Caymus Equity Partners Teams Up With Overland Vehicle Systems
Caymus Equity Partners has joined forces with Overland Vehicle Systems, partnering with founder and CEO Sean Angues. OVS is a supplier for overlanding and off-road enthusiasts headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California. The investment builds on OVS's high-growth vision and provides the company with the capital support necessary to achieve the vision laid out by Angues and his team.
OVS has developed a full line of products marketed for overlanding, camping, cargo management, recovery gear and air management that provides customers everything they need to adventure. OVS has several brands under its portfolio: King 4WD, a Jeep accessory supplier; Up Down Air, an air-management company; and Overland Vehicle Systems, its parent company. To learn more about Overland Vehicle Systems, visit https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/. To learn more about Caymus Equity, visit www.caymusequity.com.
Driven Brands Appoints Jose Tomás to Board of Directors
Driven Brands announced the election of Jose Tomás to its Board of Directors. Tomás currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish language content and media company, where he oversees strategic support areas, including Human Resources; Corporate Communications; Enterprise Technology Services; Facilities/Real Estate; Social Impact; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Corporate Safety, Health and Security. Previously, he was a Principal and Managing Partner at BrandSparc, a global communications, employment branding, and human resources consulting firm. He also led human resources and other strategic functions for General Motors, Anthem Inc., and Burger King Corporation.
Torqued Distribution Launches No-Cost 3PL Service
Torqued Distribution announced that it launched an industry-first No-Cost 3PL service for the automotive and complimentary industries. The Torqued No Cost 3PL gives manufacturers a full-time 3PL fulfillment solution in a combination with an established dealer network of resellers.
Torqued warehouses, picks, packs and ships the products at no additional cost beyond packaging and shipping costs. Orders are sent via a direct connection from manufacturers’ eCommerce store or manually from their supplier dashboard. The products will also automatically become available to all Torqued authorized dealers giving the manufacturer access to hundreds of pre-qualified, high-quality dealers.
Jacqueline Cullison
Stertil-Koni Promotes Jacqueline Cullison to Logistics Manager
Stertil-Koni has announced that Jacqueline Cullison has been promoted to logistics manager, based in the company’s North American headquarters location in Stevensville, Maryland. In her new post, Cullison will be responsible for all supply-chain-related activities for the company, including inbound and outbound freight for Stertil-Koni lifts and accessories. As such, she is responsible for all aspects of vehicle lift shipments, including transport by means of containers, LTL, flatbed, air, international and intermodal.
Cullison is additionally responsible for streamlining the lift-ordering process and maintaining ongoing product shipment communications with Stertil-Koni’s North American distributor network, its sales personnel, engineers, the company’s manufacturing locations in the United States and Europe and its customer base. Further, she is tasked with performing sales analyses to ensure appropriate inventory levels for all models of heavy-duty vehicle lifts, accessories and ship equipment. Cullison, who joined Stertil-Koni in 2018, previously served more than 14 years managing ground operations at FedEx. She has received numerous awards throughout her career including Administrative Service Manager of the Year and HR Service Manager of the Year.
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Product information and details for project vehicles displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show will be available at the click of a button. Through the SEMA Show mobile app, visitors will be able to scan QR codes that are on the vehicles and see comprehensive details about the build, including vehicle make, model, year, sponsors and products.
Product information and details for project vehicles displayed at the 2022 SEMA Show will be available by scanning its QR code using the SEMA Show mobile app.
Last year, all feature vehicles in common areas, such as outside parking spaces or indoor lobbies, had QR codes that could be scanned through the mobile app. This year, the option is expanding to include sponsored vehicles and booth vehicles that exhibitors submit applications for in advance.
“The feedback to the QR codes on the feature vehicles was so popular and well-received that we are expanding the option to allow Showgoers to scan and obtain information for even more vehicles at the SEMA Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “This is going to enhance the attendee experience and make it easier for buyers to connect with exhibitors.”
The Project Vehicle option in the SEMA Show mobile app will include the sponsoring exhibitor, booth number, products installed and more. Vehicles are also listed by categories, such as hot rod, off-road, sport compact, musclecar, luxury, lowrider and more.
Applications for feature vehicle space is available as an exclusive benefit to Show exhibitors at www.semashow.com. All approved feature vehicles and sponsored vehicles are automatically included in the mobile app. Exhibitors must submit a booth vehicle application form in order for booth vehicles to be included in the mobile app.
The mobile app, which is automatically updated each year in the fall, can be downloaded for free. Learn more by visiting www.semashow.com.
The 2022 SEMA Show will feature an expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions.
The 2022 SEMA Show will feature an expanded SEMA Electrified section that will include the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
“The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly and continues to change; we’re curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market has evolved. Visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future.”
Although alternative powertrains currently represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly. According to recent SEMA Market Research, the electric market includes several areas of opportunity for the aftermarket, including the development of parts and products to aid in the conversion of older internal-combustion vehicles; building and modifying new project, racing and purpose-built vehicles; and expertly accessorizing new OEM electric offerings. SEMA is dedicated to helping its member companies identify those opportunities and adapt to the growing segment of the industry.
While the dedicated SEMA Electrified section will highlight the endless possibilities in the electric market, EV projects and products will be displayed throughout the SEMA Show.
To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show taking place November 1–4, in Las Vegas, Nev., visit www.semashow.com.
SEMA Show organizers are hosting a “boot-camp”-style training event to help exhibitors plan and get maximum return on investment at the 2022 SEMA Show. Called the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, the two-and-a-half-day event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, includes hotel accommodations and meals, and is free to register.
The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, held July 26–28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will show exhibitors how to maximize their 2022 SEMA Show investment.
The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit has taken place annually since 2010 and gives exhibitors hands-on, personal connections with both SEMA staff and event-support partners.
“We know that exhibitors invest a great deal to participate in the SEMA Show, and we do everything we can to help exhibitors maximize that investment,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “By connecting in Las Vegas months before the trade show takes place, we’re able to focus and work with exhibitors right as they are in the critical part of their booth-planning process.”
Exhibitors learn how to attract buyers to their booths, ways to save on booth expenses, what journalists look for while at the Show and how to connect with buyers in their market segments. Exhibitors are also able to meet with show organizers, industry colleagues, support partners and others involved in their successful participation in the Show, including with an assigned account representative who works with them throughout the year, in person during the Exhibitor Summit.
“We’re available to help exhibitors all year long, but it’s rare that we have an opportunity to connect in person and meet face-to-face,” said Gattuso. “The SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit is a great chance for us to establish a deeper relationship. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and better understand their goals and how SEMA can play a part in their efforts.”
Participation, which is limited to two representatives per exhibiting company with maximum of about 200 for the entire event, includes free hotel rooms, networking functions, and meals throughout the event. Show organizers host the event to help exhibitors succeed for years to come.
To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit taking place July 26–28 in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor-summit.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
Spy photographers recently captured shots of the Ford Escape ST-line completely undisguised testing in Dearborn . The ST gains a thin light bar connecting the headlamps across the front, similar to F-150 Lightning, but the Escape will likely keep its current ICE, Hybrid and PHEV engine lineup.
It appears that Ford is trying to further counter-balance the rugged looks of Bronco Sport with an even more urban and upscale version of Escape for city dwellers.
An official debut is expected by the end of Q3, with production starting by November.
The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2022 SEMA Show Directory is August 19. The first of four emails was sent to exhibitors on Wednesday, June 29, allowing updates to their directory listing for both the online and print versions.
The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.
Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660 if you do not receive an email to update your directory listing.
Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show’s Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
The SEMA Awards Gala returns to Anaheim, California, July 29, to honor industry leaders and volunteers, and celebrate the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame. The gala is open to the industry. Tickets for the event are available at www.sema.org/gala.
The prestigious SEMA Awards Gala will return to Anaheim, California, on July 29, to honor industry leaders and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.
“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.
Among those to be honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members, and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush and “Gene” Winfield.
“Gene” Winfield, Jack Roush and Walker Evans.
The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition.
The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support the fundraising of SEMA Cares.
Immediately following the gala, there is a private SEMA PAC reception scheduled. For more information, contact Samantha Large at samanthal@sema.org or 202-796-2252.
Caymus Equity Partners Teams Up With Overland Vehicle Systems
