SEMA News—May 2011

SEMA Asked to Assist in Developing Regulations for Specialty Automotive Market

By Linda Spencer

		Off-roading on the sand dunes is also extremely popular, ranging from well-organized mega events at the Desert Challenge to car clubs and individuals who go out on the dunes over the weekend and then buy new products during the week. In fact, the UAE had one of the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes in 2010.			Executive Summary Government officials in the UAE have announced an initiative to develop laws and regulations to support and legitimize their fledgling automotive specialty-equipment market and have asked for SEMA’s assistance in creating that system. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) recently signed a memo of understanding with SEMA in recognition of the growing importance of the specialty-equipment market in the UAE. Government officials, noting that there are currently no UAE-wide regulations governing the customization market, are seeking to benefit from SEMA’s experience in working closely with regulators in the United States and worldwide as they seek to create a legal framework that allows the attainment of safety and environmental goals without excessive market-hindering restrictions.
		With the enjoyment of vehicles so central to the UAE, it is perhaps fitting that the UAE’s National Day celebrations in early December were marked with, among other events, a classic car show. The show featured hundreds of vehicles from around the world and wound its way down the Emaar Boulevard. Luxury cars and SUVs are seen in the UAE as a status symbol. Pictured here is a lovingly restored ’26–’27 Ford model T on display at the recent Dubai ESMA-SEMA signing.			Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology Acting Director General Mohamed Badri (center) and SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray (left) joined U.S. Consul General Justin Siberell at the recent signing in Dubai of a memo of understanding with SEMA in recognition of the growing importance of the specialty-equipment market in the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is less than 40 years old and known as one of the most vibrant and passionate car-enthusiast markets in the world. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the five other Emirates that make up the UAE offer exciting vehicle customizing markets by many measures. Per capita, the country boasts the largest number of motorsports facilities in the world, and a quick drive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will delight any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles plying its modern roads.

“Consumers go to great expense to have that one-of-a-kind customized ride,” said Roman Gavrilin of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS). “I see a lot of passion to customize cars because they are something people here are proud of. I would say that we have huge potential growth here, which is supported by quite high disposable income.”

In fact, the UAE had one of the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes in 2010. With the funds to pursue their hobby and low gas prices, consumers searching for products to personalize their luxury and sport-compact cars and light trucks are bringing savvy U.S. and other global companies to the market.

Companies interested in exploring this market might consider exhibiting or visiting the upcoming Automechanika Middle East show in Dubai June 7–9. SEMA will have a booth at this trade-only event featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors.

The UAE is also a strategic gateway to the Middle East. Geographically the size of Portugal, its long coastline and strategic location have made the country a viable route to providing product to others within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic union involving six Arab states, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In recognition of the central role played by the UAE in the GCC and other Middle East countries, Ford, Chrysler and GM all have their Middle East headquarters in the UAE and view the it as an important market.

However, a major deterrent to growth in the absence of UAE-wide regulations regarding customization is law enforcement stopping customized vehicles on the roadway or failing consumers at annual inspections due to the presence of upgraded styling or performance products, particularly in Dubai. Customizing the approximately 8.7 million vehicles that are on the road in the Gulf region (with about 2.6 million registered in the UAE) is made more difficult due to uncertainty about what is allowable.

Zlatko Mulabegovic, managing director and editor of Dubai-based Top Performance magazine, said that the development of clear laws and regulations would have a tremendous impact on aftermarket business, giving business owners the much-needed confidence to stock legal products and providing end users with peace of mind when installing legal performance products on their vehicles. Mitch Perera, sales and marketing manager of Liberty Motorsports, agreed with that assessment.

“Specialty-equipment products are an important element of our business here in the Emirates,” Perera said. “This work is addressing our business and the interests of our customers.”

For more information on the UAE market, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer.

SEMA News—May 2011

SEMA Asked to Assist in Developing Regulations for Specialty Automotive Market

By Linda Spencer

		Off-roading on the sand dunes is also extremely popular, ranging from well-organized mega events at the Desert Challenge to car clubs and individuals who go out on the dunes over the weekend and then buy new products during the week. In fact, the UAE had one of the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes in 2010.			Executive Summary Government officials in the UAE have announced an initiative to develop laws and regulations to support and legitimize their fledgling automotive specialty-equipment market and have asked for SEMA’s assistance in creating that system. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) recently signed a memo of understanding with SEMA in recognition of the growing importance of the specialty-equipment market in the UAE. Government officials, noting that there are currently no UAE-wide regulations governing the customization market, are seeking to benefit from SEMA’s experience in working closely with regulators in the United States and worldwide as they seek to create a legal framework that allows the attainment of safety and environmental goals without excessive market-hindering restrictions.
		With the enjoyment of vehicles so central to the UAE, it is perhaps fitting that the UAE’s National Day celebrations in early December were marked with, among other events, a classic car show. The show featured hundreds of vehicles from around the world and wound its way down the Emaar Boulevard. Luxury cars and SUVs are seen in the UAE as a status symbol. Pictured here is a lovingly restored ’26–’27 Ford model T on display at the recent Dubai ESMA-SEMA signing.			Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology Acting Director General Mohamed Badri (center) and SEMA Vice President of Communications and Events Peter MacGillivray (left) joined U.S. Consul General Justin Siberell at the recent signing in Dubai of a memo of understanding with SEMA in recognition of the growing importance of the specialty-equipment market in the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is less than 40 years old and known as one of the most vibrant and passionate car-enthusiast markets in the world. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the five other Emirates that make up the UAE offer exciting vehicle customizing markets by many measures. Per capita, the country boasts the largest number of motorsports facilities in the world, and a quick drive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will delight any gearhead with the wide variety of customized vehicles plying its modern roads.

“Consumers go to great expense to have that one-of-a-kind customized ride,” said Roman Gavrilin of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS). “I see a lot of passion to customize cars because they are something people here are proud of. I would say that we have huge potential growth here, which is supported by quite high disposable income.”

In fact, the UAE had one of the world’s highest per capita disposable incomes in 2010. With the funds to pursue their hobby and low gas prices, consumers searching for products to personalize their luxury and sport-compact cars and light trucks are bringing savvy U.S. and other global companies to the market.

Companies interested in exploring this market might consider exhibiting or visiting the upcoming Automechanika Middle East show in Dubai June 7–9. SEMA will have a booth at this trade-only event featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors.

The UAE is also a strategic gateway to the Middle East. Geographically the size of Portugal, its long coastline and strategic location have made the country a viable route to providing product to others within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic union involving six Arab states, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In recognition of the central role played by the UAE in the GCC and other Middle East countries, Ford, Chrysler and GM all have their Middle East headquarters in the UAE and view the it as an important market.

However, a major deterrent to growth in the absence of UAE-wide regulations regarding customization is law enforcement stopping customized vehicles on the roadway or failing consumers at annual inspections due to the presence of upgraded styling or performance products, particularly in Dubai. Customizing the approximately 8.7 million vehicles that are on the road in the Gulf region (with about 2.6 million registered in the UAE) is made more difficult due to uncertainty about what is allowable.

Zlatko Mulabegovic, managing director and editor of Dubai-based Top Performance magazine, said that the development of clear laws and regulations would have a tremendous impact on aftermarket business, giving business owners the much-needed confidence to stock legal products and providing end users with peace of mind when installing legal performance products on their vehicles. Mitch Perera, sales and marketing manager of Liberty Motorsports, agreed with that assessment.

“Specialty-equipment products are an important element of our business here in the Emirates,” Perera said. “This work is addressing our business and the interests of our customers.”

For more information on the UAE market, contact SEMA Director of International Relations Linda Spencer.

SEMA News—May 2011

MINI S Model Roadster

When It Hits: Watch for the official debut of the MINI Roadster later this year.		What Priddy Says: In addition to the design cues, which indicate that this MINI is faster than most—the hood scoop, more aggressive fascias, sportier wheels and center-mount dual exhaust—Priddy says that hiding under the hood is the 208hp, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder.

Chrysler 300 SRT8

When It Hits: As of press time, expect the car to debut at the New York Auto Show in April.		What Priddy Says: Under the hood will be the new 6.4L V8 Hemi pumping out 465 hp and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It should be mated to a five-speed automatic but offer paddle shifters.

Ford Taurus SHO

When It Hits: An official release date for the Ford Taurus SHO has not been announced.		What Priddy Says: Ford has not been secretive about adding more power to the Taurus SHO, so Priddy expects a more potent version of the 3.5L Ecoboost lurking in this prototype.

Cadillac ATS

When It Hits: Production for the ATS sedan is set to start in July of 2012, followed by the coupe in 2013.		What Priddy Says: Intended to be a true competitor to the BMW 3-Series, the Cadillac ATS will ride on GM’s new rear-drive Alpha chassis and will be powered by the automaker’s 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. The 3.0L V6 or the 3.6L V6 (or maybe both) should also find its way into the ATS.

Last year's SEMA Hall of Fame class included Van Woodell (above), Chuck Schwartz (below) and Richard "Dick" McMullen (not pictured).

Gray Baskerville, Art Chrisman, Chris Economaki and John Towle will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“We’re fortunate to have an amazing group of leaders and innovators in the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Jeep Worthan. “This year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the industry’s remarkable talent and diversity. It’s an honor and a privilege to recognize these four deserving men by inducting them into the SEMA Hall of Fame.”

Industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new SEMA Hall of Fame members at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser in Long Beach, California, on Friday, July 29, 2011. The annual gala marks the first time that the inductees will join together and be officially introduced as SEMA Hall of Fame members.

Gray Baskerville – As long-time editor of one of the most popular and successful automotive magazines, Baskerville’s contribution and influence on the industry are widespread. But holding the senior editor title at Hot Rod magazine for about 30 years isn’t the reason that he’s being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. Rather, it’s the passion and sincerity that transcended from Baskerville’s writing and his ability to captivate readers that earned him the honor. Like most, if not all, other SEMA Hall of Famers, Baskerville has a deep-seated love for cars that clearly manifests itself in all that he did.

He drove his beloved ’32 Ford roadster on a daily basis, racking up about 250,000 miles on it before he passed away in 2002. Not one to adapt to corporate rules or aspire for the corner office, Baskerville is equally well remembered for wearing flip-flops and shorts in the office, as he is for his ability to captivate readers in ways that no one else could. His writing style was so full of life and excitement that his text was rarely changed by editors—even when he invented words that did not exist in the dictionary. Even after he retired, Baskerville kept his office and continued to write for both Hot Rod magazine and Rod & Custom.

Art Chrisman – Pinpointing a single reason as to why Art Chrisman is being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame is difficult. Yet, for many, it’s unlikely that a reason is even needed.

Chrisman played such a key role in the hot-rod movement that his contributions are well known by most enthusiasts. His story is so significant that it’s resulted in The Chrisman Legacy: Always Faster, a 224-page book that chronicles the lives of the Chrismans and their undisputable contribution to the world of motorsports. Working at his father’s Southern California auto shop in the ’50s, Art knew or raced against many of the big-name legends: Ed Iskenderian, Vic Edelbrock, Wally Parks, Pete Petersen, Mickey Thompson, C.J. Hart, Lou Baney and many others. Among Chrisman’s many accomplishments is that he was the first drag racer to exceed 140 and 180 mph. He was also the first to make a pass in NHRA’s first national event in 1955.

Today, the legacy continues. Art and his son Mike work side by side at their shop, C.A.R.S. (Chrisman Auto Rod Shop), serving as a mentor and an inspiration to today’s, and tomorrow’s, hot rodder.

Chris Economaki – Go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and you’ll find the Economaki Press Conference Room. At the New Jersey Motorsports Park, you’ll find The Chris Economaki Media Center. And each year on the day of the Daytona 500, thousands celebrate Chris Economaki Day.

Having served as a motorsports commentator, pit road reporter and journalist for more than 70 years, Economaki is described as the founding father of the American motorsports media. Many credit him for bringing auto racing to the media forefront. Those not familiar with his name are likely to instantly recognize his voice and the face with the horn-rimmed glasses.

Throughout his career, he never veered away from National Speed Sport News, the weekly newsletter that he bought and began publishing in 1950 when he was just 20 years old. Referred by some as “the Bible of Motorsports” and by others as “America’s Weekly Motorsports Authority,” National Speed Sport News reports on races throughout the country, regardless of the series or the track. The publication ceased printing in March 2011, but, with Economaki still intimately involved with the publication and contributing on a daily basis, its online news will continue to be read religiously by race fans everywhere.

John Towle – Having started his career at Edelbrock nearly 50 years ago, John Towle knows and understands the industry like very few. As the current executive director for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA), Towle has played a major part in advancing the industry. He is often credited with bringing the PWA and SEMA closer together, as well as for making the annual PWA Conference a huge success.

His dedication is undisputed, having served as a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as on countless SEMA committees. Recognizing the importance of fostering new talent in to the industry, Towle initiated the PWA’s annual $2,000 donation to the SEMA Scholarship Foundation.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the impact that Towle’s commitment has had on the industry. His commitment doesn’t just lead to hard work and progress. As someone who is constantly seeking ways to improve the professionalism of the industry, he tends to influence policy and create new programs. Under his direction, PWA created PWA University, which provides education to any person or company in the industry, regardless of membership. Also under his direction, PWA created an online website to help direct customers to retailers’ sites sponsored by PWA WDs and manufacturers.

The four newest SEMA Hall of Fame members will be officially introduced for the first time at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 29, 2011, at Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. All industry professionals are invited to take part in the event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program and includes a sit-down dinner.

To get tickets for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, visit www.sema.org/GalaTix.

More details are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Last year's SEMA Hall of Fame class included Van Woodell (above), Chuck Schwartz (below) and Richard "Dick" McMullen (not pictured).

Gray Baskerville, Art Chrisman, Chris Economaki and John Towle will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“We’re fortunate to have an amazing group of leaders and innovators in the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Jeep Worthan. “This year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the industry’s remarkable talent and diversity. It’s an honor and a privilege to recognize these four deserving men by inducting them into the SEMA Hall of Fame.”

Industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new SEMA Hall of Fame members at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser in Long Beach, California, on Friday, July 29, 2011. The annual gala marks the first time that the inductees will join together and be officially introduced as SEMA Hall of Fame members.

Gray Baskerville – As long-time editor of one of the most popular and successful automotive magazines, Baskerville’s contribution and influence on the industry are widespread. But holding the senior editor title at Hot Rod magazine for about 30 years isn’t the reason that he’s being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. Rather, it’s the passion and sincerity that transcended from Baskerville’s writing and his ability to captivate readers that earned him the honor. Like most, if not all, other SEMA Hall of Famers, Baskerville has a deep-seated love for cars that clearly manifests itself in all that he did.

He drove his beloved ’32 Ford roadster on a daily basis, racking up about 250,000 miles on it before he passed away in 2002. Not one to adapt to corporate rules or aspire for the corner office, Baskerville is equally well remembered for wearing flip-flops and shorts in the office, as he is for his ability to captivate readers in ways that no one else could. His writing style was so full of life and excitement that his text was rarely changed by editors—even when he invented words that did not exist in the dictionary. Even after he retired, Baskerville kept his office and continued to write for both Hot Rod magazine and Rod & Custom.

Art Chrisman – Pinpointing a single reason as to why Art Chrisman is being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame is difficult. Yet, for many, it’s unlikely that a reason is even needed.

Chrisman played such a key role in the hot-rod movement that his contributions are well known by most enthusiasts. His story is so significant that it’s resulted in The Chrisman Legacy: Always Faster, a 224-page book that chronicles the lives of the Chrismans and their undisputable contribution to the world of motorsports. Working at his father’s Southern California auto shop in the ’50s, Art knew or raced against many of the big-name legends: Ed Iskenderian, Vic Edelbrock, Wally Parks, Pete Petersen, Mickey Thompson, C.J. Hart, Lou Baney and many others. Among Chrisman’s many accomplishments is that he was the first drag racer to exceed 140 and 180 mph. He was also the first to make a pass in NHRA’s first national event in 1955.

Today, the legacy continues. Art and his son Mike work side by side at their shop, C.A.R.S. (Chrisman Auto Rod Shop), serving as a mentor and an inspiration to today’s, and tomorrow’s, hot rodder.

Chris Economaki – Go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and you’ll find the Economaki Press Conference Room. At the New Jersey Motorsports Park, you’ll find The Chris Economaki Media Center. And each year on the day of the Daytona 500, thousands celebrate Chris Economaki Day.

Having served as a motorsports commentator, pit road reporter and journalist for more than 70 years, Economaki is described as the founding father of the American motorsports media. Many credit him for bringing auto racing to the media forefront. Those not familiar with his name are likely to instantly recognize his voice and the face with the horn-rimmed glasses.

Throughout his career, he never veered away from National Speed Sport News, the weekly newsletter that he bought and began publishing in 1950 when he was just 20 years old. Referred by some as “the Bible of Motorsports” and by others as “America’s Weekly Motorsports Authority,” National Speed Sport News reports on races throughout the country, regardless of the series or the track. The publication ceased printing in March 2011, but, with Economaki still intimately involved with the publication and contributing on a daily basis, its online news will continue to be read religiously by race fans everywhere.

John Towle – Having started his career at Edelbrock nearly 50 years ago, John Towle knows and understands the industry like very few. As the current executive director for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA), Towle has played a major part in advancing the industry. He is often credited with bringing the PWA and SEMA closer together, as well as for making the annual PWA Conference a huge success.

His dedication is undisputed, having served as a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as on countless SEMA committees. Recognizing the importance of fostering new talent in to the industry, Towle initiated the PWA’s annual $2,000 donation to the SEMA Scholarship Foundation.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the impact that Towle’s commitment has had on the industry. His commitment doesn’t just lead to hard work and progress. As someone who is constantly seeking ways to improve the professionalism of the industry, he tends to influence policy and create new programs. Under his direction, PWA created PWA University, which provides education to any person or company in the industry, regardless of membership. Also under his direction, PWA created an online website to help direct customers to retailers’ sites sponsored by PWA WDs and manufacturers.

The four newest SEMA Hall of Fame members will be officially introduced for the first time at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 29, 2011, at Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. All industry professionals are invited to take part in the event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program and includes a sit-down dinner.

To get tickets for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, visit www.sema.org/GalaTix.

More details are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Last year's SEMA Hall of Fame class included Van Woodell (above), Chuck Schwartz (below) and Richard "Dick" McMullen (not pictured).

Gray Baskerville, Art Chrisman, Chris Economaki and John Towle will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes an elite group of individuals for raising the stature or growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

“We’re fortunate to have an amazing group of leaders and innovators in the automotive specialty-equipment industry,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Jeep Worthan. “This year’s SEMA Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the industry’s remarkable talent and diversity. It’s an honor and a privilege to recognize these four deserving men by inducting them into the SEMA Hall of Fame.”

Industry professionals will gather and pay tribute to the new SEMA Hall of Fame members at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser in Long Beach, California, on Friday, July 29, 2011. The annual gala marks the first time that the inductees will join together and be officially introduced as SEMA Hall of Fame members.

Gray Baskerville – As long-time editor of one of the most popular and successful automotive magazines, Baskerville’s contribution and influence on the industry are widespread. But holding the senior editor title at Hot Rod magazine for about 30 years isn’t the reason that he’s being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. Rather, it’s the passion and sincerity that transcended from Baskerville’s writing and his ability to captivate readers that earned him the honor. Like most, if not all, other SEMA Hall of Famers, Baskerville has a deep-seated love for cars that clearly manifests itself in all that he did.

He drove his beloved ’32 Ford roadster on a daily basis, racking up about 250,000 miles on it before he passed away in 2002. Not one to adapt to corporate rules or aspire for the corner office, Baskerville is equally well remembered for wearing flip-flops and shorts in the office, as he is for his ability to captivate readers in ways that no one else could. His writing style was so full of life and excitement that his text was rarely changed by editors—even when he invented words that did not exist in the dictionary. Even after he retired, Baskerville kept his office and continued to write for both Hot Rod magazine and Rod & Custom.

Art Chrisman – Pinpointing a single reason as to why Art Chrisman is being inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame is difficult. Yet, for many, it’s unlikely that a reason is even needed.

Chrisman played such a key role in the hot-rod movement that his contributions are well known by most enthusiasts. His story is so significant that it’s resulted in The Chrisman Legacy: Always Faster, a 224-page book that chronicles the lives of the Chrismans and their undisputable contribution to the world of motorsports. Working at his father’s Southern California auto shop in the ’50s, Art knew or raced against many of the big-name legends: Ed Iskenderian, Vic Edelbrock, Wally Parks, Pete Petersen, Mickey Thompson, C.J. Hart, Lou Baney and many others. Among Chrisman’s many accomplishments is that he was the first drag racer to exceed 140 and 180 mph. He was also the first to make a pass in NHRA’s first national event in 1955.

Today, the legacy continues. Art and his son Mike work side by side at their shop, C.A.R.S. (Chrisman Auto Rod Shop), serving as a mentor and an inspiration to today’s, and tomorrow’s, hot rodder.

Chris Economaki – Go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and you’ll find the Economaki Press Conference Room. At the New Jersey Motorsports Park, you’ll find The Chris Economaki Media Center. And each year on the day of the Daytona 500, thousands celebrate Chris Economaki Day.

Having served as a motorsports commentator, pit road reporter and journalist for more than 70 years, Economaki is described as the founding father of the American motorsports media. Many credit him for bringing auto racing to the media forefront. Those not familiar with his name are likely to instantly recognize his voice and the face with the horn-rimmed glasses.

Throughout his career, he never veered away from National Speed Sport News, the weekly newsletter that he bought and began publishing in 1950 when he was just 20 years old. Referred by some as “the Bible of Motorsports” and by others as “America’s Weekly Motorsports Authority,” National Speed Sport News reports on races throughout the country, regardless of the series or the track. The publication ceased printing in March 2011, but, with Economaki still intimately involved with the publication and contributing on a daily basis, its online news will continue to be read religiously by race fans everywhere.

John Towle – Having started his career at Edelbrock nearly 50 years ago, John Towle knows and understands the industry like very few. As the current executive director for the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA), Towle has played a major part in advancing the industry. He is often credited with bringing the PWA and SEMA closer together, as well as for making the annual PWA Conference a huge success.

His dedication is undisputed, having served as a member of the SEMA Board of Directors, as well as on countless SEMA committees. Recognizing the importance of fostering new talent in to the industry, Towle initiated the PWA’s annual $2,000 donation to the SEMA Scholarship Foundation.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the impact that Towle’s commitment has had on the industry. His commitment doesn’t just lead to hard work and progress. As someone who is constantly seeking ways to improve the professionalism of the industry, he tends to influence policy and create new programs. Under his direction, PWA created PWA University, which provides education to any person or company in the industry, regardless of membership. Also under his direction, PWA created an online website to help direct customers to retailers’ sites sponsored by PWA WDs and manufacturers.

The four newest SEMA Hall of Fame members will be officially introduced for the first time at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 29, 2011, at Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California. All industry professionals are invited to take part in the event, which is part of SEMA’s Leadership Days program and includes a sit-down dinner.

To get tickets for the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, visit www.sema.org/GalaTix.

More details are available at www.sema.org/gala.

Paul Fiore Joins AAIA as Director of Government Affairs
Paul Fiore was named director of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Fiore worked for the Tire Industry Association since 2003, most recently as director of government and business relations. He has also served as executive vice president of the Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades. Fiore has more than 27 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry before becoming a state trade association lobbyist in 2003. Fiore will report to Aaron Lowe, AAIA’s vice president of government affairs.

Robert Kollar Promoted to COO for Hastings Manufacturing
Hastings Manufacturing Company LLC promoted Robert “Bob” Kollar to COO, a newly created position within the company. He will report to CEO Fred Cook. In his new role, Kollar will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Hastings Manufacturing Company LLC and Hastings East Manufacturing Company LTD, including all quality, sales, operations, engineering, human resources and finance activities. He will also continue on the board of directors for Hastings East Manufacturing Company LTD in Changzhou, China. Kollar was formerly Hastings' vice president of operations and vice president of customer satisfaction, leading the aftermarket and OEM sales efforts, and had recently taken a six-month assignment for The Anderson Group, LLC as CEO and president of After Six Tuxedos of Atlanta. 

Entries Being Accepted for Bridgestone's Safety Scholars Contest
Entries are being accepted until May 13 for Bridgestone Americas Safety Scholars Video Contest, which is part of Bridgestone's teen safety education initiatives. Bridgestone has also opened the 2011 Safety Scholars contest to Canadian residents ages 16 to 21 (excluding Quebec) for this year. For the contest, entrants create a short automotive safety-themed video that encourages their peers to make better decisions behind the wheel. The top 10 videos are posted online for the public to vote on, and the three videos that receive the most votes win the grand prize: a $5,000 college scholarship (Canadian winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize) and a free set of tires. Visit www.safetyscholars.com for complete information.  

Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Honors Yokohama Corp.
Yokohama Tire Corp. earned the 2011 Presidents’ Business Achievement Award by the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, which annually recognizes businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship and outstanding business citizenship. Yokohama was awarded the top honor in the large business category. Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) was recognized for its numerous civic activities. The company will be recognized at a dinner on Wednesday, June 15, at the Summit House Restaurant in Fullerton.

Bossco International Partners With Casey's General Store
Bossco International announced that the popular Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s General Stores, has picked up its Luma Lite product. “We are very excited about this business arrangement,” commented Clifford Wright, CEO and founder of Bossco International. “Casey’s has more than 1,500 stores and that means our Luma Lites will be available to a very wide audience.” Wright is a prominent biochemical engineer. With more than six-dozen patents, he has been recognized for his extensive list of medical inventions. His most recent inventions have targeted the automotive and sporting goods industries and include the Luma Lite, Glove Lite and Cuff Lite—all products in the HI:BEAM line from Bossco International.

Joe Mondello, known in the performance aftermarket world as "Dr. Oldsmobile," passed away on April 8 at the age of 74 following complications from surgery.

Born in Los Angeles in 1936, Mondello's love affair with the automobile began at the age of 13 and led to a 54-year career as an engine builder, a head porter and a teacher.

Mondello's mechanical talents and passion for drag racing combined with his experience served him well when Oldsmobile was looking for engine builders to port and polish cylinder heads to increase performance for its newly created Oldsmobile Performance Parts Division. Out of all the shops Oldsmobile tapped to increase power through modified heads, Mondello's heads made the most power. It was his notable work on Oldsmobile V8s that earned him the "Dr. Oldsmobile" nickname.

He established the Mondello Technical School in 1996 to help teach anyone willing to learn the art of performance engine building. Most recently, Mondello was focused on the Quarter Mile Foundation and the "PROJECT 1320" drag-racing documentary.

Read more about Mondello on the Hemmings Blog website.

Those wishing to donate in Joe’s memory in lieu of flowers can do so to two of Joe’s favorite charities:

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
P.O. Box 1000 , Dept 142
Memphis, TN 38148
(Make check payable to “For direct care of children”)

-Or-

Quarter Mile Foundation
6210 Beverly Ave.
Parma Heights, OH 44129     

This story was originally published on April 27, 2011. For more industry news, visit SEMANews.com and subscribe to SEMA News at the bottom of the webpage to get the latest updates straight to your inbox, twice a week.