Piston Driven Manufacturing is offering free shipping on purchases of $50 or more on all officially licensed SEMA Gear apparel in stock.

Piston Driven Manufacturing is offering free shipping on purchases of $50 or more on all officially licensed SEMA Gear apparel in stock, while supplies last.

The SEMA Gear apparel line nearly sold out during the 2011 SEMA Show, and now you can get the same T-shirts, caps, jackets and thermals at prices that have been further discounted for the holidays.  

SEMA Gear apparel is made from high-quality materials including soft and durable 5.5 oz. American ring-spun cotton, high-quality embroidery, and Flex Fit brand caps. They’re all available in a variety of colors and trendy styles automotive enthusiasts absolutely love.

The most popular styles and sizes are manufactured in limited quantities and won’t be available in 2012. SEMA Gear apparel is officially licensed by SEMA and is the latest in the expanding line of products from Piston Driven Manufacturing, including, GhosTracks USA, Motorcyclist magazine, Bates Leathers and Car Craft magazine.

For more information, contact Piston Driven LLC, 2549 Eastbluff Dr. #400, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 714-774-9444 or visit www.PistonDriven.com.

American Aftermarket Group and Restylers International Form Alliance
American Aftermarket Group and Restylers International (AAG/RI) announced and alliance that brings together the two buying groups serving nearly 700 independent accessory locations across North America. According to a recent release, the alliance will leverage its enhanced buying power, as well as traditional buying and discount programs on products and services.

American Aftermarket Group, based in Strasburg, Ohio, was formed three years ago with a manufacturer-direct purchasing system focusing on the truck-accessory industry. Restylers International, headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, was formed in July 2009 with the merger of Auto Trim Dealers Group and Auto Trim International.

Ken-Tool Selects Action Marketing Services for Pacific Northwest and Alaska
Ken-Tool selected Action Marketing LLC to represent the company in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. “Led by George Patterson, Action Marketing has, over the past 27 years, established a strong reputation for providing excellent relationships with the companies it represents and its distributors and jobbers in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. They have a veteran staff and work within the automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural, forestry and construction industries, which happen to be our core markets, stated Rock Tyson, vice president of sales and marketing for Ken-Tool.

Barrett-Jackson Names JMPR for National, International PR
Barrett-Jackson Auction Company selected JMPR Public Relations to handle its national and international public relations outreach and media relations initiatives. JMPR will be primarily responsible for growing Barrett-Jackson’s visibility for all its auctions within the national and international business, automotive and lifestyle media markets and to make key audiences aware of Barrett-Jackson’s offerings. Currently, the Phoenix, Arizona-based UP Agency is handling local and regional public relations outreach for Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction.

SEMA presents the winners of the New Products Showcase Awards during the 2011 SEMA Show. The event spotlights the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. The winners were recognized during the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Awards Breakfast. Here are some videos of the products and winners.

SEMA presents the winners of the New Products Showcase Awards during the 2011 SEMA Show. The event spotlights the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. The winners were recognized during the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Awards Breakfast. Here are some videos of the products and winners.

	New CAD files for the ’12 Chevrolet Sonic, Cruze and Ford Focus, as well as the ’11 F-150 EcoBoost engine, have recently been added to the SEMA Tech Transfer Program.

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition new CAD files for several 2012 vehicles. The data files available include the ’12 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo engine and suspension; ’12 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo engine and suspension; and the ’12 Ford Focus engine, suspension, fascias and exhaust. Files for the ’11 Ford F-150 EcoBoost engine assembly were also recently added to the program. 

In addition to accessing files directly from OEMs, another key benefit of the SEMA Tech Transfer program is that the database is constantly expanding. While the CAD data mentioned above, as well as hundreds of additional CAD files, is available immediately at www.sema.org/techtransfer, more components can also be requested from all participating OEMs through the program. 

The intent of SEMA Tech Transfer, available exclusively to SEMA manufacturing members, is to minimize or completely eliminate the necessity of reverse engineering to produce products. The program houses a database of CAD files provided by participating OEMs, which currently include Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion.

For more information on the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, visit www.SEMA.org/techtransfer or e-mail techtransfer@sema.org.

	New CAD files for the ’12 Chevrolet Sonic, Cruze and Ford Focus, as well as the ’11 F-150 EcoBoost engine, have recently been added to the SEMA Tech Transfer Program.

The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded with the addition new CAD files for several 2012 vehicles. The data files available include the ’12 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo engine and suspension; ’12 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo engine and suspension; and the ’12 Ford Focus engine, suspension, fascias and exhaust. Files for the ’11 Ford F-150 EcoBoost engine assembly were also recently added to the program. 

In addition to accessing files directly from OEMs, another key benefit of the SEMA Tech Transfer program is that the database is constantly expanding. While the CAD data mentioned above, as well as hundreds of additional CAD files, is available immediately at www.sema.org/techtransfer, more components can also be requested from all participating OEMs through the program. 

The intent of SEMA Tech Transfer, available exclusively to SEMA manufacturing members, is to minimize or completely eliminate the necessity of reverse engineering to produce products. The program houses a database of CAD files provided by participating OEMs, which currently include Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion.

For more information on the SEMA Tech Transfer Program, visit www.SEMA.org/techtransfer or e-mail techtransfer@sema.org.

Here is a photo collection of Camaro products entered in to the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

Here is a photo collection of Camaro products entered in to the 2011 SEMA Show New Products Showcase.

The Off-Road Business Association Inc. (ORBA) reports that it has been exploring options for the protection of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) trust since July 2011, along with its strategic partners AMA District36, AMA District37, the American Sand Association and the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs through the use of its registered state lobbyist Aaron Reed and Associates.

The OHMVR, established to provide accessibility to off-highway recreation and provide a variety of services and benefits to California residents and visitors, operates on an $85 million per year budget comprised primarily of gas tax and, according to ORBA, about 20% from the sale of Green Stickers.

The state borrowed $10 million in gas tax from the budget before it reached the OHMVR trust earlier this year, according to Fred Wiley of ORBA, and the removal of the funds will continue indefinitely.  

Read more on the latest on the OHMVR program.

	The late Ray Gollahon of Brookville Roadster was inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame at the HRIA Awards Reception during the 2011 SEMA Show. His son Kenny (center) accepted the award on Ray's behalf.

Are you a manufacturer, builder/fabricator, dealer, car club or enthusiast publication serving the hot-rodding segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry? If the answer is yes, then the prestigious Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), a SEMA council, just could be the resource you need to expand your industry network, grow your business and gain invaluable leadership training.

The HRIA is comprised of SEMA members who share common business interests and a passion for hot rodding. Guided by a Select Committee of 14 volunteers, HRIA works with SEMA to address issues, such as model legislation, intellectual property rights, industry succession and education while offering its membership of 260 companies the opportunity to interact and discuss challenges in both public and private forums.

“The HRIA and SEMA help defend those issues that can imperil the sport and, therefore, our businesses and livelihoods,” explained HRIA Select Committee member Scott Bowers of Ron Francis Wiring. "Being involved in the inner workings of the HRIA Select Committee makes me feel more connected on a personal level to my company's market segment and allows me to give back to the industry."

"I love being involved with the HRIA and the people are exactly why I want to become more involved," said HRIA Select Committee member Tammy Holland of COMP Performance Group. "The HRIA has a strong SEMA history and their passion for our industry makes me want to help all of our members and SEMA to become stronger as a whole. Each SEMA council in which I have been involved has helped me to grow professionally, and I have gained lots of friends along the way. You don’t come across this type of passion just anywhere, and it makes me proud to find it within the automotive aftermarket."

Becoming a member is easy. Applications are available at the HRIA website and annual membership dues are only $100. Request More Information. In addition, The HRIA holds several open meetings at various national-level street-rod events where companies can attend and have their voices heard.

HRIA members also enjoy a number of industry opportunities, including:

• Education and Training Day: Each year, the hot-rod industry gathers in Indianapolis for the HRIA Education Day. This annual event attracts 40-plus companies in the hot-rod industry to host educational seminars on new products or systems, installations, selling techniques or anything of interest to a hot-rod shop. The companies on display represent the cutting edge of technology and product development in our industry, providing HRIA members with a unique insight into the manufacture of the parts they sell and install. Seminar attendance is free to all guests of the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show.
• Pinewood Builder’s Challenge: The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge brings together some of the nation’s best hot-rod builders to build and race miniature hot rods for charity. With very few rules to follow, more than a dozen master hot-rod and custom-car builders create one-of-a-kind pinewood race cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. In addition to speed, these unique cars are awarded for engineering and craftsmanship. After the races, the cars are sold via online auction to raise money for two great children’s charities—Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp.
• Youth Awareness: The HRIA supports the future growth of our industry and hobby through the Youth Awareness program. This educational program helps expose teenagers and college-aged students to the many different aspects of hot rodding. Through this program, HRIA companies host students for shop tours, internship programs, car shows and other events geared toward exposing students to the various occupations available in our industry. In addition to helping promote our future hot-rodder workforce, the Youth Awareness program introduces classic cars, hot rods and musclecars to the next generation of hot rodders.
• Association Partnerships: The HRIA firmly believes in expanding its members’ presence in the industry and supporting associations that promote the hobby. By joining forces with the likes of Championship Auto Shows/ISCA, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and the National Street Rod Association, the HRIA can more effectively grow the industry, increase member exposure and maintain the pulse of the industry. 
• SEMA Show Week: Each year, the HRIA hosts its annual Awards Banquet during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The highlights of the reception are the numerous awards given by the HRIA and some of our industry’s leading organizations. These awards include the NSRA Street Rodding Achievement Award, Goodguys Trendsetter Award, Championship Auto Shows Legends of Hot Rodding Award, as well as the HRIA's annual recognition of an outstanding individual and Hall of Fame inductees. In addition, between the reception and Hot Rod Alley, the HRIA showcases nine of the finest hot rods in the nation. The HRIA Reception also provides a wonderful opportunity for all HRIA members to socialize with old friends and make new friends in hot rodding.

Support the council that supports your business. Join today! Request more information, or contact Zane Clark at 909/978.6696 or via e-mail at ZaneC@SEMA.org.