Thu, 03/27/2014 - 11:28
 falcon

A prototype for the ’15 Ford Falcon has been caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. The new Falcon gets Ford's corporate face inspired by the Ford Fusion, giving ever-greater reach to the OneFord design ethos. The prototype caught here was still right-hand drive, so any chance at a U.S variant is still a big longshot. This refreshed model is expected to have a two-year shelf life, with the next-generation Falcon likely taking a version of the ’16 Ford Taurus, which will utilize an enlarged version of the platform currently underpinning the Ford Fusion.

 falcon

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 11:28
 falcon

A prototype for the ’15 Ford Falcon has been caught running the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. The new Falcon gets Ford's corporate face inspired by the Ford Fusion, giving ever-greater reach to the OneFord design ethos. The prototype caught here was still right-hand drive, so any chance at a U.S variant is still a big longshot. This refreshed model is expected to have a two-year shelf life, with the next-generation Falcon likely taking a version of the ’16 Ford Taurus, which will utilize an enlarged version of the platform currently underpinning the Ford Fusion.

 falcon

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 11:19
 Rugged Ridge Trail Access
The Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program has awarded more than $27,000 to non-profit off-road organizations since the program launched at the 2013 SEMA Show.
  

Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program Provides Financial Support for Off-Road Hobby
Following its November launch at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Rugged Ridge announced its Trail Access Program has awarded six grants, totaling more than $27,000, to non-profit off-road organizations. The grants were awarded to the Off-Road Business Association, Stay the Trail, the New Mexico OHV Association, the Colorado Association of 4WD Clubs, the Colorado OHV Coalition and the Blue Ribbon Coalition for the purpose of keeping recreational trails open on public land and supporting the off-road hobby. Each of the donations—which come as part of a larger philanthropic effort from Rugged Ridge’s parent company Omix-ADA—can be designated for use toward education, stewardship, litigation, or any other activity advocating the conservation of public land and access to recreational trails. More information on the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program is available at www.ruggedridge.com/trailaccess.

Fisher Auto Parts, KOI Auto Parts Announce Merger
KOI Auto Parts President Dave Wesselman announced that Fisher Auto Parts will acquire controlling interest in KOI Auto Parts, effective April 1, 2014. Once implemented, KOI reports, minimal changes will occur to customers, suppliers and team members. “KOI is excited about this merger with all our employees getting the opportunity of a lifetime to grow both professionally and personally,” Wesselman said. “Our management team remains in place and all 1,000-plus team members have retained their positions. It was very important to KOI’s Board of Directors that all of our employees retain their jobs and have the advancement opportunities this merger provides. It is business as usual at KOI.” Fisher Auto Parts now has 470 locations plus more than 100 independent jobbers in 18 states.

Port-A-Cool Named Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year

Port-a-cool
Port-A-Cool was honored as the Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year during Grainger’s annual supplier conference held recently in Rosemont, Illinois.
 
  

Port-A-Cool was honored as the Grainger 2013 Supplier of the Year during Grainger’s annual supplier conference held recently in Rosemont, Illinois. Grainger recognizes a select group of suppliers for outstanding performance throughout the year through its Partners in Performance award program. The award distinguishes suppliers who achieve excellence in several categories, including responsiveness, information integrity, on-time shipping and variability, management commitment and order fulfillment. Grainger suppliers receive ratings throughout the year for their performance in each of these categories. With exceptional ratings in all categories, Port-A-Cool earned the top honor among more than 3,200 active suppliers.   

New Logo Launched for ATP Automotive
ATP has introduced a new, contemporary logo for its flagship brand—now known as ATP Automotive. “We have made many positive changes at ATP recently, and our new brand identity is the latest transformation,” said Roy Lipner, president and CEO of ATP Inc. “The ATP Automotive logo was thoughtfully developed to reflect our focus on the industry, our ability to adapt to a changing marketplace and, most importantly, our ongoing commitment to be a valued supplier to our customers.” In addition to the new brand identity, ATP will introduce updated packaging and several new products in the coming year. Historically known as a transmission products supplier, the ATP Automotive product line currently includes automatic transmission filter kits, repair kits, exhaust manifold kits, harmonic balancers, timing covers, cables, flywheel and ring gears, interior vent filters and chemicals. “This is an exciting time at ATP,” said Gary Rogak, chairman of the board of ATP Inc. “Our company has a long history of providing high-quality automotive products. Although the ATP Automotive look is new, we will remain dedicated to partnering with our customers to build lasting and profitable relationships."

Axalta Racing Launches "Fast Talk" Blog

Axalta Coating Systems has launched its first blog. Titled "Fast Talk," visitors can view the inaugural post—"Brilliant Flames Heads to Bristol." Blog posts will be made monthly, except when Axalta-sponsored races are on the horizon, such as this weekend's race in Martinsville. Fast Talk also features a new persona—the Axalta Racing Girl, whose writings will provide commentary and opinions. This virtual character seeks to engage with racing fans and appeal to a wide demographic. “2014 is an exciting year for us.  We’re off to a quick start with the January launch of a multitude of social media channels, and now we have the Fast Talk blog,” says Wade Robinson, Axalta Strategic Marketing and Racing Director. “Axalta Racing Girl is sure to make guest appearances throughout Axalta Racing’s social media channels. Fans should stay tuned, because you never know what’s next.”

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:41

By Della Domingo

 martin
Tim Martin
trudo
Rick Trudo
wolcott
Steve Wolcott
adler
Greg Adler
pacey
Larry Pacey

The following is the slate of candidates who are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

  • Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
  • Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
  • Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

  • Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
  • Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:41

By Della Domingo

 martin
Tim Martin
trudo
Rick Trudo
wolcott
Steve Wolcott
adler
Greg Adler
pacey
Larry Pacey

The following is the slate of candidates who are vying for a seat on the SEMA Board of Directors:

Manufacturers Category (one open seat available)

  • Tim Martin – COO, K&N Engineering Inc.
  • Rick Trudo – President/CEO, SCT Performance LLC
  • Steve Wolcott – President/CEO, ProMedia LLC

Distributor Retailer Category (one open seat available)

  • Greg Adler – CEO, Transamerican Auto Parts
  • Larry Pacey – President/CEO, National Performance Warehouse

Voting will take place online between May 14–June 10, 2014, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

Winners will be announced in June and formally inducted into the SEMA Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Gala in July.

For more information about the 2014–2017 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:35

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  fox
Andy McMillin’s FOX-equipped Trick Truck was the first to the checkered flag, winning with a 14-minute margin over the second-place finisher.
  

FOX Athletes Victorious at the Mint 400
The 2014 General Tire Mint 400 presented by Polaris featured 57 Trick Trucks and 38 Class 1 cars battling for desert domination in front of thousands of fans. Andy McMillin’s FOX-equipped Trick Truck was the first to the checkered flag, winning with a 14-minute margin over the second-place finisher. For his efforts, McMillin received a $10,000 payday for riding on FOX.

Billed as the “Great American Off-Road Race,” this year’s Mint drew interest from beyond the traditional desert racing market. Major news outlets, including USA Today and Jalopnik, covered the event, and motorcycle and rally champion Travis Pastrana and football star DeMarcus Ware were among the participants. Ware even put up $10,000 of his own money to the winner, matching the $10,000 purse offered by FOX. Pastrana, driving in his first-ever Trick Truck race, qualified 19th and was the third physical finisher and fourth place on corrected time in a FOX-equipped Trick Truck from Jones/Menzies Motorsports.

While the Trick Trucks received most of the limelight, there was plenty of great racing among the other classes as well. FOX athletes took top honors in nine classes at the Mint 400, including Jason Ruane placing first in the 6100 class and ninth overall at the Mint 400. There were 21 entries in the 6100 class, and 17 competitors in 7200, where Jeff Horsley was the winner.

Irwindale Event Center Announces Lease Extension Though 2015 Season
Irwindale Event Center's President/CEO Jim Cohan has announced that the facility's landlord has indicated that the center's operating lease would be extended through the 2015 season.

Hostile Trucks Joins TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL as Official Series Partner
TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL has announced that Hostile Trucks—manufacturer of off-road and lifted truck/SUV wheels and accessories—will be an Official Series Partner for the 2014 TORC season. As an Official Series Partner, Hostile will have significant brand visibility at all seven events across the United States, with NBC Sports providing television coverage and a behind-the-scenes docu-reality series.

Banning Motorsports Takes 1100 Class Win at the 2014 Mint 400
Banning Motorsports showed up at the General Tire Mint 400 presented by Polaris with their three cars and full crew to support the drivers on their race. In the 1100 class, Steve Melton lined up for the start in the 1178 car, handing off to son Hayden Melton on the second lap, where his General Tire-equipped buggy passed competitors who were on the side of the course changing tires. Hayden crossed the finish line with the fastest overall time in 1100 class, taking the win.

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:35

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  fox
Andy McMillin’s FOX-equipped Trick Truck was the first to the checkered flag, winning with a 14-minute margin over the second-place finisher.
  

FOX Athletes Victorious at the Mint 400
The 2014 General Tire Mint 400 presented by Polaris featured 57 Trick Trucks and 38 Class 1 cars battling for desert domination in front of thousands of fans. Andy McMillin’s FOX-equipped Trick Truck was the first to the checkered flag, winning with a 14-minute margin over the second-place finisher. For his efforts, McMillin received a $10,000 payday for riding on FOX.

Billed as the “Great American Off-Road Race,” this year’s Mint drew interest from beyond the traditional desert racing market. Major news outlets, including USA Today and Jalopnik, covered the event, and motorcycle and rally champion Travis Pastrana and football star DeMarcus Ware were among the participants. Ware even put up $10,000 of his own money to the winner, matching the $10,000 purse offered by FOX. Pastrana, driving in his first-ever Trick Truck race, qualified 19th and was the third physical finisher and fourth place on corrected time in a FOX-equipped Trick Truck from Jones/Menzies Motorsports.

While the Trick Trucks received most of the limelight, there was plenty of great racing among the other classes as well. FOX athletes took top honors in nine classes at the Mint 400, including Jason Ruane placing first in the 6100 class and ninth overall at the Mint 400. There were 21 entries in the 6100 class, and 17 competitors in 7200, where Jeff Horsley was the winner.

Irwindale Event Center Announces Lease Extension Though 2015 Season
Irwindale Event Center's President/CEO Jim Cohan has announced that the facility's landlord has indicated that the center's operating lease would be extended through the 2015 season.

Hostile Trucks Joins TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL as Official Series Partner
TORC: The Off-Road Championship Presented by AMSOIL has announced that Hostile Trucks—manufacturer of off-road and lifted truck/SUV wheels and accessories—will be an Official Series Partner for the 2014 TORC season. As an Official Series Partner, Hostile will have significant brand visibility at all seven events across the United States, with NBC Sports providing television coverage and a behind-the-scenes docu-reality series.

Banning Motorsports Takes 1100 Class Win at the 2014 Mint 400
Banning Motorsports showed up at the General Tire Mint 400 presented by Polaris with their three cars and full crew to support the drivers on their race. In the 1100 class, Steve Melton lined up for the start in the 1178 car, handing off to son Hayden Melton on the second lap, where his General Tire-equipped buggy passed competitors who were on the side of the course changing tires. Hayden crossed the finish line with the fastest overall time in 1100 class, taking the win.

Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:20
A collection of custom Dodge cars and trucks from the 2013 SEMA Show.
Thu, 03/27/2014 - 10:20
A collection of custom Dodge cars and trucks from the 2013 SEMA Show.
Thu, 03/27/2014 - 09:49

By Zane Clark

  graven
Jim Graven
   

Are you ready for the selling season? Would you like to boost your profits and expand your market reach? Standards-compliant data is easily sharable, and the time to start is now! Led by Jim Graven, SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) director of membership, webinar participants will learn how the SDC program works through a presentation and live demonstration of their system. Then subscribe to the SDC to sell more parts!

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how the SDC helps suppliers and receivers sell more parts.
  • Use the online user interface and take a tour of SDC features and functionality.
  • Learn how to upload new products, update current products and validate product data to industry standards.
  • Learn how to schedule downloads, review current member listings and manage data feeds.

Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and the SDC team! Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

For more information contact Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655.
 
Jim Graven came to the SDC in August 2012 with more than 15 years of experience in the specialty-parts aftermarket, taking responsibility for member services, recruitment and promotions.
 
His background includes extensive sales, marketing and project management experience at Reliable Automotive and Arrow Speed Warehouse, where he managed various customer-facing teams, events, media production and end-to-end project organization. In 1990, Graven earned a B.S. in finance from Georgia Southern University.
 
Graven's energetic and attentive style, coupled with a broad background in the industry, made him the ideal candidate to work closely with SDC members to optimize their experience. In addition, his flair for communication, organization and teaching make him ideally suited for welcoming new members into the SDC.