By Jason Catullo

Start planning now for the 2016 SEMA Show to capitalize on early-bird hotel discounts and advance rates.

Managing expenses for the SEMA Show goes beyond spending less money. Considerations such as hotel location, room accommodations and travel will differ based on each exhibitor’s goal and strategy for the Show.    

This week, the Travel & Lodging page on www.SEMAShow.com has launched an updated, real-time listing of the hotel deals and discounts available for the 2016 SEMA Show. The official SEMA Show Housing Services provider is OnPeak. When booking through OnPeak, reservations come with guaranteed low rates and benefits, such as no resort fees, providing exhibitors the reassurance of working with a legitimate company.

Selecting the hotel location and room accommodations that meet your company’s needs at this point provides a strategic jumping-off point to plan your budget. Another advantage to planning now is the opportunity to capitalize on early-bird discounts and advance rates. These existing money-saving programs are the simplest ways for exhibitors to get the most value from their SEMA Show budget.

Benefits of Using OnPeak

• Guaranteed low rate: The housing bureau actively monitors Vegas hotels to ensure that they are offering the lowest possible rates. If guests do find a lower rate, OnPeak will match or beat the lower price.
• No hidden fees: Many hotels in Las Vegas advertise lower rates and charge an additional “resort fee.” SEMA and OnPeak have worked with hotels to waive such fees. The price quoted through OnPeak is all-inclusive and will not have other fees added to it.
• Exclusive room blocks: SEMA and OnPeak lock in prime blocks of rooms at host hotels. As a result, rooms may appear to be sold out to the rest of the world when they are actually being held for SEMA Showgoers who use SEMA Housing Services.
• Extra level of service: Because reservations made through OnPeak identify guests as SEMA Showgoers, the hotel staff provides a higher level of service and helps direct guests to Show-related programs, such as free shuttles. Guests also receive confirmation numbers in advance of the Show and can get hotel help from OnPeak staff at the Show.

To secure rooms through the official SEMA Housing Services, reservations should be made from the SEMA Show site and include the official housing seal. OnPeak can also be reached directly at 800-221-3531 or 212-532-1660.

For more information, visit the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Senator Ted Gaines has reintroduced legislation in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the California Senate by Senator Ted Gaines to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76-and-newer model-year vehicles. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Senator Ted Gaines has reintroduced legislation in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the California Senate by Senator Ted Gaines to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76-and-newer model-year vehicles. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Senator Ted Gaines has reintroduced legislation in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the California Senate by Senator Ted Gaines to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76-and-newer model-year vehicles. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Senator Ted Gaines has reintroduced legislation in the California Senate to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement.

Legislation has been reintroduced in the California Senate by Senator Ted Gaines to exempt all motor vehicles prior to the ’81 model year from the emissions-inspection requirement. Current law requires the lifetime testing of all ’76-and-newer model-year vehicles. The bill will be considered in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

TEN Appoints John Viscardo as General Manager of Circle Track

TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced the appointment of John Viscardo as general manager of Circle Track. In his new role, Viscardo’s primary responsibilities include enhancing the relationship between the Circle Track brand and its audience and improving its go-to-market strategy. Viscardo joins TEN from Traction Media, where he served as vice president of sales since 2010. Before Traction Media, Viscardo served as a sales rep for Circle Track, where he was responsible for driving ad revenue. He has also worked at Babcox Media on a variety of aftermarket trade publications and newspapers. Viscardo brings with him more than 15 years of industry experience in the aftermarket.

VP Racing Fuels Appoints New Sales Manager – Lubricants

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of Richard Glady as sales manager – lubricants, reporting to Bruce Hendel, VP’s director – consumer product sales. Based at the company’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, Glady will be responsible for sales of lubricants developed for the consumer market. Glady has broad experience in sales and marketing in the lubricants industry. During 15 years with American Refining Group, he served as vice president – lubricant sales and marketing with responsibility for growing sales of Brad Penn- and Penn Grade 1-branded oils through direct, distributor and retail distribution channels. Previously with Witco Corp., Glady served at various times as director of marketing, advertising, public relations, racing and installed lubricants sales and marketing.

Rigid Industries has announced that the ’17 Tacoma TRD Pro will feature Toyota Racing Development (TRD)-specification Rigid Industries LED fog lamps as standard equipment.

’17 Tacoma TRD Pro to Feature Rigid Industries LED Fog Lamps as Standard Equipment

Rigid Industries has announced that the ’17 Tacoma TRD Pro will feature Toyota Racing Development (TRD)-specification Rigid Industries LED fog lamps as standard equipment. Since its debut two years ago, the TRD Pro Series has supplied the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner with off-road gear. Compliant to SAE Standard J583, the Rigid Industries LED fog lights on the ’17 Tacoma TRD Pro are built to TRD specifications to be street-legal and help enhance visibility on or off the trail. The lights project a long-range, high-intensity beam, while the LEDs draw very little power.

Oetiker Group acquires Jiffy-tite Group

Oetiker Group—an international manufacturer of connecting solutions—acquired all shares of Jiffy-tite Group, effective March 1, 2016. The acquisition of Jiffy-tite—a manufacturer of fluid connection parts—allows Oetiker to gain a stronger foothold in the quick-connect market and further strengthens its position as a supplier of connecting technology to the automotive industry.

Hart Marx Advisors LLC Acquires Marx Group Advisors

Hart Marx Advisors LLC—a newly formed partnership between aftermarket veterans Devin Hart and Tom Marx—has acquired the assets of Marx Group Advisors. The new entity will continue to provide industry-specific guidance and expertise to companies within the aftermarket in the mergers and acquisitions arena. Hart has been named managing partner of the new firm. Partner Marx—founder and owner of The Marx Group Inc.—sees the move as complementary for both companies’ growth. Hart was named president and co-CEO of The Marx Group in 2015. Marx is also co-CEO of The Marx Group.

Hypertherm Earns World’s Most Ethical Company Honor for Second Straight Year

Hypertherm—U.S.-based manufacturer of plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems—has announced its selection as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute for a  second straight year. The World’s Most Ethical Companies designation recognizes organizations for having a material impact on the way business is conducted by fostering a culture of ethics and transparency at every level of the company. Hypertherm is one of 131 companies from around the world selected to this year’s list, and one of only two companies in the machine tools and accessories sector. Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance, corporate citizenship and responsibility, culture of ethics, governance, and finally, leadership, innovation, and reputation.

Evans Cooling Systems Hires Industry Veteran Andy Barbieri as Sales Director

Evans Cooling Systems Inc. has announced that Andy Barbieri has joined its executive team as sales director. He reports directly to Mike Tourville, marketing director. Barbieri comes to Evans Cooling from Derive Systems with more than 30 years of experience, including several high-level sales management positions in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Lowrider Celebrates Community “Roll” Models in New Video Series

TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced that Lowrider has launched the Lowrider Roll Models program—a series of short video segments featuring lowrider community leaders. Lowrider created the Lowrider Roll Models program to dispel myths and show the car culture in a more accurate light. Many still have negative perceptions of the lowrider culture. Highlighting everyone from doctors to veteran community activists, these community leaders don’t just show off their rides, they also use their positions to make a difference in their communities. Lowrider Roll Models videos are directed by Kico Velarde, supervising producer for the Emmy Award-winning web-series “Jay Leno’s Garage,” and are sponsored by Shell Lubricants and feature Quaker State Motor Oils.

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.

Petersen Publishing Company photographer Pat Brollier captured two hot-rodding legends hard at work on this day in May 1961. On the left is Mickey Thompson, who a year earlier became the first American to go faster than 400 mph in his four-engine Challenger streamliner on the Bonneville Salt Flats. On the right is Bill Burke, who set a personal milestone of his own at Bonneville in 1960. Piloting his tiny “Pumpkin Seed” streamliner, powered by an equally small 156-in. Ford Falcon engine (tuned by Ford engine expert Bill Stroppe), Burke set a Class D Streamliner record of 205.949 mph and earned himself a place in the prestigious 200 MPH Club.

Petersen Publishing Company photographer Pat Brollier captured two hot-rodding legends hard at work on this day in May 1961. On the left is Mickey Thompson, who a year earlier became the first American to go faster than 400 mph in his four-engine Challenger streamliner on the Bonneville Salt Flats. On the right is Bill Burke, who set a personal milestone of his own at Bonneville in 1960. Piloting his tiny “Pumpkin Seed” streamliner, powered by an equally small 156-in. Ford Falcon engine (tuned by Ford engine expert Bill Stroppe), Burke set a Class D Streamliner record of 205.949 mph and earned himself a place in the prestigious 200 MPH Club.

Attention SEMA Members, the ALL NEW 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty is coming to the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, CA for a SoCal Measuring session. This event is a follow-up to the Dearborn, Michigan, Measuring Session, scheduled to take place at Ford Motor Company on April 27.   

The session will feature the 2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat 4x4 Super Cab with the 6.7L 4 Valve Power Stroke® V8 Diesel Engine. Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18 at the SEMA Garage, this event is open exclusively to SEMA members.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-ford-super-duty-socal-event-tickets-22702562977

Attention SEMA Members, the ALL NEW 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty is coming to the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, CA for a SoCal Measuring session. This event is a follow-up to the Dearborn, Michigan, Measuring Session, scheduled to take place at Ford Motor Company on April 27.   

The session will feature the 2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 Lariat 4x4 Super Cab with the 6.7L 4 Valve Power Stroke® V8 Diesel Engine. Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18 at the SEMA Garage, this event is open exclusively to SEMA members.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-ford-super-duty-socal-event-tickets-22702562977