Compiled by SEMA Editors
Mike King |
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Mike King Named SCCA’s Next Director of Solo and Rally
Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has announced that longtime solo competitor and club member Mike King has been selected to serve as SCCA’s next director of Solo and Rally. October 1 is when King, a multi-time Solo champion, will officially take on his new role. In his new position, King will be tasked with planning, directing and coordinating the activities of the Rally and Solo competition departments. He will oversee development of new programs, products and services, as well as develop new approaches to existing programs, products and services. The incoming director of Rally/Solo will begin a new chapter for the programs, with a focus on member experience, operational excellence, technology and program development. He will also serve as a member of SCCA’s senior staff in the establishment of strategic and operational plans for the organization. An SCCA member for nearly 30 years, King is a four-time Tire Rack Solo national champion, two-time Tire Rack ProSolo national champion and a two-time Solo Triad Award winner. Beyond involvement in both SCCA Solo and Road Racing activities, King has been active in the Club as a member of the Buccaneer Region board of directors, an assistant regional executive, regional Solo chairman and event chairman for Divisional, National Tour and ProSolo events. He has also worked as an event manager for Evolution Performance Driving School, and SCCA’s Starting Line and Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack programs.
As chief digital cartographer at MAPCO, King managed a team of cartographers and graphic artists for several years before becoming the company’s president, tasked with developing new strategies and vision to modernize all facets of production, oversee budgets, expand into new markets and create products. He went on to become founder of HomePhotoPro, a company that develops and manages real-estate photography services. King has also been the owner and managing broker of HomePro Realty where he oversaw all aspects of the company.
Robert Eichelberg |
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LC Power Tools Names Robert Eichelberg Global Sales Director
LC Power Tools has announced the appointment of Robert Eichelberg as global sales director. In his new role, Eichelberg will oversee sales and marketing for the professional power tool manufacturer. He has more than 40 years of experience in the power-tool market, most recently serving as president of Flex North America—a position he held from 2001–2019. His prior experience includes work for Black & Decker/DeWalt, Skil and Porter Cable power tool brands.
Northwood University Auto Show, 56 Years Strong
Year after year, the students of Northwood University work tirelessly to produce the Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS), one of the largest outdoor, new-car shows in North America. Now in its 56th year, the 2019 show will feature more than 500 vehicles from 65 manufacturers. Being 100% student-run, the show is funded by the generosity of alumni, supporters, friends and corporations. This year, NUIAS is looking back on its legacy as a premier experiential learning and guest destination. Student captains are focusing on showcasing the history of their brand's most iconic vehicles. The NUIAS takes place September 27–29. Complete information is available at www.nuias.northwood.edu.
Gary P. Mercer |
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Continental Names Gary P. Mercer Western Sales Manager
Continental has named Gary P. Mercer western sales manager. In this role, Mercer will manage Continental’s aftermarket program for the traditional warehouse distributor network. Mercer will work with all of Continental aftermarket product lines, including TPMS sensors and service parts, blower motors, fan assemblies, door systems, OE replacement parts, wiper blades and brake system parts. Prior to joining Continental, Mercer was the western divisional sales director for Promax Auto Parts Depot and served as the director of sales and marketing for Best Brakes. He was also executive vice president at ABC Brakes, where he helped to develop the company’s corporate structure and marketing plan to help bring a new supplier to the automotive aftermarket. As vice president of sales and marketing at Transglobe Automotive Inc., Mercer created a marketing program that helped pave the way for business opportunities with major retailers and program groups. Mercer was also vice president of sales, Western U.S. at IAP /Dura International, vice president of sales and marketing at Best Brakes and North American aftermarket sales director for Brembo NA.
Zero Labs Automotive has transformed a first-generation (’66–’77) Ford Bronco into a premium classic electric vehicle. |
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Zero Labs Transforms First-Gen Bronco Into a Fully Electric Vehicle
Zero Labs Automotive offered the first detailed view of its second transformation of a first-generation (’66–’77) Ford Bronco into a premium classic electric vehicle, which was modified in the company’s new headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The newly modified vehicle is handcrafted with aerospace-grade carbon-fiber components, Eames-inspired walnut consoles, a full digital display and more than 1,000 other newly designed parts that marry classic design and modern quality standards. According to the company, these vehicles are low-maintenance, environmentally friendly and offer luxury and refinement. They are available for pre-order. To retain the Bronco’s off-road appeal, the Zero Labs electric vehicles feature an Atlas 2 (two-speed) transfer case, Currie front and rear differentials and adjustable FOX coilover suspension, complete with Brembo six-piston caliper brakes. Electric performance includes digital telematics, custom all-digital gauges, VCU and CAN Network, a 70 kWh battery, 190-mile range, and a 440hp permanent magnet AC motor with 375 Nm/277 lb.-ft. of motor torque. Initial costs are estimated to be at the upper end of the current classic Ford Bronco market of $275,000–$325,000, depending on customization and customer requests. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2020.
Rosana Del Rio |
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DEI Names Rosana Del Rio New International Account Manager
DEI has named Rosana Del Rio as the company’s international account manager. According to the company, the all-new position was filled to ensure that DEI becomes a global leader in thermal and acoustic control products. Del Rio joined DEI in May and brings to the company a diverse background in account management and sales. She is tasked with working with existing clients and growing new international sales with a primary focus on Latin America and the Middle East. She reports directly to Tom Miller, DEI’s vice president of sales and marketing. Prior to joining DEI, she served as a relationship and personal banker for Key Bank and Huntington National Bank, and worked as a major account executive for Ricoh USA and sales manager and account executive for Konica Minolta. In addition, she was responsible for the team’s success at developing winning marketing strategies based on analyzing the competition, market trends, product mix and price structure at Konica Minolta. As account executive, she worked on developing multidisciplinary business plans that incorporated workflow and document management to include clouding solutions, IT processes and digital management. As account executive at MCPc, she managed more than 100 clients.
VMI CEO Mark Shaughnessy |
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VMI Signs Exclusive Deal with Mobility Networks to Expand Accessible Product Line
Vantage Mobility International (VMI) has announced an exclusive agreement with Mobility Networks that will make VMI the sole provider of Mobility Networks’ global products for WAVs now sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Under the agreement, VMI will offer Mobility Networks’ products for installation on many of the most popular vehicles on the road today for both consumer and commercial applications. Customers will be able to order products for installation on vehicles shipped from VMI’s factory locations in Tucker, Georgia, and Clarkston, Michigan. According to the companies, with an estimated reduction of required inventoried parts by 69%, dealers will be able to provide service with ease and deliver faster turnaround time, successfully getting customers back on the road sooner. In addition, VMI customers who purchase a new or used vehicle will receive one year of complimentary roadside assistance membership through the VMI Assurance Program.
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