Continental Tire General Grabber 704/583-3900 www.continentaltire.com PN: Grabber Born from competition, the Grabber, an ultimate full-traction tire, was developed by skilled engineers and tested by off-road racers.		Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx 419/423-1321 www.coopertire.com PN: Discoverer S/T MAXX The Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx features Cooper’s proven and reliable three-ply Armor-Tek3 carcass construction combined with a new cut- and chip-resistant tread compound.
ATEQ Corp. Total Solution for Your TPMS Needs 734/838-3100 www.atequsa.com PN: VT-55 Diagnostic TPMS tools for all models and makes of domestic and import cars.		31 Inc. Xtra Seal Smart Sensor 800/438-3302 www.31inc.com PN: 17-41001 The Xtra Seal Smart Sensor is a universal programable (OE) replacement TPMS sensor that is easy to learn/use and can be programmed in seconds.
Continental Corp. VDO REDI-Sensor–TPMS Sensor 610/289-0488 www.redisensor.com PN: SE10001 Big news from Continental Corp. VDO REDI-Sensor, the first true, multi-application TPMS sensor. A real game changer that simplifies TPMS.		Continental Tire ProContact With EcoPlus Technology 704/583-3900 www.continentaltire.com PN: ProContact Phenomenal wet-braking capacity and year-round traction combined with fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions make the ProContact with EcoPlus Technology a confident choice.

Dill Air Controls Products Certified 8500 Gauge Check Station 919/692-2354 www.dillvalves.com PN: 8500 Ensures the use of accurate air gauges when checking tire pressure. This item is especially useful for shops that need to comply with Section 95550 of California Title 17. Made in the United States.		Haltec Corp. Sens.It 330/222-1501 www.haltec.com PN: 590900 The Sens.It system is a programmable TPMS solution for the replacement of OE TPMS sensors. Haltec offers this system in a unique starter kit, allowing tire shops to service greater than 95% of all foreign and domestic vehicles with only two sensors.
Josn Electronic Co. Ltd. Three-in-One TPMS, Navigation and Reverse Camera +886-2-29993820 www.josn.com.tw PN: TD5300 Three-in-one sleek 5-in. touchscreen tire- pressure monitoring system (TPMS), GPS navigation and back-up camera.		Josn Electronic Co. Ltd. Wireless Color TFT TPMS +886-2-29993820 www.josn.com.tw PN: TD1400 Five-tire TPMS; 100% wireless; three-minute instant installation; improve fuel saving up to 10%; extend tire life up to 13%.
Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. TPMS+GPS Integration 888/407-8767 www.orangetpmsusa.com PN: P412A Safety device combines both a GPS and TPMS systeminto one unit. Tire-pressure warning detection with both visual and audible alarm while operating GPS.		Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. Orange Programmable Sensor System Generation 2 888/407-8767 www.orangetpmsusa.com PN: OEC30 Patent-pending TPMS scan/ID write tool combines OE scan with one-touch ID write of OE ID number onto the Orange sensor. Allows technician to bypass the auto relearn process.

Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels Baja Claw TTC Radial 330/928-9092 www.mickeythompsontires.com PN: 5876 The Baja Claw TTC Radial construction is state-of-the-art with directional sidebiters, mud scoops, PowerPly three-ply sidewalls and is built with lean oil.		Tire Profiles Inc. A3P System 312/337-4100 www.tireprofile.com PN: A3P System The A3P System is an accurate, automotive, air-pressure system designed to meet the requirements of the new California CARB tire-inflation program.
Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. 2–10 Wheel TPMS for Truck, Trailer, Bus, RV 888/407-8767 www.orangetpmsusa.com PN: P602B/C This multifunction TPMS system has the flexibility to retrofit onto any 2–10 wheel vehicle. Customize the display to any wheel configuration. Wireless range more than 60 ft.		Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. OEC Simple Sensor 888/407-8767 www.orangetpmsusa.com PN: Simple Sensor Eliminate 155 unique OE TPMS replacement parts to six simple sensors. Patent-pending ID write technology allows the technician to bypass the auto relearning process.
Orange Electronic Co. Ltd. Motorcycle TPMS 888/407-8767 www.orangetpmsusa.com PN: M205 An early-warning detection system for tire-pressure and temperature monitoring (TPMS). An easy-to-install in-tire system with a waterproof ULED display that can be seen in any light.		Pro Chem Inc. Tire Release 800/241-8180 www.procheminc.com PN: 201707 Non-flammable, low VOC, retread-safe mounting and demounting lubricant also found to be an excellent hub piloted wheel assembly lubricant.
RightPSI RightPSI 406/219-3290 www.rightpsi.com PN: 1001 RightPSI is a patented tire cap that turns orange if your tire is low, black if it is not and yellow if overfilled. Visible from 15 feet away. You fill through our product. RightPSI is the only product of its kind that can be used as a tire-pressure gauge, tire-pressure fill point and over-fill indicator simultaneously.		Tomkins-Schrader, Plews Edelmann, Ideal Clamp Products Amflo Air Hose Reel 800/770-4639 www.plews-edelmann.com PN: 545HR-RET Amflo 545HR-RET air hose reel includes 75-ft. x 3/8-in. 300-psi polyurethane air hose with field-repairable fittings. All-steel construction.

Vee Rubber Corp. Ltd. Winter Season IV 909/287-3424 www.veerubber.co.th PN: 33801 Passenger snow tire. Studdable for superior ice traction. Five circumferential grooves for wet traction. Multiple cross grooves and sipes for outstanding snow traction. Square/scalloped shoulder for deep snow traction.		Bartec Total TPMS Tool Kit 866/407-TPMS www.bartecusa.com PN: WRT400TK Get started servicing TPMS. The Total TPMS Tool Kit features the market-leading Tech400+ TPMS programming tool, mechanical tool kit, and a two-DVD training program. This is the only TPMS kit that has EZ-Sensor functionality and the System Rest Clicker.
Josn Electronic Co. Ltd. Waterproof Handle Bar Wireless TPMS +886-2-29993820 www.josn.com.tw PN: TD 5400 AX 02 Easy read-out display; 100% waterproof; 100% wireless.		Tomkins-Schrader, Plews Edelmann, Ideal Clamp Products UltraLube Lubricant and Penetrant 800/770-4639 www.plews-edelmann.com PN: 10444 UltraLube biobased lubricants are formulated from renewable, biodegradable USA-grown crops. Meets or exceeds performance of petroleum-based products. Offering four times lubricity of petroleum-based products.

Businesses that rely heavily on web marketing are in for a rude awakening in the coming year. That’s when privacy advocates will begin crippling the ability to easily track visitor activity on a company’s own website as well as across the Internet. In practice, the backlash against visitor tracking—commonly known as “Do Not Track”—is expected to make it tougher for a company to monitor which visitors are using its website and how they are using it.

This kind of data is critical to the web-analytics programs currently running on virtually all commercial websites of any consequence, which slice-and-dice visitor info to continually make websites more user friendly and more effective. The backlash will also make it more difficult for companies to advertise on other websites, as Do-Not-Track features on newer browsers make it impossible for advertisers to target ads based on an individual’s web use.

For years, visitor tracking has been regarded with mixed feelings by web users, who are often at once charmed and creeped-out by a website’s ability to serve up content and ads specifically tailored to their interests—even if it is the first time they have visited the website. Ironically, one of the greatest blows to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft, which plans to offer a powerful Do-Not-Track feature in the next version of its browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), due out in early 2011.

“Tracking Protection in IE9 puts people in control of what data is being shared as they move around the web,” said Dean Hachamovitch, vice president and head of Internet Explorer development at Microsoft. “It does this by enabling consumers to indicate what websites they’d prefer to not exchange information with.”

Simultaneously, visitor tracking will also be under attack from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a report in December 2010 advocating the use of Do-Not-Track technology web-wide. The agency is currently soliciting industry comment on how such a technology would be best implemented.

The FTC has been calling on the industry to implement innovations since 2008, according to David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although there have been developments in this area, an effective mechanism has yet to be implemented on an industry-wide basis,” he stated.

		Executive Summary Currently, a single visit to a website can trigger tracking by several companies. FTC is pushing for “Do Not Track” features on new browsers. “Do Not Track” will make it harder for advertisers to track consumer preferences. Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 will be among the most protective.

One of the reasons the FTC has been so tenacious about visitor tracking is that few web users realize just how pervasive the monitoring has become. A visit to a single website, for example, can actually trigger tracking by several other companies. One company may have an ad running on the visited site; another may have a script program that activates upon entry; and a third may begin tracking a visitor after a certain image loads. Still other elements of webpages can trigger other tracking.

“Today, consumers share information with more websites than the ones they see in the address bar in their browser,” said Hachamovitch. “This is inherent in the design of the web and simply how the web works. And it has potentially unintended consequences.”

Not surprisingly, the FTC’s push has been met with resistance from the advertising industry, which prefers self-regulation over marching orders from the feds.

Besides emboldening privacy advocates, the FTC’s move has been championed by the nonprofit Mozilla, maker of the
Firefox browser.

“While we’ll need more time to digest and evaluate the details, we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far,” said Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s general counsel. “In particular, the FTC has proposed a set of principles that align well with the Mozilla manifesto and our approach to software development, including privacy by design, transparency user choice and no surprises.”

At least two influential legislators—Senator John Kerry and House Representative Ed Markey—are also in the fray, promising to introduce bills in 2011 that would curtail industry’s ability to monitor a person’s web activity without permission. Markey’s bill would attempt to cloak children’s web activity.

“The Internet presents access to incredible opportunities to learn and communicate that were unimaginable only a few years ago,” Markey said. “But kids growing up in this online environment also need protection from dangers that can lurk in cyberspace.”

Short term, the greatest threat to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft. The company has long possessed anti-tracking technology for Internet Explorer but has resisted rolling it out for fear of alienating advertisers as well as impairing its own advertising on the web.

“As one of the leading online advertisers and ad platform companies ourselves, Microsoft has a substantial interest in helping the online advertising industry grow,” said Rik van der Kooi, vice president of the Microsoft advertiser and publisher solutions group. “We believe that the convergence of new privacy tools and robust advertising growth can, in fact, coexist and we are uniquely positioned to provide leadership in both areas.”

Dubbed “Tracking Protection,” Microsoft’s anti-tracking must be turned on in Internet Explorer 9 by a user and then fed a Do-Not-Track list, which enables the browser to block companies a user is looking to avoid. Once released, a master Do-Not-Track list for Internet Explorer 9 is expected to be made available for download by privacy advocacy groups that specialize in identifying and monitoring firms known to track website visitors. In addition, users will be able to create their own Do-Not-Track lists for Internet Explorer 9 or edit lists created by privacy groups and others.

Microsoft’s approach to anti-tracking is especially potent. Unlike other technologies, the feature does not rely on companies tracking visitor behavior to agree to cease and desist tracking when alerted by a user’s browser. Instead, any company on a user’s list is simply prevented from tracking the user’s activity as long as tracking protection remains activated.

Granted, the backlash against visitor tracking is still in its early stages and could be mitigated by quantifiable self-regulation by web marketers, along with artful PR-massaging by groups like Better Advertising. But given Microsoft’s decision to roll out anti-tracking technology with Internet Explorer 9, the momentum is clearly with online privacy advocates.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan, New York. Contact: 631/256-6602;
joe@joedysart.com; or www.joedysart.com

Businesses that rely heavily on web marketing are in for a rude awakening in the coming year. That’s when privacy advocates will begin crippling the ability to easily track visitor activity on a company’s own website as well as across the Internet. In practice, the backlash against visitor tracking—commonly known as “Do Not Track”—is expected to make it tougher for a company to monitor which visitors are using its website and how they are using it.

This kind of data is critical to the web-analytics programs currently running on virtually all commercial websites of any consequence, which slice-and-dice visitor info to continually make websites more user friendly and more effective. The backlash will also make it more difficult for companies to advertise on other websites, as Do-Not-Track features on newer browsers make it impossible for advertisers to target ads based on an individual’s web use.

For years, visitor tracking has been regarded with mixed feelings by web users, who are often at once charmed and creeped-out by a website’s ability to serve up content and ads specifically tailored to their interests—even if it is the first time they have visited the website. Ironically, one of the greatest blows to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft, which plans to offer a powerful Do-Not-Track feature in the next version of its browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), due out in early 2011.

“Tracking Protection in IE9 puts people in control of what data is being shared as they move around the web,” said Dean Hachamovitch, vice president and head of Internet Explorer development at Microsoft. “It does this by enabling consumers to indicate what websites they’d prefer to not exchange information with.”

Simultaneously, visitor tracking will also be under attack from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a report in December 2010 advocating the use of Do-Not-Track technology web-wide. The agency is currently soliciting industry comment on how such a technology would be best implemented.

The FTC has been calling on the industry to implement innovations since 2008, according to David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although there have been developments in this area, an effective mechanism has yet to be implemented on an industry-wide basis,” he stated.

		Executive Summary Currently, a single visit to a website can trigger tracking by several companies. FTC is pushing for “Do Not Track” features on new browsers. “Do Not Track” will make it harder for advertisers to track consumer preferences. Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 will be among the most protective.

One of the reasons the FTC has been so tenacious about visitor tracking is that few web users realize just how pervasive the monitoring has become. A visit to a single website, for example, can actually trigger tracking by several other companies. One company may have an ad running on the visited site; another may have a script program that activates upon entry; and a third may begin tracking a visitor after a certain image loads. Still other elements of webpages can trigger other tracking.

“Today, consumers share information with more websites than the ones they see in the address bar in their browser,” said Hachamovitch. “This is inherent in the design of the web and simply how the web works. And it has potentially unintended consequences.”

Not surprisingly, the FTC’s push has been met with resistance from the advertising industry, which prefers self-regulation over marching orders from the feds.

Besides emboldening privacy advocates, the FTC’s move has been championed by the nonprofit Mozilla, maker of the
Firefox browser.

“While we’ll need more time to digest and evaluate the details, we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far,” said Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s general counsel. “In particular, the FTC has proposed a set of principles that align well with the Mozilla manifesto and our approach to software development, including privacy by design, transparency user choice and no surprises.”

At least two influential legislators—Senator John Kerry and House Representative Ed Markey—are also in the fray, promising to introduce bills in 2011 that would curtail industry’s ability to monitor a person’s web activity without permission. Markey’s bill would attempt to cloak children’s web activity.

“The Internet presents access to incredible opportunities to learn and communicate that were unimaginable only a few years ago,” Markey said. “But kids growing up in this online environment also need protection from dangers that can lurk in cyberspace.”

Short term, the greatest threat to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft. The company has long possessed anti-tracking technology for Internet Explorer but has resisted rolling it out for fear of alienating advertisers as well as impairing its own advertising on the web.

“As one of the leading online advertisers and ad platform companies ourselves, Microsoft has a substantial interest in helping the online advertising industry grow,” said Rik van der Kooi, vice president of the Microsoft advertiser and publisher solutions group. “We believe that the convergence of new privacy tools and robust advertising growth can, in fact, coexist and we are uniquely positioned to provide leadership in both areas.”

Dubbed “Tracking Protection,” Microsoft’s anti-tracking must be turned on in Internet Explorer 9 by a user and then fed a Do-Not-Track list, which enables the browser to block companies a user is looking to avoid. Once released, a master Do-Not-Track list for Internet Explorer 9 is expected to be made available for download by privacy advocacy groups that specialize in identifying and monitoring firms known to track website visitors. In addition, users will be able to create their own Do-Not-Track lists for Internet Explorer 9 or edit lists created by privacy groups and others.

Microsoft’s approach to anti-tracking is especially potent. Unlike other technologies, the feature does not rely on companies tracking visitor behavior to agree to cease and desist tracking when alerted by a user’s browser. Instead, any company on a user’s list is simply prevented from tracking the user’s activity as long as tracking protection remains activated.

Granted, the backlash against visitor tracking is still in its early stages and could be mitigated by quantifiable self-regulation by web marketers, along with artful PR-massaging by groups like Better Advertising. But given Microsoft’s decision to roll out anti-tracking technology with Internet Explorer 9, the momentum is clearly with online privacy advocates.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan, New York. Contact: 631/256-6602;
joe@joedysart.com; or www.joedysart.com

Businesses that rely heavily on web marketing are in for a rude awakening in the coming year. That’s when privacy advocates will begin crippling the ability to easily track visitor activity on a company’s own website as well as across the Internet. In practice, the backlash against visitor tracking—commonly known as “Do Not Track”—is expected to make it tougher for a company to monitor which visitors are using its website and how they are using it.

This kind of data is critical to the web-analytics programs currently running on virtually all commercial websites of any consequence, which slice-and-dice visitor info to continually make websites more user friendly and more effective. The backlash will also make it more difficult for companies to advertise on other websites, as Do-Not-Track features on newer browsers make it impossible for advertisers to target ads based on an individual’s web use.

For years, visitor tracking has been regarded with mixed feelings by web users, who are often at once charmed and creeped-out by a website’s ability to serve up content and ads specifically tailored to their interests—even if it is the first time they have visited the website. Ironically, one of the greatest blows to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft, which plans to offer a powerful Do-Not-Track feature in the next version of its browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), due out in early 2011.

“Tracking Protection in IE9 puts people in control of what data is being shared as they move around the web,” said Dean Hachamovitch, vice president and head of Internet Explorer development at Microsoft. “It does this by enabling consumers to indicate what websites they’d prefer to not exchange information with.”

Simultaneously, visitor tracking will also be under attack from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a report in December 2010 advocating the use of Do-Not-Track technology web-wide. The agency is currently soliciting industry comment on how such a technology would be best implemented.

The FTC has been calling on the industry to implement innovations since 2008, according to David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although there have been developments in this area, an effective mechanism has yet to be implemented on an industry-wide basis,” he stated.

		Executive Summary Currently, a single visit to a website can trigger tracking by several companies. FTC is pushing for “Do Not Track” features on new browsers. “Do Not Track” will make it harder for advertisers to track consumer preferences. Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 will be among the most protective.

One of the reasons the FTC has been so tenacious about visitor tracking is that few web users realize just how pervasive the monitoring has become. A visit to a single website, for example, can actually trigger tracking by several other companies. One company may have an ad running on the visited site; another may have a script program that activates upon entry; and a third may begin tracking a visitor after a certain image loads. Still other elements of webpages can trigger other tracking.

“Today, consumers share information with more websites than the ones they see in the address bar in their browser,” said Hachamovitch. “This is inherent in the design of the web and simply how the web works. And it has potentially unintended consequences.”

Not surprisingly, the FTC’s push has been met with resistance from the advertising industry, which prefers self-regulation over marching orders from the feds.

Besides emboldening privacy advocates, the FTC’s move has been championed by the nonprofit Mozilla, maker of the
Firefox browser.

“While we’ll need more time to digest and evaluate the details, we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far,” said Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s general counsel. “In particular, the FTC has proposed a set of principles that align well with the Mozilla manifesto and our approach to software development, including privacy by design, transparency user choice and no surprises.”

At least two influential legislators—Senator John Kerry and House Representative Ed Markey—are also in the fray, promising to introduce bills in 2011 that would curtail industry’s ability to monitor a person’s web activity without permission. Markey’s bill would attempt to cloak children’s web activity.

“The Internet presents access to incredible opportunities to learn and communicate that were unimaginable only a few years ago,” Markey said. “But kids growing up in this online environment also need protection from dangers that can lurk in cyberspace.”

Short term, the greatest threat to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft. The company has long possessed anti-tracking technology for Internet Explorer but has resisted rolling it out for fear of alienating advertisers as well as impairing its own advertising on the web.

“As one of the leading online advertisers and ad platform companies ourselves, Microsoft has a substantial interest in helping the online advertising industry grow,” said Rik van der Kooi, vice president of the Microsoft advertiser and publisher solutions group. “We believe that the convergence of new privacy tools and robust advertising growth can, in fact, coexist and we are uniquely positioned to provide leadership in both areas.”

Dubbed “Tracking Protection,” Microsoft’s anti-tracking must be turned on in Internet Explorer 9 by a user and then fed a Do-Not-Track list, which enables the browser to block companies a user is looking to avoid. Once released, a master Do-Not-Track list for Internet Explorer 9 is expected to be made available for download by privacy advocacy groups that specialize in identifying and monitoring firms known to track website visitors. In addition, users will be able to create their own Do-Not-Track lists for Internet Explorer 9 or edit lists created by privacy groups and others.

Microsoft’s approach to anti-tracking is especially potent. Unlike other technologies, the feature does not rely on companies tracking visitor behavior to agree to cease and desist tracking when alerted by a user’s browser. Instead, any company on a user’s list is simply prevented from tracking the user’s activity as long as tracking protection remains activated.

Granted, the backlash against visitor tracking is still in its early stages and could be mitigated by quantifiable self-regulation by web marketers, along with artful PR-massaging by groups like Better Advertising. But given Microsoft’s decision to roll out anti-tracking technology with Internet Explorer 9, the momentum is clearly with online privacy advocates.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan, New York. Contact: 631/256-6602;
joe@joedysart.com; or www.joedysart.com

Businesses that rely heavily on web marketing are in for a rude awakening in the coming year. That’s when privacy advocates will begin crippling the ability to easily track visitor activity on a company’s own website as well as across the Internet. In practice, the backlash against visitor tracking—commonly known as “Do Not Track”—is expected to make it tougher for a company to monitor which visitors are using its website and how they are using it.

This kind of data is critical to the web-analytics programs currently running on virtually all commercial websites of any consequence, which slice-and-dice visitor info to continually make websites more user friendly and more effective. The backlash will also make it more difficult for companies to advertise on other websites, as Do-Not-Track features on newer browsers make it impossible for advertisers to target ads based on an individual’s web use.

For years, visitor tracking has been regarded with mixed feelings by web users, who are often at once charmed and creeped-out by a website’s ability to serve up content and ads specifically tailored to their interests—even if it is the first time they have visited the website. Ironically, one of the greatest blows to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft, which plans to offer a powerful Do-Not-Track feature in the next version of its browser, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), due out in early 2011.

“Tracking Protection in IE9 puts people in control of what data is being shared as they move around the web,” said Dean Hachamovitch, vice president and head of Internet Explorer development at Microsoft. “It does this by enabling consumers to indicate what websites they’d prefer to not exchange information with.”

Simultaneously, visitor tracking will also be under attack from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a report in December 2010 advocating the use of Do-Not-Track technology web-wide. The agency is currently soliciting industry comment on how such a technology would be best implemented.

The FTC has been calling on the industry to implement innovations since 2008, according to David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although there have been developments in this area, an effective mechanism has yet to be implemented on an industry-wide basis,” he stated.

		Executive Summary Currently, a single visit to a website can trigger tracking by several companies. FTC is pushing for “Do Not Track” features on new browsers. “Do Not Track” will make it harder for advertisers to track consumer preferences. Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 will be among the most protective.

One of the reasons the FTC has been so tenacious about visitor tracking is that few web users realize just how pervasive the monitoring has become. A visit to a single website, for example, can actually trigger tracking by several other companies. One company may have an ad running on the visited site; another may have a script program that activates upon entry; and a third may begin tracking a visitor after a certain image loads. Still other elements of webpages can trigger other tracking.

“Today, consumers share information with more websites than the ones they see in the address bar in their browser,” said Hachamovitch. “This is inherent in the design of the web and simply how the web works. And it has potentially unintended consequences.”

Not surprisingly, the FTC’s push has been met with resistance from the advertising industry, which prefers self-regulation over marching orders from the feds.

Besides emboldening privacy advocates, the FTC’s move has been championed by the nonprofit Mozilla, maker of the
Firefox browser.

“While we’ll need more time to digest and evaluate the details, we’re encouraged by what we’ve seen so far,” said Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s general counsel. “In particular, the FTC has proposed a set of principles that align well with the Mozilla manifesto and our approach to software development, including privacy by design, transparency user choice and no surprises.”

At least two influential legislators—Senator John Kerry and House Representative Ed Markey—are also in the fray, promising to introduce bills in 2011 that would curtail industry’s ability to monitor a person’s web activity without permission. Markey’s bill would attempt to cloak children’s web activity.

“The Internet presents access to incredible opportunities to learn and communicate that were unimaginable only a few years ago,” Markey said. “But kids growing up in this online environment also need protection from dangers that can lurk in cyberspace.”

Short term, the greatest threat to visitor tracking will come from Microsoft. The company has long possessed anti-tracking technology for Internet Explorer but has resisted rolling it out for fear of alienating advertisers as well as impairing its own advertising on the web.

“As one of the leading online advertisers and ad platform companies ourselves, Microsoft has a substantial interest in helping the online advertising industry grow,” said Rik van der Kooi, vice president of the Microsoft advertiser and publisher solutions group. “We believe that the convergence of new privacy tools and robust advertising growth can, in fact, coexist and we are uniquely positioned to provide leadership in both areas.”

Dubbed “Tracking Protection,” Microsoft’s anti-tracking must be turned on in Internet Explorer 9 by a user and then fed a Do-Not-Track list, which enables the browser to block companies a user is looking to avoid. Once released, a master Do-Not-Track list for Internet Explorer 9 is expected to be made available for download by privacy advocacy groups that specialize in identifying and monitoring firms known to track website visitors. In addition, users will be able to create their own Do-Not-Track lists for Internet Explorer 9 or edit lists created by privacy groups and others.

Microsoft’s approach to anti-tracking is especially potent. Unlike other technologies, the feature does not rely on companies tracking visitor behavior to agree to cease and desist tracking when alerted by a user’s browser. Instead, any company on a user’s list is simply prevented from tracking the user’s activity as long as tracking protection remains activated.

Granted, the backlash against visitor tracking is still in its early stages and could be mitigated by quantifiable self-regulation by web marketers, along with artful PR-massaging by groups like Better Advertising. But given Microsoft’s decision to roll out anti-tracking technology with Internet Explorer 9, the momentum is clearly with online privacy advocates.

Joe Dysart is an Internet speaker and business consultant based in Manhattan, New York. Contact: 631/256-6602;
joe@joedysart.com; or www.joedysart.com

SEMA News—March 2011

Collector Car Appreciation Day recognizes the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored S. Res. 513. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in D.C., and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate Collector Car Appreciation Day. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SEMA Action Network Director Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007 x38 or miked@sema.org.

 

Stronghold Motorsports reached an agreement with Roush Yates Engines to provide engines for the Pro 2 Unlimited short course road-racing program for seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. “This is a fantastic opportunity to align ourselves with an engine builder who has won at the most elite levels of motorsports,” said Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner Scott Bailey. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Classic Motorcar Auctions will return to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, for its Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction, set for Saturday, March 26. Event facilitators stated that the CMA auction draws buyers from as far away as California. In addition to automobiles, the auction will offer a large assortment of automobilia to open the sale.

Line-X Protective Coatings is supporting the Eco Trek Foundation and its Best of America Tour by spraying its protective coatings on the truck bed and wheelwells of EcoTrek’s specially designed Ford F-250. The tour consists of American vehicles fueled on cellulose ethanol and equipped with American-made products. It will make appearances at historic sites and events around the United States to help raise awareness for renewable fuels, materials and the preservation of natural resources. Line-X, Anaheim, CA; 714/850-1662.

Vibe magazine launched a partnership project with Revolution Racing in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which was launched during the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, January 28–29. The multi-platform partnership includes Vibe signage on a car driven by Darrell Wallace Jr., brand presence at the speedway and editorial coverage in Vibe and on www.vibe.com.

Perfect Equipment Inc. appointed Johannes Michalski as its CEO, succeeding President Mike Astorino, who will remain involved as a business consultant. Michalski joins Perfect Equipment from a leading provider of mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. Michalski served as chief operating officer for the North American division.

SEMA past chairman Corky Coker of Coker Tire was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Collectors Foundation for 2011. RTM Productions’ Jim Cozzie, also a past chairman of SEMA, was elected to the foundation’s board of directors. Collectors Foundation is a member of SEMA and the association’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance. Visit the Collectors Foundation’s website, www.collectorsfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization. Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN; 800/251-6336. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN; 615/503-9700.

Tom Campbell

With an executive search currently underway, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing announced that SCCA Board Chairman Tom Campbell will serve as the interim president and CEO beginning January 17. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of SCCA Pro Racing until a permanent successor is found for outgoing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. A committee comprised of SCCA board members is currently working toward establishing a replacement.

The Scotts Valley (California) Police Department became the first law-enforcement agency in California to receive a Zero DS electric motorcycle to assist in local patrols and traffic enforcement. The acquisition of the Zero DS, which features an all-electric drivetrain, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the motorcycle in law-enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails.

Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing. SS Sales & Marketing, Murrieta, CA; 949/697-1174.

Vantage Mobility International was awarded a patent for an innovative rear suspension on a wheelchair minivan from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This invention, when applied to a lowered-floor Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country minivan, helps physically challenged consumers gain additional freedom and independence.

Shell Racing Solutions named Hyperfuels as a direct distributor for Shell Racing Fuels new line of Unleaded Racing Technology (URT) fuels. Shell Racing Solutions is now offering Shell URT fuels in the United States, and Hyperfuels will carry the entire line of Unleaded Racing Technology fuels and distribute in Illinois, Texas and Indiana.

RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe as its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Jill Canuso

S&W Race Cars & Components Inc. appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso to be its new director of marketing. She will work with the team at S&W Race Cars from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years in the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales. S&W Race Cars & Components Inc., Spring City, PA; 610/948-7303.

Johnson Controls signed a purchase agreement to acquire Keiper and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. The acquisition includes approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

DuPont opened a new $30 million R&D facility dedicated to coatings science at the company’s global research and development headquarters, the Experimental Station. The new coatings technology center, established by DuPont Performance Coatings, will focus on DuPont Refinish Systems products, which support the automotive collision industry, and DuPont Industrial Coating Solutions, which markets a wide range of liquid and powder industrial finishes. DuPont Hot Hues, Wilmington, DE; 800/338-7668.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality-assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace. Gale Banks Engineering, Azusa, CA; 626/969-9600.

Driven Public Relations announced a strategic alignment with Ride and Drive Communications and Events, a collaboration that both agencies report will allow them to work collectively to bolster their unique client offerings and services while working across multiple industries on an international scale. Both Driven and Ride and Drive have a strong automotive focus, but they also have many clients in the powersports and alternative energy industries. The organizations plan to meet regularly to exchange information on trends in their respective markets and supplement work within specific areas of expertise.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum of Pomona, California, named industry icon and SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias its chairman of the board. Xydias has served as a board member since the museum opened in 1998. He is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame and a recipient of the notable Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonard Edwards was hired as director of sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Edwards will report to Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development. Both are based in NHRA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office. Edwards, who has more than seven years of experience in sales positions within the sports field, most recently worked at International Speedway Corp. as manager of partnership sales. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/963-7695.

SEMA News—March 2011

Collector Car Appreciation Day recognizes the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored S. Res. 513. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in D.C., and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate Collector Car Appreciation Day. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SEMA Action Network Director Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007 x38 or miked@sema.org.

 

Stronghold Motorsports reached an agreement with Roush Yates Engines to provide engines for the Pro 2 Unlimited short course road-racing program for seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. “This is a fantastic opportunity to align ourselves with an engine builder who has won at the most elite levels of motorsports,” said Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner Scott Bailey. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Classic Motorcar Auctions will return to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, for its Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction, set for Saturday, March 26. Event facilitators stated that the CMA auction draws buyers from as far away as California. In addition to automobiles, the auction will offer a large assortment of automobilia to open the sale.

Line-X Protective Coatings is supporting the Eco Trek Foundation and its Best of America Tour by spraying its protective coatings on the truck bed and wheelwells of EcoTrek’s specially designed Ford F-250. The tour consists of American vehicles fueled on cellulose ethanol and equipped with American-made products. It will make appearances at historic sites and events around the United States to help raise awareness for renewable fuels, materials and the preservation of natural resources. Line-X, Anaheim, CA; 714/850-1662.

Vibe magazine launched a partnership project with Revolution Racing in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which was launched during the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, January 28–29. The multi-platform partnership includes Vibe signage on a car driven by Darrell Wallace Jr., brand presence at the speedway and editorial coverage in Vibe and on www.vibe.com.

Perfect Equipment Inc. appointed Johannes Michalski as its CEO, succeeding President Mike Astorino, who will remain involved as a business consultant. Michalski joins Perfect Equipment from a leading provider of mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. Michalski served as chief operating officer for the North American division.

SEMA past chairman Corky Coker of Coker Tire was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Collectors Foundation for 2011. RTM Productions’ Jim Cozzie, also a past chairman of SEMA, was elected to the foundation’s board of directors. Collectors Foundation is a member of SEMA and the association’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance. Visit the Collectors Foundation’s website, www.collectorsfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization. Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN; 800/251-6336. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN; 615/503-9700.

Tom Campbell

With an executive search currently underway, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing announced that SCCA Board Chairman Tom Campbell will serve as the interim president and CEO beginning January 17. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of SCCA Pro Racing until a permanent successor is found for outgoing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. A committee comprised of SCCA board members is currently working toward establishing a replacement.

The Scotts Valley (California) Police Department became the first law-enforcement agency in California to receive a Zero DS electric motorcycle to assist in local patrols and traffic enforcement. The acquisition of the Zero DS, which features an all-electric drivetrain, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the motorcycle in law-enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails.

Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing. SS Sales & Marketing, Murrieta, CA; 949/697-1174.

Vantage Mobility International was awarded a patent for an innovative rear suspension on a wheelchair minivan from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This invention, when applied to a lowered-floor Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country minivan, helps physically challenged consumers gain additional freedom and independence.

Shell Racing Solutions named Hyperfuels as a direct distributor for Shell Racing Fuels new line of Unleaded Racing Technology (URT) fuels. Shell Racing Solutions is now offering Shell URT fuels in the United States, and Hyperfuels will carry the entire line of Unleaded Racing Technology fuels and distribute in Illinois, Texas and Indiana.

RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe as its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Jill Canuso

S&W Race Cars & Components Inc. appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso to be its new director of marketing. She will work with the team at S&W Race Cars from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years in the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales. S&W Race Cars & Components Inc., Spring City, PA; 610/948-7303.

Johnson Controls signed a purchase agreement to acquire Keiper and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. The acquisition includes approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

DuPont opened a new $30 million R&D facility dedicated to coatings science at the company’s global research and development headquarters, the Experimental Station. The new coatings technology center, established by DuPont Performance Coatings, will focus on DuPont Refinish Systems products, which support the automotive collision industry, and DuPont Industrial Coating Solutions, which markets a wide range of liquid and powder industrial finishes. DuPont Hot Hues, Wilmington, DE; 800/338-7668.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality-assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace. Gale Banks Engineering, Azusa, CA; 626/969-9600.

Driven Public Relations announced a strategic alignment with Ride and Drive Communications and Events, a collaboration that both agencies report will allow them to work collectively to bolster their unique client offerings and services while working across multiple industries on an international scale. Both Driven and Ride and Drive have a strong automotive focus, but they also have many clients in the powersports and alternative energy industries. The organizations plan to meet regularly to exchange information on trends in their respective markets and supplement work within specific areas of expertise.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum of Pomona, California, named industry icon and SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias its chairman of the board. Xydias has served as a board member since the museum opened in 1998. He is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame and a recipient of the notable Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonard Edwards was hired as director of sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Edwards will report to Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development. Both are based in NHRA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office. Edwards, who has more than seven years of experience in sales positions within the sports field, most recently worked at International Speedway Corp. as manager of partnership sales. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/963-7695.

SEMA News—March 2011

Collector Car Appreciation Day recognizes the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored S. Res. 513. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in D.C., and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate Collector Car Appreciation Day. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SEMA Action Network Director Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007 x38 or miked@sema.org.

 

Stronghold Motorsports reached an agreement with Roush Yates Engines to provide engines for the Pro 2 Unlimited short course road-racing program for seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. “This is a fantastic opportunity to align ourselves with an engine builder who has won at the most elite levels of motorsports,” said Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner Scott Bailey. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Classic Motorcar Auctions will return to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, for its Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction, set for Saturday, March 26. Event facilitators stated that the CMA auction draws buyers from as far away as California. In addition to automobiles, the auction will offer a large assortment of automobilia to open the sale.

Line-X Protective Coatings is supporting the Eco Trek Foundation and its Best of America Tour by spraying its protective coatings on the truck bed and wheelwells of EcoTrek’s specially designed Ford F-250. The tour consists of American vehicles fueled on cellulose ethanol and equipped with American-made products. It will make appearances at historic sites and events around the United States to help raise awareness for renewable fuels, materials and the preservation of natural resources. Line-X, Anaheim, CA; 714/850-1662.

Vibe magazine launched a partnership project with Revolution Racing in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which was launched during the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, January 28–29. The multi-platform partnership includes Vibe signage on a car driven by Darrell Wallace Jr., brand presence at the speedway and editorial coverage in Vibe and on www.vibe.com.

Perfect Equipment Inc. appointed Johannes Michalski as its CEO, succeeding President Mike Astorino, who will remain involved as a business consultant. Michalski joins Perfect Equipment from a leading provider of mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. Michalski served as chief operating officer for the North American division.

SEMA past chairman Corky Coker of Coker Tire was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Collectors Foundation for 2011. RTM Productions’ Jim Cozzie, also a past chairman of SEMA, was elected to the foundation’s board of directors. Collectors Foundation is a member of SEMA and the association’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance. Visit the Collectors Foundation’s website, www.collectorsfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization. Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN; 800/251-6336. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN; 615/503-9700.

Tom Campbell

With an executive search currently underway, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing announced that SCCA Board Chairman Tom Campbell will serve as the interim president and CEO beginning January 17. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of SCCA Pro Racing until a permanent successor is found for outgoing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. A committee comprised of SCCA board members is currently working toward establishing a replacement.

The Scotts Valley (California) Police Department became the first law-enforcement agency in California to receive a Zero DS electric motorcycle to assist in local patrols and traffic enforcement. The acquisition of the Zero DS, which features an all-electric drivetrain, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the motorcycle in law-enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails.

Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing. SS Sales & Marketing, Murrieta, CA; 949/697-1174.

Vantage Mobility International was awarded a patent for an innovative rear suspension on a wheelchair minivan from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This invention, when applied to a lowered-floor Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country minivan, helps physically challenged consumers gain additional freedom and independence.

Shell Racing Solutions named Hyperfuels as a direct distributor for Shell Racing Fuels new line of Unleaded Racing Technology (URT) fuels. Shell Racing Solutions is now offering Shell URT fuels in the United States, and Hyperfuels will carry the entire line of Unleaded Racing Technology fuels and distribute in Illinois, Texas and Indiana.

RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe as its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Jill Canuso

S&W Race Cars & Components Inc. appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso to be its new director of marketing. She will work with the team at S&W Race Cars from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years in the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales. S&W Race Cars & Components Inc., Spring City, PA; 610/948-7303.

Johnson Controls signed a purchase agreement to acquire Keiper and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. The acquisition includes approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

DuPont opened a new $30 million R&D facility dedicated to coatings science at the company’s global research and development headquarters, the Experimental Station. The new coatings technology center, established by DuPont Performance Coatings, will focus on DuPont Refinish Systems products, which support the automotive collision industry, and DuPont Industrial Coating Solutions, which markets a wide range of liquid and powder industrial finishes. DuPont Hot Hues, Wilmington, DE; 800/338-7668.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality-assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace. Gale Banks Engineering, Azusa, CA; 626/969-9600.

Driven Public Relations announced a strategic alignment with Ride and Drive Communications and Events, a collaboration that both agencies report will allow them to work collectively to bolster their unique client offerings and services while working across multiple industries on an international scale. Both Driven and Ride and Drive have a strong automotive focus, but they also have many clients in the powersports and alternative energy industries. The organizations plan to meet regularly to exchange information on trends in their respective markets and supplement work within specific areas of expertise.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum of Pomona, California, named industry icon and SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias its chairman of the board. Xydias has served as a board member since the museum opened in 1998. He is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame and a recipient of the notable Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonard Edwards was hired as director of sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Edwards will report to Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development. Both are based in NHRA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office. Edwards, who has more than seven years of experience in sales positions within the sports field, most recently worked at International Speedway Corp. as manager of partnership sales. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/963-7695.

SEMA News—March 2011

Collector Car Appreciation Day recognizes the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored S. Res. 513. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in D.C., and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate Collector Car Appreciation Day. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SEMA Action Network Director Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007 x38 or miked@sema.org.

 

Stronghold Motorsports reached an agreement with Roush Yates Engines to provide engines for the Pro 2 Unlimited short course road-racing program for seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. “This is a fantastic opportunity to align ourselves with an engine builder who has won at the most elite levels of motorsports,” said Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner Scott Bailey. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Classic Motorcar Auctions will return to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, for its Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction, set for Saturday, March 26. Event facilitators stated that the CMA auction draws buyers from as far away as California. In addition to automobiles, the auction will offer a large assortment of automobilia to open the sale.

Line-X Protective Coatings is supporting the Eco Trek Foundation and its Best of America Tour by spraying its protective coatings on the truck bed and wheelwells of EcoTrek’s specially designed Ford F-250. The tour consists of American vehicles fueled on cellulose ethanol and equipped with American-made products. It will make appearances at historic sites and events around the United States to help raise awareness for renewable fuels, materials and the preservation of natural resources. Line-X, Anaheim, CA; 714/850-1662.

Vibe magazine launched a partnership project with Revolution Racing in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which was launched during the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, January 28–29. The multi-platform partnership includes Vibe signage on a car driven by Darrell Wallace Jr., brand presence at the speedway and editorial coverage in Vibe and on www.vibe.com.

Perfect Equipment Inc. appointed Johannes Michalski as its CEO, succeeding President Mike Astorino, who will remain involved as a business consultant. Michalski joins Perfect Equipment from a leading provider of mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. Michalski served as chief operating officer for the North American division.

SEMA past chairman Corky Coker of Coker Tire was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Collectors Foundation for 2011. RTM Productions’ Jim Cozzie, also a past chairman of SEMA, was elected to the foundation’s board of directors. Collectors Foundation is a member of SEMA and the association’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance. Visit the Collectors Foundation’s website, www.collectorsfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization. Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN; 800/251-6336. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN; 615/503-9700.

Tom Campbell

With an executive search currently underway, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing announced that SCCA Board Chairman Tom Campbell will serve as the interim president and CEO beginning January 17. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of SCCA Pro Racing until a permanent successor is found for outgoing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. A committee comprised of SCCA board members is currently working toward establishing a replacement.

The Scotts Valley (California) Police Department became the first law-enforcement agency in California to receive a Zero DS electric motorcycle to assist in local patrols and traffic enforcement. The acquisition of the Zero DS, which features an all-electric drivetrain, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the motorcycle in law-enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails.

Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing. SS Sales & Marketing, Murrieta, CA; 949/697-1174.

Vantage Mobility International was awarded a patent for an innovative rear suspension on a wheelchair minivan from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This invention, when applied to a lowered-floor Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country minivan, helps physically challenged consumers gain additional freedom and independence.

Shell Racing Solutions named Hyperfuels as a direct distributor for Shell Racing Fuels new line of Unleaded Racing Technology (URT) fuels. Shell Racing Solutions is now offering Shell URT fuels in the United States, and Hyperfuels will carry the entire line of Unleaded Racing Technology fuels and distribute in Illinois, Texas and Indiana.

RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe as its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Jill Canuso

S&W Race Cars & Components Inc. appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso to be its new director of marketing. She will work with the team at S&W Race Cars from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years in the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales. S&W Race Cars & Components Inc., Spring City, PA; 610/948-7303.

Johnson Controls signed a purchase agreement to acquire Keiper and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. The acquisition includes approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

DuPont opened a new $30 million R&D facility dedicated to coatings science at the company’s global research and development headquarters, the Experimental Station. The new coatings technology center, established by DuPont Performance Coatings, will focus on DuPont Refinish Systems products, which support the automotive collision industry, and DuPont Industrial Coating Solutions, which markets a wide range of liquid and powder industrial finishes. DuPont Hot Hues, Wilmington, DE; 800/338-7668.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality-assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace. Gale Banks Engineering, Azusa, CA; 626/969-9600.

Driven Public Relations announced a strategic alignment with Ride and Drive Communications and Events, a collaboration that both agencies report will allow them to work collectively to bolster their unique client offerings and services while working across multiple industries on an international scale. Both Driven and Ride and Drive have a strong automotive focus, but they also have many clients in the powersports and alternative energy industries. The organizations plan to meet regularly to exchange information on trends in their respective markets and supplement work within specific areas of expertise.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum of Pomona, California, named industry icon and SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias its chairman of the board. Xydias has served as a board member since the museum opened in 1998. He is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame and a recipient of the notable Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonard Edwards was hired as director of sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Edwards will report to Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development. Both are based in NHRA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office. Edwards, who has more than seven years of experience in sales positions within the sports field, most recently worked at International Speedway Corp. as manager of partnership sales. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/963-7695.

SEMA News—March 2011

Collector Car Appreciation Day recognizes the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils announced July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The date marks the second commemoration in what will become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA and its councils are now working to secure a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

“Last year, the U.S. Senate helped launch the first national Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing Senate Resolution 513 at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As a result, thousands of Americans gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored S. Res. 513. They have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in D.C., and the resolution reaffirmed their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique place in our history.

SEMA will maintain a list of scheduled events to commemorate Collector Car Appreciation Day. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact SEMA Action Network Director Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007 x38 or miked@sema.org.

 

Stronghold Motorsports reached an agreement with Roush Yates Engines to provide engines for the Pro 2 Unlimited short course road-racing program for seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. “This is a fantastic opportunity to align ourselves with an engine builder who has won at the most elite levels of motorsports,” said Stronghold Motorsports Managing Partner Scott Bailey. Roush Yates Performance Parts, Mooresville, NC; 704/662-6982.

Classic Motorcar Auctions will return to the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio, for its Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction, set for Saturday, March 26. Event facilitators stated that the CMA auction draws buyers from as far away as California. In addition to automobiles, the auction will offer a large assortment of automobilia to open the sale.

Line-X Protective Coatings is supporting the Eco Trek Foundation and its Best of America Tour by spraying its protective coatings on the truck bed and wheelwells of EcoTrek’s specially designed Ford F-250. The tour consists of American vehicles fueled on cellulose ethanol and equipped with American-made products. It will make appearances at historic sites and events around the United States to help raise awareness for renewable fuels, materials and the preservation of natural resources. Line-X, Anaheim, CA; 714/850-1662.

Vibe magazine launched a partnership project with Revolution Racing in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, which was launched during the 2011 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, January 28–29. The multi-platform partnership includes Vibe signage on a car driven by Darrell Wallace Jr., brand presence at the speedway and editorial coverage in Vibe and on www.vibe.com.

Perfect Equipment Inc. appointed Johannes Michalski as its CEO, succeeding President Mike Astorino, who will remain involved as a business consultant. Michalski joins Perfect Equipment from a leading provider of mechanical and electronic key systems, lock sets, steering locks and remote control systems for the automotive industry. Michalski served as chief operating officer for the North American division.

SEMA past chairman Corky Coker of Coker Tire was elected chairman of the board of directors of the Collectors Foundation for 2011. RTM Productions’ Jim Cozzie, also a past chairman of SEMA, was elected to the foundation’s board of directors. Collectors Foundation is a member of SEMA and the association’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization and Hot Rod Industry Alliance. Visit the Collectors Foundation’s website, www.collectorsfoundation.org, to learn more about the organization. Coker Tire, Chattanooga, TN; 800/251-6336. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN; 615/503-9700.

Tom Campbell

With an executive search currently underway, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing announced that SCCA Board Chairman Tom Campbell will serve as the interim president and CEO beginning January 17. Campbell will oversee the day-to-day operations of SCCA Pro Racing until a permanent successor is found for outgoing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. A committee comprised of SCCA board members is currently working toward establishing a replacement.

The Scotts Valley (California) Police Department became the first law-enforcement agency in California to receive a Zero DS electric motorcycle to assist in local patrols and traffic enforcement. The acquisition of the Zero DS, which features an all-electric drivetrain, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the motorcycle in law-enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails.

Chris Fairless of Fairless Sales & Marketing announced that the company has merged with the SS Sales & Marketing Group. With this merger, Irv Cohen (one of the current principles) and Fairless will be equal partners in SS Sales & Marketing. SS Sales & Marketing, Murrieta, CA; 949/697-1174.

Vantage Mobility International was awarded a patent for an innovative rear suspension on a wheelchair minivan from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This invention, when applied to a lowered-floor Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country minivan, helps physically challenged consumers gain additional freedom and independence.

Shell Racing Solutions named Hyperfuels as a direct distributor for Shell Racing Fuels new line of Unleaded Racing Technology (URT) fuels. Shell Racing Solutions is now offering Shell URT fuels in the United States, and Hyperfuels will carry the entire line of Unleaded Racing Technology fuels and distribute in Illinois, Texas and Indiana.

RK Motors Charlotte named collector car veteran Jamie Wiehe as its new marketing director. Wiehe will be responsible for all marketing activities for the company. She will develop marketing strategies based on studying economic indicators, tracking changes in supply and demand and identifying customers’ current and future needs. Wiehe moved to RK Motors Charlotte from Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., where she managed events and marketing-related tasks for nearly six years.

Jill Canuso

S&W Race Cars & Components Inc. appointed veteran racer and motorsports industry professional Jill Canuso to be its new director of marketing. She will work with the team at S&W Race Cars from the corporate headquarters in Spring City, Pennsylvania, and will focus on executing marketing plans and strategies. Canuso, formerly of M&R Products, has spent more than 17 years in the industry, including positions ranging from product design to sales. S&W Race Cars & Components Inc., Spring City, PA; 610/948-7303.

Johnson Controls signed a purchase agreement to acquire Keiper and the automotive sport and specialty seat business of Recaro. The acquisition includes approximately 4,750 employees globally in seven countries. Excluded from the transaction are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. With the acquisition, Johnson Controls expects to strengthen its competitive position in key seating components with expanded opportunities to develop new differentiating products and technologies.

DuPont opened a new $30 million R&D facility dedicated to coatings science at the company’s global research and development headquarters, the Experimental Station. The new coatings technology center, established by DuPont Performance Coatings, will focus on DuPont Refinish Systems products, which support the automotive collision industry, and DuPont Industrial Coating Solutions, which markets a wide range of liquid and powder industrial finishes. DuPont Hot Hues, Wilmington, DE; 800/338-7668.

Steve Jones

Steve Jones was named Banks PowerHouse manager for Gale Banks Engineering. He will manage the retail and wholesale sales operations and supervise the company’s installation and quality-assurance departments. Jones has been with Gale Banks Engineering for more than six years and has a broad base of experience in retail sales and management. His immediate focus will be to integrate a number of newly released and upcoming Banks Engineering products into the wholesale system and retail marketplace. Gale Banks Engineering, Azusa, CA; 626/969-9600.

Driven Public Relations announced a strategic alignment with Ride and Drive Communications and Events, a collaboration that both agencies report will allow them to work collectively to bolster their unique client offerings and services while working across multiple industries on an international scale. Both Driven and Ride and Drive have a strong automotive focus, but they also have many clients in the powersports and alternative energy industries. The organizations plan to meet regularly to exchange information on trends in their respective markets and supplement work within specific areas of expertise.

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum of Pomona, California, named industry icon and SO-CAL Speed Shop founder Alex Xydias its chairman of the board. Xydias has served as a board member since the museum opened in 1998. He is a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame and a recipient of the notable Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Leonard Edwards was hired as director of sales for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Edwards will report to Tony Driscoll, vice president of sales and business development. Both are based in NHRA’s Charlotte, North Carolina, office. Edwards, who has more than seven years of experience in sales positions within the sports field, most recently worked at International Speedway Corp. as manager of partnership sales. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/963-7695.