The shooters at KGP Photography caught the Dodge Charger SRT testing—likely with the 707hp Hellcat V8. The prototype allows a good feel for how the SRT's aggressive design touches will be applied to its new, Dart-inspired front fascia. We see a deeper front air dam, a jutting chin spoiler up front and deeper-breathing front air intakes. There's also a glimpse at the Charger's new air duct on its hood, likely styled in the manner bold duct found on the overhauled ’15 Challenger SRT. Meaty wheels and tires, and beefy twin exhausts round out the package at the rear.

In addition to Road & Track's revelations about the coming Hellcat Charger, there are also first-hand reports from insiders who have seen the new SRT Charger with the same "Supercharged" badging on the fender, just as on the Challenger Hellcat.

Stay tuned for various styling nuances among the various prototypes as testing ramps up.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught the Dodge Charger SRT testing—likely with the 707hp Hellcat V8. The prototype allows a good feel for how the SRT's aggressive design touches will be applied to its new, Dart-inspired front fascia. We see a deeper front air dam, a jutting chin spoiler up front and deeper-breathing front air intakes. There's also a glimpse at the Charger's new air duct on its hood, likely styled in the manner bold duct found on the overhauled ’15 Challenger SRT. Meaty wheels and tires, and beefy twin exhausts round out the package at the rear.

In addition to Road & Track's revelations about the coming Hellcat Charger, there are also first-hand reports from insiders who have seen the new SRT Charger with the same "Supercharged" badging on the fender, just as on the Challenger Hellcat.

Stay tuned for various styling nuances among the various prototypes as testing ramps up.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

Running a business today is hard work. It takes all your attention all day long. That’s why the SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!” The week of November 4 will be your chance to refuel your engine. Now is the time to start planning. The complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and educational events is available at www.SEMAShow.com/education.

This is your opportunity to look over the course offerings, see what’s new this year and, most importantly, decide which educational sessions will give you the valuable information you need to grow your business.

One of the most exciting new features of the SEMA Show Education Days will be the Keynote & Coffee sessions—a good place to start each morning of the Show with a fresh cup of coffee (on the house) and a thought-provoking discussion with keynote speakers who are leaders in their fields. Entrepreneurs and professionals from every corner of the industry will help you examine your business from a new perspective before you charge into your own busy schedule for the day with educational sessions and visits to the Show floor.

Also new this year: the SEMA Super Sessions. These powerful educational offerings will give you five opportunities throughout the week to take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with today’s business world. Both well-known and up-and-coming speakers will offer you the insights that will allow you to take a fresh look at your own businesses.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/education right now to see all of the 60-plus educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry.

The ideas you will pick up from the SEMA Show Education Days, both practical and progressive, are exactly what you’ll need as you take a pause from the hectic schedules most people keep, give yourself the chance to examine some of your challenges with new perspectives and recalibrate.

	The SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!”

Running a business today is hard work. It takes all your attention all day long. That’s why the SEMA Show Education Days theme this year is “Recalibrate!” The week of November 4 will be your chance to refuel your engine. Now is the time to start planning. The complete schedule of SEMA Show Education courses and educational events is available at www.SEMAShow.com/education.

This is your opportunity to look over the course offerings, see what’s new this year and, most importantly, decide which educational sessions will give you the valuable information you need to grow your business.

One of the most exciting new features of the SEMA Show Education Days will be the Keynote & Coffee sessions—a good place to start each morning of the Show with a fresh cup of coffee (on the house) and a thought-provoking discussion with keynote speakers who are leaders in their fields. Entrepreneurs and professionals from every corner of the industry will help you examine your business from a new perspective before you charge into your own busy schedule for the day with educational sessions and visits to the Show floor.

Also new this year: the SEMA Super Sessions. These powerful educational offerings will give you five opportunities throughout the week to take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with today’s business world. Both well-known and up-and-coming speakers will offer you the insights that will allow you to take a fresh look at your own businesses.

Go to www.SEMAShow.com/education right now to see all of the 60-plus educational sessions in 12 different tracks, ranging from new vehicle technology to best business practices to marketing strategies and emerging trends in the industry.

The ideas you will pick up from the SEMA Show Education Days, both practical and progressive, are exactly what you’ll need as you take a pause from the hectic schedules most people keep, give yourself the chance to examine some of your challenges with new perspectives and recalibrate.

	The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now working with more than 700 industry companies to provide solutions to their product data management needs.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has reached yet another membership milestone, working with more than 700 industry companies to provide solutions to their product-data management needs. More than 300 suppliers are now using the SDC Product Information Management System (PIMS) to onboard their product data, validate it to the industry's ACES and PIES standards and store it securely for export to customers. Additionally, more than 400 WDs, retailers and eCommerce resellers are utilizing the SDC to receive custom-formatted data exports from their key suppliers to populate their business systems and points of sale.

"It's been an interesting journey so far," said Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, "and we are very excited not only about how far we have come, but also about what we have planned for the next 12 to 18 months. Look for the SDC to expand even further and bring tools to bear that the industry has been waiting a long time for."

Jim Graven, the SDC's director of membership, echoed Wyly's comments. "The reception from the industry has been fantastic overall, and every time we get a chance to get in front of a new potential member, it typically doesn't take long for them to see the value. And, ever since we announced free data exports to SEMA members, we have been flooded with requests from receivers to sign on and get data feeds. It just goes to show you how hungry the marketplace is for data to power sales growth."

For more information on how your company can profit from this exciting SEMA-member benefit, contact Jim Graven at 888-958-6698, ext. 4 or email  JimG@SemaDataCoop.org.

	The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now working with more than 700 industry companies to provide solutions to their product data management needs.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has reached yet another membership milestone, working with more than 700 industry companies to provide solutions to their product-data management needs. More than 300 suppliers are now using the SDC Product Information Management System (PIMS) to onboard their product data, validate it to the industry's ACES and PIES standards and store it securely for export to customers. Additionally, more than 400 WDs, retailers and eCommerce resellers are utilizing the SDC to receive custom-formatted data exports from their key suppliers to populate their business systems and points of sale.

"It's been an interesting journey so far," said Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, "and we are very excited not only about how far we have come, but also about what we have planned for the next 12 to 18 months. Look for the SDC to expand even further and bring tools to bear that the industry has been waiting a long time for."

Jim Graven, the SDC's director of membership, echoed Wyly's comments. "The reception from the industry has been fantastic overall, and every time we get a chance to get in front of a new potential member, it typically doesn't take long for them to see the value. And, ever since we announced free data exports to SEMA members, we have been flooded with requests from receivers to sign on and get data feeds. It just goes to show you how hungry the marketplace is for data to power sales growth."

For more information on how your company can profit from this exciting SEMA-member benefit, contact Jim Graven at 888-958-6698, ext. 4 or email  JimG@SemaDataCoop.org.

	Exhibitors who submitted a press conference application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week.

The Press Conference application deadline for the 2014 SEMA Show has passed and the official schedule is being developed. Those who submitted an application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week. Exhibitors who submitted an application and did not receive an e-mail should contact Becca Butler at beccab@sema.org.

With the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show less than 100 days away, several key deadlines for exhibitors are fast approaching. Here are the upcoming 2014 SEMA Show exhibitor deadlines for September and August. For the complete list of deadlines, access the Deadlines Checklist located within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

To help exhibitors get in touch with the correct personnel, a list of Show contacts is available that includes direct-dial phone numbers and email addresses. The general phone number for SEMA Show information is 909-396-0289.

Complete information on the 2014 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

	Exhibitors who submitted a press conference application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week.

The Press Conference application deadline for the 2014 SEMA Show has passed and the official schedule is being developed. Those who submitted an application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week. Exhibitors who submitted an application and did not receive an e-mail should contact Becca Butler at beccab@sema.org.

With the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show less than 100 days away, several key deadlines for exhibitors are fast approaching. Here are the upcoming 2014 SEMA Show exhibitor deadlines for September and August. For the complete list of deadlines, access the Deadlines Checklist located within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

To help exhibitors get in touch with the correct personnel, a list of Show contacts is available that includes direct-dial phone numbers and email addresses. The general phone number for SEMA Show information is 909-396-0289.

Complete information on the 2014 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

	Exhibitors who submitted a press conference application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week.

The Press Conference application deadline for the 2014 SEMA Show has passed and the official schedule is being developed. Those who submitted an application should have received an update e-mail earlier this week. Exhibitors who submitted an application and did not receive an e-mail should contact Becca Butler at beccab@sema.org.

With the opening of the 2014 SEMA Show less than 100 days away, several key deadlines for exhibitors are fast approaching. Here are the upcoming 2014 SEMA Show exhibitor deadlines for September and August. For the complete list of deadlines, access the Deadlines Checklist located within the SEMA Show Exhibitor Manual.

To help exhibitors get in touch with the correct personnel, a list of Show contacts is available that includes direct-dial phone numbers and email addresses. The general phone number for SEMA Show information is 909-396-0289.

Complete information on the 2014 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

Drake Automotive Group has hired Mark Mathews to manage the company’s growing marketing and advertising department. Mathews brings with him 18-plus years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. He joins the Drake Automotive Group after seven years with the Transamerican Manufacturing Group, where he managed the marketing for several brands. Previously, Mathews was the marketing and promotions manager for Automotive Engineered Products Inc., which manufactured JBA Headers & Exhaust. Mathews will be responsible for managing all aspects of the marketing and advertising at Drake Automotive Group.

CTEK Releases Educational Articles on Battery Technology for Consumers

	CTEK Power is releasing a series of 10 educational articles designed to help customers understand the importance of battery maintenance.

Through an initiative to help customers understand the importance of battery maintenance, CTEK Power Inc. has released the first two in a series of 10 educational articles. The first two articles cover the functions that a battery performs and how a battery works. The third article will provide insight on different battery types. “Part of our objective in publishing these articles is to help drivers understand the advantages of using a state-of-the art battery charger and maintainer like the units that CTEK manufactures and how it can extend the life of their battery and help keep them on the road,” explained Matt Ingram, regional sales manager for CTEK. The educational articles are available through CTEK’s website as downloadable PDF files. Visit CTEK at the 2014 SEMA Show in the Racing and Performance section, booth #24129.

Hastings Manufacturing Names Sarah Kollar as Marketing Manager

Sarah Kollar

Hastings Manufacturing Co. has appointed Sarah Kollar marketing manager. She will report to Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Ken Holbrook. Kollar previously performed account management for the company’s OEM activities, as well as significant interaction with aftermarket activities, including customer service. In her new role, Kollar will be responsible for the direction of the sales and marketing team and for developing both aftermarket and OEM partnerships that support the company’s strategic growth worldwide. 

Kit Car Builder Changes Name

Kit Car Builder magazine has changed its name to Car Builder. “Both our readers and advertisers have been requesting a broader editorial focus,” said Editor and Publisher Steve Temple. “While the term ‘kit car’ is familiar to most auto enthusiasts, the market has grown up considerably since the early days of dune buggies, and the magazine has matured as well. So our new name reflects these changing times.”

Today, many of the project cars covered by the publication are much more technologically refined and sophisticated, requiring a substantial investment of time and money. In addition, a significant number of car builders customize their vehicles, and also rely on professional shops and vendors to varying degrees for assistance with their projects, so the notion of a kit built entirely in a home garage doesn’t routinely apply.

“Once a project car is completed, whether by an individual or a pro, it’s really no longer a kit,” Temple adds. “Car builders rarely refer to their finished rides as kits. After all, once completed, they’re no longer a merely a box of parts, but running, drivable vehicles—typically fine-tuned, high-performance machines.”

Luke Perkowski Named Director of Marketing for ATP Automotive

	Luke Perkowski

Luke Perkowski has been named director of marketing and product management for ATP Automotive. Perkowski came to ATP Inc. from Bosch, where he served as senior product manager. His expertise includes a focus on customer acquisition and program development for automotive retail, traditional, buying group, mass, OES and e-commerce accounts. Prior to joining Bosch, Perkowski was part of the General Motors’ service engineering program, where he worked on key elements of the service parts release process and design release criteria.

The Hybrid Shop Appoints Dave Crawford as New Chief Executive Officer

The Hybrid Shop's (THS) has named Dave Crawford as chief executive officer. In his new role, Crawford is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and management. The Hybrid Shop’s founder and former CEO, Matt Curry, will continue to oversee the company’s evolution in his new position as chief visionary officer. Crawford, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, has a background that includes a full spectrum of skills and experience in operations, management, and marketing at the executive level. He has been active in leading industry groups and publications as a speaker, contributing editor and author. He has also held board positions in leading industry organizations, such as the Tire Industry Association.

Jonathan Hladney Named Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student

Jonathan Hladney

Jonathan Hladney from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, was named the 2014 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Greenville, South Carolina. Hladney received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for himself and a guest to attend the NACAT conference. Hladney is a graduate of Highlands High School (Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania). He received the National Technical Honor Society award twice, was a member of SkillsUSA and was employed as an apprentice technician at Spitzer Toyota/Scion (Monroeville, Pennsylvania). Hladney will attend the Rosedale Technical Institute in Pittsburgh in the fall, where he is enrolled in the automotive technology program. His ultimate career goal is to open his own automotive repair shop.

J&L Marketing Announces New Company President

	Jamil Zabaneh

J&L Marketing’s owner and former president, Scott Joseph, has moved to the role of CEO and has named Jamil Zabaneh as the company’s new president. According to Joseph, the move will allow him to put additional focus on the company’s long term. “The company has simply gotten too large for one person to oversee, which is a good thing,” Joseph said. “Naming Jamil Zabaneh as president will allow me to hand over the day-to-day duties of managing J&L Marketing to him.” Zabaneh has been with J&L Marketing for five years, most recently as vice president of national accounts. J&L reports that Zabaneh's recent contributions to product improvements have been pivotal. He spearheaded the creation of digital and video marketing components for J&L’s customers, and secured an account with the Chrysler Group, leading to J&L’s role as a preferred vendor with Chrysler.

Monroe Brakes Offers Trade Professionals Rewards Through ‘Brake Event BENEFITS’ Promotion

Tenneco is offering the Monroe Brakes “Brake Event BENEFITS” promotion that awards trade professionals with up to a $500 prepaid card for the sale of qualifying Monroe Brakes products. Now through September 30, the Monroe Brakes promotion offers valuable rewards for the sale of qualifying Monroe ProSolution, Monroe Total Solution and Monroe Severe Solution brake pad sets. The promotion provides a $2 spiff for the sale of qualifying Monroe Brakes Total Solution and Severe Solution brake pad sets, and a $1 spiff for each qualifying sale of Monroe Brakes ProSolution brake pad sets.

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.