Compiled by SEMA Editors

Samantha Hart

Samantha Hart Joins PRI

A part-time contractor since late August, Samantha Hart signed on full-time as PRI’s new marketing and media coordinator on November 20. Her responsibilities include managing and implementing PRI’s marketing and social-media efforts. She brings a wealth of experience to PRI having run her own social media/marketing business and managed campaigns for several high-profile consumer brands.

“ToyMakerz” Television Show Launches New Digital Experience

“ToyMakerz” has partnered with Source Digital to launch a “ToyMakerz” companion app and website that connects fans to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, specs about builds and deals. Available now in the iTunes and Android stores, the “ToyMakerz” app enables fans to interact with the cast, score exclusive deals on anything they see on the screen while they are watching the show live, and share pictures of their own rides, along with a chance for viewers’ photos of their toys to appear on the show this season. With the sync feature, the app can be used simultaneously while watching the show, to recognize specific scenes or anytime when not in sync. Viewers can engage with brands and products they see on screen by pressing “sync,” or by looking in the “Meet the ToyMakerz” section.

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper (second from left) of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017.

Lumileds Names Cody Hooper Its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year

Lumileds presented its 2017 Manufacturer’s Rep of the Year Award to Cody Hooper of Red Line Marketing & Media for the excellent sales support and customer service delivered during 2017. Hooper accepted the award on behalf of Red Line Marketing & Media, noting that the accomplishments in 2017 were the result of a solid team effort and made possible only by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. Hooper has represented Lumileds since 2015, serving the company’s traditional aftermarket distribution in the Southern California region. In addition to opening new accounts and launching local promotions, Hooper has conducted extensive fieldwork with WD sales personnel in the technician/installer channel.

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.

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the best look yet at the ’19 RAM 1500, this time revealing a lot more and showing off its production grille, headlights and taillights.

The RAM 1500 continues with the steel body, breaking from Ford’s pattern for weight savings on a fullsize truck. Apparently, FCA decided that a more traditional, predominantly steel RAM is the right path for its next-generation truck.

Other details of the RAM 1500 have been firmed up ahead of its debut next year. Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue, and will be joined by a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the ’19 Ram 1500 to appear as soon as January’s Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for two seats in the Manufacturers category, two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category and one seat in the Services category.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors. Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the SEMA Board, but oftentimes those individuals aren’t immediately apparent to the Nominating Committee when selecting the final candidates.

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position. We also ask that you include information to help the Nominating Committee know more about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements from a leadership standpoint.

For this year’s election, the following seats are open:

• Two seats in the Manufacturers category
• Two seats in the Distributors/Retailers category
• One seat in the Services category

Nominations for the 2018 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 4, 2018. Please complete and submit the nomination form, and be sure to include the qualification information noted above.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

By Jenny Galvan

Tray Smith discussed the benefits of joining the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) at the 2017 SEMA Show. As ARMO’s select committee chair-elect, Smith shed light on the purpose behind the council, along with their efforts to encourage future generations to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket and restoration industry.

ARMO is a SEMA council. Dedicated to addressing the many challenges facing this segment of the aftermarket, ARMO directs its efforts toward preserving and promoting the automotive restoration industry.

Learn more at www.SEMA.org/armo.