The Dave Despain Show Debuts April 25

	Dave Despain will host an in-depth series where he interviews racing's legends, current superstars and rising talent.

Renowned American motorsports journalist and broadcaster Dave Despain will host an in-depth series where he conducts interviews with racing's legends, current superstars and rising talent. Each 30-minute episode of The Dave Despain Show will feature a one-on-one interview with an influential person in motorsports. Despain will delve into the background and history of the stars, and the personal approach to the interviews allows the guest to tell stories and recall memories from their lives and careers.

Innova Electronics Corp. Launches New Website

Innova Electronics Corp. has launched a new site featuring a new design that reflects the company's commitment to the automotive diagnostic-tools market. The site now features product pages for its digital multimeters, electrical testers, mechanical testers, OBD1 tools and timing lights. Company information, technical support and manuals are also included on the website, in addition to repair information, such as a diagnostic trouble code library, tech tips, videos, pre-diagnosis worksheets, a glossary and a repair-shop and parts-store locator.

The site also features information and access to RepairSolutions—a web-based service was created to assist technicians of all levels in quickly diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Subscribers can view, save and e-mail the diagnostic data retrieved from a vehicle’s on-board computer(s) using an Innova diagnostic tool.

Lingenfelter Collection Open House for Charity Set for April 26

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering will open its doors Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., for the 2014 Collection Open House to benefit charity.

Lingenfelter Performance Engineering will open its doors Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., for the 2014 Collection Open House to benefit charity. Lingenfelter is located at 819 Lochlin Drive in Brighton, Michigan. The donations accepted at this year's Collection Open House will benefit Gleaners Community Food Bank, which provides support to a broad population in southeastern Michigan, as well as The Bottomless Toy Chest, which delivers art projects, crafts and interactive games to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients.
 
The Lingenfelter Collection, known as one of the most impressive car collections in the country, features more than 200 vehicles, including historically significant Corvettes, musclecars and late-model exotic vehicles that have been secured since 1980 by Ken Lingenfelter, CEO/owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. Ken and Mike Copeland, vice president and general manager of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, will be on hand to answer questions about Lingenfelter vehicles, products and services. Much of the Lingenfelter Collection can be viewed online at www.LingenfelterCollection.com. Additional information is available by calling 248-486-5342.

ESAB Announces Colfax's Acquisition of Victor Technologies Holdings

ESAB, a member of the Colfax group of companies, announced that Colfax Corp. has completed the acquisition of Victor Technologies Holdings Inc. Victor is a pre-eminent global manufacturer of cutting, gas-control and specialty-welding solutions with many recognized brands around the globe. The acquisition expands ESAB's product portfolio into new segments and applications and brings together two leading organizations with world-class products, technologies and R&D.

Ken Konopa, senior vice president of marketing and engineering for ESAB, commented: “The products, technology and expertise Victor brings to our portfolio, when combined with ESAB’s solutions, strengthens our value to customers globally. It is an exciting combination and an excellent strategic fit. We anticipate a seamless integration experience for our customers, channel partners and associates.”

Axalta Helps Bring Race Day to Jeff Gordon Pediatric Treatment Room

	An Axalta Racing theme now brightens the walls of the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation's treatment room at the Children's Blood and Cancer Center, part of Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas.

The ribbon cutting in early April at the unveiling of the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation's treatment room at the Children's Blood and Cancer Center, part of Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, revealed an Axalta Racing theme.

An action shot of the No. 24 pit crew graces a large wall of the treatment room from floor to ceiling. The picture epitomizes teamwork, energy and strength, and the cabinetry has elements that replicate Gordon's team's toolboxes. The funds to sponsor the room were raised by volunteers from the Austin Chapter of the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation Promise Circle, with a significant contribution made by the Austin office of CBRE Group Inc. The Promise Circle members work in their communities with leading cancer treatment centers and serve as advocates for children with cancer to provide support services to the children and their families.

"We couldn't be more thrilled with how the room turned out. We support Jeff Gordon on the track when he races each weekend and off the track with the wonderful work his foundation does," says Lisa Miree-Luke, Axalta Corporate Affairs Leader for North America. "We hope the amazing children who spend time here will enjoy their surroundings."

Warren Oil Company Inc. Expands Plant, Creates Warren Unilube Inc.

Warren Oil Company Inc. announced the expansion of the West Memphis, Arkansas, plant. Warren Unilube Inc.—a new grease manufacturing and packaging plant at this location—has successfully completed trial runs and has begun full production. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the plant is initially focusing on Lithium, Lithium complex, anhydrous calcium and calcium sulfonate greases.

The new facility has an annual capacity of 10 million lbs. with the ability to expand with future demand. Meeting customer needs is top priority. An estimated 50% of the plant capacity has been dedicated to private label packaging, ensuring a high-quality product packaged exclusively for the customer. The West Memphis, Arkansas location, Warren Unilube Inc., is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. This facility will only enhance Warren Oil Company, Inc.’s ability to provide the highest-quality products with superior value for customers.

“Black Bow Tie” Captures Del Mar d’Elegance Crown

Pictured above is Wes and Vivian Rydell’s “Black Bow Tie”—winner of the Goodguys 2014 March Performance Street Rod d’Elegance award.

Wes and Vivian Rydell’s “Black Bow Tie” took home the Goodguys 2014 March Performance Street Rod d’Elegance award during last weekend’s Goodguys 14th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals. The rare 1935 Chevy Standard Phaeton (one of 217 ever made) burst on the scene back in January when it won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in Pomona.

Fabricated, assembled, finished, upholstered and painted a two-tone maroon and black by Rad Rides by Troy, the Phaeton got its start 12 years ago at Rydell’s Toy Shop in Grand Forks, North Dakota, under the watchful eye of craftsman Doug Pederson. Working off of a Foose Design, Pederson modified a Roadster Shop chassis and did a substantial amount of metal work on the body before shipping the car to Rad Rides by Troy, where they spent nearly a year finishing the car in preparation for the 2014 show season.

The body was lengthened 2 in. and features a 3-in. longer-than-stock wheelbase. The shortened grill was reclined by “pulling out” the bottom and the windshield posts have been laid back 2.5 in. It rides on Heidt’s IFS and IRS suspension. The engine is a 383 Chevy Ram Jet with EFI, modified to look like it features original 1957 Rochester injection. Goodguys members and enthusiasts will surely remember Rydell’s past Foose-designed cars including the “Grand Master” ’35 Chevy (2002 Ridler winner and Goodguys Street Rod of the Year) as well as his Goodguys 2007 Custom Rod of the Year-winning ’54 Chevy Bel Air.
 

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. 

By Jason Catullo

	SEMA's new Media Cove is designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to produce visually spectacular product and vehicle images for promotion and marketing.

The SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center has a new exciting feature now available to SEMA members—a fully equipped media cove for video and photo shoots of products and full vehicles. The SEMA Garage is located next to the association's headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The cove was designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to provide members with a purpose-built location to produce visually spectacular images of their products and vehicles for promotion and marketing. It was equipped with the assistance of professional photographer Randy Lorentzen, who helped SEMA go all out in the planning and restructuring of the garage to bring the state-of-the-art cove to life.

"We optimized it to 110%. We've got as great as a space we could possibly have," said Lorentzen. "The cove is set up so that not only a professional photographer like me can come in and make the best possible use of it, but also so that an average person with minor knowledge of his or her camera can come in and look like a hero."

With construction of the media cove complete, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

In addition to the cove, the SEMA Garage provides other services and tools designed for product development, fitment, research and more. In fact, the SEMA Garage serves as the main location for most of SEMA’s Measuring Sessions—which provide manufacturers access to upcoming vehicles, most often, before they hit dealerships. Now, with the opening of the media cove, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

With the completion of the cove, the garage is now comprised of four cells: one is a complete emissions-certification lab and chassis dyno (via SEMA's partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California; cell two is a the garage that includes a lift and a full array of tools; cell three is the media cove; and cell four is a large training room and welcome center.

With the combination of the SEMA Garage and Tech Transfer program, the entire product-development process is now more affordable and efficient.

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Garage for product development, fitment, photography, research and more. For more information about the facility, including upcoming events and to schedule time in the Media Cove, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.  

By Jason Catullo

	SEMA's new Media Cove is designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to produce visually spectacular product and vehicle images for promotion and marketing.

The SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center has a new exciting feature now available to SEMA members—a fully equipped media cove for video and photo shoots of products and full vehicles. The SEMA Garage is located next to the association's headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The cove was designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to provide members with a purpose-built location to produce visually spectacular images of their products and vehicles for promotion and marketing. It was equipped with the assistance of professional photographer Randy Lorentzen, who helped SEMA go all out in the planning and restructuring of the garage to bring the state-of-the-art cove to life.

"We optimized it to 110%. We've got as great as a space we could possibly have," said Lorentzen. "The cove is set up so that not only a professional photographer like me can come in and make the best possible use of it, but also so that an average person with minor knowledge of his or her camera can come in and look like a hero."

With construction of the media cove complete, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

In addition to the cove, the SEMA Garage provides other services and tools designed for product development, fitment, research and more. In fact, the SEMA Garage serves as the main location for most of SEMA’s Measuring Sessions—which provide manufacturers access to upcoming vehicles, most often, before they hit dealerships. Now, with the opening of the media cove, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

With the completion of the cove, the garage is now comprised of four cells: one is a complete emissions-certification lab and chassis dyno (via SEMA's partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California; cell two is a the garage that includes a lift and a full array of tools; cell three is the media cove; and cell four is a large training room and welcome center.

With the combination of the SEMA Garage and Tech Transfer program, the entire product-development process is now more affordable and efficient.

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Garage for product development, fitment, photography, research and more. For more information about the facility, including upcoming events and to schedule time in the Media Cove, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.  

By Jason Catullo

	SEMA's new Media Cove is designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to produce visually spectacular product and vehicle images for promotion and marketing.

The SEMA Garage – Industry Innovations Center has a new exciting feature now available to SEMA members—a fully equipped media cove for video and photo shoots of products and full vehicles. The SEMA Garage is located next to the association's headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.

The cove was designed with the lighting, space and equipment needed to provide members with a purpose-built location to produce visually spectacular images of their products and vehicles for promotion and marketing. It was equipped with the assistance of professional photographer Randy Lorentzen, who helped SEMA go all out in the planning and restructuring of the garage to bring the state-of-the-art cove to life.

"We optimized it to 110%. We've got as great as a space we could possibly have," said Lorentzen. "The cove is set up so that not only a professional photographer like me can come in and make the best possible use of it, but also so that an average person with minor knowledge of his or her camera can come in and look like a hero."

With construction of the media cove complete, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

In addition to the cove, the SEMA Garage provides other services and tools designed for product development, fitment, research and more. In fact, the SEMA Garage serves as the main location for most of SEMA’s Measuring Sessions—which provide manufacturers access to upcoming vehicles, most often, before they hit dealerships. Now, with the opening of the media cove, members can go from developing, prototyping and testing products to photography and packaging, all in one industry-built facility.

With the completion of the cove, the garage is now comprised of four cells: one is a complete emissions-certification lab and chassis dyno (via SEMA's partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California; cell two is a the garage that includes a lift and a full array of tools; cell three is the media cove; and cell four is a large training room and welcome center.

With the combination of the SEMA Garage and Tech Transfer program, the entire product-development process is now more affordable and efficient.

SEMA members are encouraged to take advantage of the SEMA Garage for product development, fitment, photography, research and more. For more information about the facility, including upcoming events and to schedule time in the Media Cove, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.  

	Companies interested in building a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show are required to submit proposals by April 25.

Companies planning to build a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show—November 4–7, in Las Vegas—must submit their project-vehicle proposals to Hyundai by April 25. Winning bids will be announced May 17.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program will focus on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market. Last year, Hyundai's booth displayed two tuner-modified vehicles that earned spots in Edmund’s Top Ten Cars of the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Hyundai booth will focus on three models for 2014:

• Genesis Sedan
• Sonata Sedan
• Genesis Coupe

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of any of its vehicles in other booths and approved vehicle locations throughout the Show. Both production and pre-production vehicles are available for modification. Support for the builds is included in the request for proposal (RFP) as are other program details. Photography of the all-new Sonata will be released after the New York Auto Show reveal.

SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (MNino@hmausa.com) to discuss potential proposals.

	Companies interested in building a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show are required to submit proposals by April 25.

Companies planning to build a Hyundai-based project vehicle for the 2014 SEMA Show—November 4–7, in Las Vegas—must submit their project-vehicle proposals to Hyundai by April 25. Winning bids will be announced May 17.

Hyundai’s SEMA Show Program will focus on tuners and suppliers dedicated to creating exciting, aspirational vehicle modifications for the performance market. Last year, Hyundai's booth displayed two tuner-modified vehicles that earned spots in Edmund’s Top Ten Cars of the 2013 SEMA Show.

The Hyundai booth will focus on three models for 2014:

• Genesis Sedan
• Sonata Sedan
• Genesis Coupe

Hyundai encourages the modification and display of any of its vehicles in other booths and approved vehicle locations throughout the Show. Both production and pre-production vehicles are available for modification. Support for the builds is included in the request for proposal (RFP) as are other program details. Photography of the all-new Sonata will be released after the New York Auto Show reveal.

SEMA exhibitors who have worked with OEMs in the past and are interested in working with Hyundai are encouraged to contact Mike Nino (MNino@hmausa.com) to discuss potential proposals.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Bully Dog, located in American Falls, Idaho, is hiring a marketing writer to write press releases, copy for the company's website and video products and produce and deliver a monthly newsletter. The successful candidate must have the ability to understand business and the automotive aftermarket industry and work with magazines and other publishing agents.

• AAM Competition LLC, located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, is hiring an entry-mid-level sales associate with at least two years' sales experience and knowledge of the automotive aftermarket industry. The successful candidate will have excellent computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office.

• Power Automedia, located in Murrieta, California, is hiring a senior advertising representative responsible for selling digital advertising and video production services to automotive industry clients, mentoring and training the Power Automedia sales team. The successful candidate must have advertising sales and/or an automotive marketing background, existing relationships with automotive industry decision makers and be a passionate automotive/truck enthusiast.

• Merceli Wheels, located in Commerce, California, is hiring a sales representative with related wheels experience. The successful candidate must be reliable, hard working, have excellent communication skills, basic knowledge of the automotive industry and the ability to generate new customers and close the sale.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

• Bully Dog, located in American Falls, Idaho, is hiring a marketing writer to write press releases, copy for the company's website and video products and produce and deliver a monthly newsletter. The successful candidate must have the ability to understand business and the automotive aftermarket industry and work with magazines and other publishing agents.

• AAM Competition LLC, located in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, is hiring an entry-mid-level sales associate with at least two years' sales experience and knowledge of the automotive aftermarket industry. The successful candidate will have excellent computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office.

• Power Automedia, located in Murrieta, California, is hiring a senior advertising representative responsible for selling digital advertising and video production services to automotive industry clients, mentoring and training the Power Automedia sales team. The successful candidate must have advertising sales and/or an automotive marketing background, existing relationships with automotive industry decision makers and be a passionate automotive/truck enthusiast.

• Merceli Wheels, located in Commerce, California, is hiring a sales representative with related wheels experience. The successful candidate must be reliable, hard working, have excellent communication skills, basic knowledge of the automotive industry and the ability to generate new customers and close the sale.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Chris Morris. At 34, Morris is already a regional sales manager at Undercover.

Chris Morris, 34

Regional Sales Manager—Undercover Inc.

Chris Morris developed his interest in the automotive world from watching car shows and races on TV with his father, and that interest was further developed under the tutelage of Dave Wells, president of Undercover, as well as the company’s national sales manager, Sally Goldberg. “Dave took a chance on me years ago and has always believed in me and given me the tools to succeed, and Sally taught me so much along the way that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” Morris said. “Since I started working at Undercover a little over eight years ago, we have added many products to our line, and we are proud of the fact that all of them are made right here in the U.S.A. I believe that not being complacent and staying on top of the trends in the market are very important. Undercover has released a hard-folding cover called the Flex, and its sleek, low-profile design has become a huge success for us.” In his briefcase: “I can’t live without my iPhone, iPad, laptop, Map Point software, GPS, and pen and paper. The most important tool of all is my relationships with my customers. They are the ones who drive our business, and if I don’t take care of them, someone else will.”

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Chris Morris. At 34, Morris is already a regional sales manager at Undercover.

Chris Morris, 34

Regional Sales Manager—Undercover Inc.

Chris Morris developed his interest in the automotive world from watching car shows and races on TV with his father, and that interest was further developed under the tutelage of Dave Wells, president of Undercover, as well as the company’s national sales manager, Sally Goldberg. “Dave took a chance on me years ago and has always believed in me and given me the tools to succeed, and Sally taught me so much along the way that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” Morris said. “Since I started working at Undercover a little over eight years ago, we have added many products to our line, and we are proud of the fact that all of them are made right here in the U.S.A. I believe that not being complacent and staying on top of the trends in the market are very important. Undercover has released a hard-folding cover called the Flex, and its sleek, low-profile design has become a huge success for us.” In his briefcase: “I can’t live without my iPhone, iPad, laptop, Map Point software, GPS, and pen and paper. The most important tool of all is my relationships with my customers. They are the ones who drive our business, and if I don’t take care of them, someone else will.”