Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’20 RAM 2500 (Tradesman) in its most revealing camo to date.

The current RAM HDs are getting long in the tooth, having been on sale since 2010 and only receiving a minor facelift in 2014 (lights, grille, updated interior). The new HD trucks look to fall in line with the recently debuted 1500, and in the process, ditch the crosshair grille (which will only live on via the Charger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan)—a hallmark of the truck since the mid-’80s.

Other exterior styling runs parallel to the 1500, but in a more muscular fashion. Inside, the RAM HD mimics the 1500 with thoughtful design and premium materials. Tech should come from the Uconnect 4, with or without navigation, with an 8.4-in. screen and the optional Uconnect 4C NAV infotainment system with the massive portrait-oriented 12-in. touchscreen center console display.

Current power is derived from three engines—A 383hp 5.7L V8 with a compressed natural gas option, a 410hp 6.4L V8 and a 6.7L turbodiesel inline-six—available in three tunes: 350 hp with 660 lb.-ft., 370 hp with 800 lb.-ft., and 385 hp with 930 lb.-ft. torque rating. The 5.7L and 6.4L are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the three versions of 6.7L can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Expect the 6.7 to get an additional power bump in hopes of one-upping the F-350 and Silverado 3500, which currently feature more horsepower and similar torque.

The next RAM HD is slated to move its production location from Saltillo, Mexico, to Warren, Michigan, in 2020, in time for the next-generation heavy-duty’s start of production. Expect an official debut sometime in 2019, with Detroit being an obvious choice.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Kristopher Porter

Tara Hitzig

Just a week after the 2018 SEMA Show, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced that the November #SheIsSEMA member spotlight is dedicated to Tara Hitzig from Automobile Driving Museum. Take a look at her Q&A with the SEMA SBN below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Tara Hitzig: Always do your best, never make assumptions, don't take anything personally and be impeccable with your word.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TH: The people and the community. The good people I meet every day who love cars and love people more!

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

TH: At either a car show at the museum or watching my son’s travel hockey games.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

TH: Hoping it makes me smile when it’s done.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

TH: Alice Huyler Ramsey—the first woman to drive across America.

If you or an SBN member you know deserves to be recognized in a #SheIsSEMA Spotlight, fill out this form to be considered for a feature. Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Kristopher Porter

Tara Hitzig

Just a week after the 2018 SEMA Show, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has announced that the November #SheIsSEMA member spotlight is dedicated to Tara Hitzig from Automobile Driving Museum. Take a look at her Q&A with the SEMA SBN below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Tara Hitzig: Always do your best, never make assumptions, don't take anything personally and be impeccable with your word.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

TH: The people and the community. The good people I meet every day who love cars and love people more!

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

TH: At either a car show at the museum or watching my son’s travel hockey games.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

TH: Hoping it makes me smile when it’s done.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

TH: Alice Huyler Ramsey—the first woman to drive across America.

If you or an SBN member you know deserves to be recognized in a #SheIsSEMA Spotlight, fill out this form to be considered for a feature. Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Scott Peterson

Scott Peterson Named President and COO of Summit Racing Equipment

Summit Racing Equipment has announced that Scott Peterson has been named president and chief operating officer of the company, effective January 1, 2019. Peterson succeeds longtime President Ray Tatko, who is retiring at the end of 2018. Tatko will remain on Summit Racing Equipment’s board of directors, and act as an advisor to company officers. Peterson was hired in 1995 as Summit Racing’s operations manager. He was instrumental in improving the efficiency of the company’s order-fulfillment center, leading to quicker shipping times and order accuracy for its customers even as order volume increased. He was promoted to general manager in 2008. Prior to joining Summit Racing Equipment, Peterson’s professional career included serving as a Marine Corps officer and various management positions with Gander Mountain and FTD.

Philip Warmbier

Chicago Pneumatic Hires Philip Warmbier as Business Line Manager

Chicago Pneumatic has announced that Philip Warmbier has joined the team as business line manager in the company’s Rock Hill, South Carolina, headquarters. Warmbier will direct the Chicago Pneumatic sales teams in the North American territory, which includes the United States, Canada and Mexico. The team services industrial and vehicle service clients.

Directed Canada Announces New Headquarters

Directed has announced that it has relocated its Canadian headquarters to a new facility at 2113 32nd Ave., in Lachine, Quebec, to accommodate expanded company growth. The building will house Directed’s global product development and Canadian sales, distribution and administrative functions. The facility features a modern, open office layout for better communication and collaboration among Directed’s technical and engineering teams and an expansive bay area for validation, engineering and product development.

Covercraft Industries LLC has acquired Carver Industries, a manufacturer of custom-fit and semi-custom-fit protective covers for the marine industry.

MW Co. Launches, Combines All MOMO and WELD Brands Under Single Entity

MW Co. has been launched, officially combining several aftermarket performance and racing brands under one unified, corporate identity. In 2017, Cisneros Corp., which owned the MOMO brand, purchased WELD Racing and all of its brands to combine them into what is MW Co. today. MW Co., which will stand as an independent organization, will be headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and will be led by Henrique Cisneros, who was named chairman of the board. Cisneros was integral in bringing the MOMO and WELD companies together. The formation of MW Company includes: MOMO, WELD Racing, ADV.1, Driven Motorsports, CCW Forged Performance, Reds, Forgestar, HiPer Technology and Tikore. The company will continue to operate facilities in Anaheim, California, Kansas City and Milan, Italy.

Covercraft Acquires Carver Industries

Covercraft Industries LLC has announced the acquisition of Carver Industries, a manufacturer of custom-fit and semi-custom-fit protective covers for the marine industry. This latest acquisition enhances Covercraft’s pattern library and expands the company’s assortment of custom-fit vehicle protective products. Carver’s products are currently available through local marine dealers and internet retailers with distribution throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. This latest acquisition places Covercraft squarely in the marine industry, leveraging the company’s expansion in the outdoor market with its previous acquisitions of ADCO, GT Covers and Marathon Seat Covers. Carver Industries is the fourth company to join Covercraft’s family of vehicle protection products since Covercraft partnered with Century Park Capital Partners in 2015.

Allen Selzler

Continental Names Allen Selzler Sales Technical Training Specialist

Continental has named Allen Selzler sales technical training specialist for Continental Automotive’s Interior Division, Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket (CVAM) Business Unit. In this role, Selzler will be responsible for the organization, coordination and execution of regional presentations and demonstrations with prospective and existing customers. In addition to planning and hosting training events, Selzler will be tasked with supporting sales team personnel, establishing sales leads generated from training sessions, developing installation instructions, and building and maintaining customer relationships. Prior to joining CVAM, Selzler worked for Continental Tires of the Americas, as territory sales manager for Commercial Vehicle Tires (CVT) Business Unit from 2013–2018. In this role, Selzler developed business partnerships with key customer accounts and coordinated sales and training events at the regional level. He also developed training for customer and dealer personnel and conducted one-on-one training on product, selling and inventory management.

Lucas Oil Center to Provide Free Car Washes for Veterans and Service Personnel Through “Grave for Vets”

This Veteran’s Day, Evansville, Indiana-area veterans and service personnel can have their vehicles washed for free at Lucas Oil Center on N. Green River Rd. through the “Grace for Vets” program—a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor those who have or are currently serving their country by providing free car washes to all service personnel. This is the fifth consecutive year that Lucas Oil Center in Evansville is partnering with Grace for Vets to bring this program to local veterans and service personnel. Area veterans and service members will receive one free “Express Works” car wash November 11, from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., with a valid Veterans Administration or military ID.

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.

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The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.