Compiled by SEMA Editors

Robert Bruegging

Race Winning Brands Names Bob Bruegging Vice President of Product Management

Race Winning Brands (RWB), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries LLC, has hired automotive industry veteran Robert Bruegging to serve as the organization’s vice president of product management. Bruegging will work closely with Chief Executive Officer Brian Reese and brand leaders to monitor the evolving needs of customers and develop innovative solutions for racing and performance. He will oversee product management and product development, managing cross-functional teams across several locations. Bruegging comes to RWB from Cometic Gasket, where he led new business development efforts over the last three years. Prior to his time with Cometic, Bruegging spent more than two decades in executive leadership roles with the Mr. Gasket Corp.

John Heinricy

Hennessey Special Vehicles Names John Heinricy Venom F5 Chief Engineer

Hennessey Special Vehicles, builders of the Venom GT and the upcoming Venom F5, has announced it has hired John Heinricy as the full-time chief engineer for the Venom F5 program. Heinricy has been a consultant on the program since its inception and previously consulted on Hennessey’s Venom GT program, working hand-in-hand with Hennessey on chassis, suspension and vehicle dynamics, in addition to high-speed aerodynamic testing, which led to its Guinness World Record for the fastest road-legal car from 0–186 mph. Heinricy has been a consultant and test driver for Hennessey since 2010. He is now a full-time member of the Hennessey team, focused on development, testing and production of the Venom F5, including its target top speed of 300 mph. Heinricy spent 38 years as an engineer and executive at General Motors. He retired as the head of GM Performance Division, and is also well known for being a successful race-car driver, including 15 SCCA national championships. He has more than 1,000 laps at the Nürburgring under his belt, and is the first person to complete a sub-eight-minute lap of the Nordschliefe in a production four-door sedan. All of this has led to Heinricy earning the nickname “Heinrocket.”

Steven Diaz

Steven Diaz Named the Recipient of American Muscle for American Heroes Dodge Challenger

Nexen Tire America Inc. announced that Retired Marine Cpl. Steven Diaz is the recipient of the American Muscle for American Heroes Nexen Tire Dodge Challenger R/T. Nexen Tire partnered with the Purple Heart Foundation to help select a well-deserving Purple Heart recipient to receive a one-of-a-kind American musclecar—a custom-built 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T 392 Scat Pack.

Diaz was selected by representatives from Nexen and the Purple Heart Foundation from thousands of nominations from across the country. Many of these submissions, which included incredible stories of heroism, patriotism and courage, were posted to social media. The campaign was designed to honor a well-deserving veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in combat—and to show gratitude for the safety and security provided to Americans by members of the Armed Forces. 

Nexen Tire also partnered with several other leading automotive aftermarket companies to help transform the Dodge Challenger R/T into a musclecar fit for an American hero. The company enlisted the help of renowned car-builder Kenny Pfitzer of Zero to 60 Designs to take the lead on custom modifications.

Petersen Automotive Museum Names Dr. Wolfgang Porsche Its First Honorary Board Member

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche was named The Petersen Automotive Museum's first honorary board member.

The Petersen Automotive Museum announced that Dr. Wolfgang Porsche will be its first honorary board member. Dr. Porsche has accepted the invitation of the Petersen board of directors to serve alongside Founding Chairman Bruce Meyer, Chairman Peter Mullin, Vice Chairman David Sydorick and other industry dignitaries.

Dr. Porsche has served as chairman of the supervisory board at Porsche AG since 2007. During this period, Porsche has increased annual deliveries from less than 100,000 to around 246,000 last year, and has more than doubled in size to more than 30,000 employees. Continuing his family legacy of success, he also sits on the supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG and Audi AG and is chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE.

In addition to Dr. Porsche’s long list of distinguished accomplishments, he was most recently honored with the “Petersen Icon Award” at the museum’s 24th Annual Gala on Oct. 5. The event commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Stuttgart marque and celebrated the immense success of “The Porsche Effect.”

Hunter Engineering Launches New Merchandise Website

Hunter Engineering has launched a new merchandise website through www.hunter.com for anyone who would like to purchase Hunter promotional products. Customers can easily access Hunter hats, apparel, die cast models and more from anywhere through a desktop, tablet or mobile device. To access the merchandise website, visit wwww.hunterengineeringcc.orders.com/shop/home.

PPG To Acquire Global Coatings Manufacturer Whitford Worldwide

PPG has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Whitford Worldwide Co., a global manufacturer that specializes in low-friction and nonstick coatings for industrial applications and consumer products. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. Whitford, a privately held company headquartered in Elverson, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1969. The company specializes in manufacturing low-friction, wear-resistant coatings for industrial applications in automotive, aerospace, energy and construction products. Whitford also makes nonstick coatings for cookware, bakeware and small electric appliances such as toaster ovens, griddles, fry pans and irons. Whitford employs more than 700 people and operates 10 manufacturing facilities located around the world, including: Elverson, Pennsylvania; Fostoria, Ohio; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Runcorn, United Kingdom; Brescia, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Jiangmen, China; Zhuhai, China; Tuas, Singapore; and Bangalore, India.

Joe Matthews

Gentex Appoints Joe Matthews Diversity Officer

Gentex Corp. has announced that Joe Matthews, the company’s vice president of purchasing, has been appointed as the company’s first diversity officer. In this new role, Matthews will be responsible for the development and implementation of Gentex’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Matthews will also provide leadership to Gentex’s newly formalized DE&I Council, a group that is comprised of members from various levels and corporate functions throughout the organization. Its primary role is to help implement diversity programs, training courses and awareness initiatives throughout the organization, while supporting the human resources department in recruiting and community engagement. Matthews joined Gentex in 2010 as a purchasing manager. In 2013, he was promoted to purchasing director with additional responsibilities for supply-chain management. He was promoted to vice president of purchasing in 2014 and is responsible for all direct and indirect material goods and services, as well as supplier diversity.

Icahn Automotive Announces Agreement to Acquire RPM Automotive

Icahn Automotive Group LLC, which owns and operates auto-repair and maintenance providers Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune Auto Care, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RPM Automotive. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, RPM Automotive operates 10 locations with more than 100 service bays throughout the Northeastern part of the state. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions but is expected to close by year-end. Throughout 2018, Icahn Automotive has acquired independent and franchised locations in the Northeast, Midwest and South. These additions to the Icahn Automotive portfolio have been integrated under the Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune brands. Icahn Automotive currently includes more than 2,000 owned and franchised service locations throughout the United States and parts of Canada. In addition to acquisitions, Icahn Automotive has continued to invest in Greenfield and existing Pep Boys, AAMCO and Precision Tune service locations, and in people, programs, technical training and technology. Icahn Automotive recently launched Pep Boys Mobile Crew, a mobile-repair unit that provides on-location maintenance and repair services. The company also announced a broad relationship with Amazon.com to provide professional tire installation services to online customers.

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 Kyle Cheng

Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

“Good, but not great” sums up the economic news over the past month. The year closes with solid economic growth—a phenomenal year perhaps, given how far the United States is in the current economic expansion. Deregulation and tax cuts continue to support the labor market through job gains and wage growth. Likewise, November retail sales show consumers bought with gusto over the holidays.

At the same time, many indicators show signs of slowing (but not slow) economic growth. Trade uncertainty and weaker markets globally continue to weigh down the United States economy. Yet, while the pace of growth is slowing, a recession isn’t in clear view yet.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty automotive aftermarket? Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

By Kyle Cheng

Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

“Good, but not great” sums up the economic news over the past month. The year closes with solid economic growth—a phenomenal year perhaps, given how far the United States is in the current economic expansion. Deregulation and tax cuts continue to support the labor market through job gains and wage growth. Likewise, November retail sales show consumers bought with gusto over the holidays.

At the same time, many indicators show signs of slowing (but not slow) economic growth. Trade uncertainty and weaker markets globally continue to weigh down the United States economy. Yet, while the pace of growth is slowing, a recession isn’t in clear view yet.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty automotive aftermarket? Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

By Kyle Cheng

Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

“Good, but not great” sums up the economic news over the past month. The year closes with solid economic growth—a phenomenal year perhaps, given how far the United States is in the current economic expansion. Deregulation and tax cuts continue to support the labor market through job gains and wage growth. Likewise, November retail sales show consumers bought with gusto over the holidays.

At the same time, many indicators show signs of slowing (but not slow) economic growth. Trade uncertainty and weaker markets globally continue to weigh down the United States economy. Yet, while the pace of growth is slowing, a recession isn’t in clear view yet.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty automotive aftermarket? Check out SEMA’s December “Industry Indicators” report to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced it will host five Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series events in 2019.

NMCA Hosts 2019 Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series at Five Events

The NMCA Muscle Car Nationals has announced it will host five Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series events in 2019. The five-race series that is focused on modern LS/LT performance will be run during the NMCA All-Star Nationals at Atlanta Dragway, April 4–7, Homecoming at Memphis International Raceway, May 2–5, NMRA/NMCA Nitto Tire Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing at Route 66 Raceway, July 25–28, NMCA All-American Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park, August 22–25, and the NMCA World Street Finals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, September 19–22. The 13th Annual LSX Shootout returns home to Memphis International Raceway. The official championship categories for the Chevrolet Performance Challenge Series are CP Stock, presented by Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center; Proform Rumble; and LME Street King. The Brian Tooley Racing Real Shootout, hosted during the LSX Shootout, will once again receive a championship ring and participate in the Champions Dinner during the 2019 PRI Trade Show.

#GlobalTimeAttack Announces Formation of NATA Council

#GlobalTimeAttack has announced the formation of the North American Time Attack Council (NATA) at this year’s PRI Trade Show. Global Time Attack joins GRIDLIFE and the SCCA as the founding members of the NATA Council, which is a leadership committee dedicated to the development, evolution and success of time-based competitive motorsports events, such as Time Attack and Time Trials. The goal of the council is the progression of motorsports through the consultation and collaboration of its members in the planning and execution of programs and events. NATA and its member organizations seek to represent the interests of all drivers, from beginner to professional competitor, in order to ensure access, inclusivity, consistency and a high-quality driver experience. For more information, visit the NATA Council’s website.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2019 Honorees

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, home of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, has announced the Class of 2019 Hall of Fame honorees. This select group includes a trio of top regional Top Fuel teams, which contributed to the growth of the class in their time, a multi-talented racer/track operator/race team executive and a manufacturer with a product that found a home in a variety of racing applications. Additionally, the recipients of the Founder’s Award and the Patricia Garlits Memorial Award were named. The honorees include William and Curt Carroll; Gary Rupp and Pat Dakin; Dan Richins and Rex Pearmain; Mike Lewis; and Ted Dzus Jr. The Founder’s Award recipient is Edward Justice Sr., and the Patricia Garlits Memorial Award recipient is Lynn Prudhomme. The induction dinner and ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Florida, March 14, 2019, at the Wyndham Garden Gainesville Hotel. A cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $100 for individual seats, with corporate sponsor tables priced at $1,000. Tickets are available by calling the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing at 877-271-3278.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) eNewsletter.

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for Chair-Elect, two seats in the Manufacturer category and one seat in the Manufacturers’ Representative category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chair-elect (one open seat)
• Manufacturer (two open seats)
• Manufacturers’ Representative (one open seat)

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board-member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 3, 2019. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process; our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the nominating committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

The following is a message from SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting:

This year, the SEMA Board of Directors has openings for Chair-Elect, two seats in the Manufacturer category and one seat in the Manufacturers’ Representative category.

As a member of the association, your recommendation is needed for industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

• Chair-elect (one open seat)
• Manufacturer (two open seats)
• Manufacturers’ Representative (one open seat)

Please take a moment to tell us about whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board-member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, include information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due Thursday, January 3, 2019. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

A strong board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. We urge you to take part in the nominations process; our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the nominating committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Chris Kersting, CAE
SEMA President and CEO

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• Three-Vehicle Measuring Session, January 21–22, 2019, SEMA Garage, Diamond Bar, California
• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2019, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California
• HRIA General Membership Meeting, January 25, 2019, Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, Pomona, California
• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 26–31, 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, May 9–13, 2019, Melbourne, Australia
• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 12, 2019
• 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• 2019 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference, December 10–11, 2019, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. companies paid $6.2 billion in tariffs during October 2018. This includes $2.8 billion for tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in recent months that are intended to encourage foreign nations to negotiate new trade agreements. U.S. imports subject to the new tariffs only declined by 0.6 % in October since companies were likely stockpiling foreign goods. Nevertheless, exports subject to foreign retaliation fell 37%. While SEMA supports the Administration’s efforts to create fair trade and protect intellectual property rights, the Association remains concerned that tariffs are not accomplishing this shared objective. 

There are currently two trade actions spurring tariffs on imported auto-related goods, and a third in the works:

1. Steel/Aluminum: The U.S. government has imposed global tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%). Most of the tariffs began June 1. To date, only Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea have trade agreements exempting them from the tariffs. The tariffs apply to processed raw materials (steel/aluminum plate, sheets, bars, etc.), but not finished products (e.g., wheels, exhausts, etc.).

U.S.-based companies are eligible for a one-year tariff exclusion if they can demonstrate that the foreign-produced material is not made in the United States in a reasonably available quantity or satisfactory quality. More than 40,000 company exclusion requests have been received to date.

• File a steel exclusion request.
• File an aluminum exclusion request. 

2. Chinese Products: 25% tariffs have been imposed on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports, and 10% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of goods began September 24. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has been directed to identify another $267 billion in Chinese imports that could be subject to tariffs. The tariffs are an attempt to lower the U.S./China trade deficit and deter cybertheft of intellectual property by Chinese government and companies. The imposition dates for the $50 billion tariffs were staggered: July 6 for $34 billion and August 23 for $16 billion.  

• $34 billion: 818 Harmonized Tariff Code listings, including miscellaneous metal and rubber parts for auto equipment, machinery, tools, measurement and medical devices.
• $16 billion: 279 Harmonized Tariff Code listings, including many types of plastics.
• $200 billion: 10% tariffs on another $200 billion worth of imported Chinese products began September 24, 2018. The tariffs were scheduled to increase to 25% January 1, 2019, if the United States and China have not resolved their ongoing trade disputes, but the deadline has been extended to at least March 1, 2019. The complete list of products covers 5,745 full or partial lines of the original 6,031 tariff lines proposed in July. The list continues to include many auto parts, from engines and metal fasteners, to tires, steering wheel components, rubber gaskets, transmission belts, brake pads, windshields and suspension springs. Read SEMA’s comments opposing the tariffs.

3. Imported Autos/Auto Parts: At the request of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is investigating whether to impose tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts if it is found that they pose a threat to America’s national security (manufacturing base). The DOC will report its findings and recommendations for presidential actions, if any, by February. President Trump has stated that he is considering global tariffs of 20% to 25%. The DOC investigation applies to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts. The move would directly affect all U.S. automakers and parts suppliers who use imported components, as well as importers of cars, trucks and SUVs. The tariffs could be imposed globally, although the United States and EU have pledged not to pursue tariffs while negotiations to resolve trade disputes are ongoing. SEMA testified at a DOC hearing July 19, 2018. Read SEMA’s written comments.

Auto/Auto Parts Coalition: Eight major trade associations have formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition to oppose potential tariffs on imported motor vehicles and auto parts. It includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers. The Coalition is united in opposing the referenced tariffs as being counterproductive and threatening American companies, workers and consumers. The message to the president and lawmakers has been to pursue trade infringements in a fashion that does not inflict unintended economic harm.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.