By SEMA Editors

The Stratosphere is offering nightly rates of $144 for the 2019 SEMA Show.

SEMA Showgoers should make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available. The SEMA Show block offers a range of options, from budget-friendly to Five-Star accommodations, some of which are located within a couple miles of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The following is a mix of seven hotels in the SEMA Show block:

Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.

When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2019 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.

More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), representing businesses related to traditional pickup accessories and the growing off-road segment.

As the truck market evolves, the SEMA council dedicated to the truck industry is evolving as well. The council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), continuing to represent businesses related to traditional pickup accessories, such as bedliners, running boards and caps, while now including off-road products, such as specialty wheels, tires, suspensions and nerf bars, in the off-road and UTV markets.

The change was made to provide the growing off-road segment with a dedicated council, while recognizing the crossover from many truck accessory companies.

“We’re excited to embrace the off-road market and provide businesses with a group that will help to advance the entire truck industry,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, TORA chair. “We want the off-road industry to know that we are here to help their business and the market succeed.”

The council’s origins date back to 1989 when 18 members formed the Truck Cap Industry Association. The group continued to evolve as the industry did and merged with SEMA in 2000. Throughout the years, the name of the council changed, but the group continued to serve the truck market successfully.

TORA, like all SEMA councils, provides a defined segment of the automotive aftermarket with a forum to network, collaborate and address concerns specifically to a niche market or group. Most recently, TORA members gathered at Moab, Utah, in conjunction with a SEMA Town Hall Meeting, where the council’s new name was officially revealed. Previous programs from the council include private measuring sessions, market research targeted to the group and legislative advocacy for land use and other related issues.

“The industry is constantly changing, and it’s vital that we adapt to those changes,” said Reinhardt. “We need and encourage all businesses in the truck and off-road industry to join TORA. It’s only through the industry’s feedback and collective participation that we can effectively address issues and improve.”

To learn more about TORA, visit www.sema.org/council/tora or contact AJ Keefe at allank@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), representing businesses related to traditional pickup accessories and the growing off-road segment.

As the truck market evolves, the SEMA council dedicated to the truck industry is evolving as well. The council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), continuing to represent businesses related to traditional pickup accessories, such as bedliners, running boards and caps, while now including off-road products, such as specialty wheels, tires, suspensions and nerf bars, in the off-road and UTV markets.

The change was made to provide the growing off-road segment with a dedicated council, while recognizing the crossover from many truck accessory companies.

“We’re excited to embrace the off-road market and provide businesses with a group that will help to advance the entire truck industry,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, TORA chair. “We want the off-road industry to know that we are here to help their business and the market succeed.”

The council’s origins date back to 1989 when 18 members formed the Truck Cap Industry Association. The group continued to evolve as the industry did and merged with SEMA in 2000. Throughout the years, the name of the council changed, but the group continued to serve the truck market successfully.

TORA, like all SEMA councils, provides a defined segment of the automotive aftermarket with a forum to network, collaborate and address concerns specifically to a niche market or group. Most recently, TORA members gathered at Moab, Utah, in conjunction with a SEMA Town Hall Meeting, where the council’s new name was officially revealed. Previous programs from the council include private measuring sessions, market research targeted to the group and legislative advocacy for land use and other related issues.

“The industry is constantly changing, and it’s vital that we adapt to those changes,” said Reinhardt. “We need and encourage all businesses in the truck and off-road industry to join TORA. It’s only through the industry’s feedback and collective participation that we can effectively address issues and improve.”

To learn more about TORA, visit www.sema.org/council/tora or contact AJ Keefe at allank@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), representing businesses related to traditional pickup accessories and the growing off-road segment.

As the truck market evolves, the SEMA council dedicated to the truck industry is evolving as well. The council previously known as the Light Truck Accessories Alliance (LTAA) is now called the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), continuing to represent businesses related to traditional pickup accessories, such as bedliners, running boards and caps, while now including off-road products, such as specialty wheels, tires, suspensions and nerf bars, in the off-road and UTV markets.

The change was made to provide the growing off-road segment with a dedicated council, while recognizing the crossover from many truck accessory companies.

“We’re excited to embrace the off-road market and provide businesses with a group that will help to advance the entire truck industry,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, TORA chair. “We want the off-road industry to know that we are here to help their business and the market succeed.”

The council’s origins date back to 1989 when 18 members formed the Truck Cap Industry Association. The group continued to evolve as the industry did and merged with SEMA in 2000. Throughout the years, the name of the council changed, but the group continued to serve the truck market successfully.

TORA, like all SEMA councils, provides a defined segment of the automotive aftermarket with a forum to network, collaborate and address concerns specifically to a niche market or group. Most recently, TORA members gathered at Moab, Utah, in conjunction with a SEMA Town Hall Meeting, where the council’s new name was officially revealed. Previous programs from the council include private measuring sessions, market research targeted to the group and legislative advocacy for land use and other related issues.

“The industry is constantly changing, and it’s vital that we adapt to those changes,” said Reinhardt. “We need and encourage all businesses in the truck and off-road industry to join TORA. It’s only through the industry’s feedback and collective participation that we can effectively address issues and improve.”

To learn more about TORA, visit www.sema.org/council/tora or contact AJ Keefe at allank@sema.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Truck Hero Inc. Announces Strategic Acquisition of Lund International

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the strategic acquisition of Lund International Holding Co. The transaction terms were not disclosed. The acquisition adds a complementary product portfolio that further diversifies the company’s product category mix and increases exposure to a larger addressable market of vehicles. Lund International offers products in more than 30 categories from brand names, including AMP Research, AVS, Belmor, Bushwacker, LUND, Rampage Products, RoadWorks Manufacturing, Roll-N-Lock, Stampede Automotive Accessories and TonnoPro. This transaction marks Truck Hero’s 15th acquisition since its formation in 2007. Jefferies provided financing and served as advisors to Truck Hero.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour will make a stop at Hot Wheels headquarters in El Segundo, California, Saturday, May 18, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Hot Wheels Legends Tour to Feature Special Guest Jay Leno at El Segundo, California, Headquarters on May 18

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a nationwide search for life-size custom cars worthy of being made into a Hot Wheels toy car is pulling into Hot Wheels headquarters in El Segundo, California, Saturday, May 18, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The special commemorative stop celebrates Hot Wheels 51st birthday. Celebrity and Hot Wheels enthusiast Jay Leno will serve as a guest judge, selecting a finalist to join Hot Wheels at the 2019 SEMA Show, where their custom car will be judged side-by-side with winners from each of the 18 stops. Hot Wheels will also unveil the 2JetZ die-cast car, modeled after the vehicle that won the inaugural Hot Wheels Legends Tour last year. The life-size vehicle and die cast will be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and on display at the stop. Leno will join Hot Wheels designers and others in casting their votes to decide which vehicle will earn a chance to become a Hot Wheels Legend. Guest judges include:

• Jay Leno – Comedian, former host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” and car enthusiast.
• Constance Nunes – American model and reality TV personality of the Netflix series “Car Masters: Rust to Riches” and car enthusiast.
• Paxton Booth – Actor currently on Disney Channel’s “Coop and Cami Ask the World” and Hot Wheels enthusiast.
• Jonny Lieberman – Senior features editor, Motor Trend, and writer and host for the Motor Trend series “Ignition” and “Head 2 Head.”
• Dave Marek – Acura executive creative director, Honda R&D Americas Inc.                       

Perfect Equipment Brand Announces 80-Year Milestone

Perfect Equipment, a brand of WEGMANN automotive, has announced its 80-year anniversary. In 2005, the Perfect Equipment brand was acquired by WEGMANN automotive GmbH, a family-owned organization with global resources. Over the last decade, the Perfect Equipment brand has diversified its product line and expanded sales opportunities to more than 35 countries securing brand recognition in the wheel weight category on a worldwide scale.

Daniel Clarke

Permatex Reorganizes Traditional Sales Force to Better Serve Channel Partners

Permatex has announced the reorganization of its traditional sales force. The new alignment was driven by the evolving needs of the marketplace and designed to put Permatex in a better position to service its traditional channel partners and keep them up to date with the company’s latest programs, promotions and new product offerings. Recently appointed Director of Sales Daniel Clarke made the announcement and will oversee the new organization. Permatex’s new traditional sales channel organization will be handled in four key segments: OE and aftermarket parts manufacturers, automotive distributors, heavy-duty distributors and service providers, and specialty distributors. Doug Johnson, national account manager, will oversee the OE and aftermarket part manufacturers and specialty distributors. Johnson has been with Permatex for 19 years and has served as regional manager for the traditional aftermarket, sales manager groups and special markets, and account executive key accounts.

The automotive distributors segment will be handled by Jeff Morgan, newly promoted national account manager of automotive groups, and Eric Dutra, national account sales manager. Morgan has worked at Permatex since 2000, serving in a variety of roles. He will be responsible for major automotive parts groups and independent automotive buying groups. Dutra has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket. Previously, he was director of sales for Justice Brothers Inc., channel sales manager for Pace Edwards Co., and western regional sales manager for Berryman Products.

The heavy-duty group will be led by Ben Patterson, national account manager–heavy-duty segment. Patterson has worked for Permatex for more than 30 years in a number of capacities, including district manager, senior district manager and national account manager. He will handle all heavy-duty customers, while managing dealer direct programs and implementing an aggressive marketing campaign throughout all levels of distribution. He will also oversee buying groups and guide the rep agencies.

All of the teams will be supported by Curtis Haines, inside technical sales support, and Caitlin Hendrix, inside sales representative.

Hypertherm’s 2019 Spark Something Great educational grant is designed to place the latest plasma technology into schools so the next generation of metalworkers can train on the equipment they will find once entering the workforce.

Hypertherm Announces 2019 Spark Something Great Educational Grant Winners

Hypertherm has announced recipients of its 2019 Spark Something Great educational grant. The grant program, now in its fifth year, is designed to place the latest plasma technology into schools so the next generation of metalworkers can train on the equipment they will find once entering the workforce. The 2019 grant recipients were selected from a record pool of 170 applicants representing high schools, vocational schools and colleges from throughout the United States and Canada. This year, in response to increased need, Hypertherm expanded the number of grants from 10 to 12. Each of the 12 winning schools will receive a Hypertherm Powermax45 XP plasma system, Hypertherm’s AWS SENSE-approved “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum kit and in-person training from a Hypertherm industrial cutting expert. The 2019 recipients include:

• Bristow High School – Bristow, Oklahoma
• Dickinson High School – Dickinson, Texas
• Dover Bay Secondary School – Nanaimo, British Columbia
• Eldon Career Center – Eldon, Missouri
• Granville Central High School – Stem, North Carolina
• Harris County High School – Hamilton, Georgia
• Hinds Career Center – Elwood, Indiana
• Mason High School – Okemah, Oklahoma
• Morgan County Career & Technical Center – Wartburg, Tennessee
• Northmor High School – Galion, Ohio
• OKAW Area Vocational Center – Vandalia, Illinois
• Weld Like A Girl – Yuma, Arizona

Atturo Tire Debuts Redesigned Website With New Tools and Features

Atturo Tire has introduced an all-new website, featuring tools designed to elevate its customers’ tire-shopping experience. The new atturo.com has an array of new and improved features, including enhanced tire information, a new tire search tool, a new vehicle gallery and an enhanced dealer locator.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Lindsay Bianco

During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities.

The SEMA Cares Committee invites SEMA members and their families (of all ages) to volunteer at its annual Pinewood Build Days. There are still two events remaining. During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

• Austin Hatcher Foundation (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
  Saturday, May 18.
• Victory Junction (Randleman, North Carolina)
  Tuesday, June 25.

Austin Hatcher Foundation benefits pediatric cancer patients, providing programs and services to more than 70,000 children and their families. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with SEMA Cares. If you’re interested in participating in one of the build days, contact Lindsay Bianco, SEMA Cares staff liaison, at lindsayb@sema.org or (909) 978-6692.

If you are unable to join us, but would like to make a difference, consider sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood car.

By Lindsay Bianco

During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities.

The SEMA Cares Committee invites SEMA members and their families (of all ages) to volunteer at its annual Pinewood Build Days. There are still two events remaining. During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

• Austin Hatcher Foundation (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
  Saturday, May 18.
• Victory Junction (Randleman, North Carolina)
  Tuesday, June 25.

Austin Hatcher Foundation benefits pediatric cancer patients, providing programs and services to more than 70,000 children and their families. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with SEMA Cares. If you’re interested in participating in one of the build days, contact Lindsay Bianco, SEMA Cares staff liaison, at lindsayb@sema.org or (909) 978-6692.

If you are unable to join us, but would like to make a difference, consider sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood car.

By Lindsay Bianco

During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities.

The SEMA Cares Committee invites SEMA members and their families (of all ages) to volunteer at its annual Pinewood Build Days. There are still two events remaining. During the Build Days, volunteers help children paint, decorate and assemble pinewood cars, which will then be auctioned off and raced at the SEMA Installation & Gala to benefit SEMA Cares partner charities: Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp and Victory Junction.

• Austin Hatcher Foundation (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
  Saturday, May 18.
• Victory Junction (Randleman, North Carolina)
  Tuesday, June 25.

Austin Hatcher Foundation benefits pediatric cancer patients, providing programs and services to more than 70,000 children and their families. Victory Junction provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with SEMA Cares. If you’re interested in participating in one of the build days, contact Lindsay Bianco, SEMA Cares staff liaison, at lindsayb@sema.org or (909) 978-6692.

If you are unable to join us, but would like to make a difference, consider sponsoring a SEMA Cares Pinewood car.

By Byron Bergmann

The 2019 SEMA Show Education Program will feature more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. With topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business, there is sure to be high-value programming for all Show attendees. Built-in partnerships with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), SEMA Education offers Show attendees a comprehensive learning experience that will help businesses succeed and advance careers.

Learning tracks include:

• Advanced Vehicle Technology
• Automotive Electronics
• Brew Talks
• Builders
• Business Management
• Collision Repair
• Emerging Markets
• International
• Legal and Regulatory
• Media Communications
• Online Marketing
• Research and Trends
• Sales and Marketing
• SEMA Launch Pad
• SEMA X (new for 2019)
• Tires
• Women Driven 

Preview all seminars and register today!

Contact SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.

By Byron Bergmann

The 2019 SEMA Show Education Program will feature more than 100 professional development and industry-focused seminars. With topics ranging from automotive electronics to women in business, there is sure to be high-value programming for all Show attendees. Built-in partnerships with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), SEMA Education offers Show attendees a comprehensive learning experience that will help businesses succeed and advance careers.

Learning tracks include:

• Advanced Vehicle Technology
• Automotive Electronics
• Brew Talks
• Builders
• Business Management
• Collision Repair
• Emerging Markets
• International
• Legal and Regulatory
• Media Communications
• Online Marketing
• Research and Trends
• Sales and Marketing
• SEMA Launch Pad
• SEMA X (new for 2019)
• Tires
• Women Driven 

Preview all seminars and register today!

Contact SEMA Senior Director of Education Zane Clark for additional information.