By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

By Zane Clark

A SEMA-hosted student workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

SEMA will host a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Southern California section student workshop, Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. The workshop, which will feature 100 engineering students from 18 Southern California colleges and universities, will highlight career opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry while showcasing the advanced product development and emissions resources available at the SEMA Garage.

Participating students will be treated to networking opportunities and a panel discussion from industry-leading companies and professional engineers who will share real-world advice and delve into career paths in the automotive industry. The engineering students will also participate in tours of the SEMA Garage’s all-new CARB-recognized Emissions Lab, Installation Center and Photography Studio.

Additionally, the SoCAL SAE student group will hold an open meeting in which they will discuss their participation in Collegiate Design Series (CDS) competitions. Topics will include:

• 40th anniversary of the Baja competition and first-ever SAE Baja California.
• SoCal Mac Short competition.
• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach booth participation and discount codes.
• Baja California competition.
• Aero Design West competition.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in this exclusive SAE student workshop should contact SEMA’s Director of Education Zane Clark at 909-978-6743. Lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

THI Corp. Is Now Truck Hero Inc.

THI Corp.—a supplier of branded light-duty truck accessories for pickup bed applications—has announced that it has changed its corporate name to Truck Hero Inc. The name change is part of a re-branding initiative that aligns the company’s long-term corporate strategy with its consumer-driven advertising and marketing programs. Truck Hero’s family of brands include Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax, BAK, A.R.E., N-FAB and two online retailers—AutoCustoms and Real Truck.

Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assist at events and create content for MagnaFlow’s website.

MagnaFlow Appoints Kahn Media Agency of Record

MagnaFlow has named Kahn Media as its sole media agency of record. Kahn Media will spearhead public relations, forum marketing, social media coordination and B2B communications initiatives, along with assisting at events and creating content for MagnaFlow’s website. Over the last 12 months, Kahn Media was responsible for MagnaFlow’s public relations efforts, representing the brand in enthusiast forums, assisting at events around the country and with video production and editing. After a successful first year of collaboration, MagnaFlow has tapped the Moorpark, California-based agency to expand the relationship to include working hand-in-hand with its in-house team on social media and content marketing, product integration and promotion of its roster of MagnaFlow Ambassadors, which includes Mario Andretti, Chip Foose, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Dennis Anderson, Marco Andretti, Rutledge Wood, Bodie Stroud, Robby Gordon, Casey Currie, Corry Weller and Miss MagnaFlow.

Wilwood Renews Title Sponsorship of Wilwood Corvette Challenge

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced the renewal of its partnership with Speed Ventures as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge for the 2016 season. This is the second consecutive year as title sponsor of the Wilwood Corvette Challenge—a time-trialing series that promotes friendly competition amongst drivers from all levels of experience and tests their skills against the clock. The series is open to all Corvette models within four classes: stock, modified, super-modified and unlimited.

Tint World Makes Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 2016 List

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to Entrepreneur’s 2016 Franchise 500. Tint World’s ranking marks the second year the company has been named one of the 500 top-performing franchise brands. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranks franchises by factors, such as financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Out of the top 500 franchises, Tint World was ranked 371 overall, and placed in the top 25 of automotive franchise businesses.

Ryan McDonald

RealTruck Names New Digital Marketing Manager

RealTruck.com has announced the promotion of Ryan McDonald from digital marketing specialist to digital marketing manager. This is a new position for RealTruck.com as the company expands its online advertising department. In conjunction with the inbound marketing team, RealTruck’s digital advertising team will work to increase the company’s share of the truck accessories market and increase conversion. McDonald’s new role covers online channels strategy, developing talent within his team and growing revenue for RealTruck. McDonald joined RealTruck.com in 2015 as a digital marketing specialist.

Daystar Products International Purchases the Assets of Performance Accessories

Daystar Products International has purchased the assets of Performance Accessories. Availability and pricing have changed for some products, and all products have new part numbers and UPC codes. The new Performance Accessories line discount structure will be the same as Daystar’s discount structure. All purchases made from January 5, 2016, will be paid to Daystar Products at P.O. Box 7, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Daystar and newly acquired Performance Accessories will not be responsible for any returns or credits for purchases of Performance Accessories before January 5, 2016.

VOXX International Open Flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM Manufacturing Facility

VOXX International Corporation has announced the grand-opening of its flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM manufacturing facility based in Orlando, Florida. A groundbreaking ceremony was held January 20. The company selected Orlando due to its local-based talent pool for expansion, proximity to major transportation hubs and business friendly climate. The company reports that the decision to consolidate and expand the VOXXHirschmann Automotive manufacturing capabilities was driven by customer demand as it continues to work with tier-one and OEMs. The facility is tied together with OEM operations in the metro Detroit area. Since acquiring Hirschmann Car Communications (Hirschmann) in 2012, the company has been awarded more than $500 million in new contracts and continues to solidify its position as a leading supplier of rear-seat infotainment systems, ultra remote start systems, vehicle telematics, BT passive entry/exit, digital receivers/tuners, mobile multi-media tuners, and antennas. This was made possible through the 2014 consolidation of the company's independent OEM operations of Hirschmann, Code Systems and Invision into VOXXHirschmann. 

Motovicity Announces Launch of CCW Forged Performance Wheels

Motovicity Distribution has announced the addition of CCW wheels to its line card. CCW is now available for wholesale purchase through Motovicity Distribution. For product inquiries, call 888-SPEED-16 to speak to a representative.

Quick Fuel Technology Launches New Website For 2016

Quick Fuel Technology (QFT) has launched a new website dedicated to helping consumers choose what street performance and racing components to buy, how to set them up and how to tune high-performance fuel systems. Although the information is specific to QFT products, in many cases, the information is applicable to most fuel systems industry-wide. On the homepage, QFT’s product line is broken down into categories that include Street, Drag Race, Circle Track, Marine and Custom Builds.

Nye & Associates Inc. Welcomes Thermal Research & Design to Its Roster of Manufacturing Clients

Nye & Associates Inc. has added Thermal Research & Design to its roster of manufacturers. The advertising agency will assist Thermal Research & Design with marketing projects ranging from overall branding, including B2C and B2B, to social-media implementation and planning, creative strategy, sales tools and more.

McLeod Extends Sales and Tech Hours

McLeod has opened its tech and sales lines earlier (at 7:00 a.m., PST) to better serve its customers in Eastern time zones. McLeod provides a full tech center on its website that is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It contains how-to videos along with all current instructions. McLeod can be reached at 714-630-2764 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., PST. The tech center can be accessed 24/7. 

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 2015 SEMA Show has come and gone, and we’re pleased to report that thousands of companies once again took advantage of this annual gathering to set themselves up for a productive 2016.

Among the many seminars and presentations at the Show, one of the most significant sessions took place Thursday, when the SEMA Garage hosted a seminar focusing on emissions compliance. This is a topic of vital importance for hundreds of SEMA-member manufacturers, and it also affects distributors, retailers and installers.

The situation is in some respects straightforward: It is illegal to manufacture, sell, offer for sale or install a part that is emissions-related if that part is not certified as emissions-compliant. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require certification of compliance for emissions-related parts­—what is required in California is required in the 49 other states.

The 2015 SEMA Show has come and gone, and we’re pleased to report that thousands of companies once again took advantage of this annual gathering to set themselves up for a productive 2016.

Among the many seminars and presentations at the Show, one of the most significant sessions took place Thursday, when the SEMA Garage hosted a seminar focusing on emissions compliance. This is a topic of vital importance for hundreds of SEMA-member manufacturers, and it also affects distributors, retailers and installers.

The situation is in some respects straightforward: It is illegal to manufacture, sell, offer for sale or install a part that is emissions-related if that part is not certified as emissions-compliant. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require certification of compliance for emissions-related parts­—what is required in California is required in the 49 other states.

By SEMA Editors

Gary Meadors

The Celebration of Life for Goodguys Rod & Custom Association founder Gary Meadors is set for Sunday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m. The event, “Gary’s Get-Together,” will be held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California (3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506). All are welcome to attend. Meadors passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015.

The event will gather family, friends, fans, business associates and hot rodders to celebrate the life of the man credited with advancing the hobby of hot rodding through Goodguys’ national network of rod and custom events. Among Blackhawk Plaza’s general parking lot, approximately 200 spaces will be reserved specifically for hot rods and custom cars.

Those unable to attend will get a chance to pay their respects to Meadors through a reception and video tribute that will be staged at select Goodguys national events this year. In lieu of flowers, the Meadors family requests donations be made to the Save the Salt Foundation.

Visit the Goodguys website for additional service information, local accommodations and more.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

The Omix-ADA SEMA Cares Jeep Wrangler JK and Arianny Celeste were featured on the cover of DUB magazine’s issue 96.

By Jason Catullo

The Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited donated by Omix-ADA to SEMA Cares and displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show will be auctioned through Barrett-Jackson, Wednesday, January 27, at 5:30 p.m. (PST). The Jeep, which is customized with Rugged Ridge products, was designed by Arianny Celeste, LFTD & LVLD magazine, Rugged Ridge, SEMA Cares and built by DUB Garage.

Celeste, best known for her work as a ring girl for the UFC, also co-hosts the automotive reality TV show “Overhaulin’,” which features a team of builders completing a custom car or truck in just a matter of days.

The custom Jeep marks Omix-ADA’s third partnership with SEMA Cares over the past three years.

To read more about the Jeep and its full list of custom upgrades, visit Barrett-Jackson’s website.

The SEMA Cares Committee was established by SEMA’s Board of Directors in 2007 and strives to make a positive difference through outreach programs and various fundraising efforts. SEMA Cares makes its mission to foster industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket.

For more information on SEMA Cares and its work with local communities, visit www.SEMA.org/sema-cares.