SEMA News recently had the chance to catch up with well-respected manufacturer and ProPledge participant 3dCarbon. We spoke to the company's vice president of sales and marketing, Ernie Bunnell, to learn a little bit more about its products and about how 3dCarbon is utilizing ProPledge's benefits to differentiate itself from the competition [Read more].

CV Products hired Mike Newcomb as a technical sales representative. Based out of Thomasville, North Carolina, Newcomb will work to expand business to the short track asphalt market through working closely with engine builders and racers in the United States. He spent the past four years with Five Star Racing Bodies.

Hotchkis Performance moved into a larger facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, a move that the company reports increases its production and new-product development opportunities. In addition to a large customer installation center, the move brought together several offices under one roof and provides larger work bays, engineering suites, shipping and receiving areas and warehouse space.

RimTyme announced that five of its employees have passed the SEMA Z5 Custom Wheel & Tire certification exam. The credential acknowledges Elijah Dickerson, Jeremy Hankins, Robert Blake, Sean Barnes and Taylor Jones as certified installation specialists. The certification establishes benchmarks for employee knowledge and competence.

Pirelli appointed Nick Heidfeld its Formula One test driver to test sample versions of its P Zero Formula One tire. The tire, which Heidfeld put to task behind the wheel of a Toyota TF109, will be used by all Formula One teams beginning in 2011 under a three-year agreement with the FIA.

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. added Rob Kearns to its sales team. He will cover the Southwest and mountain states, including Denver, where he resides. The company also announced that Gunnar Smith is the newest service representative in the Midwest region. Both Kearns and Smith join Josh Forster as new members of the R&R team. Forster is based in Southern California and focuses on retail sales.

For the third consecutive year, Inc. 500 has recognized Classic Instruments as one of America's fastest-growing private companies. Owner John McLeod stated, “Working in an industry you love with the greatest team you could ask for and be able to work in the most beautiful place in the world (Boyne City, Michigan), is a GRAND SLAM. I am very proud to be included in such a hard-working group, and I owe it all to my family, employees and community.”

O'Reilly Automotive Inc. has signed an agreement for a portion of their brake drum and rotor business with Affinia Group. Affinia Group has served as vendor partners with O’Reilly Automotive for more than 26 years, including the Wix brand of filtration products.

Valspar has opened a new office for its consumer division. The new location, which includes the sales and marketing staffs for PlastiKote, is located at 8725 W. Higgins Road in Chicago, minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

CRP Automotive selected Hirsig-Frazier as its new sales rep agency for the Southwest territory, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Hirsig-Frazier will be responsible for the direct management of current CRP domestic market accounts as well as new account acquisition efforts within the territory.

Chuck Williams (center) in 2006 at PAACE Automekanica in Mexico City with representatives from Reaco. Williams helped forge Putco's presence in the Mexican market, says former colleague Rufus Cipriano.

Chuck Williams, former Putco regional sales manager in Texas, died July 23, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 63 years old. Williams was Putco's national sales manager in the mid-’90s and rejoined the company as regional sales manager from 2005–2006.

Matt Payne, Putco vice president of sales, notes that Williams’ experience watching the company’s—and industry’s—mom-and-pop vendors grow into million-dollar enterprises taught him a lot about the operations of successful companies, experience he brought to bear at Putco.

“Beyond being a skilled sales manager, Chuck was a master at the art of a successful product launch,” Payne says. “Our company learned a lot from him over the years on how to create catalogs and show booths that stand out from the crowd. Chuck will be missed by all of the staff at Putco and by many in the automotive aftermarket.”

Williams shared an additional talent with the world: a role as Santa Claus, performed at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston—appropriate for a man born on Halloween (a tribute page for Williams on a local San Antonio TV station’s website overflows with memories of his Santa Claus role). Williams’ wife has requested that any contributions for Chuck be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children.

"Chuck was a fun-loving guy who worked hard," says Chuck Blum of Chuck Blum Consulting. "He was one of the early pioneers in the truck accessory business when it was just starting to grow, and worked for a number of companies who pioneered that segment."

Rufus Cipriano came to know Williams while working at Holley Performance. "I was totally green in selling truck accessories, and Chuck mentored me and showed me the difference of how to work and sell the best quality products offered in our industry," Cipriano remembers. "He was a pioneer in our industry and should be remembered as such. I will miss him."

“Chuck was quite a guy, well-respected by many,” says Chris Thomson of AIRAID. “He was the first real ‘factory’ guy I met early on in my travel days. He would always make us newbies feel welcome.

"He would take the time to learn something about you, something more than just your name. If he ran across something he knew you had an interest in, he would tell you all about it. In my home office I have a framed picture of the Blue Angels that he sent me based on a conversation we once had about aviation during the old American Road Show in Pittsburgh. There are fewer men like Chuck coming along, and I will certainly miss him and the man that he was.”

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the SEMA Show is consistently one of the largest as nearly 50% of all buyers seek products in this market.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, 2010, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; and Wheels & Accessories.

Each will be highlighted separately every week in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road. So far, more than 227 truck, SUV and off-road companies—including 41 first-timers—are exhibiting in the upper level of South Hall, along with the New Products Showcase, registration and the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section.

Truck, SUV and off-road enthusiasts are among the most passionate consumers, as they continue to personalize their trucks and invest in their hobbies. Despite increasing gas prices, the trucks, SUVs and off-road market generated about $5.6 billion in annual sales in 2009, making the market the industry’s second largest segment.

With items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions, the market covers a wide variety of products and accessories. Not surprisingly, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section at the 2010 SEMA Show will be one of the event’s largest sections.

“The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section is one of the most popular at the SEMA Show, with nearly 50% of all buyers seeking products in this market,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Located just steps away from registration and the New Products Showcase, buyers will be able to get to the area quickly and easily.”

The New Products Showcase includes two truck, SUV and off-road categories: off-road/four-wheel drive and van/pickup/sport-utility. Other New Products Showcase categories that may feature truck-related products include the interior accessory category and the exterior accessory category.

“With exhibitors spread out throughout 1 million sq.-ft., the New Products Showcase is a helpful tool for buyers to stop by the Showcase before even hitting the exhibit floor,” said MacGillivray.

Awards are presented to the best new product in each Showcase category, making it even easier for buyers to identify the hottest products. The presentation takes place at the New Products Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, November 2, right before the SEMA Show officially opens at 9:00 a.m. The breakfast is a great way to kick off the SEMA Show, and tickets are available for free on a limited basis to all Showgoers.

Also of interest to truck, SUV and off-road professionals is the Off-Road Proving Ground. Prominently located outside on the South side of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the area includes live, daily demonstrations from the Lucas Oil Racing Series. A special networking reception hosted by the SEMA Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) will allow professionals in this market an opportunity to mix and mingle, while more than 140 educational seminars aimed to help attendees to discover new business strategies will take place during the week.

Click here to view the entire list of manufacturers exhibiting in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section.

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the SEMA Show is consistently one of the largest as nearly 50% of all buyers seek products in this market.

As the world’s premier automotive specialty-products trade show, the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 2–5, 2010, attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from more than 100 countries and also provides a unique opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to connect.

The Show covers the entire realm of the specialty-equipment industry and is comprised of 12 categories: Business Services; Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA; Hot Rod Alley; Mobile Electronics & Technology; Paint, Body & Equipment; Powersports & Utility Vehicles; Racing & Performance; Restoration Marketplace; Restyling & Car Care Accessories; Tools & Equipment; Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road; and Wheels & Accessories.

Each will be highlighted separately every week in SEMA eNews. This week’s category is Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road. So far, more than 227 truck, SUV and off-road companies—including 41 first-timers—are exhibiting in the upper level of South Hall, along with the New Products Showcase, registration and the Powersports & Utility Vehicles section.

Truck, SUV and off-road enthusiasts are among the most passionate consumers, as they continue to personalize their trucks and invest in their hobbies. Despite increasing gas prices, the trucks, SUVs and off-road market generated about $5.6 billion in annual sales in 2009, making the market the industry’s second largest segment.

With items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions, the market covers a wide variety of products and accessories. Not surprisingly, the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section at the 2010 SEMA Show will be one of the event’s largest sections.

“The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section is one of the most popular at the SEMA Show, with nearly 50% of all buyers seeking products in this market,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Located just steps away from registration and the New Products Showcase, buyers will be able to get to the area quickly and easily.”

The New Products Showcase includes two truck, SUV and off-road categories: off-road/four-wheel drive and van/pickup/sport-utility. Other New Products Showcase categories that may feature truck-related products include the interior accessory category and the exterior accessory category.

“With exhibitors spread out throughout 1 million sq.-ft., the New Products Showcase is a helpful tool for buyers to stop by the Showcase before even hitting the exhibit floor,” said MacGillivray.

Awards are presented to the best new product in each Showcase category, making it even easier for buyers to identify the hottest products. The presentation takes place at the New Products Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, November 2, right before the SEMA Show officially opens at 9:00 a.m. The breakfast is a great way to kick off the SEMA Show, and tickets are available for free on a limited basis to all Showgoers.

Also of interest to truck, SUV and off-road professionals is the Off-Road Proving Ground. Prominently located outside on the South side of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the area includes live, daily demonstrations from the Lucas Oil Racing Series. A special networking reception hosted by the SEMA Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA) will allow professionals in this market an opportunity to mix and mingle, while more than 140 educational seminars aimed to help attendees to discover new business strategies will take place during the week.

Click here to view the entire list of manufacturers exhibiting in the Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section.

Gary Nash	Nick Hodel

Inductees for the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) 2010 Tire Industry Hall of Fame include Gus Hawkinson, owner of Hawkinson Tire Consulting; Nick Hodel, former CEO of Portland Tire Factory; retired industry veteran Russell MacCleery; Gary Nash, Yokohama Tire's director of OTR sales; Jerry White, chairman of White Tire Supply; and Don Blythe, former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association.

TIA will recognize its latest class of inductees during the Tire Industry Honors event, scheduled Monday, November 1, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Prior to establishing his consultancy in Las Vegas, Hawkinson was the third-generation owner of Paul E. Hawkinson Co. He is credited with many developments in the retread industry, including primary responsibility for developing the industry-standard non-directional tire (NDT) beginning in 1980, with the initial patent issued in 1981.

With 45 years of experience in the retail tire sector, Nick Hodel co-founded Northwest Tire Factory and also served as CEO of Portland Tire Factory. He is also a past board member of the Northwest Tire Dealers Association and past president of the Tire Association of North America (TANA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

MacCleery has years of experience working for various trade associations and created the government affairs program for the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

Nash's 45 years of experience in the tire industry include 35 years spent in the Off-the-Road (OTR) tire sector. Currently the director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp., he has also worked for Goodyear, Purcell Tire and Bridgestone.

White has more than 60 years of experience in the tire industry and is currently the chairman of White Tire Supply. He has served on several boards, including the NTDRA, and was a founding board member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association.

Blythe is the former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association (WCTDA), where he helped guide WCTDA to become one of the most successful tire organizations in the country.

Gary Nash	Nick Hodel

Inductees for the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) 2010 Tire Industry Hall of Fame include Gus Hawkinson, owner of Hawkinson Tire Consulting; Nick Hodel, former CEO of Portland Tire Factory; retired industry veteran Russell MacCleery; Gary Nash, Yokohama Tire's director of OTR sales; Jerry White, chairman of White Tire Supply; and Don Blythe, former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association.

TIA will recognize its latest class of inductees during the Tire Industry Honors event, scheduled Monday, November 1, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Prior to establishing his consultancy in Las Vegas, Hawkinson was the third-generation owner of Paul E. Hawkinson Co. He is credited with many developments in the retread industry, including primary responsibility for developing the industry-standard non-directional tire (NDT) beginning in 1980, with the initial patent issued in 1981.

With 45 years of experience in the retail tire sector, Nick Hodel co-founded Northwest Tire Factory and also served as CEO of Portland Tire Factory. He is also a past board member of the Northwest Tire Dealers Association and past president of the Tire Association of North America (TANA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

MacCleery has years of experience working for various trade associations and created the government affairs program for the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

Nash's 45 years of experience in the tire industry include 35 years spent in the Off-the-Road (OTR) tire sector. Currently the director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp., he has also worked for Goodyear, Purcell Tire and Bridgestone.

White has more than 60 years of experience in the tire industry and is currently the chairman of White Tire Supply. He has served on several boards, including the NTDRA, and was a founding board member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association.

Blythe is the former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association (WCTDA), where he helped guide WCTDA to become one of the most successful tire organizations in the country.

Gary Nash	Nick Hodel

Inductees for the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) 2010 Tire Industry Hall of Fame include Gus Hawkinson, owner of Hawkinson Tire Consulting; Nick Hodel, former CEO of Portland Tire Factory; retired industry veteran Russell MacCleery; Gary Nash, Yokohama Tire's director of OTR sales; Jerry White, chairman of White Tire Supply; and Don Blythe, former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association.

TIA will recognize its latest class of inductees during the Tire Industry Honors event, scheduled Monday, November 1, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Prior to establishing his consultancy in Las Vegas, Hawkinson was the third-generation owner of Paul E. Hawkinson Co. He is credited with many developments in the retread industry, including primary responsibility for developing the industry-standard non-directional tire (NDT) beginning in 1980, with the initial patent issued in 1981.

With 45 years of experience in the retail tire sector, Nick Hodel co-founded Northwest Tire Factory and also served as CEO of Portland Tire Factory. He is also a past board member of the Northwest Tire Dealers Association and past president of the Tire Association of North America (TANA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

MacCleery has years of experience working for various trade associations and created the government affairs program for the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

Nash's 45 years of experience in the tire industry include 35 years spent in the Off-the-Road (OTR) tire sector. Currently the director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp., he has also worked for Goodyear, Purcell Tire and Bridgestone.

White has more than 60 years of experience in the tire industry and is currently the chairman of White Tire Supply. He has served on several boards, including the NTDRA, and was a founding board member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association.

Blythe is the former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association (WCTDA), where he helped guide WCTDA to become one of the most successful tire organizations in the country.

Gary Nash	Nick Hodel

Inductees for the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) 2010 Tire Industry Hall of Fame include Gus Hawkinson, owner of Hawkinson Tire Consulting; Nick Hodel, former CEO of Portland Tire Factory; retired industry veteran Russell MacCleery; Gary Nash, Yokohama Tire's director of OTR sales; Jerry White, chairman of White Tire Supply; and Don Blythe, former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association.

TIA will recognize its latest class of inductees during the Tire Industry Honors event, scheduled Monday, November 1, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.

Prior to establishing his consultancy in Las Vegas, Hawkinson was the third-generation owner of Paul E. Hawkinson Co. He is credited with many developments in the retread industry, including primary responsibility for developing the industry-standard non-directional tire (NDT) beginning in 1980, with the initial patent issued in 1981.

With 45 years of experience in the retail tire sector, Nick Hodel co-founded Northwest Tire Factory and also served as CEO of Portland Tire Factory. He is also a past board member of the Northwest Tire Dealers Association and past president of the Tire Association of North America (TANA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

MacCleery has years of experience working for various trade associations and created the government affairs program for the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association (NTDRA), a predecessor organization of TIA.

Nash's 45 years of experience in the tire industry include 35 years spent in the Off-the-Road (OTR) tire sector. Currently the director of OTR sales for Yokohama Tire Corp., he has also worked for Goodyear, Purcell Tire and Bridgestone.

White has more than 60 years of experience in the tire industry and is currently the chairman of White Tire Supply. He has served on several boards, including the NTDRA, and was a founding board member of the Texas Tire Dealers Association.

Blythe is the former executive director of the Western Canada Tire Dealers Association (WCTDA), where he helped guide WCTDA to become one of the most successful tire organizations in the country.

	Sam Memmolo (left) and Dave Bowman began hosting their new television series “Motorhead Garage” July 25, 2010.

Masters Entertainment Group has announced its newest television series, "Motorhead Garage," featuring Sam Memmolo and Dave Bowman, formerly of “Shadetree Mechanic” and “Two Guys Garage.”

The series debuted on Fox Sports Network (FSN) Sunday, July 25, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. nationwide and repeated on Monday, July 26, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. It will run for 12 consecutive weeks in these time slots for the third quarter of 2010. The series will then return to FSN in January 2011 for an additional 13 weeks.

“We are extremely pleased to reunite this dynamic duo,” said Butch McCall, executive vice president of Masters. “Sam and Dave were the pioneers and originators of the automotive how-to programs. They developed the concept of step-by-step product installation designed to help automotive enthusiasts utilize the latest in aftermarket products.”

The series will be archived on Masters Entertainment Group’s Internet television network at motorheadgaragetv.com, where viewers can watch episodes they might have missed on TV.

“I’m excited about getting back to work with my long-time friend and co-host Dave Bowman and bringing back some 'honest how-to’ for all our friends in the car hobby,” said Memmolo. Bowman added: “I am really looking forward to once again sharing the garage and toolbox with my pal Sam and to bring to our audience the latest in technical information, products and procedures from all the manufacturers.”

Those interested in having products featured by Memmolo and Bowman on “Motorhead Garage,” can contact Masters Entertainment Group at 423/968-7736 or e-mail Butch McCall.