News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:38

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:38

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:38

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

	Mike Spagnola (left), SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting (right), SEMA president and CEO, presented a $10,000 donation to Jon Bilkenstaff of AXC.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

An open-house event showcased the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), now located at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, as part of the Robert E. Petersen Garage.

Enthusiasts, industry icons and AXC students celebrated the new center, which was developed in collaboration with automotive business owners and classic-car enthusiasts from the Inland Valley. The two-year AXC program gives students the necessary confidence and hands-on experience to enter the automotive industry.

The AXC has received donations and seed money from a wide cross section of industry sources, including SEMA and, notably, the Margie & Robert E. Petersen Foundation.

At the open house, SEMA presented a $10,000 donation, which was allocated based on a generous donation from Omix-ADA. Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs, and Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, were on hand to present the check.

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) released session details for the upcoming OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, November 5, during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The Collision Repair Technology Summit puts SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

The summit will focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

This year, the program will provide three different segments, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series pass.

The sessions will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision-repair fields. They will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles and how those advancements intersect with the repair process.

For more information and to register, visit www.SEMAShow.com/register.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

SPY PHOTOS

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 06:05

SEMA News—September 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost		’17 Fiat 124 Spider


The ’16 Mustang Ecoboost was caught running the streets of metro Detroit. Ford has revived the Pony Package with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. In addition to the standard Ecoboost Mustang, the ’16 Pony Package version adds 19-in. polished wheels, a chrome grille that looks more in line with such Ford offerings as the Fusion, some chrome surrounds along the windows, stripes along the sides of the car and a tri-color pony in the grille. The ’16 Mustang Pony Package goes on sale at the end of 2015.		The ’17 Fiat 124 Spider was caught while out testing in metro Detroit. The 124 Spider will be powered by the 1.4L turbo four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual is likely to be the standard transmission. Given that the engine is also mated to a six-speed automatic in the 500 Abarth and 500L, as well as a poorly-received six-speed dual-clutch transmission, one of those is also likely to be offered in the 124. Expect the 124 Spider to be shown later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee		’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT


A camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provided a first look at the facelift due for the ’17 model year. It uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission as the new Jeep Renegade. It also appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of the polarizing design that first debuted on the model released in 2013. A placard on the test vehicle announced that “VRT: Electronic Throttle Control” was being tested.		All CS-equipped cars get 19-in. wheels with black-painted inserts. They also have a special faux gas cap in the trunk lid, reminiscent of the original Mustangs. A new black painted rear spoiler stands much taller than any Mustangs in recent memory, sort of a ’90s throwback. Up front, there’s a grille that’s also special to the CS with a smaller pony badge off-centered. Inside, the black leather-suede seats have red stitching, with door panel inserts and carpeting to match.

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

Alex Xydias Center Celebrates New Facility

SCRS Releases OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Schedule

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT

SPY PHOTOS

’16 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

’17 Fiat 124 Spider

Camouflaged Jeep Cherokee

’16 California Special Ford Mustang GT