By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a list of about 1,300 product categories covering nearly $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China that could be subject to a proposed 25% tariff. The product list includes chemicals, metal products, machinery, measurement and medical devices, weapons and seats for aircraft and motor vehicles. The list is subject to public comment and revision. A public hearing is scheduled for May 15 before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Parties interested in appearing at the hearing must register by April 23. Written comments are due by May 11.

The tariffs could go into effect in June or even later. The list could also be reduced if U.S./Chinese negotiators make progress on addressing trade disputes. The U.S. is pressing for more equitable tariffs and free trade and an end to practices that force companies to transfer their technology to China. The Chinese have threatened retaliatory tariffs, many of which are targeted at U.S. agricultural products. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published a list of about 1,300 product categories covering nearly $50 billion worth of U.S. imports from China that could be subject to a proposed 25% tariff. The product list includes chemicals, metal products, machinery, measurement and medical devices, weapons and seats for aircraft and motor vehicles. The list is subject to public comment and revision. A public hearing is scheduled for May 15 before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Parties interested in appearing at the hearing must register by April 23. Written comments are due by May 11.

The tariffs could go into effect in June or even later. The list could also be reduced if U.S./Chinese negotiators make progress on addressing trade disputes. The U.S. is pressing for more equitable tariffs and free trade and an end to practices that force companies to transfer their technology to China. The Chinese have threatened retaliatory tariffs, many of which are targeted at U.S. agricultural products. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Peter Coleman

Coleman Joins VP Racing Fuels as Business Development Consultant in Europe

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced that Peter Coleman of Birmingham, United Kingdom, has been named business development consultant for Europe. Coleman has extensive sales and marketing experience with the international brands STP and Armor All, and most recently as brand manager for Bridgestone.

“Horsepower Wars” 2018 Season and HorsepowerWars.com Launched

Power Automedia’s competition-based automotive show, “Horsepower Wars,” in partnership with Royal Purple, has debuted, along with the launch of its video platform HorsepowerWars.com. The “Horsepower Wars” production team has released a sizzle reel, overviewing the first season’s episodes.

• Pony Wars: Camaro vs. Mustang – A ’17 Ford Mustang GT and a ’17 Chevrolet Camaro SS go head-to-head on a dyno, road course and dragstrip, first with $5,000 to spend on bolt-ons, then with superchargers and all the teams can get their hands on for $15,000.
• $10K Drag Shootout – Teams are given $10,000 to buy, build and race a drag car in just 10 days with a plethora of surprises and challenges along the way. The score is settled at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, in September.
• Coyote vs. LS Shootout 2: Boost – “Horsepower Wars” revisits the simple, yet controversial, debut into the series, but this time with two boosted versions of each engine, $15,000 each and as much horsepower as possible.
• True Street Chassis Dyno Showdown – The rules are simple: 100-mile drive, license, registration, insurance and 100% pump gas in the tank. Three back-to-back runs with the highest average power wins.

Tom Corton

Restyling Industry Veteran Tom Corton Announces Retirement

Restyling industry veteran Tom Corton, whose automotive career spanned more than three decades, has retired from his position as sales manager for Roadwire Leather and Signature Automotive Products to pursue an active retirement, according to a recent company announcement. Corton launched his automotive career in 1984 with American Honda. He subsequently moved into the aftermarket arena, assuming the position of national sales manager for American Sunroof Corporation (ASC). Following his stint at ASC, in 2004, Corton joined the sales team at Inalfa Sunroofs, which later changed its name to Signature Automotive Products. For the past 14 years, he served as a sales manager for Signature and Roadwire Leather, both of which are Roadwire Inc. subsidiaries.

Truck Hero Inc. Announces Further Business Expansion in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the purchase of an additional office at 4670 Runway Blvd. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new location totals 60,000 sq. ft., and is located near the company’s existing facilities at 5400 Data Ct. and 5400 S. State Rd. This office will house Truck Hero’s Center of Excellence for Research, Development and Testing to support the company’s pipeline of aftermarket truck and Jeep accessories. Signature Associates was the exclusive broker for this purchase.

In-N-Out Burger and HOT ROD Celebrate 70 Years With Joint Anniversary Party

HOT ROD and In-N-Out Burger have announced a joint 70th anniversary party at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, Saturday, November 17, 2018, to celebrate 70 years since both Southern California businesses opened within 25 miles of each other. The 70th anniversary party will include an opportunity for historic vehicles to drag race, on-site In-N-Out cookout trucks, an outdoor car show featuring historic race cars, special historical exhibits and the chance to view the history of HOT ROD and meet the HOT ROD staff. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. Spectator tickets are on sale now. Advance tickets are $15, on-site tickets are $20. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Show participant pre-registration is $40, $50 on-site. Show participant plus racer is $65 for pre-registration, $75 on-site. Register now as a participant or purchase spectator tickets. For more information, visit HOT ROD’s website.

CURT Group Announces Launch of New Websites

CURT Group has launched all-new websites for three of its brands. Curtmfg.com, Ariesautomotive.com and Luvernetruck.com have been reinvented with a new mobile-responsive platform, simplified navigation and enhanced vehicle lookup. These three websites went live April 3, each one featuring improved functionality and simplified taxonomy for a more user-friendly experience. A key area of focus was CURT’s vehicle lookup tool, which features more comprehensive ACES/PIES data, making it easier for visitors to look up their vehicle by year, make and model and quickly find the parts that fit their vehicle.

Nexen Tire USA Launches All-New Education Portal

Nexen Tire USA has launched its all-new education portal, designed to elevate customer service, marketing efforts and ultimately sales. As part of Nexen’s online redesign, tire professionals will be able to read the latest Nexen brand, motorsports and overall tire industry news; complete tire training modules to improve their customer service and marketing capabilities; earn points toward purchases on the Nexen Tire Store; and access Nexen-branded gear and quarterly giveaways.

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

By Jenny Galvan

The Young Executives Network is hosting a meetup in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the automotive industry. The gathering will be held in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting, taking place at the COMP Performance Group distribution center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, April 12. The meetup starts at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the Town Hall meeting begins.

All YEN members and those interested in building industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership and SEMA staff will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

Those who will be in the greater Memphis area are invited to stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues. Appetizers and drinks will be served.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

RSVP now.

By Jenny Galvan

The Young Executives Network is hosting a meetup in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the automotive industry. The gathering will be held in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting, taking place at the COMP Performance Group distribution center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, April 12. The meetup starts at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the Town Hall meeting begins.

All YEN members and those interested in building industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership and SEMA staff will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

Those who will be in the greater Memphis area are invited to stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues. Appetizers and drinks will be served.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

RSVP now.

By Jenny Galvan

The Young Executives Network is hosting a meetup in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting.

The Young Executives Network (YEN) is hosting a meetup for local professionals under the age of 40 who work in the automotive industry. The gathering will be held in conjunction with the next SEMA Town Hall meeting, taking place at the COMP Performance Group distribution center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, April 12. The meetup starts at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the Town Hall meeting begins.

All YEN members and those interested in building industry connections are encouraged to attend. YEN leadership and SEMA staff will be present to discuss the network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

Those who will be in the greater Memphis area are invited to stop by and enjoy an evening with fellow YEN colleagues. Appetizers and drinks will be served.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

RSVP now.

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.

By SEMA Editors

Alex Carmona has been named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show.

The 2018 SEMA Show, taking place October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas, will have a new look this year featuring the artwork of Alex Carmona, who will become part of a tradition that was established by celebrated automotive artists Max Grundy and Ed Tillrock. Carmona’s art will be woven into marketing material and signage onsite and online to help heighten the energy of the SEMA Show experience by striking a chord with Showgoers at the exclusive event.

“Being named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show is overwhelming and exciting. After seeing last year the impact that art has at the SEMA Show, I’m excited to take on this challenge,” said Carmona. “I’m looking forward to showcasing my art to the thousands of buyers and exhibitors who will be in attendance.”

Show officials feature a new artist every two to three years at the SEMA Show to help mirror industry trends and innovation for attendees. The annual four-day trade-only event makes it possible for manufacturers of auto parts and accessories to connect and do business with buyers from all over the world.

“Alex Carmona’s art will help the 2018 SEMA Show experience strike a chord in the heart and soul of our industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray. “We work with elite artists from the industry to produce original and authentic artwork for the Show that will resonate with Showgoers.”

Carmona specializes in traditional printmaking and art, producing relief prints from wood or linoleum plates that he carves by hand. The 29-year-old has used this technique to produce many automotive prints during his career.

“I love to put action into my artwork and have it tell a story,” said Carmona. “I believe all good art will always be appreciated, but if I can tell a story with my art, rather than it just be a pretty car to look at, I will be able to attract more people and guide them to the different areas of the SEMA Show."

For more information about Carmona’s artwork, visit www.oldschoolalex.com or follow him on Instagram @TheRealOldSchoolAlex.

By SEMA Editors

Alex Carmona has been named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show.

The 2018 SEMA Show, taking place October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas, will have a new look this year featuring the artwork of Alex Carmona, who will become part of a tradition that was established by celebrated automotive artists Max Grundy and Ed Tillrock. Carmona’s art will be woven into marketing material and signage onsite and online to help heighten the energy of the SEMA Show experience by striking a chord with Showgoers at the exclusive event.

“Being named the artist of the 2018 SEMA Show is overwhelming and exciting. After seeing last year the impact that art has at the SEMA Show, I’m excited to take on this challenge,” said Carmona. “I’m looking forward to showcasing my art to the thousands of buyers and exhibitors who will be in attendance.”

Show officials feature a new artist every two to three years at the SEMA Show to help mirror industry trends and innovation for attendees. The annual four-day trade-only event makes it possible for manufacturers of auto parts and accessories to connect and do business with buyers from all over the world.

“Alex Carmona’s art will help the 2018 SEMA Show experience strike a chord in the heart and soul of our industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray. “We work with elite artists from the industry to produce original and authentic artwork for the Show that will resonate with Showgoers.”

Carmona specializes in traditional printmaking and art, producing relief prints from wood or linoleum plates that he carves by hand. The 29-year-old has used this technique to produce many automotive prints during his career.

“I love to put action into my artwork and have it tell a story,” said Carmona. “I believe all good art will always be appreciated, but if I can tell a story with my art, rather than it just be a pretty car to look at, I will be able to attract more people and guide them to the different areas of the SEMA Show."

For more information about Carmona’s artwork, visit www.oldschoolalex.com or follow him on Instagram @TheRealOldSchoolAlex.