This camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provides a first look at the Cherokee's facelift due for the ’17 model year.

The prototype was heavily camouflaged, but it appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of its polarizing design language that first debuted on the current model in spring 2013. The design was meant to be edgy in hopes that it would still look timely near the end of the Cherokee's expected six-year lifecycle. Since sales of the Cherokee have been suitably strong, it appears that Jeep stylists are sticking with that strategy.

The test vehicle had a placard that announced that "VRT: Electronic Throttle Control" was being tested. An online search shows that some Cherokee owners have experienced warnings about faulty electronic throttle control, and a technical service bulletin has been issued with a reported "2289 Software Update." If this is an ongoing problem, perhaps Jeep is looking to the midcycle refresh to offer a more comprehensive fix. It's unclear if the work being done on this Cherokee prototype has anything to do with the lessons learned during the recall and delay of the new Jeep Renegade, which uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

This camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provides a first look at the Cherokee's facelift due for the ’17 model year.

The prototype was heavily camouflaged, but it appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of its polarizing design language that first debuted on the current model in spring 2013. The design was meant to be edgy in hopes that it would still look timely near the end of the Cherokee's expected six-year lifecycle. Since sales of the Cherokee have been suitably strong, it appears that Jeep stylists are sticking with that strategy.

The test vehicle had a placard that announced that "VRT: Electronic Throttle Control" was being tested. An online search shows that some Cherokee owners have experienced warnings about faulty electronic throttle control, and a technical service bulletin has been issued with a reported "2289 Software Update." If this is an ongoing problem, perhaps Jeep is looking to the midcycle refresh to offer a more comprehensive fix. It's unclear if the work being done on this Cherokee prototype has anything to do with the lessons learned during the recall and delay of the new Jeep Renegade, which uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

This camouflaged Jeep Cherokee prototype running on a test track provides a first look at the Cherokee's facelift due for the ’17 model year.

The prototype was heavily camouflaged, but it appears that the updated Cherokee will retain much of its polarizing design language that first debuted on the current model in spring 2013. The design was meant to be edgy in hopes that it would still look timely near the end of the Cherokee's expected six-year lifecycle. Since sales of the Cherokee have been suitably strong, it appears that Jeep stylists are sticking with that strategy.

The test vehicle had a placard that announced that "VRT: Electronic Throttle Control" was being tested. An online search shows that some Cherokee owners have experienced warnings about faulty electronic throttle control, and a technical service bulletin has been issued with a reported "2289 Software Update." If this is an ongoing problem, perhaps Jeep is looking to the midcycle refresh to offer a more comprehensive fix. It's unclear if the work being done on this Cherokee prototype has anything to do with the lessons learned during the recall and delay of the new Jeep Renegade, which uses the same nine-speed automatic transmission.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Mark Korros

Covercraft Enters Recapitalization Agreement; Mark Korros Named CEO

Covercraft Industries Inc. announced a recapitalization agreement with Century Park Capital Partners. Century Park Capital Partners is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in facilitating owner liquidity and business expansion by supporting management and investing in infrastructure. Marty Lichtmann will welcome Mark Korros as the new CEO of the company effective immediately, and will remain actively involved in an operations and consulting role.

Korros is a member of the Century Park Capital Partners Executive Council and has more than 35 years of executive leadership experience. He has served in leadership roles for Pendleton Woolen Mills, C.C. Filson Company Inc., Franklin Covey Co., Samsonite, Reebok, Health-tex, Childrenswear and Levenger. 

DEI Hires Tim Musiek as New Account Manager

Tim Musiek

Design Engineering Inc., (DEI) has announced the addition of Tim Musiek as the company’s new account manager. Musiek previously worked as a market researcher for Tuff Stuff Performance in Cleveland, and served in a variety of positions for Prestolite/Mr. Gasket Performance. In his new position, Musiek will be responsible for direct customer communications and marketing and promoting all DEI-branded products. He will report direct to Tom Miller, vice president of sales and marketing.

JMPR Named Agency of Record for Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories

JMPR Public Relations has announced that it has been named agency of record for Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories (BHMA)—a supplier of accessories for both new and classic high-performance and quality cars and SUVs.

Miss Hurst Golden Shifter Corvette Funfest Guest of Honor

Linda Vaughn, the First Lady of Motorsports, will be a Guest of Honor at the 2015 Corvette Funfest. Vaughn will be available to fans to sign autographs and racing memorabilia. She will also be featured in seminars sharing her perspective on the world of drag racing. Registration for Corvette Funfest, September 17–20, at Mid America Motorworks' corporate campus in Effingham, Illinois, is available at www.corvettefunfest.com.

	Steffanie Savine

The Marx Group’s Steffanie Savine Elected New President of Automotive Communication Council

Steffanie Savine, marketing director and account executive for The Marx Group (TMG), was recently elected president of the Automotive Communication Council (ACC). Savine has been active in ACC for two years and has served on the association’s board since 2014. She has been a part of The Marx Group since 2013, where she is responsible for developing the company’s marketing strategies, recruiting new business and managing accounts. Her 18 years of professional experience include 12 years in the automotive aftermarket.

Savine becomes the third member of The Marx Group staff to serve as ACC president. Prior to her work with The Marx Group, Savine served as marketing and communications manager for Fras-le North America from 2012–2013. From 2010–2012, she served as the company’s marketing and sales coordinator. She began her career at Fras-le North America in 2003 as office coordinator.

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.

	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.

SEMA is currently seeking nominations for the 2015 Rep Agency of the Year and Warehouse Distributor of the Year awards. All SEMA members are invited to nominate companies that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Rep Agency of the Year: 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, July 1–June 30). Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets, and continuous training and education programs.

WD of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

To make a nomination, visit the SEMA Awards webpage. Once there, review the full criteria for each of the awards and complete the online nomination forms. Nominations for both awards are due by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on Friday, July 10. If you have any questions, contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692 or lindsayb@sema.org.

	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.

SEMA is currently seeking nominations for the 2015 Rep Agency of the Year and Warehouse Distributor of the Year awards. All SEMA members are invited to nominate companies that conduct business in a way that furthers the interests of the entire industry. The award winners will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2015 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 5, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Rep Agency of the Year: 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, July 1–June 30). Considerations include product-line knowledge, communication of critical information between supplier and the client network, updated catalogs, databases and price sheets, and continuous training and education programs.

WD of the Year: The SEMA WD of the Year Award recognizes a warehouse distributor that operates with the integrity and business practices that set the company apart as an industry leader. Over the last year, the ideal candidate will have been involved in industry events, serviced and communicated with suppliers and resellers with excellence and provided development opportunities for clients and staff.

To make a nomination, visit the SEMA Awards webpage. Once there, review the full criteria for each of the awards and complete the online nomination forms. Nominations for both awards are due by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on Friday, July 10. If you have any questions, contact Lindsay Bianco at 909-978-6692 or lindsayb@sema.org.