SEMA Member News – July/August 2016

By Katie Carson

TORA Looking Ahead: Media Preview

The TORA Media Preview provides an optimal opportunity for TORA members to connect with the media and gain added exposure for their products.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) will once again host its Media Preview at the 2016 SEMA Show. The event is designed to connect members of the media to TORA-member companies that are spotlighting new products. The event traditionally attracts more than two dozen exhibitors and is open to all members of the media. The 2016 event will be held in the Media Center, located on the Sky Bridge in the Las Vegas Convention Center on Monday, October 31. Save the date!

The alliance has looked to model its event on the successful Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council Media Trade Conference to add value to the light-truck accessory industry. Providing an opportunity to connect the TORA membership to the media in an intimate setting supports the ultimate goal of the council: to ensure the viability and longevity of this increasingly expansive and vibrant market segment.

The Media Preview is a valuable opportunity for TORA members to gain added exposure from media companies that have multiple channels that reach thousands of buyers. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring their latest and greatest products and have the benefit of discussing them one-on-one with the media. Participants will maximize their media contact lists and learn creative ways to market their products. The benefit of participating in this event before the SEMA Show opens is the ability to concentrate on properly promoting products without missing customers in the booth on the Show floor. TORA members are encouraged to register to participate in the Media Preview. Visit www.sema.org/TORA for more information.

Members of the media will gain an exclusive first look at the hottest new products to hit the light-truck accessory market one day before the SEMA Show opens. Exhibitors will have their products at the event, allowing media to touch, feel and photograph them for an enhanced experience. Key staff members will also be available to provide product details and demonstrations. Media attendees are invited to maximize their SEMA Show schedules by meeting with some of the biggest names in the light-truck industry in a dedicated environment.

Builder’s Panel Debuting at SEMA Show

The Off-Road, Truck & Jeep Builder’s Panel, powered by the TORA, is making its debut on Thursday afternoon of the 2016 SEMA Show. Through a series of discussion topics, leading truck and Jeep builders will be addressing the challenges in the vehicle-building community and providing advice for becoming a successful builder. Some of the questions the presenters will address include:

• What does it take to be a successful vehicle builder?
• How do you differentiate yourself?
• How do you grow your reputation as a top-tier builder?
• What are the pitfalls?
• Who do you partner with?

Pinewood Drag Races

The Pinewood Drag Races are held annually at the TORA reception during the SEMA Show, with proceeds benefiting the SEMA Cares children’s charities.

The TORA is a strong supporter of the Pinewood Drag Races benefiting the SEMA Cares children’s charities. The Pinewood drag races, entering their ninth year, have raised more than $300,000 in charitable donations to date. Each year, SEMA opens up sponsorship opportunities that include providing a pinewood kit to a child from Childhelp or Victory Junction to build and decorate, choosing to add modifications to a pre-built basic pinewood, or creating a custom pinewood using at least one component from the kit.

The Pinewood races are held annually in conjunction with Leadership Days at the SEMA Installation Gala. The winner receives a plaque and a certificate of appreciation, along with recognition through SEMA media outlets.

The TORA also holds Pinewood Drag Races at its annual SEMA Show industry reception. For a donation to SEMA Cares, participants are able to rent a finished Pinewood car or truck to compete in the races. While the races are mostly for fun and in the spirit of giving, good-natured competition is also evident during the races.

The top three finalists of the TORA Pinewood Drag Races receive bragging rights and a trophy. The council also has pinewoods on display for purchase throughout the reception. All proceeds benefit SEMA Cares.

“Our industry has a strong sense of community, and charitable giving is the sort of community activity that joins us together,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA Cares unites the industry for a great cause.”

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Livonia, Michigan, where members and prospective members will gather at Roush Retail and Automotive Museum, Wednesday, July 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

While networking with professionals from the same geographic region, participants will learn about the association’s mission, current programs and objectives.

The interactions provided at Town Halls help members share the common business challenges they face in their markets. SEMA staff interacts with attendees to gain valuable feedback that helps identify the benefits that will enhance business operations to meet member needs.

Be sure to check out the other cities SEMA has visited across the United States during the 2016 Town Hall Meeting Series.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

Have you registered yet? SEMA invites industry professionals to its Town Hall Meeting in Livonia, Michigan, where members and prospective members will gather at Roush Retail and Automotive Museum, Wednesday, July 13, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., for an evening of networking with local industry leaders and the SEMA team.

While networking with professionals from the same geographic region, participants will learn about the association’s mission, current programs and objectives.

The interactions provided at Town Halls help members share the common business challenges they face in their markets. SEMA staff interacts with attendees to gain valuable feedback that helps identify the benefits that will enhance business operations to meet member needs.

Be sure to check out the other cities SEMA has visited across the United States during the 2016 Town Hall Meeting Series.

For more information or to register, visit SEMA’s Town Hall Meetings website or contact Andrea “AJ” Carney at 909-978-6697 or andreac@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Derive Systems Names David Griffin Calibration Engineer

Derive Systems announced that David Griffin has joined the company as Calibrations Engineer III. Griffin will support the Derive Power brands of SCT and Bully Dog, and he will report directly to Calibrations Engineer Ryan Krummick. Griffin will work to strengthen the preloaded calibrations found in SCT and Bully Dog performance tuning devices, develop value files for Derive’s 1000-plus custom tuning dealers and provide guidance in the creation of the company’s next generation calibration editor software. Prior to joining Derive Systems, Griffin worked with Navistar, Cummins, and most recently, Hennessey Performance, where he led calibrations for multiple platforms including the world-record-setting Venom GT.

Damien Harmon

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Appoints New Board Trustee

Bob Hirsch, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced that Damien Harmon, vice president of operations for Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), will join the AACF Board of Trustees. Harmon joined the company in 2014. He is responsible for strategic leadership of store operations and all general operations of the business, including service capability, customer retention, information technology and education. Prior to BSRO, Harmon was vice president of category and merchandising operations at Best Buy.

Bestop Inc. Announces Acquisition of Baja Designs

Bestop has announced that it has acquired Baja Designs (BD) of San Marcos, California. Recognized as “The Scientists of Lighting” for more than 20 years, BD engineers lighting systems to stay at the forefront of off-road racing and on- and off-road driving. The acquisition reflects Bestop’s priority of growing both organically and through acquisitions in the automotive aftermarket. The company continues to invest in brand development and aggressive product innovation, while evaluating opportunities to extend into new-product categories.

MACS member Bob Stockero (left), automotive instructor at Santa Barbara City College, was the recipient of an ArcticPRO ACX1180C courtesy of MAHLE Service Solutions. Stockero is congratulated by Chuck Kinkade, business development manager, MAHLE Service Solutions.

MAHLE Service Solutions Donates A/C Machine to Santa Barbara City College Following MACS A/C Training Event

MAHLE Service Solutions recently donated an A/C service machine to the automotive technology program at Santa Barbara City College as part of a heavy-duty A/C clinic at Miramar College in San Diego on May 21, presented by Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS). Thirty-five technicians of all ages attended the clinic, which was solely sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions. The MACS clinic included an afternoon hands-on demonstration of the MAHLE Service Solutions ArcticPRO ACX1180C by Chuck Kinkade, business development manager, MAHLE Service Solutions. In a random drawing at the conclusion of the clinic, the ACX1180C was donated to Bob Stockero—an automotive technology instructor at Santa Barbara City College.

Vintage Air Taps Kahn Media as Agency of Record

Kahn Media has announced that it has been selected as the PR and marketing agency of record for Vintage Air. The San Antonio, Texas-based company is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and helped establish the aftermarket air-conditioning market, engineering and manufacturing best-in-class HVAC systems relied upon by the best pro car builders in the world, OEM manufacturers and enthusiasts. Kahn Media will oversee public and media relations for Vintage Air and manage its product placement and promotion strategies, social media presence and its event marketing program. Kahn Media will also spearhead the construction of an all-new website for Vintage Air.

Bryan Mutchler

A.R.E. Accessories Names Bryan Mutchler New Marketing Manager

A.R.E. Accessories Inc. has promoted Bryan Mutchler to the position of marketing manager. Mutchler, who has served A.R.E. for 18 years, will be responsible for developing, overseeing and executing A.R.E.’s marketing strategy. Mutchler began his career with A.R.E. in the loading department on the midnight shift in 1998 before joining the shipping/receiving department. He worked in both customer service and the scheduling department for six additional years, learning critical facets of the company’s operations. Prior to his promotion, Mutchler was an A.R.E. regional sales manager—a position he held for 10 years.

CRP Industries Honored with 2016 “When Work Works” Award by Society For Human Resource Management

CRP Industries Inc. has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Families and Work Institute (FWI) for the 2016 When Work Works Award. The award honors companies that excel at creating effective workplaces. The When Work Works Awards were presented to 351 workplaces around the country, representing 43 states and the District of Columbia. These organizations have created effective workplaces based on six evidence-based components that are linked with positive employee and employer outcomes: autonomy; work/life fit; supervisor support for work success; satisfaction with earnings, benefits, and opportunities for advancement; opportunities for learning; and a culture of trust.

Royal Purple Selects Grand-Prize Winner of the Royal Purple Indy 500 Sweepstakes

Royal Purple has announced Kentucky native Aaron Lewis as the grand-prize winner of the Royal Purple Indy 500 Sweepstakes. Between May 5–June 1, more than 2,100 fans entered the sweepstakes for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Royal Purple racing helmet signed by famed IndyCar driver Ed Carpenter. Royal Purple designed both the racing helmet and sweepstakes in celebration of the 100th running of the Indy 500, in conjunction with its sponsorship of the Ed Carpenter Racing Verizon IndyCar Series team. The winner of the sweepstakes was selected at random upon the closing of the entry period on June 1.

Curt Manufacturing accepted the Partnership Award and Ambassador Award at the AAM Group Vendor Showcase.

CURT Manufacturing Wins Partnership Award by AAM Group

CURT Manufacturing LLC has accepted two significant awards at The AAM Group Vendor Showcase in 2016—The Partnership Award and the Ambassador Award. The Ambassador Award is given to an individual within a manufacturing company who goes above and beyond to support the AAM membership and the goals of the AAM Group. The award was presented to Patrick Cripe, vice president of sales, aftermarket north at CURT Manufacturing, for his dedication and commitment to The AAM Group’s objectives and partnership with CURT. The manufacturer was selected because they had shown excellence across all of the key metrics created by The AAM Group, including product sales, marketing and support.

2015 Hypertherm CSR Report Shows Community Engagement Growth, Continued Progress Toward 2020 Environmental Goals

Hypertherm has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, measuring 2015 progress on Hypertherm’s social and environmental goals. The report covers three different CSR disciplines: the community, the environment and associate well being. Highlights from 2015 include an increase in hours spent volunteering, success engaging more students in STEM fields, the opening of a regional recycling center and the hosting of Hypertherm’s first-ever Supplier Sustainability Summit to discuss shared challenges and best practices.

The report, available on the company’s website, shows that 81% of Hypertherm associates volunteered in 2015 serving an average of 15.5 hours in the community. Combined, that amounts to more than 18,000 volunteer hours donated to nonprofit organizations in 15 different countries. The Hypertherm Owners’ Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) foundation meantime awarded 107 grants—20 more than in 2014—in support of strategic focus areas, including health and wellness, food and shelter and education and the arts. Hypertherm reports reaching more than 7,000 students through its support of STEM programs.

As 2015 marked the halfway point toward Hypertherm’s 2020 goals, the company looked at not only year-over-year progress, but also progress in relation to its 2010 baseline year. Those numbers show a marked decline in landfill waste, from 211 tons in 2010 to 47 tons at year’s end. The company’s 2015 safety record came in at 1.9 incidents per 100 full-time associates—well below the industry average of 4.3—and the Hypertherm Associate Wellness Center is now providing primary care to 250 people—more than halfway toward a target of 400 primary care patients.

RealTruck Receives UnderCover Customer of the Year Award

RealTruck.com was recently awarded the Customer of the Year Award at UnderCover’s facilities in Rogersville, Mississippi. UnderCover President David Wells presented the annual award to two internal employees and one (external) customer. This is the seventh year Undercover has hosted the award.

In order to prevent technicians from returning good starters and alternators, MPA attaches prominent red “Call Before You Return” tags on its Pure-Energy and Quality-Built units that have to be removed before installation can proceed.

MPA Launches Industry-First Warranty-Reduction Program

To help alleviate the automotive aftermarket’s returns problem, Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has launched an industry-first warranty-reduction program for starters and alternators. Designated “Call Before You Return,” the program features a tested and proven method of reducing returns for MPA’s Pure-Energy and Quality-Built new and remanufactured starters and alternators by borrowing some of the best practices from other industries and developing them into a preventive returns procedure specifically for the aftermarket. In order to prevent technicians from returning good units, MPA attaches prominent red “Call Before You Return” tags that have to be removed before installation can proceed. If a starter or alternator appears not to be working, customers are instructed to call a dedicated, toll-free tech line rather than return the part to the reseller. The tech line is manned seven days a week by ASE-certified technicians.

Selwyn Joffe, MPA chairman, president and CEO, thinks the program could start a trend in the aftermarket because it addresses the problem proactively. “The best way to reduce returns—that siphon profitability from the entire distribution chain and, worse, destroy consumer confidence—is to prevent them in the first place. From a shop’s most practical point of view, why tie up a service bay waiting on another part when you already have a good part in hand?”

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 Washington, D.C., Staff

The future of racing remains at risk! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the position that it is illegal to make emissions system modifications to motor vehicles that are converted into racecars. This includes changes to the engine, exhaust or any other part of the emission system. There is a solution and support from your U.S. Senators is critical. S. 2659, the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016” (RPM Act) makes it clear that the Clean Air Act does not ban the modification of street vehicles for use in competition.

Please Call Your State’s U.S. Senators Immediately to Urge Them to Co-sponsor S. 2659

• The Clean Air Act excludes racecars and parts from EPA regulation. However, the EPA is trying to get around the prohibition by asserting that street vehicles can’t be modified into racecars.
• The EPA has signaled that it will target companies that sell and install race parts. This action will adversely impact the availability of racing equipment.
• S. 2659, the “RPM Act” clarifies that the Clean Air Act permits street vehicles to be converted into dedicated racecars.
• S. 2659 will allow motorsports to continue to thrive in your state and around the country.

DON’T DELAY! Please voice your support for the RPM Act immediately by calling your state’s two U.S. Senators!

U.S. Senate Contacts

*Denotes RPM Act Co-sponsor

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The future of racing remains at risk! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the position that it is illegal to make emissions system modifications to motor vehicles that are converted into racecars. This includes changes to the engine, exhaust or any other part of the emission system. There is a solution and support from your U.S. Senators is critical. S. 2659, the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2016” (RPM Act) makes it clear that the Clean Air Act does not ban the modification of street vehicles for use in competition.

Please Call Your State’s U.S. Senators Immediately to Urge Them to Co-sponsor S. 2659

• The Clean Air Act excludes racecars and parts from EPA regulation. However, the EPA is trying to get around the prohibition by asserting that street vehicles can’t be modified into racecars.
• The EPA has signaled that it will target companies that sell and install race parts. This action will adversely impact the availability of racing equipment.
• S. 2659, the “RPM Act” clarifies that the Clean Air Act permits street vehicles to be converted into dedicated racecars.
• S. 2659 will allow motorsports to continue to thrive in your state and around the country.

DON’T DELAY! Please voice your support for the RPM Act immediately by calling your state’s two U.S. Senators!

U.S. Senate Contacts

*Denotes RPM Act Co-sponsor

Spy photographers have provided photographic evidence (pictured below) that the ’18 Jeep Wrangler will still offer a six-speed manual transmission.

Rumors have been circulating that with the introduction of the thoroughly revised Wrangler, an eight-speed automatic would be the only choice for the sake of efficiency and production simplification. This is the latest evidence, however, the Jeep will still maintain a stick-shift option.

It’s also implied the ’18 Wrangler will use a different transmission than the one in the current model, with a new shifter design and reverse relocated to the upper left position.

Expect the six-speed to be available on lower Wrangler trims, and probably not with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, but only with the 3.6L V6 as it is on the current Wrangler.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Spy photographers have provided photographic evidence (pictured below) that the ’18 Jeep Wrangler will still offer a six-speed manual transmission.

Rumors have been circulating that with the introduction of the thoroughly revised Wrangler, an eight-speed automatic would be the only choice for the sake of efficiency and production simplification. This is the latest evidence, however, the Jeep will still maintain a stick-shift option.

It’s also implied the ’18 Wrangler will use a different transmission than the one in the current model, with a new shifter design and reverse relocated to the upper left position.

Expect the six-speed to be available on lower Wrangler trims, and probably not with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, but only with the 3.6L V6 as it is on the current Wrangler.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Spy photographers have provided photographic evidence (pictured below) that the ’18 Jeep Wrangler will still offer a six-speed manual transmission.

Rumors have been circulating that with the introduction of the thoroughly revised Wrangler, an eight-speed automatic would be the only choice for the sake of efficiency and production simplification. This is the latest evidence, however, the Jeep will still maintain a stick-shift option.

It’s also implied the ’18 Wrangler will use a different transmission than the one in the current model, with a new shifter design and reverse relocated to the upper left position.

Expect the six-speed to be available on lower Wrangler trims, and probably not with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, but only with the 3.6L V6 as it is on the current Wrangler.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Spy photographers have provided photographic evidence (pictured below) that the ’18 Jeep Wrangler will still offer a six-speed manual transmission.

Rumors have been circulating that with the introduction of the thoroughly revised Wrangler, an eight-speed automatic would be the only choice for the sake of efficiency and production simplification. This is the latest evidence, however, the Jeep will still maintain a stick-shift option.

It’s also implied the ’18 Wrangler will use a different transmission than the one in the current model, with a new shifter design and reverse relocated to the upper left position.

Expect the six-speed to be available on lower Wrangler trims, and probably not with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, but only with the 3.6L V6 as it is on the current Wrangler.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde