These shots of the updated European Opel Insignia—a sibling of the Buick Regal—provide good indication that a facelift is on the way for the U.S. version, according to the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co.
Based on current reports, Priddy's team expects to see a freshening of the Regal's front and rear, including the headlights and tail lamps, for the 2014 model year.
Photo copyright: Brenda Priddy & Co.
Last week's Exhibitor Education Summit included more than 175 exhibitors who were presented with an in-depth look at the programs and services in place to increase SEMA Show ROI.
Held in Las Vegas and hosted by experienced staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the Show, the Summit program is designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide a range of resources that will improve exhibitor performance. Sessions featured during the Summit included how to save on material handling, using social media to expand market reach, creating a plan and budget to add value, exploring sponsorship opportunities, and more.
In addition to the classroom-style sessions, exhibitors were able to sit down in one-on-one sessions where Show experts analyzed the exhibitor's needs to help reduce expenses. This approach provides staff with the opportunity to explain the ins and outs of the programs and how to best take advantage of what's available, whether the company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time Showgoer.
Exhibitor participation in many programs and services has increased each year of the Summit since its inception in 2010. To provide additional value to the Summit and make it less of a hassle for manufacturers, SEMA and its hotel partners provide a number of hotel rooms at no cost to participants. All meals are provided as well.
For those Show exhibitors who could not attend the event, videos of the Summit's educational sessions will be made available in the near future online. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for availability.
Also held during this year's Summit was SEMA's General Membership Meeting—an annual gathering that updates the membership as to recent association initiatives and highlights the events, services and programs that the association provides. The meeting was conducted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers.
For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
 The Summit is presented by staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the SEMA Show, and helps exhibitors take advantage of resources to improve Show ROI. |
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 In addition to providing cost-saving tips for exhibitors, the Summit is a valuable opportunity to get to know the SEMA staff. Above, SEMA's Zane Clark talks with Lori Diehl of Cimble Corp. |
 SEMA's International and Government Relations Director Linda Spencer (middle), Senior Vice President Bill Miller (right) and Rick Trudo of SCT Performance LLC take a few seconds to smile for the camera. |
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 Participants are also able to sit down in one-on-one sessions during the Summit, where Show experts evaluate and analyze the exhibitor's unique needs to help reduce expenses. In addition, exhibitors are also offered a tour of the convention center. |
 SEMA's annual general membership meeting was held in conjunction with the Summit. SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers provided members with an update on recent association initiatives and an overview of the services, benefits and programs SEMA provides. |
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 Hotel representatives were on hand to simplify Show hotel arrangements and offer discounts to those who booked early. |
 To make it easy and affordable for companies to attend the Summit, SEMA and its hotel partners provided a limited number of hotel rooms at no cost. All meals were provided for attendees as well. |
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Last week's Exhibitor Education Summit included more than 175 exhibitors who were presented with an in-depth look at the programs and services in place to increase SEMA Show ROI.
Held in Las Vegas and hosted by experienced staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the Show, the Summit program is designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide a range of resources that will improve exhibitor performance. Sessions featured during the Summit included how to save on material handling, using social media to expand market reach, creating a plan and budget to add value, exploring sponsorship opportunities, and more.
In addition to the classroom-style sessions, exhibitors were able to sit down in one-on-one sessions where Show experts analyzed the exhibitor's needs to help reduce expenses. This approach provides staff with the opportunity to explain the ins and outs of the programs and how to best take advantage of what's available, whether the company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time Showgoer.
Exhibitor participation in many programs and services has increased each year of the Summit since its inception in 2010. To provide additional value to the Summit and make it less of a hassle for manufacturers, SEMA and its hotel partners provide a number of hotel rooms at no cost to participants. All meals are provided as well.
For those Show exhibitors who could not attend the event, videos of the Summit's educational sessions will be made available in the near future online. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for availability.
Also held during this year's Summit was SEMA's General Membership Meeting—an annual gathering that updates the membership as to recent association initiatives and highlights the events, services and programs that the association provides. The meeting was conducted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers.
For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
| The Summit is presented by staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the SEMA Show, and helps exhibitors take advantage of resources to improve Show ROI. |
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| In addition to providing cost-saving tips for exhibitors, the Summit is a valuable opportunity to get to know the SEMA staff. Above, SEMA's Zane Clark talks with Lori Diehl of Cimble Corp. |
SEMA's International and Government Relations Director Linda Spencer (middle), Senior Vice President Bill Miller (right) and Rick Trudo of SCT Performance LLC take a few seconds to smile for the camera. |
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| Participants are also able to sit down in one-on-one sessions during the Summit, where Show experts evaluate and analyze the exhibitor's unique needs to help reduce expenses. In addition, exhibitors are also offered a tour of the convention center. |
SEMA's annual general membership meeting was held in conjunction with the Summit. SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers provided members with an update on recent association initiatives and an overview of the services, benefits and programs SEMA provides. |
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Hotel representatives were on hand to simplify Show hotel arrangements and offer discounts to those who booked early. |
To make it easy and affordable for companies to attend the Summit, SEMA and its hotel partners provided a limited number of hotel rooms at no cost. All meals were provided for attendees as well. |
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Last week's Exhibitor Education Summit included more than 175 exhibitors who were presented with an in-depth look at the programs and services in place to increase SEMA Show ROI.
Held in Las Vegas and hosted by experienced staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the Show, the Summit program is designed to connect exhibitors with key individuals and provide a range of resources that will improve exhibitor performance. Sessions featured during the Summit included how to save on material handling, using social media to expand market reach, creating a plan and budget to add value, exploring sponsorship opportunities, and more.
In addition to the classroom-style sessions, exhibitors were able to sit down in one-on-one sessions where Show experts analyzed the exhibitor's needs to help reduce expenses. This approach provides staff with the opportunity to explain the ins and outs of the programs and how to best take advantage of what's available, whether the company is a SEMA Show veteran or a first-time Showgoer.
Exhibitor participation in many programs and services has increased each year of the Summit since its inception in 2010. To provide additional value to the Summit and make it less of a hassle for manufacturers, SEMA and its hotel partners provide a number of hotel rooms at no cost to participants. All meals are provided as well.
For those Show exhibitors who could not attend the event, videos of the Summit's educational sessions will be made available in the near future online. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for availability.
Also held during this year's Summit was SEMA's General Membership Meeting—an annual gathering that updates the membership as to recent association initiatives and highlights the events, services and programs that the association provides. The meeting was conducted by SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers.
For more information on the 2012 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, October 30–November 2, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
| The Summit is presented by staff who know first-hand how to best navigate the SEMA Show, and helps exhibitors take advantage of resources to improve Show ROI. |
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| In addition to providing cost-saving tips for exhibitors, the Summit is a valuable opportunity to get to know the SEMA staff. Above, SEMA's Zane Clark talks with Lori Diehl of Cimble Corp. |
SEMA's International and Government Relations Director Linda Spencer (middle), Senior Vice President Bill Miller (right) and Rick Trudo of SCT Performance LLC take a few seconds to smile for the camera. |
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| Participants are also able to sit down in one-on-one sessions during the Summit, where Show experts evaluate and analyze the exhibitor's unique needs to help reduce expenses. In addition, exhibitors are also offered a tour of the convention center. |
SEMA's annual general membership meeting was held in conjunction with the Summit. SEMA President Chris Kersting and Chairman of the Board Paul "Scooter" Brothers provided members with an update on recent association initiatives and an overview of the services, benefits and programs SEMA provides. |
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Hotel representatives were on hand to simplify Show hotel arrangements and offer discounts to those who booked early. |
To make it easy and affordable for companies to attend the Summit, SEMA and its hotel partners provided a limited number of hotel rooms at no cost. All meals were provided for attendees as well. |
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| Robert Rester |
Robert Rester, 55, owner of Precision Grilles, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 8. He was surrounded by family and close friends at his home in Chino Hills, California, for the days and finally the evening of his death. Rester fought a vicious seven-year battle with bladder cancer.
Rester first started in the aftermarket industry with van conversions in the ’70s. Later, he went on to form Precision Grilles—a premier manufacturer of billet and mesh grilles for trucks and luxury cars.
He enjoyed boating on the Colorado River and Lake Powell, upland game hunting, fishing, bowling and family activities. He is survived by his wife Tricia, three daughters and a son.
A memorial service will be held April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Memory Garden in Brea, California.
Total Automotive Inc. Completes 10,000-Sq.-Ft. Expansion
Total Automotive Inc.
has completed a 10,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its main complex in
Chanhassen, Minnesota. With the expansion, the company plans to add 12
to 15 new positions in 2012, as well as to launch a new retail www.hingekits.com website and release more than 100 new hinge repair kits before the 2012 SEMA Show.
 Barrett-Jackson contracted collector car legend Rick Cole to serve as an automotive specialist. |
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Collector Car Legend Rick Cole to Help Source Consignments for Barrett-Jackson
Collector car legend Rick Cole was contracted by the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
to serve as an automotive specialist. Best known as the hobby’s
“Auctioneer to the Stars,” Los Angeles-based Cole will utilize his vast
experience in the auction arena to help Barrett-Jackson source
consignments for collector cars and add his 35-plus years of expertise
and knowledge to find some of most highly collectible automobiles and
automobile collections. Cole will work with Gary Bennett, vice president
of consignments. Cole’s history with collector car auctions started in
1978 when he established Rick Cole Auctions. He held hundreds of
successful auto auctions in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Palm Springs
and even originated the first collector car auction during the famed
Monterey auto week, selling more than 20,000 high-end and highly
sought-after classic vehicles throughout his career.
Hastings Launches New Piston Ring Website
Hastings Manufacturing has launched a new design to its website that the company reports features a larger format and push-point boxes that are more visually appealing and easier to navigate. In addition to new dedicated sections for OEM, aftermarket and performance racing, the company has also added new applications and a new brand video, which covers the brand’s history, notable accomplishments and awards.
Ryan Payne Named VP of Marketing for Source Interlink
Ryan Payne was hired by Source Interlink Media LLC to serve as vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for streamlining the company's internal and external marketing solutions to help deliver more efficient and collaborative ideas to clients. Prior to joining Source Interlink Media, Payne most recently served as account director at Team One Advertising in El Segundo, California, where he managed the Lexus National account and was responsible for web development and collateral.
Hopkins Acquires Assets of F3 Brands
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has acquired the assets of F3 Brands, a provider of oil drains, drain pans, lifting aids and automotive ramps. F3 is the non-fuel containment business of Blitz USA. In addition to the oil-change products, Hopkins acquired the 2X4 Basics line of storage, organization and lawn and garden kits. Hopkins will maintain the manufacturing facility located in Miami, Oklahoma. The oil-change-related products will be unified under the FloTool brand name and the automotive ramps will continue to bear the RhinoRamp mark. This is the second acquisition by Hopkins in the fluid management category in the past six months. In October 2011, Hopkins acquired Mr. Funnel.
Toyo Continues Support of UFC
Toyo Tires U.S.A. Corp. will continue as the Official Tire of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for 2012. In addition to Toyo logos inside the Octagon during six UFC Pay-Per-View events and several UFC on FX and FUELTV events, Toyo will also have an increased presence on www.ufc.com and plans to further incorporate UFC and mixed martial art fighters into its marketing efforts.
 Scott Shanks and his 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible was selected the winner to drive the 2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour as a guest of Royal Purple. |
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Scott Shanks Wins Royal Purple High Performance Driving Experience Contest
Royal Purple announced the winner of its High Performance Experience contest. Scott Shanks and his ’70 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible was selected the winner to drive the 2012 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour as a guest of Royal Purple. The company reported that it received more than 340 entries for the contest on its Facebook fan page. As the winner of the Royal Purple High Performance Driving Experience Contest, Shanks will receive a Visa gift card to help defray expenses traveling on the tour, paid registration fees for the tour, VIP parking, a spot in the Royal Purple booth on tour and a variety of Royal Purple swag.
Wisconsin Repeals Automotive Refrigerant Law
IDQ Inc. announced that the company, along with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), have successfully encouraged the Wisconsin legislature and Governor Walker to pass S.B. 370, which immediately allows Wisconsin consumers to buy R-134a refrigerant products at Wisconsin retailers and save money. IDQ refrigerant products will soon be available at such Wisconsin retailers as AutoZone, Advance Auto, O’Reilly, Wal-Mart, NAPA and others. Sponsored by Senator Glenn Grothman (R) and Representative Joe Knilans (R) and backed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, IDQ’s actions negate the need for Wisconsin residents to drive to neighboring states to buy R-134a and could add an additional $6–9 million in additional annual revenue for local businesses.
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| Now's your chance to nominate the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry for recognition in SEMA News and on www.sema.org. |
SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry and we need your input.
We're asking for help finding young leaders who are less than 35 years old. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media or distribution.
They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. 2012 Nominations are now closed; however, you can Nominate for 2013.
Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Nominate now. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.
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| Now's your chance to nominate the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry for recognition in SEMA News and on www.sema.org. |
SEMA News is searching for the best young talent in the automotive aftermarket industry and we need your input.
We're asking for help finding young leaders who are less than 35 years old. They might be working anywhere in the automotive aftermarket business, including manufacturing and design, retail, events and media or distribution.
They could be budding superstars at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands, or innovators who have launched companies that are sure to become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed. 2012 Nominations are now closed; however, you can Nominate for 2013.
Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
Nominate now. Nominations are due May 1, 2013.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revised the platform lift standards—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 403 and 404. The rules are intended to prevent injuries when lifting a person seated in a wheelchair or scooter or standing passengers who may be aided by a cane or walker.
The NHTSA has revised the lighting requirements for lift controls, along with the location and performance requirements. The agency has also modified the wheelchair retention device and inner roll stop tests and the lighting requirements for public-use lifts. The changes take effect October 2, 2012, although earlier compliance is permitted.
Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revised the platform lift standards—Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 403 and 404. The rules are intended to prevent injuries when lifting a person seated in a wheelchair or scooter or standing passengers who may be aided by a cane or walker.
The NHTSA has revised the lighting requirements for lift controls, along with the location and performance requirements. The agency has also modified the wheelchair retention device and inner roll stop tests and the lighting requirements for public-use lifts. The changes take effect October 2, 2012, although earlier compliance is permitted.
Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
