By SEMA Staff

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts at Telematics Detroit. The panel will discuss accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technology aftermarket products and services in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology, will moderate a panel of experts, entitled, "The Aftermarket: Democratizing the Connected Vehicle Experience," at Telematics Detroit, June 5, in Novi, Michigan. The panel will discuss new opportunities being created by efforts, such as Ford’s OpenXC platform for integrating open-source hardware and software that lets drivers extend their vehicles through custom applications and plug-in modules for personalization.

The panel will review the critical role of the aftermarket in enhancing the driver experience and accelerating the deployment of connected vehicle technologies in the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. Panelists include Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing at Pioneer Car Electronics; David Pio, engineering partner at Facebook; and Zoran Lazovski, solution delivery director at Covisint. SEMA members planning to attend can receive a $100 discount by registering at the Telematics Detroit website and entering code "2231SEMA.

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The Telematics Detroit 2013 Conference & Exhibition (June 5–6, in Novi, Michigan) will bring together the global telematics ecosystem to master the connected car user experience and build a brand affinity that lasts a lifetime. Here are some of the highlights:

• 100+ expert speakers, including GM, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Progressive, Continental and Mercedes-Benz, will deliver their visions for the connected car and the evolving automotive apps ecosystem that is set to revolutionize consumer interaction with the vehicle.

• Network with 1,800+ senior-level execs from OEMs, dealerships, insurers, government, tier ones, content providers and wireless carriers to secure crucial relationships and elevate your business’ global profile in this rapidly evolving marketplace.

• Five conference tracks, including sessions on connectivity business models, end-to-end telematics platforms, V2X technologies, big data, open app development and the dealer relationship, will allow you to build an agenda tailored to your business.

Take a look at complete event overview.

Compiled by Jason Catullo

	Laurie Bundschu was promoted to vice president of product supply for CARQUEST Auto Parts.

CARQUEST Auto Parts Promotes Laurie Bundschu to VP of Product Supply
announced that Laurie Bundschu was promoted to vice president of product supply. She will lead product forecasting, purchasing and inventory management for CARQUEST US and CARQUEST Canada. Bundschu joined CARQUEST in November 2010 as director of demand planning and transitioned into senior director of demand management in September 2011 when she assumed responsibility for store assortment planning. Prior to CARQUEST, Bundschu held leadership roles that included supply chain/logistics, purchasing, inventory management and operations planning at Eaton and Caterpillar.

“With 15 years’ experience in supply chain operations and leadership, Laurie is highly qualified for her new role and we are pleased to welcome her to CARQUEST’s senior leadership team,” said Braxton O’Neal, senior vice president of global product supply.

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's new Texas Road Tour begins Friday, September 27, and cruises to the Texas Motor Speedway by Thursday, October 3, a journey that covers 1,969 total miles.

Goodguys Announces New Texas Road Tour
Goodguys announced a new Texas Road Tour this fall that takes rodders from the Goodguys headquarters in Pleasanton, California, to the 21st Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway. The tour will begin Friday, September 27, and cruise to the Texas Motor Speedway by Thursday, October 3, a journey that covers 1,969 total miles. The pace car for the tour will be a new 525hp Goodguys G/RS '69 Camaro.

The seven-day road tour travels through California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, stopping at the Southwest’s finest rod shops, car collections, museums, race shops and more. There is a one-time entry fee of $1,500 which covers nightly hotels, most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and commemorative tour booklet. The entry fee also includes two tee shirts, two caps, two decals, entry to the Goodguys 21st Lone Star Nationals October 4–6 at Texas Motor Speedway and a special at-event parking area exclusive to Road Tour cars only. Only 50 spots are available and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and to register, visit www.good-guys.com/goodguys-road-tour.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Signs Agreement With Messe Frankfurt
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has signed an international cooperation agreement with Messe Frankfurt. Through the agreement, AAAA will promote six Automechanika trade fairs of interest to Australian aftermarket businesses. "The Australian aftermarket now exports about $800 million worth of product a year," AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said. "This agreement will increase international marketing opportunities and lower costs for innovative Australian aftermarket businesses." Charity also said that this strategic partnership will deliver benefits to Association members who exhibit or visit the Frankfurt, Dubai, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Moscow and New Delhi Automechanika trade fairs.

Kahn Media to Handle PR for Dinan Engineering
Kahn Media announced that the agency will provide public relations, media outreach, strategic communications and social media marketing for Dinan Engineering. As one of its first initiatives, Kahn will help Dinan launch its latest line of tuned BMW Sport Sedans and promote its performance parts, national dealer network and motorsports programs. Kahn will also work with Dinan to promote new vehicle launches, coordinate press drives and publicize Dinan’s engineering projects.

Accessories Marketing Inc., Sealant Systems International Inc. Prevail in Patent Infringement Action
Accessories Marketing Inc. (AMI) and Sealant Systems International Inc. (SSI), manufacturers and sellers of Slime and Fix-A-Flat tire-repair sealant products and retail and OEM tire-repair kits, have prevailed in their patent-infringement action against TEK Corporation (TEK). A jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California found that TEK's tire repair kits infringed AMI's U.S. Patent No. 6,789,581. The jury awarded damages to AMI for all of TEK's sales of its TEK 400 and TEK 500 kits dating back to 2007. There are also on-going royalties for any future sales of such kits that are not enjoined by the court. A tire repair kit is a combination of an air compressor and sealant that is used to repair punctured or flat tires on vehicles, and it may be used in lieu of a spare tire. The Court earlier invalidated TEK's U.S. Patent No. 7,789,110, also relating to tire-repair kits, which TEK had asserted against SSI.

National Performance Warehouse Acquires Performance Warehouse’s Sacramento, California Wholesale Operations
National Performance Warehouse has purchased the California wholesale business unit of Performance Warehouse of Portland, Oregon. The Performance Warehouse facilities in Sacramento, California, will become a Speed Warehouse location. The companies have a transition plan in place where jobber ordering, delivery and product availability will continue without interruption and as is the tradition of an NPW acquisition, the staff and management are being retained to service the customer base. Bob Baptiste will continue to manage the sales and operations out of Sacramento. The National Performance Warehouse Companies operate five other facilities in California: Vernon, Tustin, Sacramento (Arden), Hayward and its main facility in San Jose.

2012 SEMA Show Coverage Featured This Weekend on "Chop Cut Rebuild"
The "Chop Cut Rebuild" episode featuring action from the 2012 SEMA Show will premiere this weekend, Sunday, May 19 (10:30 a.m., EDT), on the SPEED channel. Surf City Garage joined this season of Chop Cut Rebuild to demonstrate the effort and energy put into putting product into packages and a proper presentation at the SEMA show. Also in the season nine finale, Auto Metal Direct showcases a custom ’71 Nova with a Grimmes Family motor that will rock any engine dyno.

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.    

By Amanda Gubbins

	The PRO Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting will focus on addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is gearing up for its Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting. This year, it will take place June 13–14, 2013, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott. Members are invited to join us for a 3M site visit, future trends happy hour discussion and many networking opportunities.

The event will feature a future trends happy hour discussion in which restyling experts will join such industry-leading manufacturers as 3M, Echomaster, Kicker and Rosen Entertainment to share their insights about product development opportunities and how to best increase business efficiencies—all in the casual environment of a pub setting. On Friday, PRO leadership will lead important break-out sessions targeted at addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Monday, May 27, 2013. If you would like to be included in the PRO room block at $129 per night, let us know and we’ll reserve your rooms. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what PRO has to offer.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 Schedule:

• 3M Site Visit: 1:00 p.m–3:00 p.m.
• Future Trends Happy Hour Discussion at Ha’Penny Lounge–Detroit Metro Airport Marriott: 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 14, 2013:

• Continental Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
• Long Range Planning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Breakout Sessions: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By Amanda Gubbins

	The PRO Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting will focus on addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is gearing up for its Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting. This year, it will take place June 13–14, 2013, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott. Members are invited to join us for a 3M site visit, future trends happy hour discussion and many networking opportunities.

The event will feature a future trends happy hour discussion in which restyling experts will join such industry-leading manufacturers as 3M, Echomaster, Kicker and Rosen Entertainment to share their insights about product development opportunities and how to best increase business efficiencies—all in the casual environment of a pub setting. On Friday, PRO leadership will lead important break-out sessions targeted at addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Monday, May 27, 2013. If you would like to be included in the PRO room block at $129 per night, let us know and we’ll reserve your rooms. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what PRO has to offer.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 Schedule:

• 3M Site Visit: 1:00 p.m–3:00 p.m.
• Future Trends Happy Hour Discussion at Ha’Penny Lounge–Detroit Metro Airport Marriott: 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 14, 2013:

• Continental Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
• Long Range Planning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Breakout Sessions: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By Amanda Gubbins

	The PRO Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting will focus on addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is gearing up for its Industry Discussion & Long-Range Planning Meeting. This year, it will take place June 13–14, 2013, at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott. Members are invited to join us for a 3M site visit, future trends happy hour discussion and many networking opportunities.

The event will feature a future trends happy hour discussion in which restyling experts will join such industry-leading manufacturers as 3M, Echomaster, Kicker and Rosen Entertainment to share their insights about product development opportunities and how to best increase business efficiencies—all in the casual environment of a pub setting. On Friday, PRO leadership will lead important break-out sessions targeted at addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the accessory and appearance segments of the specialty-equipment industry.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Monday, May 27, 2013. If you would like to be included in the PRO room block at $129 per night, let us know and we’ll reserve your rooms. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what PRO has to offer.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 Schedule:

• 3M Site Visit: 1:00 p.m–3:00 p.m.
• Future Trends Happy Hour Discussion at Ha’Penny Lounge–Detroit Metro Airport Marriott: 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 14, 2013:

• Continental Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
• Long Range Planning Meeting: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Breakout Sessions: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By SEMA Staff

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems.

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems. Phase one of this partnership will take place when WTC leadership visits Clemson this June to meet with professors and graduate students to outline the scope of the project. During the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, details of this ground-breaking partnership will be announced live in SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center.

The goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR partnership offers two significant benefits. First and perhaps most importantly, the relationship with CU-ICAR provides a look into the automotive future in a way that no individual SEMA company could hope to achieve. This is a benefit that is difficult to quantify but is crucial to the continued growth and future of the performance aftermarket, given the rapid pace of technology changes in the automotive industry. Secondly, the relationship with CU-ICAR offers the opportunity for SEMA members to access world-class physical and human resources to help develop affordable solutions to address immediate problems and emerging challenges facing SEMA-member companies.

WTC members and interested guests are invited to join us at Clemson University ICAR for an industry discussion, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. As a part of the festivities, you have the chance to participate in an inside tour of CU-ICAR. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with your fellow members.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what WTC has to offer.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Schedule:

• Presentation/Tour of CU-ICAR: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Industry Discussion: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Networking Mixer: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By SEMA Staff

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems.

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems. Phase one of this partnership will take place when WTC leadership visits Clemson this June to meet with professors and graduate students to outline the scope of the project. During the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, details of this ground-breaking partnership will be announced live in SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center.

The goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR partnership offers two significant benefits. First and perhaps most importantly, the relationship with CU-ICAR provides a look into the automotive future in a way that no individual SEMA company could hope to achieve. This is a benefit that is difficult to quantify but is crucial to the continued growth and future of the performance aftermarket, given the rapid pace of technology changes in the automotive industry. Secondly, the relationship with CU-ICAR offers the opportunity for SEMA members to access world-class physical and human resources to help develop affordable solutions to address immediate problems and emerging challenges facing SEMA-member companies.

WTC members and interested guests are invited to join us at Clemson University ICAR for an industry discussion, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. As a part of the festivities, you have the chance to participate in an inside tour of CU-ICAR. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with your fellow members.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what WTC has to offer.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Schedule:

• Presentation/Tour of CU-ICAR: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Industry Discussion: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Networking Mixer: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By SEMA Staff

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems.

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems. Phase one of this partnership will take place when WTC leadership visits Clemson this June to meet with professors and graduate students to outline the scope of the project. During the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, details of this ground-breaking partnership will be announced live in SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center.

The goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR partnership offers two significant benefits. First and perhaps most importantly, the relationship with CU-ICAR provides a look into the automotive future in a way that no individual SEMA company could hope to achieve. This is a benefit that is difficult to quantify but is crucial to the continued growth and future of the performance aftermarket, given the rapid pace of technology changes in the automotive industry. Secondly, the relationship with CU-ICAR offers the opportunity for SEMA members to access world-class physical and human resources to help develop affordable solutions to address immediate problems and emerging challenges facing SEMA-member companies.

WTC members and interested guests are invited to join us at Clemson University ICAR for an industry discussion, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. As a part of the festivities, you have the chance to participate in an inside tour of CU-ICAR. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with your fellow members.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what WTC has to offer.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Schedule:

• Presentation/Tour of CU-ICAR: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Industry Discussion: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Networking Mixer: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By SEMA Staff

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems.

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems. Phase one of this partnership will take place when WTC leadership visits Clemson this June to meet with professors and graduate students to outline the scope of the project. During the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, details of this ground-breaking partnership will be announced live in SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center.

The goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR partnership offers two significant benefits. First and perhaps most importantly, the relationship with CU-ICAR provides a look into the automotive future in a way that no individual SEMA company could hope to achieve. This is a benefit that is difficult to quantify but is crucial to the continued growth and future of the performance aftermarket, given the rapid pace of technology changes in the automotive industry. Secondly, the relationship with CU-ICAR offers the opportunity for SEMA members to access world-class physical and human resources to help develop affordable solutions to address immediate problems and emerging challenges facing SEMA-member companies.

WTC members and interested guests are invited to join us at Clemson University ICAR for an industry discussion, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. As a part of the festivities, you have the chance to participate in an inside tour of CU-ICAR. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with your fellow members.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what WTC has to offer.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Schedule:

• Presentation/Tour of CU-ICAR: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Industry Discussion: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Networking Mixer: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.

By SEMA Staff

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems.

SEMA's Vehicle Technology department has been working with the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) on advanced-vehicle technology and a performance aftermarket education program for several years.

SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR are partnering to develop a comprehensive examination of technology that directly affects vehicle dynamics specific to wheel and tire systems. Phase one of this partnership will take place when WTC leadership visits Clemson this June to meet with professors and graduate students to outline the scope of the project. During the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, details of this ground-breaking partnership will be announced live in SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Center.

The goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR partnership offers two significant benefits. First and perhaps most importantly, the relationship with CU-ICAR provides a look into the automotive future in a way that no individual SEMA company could hope to achieve. This is a benefit that is difficult to quantify but is crucial to the continued growth and future of the performance aftermarket, given the rapid pace of technology changes in the automotive industry. Secondly, the relationship with CU-ICAR offers the opportunity for SEMA members to access world-class physical and human resources to help develop affordable solutions to address immediate problems and emerging challenges facing SEMA-member companies.

WTC members and interested guests are invited to join us at Clemson University ICAR for an industry discussion, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. As a part of the festivities, you have the chance to participate in an inside tour of CU-ICAR. There will also be plenty of opportunities for you to network with your fellow members.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting event. Be sure to send your RSVP by Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Feel free to bring a guest who may be interested in learning more about what WTC has to offer.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Schedule:

• Presentation/Tour of CU-ICAR: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Networking Lunch: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Industry Discussion: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Networking Mixer: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Gina Ledesma, council coordinator, at 909-978-6692 or ginal@sema.org.