer. Luttrell will be responsible for advancing the company’s information technology infrastructure to improve business capabilities at RealTruck, formerly Truck Hero Inc.

Luttrell brings substantial business and technology experience from a variety of previous roles, most recently as the senior vice president of information technology at Shiloh Industries, where he focused on enterprise research planning (ERP) consolidation and the company’s move to cloud-based computing. Before Shiloh, Luttrell was the chief information officer and vice president of customer care at the Masco Cabinetry business unit of Masco Corp., and prior to that, he was with Federal-Mogul Corp. for 17 years in various leadership roles.

RealTruck recently announced its name change and rebrand with its “In The Real” campaign to motivate people to get offline and explore the outdoors.

Nitrous Supply Inc. Launches New Website

Nitrous Supply Inc. has launched its new website: www.nitrous-supply.com. The company, founded by nitrous-oxide pioneer Mike Thermos, specializes in key components, including nozzles, valves and solenoids, that can enhance the performance of any brand system.

Thermos, who has recently received a Lifetime Achievement “Wally”from NHRA for his contributions to drag racing and named to SEMA’s Motorsports Performance Manufacturer’s Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame, is universally recognized as the “Godfather of Pro Mod” for his efforts in promoting the now-popular class. He has been active in the industry for more than 45 years.

Sand Sports Super Show Scheduled for September 16-18,  Costa Mesa, California

The Sand Sports Super Show, September 16–18,  Costa Mesa, California, will feature more than 300 industry-leading exhibitors, and attendees can get up close to the latest sand rails, UTVs, ATVs, side x sides and toy haulers, and check out the accessories, new apparel and much more.

The sand sports and off-road community come together at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, and enjoy the event’s features, including a performance marketplace, side x side and ATV/UTV demos and entertainment and music at the main stage all weekend. Dozens of prizes will be given out to lucky attendees, including the American Sand Association's (ASA) raffle of a Polaris RZR, and a Genesis Overnighter trailer. More event information is available at www.SandSportsSuperShow.com.

Cooper Standard Announces Joint Development Agreement of Innovative Dynamic Fluid Control Technology for EVs

Cooper Standard announced a joint development agreement with Industrie Saleri Italo S.p.A. (Saleri) to create a family of high-performance, coolant-fluid management devices for the electric vehicle market (EV). According to the companies, the new products combine the functionality of pumps with advanced fluid control, routing and connection technologies into single devices, enabling simplified EV architectures and improved performance and range. The devices provide flexibility in vehicle designs and can be integrated easily into existing systems and across vehicle platforms.

S&S Truck Parts LLC With Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc. Announce Merger

S&S Truck Parts LLC (S&S) and Midwest Truck & Auto Parts Inc. (Midwest) announced that the merger of the two companies is complete, creating an alliance between two best-in-class independent Truck Parts Distributors. The combination nearly doubles their collective business and forms a more diversified and scaled platform in the truck aftermarket space with the ability to source and offer a wider selection of high-quality products to customers.

The transaction unites two aftermarket organizations with more than 70 years of service to their communities and shared commitments to quality, service, and value. According to the newly combined company, an increased scale and an expanded geographic footprint will help its customers navigate a complex and challenged global supply chain, increasing available inventory and enabling faster delivery of products. In March of 2022, S&S Truck Parts was purchased by Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm.

Mullen Announces Andre Hudson as Vice President of Design

Mullen Automotive Inc., an emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced the addition of Andre Hudson as its vice president of design. Prior to joining Mullen Automotive, Hudson was the head of product design at IndiEV. During his 25-year career, Hudson has worked for General Motors Co., Hyundai, and Icona Design.

“We are fortunate to have Andre on board. He will play a key role in working with various teams to develop the aesthetics of the Mullen product portfolio,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive.

Speedway Motorsports Promotes Ramage, Hires Faber to Executive Leadership Positions

Speedway Motorsports—the marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment—has announced Texas Motor Speedway General Manager Rob Ramage has been promoted to Speedway Motorsports’ senior vice president of government relations and deputy counsel. Replacing Ramage will be veteran AEG executive Mark Faber, who joins TMS after serving as senior vice president of global partnerships at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ramage’s promotion takes place immediately, and he will continue to serve as general manager at TMS until Faber assumes the position on August 22.

Ramage has worked for Speedway Motorsports since 2013,  serving first as general counsel & director of governmental affairs and senior vice president of finance & compliance at TMS. Prior, he practiced law in Dallas, focusing on complex litigation, intellectual property and business transactions.

Faber joins Speedway Motorsports after spending the last 17 years with AEG, the sports and live entertainment company. During his tenure, he consulted on sponsorships and premium seating renovations for Daytona International Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway.

Lincoln Electric Announces New Role For Peter M. Pletcher

Lincoln Electric Holdings—based in Cleveland—has announced that Senior Vice President, President International Peter M. Pletcher will oversee the company’s businesses in the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific regions. This is in addition to his current responsibility for operations in Europe, Turkey and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

Pletcher succeeds Steve Hedlund, who was recently promoted to executive vice president, chief operating officer. Pletcher will lead the International Welding segment’s “Higher Standard 2025 Strategy” initiatives in an effort to accelerate growth and improve margin and return performance. He will report to Steve Hedlund and will continue to serve as a member of Lincoln Electric’s Management Committee. Pletcher joined Lincoln Electric in 1995 and has held leadership positions in sales, applications engineering, marketing, product development and operations.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the all-electric ’22 Ford E-Transit, September 26–30, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with Ford’s first all-electric E-Transit van.

Features on the new E-Transit will include:

• 350 cargo model
• High roof
• one-speed transmission
• 148-in. wheelbase

This will be an in-person event. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, scheduled appointments will be required. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited.

Register now.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named Jared Chavez, director of brand development at PROJECT X Offroad, as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer.  

Get to know Chavez in his interview with SEMA below: 

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Jared Chavez: Growing up, my family always had Ford trucks and enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle. I spent a lot of time traveling in our Ford Bronco and our F-Series trucks, all of which were customized.

When I started working in the automotive aftermarket 16 years ago, I started in the street performance side but was introduced to the off-road segment slowly but surely. Living in California, it has gotten harder and harder with emissions regulations and the stigma of car meets to enjoy the hobby or work on vehicles, but the off-road side opened up new possibilities to enjoy vehicles as intended and mix that with my love for the outdoors.

After attending some off-road events nationally, I was hooked. Both the industry and community felt a lot closer to me; it felt like it just aligned with my passions and life and combined it with my career. After that, the path felt pretty clear to me, that it was the side of the industry that I wanted to be more involved with.

Eventually, I was given the opportunity to create PROJECT X, an innovative platform for off-road lighting and accessories that would bring some much-needed fresh ideas to the industry.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?  

JC: I have volunteered on and off with SEMA for many years and formed so many great friendships and business relationships in the process. Participating with TORA has only continued to grow those opportunities by meeting people specifically in the off-road industry, both on the manufacturer and retailer side. It’s so much easier to grow your personal career and your business when you are able to reach out and work directly with people who you have made relationships with through TORA.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

JC: Network often! Be involved in the industry and events, avoid operating in a bubble. When you meet people, take the approach of “what can I do for them?” and avoid “what can they do for me?” Making relationships where people view you as an asset is incredibly important.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

JC: Having grown up in a Ford family and traveling so much in an OBS Ford Bronco, building a luxury pre-runner Bronco has been a dream of mine. I currently daily drive a ’94 Bronco that is in a full-build mode that I would aspire to be my dream vehicle in the future.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Staying in tune and ahead of trends is one of the most important things any business can do. As the hot-rod market changes and evolves through different styles, capabilities and technology, it’s critical for businesses to have in-depth, inside knowledge of what they can do to position themselves to capitalize on trends.

After an exciting year and car show season, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing together industry leaders to look back and highlight the trends that got the hot-rod market where it is today and what will be changing business, design and fabrication in the year ahead.

Taking place on September 7, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the virtual panel discussion will be led by Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs and feature panelists Jonathan Goolsby, Goolsby Customs; Stacey David, Rattletrap Productions; and Scott Parker, Power Automedia.

Participants will hear the panel’s insight on what trends led the way this past year, what they should expect to see at the 2022 SEMA Show, and what’s in store for the future of the hot-rod market.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Cars have become more complex and computer-controlled; virtually every major system in new cars is connected and because vehicle safety systems are involved, OEMS often lock down access to their computer controls, limiting the aftermarket’s access to these complex systems.

SEMA members are invited to join Chris Johnson, founder, SCT and JMS Performance Group, as he shares critical information on vehicle tuning during the live webinar “The Future of Tuning,” August 25, at 11:00 am (PDT).

Attendees will get expert insight on what the future of this segment looks like, and how innovative software companies can provide needed access to these vehicles and their computer control systems.

Register here.

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 jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Regional Sales Manager
LIQUI MOLY USA

LIQUI MOLY USA is hiring a regional sales manager responsible for sales growth, marketing efforts and business expansion. With the opportunity to work independently, you are responsible for your own success. A minimum of five years’ experience in field sales management—preferably in lubricant products or the automotive aftermarket—is required.

Automotive Editor
Power Automedia

Power Automedia is hiring an automotive editor to manage Chevy Hardcore, a leading magazine dedicated to classic Chevy cars and trucks. Responsibilities include writing and managing editorial magazine content, assignment of freelance editorial articles and news and automotive photography.

Paintless Dent Repair Expert/Writer
CarTech Inc.

CarTech Books Inc. is hiring a freelance writer/photographer to author a complete step-by-step instructional book on paintless dent repair (PDR). The company will cover training/costs and the basics of running your own PDR business. The ideal candidate will be a professional PDR instructor, someone who owns a PDR business or PDR tool manufacturer. Writing and photography skills are a plus.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) and Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members are invited to attend a cross council mixer taking place at the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) Conference in Phoenix, September 7, at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa.

The event will provide FLN and TORA members the opportunity to learn about what the council is currently working on. Attendees will engage in fun conversation, discuss new truck and off-road and industry trends and find out what volunteer opportunities are available in the industry.

If you’re an industry professional age 39 and under, or employed by a truck and off-road aftermarket company, this mixer is a great way to learn how to get involved in the many benefits that SEMA has to offer. FLN and TORA select committee leaders will be on site to answer any questions.

RSVP here.

By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is tomorrow.

The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.

Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

By SEMA Editors

The 2022 SEMA Show is about 11 weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist – Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!

The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show. 

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

• August 19 - Show Directory Listing Information Due
• September 1 - Celebrity Appearance Notification (to be included in printed Show material)
• September 2 - Booth Design Notification (Required for all exhibits 20x20 sq.-ft. or larger)
• September 2 - Multi-level Booth Design Notification (Required for all exhibits 20x20 or larger)
• September 2 - Permit Application to Clark County–Hot Works
• September 3 - Permit Application to Clark County–Spraying & Dipping
• September 2 - Permit Application to Clark County for Outside Exhibits, Tents, Staking Plans
• September 2 - Hanging Sign Design Notification Form to Show Management
• September 9 - Booth Vehicle Display Application (Vehicles displayed in booth)
• September 18 - Lead Retrieval Rental (Advance Rate)–CompuSystems
• September 16 - Sponsorship Artwork/Materials Due to Freeman
• September 22 - Freight–Freeman Warehouse–first day to accept advance freight
• September 30 - Target Move-in Date Change Request-Freeman
• September 30 - Internet/Telephone Order (Advance Rate)–Cox Business (LVCC)

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2022 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

  Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.

The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.

Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.

Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.

View the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.