Schwartz Advisors Add Dennis Walvaert and Mitch Williams
Merger and acquisitions advisory and management consulting firm Schwartz Advisors announced that it recently added two new partners, Dennis Walvaert and Mitch Williams. Walvaert and Williams will work on merger and acquisition initiatives and strategic consulting projects for the company. Walvaert recently retired as the president of the Dayco North American aftermarket division and was responsible for Dayco's Australian operations. Williams is the former president and COO of Hella Inc., where he was responsible for aftermarket activities for Hella in the United States and Canada. He also served as COO for aftermarket accessory supplier Pilot Automotive.

Total Automotive Inc. Completes 10,000-Sq.-Ft. Expansion
Total Automotive Inc. has completed a 10,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its main complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota. With the expansion, the company plans to add 12 to 15 new positions in 2012, as well as to launch a new retail www.hingekits.com website and release more than 100 new hinge repair kits before the 2012 SEMA Show.  

	Barrett-Jackson contracted collector car legend Rick Cole to serve as an automotive specialist.

Collector Car Legend Rick Cole to Help Source Consignments for Barrett-Jackson
Collector car legend Rick Cole was contracted by the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to serve as an automotive specialist. Best known as the hobby’s “Auctioneer to the Stars,” Los Angeles-based Cole will utilize his vast experience in the auction arena to help Barrett-Jackson source consignments for collector cars and add his 35-plus years of expertise and knowledge to find some of most highly collectible automobiles and automobile collections. Cole will work with Gary Bennett, vice president of consignments. Cole’s history with collector car auctions started in 1978 when he established Rick Cole Auctions. He held hundreds of successful auto auctions in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Palm Springs and even originated the first collector car auction during the famed Monterey auto week, selling more than 20,000 high-end and highly sought-after classic vehicles throughout his career.

Hastings Launches New Piston Ring Website
Hastings Manufacturing has launched a new design to its website that the company reports features a larger format and push-point boxes that are more visually appealing and easier to navigate. In addition to new dedicated sections for OEM, aftermarket and performance racing, the company has also added new applications and a new brand video, which covers the brand’s history, notable accomplishments and awards.

Ryan Payne Named VP of Marketing for Source Interlink
Ryan Payne was hired by Source Interlink Media LLC to serve as vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for streamlining the company's internal and external marketing solutions to help deliver more efficient and collaborative ideas to clients. Prior to joining Source Interlink Media, Payne most recently served as account director at Team One Advertising in El Segundo, California, where he managed the Lexus National account and was responsible for web development and collateral.

Hopkins Acquires Assets of F3 Brands
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has acquired the assets of F3 Brands, a provider of oil drains, drain pans, lifting aids and automotive ramps. F3 is the non-fuel containment business of Blitz USA. In addition to the oil-change products, Hopkins acquired the 2X4 Basics line of storage, organization and lawn and garden kits. Hopkins will maintain the manufacturing facility located in Miami, Oklahoma. The oil-change-related products will be unified under the FloTool brand name and the automotive ramps will continue to bear the RhinoRamp mark. This is the second acquisition by Hopkins in the fluid management category in the past six months. In October 2011, Hopkins acquired Mr. Funnel.

Toyo Continues Support of UFC
Toyo Tires U.S.A. Corp. will continue as the Official Tire of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for 2012. In addition to Toyo logos inside the Octagon during six UFC Pay-Per-View events and several UFC on FX and FUELTV events, Toyo will also have an increased presence on www.ufc.com and plans to further incorporate UFC and mixed martial art fighters into its marketing efforts.

	Scott Shanks and his 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible was selected the winner to drive the 2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour as a guest of Royal Purple.

Scott Shanks Wins Royal Purple High Performance Driving Experience Contest
Royal Purple announced the winner of its High Performance Experience contest. Scott Shanks and his ’70 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible was selected the winner to drive the 2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour as a guest of Royal Purple. The company reported that it received more than 340 entries for the contest on its Facebook fan page. As the winner of the Royal Purple High Performance Driving Experience Contest, Shanks will receive a Visa gift card to help defray expenses traveling on the tour, paid registration fees for the tour, VIP parking, a spot in the Royal Purple booth on tour and a variety of Royal Purple swag.

Wisconsin Repeals Automotive Refrigerant Law
IDQ Inc. announced that the company, along with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), have successfully encouraged the Wisconsin legislature and Governor Walker to pass S.B. 370, which immediately allows Wisconsin consumers to buy R-134a refrigerant products at Wisconsin retailers and save money. IDQ refrigerant products will soon be available at such Wisconsin retailers as AutoZone, Advance Auto, O’Reilly, Wal-Mart, NAPA and others. Sponsored by Senator Glenn Grothman (R) and Representative Joe Knilans (R) and backed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, IDQ’s actions negate the need for Wisconsin residents to drive to neighboring states to buy R-134a and could add an additional $6–9 million in additional annual revenue for local businesses.

	Now's your chance to nominate the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry for recognition in SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding young leaders who are less than 35 years old. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. 2012 Nominations are now closed; however, you can Nominate for 2013.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate now. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.

	Now's your chance to nominate the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry for recognition in SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry and we need your input.

We're asking for help finding young leaders who are less than 35 years old. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media or distribution.

They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. 2012 Nominations are now closed; however, you can Nominate for 2013.

Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate now. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revised the platform lift standards—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 403 and 404. The rules are intended to prevent injuries when lifting a person seated in a wheelchair or scooter or standing passengers who may be aided by a cane or walker.

The NHTSA has revised the lighting requirements for lift controls, along with the location and performance requirements. The agency has also modified the wheelchair retention device and inner roll stop tests and the lighting requirements for public-use lifts. The changes take effect October 2, 2012, although earlier compliance is permitted. 

Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revised the platform lift standards—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 403 and 404. The rules are intended to prevent injuries when lifting a person seated in a wheelchair or scooter or standing passengers who may be aided by a cane or walker.

The NHTSA has revised the lighting requirements for lift controls, along with the location and performance requirements. The agency has also modified the wheelchair retention device and inner roll stop tests and the lighting requirements for public-use lifts. The changes take effect October 2, 2012, although earlier compliance is permitted. 

Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

A bill that originally sought to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order was signed into law by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. At the request of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the scope of the legislation was limited to former military vehicles. Lawmakers eliminated several pro-hobby provisions that applied to all hobby vehicles, such as pre-’68 vehicles, imports and kit cars. While the amended bill does not solve the many problems associated with registering a hobby car in Wisconsin, the SEMA-supported bill does provide incremental improvement to the rules governing former military vehicles.  

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A bill that originally sought to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order was signed into law by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. At the request of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the scope of the legislation was limited to former military vehicles. Lawmakers eliminated several pro-hobby provisions that applied to all hobby vehicles, such as pre-’68 vehicles, imports and kit cars. While the amended bill does not solve the many problems associated with registering a hobby car in Wisconsin, the SEMA-supported bill does provide incremental improvement to the rules governing former military vehicles.  

For more information, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

	Featuring an elaborate paint job from the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro was named a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

A stunning tribal graphic paint job, with matching Foose wheels and custom flip-forward hood, was enough to make Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

Calder’s Camaro was chosen based on those and other modifications, as outlined in his web video, which has thousands of views. Calder was one of several dozen contestants who submitted videos of their current-generation vehicles in order to be considered for prizes that included credentials and amenities to attend the trade-only Show.

The contest was open to registered, street-legal customized current-generation vehicles, as outlined in the SEMA Award contender list.

The Calder Camaro’s paint job, by John Wargo at the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, has more than 28 colors, including pearl and candy colors, with snakeskin effects. The interlinked tribal graphics, which extend from exterior to the interior, took more than 189 hours to apply. Smooth to the touch, the layers of paint were clear-coated, sanded and then cleared again.

A Ground Effects custom wing, Foose wheels painted to match and billet grilles are other custom touches gracing the exterior. The hood mounts were re-engineered so the hood flips forward. A Chevy bowtie and skull are among the design elements visible among flames airbrushed onto the hood surface. 

	The hood, which re-engineered so that it flips forward, features the Chevrolet bowtie and a skull as dynamic design elements.

Street-legal performance has been added through the use of a ZEX nitrous system, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust and Brembo Brake system with drilled and slotted rotors.

The interior has received custom suede seat coverings that match the copper paint elements, which extend into the interior through the doorjambs and flow across the dash panels. Inside the trunk are two Sony 1200 amps powering a custom sound system.

The car will be in full view at the 2012 SEMA Show when it starts October 30, 2012, and owner Jerry Calder, of Lexington, South Carolina, will be in attendance. Check out the winning video.

	Featuring an elaborate paint job from the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro was named a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

A stunning tribal graphic paint job, with matching Foose wheels and custom flip-forward hood, was enough to make Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

Calder’s Camaro was chosen based on those and other modifications, as outlined in his web video, which has thousands of views. Calder was one of several dozen contestants who submitted videos of their current-generation vehicles in order to be considered for prizes that included credentials and amenities to attend the trade-only Show.

The contest was open to registered, street-legal customized current-generation vehicles, as outlined in the SEMA Award contender list.

The Calder Camaro’s paint job, by John Wargo at the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, has more than 28 colors, including pearl and candy colors, with snakeskin effects. The interlinked tribal graphics, which extend from exterior to the interior, took more than 189 hours to apply. Smooth to the touch, the layers of paint were clear-coated, sanded and then cleared again.

A Ground Effects custom wing, Foose wheels painted to match and billet grilles are other custom touches gracing the exterior. The hood mounts were re-engineered so the hood flips forward. A Chevy bowtie and skull are among the design elements visible among flames airbrushed onto the hood surface. 

	The hood, which re-engineered so that it flips forward, features the Chevrolet bowtie and a skull as dynamic design elements.

Street-legal performance has been added through the use of a ZEX nitrous system, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust and Brembo Brake system with drilled and slotted rotors.

The interior has received custom suede seat coverings that match the copper paint elements, which extend into the interior through the doorjambs and flow across the dash panels. Inside the trunk are two Sony 1200 amps powering a custom sound system.

The car will be in full view at the 2012 SEMA Show when it starts October 30, 2012, and owner Jerry Calder, of Lexington, South Carolina, will be in attendance. Check out the winning video.

	Featuring an elaborate paint job from the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro was named a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

A stunning tribal graphic paint job, with matching Foose wheels and custom flip-forward hood, was enough to make Jerry Calder’s 2011 SS Camaro a winner in the 2011 SEMA Award Consumer Challenge.

Calder’s Camaro was chosen based on those and other modifications, as outlined in his web video, which has thousands of views. Calder was one of several dozen contestants who submitted videos of their current-generation vehicles in order to be considered for prizes that included credentials and amenities to attend the trade-only Show.

The contest was open to registered, street-legal customized current-generation vehicles, as outlined in the SEMA Award contender list.

The Calder Camaro’s paint job, by John Wargo at the Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois, has more than 28 colors, including pearl and candy colors, with snakeskin effects. The interlinked tribal graphics, which extend from exterior to the interior, took more than 189 hours to apply. Smooth to the touch, the layers of paint were clear-coated, sanded and then cleared again.

A Ground Effects custom wing, Foose wheels painted to match and billet grilles are other custom touches gracing the exterior. The hood mounts were re-engineered so the hood flips forward. A Chevy bowtie and skull are among the design elements visible among flames airbrushed onto the hood surface. 

	The hood, which re-engineered so that it flips forward, features the Chevrolet bowtie and a skull as dynamic design elements.

Street-legal performance has been added through the use of a ZEX nitrous system, Flowmaster cat-back exhaust and Brembo Brake system with drilled and slotted rotors.

The interior has received custom suede seat coverings that match the copper paint elements, which extend into the interior through the doorjambs and flow across the dash panels. Inside the trunk are two Sony 1200 amps powering a custom sound system.

The car will be in full view at the 2012 SEMA Show when it starts October 30, 2012, and owner Jerry Calder, of Lexington, South Carolina, will be in attendance. Check out the winning video.