By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated July 8, 2016. The date marks the seventh consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, CCAD is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch CCAD by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the seventh celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, CCAD continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and France.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.   

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate the holiday. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated July 8, 2016. The date marks the seventh consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve our nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide. Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, CCAD is a singular tribute to the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch CCAD by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the seventh celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, CCAD continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and France.”

The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The senators are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.   

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate the holiday. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 8, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

By SEMA Editors

Omix-ADA’s ’46 Willys CJ-2A is one of six rare, historic civilian-model Jeeps from Omix-ADA’s recently expanded Jeep Collection that will be showcased at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Omix-ADA

Omix-ADA will feature six historic Jeeps from its recently expanded vintage and historic Jeep Collection at the company’s Off-Road Success Center during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3–6. Since first debuting its Jeep Collection at the 2013 SEMA Show, Omix-ADA has gone on to acquire more than 30 historically significant Jeeps, chronicling the brand’s history from pre-WWII prototypes through the modern-day JK Wrangler.

“Our motivation for creating and expanding our Jeep Collection is to further preserve, honor and share Jeep’s incredible heritage,” said Henk Van Dongen, Omix-ADA’s director of marketing.

This desire to share and honor the Jeep heritage each year at the SEMA Show has led the company to feature themed vehicle selections from its collection as a way to showcase the wide assortment of Jeeps that are being preserved.

Following last year’s theme of civilian-oriented Jeeps from the 1940s through today, this year’s theme centers on six historic Jeeps that were considered “work vehicles,” four of which were just recently added to the company’s collection, including:

• ’46 Willys CJ-2A Farm Jeep – One of the first examples of post-war civilian-era Jeeps, the CJ-2A was marketed as the “All-Around Farm Workhorse.” With dual wheels front and rear, the CJ-2A provided exception traction in rugged farm terrain, allowing workers to bring vehicle-mounted tools anywhere needed. This particular example features a welding unit in the passenger area, a rear-mounted Newgren buzz saw with table and a side-arm mower bar on the driver’s side.
• ’47 Willys CJ-2A Fire Truck – Produced as early as 1945, a small number of these models were converted to serve as fire trucks. These small, nimble 4×4 fire trucks were perfect for fighting small fires and could go where the larger fire trucks would not fit. This example was purchased from Mark A. Smith, founder of Jeep Jamboree USA, and is one of only a few hundred originally produced by Boyer.
• ’55 Willys Pickup – This ’55 Willys 4x4 pickup was originally used by the A.W. Berryesa Company in Bridgeport, California. It is equipped with a 226-c.i. Super Hurricane six-cylinder Continental engine, T-90 transmission and four-wheel drive.
• ’59 Jeep FC-150 – One of only 1,546 examples produced in 1959. These trucks were primarily marketed as work vehicles for corporate, municipal, military, farm and civilian use. The layout features a cab over (forward control) design. This FC-150 features a hydraulic bed and a later, wider chassis.
• ’78 Jeep J-10 Pickup­­­­­­­ – A remarkably well-preserved example, this J-10 features extremely low mileage (2,440 original miles), an exclusive Levi denim interior and air conditioning—a rare option for J-10 pickups. It is equipped with a factory automatic transmission, 360 c.i. V8 engine and optional brush guard and light bar.
• ’82 Jeep CJ-7 Fire Truck – Prior to being owned by Omix-ADA, this CJ-7 was used as a brush fire truck with the Northwest Homer Fire Protection District in Texas. It was designed to battle wildfires in areas larger, heavier fire trucks could not access.

Returning for its fourth year, the Off-Road Success Center is a forum where business owners and industry enthusiasts within the Jeep and off-road market can freely exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other industry professionals.

For more information on Omix-ADA’s complete Jeep Collection, visit www.JeepCollection.com. For more information on Omix-ADA, its family of brands, or the Off-Road Success Center at the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.Omix-ADA.com or contact Omix-ADA directly at 770-614-6101.

By SEMA Editors

Omix-ADA’s ’46 Willys CJ-2A is one of six rare, historic civilian-model Jeeps from Omix-ADA’s recently expanded Jeep Collection that will be showcased at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Omix-ADA

Omix-ADA will feature six historic Jeeps from its recently expanded vintage and historic Jeep Collection at the company’s Off-Road Success Center during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3–6. Since first debuting its Jeep Collection at the 2013 SEMA Show, Omix-ADA has gone on to acquire more than 30 historically significant Jeeps, chronicling the brand’s history from pre-WWII prototypes through the modern-day JK Wrangler.

“Our motivation for creating and expanding our Jeep Collection is to further preserve, honor and share Jeep’s incredible heritage,” said Henk Van Dongen, Omix-ADA’s director of marketing.

This desire to share and honor the Jeep heritage each year at the SEMA Show has led the company to feature themed vehicle selections from its collection as a way to showcase the wide assortment of Jeeps that are being preserved.

Following last year’s theme of civilian-oriented Jeeps from the 1940s through today, this year’s theme centers on six historic Jeeps that were considered “work vehicles,” four of which were just recently added to the company’s collection, including:

• ’46 Willys CJ-2A Farm Jeep – One of the first examples of post-war civilian-era Jeeps, the CJ-2A was marketed as the “All-Around Farm Workhorse.” With dual wheels front and rear, the CJ-2A provided exception traction in rugged farm terrain, allowing workers to bring vehicle-mounted tools anywhere needed. This particular example features a welding unit in the passenger area, a rear-mounted Newgren buzz saw with table and a side-arm mower bar on the driver’s side.
• ’47 Willys CJ-2A Fire Truck – Produced as early as 1945, a small number of these models were converted to serve as fire trucks. These small, nimble 4×4 fire trucks were perfect for fighting small fires and could go where the larger fire trucks would not fit. This example was purchased from Mark A. Smith, founder of Jeep Jamboree USA, and is one of only a few hundred originally produced by Boyer.
• ’55 Willys Pickup – This ’55 Willys 4x4 pickup was originally used by the A.W. Berryesa Company in Bridgeport, California. It is equipped with a 226-c.i. Super Hurricane six-cylinder Continental engine, T-90 transmission and four-wheel drive.
• ’59 Jeep FC-150 – One of only 1,546 examples produced in 1959. These trucks were primarily marketed as work vehicles for corporate, municipal, military, farm and civilian use. The layout features a cab over (forward control) design. This FC-150 features a hydraulic bed and a later, wider chassis.
• ’78 Jeep J-10 Pickup­­­­­­­ – A remarkably well-preserved example, this J-10 features extremely low mileage (2,440 original miles), an exclusive Levi denim interior and air conditioning—a rare option for J-10 pickups. It is equipped with a factory automatic transmission, 360 c.i. V8 engine and optional brush guard and light bar.
• ’82 Jeep CJ-7 Fire Truck – Prior to being owned by Omix-ADA, this CJ-7 was used as a brush fire truck with the Northwest Homer Fire Protection District in Texas. It was designed to battle wildfires in areas larger, heavier fire trucks could not access.

Returning for its fourth year, the Off-Road Success Center is a forum where business owners and industry enthusiasts within the Jeep and off-road market can freely exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other industry professionals.

For more information on Omix-ADA’s complete Jeep Collection, visit www.JeepCollection.com. For more information on Omix-ADA, its family of brands, or the Off-Road Success Center at the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.Omix-ADA.com or contact Omix-ADA directly at 770-614-6101.

By SEMA Editors

Omix-ADA’s ’46 Willys CJ-2A is one of six rare, historic civilian-model Jeeps from Omix-ADA’s recently expanded Jeep Collection that will be showcased at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Omix-ADA

Omix-ADA will feature six historic Jeeps from its recently expanded vintage and historic Jeep Collection at the company’s Off-Road Success Center during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3–6. Since first debuting its Jeep Collection at the 2013 SEMA Show, Omix-ADA has gone on to acquire more than 30 historically significant Jeeps, chronicling the brand’s history from pre-WWII prototypes through the modern-day JK Wrangler.

“Our motivation for creating and expanding our Jeep Collection is to further preserve, honor and share Jeep’s incredible heritage,” said Henk Van Dongen, Omix-ADA’s director of marketing.

This desire to share and honor the Jeep heritage each year at the SEMA Show has led the company to feature themed vehicle selections from its collection as a way to showcase the wide assortment of Jeeps that are being preserved.

Following last year’s theme of civilian-oriented Jeeps from the 1940s through today, this year’s theme centers on six historic Jeeps that were considered “work vehicles,” four of which were just recently added to the company’s collection, including:

• ’46 Willys CJ-2A Farm Jeep – One of the first examples of post-war civilian-era Jeeps, the CJ-2A was marketed as the “All-Around Farm Workhorse.” With dual wheels front and rear, the CJ-2A provided exception traction in rugged farm terrain, allowing workers to bring vehicle-mounted tools anywhere needed. This particular example features a welding unit in the passenger area, a rear-mounted Newgren buzz saw with table and a side-arm mower bar on the driver’s side.
• ’47 Willys CJ-2A Fire Truck – Produced as early as 1945, a small number of these models were converted to serve as fire trucks. These small, nimble 4×4 fire trucks were perfect for fighting small fires and could go where the larger fire trucks would not fit. This example was purchased from Mark A. Smith, founder of Jeep Jamboree USA, and is one of only a few hundred originally produced by Boyer.
• ’55 Willys Pickup – This ’55 Willys 4x4 pickup was originally used by the A.W. Berryesa Company in Bridgeport, California. It is equipped with a 226-c.i. Super Hurricane six-cylinder Continental engine, T-90 transmission and four-wheel drive.
• ’59 Jeep FC-150 – One of only 1,546 examples produced in 1959. These trucks were primarily marketed as work vehicles for corporate, municipal, military, farm and civilian use. The layout features a cab over (forward control) design. This FC-150 features a hydraulic bed and a later, wider chassis.
• ’78 Jeep J-10 Pickup­­­­­­­ – A remarkably well-preserved example, this J-10 features extremely low mileage (2,440 original miles), an exclusive Levi denim interior and air conditioning—a rare option for J-10 pickups. It is equipped with a factory automatic transmission, 360 c.i. V8 engine and optional brush guard and light bar.
• ’82 Jeep CJ-7 Fire Truck – Prior to being owned by Omix-ADA, this CJ-7 was used as a brush fire truck with the Northwest Homer Fire Protection District in Texas. It was designed to battle wildfires in areas larger, heavier fire trucks could not access.

Returning for its fourth year, the Off-Road Success Center is a forum where business owners and industry enthusiasts within the Jeep and off-road market can freely exchange ideas, learn new concepts for success and network with other industry professionals.

For more information on Omix-ADA’s complete Jeep Collection, visit www.JeepCollection.com. For more information on Omix-ADA, its family of brands, or the Off-Road Success Center at the 2015 SEMA Show, visit www.Omix-ADA.com or contact Omix-ADA directly at 770-614-6101.

Want a chance to have your car digitally immortalized as a playable vehicle in an upcoming Gran Turismo video game? Register now!

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2014 drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

Want a chance to have your car digitally immortalized as a playable vehicle in an upcoming Gran Turismo video game? Register now!

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2014 drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

Want a chance to have your car digitally immortalized as a playable vehicle in an upcoming Gran Turismo video game? Register now!

The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. It draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of the AAIW, the SEMA Show attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries for unlimited profit opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports, and RV markets. SEMA Show 2014 drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.
The 2015 SEMA Show will be held November 3–November 6.

By SEMA Editors

KAM Marketing was recognized as SEMA’s 2014 Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.

Motor State Distributing won the award for SEMA’s 2014 WD of the Year.

The finalists have been announced for two of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and the SEMA WD of the Year. These awards—along with the SEMA Person of the Year Award and the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award—will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2015 SEMA Show.

2015 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Finalists

The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers' rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and maintains continuous training and education programs.

Congratulations to the following finalists:

• R&R Marketing
• PSKB
• Kunzman & Associates

2015 SEMA WD of the Year Finalists

The SEMA WD of the Year Award was established to honor a warehouse distributor for outstanding contributions to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes working with jobbers for sales training and support programs, prompt distribution of catalogs, price sheets and collateral materials, servicing resellers in a timely manner by maintaining proper inventory and regularly pays bills in a timely manner.

Congratulations to the following finalists:

• Meyer Distributing
• Motor State Distributing
• Turn 14 Distribution

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes places Thursday, November 5, at the Westgate Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH), beginning at 6:00 p.m. More information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2015 SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

KAM Marketing was recognized as SEMA’s 2014 Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year.

Motor State Distributing won the award for SEMA’s 2014 WD of the Year.

The finalists have been announced for two of SEMA's prestigious industry awards—the SEMA Rep Agency of the Year and the SEMA WD of the Year. These awards—along with the SEMA Person of the Year Award and the SEMA Gen-III Innovator Award—will be presented during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet at the 2015 SEMA Show.

2015 SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Finalists

The SEMA Rep Agency of the Year Award honors a manufacturers' rep agency for its contribution to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets and maintains continuous training and education programs.

Congratulations to the following finalists:

• R&R Marketing
• PSKB
• Kunzman & Associates

2015 SEMA WD of the Year Finalists

The SEMA WD of the Year Award was established to honor a warehouse distributor for outstanding contributions to the industry for the past 12 months (corresponding with the SEMA fiscal year). Criteria for the award includes working with jobbers for sales training and support programs, prompt distribution of catalogs, price sheets and collateral materials, servicing resellers in a timely manner by maintaining proper inventory and regularly pays bills in a timely manner.

Congratulations to the following finalists:

• Meyer Distributing
• Motor State Distributing
• Turn 14 Distribution

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet takes places Thursday, November 5, at the Westgate Resort & Casino (formerly the LVH), beginning at 6:00 p.m. More information on the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet is available online.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com for the latest Show information and to register for the 2015 SEMA Show.