Thu, 11/19/2015 - 10:18

By Linda Spencer

global
SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 10:18

By Linda Spencer

global
SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 10:18

By Linda Spencer

global
SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 10:18

By Linda Spencer

global
SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux.

All SEMA-member manufacturers are invited to the SEMA Garage the week of December 14 to measure the ’16 double-cab 4x4 Toyota HiLux. There are no fees to participate. This is the fifth vehicle SEMA has purchased to provide members with access to hard-to-obtain vehicles that are popularly customized globally but not sold in the United States. One of the most iconic Toyota vehicles, the HiLux has sold more than 16 million units in more than 180 countries and regions since the first-generation model launched in 1968, and is now in its eight reiteration.

The available truck was built in Thailand and purchased from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is spec'd with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol four-cylinder VVT-i engine.

Participants will also be able to measure/conduct fitness checks on two additional global vehicles—a ’14 UAZ Hunter and 4x4 double-cab ’14 Mitsubishi L200. Register now

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:59

By Linda Spencer

mideast
“The 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering at last year’s event. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are once again partnering to bring U.S. companies to the Middle East for the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

Enthusiasts in this region are well known for their appreciation of fast cars, off-roading and customization. Come and show off your cool U.S. specialty products on this four-day trip, which includes a turnkey booth and the opportunity to visit local specialty shops and examine and measure vehicles popularly customized in the region but not sold in the United States. The one low rate is subsidized for qualified companies and includes four nights’ hotel accomodations, all meals and networking events.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report to find out who exhibited. Program details are available online.

Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:59

By Linda Spencer

mideast
“The 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering at last year’s event. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are once again partnering to bring U.S. companies to the Middle East for the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

Enthusiasts in this region are well known for their appreciation of fast cars, off-roading and customization. Come and show off your cool U.S. specialty products on this four-day trip, which includes a turnkey booth and the opportunity to visit local specialty shops and examine and measure vehicles popularly customized in the region but not sold in the United States. The one low rate is subsidized for qualified companies and includes four nights’ hotel accomodations, all meals and networking events.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report to find out who exhibited. Program details are available online.

Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:59

By Linda Spencer

mideast
“The 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering at last year’s event. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are once again partnering to bring U.S. companies to the Middle East for the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

Enthusiasts in this region are well known for their appreciation of fast cars, off-roading and customization. Come and show off your cool U.S. specialty products on this four-day trip, which includes a turnkey booth and the opportunity to visit local specialty shops and examine and measure vehicles popularly customized in the region but not sold in the United States. The one low rate is subsidized for qualified companies and includes four nights’ hotel accomodations, all meals and networking events.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report to find out who exhibited. Program details are available online.

Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:59

By Linda Spencer

mideast
“The 2015 SEMA Middle East Business Conference was a perfect opportunity for us as a new entrant to the Middle Eastern market,” said Michael Sampson (left), director of operations and foreign sales for Rock-Slide Engineering at last year’s event. “Attending the SEMA Middle East Business Conference allowed us to find our first customers and begin what should be a long and profitable relationship in the Middle East for Rock-Slide Engineering.”

SEMA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are once again partnering to bring U.S. companies to the Middle East for the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 29–April 2, 2016.

Enthusiasts in this region are well known for their appreciation of fast cars, off-roading and customization. Come and show off your cool U.S. specialty products on this four-day trip, which includes a turnkey booth and the opportunity to visit local specialty shops and examine and measure vehicles popularly customized in the region but not sold in the United States. The one low rate is subsidized for qualified companies and includes four nights’ hotel accomodations, all meals and networking events.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report to find out who exhibited. Program details are available online.

Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:53

Compiled by SEMA Editors

DECKED Hires Tim Smith as Vice President of Product Development

DECKED has announced the hiring of Tim Smith, formerly of Altair Product Design Group, as vice president of product development. Smith helped develop the DECKED Truck Bed Storage System—a product that won SEMA’s Best New Product (Truck and Van) in 2015, during his tenure at Altair as project manager and product design lead. Also known around the company as Dr. DECKED, Smith brings with him more than 35 years of experience in product and vehicle design running the gamut of systems and vehicle elements. He established and developed Altair’s Product Design Group, nurturing it over a 25-year period, while integrating a simulation-driven design philosophy, which is how he was introduced to DECKED.

young
Christina Young

Christina Young Joins The Marx Group as New Marketing Coordinator

Christina Young has become the new marketing coordinator for The Marx Group. She joins the agency after spending more than five years in marketing and account executive roles for Euro Style in San Rafael, California. In her new role, Young will assist The Marx Group in the areas of marketing, public relations, project management, qualitative and quantitative research and social media. At Euro Style, Young executed various marketing assignments, including email campaigns, newsletters, social media, press-kit creation and distribution and creating advertisements for digital and print publications. In addition, she was involved in event coordination for the company’s quarterly trade shows.

4 Wheel Parts Acquires Newest Location in Virginia Beach

4 Wheel Parts has announced its most recent retail store acquisition in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The location, formerly Atlantic AutoSports, will bring the total number of 4 Wheel Parts showrooms to 72 as the Transamerican Auto Parts subsidiary continues its national retail expansion. 4 Wheel Parts will retain the same staff, and the location will continue to provide service and installation. Customers will have a larger selection of products to choose from. The location will also continue as an Adrian Steel dealer and installer, providing customers with “work-ready” commercial van upfits. The location has been slated for a complete renovation, which will include a state-of-the art showroom.

daimler
Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC received a 2014 Masters of Quality Supplier Award from Daimler Trucks North America.

Firestone Industrial Products Honored With Masters of Quality Award

Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (FSIP), was recently recognized with a 2014 Masters of Quality Supplier Award from Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) for its exemplary service and high-quality Airide air springs. FSIP was not only rated on its on-time delivery, pricing and quality, but also on the company’s service, warranty, and aftermarket and engineering support. This year, less than 10% of DTNA’s 1,000-plus supplier locations received the Masters of Quality award.

iSKY Taps Jason Tryfon as Executive Chairman

iSKY Inc., an automotive customer experience solutions company, has appointed Jason Tryfon as the executive chairman of the company and a director on its board of directors. He was formerly the founder and CEO of Vital Insights. This announcement comes shortly after the investment of significant resources into iSKY by its owner, Washington, D.C.-based investment holding company The Resource Group (TRG), to accelerate the growth of iSKY.

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.

Thu, 11/19/2015 - 09:44

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Account Executive
Merceli Wheels is hiring a salesperson with related wheels experience. The candidate must be reliable, hard-working, have excellent communication skills and basic knowledge of the automotive industry, and the ability to generate new customers and close sales.

Inbound Call Center Specialist
Speedway Motors Inc. is hiring an inbound call center specialist with no automotive experience needed. The successful candidate must have computer experience and be able to type 30 wpm. Previous customer service experience is a plus.

Director of Sales
RTM Productions LLC is hiring a director of sales to manage a growing sales team. The successful candidate must have strong automotive and multimedia marketing experience.

Dealer Account Manager
Bully Dog/SCT is hiring a dealer account manager responsible for managing and growing existing accounts and to engage in business development activities that identify and close on new business.