By SEMA Editors

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is working tirelessly to get the next-generation RAM to the streets, and is anticipating a sales bump from truck-hungry customers. The truck will hit the market with more of the innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase pictured may provide a preview into a vastly roomier model with more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the 2017 Pacifica minivan.

Based on the images, the new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model's technical traits, so air suspension and the RAM Boxes are expected.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel will should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which was already spied).

The RAM will be seen throughout the year, but its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is working tirelessly to get the next-generation RAM to the streets, and is anticipating a sales bump from truck-hungry customers. The truck will hit the market with more of the innovations and refinements that have helped the current truck stand out.

The wheelbase pictured may provide a preview into a vastly roomier model with more space inside for passengers and cargo. Chrysler is expected to upgrade the interior, especially on popular top-tier models, with the latest UConnect systems and other technologies previewed in the 2017 Pacifica minivan.

Based on the images, the new RAM should also have an innovative split tailgate as an option. The RAM 1500 will build on the current model's technical traits, so air suspension and the RAM Boxes are expected.

The V6 and V8 engines should carry on in the lineup, but with a few updates. The 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel will should stay put, but FCA’s ongoing problem with the EPA over diesel emissions may alter those plans. The next RAM will also gain a mild hybrid system with a 48-volt electrical system, which sounds like the perfect place to put a turbocharged four in (which was already spied).

The RAM will be seen throughout the year, but its debut will likely be the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning shortly thereafter.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Showgoers have the opportunity to share their stories on the Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live Stage at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Shell is looking for automotive personalities and enthusiasts to share their stories on the Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live stage at the 2017 SEMA Show. Exhibitors with a new state-of-the-art product, individuals with an interesting story to tell, builders with a project on display and current auto racers are all invited to take their turn on the “Pioneering Performance” stage.

If you would like to be considered, email ShellLiveStage@gmail.com by September 30, and explain why you should join Jeff Allen, host of the highly rated automotive podcast “Skidmarks Show” and previous host of CNBC’s “The Car Chasers,” on the live stage.

Last year’s attraction offered attendees incredible giveaways and sweepstakes, more than 25 adrenaline-inducing vehicles, on-stage celebrity interviews and insights on Shell’s innovation in sustainable clean energy.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for complete information on the 2017 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Showgoers have the opportunity to share their stories on the Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live Stage at the 2017 SEMA Show.

Shell is looking for automotive personalities and enthusiasts to share their stories on the Shell “Pioneering Performance” Live stage at the 2017 SEMA Show. Exhibitors with a new state-of-the-art product, individuals with an interesting story to tell, builders with a project on display and current auto racers are all invited to take their turn on the “Pioneering Performance” stage.

If you would like to be considered, email ShellLiveStage@gmail.com by September 30, and explain why you should join Jeff Allen, host of the highly rated automotive podcast “Skidmarks Show” and previous host of CNBC’s “The Car Chasers,” on the live stage.

Last year’s attraction offered attendees incredible giveaways and sweepstakes, more than 25 adrenaline-inducing vehicles, on-stage celebrity interviews and insights on Shell’s innovation in sustainable clean energy.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for complete information on the 2017 SEMA Show.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Transamerican Wholesale Announces Truck Giveaway Winner

This brand-new ’17 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was the grand prize in the Transamerican Wholesale’s latest truck giveaway.

Transamerican Wholesale announced that Jason Brown, owner of Jays Tires in Turlock, California, is the winner of a brand-new ’17 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which was the grand prize in the company’s latest truck giveaway. The truck build includes Rancho suspension with a Ride Rite leveling kit, Westin front and rear bumpers and side steps, American Force wheels, Toyo Tires, Smittybilt bed cover, Warn winch, Bushwacker fender flares, WeatherTech floor liners, Flowmaster exhaust and G2 differential cover. Brown was one of six finalists.

The winner of the Toyo Tires Climbkhana Sweepstakes will receive round-trip air transportation or other alternative method for two to Los Angeles, along with hotel accommodations and tickets for two to meet Ken Block at the Petersen Automotive Museum, September 24, 2017.

Toyo Tires Announces the Climbkhana Sweepstakes

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has announced the Toyo Tires Climbkhana Sweepstakes, ending August 31, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Enter for a chance to win at www.petersen.org/climbkhana. The winner will receive round-trip air transportation or other alternative method for two to Los Angeles, along with hotel accommodations and tickets for two to meet Ken Block at the Petersen Automotive Museum, September 24, 2017. The winner and guest will attend an exclusive event, supported by Microsoft and Hoonigan, at the Petersen to watch the world premiere of Climbkhana—a video starring Block piloting his “Hoonicorn RTR V2” Ford Mustang up Colorado’s 14,115-ft. Pike’s Peak.

Hunter Engineering’s new Hunter.com wins Platinum dotCOMM Award

Hunter Engineering has announced that the newly redesigned Hunter.com has been awarded a Platinum dotCOMM award in the Business to Business Website category. dotCOMM Awards is an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication. The Platinum dotCOMM Award is the highest level given to an organization and represents excellence in web communication, creativity, content and design. The new Hunter.com places better emphasis on Hunter’s local teams and products. Each product page on the new Hunter.com also features three times more product information than the previous Hunter.com, allowing shop owners to make more informed decisions when researching equipment.

ACAT Global LLC Michigan Location Granted CARB Approval

Advanced Clean Air Technologies (ACAT) Global LLC has announced that its Charlevoix, Michigan, location has been approved, effective May 30, 2017, by the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (CARB) to become a canner for aftermarket catalytic converters in California with a CARB-approved catalyst supplier (using ceramic and metallic substrates). ACAT Global LLC can now submit exemption applications, subject to compliance with California Evaluation Procedures for New Aftermarket Catalytic Converters, to CARB for aftermarket catalytic converters.

Dan Strezo Appointed RealTruck Vice President of Merchandising

RealTruck has undertaken an organizational restructure that aligns departments and leaders more closely with company objectives to optimize performance. A key change, which goes into effect immediately, is the appointment of Dan Strezo as vice president of the merchandising department. An industry veteran with 27 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry and 13 years in online retail, Strezo will oversee category managers, brand managers, vendor relations and research and development in his new position.

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 SEMA Editors

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

Exhibitors that are participating in the 2017 SEMA Show and the 2017 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis, where it will arrive on or before December 1.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.    

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. More information about the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2017 PRI Trade Show takes place Thursday–Saturday, December 7–9, in Indianapolis. For more information about the 2017 PRI Trade Show, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

By SEMA Editors

The Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors.

Exhibitors that are participating in the 2017 SEMA Show and the 2017 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show can take advantage of a special shipping offer through the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, which saves companies money by consolidating shipments with other exhibitors. The caravan will carry freight from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Fern Expositions Advance Warehouse in Indianapolis, where it will arrive on or before December 1.

For added convenience, exhibitors can call 800-995-3579 to schedule in advance, or make arrangements at the SEMA Show through the Freeman transportation team, who are also available to assist with any shipping needs.

For more information about the Freeman Exhibit Transportation Caravan, email exhibit.transportation@freeman.com.    

The 2017 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3, in Las Vegas. More information about the 2017 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2017 PRI Trade Show takes place Thursday–Saturday, December 7–9, in Indianapolis. For more information about the 2017 PRI Trade Show, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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 classifieds posted to the website.

Manufacturer Sales Representative: Position available in California for a manufacturer sales representative. We are a long-standing sales firm specializing in the performance and off-road aftermarket. Applicant must have prior automotive/aftermarket experience. The position will include some travel within the territory (approximately one week of overnights per month), and some travel outside of the territory for trade shows or special events. Territory will include the entire state. Responsibilities include managing wholesale distribution, niche market and specialty accounts, and new business opportunities within the territory. Reporting is required on a weekly/monthly basis. Applicant must be self-motivated and have strong communication skills.

Aftermarket Wheel and Tire Salesperson: The Wheel Group is hiring an automotive aftermarket wheel and tire salesperson responsible for providing information regarding products, account inquiries and order status via phone or email; accept inbound calls from customers and prospects; making outgoing calls to leads received daily and following up with leads; and selling company products in accordance with company requirements and customer needs. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience, strong customer-service orientation, aftermarket wheel industry experience and must be willing to travel.

Quality Control Supervisor: Magnuson Superchargers is hiring a quality control supervisor to guide the inspection team and inspect parts to ensure quality production parts within established specifications and timeframes. Additionally, this position will be responsible for ensuring quality compliance of all parts following customer specifications and internal drawings and procedures. The ideal candidate must be able to guide a small team to achieve daily throughput of inspected supercharger parts, read and understand all precision instruments, identify good parts from bad based on inspection plan and drawings, record dimensional data clearly and for future reference and read and interpret various blueprints.

Online Category Manager: T-REX Truck Products is hiring an online category manager for all three of the company’s brands. This position requires knowledge of the automotive aftermarket online sales channel and will work with both large and small online resellers to ensure product listings are accurately represented, new products are added in a timely manner and sales promotions have full participation. The position will also manage the company websites, along with additional online sales channels. The ideal candidate will be competent in Microsoft Excel and basic office programs, not be intimidated by large data files, possess strong communication skills and be able to meet sales goals by providing excellent service and accurate information to online partners.

Sales Associate: XS Power Batteries is hiring a sales associate to manage and grow current assigned accounts while also using provided leads to bring in new business, provide unmatched customer service to every customer and training to assigned accounts and at industry trade shows as needed. This position is an integral part of the company’s sales and customer service team and will interact with customers on a daily basis. Some occasional travel is required. Candidates are required to be skilled in using Microsoft Office and the company’s integrated business software.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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 classifieds posted to the website.

Manufacturer Sales Representative: Position available in California for a manufacturer sales representative. We are a long-standing sales firm specializing in the performance and off-road aftermarket. Applicant must have prior automotive/aftermarket experience. The position will include some travel within the territory (approximately one week of overnights per month), and some travel outside of the territory for trade shows or special events. Territory will include the entire state. Responsibilities include managing wholesale distribution, niche market and specialty accounts, and new business opportunities within the territory. Reporting is required on a weekly/monthly basis. Applicant must be self-motivated and have strong communication skills.

Aftermarket Wheel and Tire Salesperson: The Wheel Group is hiring an automotive aftermarket wheel and tire salesperson responsible for providing information regarding products, account inquiries and order status via phone or email; accept inbound calls from customers and prospects; making outgoing calls to leads received daily and following up with leads; and selling company products in accordance with company requirements and customer needs. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience, strong customer-service orientation, aftermarket wheel industry experience and must be willing to travel.

Quality Control Supervisor: Magnuson Superchargers is hiring a quality control supervisor to guide the inspection team and inspect parts to ensure quality production parts within established specifications and timeframes. Additionally, this position will be responsible for ensuring quality compliance of all parts following customer specifications and internal drawings and procedures. The ideal candidate must be able to guide a small team to achieve daily throughput of inspected supercharger parts, read and understand all precision instruments, identify good parts from bad based on inspection plan and drawings, record dimensional data clearly and for future reference and read and interpret various blueprints.

Online Category Manager: T-REX Truck Products is hiring an online category manager for all three of the company’s brands. This position requires knowledge of the automotive aftermarket online sales channel and will work with both large and small online resellers to ensure product listings are accurately represented, new products are added in a timely manner and sales promotions have full participation. The position will also manage the company websites, along with additional online sales channels. The ideal candidate will be competent in Microsoft Excel and basic office programs, not be intimidated by large data files, possess strong communication skills and be able to meet sales goals by providing excellent service and accurate information to online partners.

Sales Associate: XS Power Batteries is hiring a sales associate to manage and grow current assigned accounts while also using provided leads to bring in new business, provide unmatched customer service to every customer and training to assigned accounts and at industry trade shows as needed. This position is an integral part of the company’s sales and customer service team and will interact with customers on a daily basis. Some occasional travel is required. Candidates are required to be skilled in using Microsoft Office and the company’s integrated business software.

By SEMA Editors

The online application for next year’s scholarships will be accepted November 1, 2017, through March 1, 2018.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $160,000 to 60 individuals this year, including 53 SEMA scholarships to current students and seven loan forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“This year’s pool of scholarship winners represents the diversity of interests and disciplines that the automotive industry attracts,” said SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki. “SEMA is committed to offering support to the next generation of young men and women who will drive this industry for years to come.”

More than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 1,300 deserving students since the program’s establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

The online application for next year's awards will be open November 1, 2017, through March 1, 2018.

For questions or additional information, contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at 909-978-6655 or email julietm@sema.org.

2017 SEMA Scholarship Award Winners:

• Jennifer Allen (University of Northwestern Ohio, Diesel Mechanics)
• Albert Appouh (Teachers College-Columbia University, Applied Mathematics)
• Thomas Arlotta (Marquette University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Eduard Bertalan (Spokane Community College, Automotive Technology)
• Sheldon Caldwell (Cypress College, Automotive Technology)
• Samuel Carter (Ferris State University, Automotive Engineering)
• Arthur Cartwright (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering)
• Samuel Choi (Georgia Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering)
• Savannah Class (Community College of Baltimore-Catonsville, Automotive Technology)
• Houston Comer (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sophia Dancel (Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Justin Davis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Automotive Engineering)
• Nathan Day (Baker College of Owosso, Automotive Technology)
• Luis de Casenave (University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacob Denny (Northcentral Technical College, Mechanical Engineering) *top student
• Austin Dowler (McPherson College, Automotive Restoration)
• Allison Elder (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Business Management)
• Dalton Ellis (Aims Community College, Automotive Technology)
• Almon Evans (University of Northwestern Ohio, Business Management)
• Benjamin Falconer (McPherson College, Automotive Restoration)
• Matt Fuka (University of North Dakota, Mechanical Engineering)
• Scott George (Utah Valley University, Auto Body-Collision Repair)
• Benjamin Hoertnagl-Pereira (John Hopkins University, Computer Engineering)
• Shannon Holsten (Linn State Technical College, Auto Body-Collision Repair)
• Daniel Hott (Tennessee Technological University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Adam Lecznar (Kettering University, Industrial Engineering & Design)
• Adeline Longstreth (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering)
• Gilberto Lopez (California State University-Los Angeles, Engineering Mechanics)
• Stacy Mann (Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Heather McCallay (Red Rocks Community College, Engineering)
• Summer Miller (University of North Texas, Business Management)
• Dudley Moore (University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Peter Nelson (Spokane Community College, Automotive Technology)
• Hunter Pauloski (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering)
• Masey Peone (Washington State University, Communications)
• Jeremy Peterson (University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brighid Rancour (Cleveland State University, Electrical Engineering)
• Stephen Redlack (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering)
• Asa Reini (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Chad Robbins (Saginaw Valley State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• David Robles (Cypress College, Automotive Technician)
• Joseph Rutledge Jr. (Wilkes University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kaylyn Sneathen (University of Missouri-Columbia, Information Technology)
• Spencer Steele (Bradley University, Accountancy)
• Nicole Stout (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Automotive Engineering)
• Abraham Tazi (Hillsborough Community College, Engineering)
• Taylor Toftemark (Lower Columbia College, General Studies)
• Lorenzo Vilches Jr. (Cuyamaca College, Automotive Technology)
• Brian Walker (University of Central Missouri, Mechanical Engineering)
• Keaton Weingartz (Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• William White-Griggs (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Chase Wilderman (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• George Williamson (De Anza College, Automation Technology)

2017 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners:

• Eric Burnett (Holley Performance Products, Western Kentucky University, Marketing)
• Collin Gentry (Meyer Distributing, University of Southern Indiana, Education)
• Grant Lago (Magnaflow Exhaust Products, Arizona State University, Business)
• Robert Martin (Motor State Distributing, University of Northwestern Ohio, Business Administration)
• Angel Scharklet (Holley Performance Products, University of the Cumberlands, Business Administration)
• David Schenker (Greenspeed Research, Boise State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Andrew Smallman (General Motors, Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)