Snagged while testing in the Alps by the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co., the 2012 Impreza 5-door appears to have a few changes in the greenhouse. In back, it looks as if the rear windshield has less slope to it than the current model, and there is a new configuration for the rear-quarter glass. Near the front, we can also see a new setup that includes a piece of front-quarter glass.

While lots of the other details are hidden by thick camouflage, honeycomb grille inserts and very angular headlights are easy to see on this prototype.

Priddy says that the regular powertrain should continue to be the 2.5L Boxer motor we're all familiar with. Some modest updates for increased fuel economy should be expected. According to Priddy, the biggest news is that a hybrid model is likely to show up this time around!

Production for the next-gen Impreza is currently slated to start in June 2011, with the hybrid model following a year later in 2012. Watch for the likely debut at next year's Tokyo Motor Show.

Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.

 

	Krissy MacLauchlan

BedSlide, a brand of Tākit, has hired Krissy MacLauchlan as key account manager. The company reported that she will work with larger accounts to spearhead its initiatives and projects, while continuing to focus on new product lines. “I know what it’s like to own your own company,” MacLauchlan explained. “There are often many hats to wear when servicing clients. I am very much looking forward to being on the team here. It’s a team effort with the goal of exceptional customer care that makes a company stand out, or not. At Tākit, our loyal customers are our focus.”

Dr. Hans-Joachim Schöpf and Barry Huff were named to the board of directors at Fisker Automotive. Dr. Schöpf has an automotive career spanning 38 years. He held critical positions at Mercedes-Benz, including executive vice president and member of the board of Mercedes Car Group with links to Chrysler, Mitsubishi and McLaren. Huff has four decades of international financial experience, which includes serving as Deloitte LLP’s vice chairman from 1995–2008.

The following are the new employees on the sales team at Grant Products International: Wes Fisher brings more than a decade of automotive aftermarket management experience. Strong relationships with the company's W/Ds, retailers and sales reps alike offer an excellent communication platform for Grant Products to build upon. Wesley Wood brings more than 15 years of combined experiences to include: automotive service, product engineering, and product development, quality and sales to compliment the Grant Products’ sales team. Wood’s professional profile includes working at an OEM, tier 1 suppliers and a marketing firm. Richard Nedeljkovic brings years of automotive aftermarket and heavy-duty experience to the Grant Sales team.

 

Bryan Wilson

Midway Industries Inc., the parent company of Centerforce Clutches, promoted Bryan C. Wilson to general manager. With more than 15 years of experience managing the Midway/Centerforce marketing and IT departments, the company feels that Wilson is well qualified and prepared to take over the helm as general manager. “In this position, I hope to bring a fresh approach to product development, team building and process improvements,” said Wilson. “My main objective will be to help Centerforce be even more effective in bringing exciting, high-quality clutch products to the automotive aftermarket.”

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

The WTC will be bringing some island attitude to the Las Vegas desert at this year’s SEMA Show in the form of a new Tropic Awards Reception. Complete with island fare, libations and leis, the council will use the beautiful backdrop of the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar to create an oasis retreat from the hustle and bustle.

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) is bringing an island attitude to its annual industry reception at the 2010 SEMA Show. Held Wednesday, November 3, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel’s Pool and Envy Cellar, the council will use the gathering to honor the industry and recognize its lifetime achievement recipient.

In addition to the awards, tropical fare and libations, WTC members and guests will be entertained by comedian Mike Stigs. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and join the WTC for a night of island attitude and awards. For more information contact Gina Ledesma at ginal@sema.org.

	Take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select as the winners of the SEMA Award.

In just a few weeks, SEMA Show exhibitors will showcase their innovations with thousands of new products and customized vehicles. As the visionaries of the industry, exhibitors will choose the hottest cars, trucks and 4x4-SUVs on the market through the first-ever SEMA Award presentation.

To determine the winners of the SEMA Award, every single booth vehicle at the 2010 SEMA Show will be tallied, and the most prominent models will be recognized as the year’s top trend-setting vehicles.

While exhibitors will ultimately choose the hottest car, hottest truck and hottest 4x4-SUV based on what they decide to showcase in their booths, a panel of industry experts has identified a few noteworthy vehicles as contenders for the award. See who the contenders are, and take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select. You may even qualify to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge begins October 1 on the SEMA Facebook Page. Become a fan of the site today, then take the SEMA Challenge. See if you can predict which vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in!

	Take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select as the winners of the SEMA Award.

In just a few weeks, SEMA Show exhibitors will showcase their innovations with thousands of new products and customized vehicles. As the visionaries of the industry, exhibitors will choose the hottest cars, trucks and 4x4-SUVs on the market through the first-ever SEMA Award presentation.

To determine the winners of the SEMA Award, every single booth vehicle at the 2010 SEMA Show will be tallied, and the most prominent models will be recognized as the year’s top trend-setting vehicles.

While exhibitors will ultimately choose the hottest car, hottest truck and hottest 4x4-SUV based on what they decide to showcase in their booths, a panel of industry experts has identified a few noteworthy vehicles as contenders for the award. See who the contenders are, and take the SEMA Challenge to see if you can guess which vehicles exhibitors will select. You may even qualify to win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 SEMA Show, including air and hotel accommodations.

The SEMA Challenge begins October 1 on the SEMA Facebook Page. Become a fan of the site today, then take the SEMA Challenge. See if you can predict which vehicles exhibitors are choosing to invest in!

	The business services section of the SEMA Show includes auto shop management equipment.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, 2010, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; and Wheels & Accessories.

The final 2010 SEMA Show category is Business Services. So far, 44 business services companies—of which 17 are first-timers—are exhibiting in the North Hall.

“The business services section is unique because it targets not only buyers, but also other Show exhibitors,” said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of communications and events. “It’s relevant to just about everyone who attends the Show, reinforcing that this is a trade-only event designed to help companies in the industry do business.”

Regardless of the market niche, there are several services that all automotive businesses need. Discover new business services and cost-effective options by visiting the Business Services section in North Hall. Learn what resources are available for inventory control, computer systems and business software as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” MacGillivray said. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

The services these exhibitors offer are especially useful to small businesses and many of them offer group discounts for this industry and know and understand the challenges the industry currently faces. Also, because they are small businesses, they often don’t have time to research and learn about some of the products offered at the Show, so this is a good opportunity for businesses to see how they can save money.

	The business services section of the SEMA Show includes auto shop management equipment.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, 2010, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; and Wheels & Accessories.

The final 2010 SEMA Show category is Business Services. So far, 44 business services companies—of which 17 are first-timers—are exhibiting in the North Hall.

“The business services section is unique because it targets not only buyers, but also other Show exhibitors,” said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of communications and events. “It’s relevant to just about everyone who attends the Show, reinforcing that this is a trade-only event designed to help companies in the industry do business.”

Regardless of the market niche, there are several services that all automotive businesses need. Discover new business services and cost-effective options by visiting the Business Services section in North Hall. Learn what resources are available for inventory control, computer systems and business software as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” MacGillivray said. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

The services these exhibitors offer are especially useful to small businesses and many of them offer group discounts for this industry and know and understand the challenges the industry currently faces. Also, because they are small businesses, they often don’t have time to research and learn about some of the products offered at the Show, so this is a good opportunity for businesses to see how they can save money.

The winners of the annual SkillsUSA Championships in Collision Repair Technology were announced June 25, 2010, at the Awards Ceremony of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City. More than 5,600 career and technical education students joined in the hands-on competition in 96 different trade, technical and leadership fields. The philosophy of the Championships is to reward students for excellence, involve the industry in directly evaluating student performance and keep training relevant to employers’ needs. SkillsUSA students not only excel in their technical skills, but in employability skills as well.

The Collision Repair Technology Committee requires students to compete in the following areas: metal work, an A.S.E. test, structural damage analysis, reconciling an estimate with published time guides, plastic identification and repair and welding. Contestants are judged on the overall appearance of the finished products and proper safety practices as they race against the clock and other competitors.

The 2010 winner of the SkillsUSA Collision Repair Technology Contest for the Secondary Gold Medal was Chance Brickner from the Sentinel Career Center in Tiffin, Ohio. His instructor is Carl Rusch.

The 2010 winner of the SkillsUSA Collision Repair Technology Contest for the Post-Secondary Gold Medal was Kevin Massey from Morgan Community College in Fort Morgan, Colorado. His instructor is Tim Grauberger.

State Farm Insurance sponsors the trip to Las Vegas for the winners and their instructors to experience the SEMA Show. With the Paint, Body & Equipment area being more prominent this year and the added educational sessions specific to the paint and body market, SEMA is an excellent fit for these future industry leaders. As many of the paint and body organizations begin to work with SEMA, it makes it a more valuable resource for the industry.