By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

By SEMA Editors

Builders can enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

Builders who have a car or truck displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show can bring added exposure to their vehicles and the products that make their builds unique by entering the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition at www.semashow.com/botb.

The fifth annual contest shines a spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders who have already proven themselves by being a part of the premier automotive trade event in the world.

New for 2018 is the recognition of a winner in each of the four different categories—Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road, Sport Compact and Young Guns. In addition, SEMA has expanded the Young Guns regional program, which will award 14 builders age 27 and younger the opportunity to participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders.

This year, SEMA has partnered with AutoCon, Bonnier Corp. and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association to award a SEMA prize package at select regional car shows. Designated regional winners will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2018 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, and a designated feature spot at the 2018 SEMA Show. To find a full list of the participating regional car events, log onto www.semashow.com/botb.

“The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition allows us to showcase to the world the talented builders who display their extraordinary vehicles at the SEMA Show every year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “The Young Guns regional program enables us to bring attention to younger car builders, and this year’s expansion will provide more up-and-coming designers and builders the opportunity for national exposure.”

As in previous years, one builder will be named the contest’s overall top winner during the SEMA Show, and all competitors could be featured in a one-hour, nationwide television special that will air on the Velocity Network.

To enter or for more information on how you can showcase your car and parts through the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, log on to www.semashow.com/botb.

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.

• Advanced Clutch
• BD Diesel
• Disc Brakes Australia
• HP Tuners
• JMS Chip & Performance
• Liquid Glow
• Pro Comp Tires
• SpillVak
• TOFF Sprayed On Bedliners
• Unique Truck Accessories

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

By SEMA Editors

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

Nominations are now open for SEMA’s prestigious industry awards, to be presented at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. The awards are Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, Representative Agency of the Year, Warehouse Distributor of the Year and Gen-III Innovator of the Year. All SEMA members are invited to nominate individuals and companies who have made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market.

The 2018 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet takes place Thursday, November 1, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., at the Westgate Garden Patio & Paradise Event Center in Las Vegas.

Nominate now!

Person of the Year: The SEMA Person of the Year Award was established in 1969 to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the association and the automotive aftermarket as a whole. During the selection process, the task force takes into consideration the nominees’ service beyond their normal job functions over the past year. Full criteria is available on the SEMA Awards webpage, along with a listing of past honorees. In order to assist the Person of the Year Task Force in making its selection, a brief statement, including the nominee’s accomplishments, is required at the time of submission.

Manufacturer of the Year: The SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award has been established to honor a manufacturer for their outstanding contribution to the industry during the past 12 months corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year, July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.

GEN-III Innovator of the Year: SEMA is also seeking nominations to recognize young innovators who exhibit the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders, and whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current marketplace. Qualifying nominees must be younger than 40 as of December 31, 2018.

Rep Agency of the Year: The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers’ rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months. Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and continuous training and education programs.

Warehouse Distributor of the Year: The SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

All SEMA members are invited to nominate the companies and individuals that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The SEMA awards website provides photos from previous banquets and information regarding the rich history of award winners, award criteria and how to nominate industry leaders for awards in multiple categories.

For questions regarding the SEMA Awards program, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

Attendee, exhibitor and media registration for the 2018 SEMA Show is now open.

Attendee, exhibitor and media registration for the 2018 SEMA Show is now open.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

David Ramirez

Design Engineering Inc. Appoints David Ramirez Vice President of Operations

Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) has announced David Ramirez as the company’s new vice president of operations. Ramirez joined the company in May and has more than 30 years of experience in systems management, quality control, logistics, sales and marketing, in addition to purchasing and operations. For 10 years, Ramirez worked in the wholesale sporting supply business for a Southern California distribution center, followed by seven years with Buckeye Sports Supply in Canton, Ohio. Prior to joining DEI, Ramirez worked for MAG Instruments as senior planner/plant manager before joining Edelbrock Corp. as the company’s international product manager with the primary duty to expand key product lines and improve and streamline the international sourcing process. There, he expanded brand offerings to the large retail chain stores and designed a new product line, the Edelbrock White Stripe Filter. Other key positions include serving as operations manager for Spectre Performance in Ontario, California, where one of his primary duties was to design, source, market and distribute performance products to national chains and internet retailers, and as director of sales and marketing for Specialty Products Inc. in Los Angeles.

(L–R): MTMA Promotion winner Matt MacCallum, Robert DeJarnette of Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels and Fair Isle Ford owner Peter MacDonald.

Winner Announced in Biggest MTMA Power Promotion to Date

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels has announced the winner of its latest Mickey Thompson Marketing Alliance (MTMA) Power Promotion. Matt MacCullum, parts manager at Fair Isle Ford in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, took home the ’18 Polaris RZR after his entry was drawn out of more than 500 in the sweepstakes. The giveaway was the biggest in the history of the MTMA. The Mickey Thompson MTMA program is designed to provide dealers with marketing assistance along with rewards. As an MTMA member, dealers receive cash-back rewards by purchasing Mickey Thompson or Dick Cepek tires and wheels through designated warehouse distributors and promoting Mickey Thompson and Dick Cepek in retail stores.

Tom Marx

Tom Marx to Present “Heavy Duty Mergers, Acquisitions and Ownership Changes: A Survival Guide” 
to Heavy Duty Leadership Professionals at Northwood University

For the sixth consecutive year, Tom Marx, partner, Hart Marx Advisors, will be a featured presenter at the 2018 University of the Aftermarket Heavy Duty Leadership program. Marx will provide industry leaders insight on how to successfully navigate various changes inside and outside of their businesses. He will lead a session entitled “Heavy Duty Mergers, Acquisitions and Ownership Changes: A Survival Guide” at the Sloan Family Building, headquarters for the University of the Aftermarket, on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, during the July 8–13 program. Marx’s session will examine the climate of today’s consolidating marketplace, providing young executives with the knowledge they need to face real-world scenarios. He will explore the inner-workings of M&A transactions, with a focus on the differences in valuation and multiples between public and private companies, as well as small and large companies. He will discuss trends in market dynamics that drive consolidation as well as the difference between strategic and financial buyers, looking at their metrics and motivations.

Jacki Lutz

Jacki Lutz Appointed Automotive Communications Council President

Jacki Lutz, head of global marketing and communications for Schrader Performance Sensors, will step into the role of president of the Automotive Communications Council (ACC). She has been active in ACC for four years and was involved on the events committee before serving on the board the past two years. Last year she served as vice president.

Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S Chosen as Factory Standard Tires for Mazda Motor Corp.’s Latest Model Mazda6

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. has announced that it has begun supplying Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S high-performance tires to Mazda Motor Corp. for use as factory standard tires on its latest model Mazda6, which went on sale this past spring.

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.