Eight years is a pretty extended period of time for a car to remain in production without significant modification, so Volvo is working assiduously on a brand-new generation of the compact crossover. These photos captured it testing in its home territory of northern Sweden.

Even though it was drenched in body armor to protect its design from prying eyes, part of the headlights and the vertical taillights can be clearly seen, and the overall shape is reminiscent of a shrunken Volvo XC90.

Insiders state that the interior will closely resemble the one from the XC90. The upright center console display is said to be almost identical to that of the XC90 and S90.

Technology-wise, the all-new XC60 is likely to become one of the safest cars in its segment due to to an array of active safety features comprising the acclaimed IntelliSafe. Not yet confirmed, it’s believed that the model will be able to drive itself in city traffic at certain speeds.

Since it will be based on the same Scalable Product Architectureb (SPA) platform as the latest XC90 and the S90, the engine lineup will consist of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines exclusively. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, while the most powerful model should push around 400 hp after in-house tuning firm Polestar gets its hands on it.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Eight years is a pretty extended period of time for a car to remain in production without significant modification, so Volvo is working assiduously on a brand-new generation of the compact crossover. These photos captured it testing in its home territory of northern Sweden.

Even though it was drenched in body armor to protect its design from prying eyes, part of the headlights and the vertical taillights can be clearly seen, and the overall shape is reminiscent of a shrunken Volvo XC90.

Insiders state that the interior will closely resemble the one from the XC90. The upright center console display is said to be almost identical to that of the XC90 and S90.

Technology-wise, the all-new XC60 is likely to become one of the safest cars in its segment due to to an array of active safety features comprising the acclaimed IntelliSafe. Not yet confirmed, it’s believed that the model will be able to drive itself in city traffic at certain speeds.

Since it will be based on the same Scalable Product Architectureb (SPA) platform as the latest XC90 and the S90, the engine lineup will consist of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines exclusively. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, while the most powerful model should push around 400 hp after in-house tuning firm Polestar gets its hands on it.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Eight years is a pretty extended period of time for a car to remain in production without significant modification, so Volvo is working assiduously on a brand-new generation of the compact crossover. These photos captured it testing in its home territory of northern Sweden.

Even though it was drenched in body armor to protect its design from prying eyes, part of the headlights and the vertical taillights can be clearly seen, and the overall shape is reminiscent of a shrunken Volvo XC90.

Insiders state that the interior will closely resemble the one from the XC90. The upright center console display is said to be almost identical to that of the XC90 and S90.

Technology-wise, the all-new XC60 is likely to become one of the safest cars in its segment due to to an array of active safety features comprising the acclaimed IntelliSafe. Not yet confirmed, it’s believed that the model will be able to drive itself in city traffic at certain speeds.

Since it will be based on the same Scalable Product Architectureb (SPA) platform as the latest XC90 and the S90, the engine lineup will consist of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines exclusively. A plug-in hybrid version is also in the works, while the most powerful model should push around 400 hp after in-house tuning firm Polestar gets its hands on it.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Amelia Zwecher

Rick Hogan

SEMA Career Center sat down with Rick Hogan, a job seeker and an aftermarket enthusiast, to discuss his career aspirations. Following a recent feature about Hogan’s life-changing accident in 2011, in which he fell from the roof of his home in Orlando, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, SEMA eNews decided to further spotlight his extensive experience, successes and drive to stay in the aftermarket industry.

Below is an interview with Hogan that was conducted in November 2016.

SEMA eNews: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you looking to work for?

Rick Hogan: I am looking for full-time, but would consider consulting for multiple companies each taking a portion of my time. Start-up to medium is where I thrive ($0 to $20 million). But depending on the company, I would be open to any opportunity.

SEMA eNews: How adept are you at using technology to communicate?

Hogan: I am a highly trained individual and technologically savvy. I strongly believe that I am equally efficient using technology, such as video conferencing, telephone, numerous software and via e-mail.

SEMA eNews: Why should a company hire you?

Hogan: I have experience in the automotive aftermarket in sales and marketing in every channel with contacts and relationships with vice presidents of purchasing, category managers and buyers at nearly all mass merchandisers, performance warehouses, traditional warehouse distributors and automotive retailers in the United States and Canada. I understand how to build teams, generate sales and create demand through marketing, editorials and advertising.  

SEMA eNews: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

Hogan: I have a passion for all things automotive and anything with an engine. This industry is my home, my friends, and all I know.

SEMA eNews: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

Hogan: I want to work as a consultant or direct employee, ideally with a small- to medium-sized company in sales and marketing. If I could pick a direct product, it would be in the performance segment of the aftermarket.

SEMA eNews: Please provide specific stats on your sales quotas at your current/previous jobs and the plan you used to meet the quotas.

Hogan: I have sold products from window handles, door knobs, fan belts, radiator hoses, import auto parts, seat covers, floor mats, decals and spark plugs. I have used my years of relationships and built trust with key accounts and buyers to sell and promote products. I utilized relationships with public-relations contacts and editors to secure editorials and help create demand for products.  

SEMA eNews: What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Hogan: I love to take unknown products or companies to the aftermarket. I enjoy the challenge of selling products that someone else could not do.

SEMA eNews: Describe the most difficult sales call you have made.

Hogan: Wow! In almost 35 years of selling it is hard to pinpoint one particular hard sale. One that comes to mind was selling E3 Spark Plugs to CSK, now owned by O’Reilly Auto Parts. I was so persistent, the buyer said he appreciated my enthusiasm and follow up but to please back off for a while. I sold him 60 days later. We are now friends.

SEMA eNews: How do you handle the negotiation phase?

Hogan: I love face-to-face, in-person sales calls or Skype. I like for the customer to feel I am an expert in my category, my product and always have the authority to say yes or no. I want enough information about costs and pricing to make a fair, long-lasting and profitable business relationship for both parties.

For more information, please email ameliaz@sema.org. To view Hogan’s résumé, visit LinkedIn.

By Amelia Zwecher

Rick Hogan

SEMA Career Center sat down with Rick Hogan, a job seeker and an aftermarket enthusiast, to discuss his career aspirations. Following a recent feature about Hogan’s life-changing accident in 2011, in which he fell from the roof of his home in Orlando, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, SEMA eNews decided to further spotlight his extensive experience, successes and drive to stay in the aftermarket industry.

Below is an interview with Hogan that was conducted in November 2016.

SEMA eNews: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you looking to work for?

Rick Hogan: I am looking for full-time, but would consider consulting for multiple companies each taking a portion of my time. Start-up to medium is where I thrive ($0 to $20 million). But depending on the company, I would be open to any opportunity.

SEMA eNews: How adept are you at using technology to communicate?

Hogan: I am a highly trained individual and technologically savvy. I strongly believe that I am equally efficient using technology, such as video conferencing, telephone, numerous software and via e-mail.

SEMA eNews: Why should a company hire you?

Hogan: I have experience in the automotive aftermarket in sales and marketing in every channel with contacts and relationships with vice presidents of purchasing, category managers and buyers at nearly all mass merchandisers, performance warehouses, traditional warehouse distributors and automotive retailers in the United States and Canada. I understand how to build teams, generate sales and create demand through marketing, editorials and advertising.  

SEMA eNews: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

Hogan: I have a passion for all things automotive and anything with an engine. This industry is my home, my friends, and all I know.

SEMA eNews: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

Hogan: I want to work as a consultant or direct employee, ideally with a small- to medium-sized company in sales and marketing. If I could pick a direct product, it would be in the performance segment of the aftermarket.

SEMA eNews: Please provide specific stats on your sales quotas at your current/previous jobs and the plan you used to meet the quotas.

Hogan: I have sold products from window handles, door knobs, fan belts, radiator hoses, import auto parts, seat covers, floor mats, decals and spark plugs. I have used my years of relationships and built trust with key accounts and buyers to sell and promote products. I utilized relationships with public-relations contacts and editors to secure editorials and help create demand for products.  

SEMA eNews: What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Hogan: I love to take unknown products or companies to the aftermarket. I enjoy the challenge of selling products that someone else could not do.

SEMA eNews: Describe the most difficult sales call you have made.

Hogan: Wow! In almost 35 years of selling it is hard to pinpoint one particular hard sale. One that comes to mind was selling E3 Spark Plugs to CSK, now owned by O’Reilly Auto Parts. I was so persistent, the buyer said he appreciated my enthusiasm and follow up but to please back off for a while. I sold him 60 days later. We are now friends.

SEMA eNews: How do you handle the negotiation phase?

Hogan: I love face-to-face, in-person sales calls or Skype. I like for the customer to feel I am an expert in my category, my product and always have the authority to say yes or no. I want enough information about costs and pricing to make a fair, long-lasting and profitable business relationship for both parties.

For more information, please email ameliaz@sema.org. To view Hogan’s résumé, visit LinkedIn.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Shelby American Inc. has appointed Gary Patterson company president, Vince LaViolette vice president of operations and Keith Criswell director of research and development.

Shelby American Announces Key Promotions, Including Gary Patterson as President

Shelby American Inc. has appointed Gary Patterson company president. In addition, Vince LaViolette was named vice president of operations, while Shelby Performance Parts (SPP) Director Keith Criswell will now also be director of research and development. Patterson has been part of the team that created every Shelby vehicle, starting with the CSX4000 continuation Cobra through the latest models built in Las Vegas. He has managed the sales team, marketing group and dealer development. He has been on product development teams, a company spokesman, driving instructor and a test driver. Patterson has served as director for numerous open road races and is a Power Pro ambassador for Optima Batteries. LaViolette has also served in a variety of roles over the past decade at Shelby American. He has served as director of production, research and development, chief designer and factory test driver. Criswell joined Shelby in 2007, and has worked his way through the organization. He managed the SPP wholesale department before being promoted to director of the division. He previously served as technical and sales supervisor for the Drake Automotive Group in Nevada.

The Network, APA Group and VIPAR Heavy Duty Announce Formation of NEXUS North America

The Automotive Distribution Network (The Network), Automotive Parts Associates (APA Group) and VIPAR Heavy Duty have announced the formation of NEXUS North America LLC. In March 2016, the three organizations announced that they joined NEXUS Automotive International SA (N!)—a global aftermarket trade group. The new NEXUS North America entity serves as the exclusive partner for N! in North America. The organization has offices located in Germantown, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; and Crystal Lake, Illinois. Officers of the organization are David Prater (The Network), president; Chris Baer (VIPAR Heavy Duty), vice president; Gary Martin (APA Group), secretary; and Beth San Filippo (VIPAR Heavy Duty), treasurer. NEXUS North America provides a forum for the three groups to share ideas, knowledge and strategies to best meet the needs of customers ranging from light-passenger through heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The partnership also enables each group to collaborate on a deeper level to address mutual opportunities and challenges while serving their respective market segments. Areas of concentration for the group include PDC opportunities, technology sharing and solutions, national fleets and global supplier relationships. NEXUS North America will hold “Connecting Days,” 21–24, 2017 in Atlanta. The event will allow the group to meet with global supplier partners and prospective partners to further strengthen relationships.

A black ’53 Studebaker customized and painted by Alan Johnson and his team at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop was named the 2016 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year.

Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year Award Won by PPG-Painted Studebaker

A black ’53 Studebaker was named the 2016 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. The car was customized and painted by Alan Johnson and his team at Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop in Gadsden, Alabama, using PPG refinish products. The award was presented November 19 at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 19th annual Southwest Nationals at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The Studebaker, owned by Paul and Betty Gilliam of Birmingham, Alabama, was selected out of a competitive field of seven custom rod finalists from regional Goodguys events held throughout the past year. Custom rods from ’49–’72 were eligible to enter the contest.

ADAC Automotive Announces New Vice President of Engineering

Tier-one automotive supplier ADAC Automotive has hired Gene Hawkins as vice president of engineering. In his new role, Hawkins will lead product design, product development, program management and research and development for ADAC Automotive and will serve as a member of the executive team. Hawkins brings more than 33 years of business, executive and engineering leadership experience from a variety of companies in automotive manufacturing. Most recently, Hawkins served as vice president of engineering with Vibracoustic in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Hawkins has also served in engineering leadership roles with Delphi Corp. and General Motors.

Dave Barbeau

Dave Barbeau Announces Retirement From TI Automotive

Capping a nearly 40-year career in the automotive aftermarket, Dave Barbeau, managing director of Global Aftermarket for Pump & Module Systems at TI Automotive, has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2016. In April 2014, Barbeau began work at TI Automotive, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s global aftermarket business. Barbeau is a former executive vice president for Marx Group Advisors (now Hart Marx Advisors) and a member of its advisory board. Before joining TI Automotive, Barbeau worked with several automotive parts companies, including Monroe Auto Equipment Company, ARA Automotive Group, APS Inc., Auto Parts Express and Delphi Automotive, where he was responsible for the Global Independent Aftermarket Business Unit. Barbeau’s career has included work as an independent consultant, providing business improvement advice to companies in the automotive aftermarket. He’s a former board member for the Automotive Sales Council, Auto Care Association, and most recently was chairman of the board of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).

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.

Media registration for the 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open.  


If you haven’t already signed up for the event taking place January 24–26, 2017, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, be sure to do so today. Register for one, two or all three days of the conference, and sit down and meet one-on-one with manufacturers that fit your editorial needs. 
 


To get the best schedule possible, be sure to register before the early registration deadline on Friday, December 16, 2016.

Media registration for the 2017 MPMC Media Trade Conference is open.  


If you haven’t already signed up for the event taking place January 24–26, 2017, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California, be sure to do so today. Register for one, two or all three days of the conference, and sit down and meet one-on-one with manufacturers that fit your editorial needs. 
 


To get the best schedule possible, be sure to register before the early registration deadline on Friday, December 16, 2016.

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening for chairman-elect, one seat in the Manufacturers category and one seat in the Distributor/Retailer 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:

• Chairman-elect
• One seat in the Manufacturers category
• One seat in the Distributor/Retailer category

Nominations for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 5, 2017. 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 & CEO

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has an opening for chairman-elect, one seat in the Manufacturers category and one seat in the Distributor/Retailer 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:

• Chairman-elect
• One seat in the Manufacturers category
• One seat in the Distributor/Retailer category

Nominations for the 2017 SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 5, 2017. 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 & CEO