SEMA News spoke with SEMA’s council and network leaders to find out what’s in the pipeline for the coming year and to get their thoughts about the emerging trends and the challenges they can expect to face based on what their organizations are seeing in their respective marketplaces. Not surprisingly, many council and network chairs viewed the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act as essential to the continued viability of the automotive aftermarket industry.

By Juan Torres

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached the Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

With his ’17 Ford Raptor, Brad DeBerti is one of three Young Guns who made it into the top 10 in the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. At 22 years of age, DeBerti has been modifying vehicles for as long as he can remember. His father taught him how to grind and weld in his shop, DeBerti Designs in Pismo Beach, California, where DeBerti currently works. He also races in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, where he has won multiple events.

Since there are currently no aftermarket accessories available for the truck, DeBerti and his father created everything and completed the modification in only six weeks. They stripped the truck down to the cab, built a completely new suspension and new fenders and installed a rollcage.

“It looks like a factory truck from a distance, but then you notice the details as you get close,” he said. “It’s virtually a Trophy Truck that I made to look like Ford built it.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air February 6, 2017, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVR and tell your friends not to miss the show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Juan Torres

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached the Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

With his ’17 Ford Raptor, Brad DeBerti is one of three Young Guns who made it into the top 10 in the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. At 22 years of age, DeBerti has been modifying vehicles for as long as he can remember. His father taught him how to grind and weld in his shop, DeBerti Designs in Pismo Beach, California, where DeBerti currently works. He also races in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, where he has won multiple events.

Since there are currently no aftermarket accessories available for the truck, DeBerti and his father created everything and completed the modification in only six weeks. They stripped the truck down to the cab, built a completely new suspension and new fenders and installed a rollcage.

“It looks like a factory truck from a distance, but then you notice the details as you get close,” he said. “It’s virtually a Trophy Truck that I made to look like Ford built it.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air February 6, 2017, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVR and tell your friends not to miss the show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

By Juan Torres

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached the Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

With his ’17 Ford Raptor, Brad DeBerti is one of three Young Guns who made it into the top 10 in the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. At 22 years of age, DeBerti has been modifying vehicles for as long as he can remember. His father taught him how to grind and weld in his shop, DeBerti Designs in Pismo Beach, California, where DeBerti currently works. He also races in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, where he has won multiple events.

Since there are currently no aftermarket accessories available for the truck, DeBerti and his father created everything and completed the modification in only six weeks. They stripped the truck down to the cab, built a completely new suspension and new fenders and installed a rollcage.

“It looks like a factory truck from a distance, but then you notice the details as you get close,” he said. “It’s virtually a Trophy Truck that I made to look like Ford built it.”

Behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and stories of the 2016 Battle of the Builders competition will be showcased in an hour-long TV special that will air February 6, 2017, on the Velocity Network. Mark your calendars, set your DVR and tell your friends not to miss the show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Daniel Ingber

SEMA Hires Daniel Ingber as Chief Corporate Counsel

SEMA has announced the hiring of Daniel Ingber as chief corporate counsel. He will be based in the Washington, D.C., office and, in addition to other duties, will undertake control of SEMA’s in-house legal operation, currently overseen by Ashley Ailsworth. Ingber previously served as litigation counsel for Feld Entertainment Inc., where he worked on many issues related to the organization’s Monster Jam Monster Truck business unit. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, earned a masters from Johns Hopkins and his law degree from the University of Chicago. In addition to his varied employment in the business world, he also served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Ingber will begin work December 14, and report to Russ Deane and Steve McDonald.

Rob Eberhart

R&R Marketing Consultants Adds Director of Retail

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. has announced that Rob Eberhart has joined its team. Eberhart has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket. He began his career at Reliable Automotive as the sales manager for the Sears Automotive Catalog. He then moved to Arrow Speed Warehouse where he worked in phone sales, outside sales, e-commerce and national accounts. During his tenure at Arrow, he developed and launched the StreetSideAuto.com website. Recently, he worked for DCi as its director of internet solutions, where he developed its eStore program, enabling jobbers and national retailers to sell performance parts and truck accessories online with a turnkey program.

Gold Eagle Co. Acquires eCommerce Brand TriNova

Gold Eagle Co. has acquired TriNova—an eCommerce consumer packaged-goods brand in household, automotive, boating and leather appearance care. Gold Eagle is looking to bolster its established national retail presence with stronger eCommerce, while also expanding its reach in the home category. As part of the aquisition, Gold Eagle will welcome key TriNova staff who bring strong expertise in digital marketing and ecommerce. Steve Wimmer, brand manager at TriNova, will join Gold Eagle as senior marketing manager to continue to drive the growth of the brand. In addition, the TriNova team at Gold Eagle will expand in the coming months. The acquisition comes on the heels of Gold Eagle’s state-of-the-art corporate headquarters renovation.

“The House of Muscle’s” host Mike Musto will travel the United States and beyond showcasing how musclecars—and their die-hard owners—help shape the face of today’s automotive culture.

Mike Musto’s “The House of Muscle” Comes to Motor Trend OnDemand

TEN: The Enthusiast Network’s new Motor Trend OnDemand show, “The House of Muscle,” premiered December 1, 2016. “The House of Muscle” takes a deep look inside the world’s continued obsession with musclecars. Each month, the show’s host, YouTube sensation Mike Musto, will travel the United States and beyond showcasing how these automobiles—and their die-hard owners—help shape the face of today’s automotive culture. Every car has a past, and every owner a story. From homebuilt customs to priceless rolling works of art, Musto not only profiles the cars and their place in history, he takes these amazing machines on a no-holds-barred test drive. The first few episodes will take viewers on a 2,500-mile road trip from Los Angeles to Detroit via lots of Dodge musclecars—and one special van. Then, Musto will introduce viewers to a one-off private fleet of Chevy Novas before getting behind the wheel of an old-school Plymouth Belvedere.

David H. Williams

David H. Williams Named Director of OE Sales, Marketing and Strategic Planning for DENSO Products and Services Americas

DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has promoted David H. Williams to director of original equipment sales, marketing and strategic planning. In the newly created position, Williams oversees all aspects of DENSO’s original equipment service sales, product development and original equipment service parts while continuing to manage the company’s marketing and strategic planning departments. Previously, he served as global business unit manager at Barksdale Controls Inc., and truck product marketing manager at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Bob Brannon (second from left) was named Powell/Schelbe/Knight/Brannon Inc. 2016 Rep Agent of the Year.

CRP Automotive Presents Bob Brannon With 2016 Rep Agent of the Year Award

CRP Automotive has named Bob Brannon of Powell/Schelbe/Knight/Brannon Inc. (PSKB) as its 2016 Rep Agent of the Year. Brannon is a partner at PSKB—a sales and marketing company that represents CRP Automotive brands in the southeastern United States. Brannon was cited for the annual award for helping to deliver exceptional sales and market growth for the CRP brands, especially the Pentosin fluids line, which have been instrumental in developing CRP Automotive’s business with Advance Auto Parts.

National Auto Body Council to Hold Annual Golf Fundraiser

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has announced its Annual Golf Fundraiser, Wednesday, January 11, in Palm Springs, California, at the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Fees for early bird registration (before December 9) are $700 for a foursome and $185 for individual players. Registration deadline is December 29. Hertz Corp. returns for the seventh year as presenting sponsor for NABC’s Golf Fundraiser, and will also provide a vehicle for the Recycled Rides presentation to a local Palm Springs family, immediately following golf. Other industry leaders that have signed up as sponsors include: AR Direct, Axalta Coating Systems, Caliber Collision, Dent Concepts, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Insurance Auto Auctions, Partners Supply, PPG Automotive Refinish, and The Collision Centers of New York.

Dan Clarke (right), Permatex senior product manager, received the Best Merchandising/Advertising Award for its recently launched Fast Orange Grease X Mechanic’s Laundry Detergent.

Permatex Wins Best Merchandising/Advertising Award for Fast Orange Grease X Mechanic’s Laundry Detergent

Permatex received the Best Merchandising/Advertising Award for its recently launched Fast Orange Grease X Mechanic’s Laundry Detergent. The award was presented by the Import Vehicle Community as part its 2016 Import Products and Marketing Awards at AAPEX program, The award was presented during the 2016 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Show last month in Las Vegas.

Nelson Global Products Announces Changes in Executive Leadership

Nelson Global Products Inc. has announced Steve Scgalski as the chief executive officer effective immediately. Scgalski, who currently serves as chief operating officer and president of Nelson’s On and Off Highway business will succeed Sergio Carvalho, who resigned earlier in November due to personal reasons. Scgalski’s experience includes more than 30 years in industrial manufacturing and emissions technology with global leadership positions at EMCON Technologies, ArvinMeritor and Arvin Industries.

Warn Industries’ Bryon Borntrager, engineering manager and WECIP member, presented Debra Mason, executive director at the Clackamas Service Center, a check for $11,086 on November 16.

Warn Industries Employees Donate More than $11,000 to Clackamas-Based Charity

The employees of Warn Industries via the Warn Employee Community Impact Project (WECIP) donated $11,086 to the Clackamas Service Center—a local, non-profit charitable organization that offers food and other resources to support the path toward self-sufficiency to people in Clackamas County, Oregon—on November 16, 2016. This contribution was supported in part through a matching grant initiative by the philanthropic arm of Warn Industries’ parent company, Dover Corp. The Dover Foundation helps to support not-for-profit organizations, causes and/or projects that benefit the local communities in which its operating companies are located. The Clackamas Service Center has used the funds to pay for renovations and bathroom upgrades at the facility.

Prestone Appoints Randy Fisher New Vice President of Marketing

Prestone Products Corp. has hired automotive and aftermarket industry veteran Randy Fisher as its vice president of marketing. Fisher joins Prestone with more than 20 years of industry experience and will oversee the brand’s marketing strategy as the company plans for its 90th anniversary taking place next year. He will be responsible for Prestone’s brand awareness, channel marketing and consumer engagement initiatives in North America. He will manage strategic partnerships, public relations, digital content planning and traditional marketing. Fisher previously served as a marketing consultant for Prestone beginning in July 2016, playing an integral role in Prestone’s inaugural SEMA Show appearance in November. Prior to working for Prestone, he was the marketing director for Royal Purple for nearly five years.

Frank Buscemi

Marx Group Establishes New Leadership Structure, Names Frank Buscemi President/CEO and Creative Director, Forms Alliance with Near Perfect Media

Marx Group has announced the appointment of Frank Buscemi as president/CEO and creative director, effective December 1, 2016. In conjunction with the move, the agency has formed an alliance with Near Perfect Media in Birmingham, Michigan, to establish a full-scale Detroit-area office. Tom Marx, who founded Marx Group in 1984, will remain as chairman and chief strategy officer. Devin Hart, currently Co-CEO of Marx Group, will become a member of the Marx Group board of directors, while continuing to be managing partner of Hart Marx Advisors, focusing on mergers and acquisitions in the industry. Marx will remain as a partner of Hart Marx Advisors. Marx Group and Hart Marx Advisors will maintain its headquarters and production facilities in San Rafael, California. Through the alliance, Near Perfect Media will establish additional offices in conjunction with current Marx Group locations around the country and will also serve as the Detroit office for the Marx Group. Buscemi brings more than 20 years of experience in global marketing communications, primarily in the automotive industry to his new role. As a lifelong Detroit area resident, he’s worked in both corporate and agency management settings with several global, tier-1 automotive suppliers and aftermarket companies, including TI Automotive, ZF, Continental and Nexteer, among others. He joined Near Perfect Media in 2016.

Jason Pecikonis and his crew at Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California, turned a ’65 Mustang owned by Chris Marechal into “Vicious Mustang.”

“Vicious Mustang,” a PPG-painted Supercar, Debuted at 2016 SEMA Show

For the 2016 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jason Pecikonis and his crew at Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, California, turned a ’65 Mustang owned by Chris Marechal into “Vicious Mustang.” What started out as a simple coupe ended up a 1,000hp road machine with a performance-focused build, bright-red interior and a PPG silver-gray paint job. Pecikonis and his team converted the Mustang coupe to a sleek fastback using existing body parts and advanced fabrication skills. They then focused on creating race-ready performance and raw power. The car’s engine, a Ford Performance 5.1L Aluminator, is based on a Mustang GT350R engine and was enhanced with two turbochargers and a supercharger. Drivetrain, suspension and mechanical systems were designed to accommodate the car’s muscle.

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.

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 Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant, located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant, located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

A ’16 Australian-spec Ford Ranger will be featured in a December 12–14 measuring session at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. SEMA members are invited to sign up to measure the 3.2L diesel-powered RHD 4x4 double-cab pickup, which is available globally but not sold in the United States.   

Members unable to attend the December measuring session are welcome to come to the SEMA Garage for a separate measuring session at a later date. The truck can also travel to members’ facilities, if needed.

Ford Ranger details:

• Coming to the United States? The Ford Ranger is expected to be produced in the United States for the first time in 2018, although Ford has not provided definitive confirmation. The UAW plant manager in Wayne, Michigan, was recently quoted in the press as stating that a decision had been made to build the Ford Ranger and a new Bronco at the plant, located within 30 minutes of Detroit.
• Plant Locations: The Ford Ranger is built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina.
• Global Sales: Ford Ranger global sales totaled 208,251 in 2015, according to IHS. Sales since the midsize pickup was introduced in 2011 totals 662,831. South Africa was the No. 1 market in 2015 with Australia, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil joining in the top five countries in terms of sales (see charts below).
• Engines: 2.5L (gasoline) and diesel versions: 2.2L and 3.2L.
• Drivetrain: 2x4 and 4x4.
• Competitors: Other midsize pickups, such as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi L200 and the Nissan Navara.

Ford Ranger Sales

Top 10 Countries (Sales: 2011–2015 and 2015)

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

European Ford Ranger Sales

Source: SEMA calculations from IHS statistics.

Register now to measure the latest truck temporarily imported by SEMA in order to create new export-ready products. A ’16 Toyota HiLux and a ’14 Mitsubishi L200 are also available at the SEMA Garage.

For questions about measuring the Ford Ranger or the other international vehicles, contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org. For information on SEMA’s international programs, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.