Compiled by SEMA Editors

Turn 14 Distribution Launches 12 New Brands Into Various Markets

Turn 14 Distribution has extended its penetration into the markets served by its distribution centers with the addition of 12 new brands. The additions to Turn 14 Distribution’s line card encompass the Light Truck, Sport Compact, European, and Modern Muscle market segments served by the company, and include premium brands such as Pace Edwards, Niche Road Wheels, Rotiform, Mahle Motorsports and HP Tuners.

The 2017 National Auto Body Council Board of Directors (front row, L-R): Jeff Peevy, Barry Barbee, Domenic Brusco, Anthony Natale. (Back row): Darren Huggins, Doug Schlueter, Keith Egan, Craig Camacho, Elizabeth Stein, Elizabeth Clark, Brandon Eckenrode, Scott  Bridges, Bill Mayer, Jim Ocampo, Arlo Johnson, Nick Notte, Joe Amodei, Michael Jordan, and Renee Ricciotti.

National Auto Body Council Elects 2017 Board and Officers

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announces new officers and board members for its 2017 Board of Directors. Executive Committee officers elected at NABC’s recent Annual Meeting in Las Vegas include Domenic Brusco, chairman (PPG Automotive Refinish); Jeff Peevy, vice chair of community involvement (Automotive Management Institute); Elizabeth Clark, vice chair of industry involvement (State Farm); Bill Mayer, treasurer (Insurance Auto Auctions); Renee Ricciotti, secretary (3M Automotive Aftermarket Division); Michael Jordan, director-at-large (Manchester Collision Center); Nick Notte, past chairman (I-CAR). Newly elected to the Board this year is Doug Schlueter (I-CAR). Board members elected to serve another term include officers named above—Ricciotti, Peevy, Clark and Mayer, plus Anthony Natale (Dent Concepts) and Craig Camacho (3D Auto Body & Collision Centers).

Brake Parts Inc. Announces Rick Woodside Promotion

Rick Woodside

Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) has promoted Rick Woodside to general manager, hydraulics, drums and rotors. In his new role, Woodside will manage the product life cycle for BPI hydraulics, drums and rotors and has responsibility for the operation of the Haimeng rotor plant in Shandong, China. Woodside began his career with BPI more than two decades ago at the company’s McHenry, Illinois, plant. He went on to become part of the NAPA Brakes sales team as a district sales manager before joining the product development group as a hydraulics product manager.

Luverne Truck Equipment Launches New Website

Luverne Truck Equipment launched a new website with updated features, including new videos and an easy-to-use vehicle search tool. At the top of each page of the new website, visitors will find the clear, easy-to-use vehicle lookup, which is powered by up-to-date application data. Simply enter the year, make, model and style to view all of the parts available for any particular vehicle application. For more  information, visit www.luvernetruck.com.

Hunter Announces Contest Winner of SEMA Show Drawing

Hunter Engineering announced that Trackspec Autosports won a SmartWeight Touch wheel balancer at Hunter Engineering’s booth at the 2016 SEMA Show. Trackspec Autosports won the random drawing by posting a photo of their favorite Hunter equipment at the SEMA Show, the Revolution tire changer, on Hunter Engineering’s Instagram using the hashtag #HunterAtSEMA. For more information, visit www.hunter.com.

Marx Group earned an Automotive Communications Award in the business-to-business category for best “Logo Design/Usage” for its work on the SERVICE-EDU logo.

Marx Group Receives 2016 Automotive Communications Award

Marx Group was a winner in the 2016 Automotive Communications Awards announced last week during the 2016 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. The agency earned the award in the business-to-business category for best “Logo Design/Usage” for its work on the SERVICE-EDU logo—an education program designed for professional automotive technicians. Marx Group was among those recognized during the 19th annual Women in Auto Care news conference and reception, which took place at The Venetian on November 1. The awards applaud companies/agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing and public relations efforts.

Also during AAPEX, Marx Group Chairman and Co-CEO Tom Marx earned his Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designation from Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket. The University of the Aftermarket’s AAP and MAAP designation programs recognize long-term commitment to the aftermarket and professional development through programs and courses offered by the University and its association partners.

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.

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Ford F-150 Raptor has been spied in Dearborn, Michigan, and looks to have some changes to the rear of the vehicle.

The new Raptor is about to go on sale, but Ford appears to be modifying the vehicle for 2018 as it expands the variants and offers buyers more choices. Although this truck has camo at the rear of the bed, a new taillight design and new tailgate handle can clearly be seen, so it is assumed that the updates will also apply to the rest of tailgate. New Raptor graphics may also be lurking under the camo.

The F-150 line should also go in for a mid-cycle change for 2018, so all of the variants will get slightly altered styling, possibly including the just-introduced Raptor.

Expect to see the 2018 trucks starting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales Manager: Energy Suspension is hiring a sales manager to manage assigned accounts and prospect new business opportunities. Occasional travel to attend trade shows and key customer events is required. The successful candidate will have previous customer account sales experience with basic heavy-duty truck and mechanical knowledge.

High-Performance Engine Builder: Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is hiring a high-performance engine builder to assemble engines or other subassemblies based on package descriptions and build documents/parts lists. Responsibilities include providing feedback to sales, parts and engineering on engine components required/recommended for engine builds and verifying specifications, measuring components, checking/confirming and documenting clearances and related measurements. The successful candidate will have previous experience in manufacturing, assembly or other related fields and a minimum of three years of work experience as an automotive or marine engine builder/assembler at a performance shop, OEM manufacturer, engine repair facility or similar company.

Customer Service/Marketing Representative: HPS Performance Products is hiring a customer service/marketing representative responsible for creating ads for social media and print media, sending out press releases and producing marketing materials. The successful candidate must have automotive knowledge and Photoshop, Illustrator and photography skills.

Collision Repair Instructor: VeriFacts Automotive is hiring a collision repair instructor to coach and train techs in the company’s shops. The ideal candidate will have more than 10 years’ hands-on experience with collision repair and I-CAR or ASE certifications. Responsibilities include providing assistance to the shops in understanding, following and establishing proper repair processes and procedures and training and mentoring auto-body technicians via in-shop demonstrations.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, trucks or wheels and tires—there’s a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit HRIA's website

One-of-a-kind pinewood hot rods were displayed at the ARMO/HRIA shared SEMA Show booth and brought to the reception to be auctioned off to benefit SEMA Cares children’s charities.

HRIA Builder’s Challenge Auction Results Announced

The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) gathered for its annual Industry Reception, Wednesday, November 2, at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Each year, up-and-coming builders have the opportunity to showcase their skills by building a Pinewood hot rod. These one-of-a-kind hot rods are displayed at the ARMO/HRIA shared booth and brought to the reception to be auctioned off to benefit SEMA Cares children’s charities. This year, the auction raised $6,735. A special thank you to those who donated and took home a pinewood. The reception’s table sponsors donated a total of $8,750 to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and were honored at the event. Special thanks go to:

• Advanced Plating
• Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop
• American Autowire
• Borgeson Universal
• Bowler Performance Transmissions
• Car Buff Network
• Championship Auto Shows
• Classic Instruments
• Comp Performance Group
• Danny’s Rod Shop
• Flaming River Industries Inc.
• Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
• Goolsby Customs
• Hot Rods by JSK
• Ididit Inc.
• Lokar Inc.
• Motorstate Distributing
• National Street Rod Association
• Painless Performance Products
• Ron Francis Wiring
• Steele Rubber Products
• TEN: The Enthusiast Network
• Vintage Air
• Xceleration Media

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Visit TORA's website.

The 2016 Pinewood drag races at the TORA Industry Reception raised more than $2,500, and $5,250 in connection with the TORA featured vehicles.

TORA Reception Raises $7,750 for SEMA Cares Charities

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) held its annual Industry Reception, Wednesday evening, November 2, at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The event consisted of networking, food and beverages, and the much-anticipated Pinewood drag races. Dozens of Pinewoods were on display for patrons to sponsor.

All proceeds from the races go to SEMA Cares children’s charities. The 2016 races raised more than $2,500, and $5,250 was raised in connection with the TORA featured vehicles from CamoLiner Inc., FLO Airride Mfg., Hellwig Products, Iron Cross, Richie’s Truck and Auto, Voodoo Customs LLC, and Zero to 60 Designs/Ford Bronco Brothers.

TORA Congratulates the 2016 award winners:

• TORA Hall of Fame – George Lathouris, Keystone Automotive
• TORA Retailer of the Year – Terry’s Toppers
• Ron Webster Memorial Award – Mark Turner, Daystar
• TORA Best New Product Under $500 – Bubba Rope for its product “Rock-N-Roll Recovery Kit”
• TORA Best New Product Over $500 – Truck Hero Inc. for its product “Ridge Lander”

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Visit MPMC’s website.

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is gearing up to host four industry events at the PRI Trade Show this winter. MPMC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of motorsports parts manufacturers by providing meaningful solutions to industry-specific issues and challenges. All MPMC members as well as prospective members are encouraged to attend the events during the PRI Trade Show.

MPMC General Membership Meeting

A general membership meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m, at the Indiana Convention Center in room 243 to update MPMC members on the most current and ongoing council initiatives. The meeting will serve as a great opportunity to meet the select committee and learn how to become more involved. The event will feature a presentation entitled “Marketing in 2016 and Beyond: It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed,” by Brian Lohnes of Bangshift.com, and Zan Martin and Jeff Lee from Martin & Company Advertising. From this open discussion, attendees will take away tools for maximizing exposure for their companies.

Sanctioning Body Discussion

Issues, challenges and opportunities between motorsports manufacturers and sanctioning bodies will be addressed at an open discussion between manufacturers and a panel of representatives from several motorsports sanctioning bodies. This valuable discussion will take place Thursday, December 8, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242. Scheduled to participate are representatives from ARCA, NASCAR, ProMedia (NMCA/NMRA) and Formula Drift. This session is open to manufacturers only.

Preparing a Sponsorship Proposal

When motorsports companies begin their strategic marketing forecasts for the year, event sponsorships are a large factor. Companies may ask themselves: “Which events should we be part of? What opportunities should we jump on? How do we negotiate maximum exposure within our budget?” In a session to take place Friday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., in the Indiana Convention Center in room 242, Alex Striler, director of sales and marketing for Team Lucas, will help attendees navigate these tough questions. Striler is also the author of Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships and X Play Nation of Action Sports.

Over the Road Rules for Motorsports Haulers Part 3

MPMC continues its interactive discussion on laws that affect racers and manufactures alike for the third year in a row. Not a rehash of previous seminars, this 2016 edition will pick up where last year’s session ended. There are numerous state and federal regulations that apply to the operation of anyone hauling a race car to or from an event in order to distinguish between a hobby or a taxable, fee-paying business. Guest speakers will share their extensive experience navigating the myriad regulations of hauling race cars and equipment. This popular discussion takes place Friday, December 9, from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in room 242.

Hall of Fame Industry Reception

Join MPMC as it honors and immortalizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work by inducting them into the MPMC Hall of Fame—the most prestigious award the council presents. The reception serves as a wonderful opportunity to close out the PRI Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. Enjoy hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with the MPMC select committee and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. The reception will take place Friday, December 9, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center in rooms 208 and 209.

Register now for these events.

If you have any questions regarding these events or MPMC, contact Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6690 or jimsk@sema.org.

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