The shooters at KGP Photography got a fresh look at a prototype for the ’15 Land Rover LR2 tackling some winter-testing grounds in Northern Europe.

The new LR2 will ride on a thoroughly massaged version of the current model's Ford-based EUCD architecture, taking many platform cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The all-new styling finally gives the LR2 a modernized look sorely needed to battle the ever-growing roster of competitors in the burgeoning entry-level premium crossover segment.

Reports are circulating that the LR2 will be the first model to utilize Land Rover's "Premium Adventure" design language. Those reports suggest that the new styling ethos will help create a visual separation between Land Rover and Range Rover models (which are styled using the "Premium Sophistication" design language). Whatever name that's used to describe the LR2's styling, there is clearly still a strong link between the LR2 and the Evoque/Range Rover/Range Sport models.

The new LR2 appears larger and longer than today's model, which will allow third-row seating for the first time. The seven-seat LR2 will provide some further separation from its Evoque platform-mate, which stresses low-slung style over cargo capacity. The differently packaged offerings will help flesh out the Land Rover/Range Rover model range for greater market coverage.

Rumor is that the LR2 may get some help from the aluminum-intensive program being developed for the Jaguar XS 3-series-fighter, and Jag's new crossover, to help with fuel-efficiency.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got a fresh look at a prototype for the ’15 Land Rover LR2 tackling some winter-testing grounds in Northern Europe.

The new LR2 will ride on a thoroughly massaged version of the current model's Ford-based EUCD architecture, taking many platform cues from the Range Rover Evoque. The all-new styling finally gives the LR2 a modernized look sorely needed to battle the ever-growing roster of competitors in the burgeoning entry-level premium crossover segment.

Reports are circulating that the LR2 will be the first model to utilize Land Rover's "Premium Adventure" design language. Those reports suggest that the new styling ethos will help create a visual separation between Land Rover and Range Rover models (which are styled using the "Premium Sophistication" design language). Whatever name that's used to describe the LR2's styling, there is clearly still a strong link between the LR2 and the Evoque/Range Rover/Range Sport models.

The new LR2 appears larger and longer than today's model, which will allow third-row seating for the first time. The seven-seat LR2 will provide some further separation from its Evoque platform-mate, which stresses low-slung style over cargo capacity. The differently packaged offerings will help flesh out the Land Rover/Range Rover model range for greater market coverage.

Rumor is that the LR2 may get some help from the aluminum-intensive program being developed for the Jaguar XS 3-series-fighter, and Jag's new crossover, to help with fuel-efficiency.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is hiring a technical salesperson to identify, prospect and develop business and explore ways to increase sales and profits. This position will be responsible for preparing quotes, terms of sales, delivery dates and warranty obligations, and providing technical support assistance/guidance to distributors, dealers and end users as requested. The successful candidate will have 10 years' motorsports-related technical sales experience and in-depth working knowledge of motorsport shock applications, springs and suspension geometry.

• Transamerican Auto Parts ~ DSI, located in Atlanta, is hiring an outside salesperson/account executive to travel daily within the greater Atlanta area in support of cold calling and building new-car dealer accounts through weekly sales calls and obtain orders while continuously prospecting to expand client base. The successful candidate will have a minimum two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new-car dealers.

• Spyder Auto, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a videographer to create installation and tutorial videos for all Spyder products and test fit and research all of the company's automotive products. The successful candidate will have familiarity with video and audio editing software, be proficient in Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and After Effects and have previous experience creating videos.

• Prestige Auto, located in Chino, California, is hiring sales associates to source and develop a new customer base in California and Western states, and develop a business plan in conjunction with the sales manager, detailing activities to meet or exceed the sales quota. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and proven technical selling skills and product knowledge.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is hiring a technical salesperson to identify, prospect and develop business and explore ways to increase sales and profits. This position will be responsible for preparing quotes, terms of sales, delivery dates and warranty obligations, and providing technical support assistance/guidance to distributors, dealers and end users as requested. The successful candidate will have 10 years' motorsports-related technical sales experience and in-depth working knowledge of motorsport shock applications, springs and suspension geometry.

• Transamerican Auto Parts ~ DSI, located in Atlanta, is hiring an outside salesperson/account executive to travel daily within the greater Atlanta area in support of cold calling and building new-car dealer accounts through weekly sales calls and obtain orders while continuously prospecting to expand client base. The successful candidate will have a minimum two years’ experience in automotive aftermarket sales and selling direct to new-car dealers.

• Spyder Auto, located in City of Industry, California, is hiring a videographer to create installation and tutorial videos for all Spyder products and test fit and research all of the company's automotive products. The successful candidate will have familiarity with video and audio editing software, be proficient in Final Cut Pro, Photoshop and After Effects and have previous experience creating videos.

• Prestige Auto, located in Chino, California, is hiring sales associates to source and develop a new customer base in California and Western states, and develop a business plan in conjunction with the sales manager, detailing activities to meet or exceed the sales quota. The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and proven technical selling skills and product knowledge.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

The MPMC mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Industry Mixer for Performance Professionals

By SEMA Editors

A networking opportunity for members of the specialty-equipment industry will take place in conjunction with the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, Thursday, January 23, from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Those traveling to the MPMC Media Trade Conference and anyone living or working in the greater Los Angeles/Orange County area are invited to attend the event. MPMC, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and the Young Executive’s Network (YEN) will host the networking mixer in the lounge of the Embassy Suites Santa Ana – Orange County Airport North.

This mixer is a chance for SEMA members to meet fellow industry professionals, motorsports manufacturers, young executives and automotive businesswomen in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Along with the cash bar, karaoke will be open throughout the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities.

Members planning to attend should RSVP to SEMA's Senior Manager of Networks Bryan Harrison via e-mail or at 909-978-6691.

The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North.

Media Registration Open for 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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Visit HRIA's website

HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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Visit YEN's website

Justin Hartenstein

YEN Member Insight: Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting

Justin Hartenstein, founder and president of Oracle Lighting, was a true automotive enthusiast from the beginning.

When Hartenstein began selling automotive parts in his eBay store in 1999, it was primarily items that he had installed but later taken off his own rides. He later started making items on his own and posting project pictures on online forums. Others began requesting parts, asking to buy what Hartenstein had made for himself. While he maintained his eBay store, Hartenstein was also going to school at the University of New Orleans and working full time.

It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that Oracle Lighting became the top priority for Hartenstein. His previous employer was greatly affected by Katrina. After the Hurricane, Hartenstein moved for a short period, and his own business was what he relied on. This was his turning point.

“When I moved back, I didn’t have any distractions, and it’s all I’ve done since then,” he said.

Oracle Lighting has been a SEMA member since 2003 and began exhibiting at the Show in 2009. The business has steadily grown, and in 2013, Oracle Lighting surpassed the 20-employee mark. Hartenstein’s wife Tiffanie also joined the company as the director of operations.

As Hartenstein focuses on research and development, he is constantly evaluating new advancements in LED technology, and how these advancements can efficiently be worked into the automotive industry.

When he first began Oracle Lighting, his motto was, “You gotta take risks to get rewards.” Over time, his personal and company focus has shifted to a customer-focused goal, “Keep doing right by the customer.”

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Motul USA Names Ron Aparicio Director of Sales and Marketing
Motul USA has appointed Ron Aparicio the company's new director of sales and marketing. A veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry, Aparicio previously served as director of sales for Walker Products Inc. Aparicio currently serves as chairman of CAWA, a non-profit trade association representing automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors and retailers. He has served in several positions in CAWA for more than five years, including as a board member. Aparicio also serves on the board of the Automotive Warehouse Distributor Association – Manufacturers Advisory Council (AWDA MAC). “We are excited in welcoming Ron to our organization. His proven leadership in sales, and his deep involvement in the industry will help guide us with our expansion in the United States,” said Dave Wolman, president, Motul USA.

	As director of marketing for ProMedia LLC, Camee Edelbrock will oversee all of the company’s efforts to promote its street-legal drag races to fans and racers.

Camee Edelbrock Named Director of Marketing for ProMedia
Camee Edelbrock has joined ProMedia LLC as director of marketing. She will oversee all of the company’s marketing efforts in order to promote its street-legal drag races to fans and racers. Her duties will include working with the existing team on press releases, national print advertising, digital marketing, social media marketing, sponsor promotions and much more. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Camee personally since 2000 when she was vice president of Advertising at Edelbrock Corp.,” said Steve Wolcott, president and CEO of ProMedia LLC. “We’re excited to welcome her to the team, not only because of her experience, but also because of her love for all things racing.”

Most recently, Edelbrock was public relations manager for Schiefer Media, where she worked with several automotive aftermarket clients to raise awareness and build their brands. 

“Mustangs, musclecars and drag racing are in my blood,” said Edelbrock. “When Steve talked to me about the position I couldn’t resist. After hearing about the company, it was clear that ProMedia’s work ethics and approach to business were right inline with my own philosophies. I look forward to building their fan base and helping to share the thrill of street-legal drag racing!”

Perfect Equipment Inc. Renamed WEGMANN automotive USA
Perfect Equipment Inc. has updated its operating name to WEGMANN automotive USA Inc. The newly adopted North American operating name is a reflection of the overall parent company, WEGMANN automotive GmbH & Co. KG of Germany, which has been the parent company of Perfect Equipment since 2005. According to the company, the name change helps galvanize the WEGMANN automotive global platform and provides consistency to markets worldwide.

“Our top priority is to bring superior value to our customers,” says Jeff Waechter, president and CEO of WEGMANN automotive USA Inc. “By continuing to deliver market leading products under our Perfect Equipment and Hofmann Power Weight brand names and by providing ‘best-in-class’ service using our WEGMANN automotive global network of teams, we feel we have set the stage to offer our customers the best value in the industry.”

Redesigned Website Launched for Performance Accessories
Performance Accessories launched a newly redesigned website that allows visitors to easily find the correct leveling kit, body-lift or premium lift system for their specific vehicle application. "Our newly redesigned website is a great resource for truck, Jeep or SUV owners who want to lift their vehicles anywhere from 3/8-in. to 5.5 in., but without the need to heavily modify the suspension or drivetrain," says Steve Rezek, president at Performance Accessories.
 
New website features include larger product photos and the ability to print, e-mail and share information on social media outlets, such as Facebook. Some of the company's more popular products may also feature additional resources, such as links to videos, additional photos, installation articles and the ability to download product information sheets and installation instructions.

VIPAR Heavy Duty Acquires Power Heavy Duty
VIPAR Heavy Duty has announced the acquisition of Power Heavy Duty based in Pearland, Texas. As a result of the transaction, Power Heavy Duty will become part of the VIPAR Heavy Duty family of companies and continue to serve the marketplace as a separate brand. Through the integration of Power Heavy Duty into the VIPAR Heavy Duty family of companies, all corporate functions, including central administration and management, program management, marketing and communications and technology will be performed by VIPAR Heavy Duty. Brett Upton, with his 20-year tenure and knowledge of the Power Heavy Duty membership and their needs, will continue to be the point of contact for member development, recruitment and other member needs for Power Heavy Duty.

“Power Heavy Duty members will benefit from this acquisition by having the support and proven experience of VIPAR Heavy Duty management behind the group and brand,” explained Upton. “I’m excited to continue working on behalf of Power Heavy Duty members to serve and support their needs.”

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.