Thu, 10/25/2012 - 11:37
Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities. Click on an item for more details.
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 11:07
  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news, aftermarket business
Left to right: Tom Ressler, Clayton Guinn, Mike Mobley, John Iannotte, Ryan Gebhardt.  John Iannotte presents award to Gary “Gearman” Justice at Nickels Performance.
   

Gary “Gearman” Justice Receives Industry Appreciation Award
Recently at the Nickels Performance Annual Appreciation Day Cookout, Gary “Gearman” Justice was presented the Industry Appreciation Award for his 25-plus years in the performance automotive aftermarket. Justice has been a great friend and mentor to the racers, jobbers and WDs during his career at Richmond Gear, and recent years at Motive Gear.

Moberg Promoted to COO of Brute Industries Inc.
Brute Industries Inc. promoted James Moberg to chief operating officer (COO). Moberg joined Brute Industries in 2010 as business development manager. In his new capacity as COO, he is in charge of all daily operations within the company and reports directly to owner Richard Heinz. According to Heinz, Moberg has proven himself to be invaluable to the growth of the company. “Jim has decades of experience not only as an accountant, but as vice president of operations and as vice president of business administration and finance. He has a keen financial sense as well as the leadership and organizational skills needed to oversee our product production, customer service and accounting,” states Heinz.

Bilstein Selects Schiefer Media Inc. as Advertising Agency  
Bilstein of America, aftermarket and motorsports division, has selected Schiefer Media as the company's new agency of record. Schiefer will manage Bilstein’s media buys (all forms of media) as well as their creative and public relations efforts. Bilstein reports that it will count on Schiefer’s comprehensive knowledge of the performance aftermarket industry as well as its expertise in strategic media buying/planning/execution. “Schiefer Media presented a stunning proposal and takes an innovative approach on servicing their clients,” said Steven Beaty, Aftermarket and Motorsport President of Bilstein. “We trust that their focus on new media and technologies will allow us to improve development of Bilstein’s brand voice in a crowded industry.”

  aftermarket news, automotive aftermarket news, aftermarket business
Mike Galimi was named editor of Race Pages, the official magazine of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series.
   

ProMedia Names Mike Galimi as New Editor for Race Pages Magazine
ProMedia announced that Mike Galimi is the next editor of Race Pages, the official magazine of the NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals series and a leading content source for the high-performance Ford community. “I’m excited to become more involved in Race Pages and the NMRA series. My first printed work appeared in Race Pages in early 1999. It opened the door to a bigger role in this industry that eventually led to a fulltime calling,” commented Galimi. He has contributed on and off to the title since its inception and is recognized as being part of the original group of contributors. “Mike has been a long time friend and ambassador to NMRA and Race Pages. Bringing him on as the editor is exciting for us because of his rich history in Ford drag racing and vast experience with the NMRA series,” explains Steve Wolcott, ProMedia’s CEO. Race Pages is the official monthly publication of the NMRA Ford National Series. The magazine also serves the Ford high-performance community with technical articles, feature and lifestyle stories, and also racing coverage from NMRA events. 

Max-Trac Tire Co. Inc. Names Chris Barbara President
Max-Trac Tire Co. Inc. (dba Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels) has selected Chris Barbara as president. The company announced that Barbara is responsible for driving top-line profitable sales by expanding opportunities to grow the Mickey Thompson business. He will lead and execute a strategic plan that includes traditional and emerging opportunities, such as Internet sales, as well as development of new markets for existing products and product mix opportunities to drive increased profitability. Barbara brings 14 years of experience in the tire industry to his new position.

Advanced FLOW Engineering Opens aFe Power Factory Store
Advanced FLOW Engineering (aFe) announced the grand opening of the first aFe Power Factory Store, located at 232 Granite St., Corona, CA 92879. Hours of operations are Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (PST). The Factory Store will include Power Professionals to answer technical questions, shop for aFe and Takeda apparel and see what new products are being launched. aFe acquired the adjacent building next to aFe Headquarters earlier this year for the new R&D, shipping and factory location. After several months of planning and construction, the factory store opened to the public on Monday, October 15. Customers can relax in the lounge and enjoy refreshments while waiting for orders to be processed from the warehouse.

Meyer Distributing Inc. Adds New East Hanover, NJ, Hub

Meyer Distributing Inc. has added a new distribution hub in East Hanover, New Jersey. The new facility will directly feed the Northeast with next-day delivery and house one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories in the region, according on the company. "The strategic positioning of the East Hanover, New Jersey, distribution hub allows Meyer to vastly improve service frequency and delivery times to the entire Northeast," states Nick Gramelspacher, vice president of sales and marketing. "We are also establishing service to many regions, such as Long Island, Binghamton, Albany, New Hampshire, and Vermont to benefit our 3PL customers, our snow and ice equipment customers, and the automotive accessory division of Meyer Distributing. The new site has already been fully integrated with our distribution system and technology framework and will take service to a new level for customers in this market."

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 08:17

  automobile trade show, auto show, automobile events, sema show
Stay on top of all the action going down at the SEMA Show through the stream of information from exhibitors via their Twitter lists.
   
Stay informed and up to date with all of the exhibitor activity at the 2012 SEMA Show through Twitter. SEMA has created an easy way to follow a stream of information from exhibitors at the SEMA Show via Twitter lists.

Simply follow these two leads: 
Additionally, follow @SEMASHOW for the latest news and events throughout the week of the Show, and join the conversation at #SEMASHOW. 
  • Text "Attendee" to 66937 for updated SEMA Show alerts.
  • Text "Press" to 66937 for updated press conferences and SEMA Show alerts.
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 08:17

  automobile trade show, auto show, automobile events, sema show
Stay on top of all the action going down at the SEMA Show through the stream of information from exhibitors via their Twitter lists.
   
Stay informed and up to date with all of the exhibitor activity at the 2012 SEMA Show through Twitter. SEMA has created an easy way to follow a stream of information from exhibitors at the SEMA Show via Twitter lists.

Simply follow these two leads: 
Additionally, follow @SEMASHOW for the latest news and events throughout the week of the Show, and join the conversation at #SEMASHOW. 
  • Text "Attendee" to 66937 for updated SEMA Show alerts.
  • Text "Press" to 66937 for updated press conferences and SEMA Show alerts.
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 08:14

New Cars, New Techniques – Are You Ready?

It’s no secret that cars today are more electronically complex than ever before. It is enough to baffle even the most seasoned car enthusiast. Appearance, suspension and engine upgrades have always been mechanical in nature so the experienced touch of a technician’s hand is always reassuring to achieve a great final aftermarket upgrade. Electronic upgrades, particularly those related to comfort and entertainment, are not as easily achieved. The question is: Are you ready? If you find yourself having difficulty making sense of how to approach today’s modern vehicles to achieve better sound, add safety and convenience upgrades and expand the enjoyment for both drivers and passengers, you don’t want to miss any of the Mobile Electronics Education Sessions taking place Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31, at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Here’s a look at a few can’t miss sessions:

Car Audio Mythbusters: Robust Business in the Aftermarket Is Easier Than You Might Think
Presented by: Andy Wehmeyer, Global Product Line Manager at Harman Consumer Group
Tuesday, October 30, 9:30am-10:30am (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Andy Wehmeyer is a consummate audio guru, but you will find his knowledge of complex car audio topics blends seamlessly with his ability to convey business-minded, solution-based approaches to selling and installing car audio products. It’s an opportunity in your business with the right mindset and skills. Believe it or not, it’s an underserved market. Andy will bust some common myths and show you how to make car audio a part of your business and keep your customers pleased with the results. Do not miss this important car audio business-focused session.

Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Complex Dashboards
Presented by: Derek Schmiedl, Chief Operating Officer at NAV-TV
Tuesday, October 30, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Let vehicle-electronics-integration expert Derek Schmiedl show you how today’s complex dashboards are a source of profit and opportunity, not the nail in the coffin. If you’re seeking a great understanding of how to approach additions such as audio, navigation, video and reverse cameras to modern vehicles, this session is chock full of great content that will change your business. It’s really about embracing integration instead of running away from it. Whether you’re in the car audio business or a vehicle customizer, Derek’s informative session will help guide your car electronics integration path.

Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment
Presented by: Jeff Varick, Brandmotion; Pete Kallgren, Rostra
Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

After traversing the SEMA Show, you’ll want to stop in to this informative and (pardon the pun) ‘comfortable’ session about adding luxury features to modern vehicles. Whether you’re a retailer, customizer/restyler, a used- or new-car dealership or an expediter, this session provides the nuts and bolts of the products and the luxury and convenience features that you can add where the factory left off. Whether it’s cruise control, power windows, heated seats or reverse camera systems, Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren will ramp up your opportunities for keeping happy customers while keeping it profitable in the process.

And don’t forget to come meet Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions in person at the 2012 SEMA Show for his hands-on session entitled Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques, which will take place Tuesday, October 30, in room N257. There will be live demonstrations in this session!

Check out all the Mobile Electronics Track sessions:

Tuesday, October 30 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

Wednesday October 32 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 08:14

New Cars, New Techniques – Are You Ready?

It’s no secret that cars today are more electronically complex than ever before. It is enough to baffle even the most seasoned car enthusiast. Appearance, suspension and engine upgrades have always been mechanical in nature so the experienced touch of a technician’s hand is always reassuring to achieve a great final aftermarket upgrade. Electronic upgrades, particularly those related to comfort and entertainment, are not as easily achieved. The question is: Are you ready? If you find yourself having difficulty making sense of how to approach today’s modern vehicles to achieve better sound, add safety and convenience upgrades and expand the enjoyment for both drivers and passengers, you don’t want to miss any of the Mobile Electronics Education Sessions taking place Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31, at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Here’s a look at a few can’t miss sessions:

Car Audio Mythbusters: Robust Business in the Aftermarket Is Easier Than You Might Think
Presented by: Andy Wehmeyer, Global Product Line Manager at Harman Consumer Group
Tuesday, October 30, 9:30am-10:30am (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Andy Wehmeyer is a consummate audio guru, but you will find his knowledge of complex car audio topics blends seamlessly with his ability to convey business-minded, solution-based approaches to selling and installing car audio products. It’s an opportunity in your business with the right mindset and skills. Believe it or not, it’s an underserved market. Andy will bust some common myths and show you how to make car audio a part of your business and keep your customers pleased with the results. Do not miss this important car audio business-focused session.

Adding Integrated Electronics to Today’s Complex Dashboards
Presented by: Derek Schmiedl, Chief Operating Officer at NAV-TV
Tuesday, October 30, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

Let vehicle-electronics-integration expert Derek Schmiedl show you how today’s complex dashboards are a source of profit and opportunity, not the nail in the coffin. If you’re seeking a great understanding of how to approach additions such as audio, navigation, video and reverse cameras to modern vehicles, this session is chock full of great content that will change your business. It’s really about embracing integration instead of running away from it. Whether you’re in the car audio business or a vehicle customizer, Derek’s informative session will help guide your car electronics integration path.

Adding Luxury Features to Upgrade Vehicle Enjoyment
Presented by: Jeff Varick, Brandmotion; Pete Kallgren, Rostra
Wednesday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (Room N257, upstairs in North Hall)

After traversing the SEMA Show, you’ll want to stop in to this informative and (pardon the pun) ‘comfortable’ session about adding luxury features to modern vehicles. Whether you’re a retailer, customizer/restyler, a used- or new-car dealership or an expediter, this session provides the nuts and bolts of the products and the luxury and convenience features that you can add where the factory left off. Whether it’s cruise control, power windows, heated seats or reverse camera systems, Jeff Varick and Pete Kallgren will ramp up your opportunities for keeping happy customers while keeping it profitable in the process.

And don’t forget to come meet Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions in person at the 2012 SEMA Show for his hands-on session entitled Interior and Trim Panel Fabrication Techniques, which will take place Tuesday, October 30, in room N257. There will be live demonstrations in this session!

Check out all the Mobile Electronics Track sessions:

Tuesday, October 30 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

Wednesday October 32 (Room N257, Upstairs in North Hall)

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 17:20
  automotive aftermarket news, racing news, toyota racing dream build challenge
The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge lets fans to help their favorite drivers, builds and charities, while earning an opportunity to win daily prizes in the sweepstakes, as well as the Grand Prize of an exclusive race experience.
   
The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, which will make charitable donations totaling $100,000, is giving fans a chance to win, too. For 10 days, fans not only get to help their favorite drivers, builds and charities win, they also have opportunities to win prizes themselves.

From October 20–29, fans can login to www.toyotaracingdreambuild.com to vote for their favorite Dream Build Challenge team and register to win the Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. Fans can cast their votes to help the winning charity take home $50,000, with second place receiving $25,000, third place $15,000 and fourth $10,000, and they also can register for an opportunity to win daily prizes in the sweepstakes.

The Grand Prize will feature an exclusive race experience, and the winner can select from either a NASCAR or NHRA race event.  

The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip will include two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card. NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.

If an NHRA race is preferred, the Grand Prize will feature two general event tickets for select NHRA races with driver pit hospitality access, event parking and a $1,500 American Express gift card. The winner will also have an opportunity for a meet and greet with one or more Toyota racing driver(s).

Additionally, once per day during the voting period, a fortunate fan will take home a $100 American Express gift card. Daily winners can also be featured on the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge home page at their discretion.
Thu, 10/18/2012 - 16:59
gran turismo
Mary Pozzi's ’73 custom Chevrolet Camaro was awarded "Best of Show" at the 2011 Gran Turismo Awards.
 

Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA), publisher of the Gran Turismo racing franchise, will host the 10th annual Gran Turismo Awards at the 2012 SEMA Show. The hottest rides from the Show will have the opportunity to be immortalized in a future Gran Turismo title, selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

The awards will be presented to winning vehicles in five categories: Best Truck or SUV, Best Hot Rod, Best Domestic Automobile, Best European Import and Best Asian Import. A Grand Prize of Best in Show will be selected by Yamauchi and be presented to the winner at the Show. That winning vehicle will then join the esteemed list of GT Award winners with a playable part in future Gran Turismo games.

Access the official contest rules and to registration for the Gran Turismo Awards. The contest ends Wednesday, October 31. The winners will be notified at the Gran Turismo Awards event on Thursday, November 1.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 16:59
gran turismo
Mary Pozzi's ’73 custom Chevrolet Camaro was awarded "Best of Show" at the 2011 Gran Turismo Awards.
 

Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA), publisher of the Gran Turismo racing franchise, will host the 10th annual Gran Turismo Awards at the 2012 SEMA Show. The hottest rides from the Show will have the opportunity to be immortalized in a future Gran Turismo title, selected by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

The awards will be presented to winning vehicles in five categories: Best Truck or SUV, Best Hot Rod, Best Domestic Automobile, Best European Import and Best Asian Import. A Grand Prize of Best in Show will be selected by Yamauchi and be presented to the winner at the Show. That winning vehicle will then join the esteemed list of GT Award winners with a playable part in future Gran Turismo games.

Access the official contest rules and to registration for the Gran Turismo Awards. The contest ends Wednesday, October 31. The winners will be notified at the Gran Turismo Awards event on Thursday, November 1.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 16:21
  kagan
In 2006, SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting (right) presented Leo Kagan with the SEMA Scholarship Committee's Humanitarian Award.
   
The Leo Kagan Scholarship has been established as part of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund—a group that promotes industry leadership by supporting the educational efforts of current and future automotive professionals.

Kagan is an industry icon who was instrumental in the founding of the SEMA Scholarship Program. The new scholarship will be presented annually to a female interested in a career in the restyling market.

"While women were not traditionally involved in our industry, they have become more and more integral over the years," said Kagan. "I'm glad that this SEMA Scholarship will ensure that females receive support and encouragement to pursue careers in the automotive restyling market. Such diversity in our industry is what contributes to the excitement and innovation of the specialty-equipment market."

Kagan began his career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry in 1964 when he was working with Hurst. He went on to work for Amco—the convertible top manufacturer—for about 15 years, before serving as SEMA president from 1975–1979. During his tenure at SEMA, he played a key role in moving the world-famous SEMA Show from Anaheim, California, to Las Vegas.

Kagan continued to be active in the association, helping to establish the SEMA Scholarship Program. In 1982, Kagan was recognized for his contributions by being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame—a prestigious honor reserved for very few individuals.

"Leo has contributed a great deal to SEMA and to the industry for nearly 50 years. It's great to recognize his long-time work and support through this scholarship," said Joel Ayres, SEMA Scholarship Committee chairperson. "Leo's impact and contributions to this industry will continue to be felt for generations to come."

The Leo Kagan Scholarship will be among the many scholarships SEMA awards annually. SEMA scholarships are presented annually to students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. A total of $130,000 was awarded to 69 individuals in 2012. Applications for the next school year will be available at www.SEMA.org/scholarships in early December, with applications due April 5, 2013.