By Douglas McColloch

The SEMA Data Co-op is “data central” for hundreds of specialty parts brands, representing millions of part numbers, and tens of millions of vehicle applications. Created by SEMA, the SDC is the definitive, industry-owned and -operated centralized data repository, complete with a comprehensive set of online data management tools.

The product releases below are from SEMA members who are also part of the SDC at the the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level. Learn more about the SDC at www.semadatacoop.org.

Holley NOS Dry Nitrous Plates Holley has released new NOS Dry Nitrous Plates for its LS Hi-Ram EFI intake manifolds. Said to be the fastest and easiest way to upgrade to a dry-nitrous system, the plates bolt up between the top plate and bottom baseplate on two-piece Hi-Ram LS manifolds in a one-piece configuration. Specially designed .103-inch passages machined into the billet 6061-T6 aluminum plate spray fuel through eight .040-inch openings into the center of each intake runner for optimal nitrous distribution and maximum power output. The plates come complete with jetting for 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 additional horsepower, but are said to be able to handle upwards of 1,000 horsepower. Available in black-anodized or clear designs, the kits include the plate itself, jet holders, an application-specific gasket, and all hardware needed for installation. 270-782-2900 www.holley.com PN 12535BNOS
Roush Performance 2018-19 Mustang/F-150 5.0L Supercharger Rush Performance has received CARB E.O. numbers for its new TVS R2650 Phase 1 Supercharger Kit for the 2018-19 Ford Mustang and F-150 pickup. The complete kits, which are said to be a direct bolt-on, boost power levels on the Mustang 5.0L V-8 to 700 horsepower and 610 lbs-ft of torque; power output for the F-150’s 5.0L is said to be improved to 650 horsepower and 610 lbs-ft.  Developed in partnership with Ford Performance, the new supercharger combines a new, larger 2.65-liter Roots-type positive-displacement blower with a custom aluminum intercooler and heat exchanger; an additional rotor helix for greater efficiency and power delivery; and an included high-performance engine calibration tune. The supercharger comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited powertrain warranty when installed at a Ford dealership or by an ASE-certified technician. 800-597-6874 www.roushperformance.com PN 422090
Sinister Diesel 1999-2016 Powerstroke Master Cylinder Cap Sinister Diesel Manufacturing has released a new Master Cylinder Cap for 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with the Powerstroke diesel V-8. The new cap, which is constructed of solid billet aluminum, is said to be an upgrade over the OEM plastic cap, which can crack or embrittle over time and which in turn can lead to contamination or loss of brake fluid. The Sinister unit's added hand grips enable easy screw-on and screw-off, and the cap is anodized in Sinister Blue with a laser-etched logo to give the engine bay a sharper look. 916-772-9253 www.sinisterdiesel.com PN SD-MCC-FORD-99
GForce Engineering Axle Line Upgrades G-Force Engineering has announced revisions to its product lineup, including significant upgrades to its flagship Outlaw performance half-shaft axle (pictured) and the introduction of a new axle line, the Renegade. Tho Outlaw CV half-shafts, said to feature the industry’s largest diameter and strongest axle bars with complete CNC-machined, one-piece billet inner and outer stubs, will be upgraded for 2019 with polished CVs inside and out. The polishing is said to significantly reduce friction and heat buildup and to improve the CVs' wear characteristics. The Outlaw will also receive an internal alloy upgrade for increased strength, and ARP fasteners for added strength. The new Renegade will replace the 850HP (L2) axle in the company's product line, with a price point lower than the Outlaw's. Both axles are available in a variety of street-performance applications. 316-260-8433 www.gforce1320.com PN varies by application
Smittybilt Modular Bumper for 2017-Present Wrangler JK/JL Smittybilt has released its new Stryker Modular Bumper for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and 2018-and-later Wrangler JL. The new bumper is deep-draw press-formed from 3mm cold-rolled steel, a process that is said to result in increased strength and durability while offering a significant weight savings over standard steel and traditional welding. A bolt-on inner winch plate (when fitted with a winch up to 12,000-lbs capacity), integrated lift points and 7/8-inch D-ring mounts can facilitate off-road recoveries. A heavy-duty reinforced skidplate with added lower mounting support provides additional protection for the undercarriage. The solid overrider can accommodate a single-row LED lightbar and is removable when not in use. Stryker Side Wings offer more front and side protection while providing mounts for additional auxiliary lighting. 888-717-5797 www.smittybilt.com PN 76730 (center section), 76731 (side wings)

By SEMA Editors

The annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is designed to provide guidance to all exhibitors preparing for the 2019 SEMA Show.

The annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, taking place Monday–Wednesday, June 17–19, in Las Vegas, is designed to provide guidance to all exhibitors preparing for the 2019 SEMA Show. Summit attendees work with Show experts, including SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso, to enhance their Show investment through in-depth planning and taking advantage of the Show’s existing value-added programs.

Beneficial to all attendees regardless of trade-show experience, the Summit’s sessions will inform exhibitors how to utilize programs that minimize costs on booth services, (such as shipping and electrical); work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize their ROI; take advantage of SEMA value-added programs; explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships; and highlight proven strategies for attracting buyers and increasing business at the Show.

Cost for the event is intentionally low, with hotels, meals and workshops covered by SEMA. The only expense that attendees will incur is transportation to and from the event.

To register and for more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-summit. To learn more about the 2019 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

The annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is designed to provide guidance to all exhibitors preparing for the 2019 SEMA Show.

The annual SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, taking place Monday–Wednesday, June 17–19, in Las Vegas, is designed to provide guidance to all exhibitors preparing for the 2019 SEMA Show. Summit attendees work with Show experts, including SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso, to enhance their Show investment through in-depth planning and taking advantage of the Show’s existing value-added programs.

Beneficial to all attendees regardless of trade-show experience, the Summit’s sessions will inform exhibitors how to utilize programs that minimize costs on booth services, (such as shipping and electrical); work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize their ROI; take advantage of SEMA value-added programs; explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships; and highlight proven strategies for attracting buyers and increasing business at the Show.

Cost for the event is intentionally low, with hotels, meals and workshops covered by SEMA. The only expense that attendees will incur is transportation to and from the event.

To register and for more information, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor-summit. To learn more about the 2019 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2019 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, in Las Vegas.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m. CST–4:00 p.m. CST, in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the Network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting an inaugural meetup at the Keystone BIG Show being held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The event will be held March 8, from 3:00 p.m. CST–4:00 p.m. CST, in Grapevine, Texas.

All SBN members and those interested in learning about opportunities to support the advancement of women in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend. SBN leadership will be present to discuss the Network’s initiatives, volunteer opportunities and additional ways to get more involved.

SBN Members who are not attending the Keystone BIG Show are welcome to attend the meetup and also attend the BIG Show’s opening night keynote speaker and reception. RSVPs are required for all SBN members that are non-Show attendees.

If you live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and are a SBN member or you’re a registered Keystone Big Show attendee, stop by and enjoy an evening of light refreshments with fellow SBN colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets are available here.

For more information, contact SEMA Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909-978-6691.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Mike Peace

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Appoints New Board Trustee

Lynn Parker, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has announced the election of Mike Peace to its board of trustees. Peace is vice president, national accounts and business development, for the National Pronto Association, a $1.4 billion member-owned program distribution group. National Pronto is a longtime supporter of the AACF. Peace has been in the automotive sector for more than 35 years. Prior to joining National Pronto, he served in a prominent sales leadership role with Timken, which included the setting of strategic policy and the opening of a significant foreign market.

Westin Automotive in The Process of Acquiring Superwinch Group

Westin Automotive Products Inc. announced that the company is in the process of acquiring specific assets, IP rights and brand name of Superwinch Group, located in Portland, Oregon.

Superwinch has been a global market leader and manufacturer of electric and hydraulic winches and accessories for more than 40 years. Westin will expand on the current product offering and add additional value to customers with its winch-capable products, such as HDX grille guards and bumpers, MAX mount systems and Jeep products.

Jason DiFuccia

Jason DiFuccia Joins Transamerican Auto Parts as Senior Marketing Director

Polaris Industries Inc. has announced that Jason DiFuccia has joined 4 Wheel Parts/TAP Worldwide LLC as senior marketing director. In his new position, DiFuccia will lead the TAP marketing department by establishing holistic marketing strategies for the organization and cultivating the 4 Wheel Parts (4WP) brand globally. In addition, DiFuccia will be responsible for driving collaborative cross-functional work across the TAP product design/manufacturing division to create proactive demand for new products and ensure effective launches for in-house brands Pro Comp, Smittybilt, Poison Spyder, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear and LRG Rims. Prior to joining TAP, DiFuccia spent 17 years in a variety of marketing leadership roles at Polaris, running marketing for Polaris’ largest division for 10 years. DiFuccia will lead a team comprised of TAP directors Brent Goegebuer (advertising and events), Joey DiGiovanni (creative marketing and partnerships) and Judd Kuehling (retention marketing). Additional support will be provided by Joy Aoki (communications/product Integration) and Thomas Rousseve (art director/creatives).

Truck Hero Inc. Hires Tom Goulet as Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the appointment of Tom Goulet as executive vice president of human resources, reporting to the company’s president and CEO Bill Reminder. Goulet’s role will oversee all human-resource departments and activities for Truck Hero and its family of brands, and will be responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s human-resource strategy. He joins Truck Hero with more than 20 years of experience leading complex human resources organizations and enterprise-wide initiatives. Goulet most recently was with Johnson Controls as the vice president of human resources, global service and solutions. His prior leadership positions include vice president of human resources, global integration supply chain, for Johnson Controls; vice president of human resources for Thermo Fisher Scientific, scientific instruments division; and vice president of human resources for PerkinElmer, optoelectronics.

John Lambert

Hypertech Promotes John Lambert to GM

Hypertech has promoted John Lambert to general manager, lending his engineering background and management skills to re-energize the company as it moves forward with the introduction of its new throttle optimizer, REACT, along with new applications for its Max Energy power programmers and speedometer calibrators. Lambert has been a member of Hypertech’s executive leadership and tuning manager since 2006, developing new turning products, working with CARB and the EPA to ensure compliance with emission standards, in addition to a broad range of engineering and management tasks.

Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns In Search Of Fan’s Custom Car Worthy Of Being Immortalized as a Hot Wheels Die-Cast Toy

Hot Wheels has announced the return of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a national traveling car show searching for a life-size custom car worthy of being made into a Hot Wheels toy car. This tour will kick-off in Miami, March 16, and make 18 stops looking for cars that embody the high standards of performance and design of Hot Wheels. Attracting more than 3,600 cars and 65,000 fans, the inaugural Hot Wheels Legends Tour—held in 2018 to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary—brought together car fans of all ages from across the country. Partnering with brands, including Mobil 1, Dickies, Honda, Microsoft Xbox and Mechanix, the second annual tour will expand with additional and new stops in the United States to give even more fans a shot at seeing their custom car become an iconic 1:64 die-cast toy car. The winning vehicle will also be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, a collection of one-of-a-kind cars that embodies the brand’s challenger spirit and legendary design.

Wiseco Performance Products Acquires CV4

Race Winning Brands Inc. acquired the assets of CV4, which will become a part of its Wiseco Performance Products division. CV4 is a brand in the powersports market, supplying thermal management products, such as high-temperature precision-fit silicone radiator hose kits, high-pressure radiator caps, fuel tank heat shields and components to race teams and enthusiasts worldwide.

Interactive Garage Software Joins CDK Global Partner Program

Interactive Garage Software, an accessory configurator program for the automotive OE and aftermarket, has announced it has become a participant in the CDK Global Partner Program. As a member, Interactive Garage is now part of a marketplace of applications and integration that CDK Global Inc., an enabler of end-to-end automotive commerce, developed to help automotive dealers succeed. The CDK Global Partner Program provides its partners with access to a diverse CDK ecosystem through the ability to integrate with a range of CDK applications and CDK dealer websites. Interactive Garage provides a seamless in-frame application to the CDK dealer website that instantly showcases more than 10,000 OE and aftermarket accessories.

Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ’69 Camaro, July 12, on National Collector Car Appreciation Day.

Goodguys Celebration of the ’69 Camaro at the 22nd PPG Nationals Coincides with Collector Car Appreciation Day

On the 10th consecutive National Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 12, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ’69 Camaro. The Summer of ’69 Display presented by PPG will gather a collection of some of the most ground-breaking and historically significant Camaros for a special indoor display at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 22nd PPG Nationals, July 12–14. The Ohio Expo Center’s Kasich Hall will showcase this spectrum of ’69s from the ultra-rare COPO and Yenko examples, to some of the most influential custom builds to come from the hot-rodding community through the decades. The exhibit will host the last two Goodguys Street Machine of the Year winners—the Detroit Speed-built “Tux” and Roadster Shop crafted “Inferno.” Rare originals will also be on display. To have your ’69 Camaro considered for the display, submit a photo and contact information to Jamie Sa at Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

JMPR Named Agency of Record for Edelbrock

JMPR, a division of imre, has announced that it has been named agency of record for Edelbrock LLC. JMPR will support Edelbrock by enhancing awareness for the brand’s product offerings in the late-model and classic musclecar, hot rod, off-road and JDM sectors, among others, while assisting the company with upcoming product launches and sponsorship announcements. The agency was selected by Edelbrock due to its more than 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, business and lifestyle sectors.

Dr. Jonathan Rich Appointed as Lumileds Chief Executive Officer

Lumileds has announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Rich as CEO. Dr. Rich most recently served as chairman and CEO of Berry Global Inc., a Fortune 500 specialty materials and consumer packaging company, from 2010–2018. Dr. Rich succeeds Mark Adams, who is stepping down as CEO and from the board of directors, but will remain in an advisory role to the company. Before Dr. Rich held the position of chairman and CEO of Berry Global, he was president and CEO at Momentive, a specialty chemical company headquartered in Albany, New York. Prior to that, he held positions with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., first as president of the Global Chemicals business and subsequently as President of Goodyear’s North American Tire Division. Dr. Rich spent his formative years at General Electric, first as a research scientist at GE Global Research, and then in a series of management positions with GE Plastics.

As part of a partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), CRC Industries will provide product training materials and workshops to UTI students and instructors.

CRC Industries Partners With Universal Technical Institute to Help Educate Future Technicians

As part of a partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), CRC Industries will supply all UTI locations with a variety of products from its chemical brands, including CRC, SmartWasher, Sta-Lube, K&W and Weld-Aid. Additionally, CRC will provide product training materials and workshops to UTI students and instructors. In January, CRC launched its first sponsored classrooms at UTI’s Exton, Pennsylvania, campus and its NASCAR Tech campus in Mooresville, North Carolina. CRC plans to roll out three additional sponsored classrooms this year.

Bestop Purchases BullRing USA

Bestop has acquired BullRing USA, seller of retractable tie-down anchors designed for use on Ford, GM, RAM and Toyota trucks. BullRing will become a member of Bestop Premium Accessories Group. The brand’s operations will be overseen by fellow group member PRP Seats’ CEO and founder Aaron Wedeking. PRP Seats is the manufacturer of SpeedStrap. Business will continue to be conducted under BullRing USA.

Chuck Whitney

Chuck Whitney Joins RideTech

RideTech has announced the appointment of Chuck Whitney as production manager. In his new role, Whitney will be responsible for overseeing all manufacturing and order-fulfillment operations at RideTech’s Jasper, Indiana, factory. He brings a wealth of aerospace and racing experience to RideTech. Whitney has worked in manufacturing producing AS9100 parts for Boeing, Airbus, Honeywell, Raytheon and a host of other major manufacturers. His extensive racing career includes crew chief and operations manager roles on numerous Dirt Modified and Sprint Car race teams. Whitney manages his son Reed Whitney, who competes in national and regional USAC Quarter Midget tours.

DENSO Named to Fortune’s 2019 Most Admired Companies List

DENSO announced that the company was named to the list of World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune for the fifth consecutive year. The company placed sixth in the Motor Vehicle Parts industry, advancing one spot from 2018. This recognition follows recent changes, such as investing in strategic startup partners, pushing into software-based solutions and expanding its North American R&D capabilities.

The World’s Most Admired Companies list is compiled by Fortune and Korn Ferry Hay Group through surveys of industry executives, directors and analysts who evaluate companies on nine criteria. DENSO received its highest scores in the innovation, social responsibility and product quality categories.

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.

Is this a mule for the Mustang hybrid? According to sources familiar with the Blue Oval, it’s highly likely that’s what this is. This Mustang mule was caught testing with two other Mustangs with identical camo, another GT and a Bullitt.

As with earlier Ford powertrain mules (F-150 hybrid camo’ed front, F-150 diesel camo’ed bed), Ford has strategically camo’ed just the A-pillar forward on this vehicle. The only real change that can be seen is the placement of the foglights, which appear to sit a couple inches higher on the front fascia. Around back, there are virtually no changes, just a hacked-up lower rear fascia with some testing tips.

If this is the Mustang hybrid, expect it to borrow the 3.3 V6 hybrid setup from the recently debuted Explorer Hybrid. And finally, don’t expect an official on-sale date until sometime around ’22–’23.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Is this a mule for the Mustang hybrid? According to sources familiar with the Blue Oval, it’s highly likely that’s what this is. This Mustang mule was caught testing with two other Mustangs with identical camo, another GT and a Bullitt.

As with earlier Ford powertrain mules (F-150 hybrid camo’ed front, F-150 diesel camo’ed bed), Ford has strategically camo’ed just the A-pillar forward on this vehicle. The only real change that can be seen is the placement of the foglights, which appear to sit a couple inches higher on the front fascia. Around back, there are virtually no changes, just a hacked-up lower rear fascia with some testing tips.

If this is the Mustang hybrid, expect it to borrow the 3.3 V6 hybrid setup from the recently debuted Explorer Hybrid. And finally, don’t expect an official on-sale date until sometime around ’22–’23.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Is this a mule for the Mustang hybrid? According to sources familiar with the Blue Oval, it’s highly likely that’s what this is. This Mustang mule was caught testing with two other Mustangs with identical camo, another GT and a Bullitt.

As with earlier Ford powertrain mules (F-150 hybrid camo’ed front, F-150 diesel camo’ed bed), Ford has strategically camo’ed just the A-pillar forward on this vehicle. The only real change that can be seen is the placement of the foglights, which appear to sit a couple inches higher on the front fascia. Around back, there are virtually no changes, just a hacked-up lower rear fascia with some testing tips.

If this is the Mustang hybrid, expect it to borrow the 3.3 V6 hybrid setup from the recently debuted Explorer Hybrid. And finally, don’t expect an official on-sale date until sometime around ’22–’23.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Is this a mule for the Mustang hybrid? According to sources familiar with the Blue Oval, it’s highly likely that’s what this is. This Mustang mule was caught testing with two other Mustangs with identical camo, another GT and a Bullitt.

As with earlier Ford powertrain mules (F-150 hybrid camo’ed front, F-150 diesel camo’ed bed), Ford has strategically camo’ed just the A-pillar forward on this vehicle. The only real change that can be seen is the placement of the foglights, which appear to sit a couple inches higher on the front fascia. Around back, there are virtually no changes, just a hacked-up lower rear fascia with some testing tips.

If this is the Mustang hybrid, expect it to borrow the 3.3 V6 hybrid setup from the recently debuted Explorer Hybrid. And finally, don’t expect an official on-sale date until sometime around ’22–’23.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde