The Automotive Aftermarket Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

By SEMA News

The Aftermarket Foundation announced a name and branding change, and the Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

“The name change will help everyone identify what we do—we are a charity for the Automotive Aftermarket,” says AACF President Bob Hirsch. “AACF helps people in the automotive aftermarket who are in desperate need. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation name better reflects our mission.”

The name change is the latest in a series of aggressive changes to the 59-year-old charity. Earlier this year, AACF hired Joel Ayres, an industry veteran of more than 30 years. Ayres hiring was the culmination of an exhaustive search.

AACF Executive Director Joel Ayres believes the name change is just the latest step towards new branding for the growing organization. The creative team from Yonder Branding and Marketing donated their talents in designing the Foundation’s new logo, website, and marketing materials to support AACF’s new image and, along with eTool Developers, launched the new website this month.

“AACF is actively looking for opportunities to help people in need,” says Ayres. “We are partnering with many companies and organizations in our industry spreading the word that help is available for those in need.”

Hirsch says, “If you know someone in the automotive aftermarket in desperate need, their life has been shattered by disease, injury, or the death of a family member that provided income, AACF may be able to help.”

Individuals interested in receiving assistance can contact AACF at 772-286-5500 or www.aacfi.org. 

The Automotive Aftermarket Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

By SEMA News

The Aftermarket Foundation announced a name and branding change, and the Foundation will now be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Inc., or AACF.

“The name change will help everyone identify what we do—we are a charity for the Automotive Aftermarket,” says AACF President Bob Hirsch. “AACF helps people in the automotive aftermarket who are in desperate need. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation name better reflects our mission.”

The name change is the latest in a series of aggressive changes to the 59-year-old charity. Earlier this year, AACF hired Joel Ayres, an industry veteran of more than 30 years. Ayres hiring was the culmination of an exhaustive search.

AACF Executive Director Joel Ayres believes the name change is just the latest step towards new branding for the growing organization. The creative team from Yonder Branding and Marketing donated their talents in designing the Foundation’s new logo, website, and marketing materials to support AACF’s new image and, along with eTool Developers, launched the new website this month.

“AACF is actively looking for opportunities to help people in need,” says Ayres. “We are partnering with many companies and organizations in our industry spreading the word that help is available for those in need.”

Hirsch says, “If you know someone in the automotive aftermarket in desperate need, their life has been shattered by disease, injury, or the death of a family member that provided income, AACF may be able to help.”

Individuals interested in receiving assistance can contact AACF at 772-286-5500 or www.aacfi.org. 

By SEMA News

With the theme “Cool Is the New Hot,” Toyota revealed several vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show flaunting creative combinations of power and functionality, including its Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV). Described as the baby of a Sienna and Tacoma, the UUV features a racing-inspired supercharger and 22-in. Monster Energy wheels.

To show its fun side, Toyota displayed two vehicles inspired by the Back to the Future franchise—a re-creation of Marty McFly’s truck using the ’16 Toyota Tacoma, and a hydrogen fuel cell Mirai tricked out to look like the movies’ iconic DeLorean.

By SEMA News

With the theme “Cool Is the New Hot,” Toyota revealed several vehicles at the 2015 SEMA Show flaunting creative combinations of power and functionality, including its Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV). Described as the baby of a Sienna and Tacoma, the UUV features a racing-inspired supercharger and 22-in. Monster Energy wheels.

To show its fun side, Toyota displayed two vehicles inspired by the Back to the Future franchise—a re-creation of Marty McFly’s truck using the ’16 Toyota Tacoma, and a hydrogen fuel cell Mirai tricked out to look like the movies’ iconic DeLorean.

By SEMA News

Jim Trainor (center), product public relations senior group manager of Hyundai Motor Co., accepted the AutoJudge Award for Car of the Year from automotive journalist Alan Gell (right) and Focus Daily News Publisher Marlon Hanson (left).

The AutoJudge Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups were presented at a Monday press conference at the 2015 SEMA Show. In the selection process, a panel of automotive journalists spent the year test-driving vehicles and providing feedback to consumers, who then cast their votes in each category. 

Taking the consumer perspectives into account, the judges selected the ultimate winners. This is the ninth year the awards have been presented at the Show.

The 2015 Winners are:

• AUTOJUDGE CAR OF THE YEAR: Hyundai Genesis
• AUTOJUDGE SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum 
• AUTOJUDGE PICKUP TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford F-150
• COMPACT SEDAN: Volkswagen Golf
• MIDSIZE SEDAN: Chrysler 200
• FULLSIZE SEDAN: Hyundai Genesis
• SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
• LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Kia Soul EV
• VAN: Chrysler Town & Country
• COMPACT SUV: Nissan Rogue
• MIDSIZE SUV: Jeep Cherokee
• SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum
• MIDSIZE OFF-ROAD TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
• MIDSIZE ON-ROAD TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado
• FULLSIZE TRUCK: Ford F-150
• BEST NEW CAR INTRODUCTION: Chevrolet Camaro
• BEST NEW TRUCK INTRODUCTION: Nissan Titan

By SEMA News

Jim Trainor (center), product public relations senior group manager of Hyundai Motor Co., accepted the AutoJudge Award for Car of the Year from automotive journalist Alan Gell (right) and Focus Daily News Publisher Marlon Hanson (left).

The AutoJudge Awards for automobiles, SUVs and pickups were presented at a Monday press conference at the 2015 SEMA Show. In the selection process, a panel of automotive journalists spent the year test-driving vehicles and providing feedback to consumers, who then cast their votes in each category. 

Taking the consumer perspectives into account, the judges selected the ultimate winners. This is the ninth year the awards have been presented at the Show.

The 2015 Winners are:

• AUTOJUDGE CAR OF THE YEAR: Hyundai Genesis
• AUTOJUDGE SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum 
• AUTOJUDGE PICKUP TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford F-150
• COMPACT SEDAN: Volkswagen Golf
• MIDSIZE SEDAN: Chrysler 200
• FULLSIZE SEDAN: Hyundai Genesis
• SPORTS CAR: Ford Mustang
• LUXURY CAR: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE: Kia Soul EV
• VAN: Chrysler Town & Country
• COMPACT SUV: Nissan Rogue
• MIDSIZE SUV: Jeep Cherokee
• SUV OF THE YEAR: Ford Explorer Platinum
• MIDSIZE OFF-ROAD TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
• MIDSIZE ON-ROAD TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado
• FULLSIZE TRUCK: Ford F-150
• BEST NEW CAR INTRODUCTION: Chevrolet Camaro
• BEST NEW TRUCK INTRODUCTION: Nissan Titan

The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

The ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe was presented by the vehicle’s first driver (from left) Craig Breedlove, designer Peter Brock, and owner Fred Simeon; Rusty Barron, Shell Lubricants vice president of marketing; and Mark Gessler, Historic Vehicle Association president.

By SEMA News

Headlining the return of Shell to the SEMA Show was the unveiling of the ’64 Shelby Cobra Coupe piloted to set 25 individual records during a Goodyear tire test in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year’s SEMA Show also happens to mark the 50th anniversary of the famed day and the reunion of first-time driver (Craig Breedlove), designer (Peter Brock) and the Cobra.

The event took place at the Shell SEMA Show space (booth #60005), which offers attendees a place to recharge and revel in automotive lore, as Shell hosts legendary and modern automotive personalities on its sound stage.

Show attendees can view a unique lineup of historical cars that helped mold the modern era of high performance. Shell’s 10,000-sq.-ft. displays bring a roster of industry experts, legendary automotive personalities and enviable vehicles. Special guests are scheduled to appear throughout the week.

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.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward. 

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.

By SEMA News

This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories was announced Tuesday, November 3, at the SEMA Show. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Ford Focus took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

“Traditionally, the SEMA Show is where the newest and most innovative specialty-equipment products are seen first,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify the vehicles and trends that will excite both the aftermarket and automotive consumers worldwide in the coming year.” The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“For five years now, the SEMA Award has helped guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory-friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners, with each booth space counting as a “ballot,” and the vehicles they choose to showcase in their spaces counting as votes. The most prominent models in each category earn the award.”

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.