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

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Collision Repair Instructor: VeriFacts Automotive is hiring a collision repair instructor to provide assistance to shops in understanding, following and establishing proper repair processes and procedures and train auto body technicians via in-shop demonstrations. The ideal candidate will have more than 10 years’ hands-on experience with collision repair and I-CAR or ASE certifications.

Director of Sales and Marketing: VIAIR is hiring a director of sales and marketing to manage a team of in-house sales, marketing, and customer service representatives, as well as outside sales reps, and will be accountable for meeting annual sales targets. Successful candidates should have a track record of reaching annual sales goals and developing marketing plans and strategies to support sales. This position will require a seasoned professional, with at least 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the automotive sector, specifically within the aftermarket segment, and eight years of experience leading and managing sales and marketing teams.

General Manager: Classic Auto Mall is hiring a general manager with a proven track record in the classic and antique auto world. The ideal candidate will have a complete understanding of evaluation, consignment and sales and thorough knowledge of internet marketing and a minimum of five years’ experience in classic and or antique automobile sales. Over time, this candidate will build a team of professionals.

Manufacturer’s Representative: Jim Wrobleski & Co. Inc. is hiring a manufacturer’s representative responsible for direct accounts, warehouse support, jobber sales calls and general product training. This is a newly created position.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit ETTN's website

At this year’s ETTN roundtables, attendees can talk with top industry talent and innovative minds on emerging technical trends in the motorsports industry.

ETTN to Host Motorsports Tech Roundtable at MPMC Media Trade Conference

By Kent Bradley

The Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) will host the second annual Motorsports Tech Roundtable event, January 23, at the 2017 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) in Santa Ana, California.

This year’s roundtables will offer open conversations that can impact current and future product development and testing. Attendees can talk with top industry talent and innovative minds on emerging technical trends in the motorsports industry. The roundtables will offer a chance for participants to meet with five experts to discuss a variety of topics, including:

• The Fundamental Principles of Intake Manifold Design
• Emissions Compliance for Street Performance Products
• Advancements in Product Design, From Idea to Prototype
• Current Technology Transfer Trends from Track to Street
• Obtaining Patents to Protect Motorsports Technology

The Motorsports Tech Roundtable will be held Monday, January 23, 2017, from 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Register today!

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

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Visit SBN's website.

SBN Launches “She Is” Awareness Campaign

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) launched an awareness campaign at the 2016 SEMA Show entitled “She Is.” The campaign brings awareness and highlights successful female professionals in all aspects of the automotive aftermarket industry. Share who “She Is” by using #SHEIsSEMA

Meet Lana Chrisman, executive vice president of McLeod Racing, who is one of the women featured in the video above.

SEMA eNews: What is your story? How did you get into this industry?

Lana Chrisman

Lana Chrisman: I’m a single mom with two daughters, Shelby and Amanda, and the vice president of McLeod Racing. I grew up in my family’s garage, where my father Jack Chrisman built some of drag racing’s most famous race cars, including Chrisman’s Comet, the first Nitro Blown Funny cars. In 1971, my father retired from racing and founded Jack Chrisman Enterprises. I had a front-row seat watching my dad change the course of driveline engineering from OEM to high-performance driveline components able to withstand the horsepower being created by aftermarket manufacturers across the country. My father was seriously injured when the rearend broke in the front engine dragster he was driving, nearly ending his life. Because of that incident, he dedicated himself to making sure that it didn’t happen to another driver. That motivation and focus on safety that I witnessed watching my dad build and improve the parts that racers depend on continues to influence my own commitment to manufacturing parts without compromising the safety element.

SEMA eNews: Was the automotive industry always your passion?

Chrisman: The manufacturing of high-performance products, being a part of the process from early development, testing, marketing, to finished product is exciting. However, I didn’t expect that I was going to make it my career. I worked for Chrisman Driveline Components while in high school, and in my senior year, my dad encouraged me to partner with my brother Steve on the development of a business model he and I brainstormed while bike riding. With dad’s support, we created California Gear—a mail-order parts company specializing in gears and differentials. Timing was right and the idea succeeded, but at this point, I was attending college and I didn’t see the family business in my future. The experience of starting the new company and building its structure, working with our attorneys and accountants, led me to turn my focus in college to business law. My ambition was to help people restructure and build successful businesses.

SEMA eNews: What are you most proud of?

Chrisman: Personally, I’m most proud of my children. But professionally, I am proud of my time with McLeod Racing. The growth in the last four years is remarkable, and I attribute that to our dedicated team and their personal commitment to providing the highest-quality products to our clients. California Gears was probably the most satisfying achievement because of the connection to my dad and his faith and belief in me. During my time with CalGear, I was met with daily challenges of being a female selling products typically sold by men. Numerous times, customers would request to speak with a man, only to have the phone turned back to me to close the sale. It took some time for clients to finally realize I really did know the parts and application.

SEMA eNews: What inspires you?

Chrisman: Achieving goals that appear beyond reach. It’s so satisfying to face a challenge and push through it. It must be the competitive element of my DNA.

SEMA eNews: What does SEMA/SBN/“She Is” mean to you?

Chrisman: Until I became a SEMA member and joined the SBN, I never realized the reach that SEMA had and its dedication as an organization not only to serve and protect the interests of SEMA-member companies, but also to offer tools to build and strengthen our industry. The SBN, in particular, provides women in our industry an opportunity to network, which often leads to receiving mentoring and support. The SBN gives women like myself a venue to stand together and work toward solutions to empower the next generation of women to become engineers, technicians, fabricators, etc. The “She Is” campaign, sponsored by the SBN, reaches out to women behind the scenes and recognizes that everyone has an important role, and they share in our industry’s success and future. I strongly encourage others working for a SEMA-member company to get more involved and volunteer. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised as I was to recognize the value of SEMA and its specialized councils.

SEMA eNews: If you had one piece of advice to pass on, what would it be?

Chrisman: Don’t settle into a “job”; find a career or element of it that you can be passionate about. That passion will drive you to be successful.