Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.

	Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.

	Last year's SEMA Pinewood Drag Races entry from Street Vizions. Check out all of the vehicles from the HRIA Builder's Challenge in 2011.

Some of the nation’s best hot-rod and custom-car builders are set to create fabulous pinewood race cars as they participate in the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors.

Builders applying their considerable talents to this charity endeavor include such luminaries as Troy Ladd, Jesse Greening, Troy Trepanier, Dave Lane, Rich Evans, and Tim Strange, with more to come.

These selected hot-rod builders will create one-of-a-kind miniature custom cars to be raced and then auctioned to benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction children's charities as part of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Builder’s Challenge.

The rules guiding the HRIA Builder’s Challenge race are very liberal, allowing the builders to apply all of their fabrication skills and legendary creativity to create these miniature hot rods. After the Pinewood Races at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California, to be held July 27, the cars will be put on display in the SEMA Cares booth at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, October 30–November 2, 2012.


You can actually own one of these collectible cars by placing a bid on eBay, November 1–10. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more updates on the HRIA Builder's Challenge.

View the cars created by industry builders last year. 

More information on the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races presented by eBay Motors is available at www.sema.org/derby.

In addition to the Builder’s Challenge cars, hundreds of other cars will also be raced as part of the annual SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. It’s a fun event to watch and a great way to participate in charity fundraising.

Proceeds from the races benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction charities. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp. Sponsoring a SEMA Cares pinewood drag race car is easy…and rewarding. To find out how to sponsor a pinewood drag car and help a child in need, click here: www.sema.org/derby.

	The Repairer Driven Education Series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the 2012 SEMA Show.

The Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), is returning to the SEMA Show for the third consecutive year.

With courses individually selected or crafted by the SCRS, the program includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the SEMA Show from Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. The headline session, “Game Changers – Innovation Forum,” takes place November 2 and features industry leaders discussing what innovation can look like in the collision repair business and how it is becoming core to business strategy. Other sessions explore how digital marketing, social media and related tools can increase customer retention and loyalty, as well as those that examine how new metals used in the construction of today's vehicles impact the repair process.

“As more and more collision repair businesses attend the SEMA Show, SCRS is pleased to partner with SEMA Show organizers to enhance the overall experience for our segment of the industry,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director. “The RDE series is a tremendous educational opportunity for the collision industry, providing an accessible and affordable education on topics that address issues that truly matter to those working in repair facilities. We were fortunate to be able to present the series at the last two SEMA Shows, and look forward to expanding the program this coming year.”

SCRS partnered with Show organizers to present the RDE program at the 2011 SEMA Show. The annual trade show, which saw nearly 30% more attendees from those representing collision repair facilities compared to the previous year, brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world. Manufacturers represent every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including restyling, hot rod, trucks and SUVs and racing and performance.

“The SEMA Show features products from every automotive niche, which makes it the ideal venue for buyers to discover new markets,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Because the collision market is so closely related to many of our traditional market segments, it’s become one of the fastest-growing areas and is of huge interest to our attendees.”

In addition to the SCRS RDE series, the SEMA Show will feature nearly 60 educational seminars throughout the week. To learn more about the SEMA Show, its seminars, or to see a list of exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Register now!

	The Repairer Driven Education Series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the 2012 SEMA Show.

The Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), is returning to the SEMA Show for the third consecutive year.

With courses individually selected or crafted by the SCRS, the program includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the SEMA Show from Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. The headline session, “Game Changers – Innovation Forum,” takes place November 2 and features industry leaders discussing what innovation can look like in the collision repair business and how it is becoming core to business strategy. Other sessions explore how digital marketing, social media and related tools can increase customer retention and loyalty, as well as those that examine how new metals used in the construction of today's vehicles impact the repair process.

“As more and more collision repair businesses attend the SEMA Show, SCRS is pleased to partner with SEMA Show organizers to enhance the overall experience for our segment of the industry,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director. “The RDE series is a tremendous educational opportunity for the collision industry, providing an accessible and affordable education on topics that address issues that truly matter to those working in repair facilities. We were fortunate to be able to present the series at the last two SEMA Shows, and look forward to expanding the program this coming year.”

SCRS partnered with Show organizers to present the RDE program at the 2011 SEMA Show. The annual trade show, which saw nearly 30% more attendees from those representing collision repair facilities compared to the previous year, brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world. Manufacturers represent every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including restyling, hot rod, trucks and SUVs and racing and performance.

“The SEMA Show features products from every automotive niche, which makes it the ideal venue for buyers to discover new markets,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Because the collision market is so closely related to many of our traditional market segments, it’s become one of the fastest-growing areas and is of huge interest to our attendees.”

In addition to the SCRS RDE series, the SEMA Show will feature nearly 60 educational seminars throughout the week. To learn more about the SEMA Show, its seminars, or to see a list of exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Register now!

	The Repairer Driven Education Series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the 2012 SEMA Show.

The Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series, presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), is returning to the SEMA Show for the third consecutive year.

With courses individually selected or crafted by the SCRS, the program includes nearly two dozen sessions taking place during the SEMA Show from Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. The headline session, “Game Changers – Innovation Forum,” takes place November 2 and features industry leaders discussing what innovation can look like in the collision repair business and how it is becoming core to business strategy. Other sessions explore how digital marketing, social media and related tools can increase customer retention and loyalty, as well as those that examine how new metals used in the construction of today's vehicles impact the repair process.

“As more and more collision repair businesses attend the SEMA Show, SCRS is pleased to partner with SEMA Show organizers to enhance the overall experience for our segment of the industry,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director. “The RDE series is a tremendous educational opportunity for the collision industry, providing an accessible and affordable education on topics that address issues that truly matter to those working in repair facilities. We were fortunate to be able to present the series at the last two SEMA Shows, and look forward to expanding the program this coming year.”

SCRS partnered with Show organizers to present the RDE program at the 2011 SEMA Show. The annual trade show, which saw nearly 30% more attendees from those representing collision repair facilities compared to the previous year, brings manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories together with industry buyers from all over the world. Manufacturers represent every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment market, including restyling, hot rod, trucks and SUVs and racing and performance.

“The SEMA Show features products from every automotive niche, which makes it the ideal venue for buyers to discover new markets,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Because the collision market is so closely related to many of our traditional market segments, it’s become one of the fastest-growing areas and is of huge interest to our attendees.”

In addition to the SCRS RDE series, the SEMA Show will feature nearly 60 educational seminars throughout the week. To learn more about the SEMA Show, its seminars, or to see a list of exhibitors, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Register now!

	Nat Danas, founder and publisher of Auto Trim & Restyling News, passed away at the age of 89.

Nat Danas, founder and publisher of Auto Trim & Restyling News passed away Monday, May 21. He was 89. Danas' knowledge and experience in the restyling industry spans more than 60 years, and he was known by many as a trendsetter, technical expert and teacher. 

He began his career in the restyling industry in his early 20s through a small trim shop that he owned and operated in New York City in the '40s and '50s. In 1952, Danas founded/published Auto Trim News magazine, which is recognized as the oldest publication serving the restyling, restoration and trim industries. 

Throughout his career, Danas was dedicated to education and training, and he served as a mentor to many restylers nationwide. He organized and produced a series of regional trade-only shows, was a frequent presenter and speaker for technical and business-management-related topics, founded the National Association for Auto Trim Shops, and created the Craftsman of the Year award that recognized restylers who practiced the concepts of adhering to best business practices and supported a voluntary code of ethics for work quality.

"Nat was more than someone who simply published a magazine for the trim and restyling industry. He was not only responsible for bringing the industry together and making it a significant force within the specialty automotive market, he was totally dedicated to sharing his knowledge and wisdom," said Ellen McKoy, owner of EMK Marketing. "Throughout his life, he mentored countless people throughout the industry. I was fortunate to have worked with Nat as his editor, and we remained close friends for more than 35 years. He was a shining light and an inspiration, and the impact he had on me personally and the restyling industry was profound."

A long-time SEMA member until his retirement, Danas not only was instrumental in Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) becoming a then-SEMA committee, but he also served multiple terms on the council's select committee and was the first person to receive the PRO Lifetime Achievement Award. A few years ago, in honor of Danas, PRO named one of its awards in his honor—the Nat Danas Person of the Year.

	Nat Danas, founder and publisher of Auto Trim & Restyling News, passed away at the age of 89.

Nat Danas, founder and publisher of Auto Trim & Restyling News passed away Monday, May 21. He was 89. Danas' knowledge and experience in the restyling industry spans more than 60 years, and he was known by many as a trendsetter, technical expert and teacher. 

He began his career in the restyling industry in his early 20s through a small trim shop that he owned and operated in New York City in the '40s and '50s. In 1952, Danas founded/published Auto Trim News magazine, which is recognized as the oldest publication serving the restyling, restoration and trim industries. 

Throughout his career, Danas was dedicated to education and training, and he served as a mentor to many restylers nationwide. He organized and produced a series of regional trade-only shows, was a frequent presenter and speaker for technical and business-management-related topics, founded the National Association for Auto Trim Shops, and created the Craftsman of the Year award that recognized restylers who practiced the concepts of adhering to best business practices and supported a voluntary code of ethics for work quality.

"Nat was more than someone who simply published a magazine for the trim and restyling industry. He was not only responsible for bringing the industry together and making it a significant force within the specialty automotive market, he was totally dedicated to sharing his knowledge and wisdom," said Ellen McKoy, owner of EMK Marketing. "Throughout his life, he mentored countless people throughout the industry. I was fortunate to have worked with Nat as his editor, and we remained close friends for more than 35 years. He was a shining light and an inspiration, and the impact he had on me personally and the restyling industry was profound."

A long-time SEMA member until his retirement, Danas not only was instrumental in Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) becoming a then-SEMA committee, but he also served multiple terms on the council's select committee and was the first person to receive the PRO Lifetime Achievement Award. A few years ago, in honor of Danas, PRO named one of its awards in his honor—the Nat Danas Person of the Year.

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. did not expect to see an update this early, but here are some of the latest shots of the freshened version of the Mercedes E-Class.

Interior changes and engine updates are not currently available, but the pictures highlight visible modifications to the exterior; Priddy points out the new headlights that will mimic the next-generation C-Class. A slightly modified grille, hood and bumper will complete the changes up front and new taillights and a freshened bumper around back.    

The team is expecting the updated Mercedes E-Class to officially debut within the next year.

Brenda Priddy & Co.

The team at Brenda Priddy & Co. did not expect to see an update this early, but here are some of the latest shots of the freshened version of the Mercedes E-Class.

Interior changes and engine updates are not currently available, but the pictures highlight visible modifications to the exterior; Priddy points out the new headlights that will mimic the next-generation C-Class. A slightly modified grille, hood and bumper will complete the changes up front and new taillights and a freshened bumper around back.    

The team is expecting the updated Mercedes E-Class to officially debut within the next year.

Brenda Priddy & Co.