By Della Domingo

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

Selected by exhibiting manufacturers, the Hottest Vehicles of 2016 will be revealed Tuesday, November 1, on the opening day of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The coveted SEMA Award will help guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market. SEMA Show exhibitors represent the front line of today’s influential enthusiast car culture. When it comes to knowing what trends to follow and which cars will ignite the industry’s passion, these manufacturers have the pulse of the industry.

Each exhibitor will be able to make his or her voice heard by casting a vote in this year’s SEMA Award process. Emails to vote for this year’s hottest vehicles will be sent to the registered Show contact on August 31.

To better reflect consumer buying habits, this year’s awards will be presented in five new categories, including: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4/SUV and Hottest Hatch.

Also new for 2016 is the format in which votes will be tabulated. Since the inception of the SEMA Award, exhibitors determined the winners based on the vehicles displayed in their booths. This year, each exhibiting company will cast one vote each, thereby determining the winners in each category.

SEMA Show exhibitors are the industry’s innovators, visionaries and influencers. Who better to ask than the thousands of manufacturing members who bet their businesses on recognizing the hottest new and upcoming vehicles?

The top three finalists in each of the five SEMA Award categories will be announced in October. The actual winners will be announced at the Awards Breakfast on the opening morning of the SEMA Show. Exhibitors should contact their SEMA Show representative if they don’t receive an email notice to vote.

By Della Domingo

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

Selected by exhibiting manufacturers, the Hottest Vehicles of 2016 will be revealed Tuesday, November 1, on the opening day of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The coveted SEMA Award will help guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market. SEMA Show exhibitors represent the front line of today’s influential enthusiast car culture. When it comes to knowing what trends to follow and which cars will ignite the industry’s passion, these manufacturers have the pulse of the industry.

Each exhibitor will be able to make his or her voice heard by casting a vote in this year’s SEMA Award process. Emails to vote for this year’s hottest vehicles will be sent to the registered Show contact on August 31.

To better reflect consumer buying habits, this year’s awards will be presented in five new categories, including: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4/SUV and Hottest Hatch.

Also new for 2016 is the format in which votes will be tabulated. Since the inception of the SEMA Award, exhibitors determined the winners based on the vehicles displayed in their booths. This year, each exhibiting company will cast one vote each, thereby determining the winners in each category.

SEMA Show exhibitors are the industry’s innovators, visionaries and influencers. Who better to ask than the thousands of manufacturing members who bet their businesses on recognizing the hottest new and upcoming vehicles?

The top three finalists in each of the five SEMA Award categories will be announced in October. The actual winners will be announced at the Awards Breakfast on the opening morning of the SEMA Show. Exhibitors should contact their SEMA Show representative if they don’t receive an email notice to vote.

By Della Domingo

The 2015 SEMA Award for Hottest Car for the Ford Mustang, Hottest Truck for the Ford F-Series and Hottest Sport Compact for the Ford Focus was presented by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (left) to Global Director Ford Performance Dave Pericak (center). The SEMA Award for Hottest 4x4-SUV went to Jeep for the Jeep Wrangler, and was presented to Pietro Gorlier (right), head of MOPAR.

Selected by exhibiting manufacturers, the Hottest Vehicles of 2016 will be revealed Tuesday, November 1, on the opening day of the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The coveted SEMA Award will help guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market. SEMA Show exhibitors represent the front line of today’s influential enthusiast car culture. When it comes to knowing what trends to follow and which cars will ignite the industry’s passion, these manufacturers have the pulse of the industry.

Each exhibitor will be able to make his or her voice heard by casting a vote in this year’s SEMA Award process. Emails to vote for this year’s hottest vehicles will be sent to the registered Show contact on August 31.

To better reflect consumer buying habits, this year’s awards will be presented in five new categories, including: Hottest Coupe, Hottest Sedan, Hottest Truck, Hottest 4x4/SUV and Hottest Hatch.

Also new for 2016 is the format in which votes will be tabulated. Since the inception of the SEMA Award, exhibitors determined the winners based on the vehicles displayed in their booths. This year, each exhibiting company will cast one vote each, thereby determining the winners in each category.

SEMA Show exhibitors are the industry’s innovators, visionaries and influencers. Who better to ask than the thousands of manufacturing members who bet their businesses on recognizing the hottest new and upcoming vehicles?

The top three finalists in each of the five SEMA Award categories will be announced in October. The actual winners will be announced at the Awards Breakfast on the opening morning of the SEMA Show. Exhibitors should contact their SEMA Show representative if they don’t receive an email notice to vote.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show annually includes Education Days—a complete lineup of educational sessions covering topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends. Conducted by industry leaders and business experts from across the globe, the seminars are designed to help attendees sell more, be more productive, and prepare for emerging trends and opportunities.

SEMA Education will include SEMA Biz Tips weekly in SEMA eNews. Many of the experts featured in SEMA Biz Tips videos conducted seminars at the 2015 SEMA Show. This week, Jean Jennings from JeanKnowsCars.com discusses how to establish relationships with customers that go well beyond putting a product in their hands.

The 2016 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. Exhibitors: buy a booth now!

To learn more about SEMA’s education resources, visit www.sema.org/education. Additional Biz Tips videos are available to view at www.sema.org/biz-tips.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show annually includes Education Days—a complete lineup of educational sessions covering topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends. Conducted by industry leaders and business experts from across the globe, the seminars are designed to help attendees sell more, be more productive, and prepare for emerging trends and opportunities.

SEMA Education will include SEMA Biz Tips weekly in SEMA eNews. Many of the experts featured in SEMA Biz Tips videos conducted seminars at the 2015 SEMA Show. This week, Jean Jennings from JeanKnowsCars.com discusses how to establish relationships with customers that go well beyond putting a product in their hands.

The 2016 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. Exhibitors: buy a booth now!

To learn more about SEMA’s education resources, visit www.sema.org/education. Additional Biz Tips videos are available to view at www.sema.org/biz-tips.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Show annually includes Education Days—a complete lineup of educational sessions covering topics ranging from customer service and marketing, to cash flow and industry trends. Conducted by industry leaders and business experts from across the globe, the seminars are designed to help attendees sell more, be more productive, and prepare for emerging trends and opportunities.

SEMA Education will include SEMA Biz Tips weekly in SEMA eNews. Many of the experts featured in SEMA Biz Tips videos conducted seminars at the 2015 SEMA Show. This week, Jean Jennings from JeanKnowsCars.com discusses how to establish relationships with customers that go well beyond putting a product in their hands.

The 2016 SEMA Show will be held November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. Exhibitors: buy a booth now!

To learn more about SEMA’s education resources, visit www.sema.org/education. Additional Biz Tips videos are available to view at www.sema.org/biz-tips.

SEMA Member News—September 2016

Three New Select Committee Members Join TORA

By Katie Carson

	Casey Currie of Casey Currie Racing.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) elected three incumbents and three new members to its select committee. These committee members will serve two-year terms and will be up for re-election in 2018. The new members include Casey Currie of Casey Currie Racing, Kelli Mallicote of Bodyguard Truck Accessories and Matt Reasoner of BedRug and Retrax.

Incumbent Erika Garcia of BOLT Locks by Strattec said that it has been a pleasure working with the select committee, a great group of individuals who are passionate about the industry. “I am very excited to have been re-elected and look forward to participating in future projects to help our members for the growth of the truck and off-road industry,” she said.

Incumbent Todd Hoffman of A.R.E. Accessories said that his previous terms with the select committee have been a highlight of his experience with TORA. “It is worth the investment to be a member of this committee,” he said. “The involvement has allowed us the opportunity to bring other team members from my company into various helpful projects, such as product or truck specification tools for TORA members. These types of projects assist the light-truck accessory industry and are a part of the TORA’s mission.”

Incumbent Chris Doyle was also re-elected, and SEMA Member News checked in with the new members of the committee regarding their upcoming service.

Kelli Mallicote of Bodyguard Truck Accessories.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it is important to serve on the select committee?

Casey Currie: I want to learn more about the aftermarket business as well as pushing the aftermarket industry to new levels. SEMA always goes above and beyond, and to be a part of the team is awesome.

Kelli Mallicote: This industry has provided me with so much personal growth and achievement, and I want to pay it forward. I’ve met some great people who have encouraged me along the way, and I still have a lot of learning to do, but I feel it’s time that I serve my industry and give back.

Matt Reasoner: Serving on the select committee provides the opportunity to have my voice heard on matters that directly affect my segment of the industry. We’ve seen recently with the RPM Act just how important it is to get involved and protect our livelihood. Working to preserve the future of the light-truck accessory industry is very important to me.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about the council?

	Matt Reasoner of BedRug and Retrax.

CC: Growth. I am very excited to be able to help with the growth of the industry, to learn new methods and to be able to teach my theories.

KM: I’ve been involved with the industry for some time, and I’ve been one of those people who’s been sitting back wondering what the SEMA councils are all about. I’m sure there are many people who are out there doing the same thing I did, so I’m looking forward to shaking things up and getting everyone involved! I’m excited to help spark interest in TORA this year and get others involved in networking.

SMN: What are your goals, and how might your experience benefit the TORA council?

CC: I have been a part of our family business for more than 15 years and have been through the ups and downs, and I would love to bring my experiences to the table to be able to help others. I also have raced professionally for eight years and have been around a lot of great companies on the marketing side. I am thrilled to be able to share ideas with others and learn from their ideas.

KM: The number-one goal is to get people involved. The main thing I heard when doing my campaign phone calls was, “Well, we are TORA members, but to be honest, I don’t even know what TORA does.” My goal is to work to get people involved in TORA. I’d like to see more events throughout the year, across the country, so even those who don’t attend the SEMA Show can still be a part of TORA. I’d also like to work to expand the reach on social media, so we are reaching not only industry colleagues but also making our presence known for the end consumer as well.

SEMA Member News—September 2016

Three New Select Committee Members Join TORA

By Katie Carson

	Casey Currie of Casey Currie Racing.

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) elected three incumbents and three new members to its select committee. These committee members will serve two-year terms and will be up for re-election in 2018. The new members include Casey Currie of Casey Currie Racing, Kelli Mallicote of Bodyguard Truck Accessories and Matt Reasoner of BedRug and Retrax.

Incumbent Erika Garcia of BOLT Locks by Strattec said that it has been a pleasure working with the select committee, a great group of individuals who are passionate about the industry. “I am very excited to have been re-elected and look forward to participating in future projects to help our members for the growth of the truck and off-road industry,” she said.

Incumbent Todd Hoffman of A.R.E. Accessories said that his previous terms with the select committee have been a highlight of his experience with TORA. “It is worth the investment to be a member of this committee,” he said. “The involvement has allowed us the opportunity to bring other team members from my company into various helpful projects, such as product or truck specification tools for TORA members. These types of projects assist the light-truck accessory industry and are a part of the TORA’s mission.”

Incumbent Chris Doyle was also re-elected, and SEMA Member News checked in with the new members of the committee regarding their upcoming service.

Kelli Mallicote of Bodyguard Truck Accessories.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it is important to serve on the select committee?

Casey Currie: I want to learn more about the aftermarket business as well as pushing the aftermarket industry to new levels. SEMA always goes above and beyond, and to be a part of the team is awesome.

Kelli Mallicote: This industry has provided me with so much personal growth and achievement, and I want to pay it forward. I’ve met some great people who have encouraged me along the way, and I still have a lot of learning to do, but I feel it’s time that I serve my industry and give back.

Matt Reasoner: Serving on the select committee provides the opportunity to have my voice heard on matters that directly affect my segment of the industry. We’ve seen recently with the RPM Act just how important it is to get involved and protect our livelihood. Working to preserve the future of the light-truck accessory industry is very important to me.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about the council?

	Matt Reasoner of BedRug and Retrax.

CC: Growth. I am very excited to be able to help with the growth of the industry, to learn new methods and to be able to teach my theories.

KM: I’ve been involved with the industry for some time, and I’ve been one of those people who’s been sitting back wondering what the SEMA councils are all about. I’m sure there are many people who are out there doing the same thing I did, so I’m looking forward to shaking things up and getting everyone involved! I’m excited to help spark interest in TORA this year and get others involved in networking.

SMN: What are your goals, and how might your experience benefit the TORA council?

CC: I have been a part of our family business for more than 15 years and have been through the ups and downs, and I would love to bring my experiences to the table to be able to help others. I also have raced professionally for eight years and have been around a lot of great companies on the marketing side. I am thrilled to be able to share ideas with others and learn from their ideas.

KM: The number-one goal is to get people involved. The main thing I heard when doing my campaign phone calls was, “Well, we are TORA members, but to be honest, I don’t even know what TORA does.” My goal is to work to get people involved in TORA. I’d like to see more events throughout the year, across the country, so even those who don’t attend the SEMA Show can still be a part of TORA. I’d also like to work to expand the reach on social media, so we are reaching not only industry colleagues but also making our presence known for the end consumer as well.

Dennis Pittsenbarger interviews Chip Foose at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Dennis Pittsenbarger interviews Chip Foose at the 2015 SEMA Show.