Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, council members have the chance to increase the size of their contact list.

By SEMA Editors

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.

Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, you’ll have the chance to increase the size of your contact list. In today’s marketplace, when business opportunities are so closely tied to who you know, there’s no better way to plug in.

Visit www.sema.org/councils-networks and find the council or network that’s right for you.

	Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, council members have the chance to increase the size of their contact list.

By SEMA Editors

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.

Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, you’ll have the chance to increase the size of your contact list. In today’s marketplace, when business opportunities are so closely tied to who you know, there’s no better way to plug in.

Visit www.sema.org/councils-networks and find the council or network that’s right for you.

	Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, council members have the chance to increase the size of their contact list.

By SEMA Editors

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.

Through open meetings, events at the SEMA Show and networking mixers, you’ll have the chance to increase the size of your contact list. In today’s marketplace, when business opportunities are so closely tied to who you know, there’s no better way to plug in.

Visit www.sema.org/councils-networks and find the council or network that’s right for you.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	The ’14 Toyota Tundra pickup has been completely redesigned, both inside and out.

The completely redesigned ’14 Toyota Tundra half-ton fullsize pickup adds elements of design, refinement, quality and craftsmanship, while building upon its reliability, efficiency and function. The redesign represents the first major change since the ’07 model year.

The ’14 Tundra has a grade strategy consisting of the SR, SR5, Limited and two premium grades: Platinum and the all-new 1794 Edition—a tribute to the ranch, founded in 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Tundra is offered in three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all mated to either a 4x2 or 4x4 transmission. Tundra, Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models are offered in standard bed (78.7-in.) or long bed (97.6-in.) configurations, while the CrewMax comes with a 66.7-in. bed. All beds are 22.2-in. deep.

The Tundra's all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern industrial image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to visually punctuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The grille has a taller, bolder look, visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. The front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for lower replacement costs. In addition, the fenders and wheelwells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance.

A rugged new bed and tailgate creates a one-piece forged look. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the taillamps express a tool-like quality to match the appearance of the body. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three for lower replacement costs.

The Tundra's lockable easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam and can easily be removed. Limited Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding rear window. A power vertical sliding rear window is standard on all CrewMax models.

Inside, ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 in. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. Overall passenger comfort was improved with a new front- and rear- (CrewMax) seat design and improved front-seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle and lowering load the height by more than 11 in.

The interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with new instrument panel. The meters feature 3-D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear design with a center-mounted multi-information (LCD) display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics, plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax are available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row.

The interior of the SR5 features driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and contrasting fabric. The Limited grade has leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited will be available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors and will have standard dual zone auto HVAC controls. The Platinum grade features perforated, diamond-pleated leather seats, door and instrument panel inserts and chrome seat and console accent badging. In addition, Platinum comes with many standard amenities, including a 12-speaker touch-screen Entune JBL audio system with navigation, and heated and ventilated front seats. The 1794 Edition reflects a Western lifestyle theme and includes exclusive saddle brown premium leather-trimmed seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accent the shift console, the front and rear door trim and the instrument panel. Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes an array of standard features that includes heated and ventilated front seats, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with navigation.

Tundra continues to offer three powertrains. A 4.0L V6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 hp. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/20 mpg (city/highway). The available 4.6L i-Force V8 offers 310 hp. EPA-estimated mpg fuel economy is 15/19 mpg on 4x2 models and 14/18 mpg on 4x4 models. The 5.7L i-Force V8 generates 381 hp, and is offered in both gasoline and Flex-Fuel variants. Fuel efficiency on 4x2 models is 13/18 mpg, while the 4x4 achieves 13/17 mpg. Both V8s come standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

The Tundra SR and SR5 grades will ride on 18-in. styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will have all-new 20-in. alloy wheels specific to each grade.

Part of Toyota’s Star Safety System, Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all Tundra models. Standard Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto-LSD) helps provide better acceleration in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces. The Tundra’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates traction control (TRAC) and enhances traction on- or off-road by helping keep the vehicle on its intended course.

Integration of these technologies also provides driver-selectable versatility to tackle just about any road surface or driving condition. In “normal” mode, VSC, TRAC and Auto-LSD all function to help enable traction and control capability. “TRAC Off” and “Auto-LSD” modes activate Auto-LSD to help extricate the Tundra from extreme conditions. The “VSC Off” mode turns off all three of these systems.

When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 lbs. (4x2 Regular Cab). A one-piece towing receiver is integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.

The ’14 Tundra will feature a number of key standard features, including a back-up camera and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming on all grades.

Also standard on all SR grades is the Entune Audio Multimedia Bundle, which includes a 6.1-in. touchscreen display; AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA playback capability; auxiliary jack; USB 2.0 port with increased charging capability and iPod connectivity and control; hands-free phone capability. All SR5 models will add a high-res 7.0-in. touch-screen display, HD Radio with iTunes tagging and HD Traffic and Weather (metro areas only); and SiriusXM satellite radio (90-day trial). The Limited adds the Entune App Suite, which includes Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, Open Table, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places, and real-time information, including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. The 1794 Edition adds the Entune Premium JBL audio with navigation and Entune App Suite, which includes Entune Premium Audio with JBL speakers and an amplifier.

Tundra will be equipped with eight standard airbags, including front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System and the segment's only standard driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.

Additional safety features include manual headlamp leveling on all grades and standard LED Daytime Running Lights on Platinum and 1794 Edition only.

For more information on the ’14 Tundra and additional option packages, visit Toyota's website.

	Steve Garrett—producer, director, and production manager for more than 20 years—was named production manager for Motorz.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

"Motorz" Names Steve Garret Production Manager
"Motorz" has hired Steve Garrett to its crew as production manager. Garrett has been a producer, director and production manager for more than 20 years, with 12 years of experience managing his own small production company, Always Moving Pictures Inc. He has worked on a variety of projects, including commercials, reality shows, marketing videos, documentaries, educational films, corporate events, feature films and Internet content. According to "Motorz," Garrett’s role will include the management and organization of production planning and implementation of each episode working closely with "Motorz" production, communication, business development and account management staff as well as contributing sponsors to oversee development and timely episode production and distribution.

Meyer Distributing Adds Two New Locations in Texas
Meyer Distributing Inc. has added locations in Abilene and Lubbock, Texas. The cross-docks will have a direct feed from Meyer's Dallas, Texas, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories in the nation. “Our recent expansion in California is allowing us to achieve additional deliveries in markets that are on the way, such as West Texas and New Mexico,” states Jeff Braun, CFO of Meyer. “When we can improve delivery times and service with little to no additional cost, that’s a win-win.”

Design Engineering Inc. Completes Warehouse Addition
Design Engineering Inc. announced the completion of a new 12,000 sq.-ft. warehouse addition. The goal of the addition was to increase efficiency for warehouse supply and delivery, R&D and office management. The new warehouse more than doubles in size the company’s prior warehouse space at its headquarters in Avon Lake, Ohio. The majority of the building is devoted to inventory processing with all raw materials and finished goods consolidated in one centralized large area for easy loading and unloading by pallet truck. The shipping and receiving area features new concrete loading docks with added loading zone space to maneuver for speedy distribution.

Betts Spring Manufacturing Launches New Website
Betts Spring Manufacturing has launched its new website at www.BettsSpring.com as part of a new branding initiative to showcase Betts Spring Manufacturing, one of three operating divisions of Betts Co. According to Betts, the site features a new introductory video highlighting manufacturing capabilities, as well as a new overview brochure available for download.

Wheelcare Ltd. Becomes Ken-Tool Distributor
Ken-Tool announced that Dublin, Ireland-based Wheelcare Ltd. is now a Ken-Tool distributor for its wheel and tire service bay customers. Wheelcare Ltd. has nearly 30 years of service to the Irish tire-service industry and extends its reach into the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and other countries. Rock Tyson, Ken-Tool’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing noted, “We are extremely pleased to have a distributor of the caliber of Wheelcare Ltd. joining us as a distribution partner.  We feel there is a very good fit between the two companies, and Wheelcare’s strong presence in the European tire service market should help many tire service centers improve their in-shop safety and productivity.”

Hotchkis Opens Hotchkis Performance East
Hotchkis Sport Suspension opened a new East Coast location—Hotchkis Performance East. Located at the epicenter of motorsports engineering in Mooresville, North Carolina—home to dozens of NASCAR and NHRA teams—the new facility offers custom fabrication services, safety equipment design and installation, suspension installation and race car prep to enthusiasts and professional racers alike. Hotchkis Performance East also provides additional new product manufacturing, development, and distribution capabilities to speed up the R&D process and reduce product delivery times to Hotchkis customers and distributors.

20 Rotary Lift Distributor and Installer Employees Achieve ALI Lift Inspector Certification
The first graduating class of Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) Certified Lift Inspectors includes 20 Rotary Lift distributor and installer employees. More than 100 additional Rotary Lift-affiliated inspectors are currently enrolled in the program and on their way to achieving certification. According to a recent release, Rotary Lift holds its extensive North American distributor and RAI network to high standards, with requirements for regular factory training, parts availability and insurance coverage. Starting next year, Rotary Lift will also require all RAIs to have at least one Certified Lift Inspector on staff.

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.

	Hotel rooms for the week of the 2013 SEMA Show are going fast. Check the latest updates on hotel availability for several Vegas properties, or secure your rooms for Show week, at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

By Jason Catullo

The exhibit space for the 2013 SEMA Show is reaching capacity and is currently trending 8% higher than this time last year, and the Show is on track to include more than 2,400 exhibiting companies—the highest in SEMA Show’s 47-year history. Buyers are in on the increase as well, as buyer registration is up 15% compared to the same time period in 2012. 

As a result, hotel rooms for the week of the SEMA Show are going fast. There are several Las Vegas properties that have reached sold-out status, while others only have certain room options left available.

With hotels selling out, and the number of room options and bed configurations waning, exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to book rooms for the Show now through Travel Planners, the official housing bureau of the SEMA Show. Check the latest updates on hotel availability for several Vegas properties, or secure your rooms for Show week, at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Make Reservations Here—Travel Planners Housing Links

• Hotel Reservations for Exhibitors

• Hotel Reservations for Attendees
  

Travel Planners offers a set of benefits to help Showgoers get a great hotel deal with a locked-in rate, providing peace of mind and more time to concentrate on making business connections and deals during the Show. Travel Planners negotiates low-rate guarantees for all hotel contracts, works with hotels to meet or beat reduced competitive rates and passes the savings on to Showgoers.

Other benefits of Travel Planners include:

• No service fees to make reservations
• Immediate confirmations with no waiting or wondering
• Update hotel reservations with no fees or penalties
• Descriptions, photos and maps to help choose the perfect hotel

For complete information on the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

	Hotel rooms for the week of the 2013 SEMA Show are going fast. Check the latest updates on hotel availability for several Vegas properties, or secure your rooms for Show week, at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

By Jason Catullo

The exhibit space for the 2013 SEMA Show is reaching capacity and is currently trending 8% higher than this time last year, and the Show is on track to include more than 2,400 exhibiting companies—the highest in SEMA Show’s 47-year history. Buyers are in on the increase as well, as buyer registration is up 15% compared to the same time period in 2012. 

As a result, hotel rooms for the week of the SEMA Show are going fast. There are several Las Vegas properties that have reached sold-out status, while others only have certain room options left available.

With hotels selling out, and the number of room options and bed configurations waning, exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to book rooms for the Show now through Travel Planners, the official housing bureau of the SEMA Show. Check the latest updates on hotel availability for several Vegas properties, or secure your rooms for Show week, at www.SEMAShow.com/travel.

Make Reservations Here—Travel Planners Housing Links

• Hotel Reservations for Exhibitors

• Hotel Reservations for Attendees
  

Travel Planners offers a set of benefits to help Showgoers get a great hotel deal with a locked-in rate, providing peace of mind and more time to concentrate on making business connections and deals during the Show. Travel Planners negotiates low-rate guarantees for all hotel contracts, works with hotels to meet or beat reduced competitive rates and passes the savings on to Showgoers.

Other benefits of Travel Planners include:

• No service fees to make reservations
• Immediate confirmations with no waiting or wondering
• Update hotel reservations with no fees or penalties
• Descriptions, photos and maps to help choose the perfect hotel

For complete information on the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, visit www.SEMAShow.com.