By Kristopher Porter

Kim Pendergast

As we wrap up 2018, December’s #SheIs SEMA Member Spotlight is dedicated to Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Products. Take a look at her Q&A with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Kim Pendergast: You spend most of your waking hours working. Find an industry you love, people you admire and who share your moral compass, and work there.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

KP: This industry is dynamic. We push the limits of technology every day. People work here because they want to, not have to. That creates an energy that draws you to work every day.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

KP: At Magnuson. I love my work. Saturdays are for catching up on what I didn’t get done during the week. They are a time to reflect and to think about the future. If there is a Saturday shift—and there often is—I can spend time with the guys.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

KP: I’m on time and prepared. Part of being prepared is understanding my communication goal before I walk into a meeting. I imagine how the meeting will play out and where the conversation will lead us. Then I re-imagine another line of discussion that will take the conversation in a different place. Repeat until I see success.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

KP: Jay Leno! He epitomizes our industry with humor, fun and grace.

Check out the #SheIsSEMA website to see other amazing women in the industry. If you or an SBN member you know deserves to be recognized as a #SheIsSEMA Spotlight, fill out this form to be considered for a feature. Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Kristopher Porter

For the first time ever, SEMA Cares held a fundraiser for the association's three partner charities at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Taking place the morning of December 1, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., “Cars & Coffee” gathered nearly 250 unique vehicles showing off their custom metal and vintage style to hundreds of attendees and volunteers. The coffee was flowing all morning, and by the end of the event nearly $6,000 was raised to support SEMA Cares.

SEMA Cares provides a forum from which association members can act as a collective influence toward making a positive impact beyond the automotive community.

SEMA Cares helps improve the lives of many in need through the great work done by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp's prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and serious illnesses.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares steers the same dedication and passion SEMA members have for the automotive aftermarket industry to support the care of children with illnesses and others in need.

If you enjoyed the fundraiser, check out all the photos on SEMA Cares Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SEMACares. Head over to www.sema.org/SEMACares to donate and learn more about SEMA's partner charities.

By Kristopher Porter

For the first time ever, SEMA Cares held a fundraiser for the association's three partner charities at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Taking place the morning of December 1, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., “Cars & Coffee” gathered nearly 250 unique vehicles showing off their custom metal and vintage style to hundreds of attendees and volunteers. The coffee was flowing all morning, and by the end of the event nearly $6,000 was raised to support SEMA Cares.

SEMA Cares provides a forum from which association members can act as a collective influence toward making a positive impact beyond the automotive community.

SEMA Cares helps improve the lives of many in need through the great work done by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp's prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and serious illnesses.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares steers the same dedication and passion SEMA members have for the automotive aftermarket industry to support the care of children with illnesses and others in need.

If you enjoyed the fundraiser, check out all the photos on SEMA Cares Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SEMACares. Head over to www.sema.org/SEMACares to donate and learn more about SEMA's partner charities.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call. 

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call. 

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call. 

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Lee Burtelson	Dan Clarke

Permatex Names Lee Burtelson Vice President General Manager

Permatex has announced several organizational changes in its Automotive Aftermarket (AAM) Group. These include the appointment of Lee Burtelson as new vice president general manager (VPGM) for engine repair, the retirement of former VPGM Andy Robinson and the promotion of Dan Clarke to lead traditional aftermarket sales. The announcement was made by Mark Severin, president, ITW Automotive Aftermarket (AAM) Group. Burtelson has been named as the new VPGM for engine repair and is responsible for all activities of the Automotive Aftermarket (AAM) Group. Prior to his appointment, Burtelson was vice president of strategic marketing for the ITW Fluids Platform. He joined ITW in 2015 and was a primary force in reviving organic growth in the fluids platform. Prior to his retirement, Robinson promoted Dan Clarke to sales director for the U.S. traditional aftermarket. Clarke has been with Permatex since 2015 and has served as its senior product manager. During his tenure, Clarke oversaw significant growth in revenue, market share and margin in his product categories. Prior to Permatex, Clarke was a business unit manager at Coburn Technologies Inc., and held various management and sales positions with HID Global Corp.

Covercraft Announces Title Sponsorship of Bradley Roy

Covercraft has announced a title sponsorship of Major League Fishing professional angler Bradley Roy. A three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, he is currently 10th in BassFan’s world rankings. Beginning in 2019, the Bradley Roy High School Open fishing tournament will also add Covercraft as the title sponsor. Covercraft branding will be the focus of Roy’s truck, boat and jersey for 2019. With the support of Covercraft and the associate sponsors, Roy will host a sweepstakes for one angler to fish with him and attend the 2019 Covercraft Bradley Roy High School Open. Covercraft will outfit the winner’s vehicle with their products bumper to bumper.

Bobby Bennett

Gary Scelzi “Legends: The Series” Episode to Premiere at PRI

For the second year in a row CompetitionPlus.com Owner and Publisher Bobby Bennett will unveil a new episode of “Legends: The Series” at the 31st Annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in the PRI Media Center inside the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The premiere, which will be sponsored by Aeromotive Fuel Systems, will take place December 7, at 2:30 p.m., and will feature four-time NHRA champion Gary Scelzi. This will be the final episode of Season 4, which has included a who’s who of drivers, including the late Eric Medlen, Jeb Allen, John Force, Warren Johnson, Dale Pulde, Jim Dunn, Larry Dixon and Al Segrini. “Legends: The Series” presented by Strange Engineering has exceeded three million YouTube views since launching in May 2014.

(L–R): Bob Fox, Darcell Giannone, Anthony Giannone and Brian Reese.

Race Winning Brands Acquires MGP Connecting Rods

Race Winning Brands Inc. (RWB) has announced the acquisition of Giannone Performance Products Inc., dba MGP Connecting Rods, a manufacturer of high-performance aluminum connecting rods. MGP represents the fifth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands, which has a portfolio of brands including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Dart Machinery, Rekluse Motor Sports, Falicon Racing and ProX Racing Parts.

Toyo Tires Plans $138M Two-Phase Expansion Of Georgia Facility

Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. announced that it is planning a $138 million expansion of its facility in Cartersville, Georgia. Through a two-phase expansion, Toyo will construct a new 254,000-sq.-ft. facility with an annual production capacity of 2.4 million passenger vehicle tires. Upon completion, the company will employ approximately 2,100 Georgia residents and create more than 150 jobs. New jobs will include positions in production, support and administration. In 2016, Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. became the Toyo Tires Group’s largest manufacturing operation with an annual production capacity of 11.5 million tires.

“Horsepower Wars” Season 2 Returns

Power Automedia’s all-original show “Horsepower Wars,” which debuted in 2018, will return in 2019 featuring three “Horsepower Wars” series:

• $10K Drag Race Shootout “2” – Four teams compete with $10,000 to build a drag car in only 10 days. After the builds, they have to square off in a heads-up drag race, where one winner will stand alone at the end on the biggest stage.
• Pony Wars 2019 – The Mustang vs. Camaro show returns, with the addition of a new Dodge Challenger, adding a MOPAR to the mix.
• Junkyard Challenge – An all-new series debuts in 2019, where teams compete in multiple driving competitions using affordable trucks that they build using creativity and ingenuity. The teams will do battle in a variety of racing competitions, from offroad, dirt track, tug of war and more.

“Horsepower Wars” Season 2 kicks off in March 2019 with filming for “Pony Wars 2019.”

Graham Light

Graham Light Joins NHRA Motorsports Museum Board

Graham Light announced that he will join the Board of Directors of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by Auto Club of Southern California. Light, who earlier this year announced his retirement as NHRA’s senior vice president of racing operations at the end of 2018, will utilize his relationships, knowledge and years in the sport to work furthering Wally Parks’ dream of creating a world-class motorsports museum to preserve NHRA’s history. As a member of the museum board, Light will work closely with Museum Chairman Tom McKernan, and the other members of the museum board, to help move the museum forward. Light will serve in a key stewardship position for the history of the sport, which will be a natural fit due to his strong connections with many of the people who helped to shape that history. Light will be available to work on special projects that may be developed between NHRA and the museum and will be a key fundraising partner with the museum’s staff, furthering Parks’ legacy.

Joe Maylish

MAHLE Motorsport Announces New Marketing Manager Joe Maylish

The North American motorsports division of MAHLE, MAHLE Motorsport, has announced that Joe Maylish has recently been hired to lead the company’s marketing department from headquarters in Fletcher, North Carolina. Maylish brings a wealth of experience to the job, including working most recently as sales and production manager for SPEED SxS, a division of Robby Gordon Motorsports in Charlotte, North Carolina. Previously, he worked as a sales associate and then regional sales manager for U.S. Legend Cars/Speedway Motorsports Inc. in Las Vegas. In this pivotal position, he was exposed to various forms of racing including NASCAR, NHRA, off-road and various forms of grassroots motorsports. This position gave him both a broad racing background and event operations management experience that made him an ideal candidate for the position at MAHLE.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.