Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:47

By SEMA News Editors

PRW Power Adds Cary Redman as Chief Revenue Officer

PRW PowerPRW Power, a provider of affordable aftermarket and performance engine products, has announced the appointment of Cary Redman as its new chief revenue officer (CRO).

Redman brings more than two decades of experience in leading performance organizations, with a strong track record in established performance manufacturing companies. As CRO, he will oversee all aspects of PRW's revenue generation, including sales, customer success, revenue operations and partnerships.

"We are thrilled to welcome Cary to the team," said Steve Whipple, CEO of PRW Power. "He has a blend of automotive performance experience, passion and growth experience even in challenged organizations. Cary's deep expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale and deliver exceptional value to our customers."

Prior to joining PRW Power, Redman spent time with some of the most iconic performance brands in the aftermarket, including Holley, Edelbrock, MagnaFlow, Mr. Gasket Companies, and most recently, Race Winning Brands.

For more information, visit prw-usa.com.

Hoonigan Announces Strategic Transaction

Wheel Pros, LLC and its North American-based affiliates, including Hoonigan, have announced that it has begun an in-court financial restructuring process to position it to drive long-term growth. The company has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement ("RSA") with a majority of its debtholders through which it expects to eliminate approximately $1.2 billion of the company's debt and secure up to approximately $570 million of new capital, substantially improving the company's balance sheet and financial position, according to a release. 

"Today's announcement marks an important step forward for Hoonigan that will enable us to advance our industry-leading position in the growing automotive aftermarket sector," said Vance Johnston, CEO of Hoonigan. "With a significantly strengthened balance sheet and new capital, this transaction will position us to invest in innovation and further drive financial performance. With the strong support of our financial partners, we remain laser-focused on providing cutting-edge products and best-in-class service to our partners throughout this process."

For more information, visit the Hoonigan announcement here.

Turn 14 Distribution Launches Virtual Inventory Program

Turn 14 Distribution, the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based parts distributor, has launched a new program for dealers, the Virtual Inventory Program.

The program allows dealers to store purchased products across Turn 14 Distribution's network of distribution centers. Items in a dealer's virtual inventory are allocated and accessible to the dealer only, the company said, and can ship on demand using Turn 14 Distribution's logistics network.

According to the company, the program aims to empower dealers to make strategic investments into products most relevant to their businesses without the costs and limitations of traditional warehousing.

For more information, visit turn14.com.

Longtime AACF Trustee, Recipient Review Committee Chairman Chuck McCourt Retires

Chuck McCourt, a longtime trustee and recipient review committee chairman for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has retired after more than 50 years in the automotive aftermarket industry.

McCourt, president of McCourt Marketing Group, has contributed to the AACF through his leadership on the organization's board and executive committee.

David Young, vice president and general manager, North America DIFM of Valvoline Global Operations, will succeed McCourt as chair of the recipient review committee. Additionally, board trustee Marc Blackman, CEO of Gold Eagle Co., will be joining the executive committee.

"We are deeply grateful to Chuck for his time and support, particularly his tireless dedication to leading the Recipient Review Committee and his many years of sponsorship at our annual charity golf tournament," said Jon Owens, President of AACF. "His legacy of commitment and service will continue to inspire us all."

For more information, visit aftermarketcharity.org.

MAVTV International Motor Film Awards Announces Nominees
Motor Film Awards

 

The MAVTV International Motor Film Awards, a showcase event for the automotive film and television industry, has announced the nominees for its 2024 awards.

Set for October 4 at Alexandra Palace in London, England, the event will celebrate and recognize the industry's biggest stunts, best car commercials, top documentaries and short films and more.

This year, Best Drama Feature category nominees include Michael Mann's Ferrari, Mad Max: Furiosa, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and The Fall Guy.

The commercial category features top commercials from Porsche, Chevrolet, Kia, Aston Martin, Acura, Rivian, Akrapovič, Hyundai, Zenvo and CFMoto, while the documentary categories offer an insider's view of racing culture worldwide. Notable documentary nominations include coverage of F1, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the GT4 Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, the Tour de France Automobile and more.

For more information, visit motorfilmawards.com.

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:04

By SEMA News Editors

25 Ford Explorer

 

In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage has announced a measuring session for the all-new '25 Ford Explorer ahead of the vehicle's public release.

Benefits for participants:

• 3D Scan and Measure

• Develop Products

• Test-Fit Prototypes

• Exclusive Close-Up Experience

September 24, 2024

SEMA Garage Detroit

14655 Jib St.

Plymouth, MI 48170

Click here to RSVP!

 

For more information, contact productdevelopment@sema.org

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 23:27

By SEMA News Editors

Bear Grylls

 

Bear Grylls, host of "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" and "You vs. Wild," will host a keynote address at the 2024 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience.

Taking place November 5–8 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show will feature Grylls, a renowned survival expert, writer and adventurer, on the SEMA Show Main Stage, where he will speak about the experiences that have shaped him and the lessons he's learned along the way. 

"I'm looking forward to guiding the audience through a journey to understand how to overcome hurdles and adversity and to learn from failures," said Grylls. "I hope my stories of resilience will inspire, uplift and empower SEMA Show attendees to face their own challenges."

Grylls' keynote address will take place at 2:00 p.m. PST on Thursday, November 7, in the West Hall. His speech is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on best-in-class skill development

"We're really excited about bringing Bear Grylls to our Main Stage Experience," said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior director of education. "His life motto of kindness, courage and never giving up is truly inspiring and will resonate with all attendees."

Grylls' keynote is part of a SEMA Show Education Program that includes 80 learning sessions across seven highly focused tracks. Featured programs include a Dale Carnegie Management Essentials for Leaders program, a Women's Leadership Symposium, two on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification programs led by Legacy EV and seminars hosted by I-CAR, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Tire Industry Association (TIA). Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration. Fee-based sessions are identified under the session description when registering.

"The SEMA Show Education program is known as one of the industry's most rewarding professional development opportunities," said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. "Each session will drive immediate takeaways, whether you're a C-suite executive, manager, builder, sales or marketing professional, or someone who simply wants to expand your industry knowledge."

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving tremendous levels of support from across the industry, with 2,400 exhibitors projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.

SEMA Show education programming kicks off on Tuesday, November 5. To view the full list of sessions, go to SEMAShow.com/Education.  

To learn more or to register to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.  

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 14:05

By Ashley Reyes  

Manufacturers have until this Monday, September 9, to register for the 2025 SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, taking place January 21-23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Book your spot here.

Benefits of attending the Media Trade Conference include:

  1. Focused Meetings: Take part in more than 40 private, 30-minute meetings with media.   
  2. Media Exposure: Gain valuable connections with journalists, editors, writers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers.  
  3. Brand Visibility: Showcase your latest products to media who can promote your offerings in their channels.
  4. Market Intelligence: Gain a better understanding of the evolving media landscape.
  5. Networking Opportunities: Further your connections with networking events scheduled throughout the event.  

Registration is currently open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) manufacturing companies whose membership is active at the time of the conference.

Sign up now to secure your spot for this influential event!

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:04

By SEMA News Editors

Industry Night @ SEMA 2024

Jump start your 2024 SEMA Show by joining the aftermarket at 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, an exclusive celebration of car culture, community and collaboration featuring tire-smoking drift demos from OPTIMA and live performances of chart-topping music from The Goo Goo Dolls, as well as O.A.R. and Reignwolf.

Scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (PST), 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls will provide Showgoers with yet another opportunity to come together, celebrate the aftermarket and forge relationships that will drive the industry forward, all following a successful first day of the 2024 SEMA Show.

Open to all SEMA Showgoers and located on the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) campus, Industry Night will bring the aftermarket's many communities together in one place as the association sets the stage for the biggest week of the year, adding to the SEMA Show's already unparalleled slate of opportunities to connect with fellow industry members.

General admission tickets for the event start at just $39 (plus taxes and fees), while VIP tickets are $89 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets are available on SEMAShow.com. Don't wait to secure your tickets--prices will increase as the Show approaches. Note: Industry Night @ SEMA tickets do not include access to the Las Vegas Convention Center SEMA Show exhibit halls.

Click HERE to purchase general admission tickets.

Click HERE to purchase VIP tickets.

For more information on Industry Night @ SEMA Featuring The Goo Goo Dolls, visit SEMAShow.com.

Following the conclusion of the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest returns to the same stage at the LVCC on Friday, November 8, to bookend the SEMA Week experience. Open to the public, SEMA Fest will also include live music--highlighted by performances from Cage The Elephant, Sublime, Fitz And The Tantrums and Petey-- and heart-pounding motorsports activations, wrapping up the 2024 SEMA Show in style.

Tickets for SEMA Fest are already on sale. Visit SEMAFest.com for more information or to buy your tickets today.

Follow SEMA social media channels to stay up-to-date on 2024 Industry Night @ SEMA and SEMA Fest announcements.

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:03

By SEMA News Editors

Mishimoto

Marketing Coordinator in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania

This position is responsible for supporting the efforts of the marketing team to carry out campaigns, direct-to-consumer initiatives and business-to-business support. Duties include researching market trends, generating and presenting reports, creating campaigns and executing marketing events.

Power Automedia

Senior Managing Director in Temecula, California

The available leadership role in the Power Automedia content team will lead content operations and project management and report to the vice president of content. The new role will be pivotal in ensuring the execution of the company's content strategies, a constant flow of content across all channels and platforms and meeting sales, sponsorship and partnership obligations.

BluePrint Engines

Vice President of Operations in Kearney, Nebraska

BluePrint Engines is seeking a vice president of operations to develop and implement a full-scale manufacturing strategy and lead transformation initiatives across manufacturing and operations. The position requires experience and expertise in lean practices, sales, inventory, operations planning and supply-chain management.

QA1

Strategic Account Manager in Lakeville, Minnesota

Responsible for driving sales growth through strategic analysis, market research and relationship building, this position requires exceptional analytical skills, deep understanding of sales processes and an ability to identify customer needs.

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:23

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show Floor

 

SEMA offers several resources to help Show exhibitors maximize ROI, including the upcoming Freeman Show Services webinar for SEMA Show exhibitors on Tuesday, September 17, at 11 a.m. PDT/2 p.m. EDT(Register via Zoom here). The virtual event will give participants an opportunity to learn more about connecting with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals.

In the virtual webinar, current SEMA exhibitors can speak directly with SEMA Show staff to discover everything needed to plan for your Show like a pro. Join Craig Gaibler, director of customer experience of SEMA official partner Freeman, as he shares how to access Freeman online and learn about its services offered, plus the shipping and material handling options available to get your products and booth items to Vegas. Of course, the webinar will also cover SEMA Show information, money-saving pointers and on-site tips, and the Q&A session following the presentation will help exhibitors find the answers to their pre-Show questions.

If you are an exhibitor of the SEMA Show and want to save time and money and maximize ROI from your experience, don't miss this information-packed presentation on Tuesday, September 17! 

Register via Zoom here.

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:12

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA PACAs the 2024 election season approaches, we would like to extend a special invitation to you for an exclusive Election Watch Party and Reception at this year's SEMA Show. This event is hosted by the SEMA and PRI PAC (Political Action Committee), a critical initiative dedicated to supporting lawmakers who champion the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. 

Date: Tuesday, November 5 

Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PST

Location: The Ambassador Suite, Room 2915, Westgate Hotel (next to the LVCC) 

Suggested Contribution: $200 per person; includes an open bar and catering.  

Access: All guests should proceed to the central elevators in the Westgate Hotel Lobby. A security guard will take you to the 29th floor. 

To RSVP or upgrade your entire SEMA Show experience with an annual PAC membership, contact Alicia Steger at semapac@sema.org. Unable to attend? You can still support PAC efforts by contributing online.  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

What is the SEMA & PRI PAC? 

The SEMA and PRI PAC pools contributions from SEMA members like you to support lawmakers who understand and advocate for our industry. By contributing to the PAC, you help ensure that our industry's voice is heard in Washington, D.C., and that we can continue to protect the rights of automotive enthusiasts and businesses.

To learn more, visit www.semapac.com.  

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:12

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA PACAs the 2024 election season approaches, we would like to extend a special invitation to you for an exclusive Election Watch Party and Reception at this year's SEMA Show. This event is hosted by the SEMA and PRI PAC (Political Action Committee), a critical initiative dedicated to supporting lawmakers who champion the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. 

Date: Tuesday, November 5 

Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PST

Location: The Ambassador Suite, Room 2915, Westgate Hotel (next to the LVCC) 

Suggested Contribution: $200 per person; includes an open bar and catering.  

Access: All guests should proceed to the central elevators in the Westgate Hotel Lobby. A security guard will take you to the 29th floor. 

To RSVP or upgrade your entire SEMA Show experience with an annual PAC membership, contact Alicia Steger at semapac@sema.org. Unable to attend? You can still support PAC efforts by contributing online.  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

What is the SEMA & PRI PAC? 

The SEMA and PRI PAC pools contributions from SEMA members like you to support lawmakers who understand and advocate for our industry. By contributing to the PAC, you help ensure that our industry's voice is heard in Washington, D.C., and that we can continue to protect the rights of automotive enthusiasts and businesses.

To learn more, visit www.semapac.com.  

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:12

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA PACAs the 2024 election season approaches, we would like to extend a special invitation to you for an exclusive Election Watch Party and Reception at this year's SEMA Show. This event is hosted by the SEMA and PRI PAC (Political Action Committee), a critical initiative dedicated to supporting lawmakers who champion the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries. 

Date: Tuesday, November 5 

Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PST

Location: The Ambassador Suite, Room 2915, Westgate Hotel (next to the LVCC) 

Suggested Contribution: $200 per person; includes an open bar and catering.  

Access: All guests should proceed to the central elevators in the Westgate Hotel Lobby. A security guard will take you to the 29th floor. 

To RSVP or upgrade your entire SEMA Show experience with an annual PAC membership, contact Alicia Steger at semapac@sema.org. Unable to attend? You can still support PAC efforts by contributing online.  

We look forward to seeing you there! 

What is the SEMA & PRI PAC? 

The SEMA and PRI PAC pools contributions from SEMA members like you to support lawmakers who understand and advocate for our industry. By contributing to the PAC, you help ensure that our industry's voice is heard in Washington, D.C., and that we can continue to protect the rights of automotive enthusiasts and businesses.

To learn more, visit www.semapac.com.