The Camaro is available for SEMA Show project vehicle proposals.

This year’s Chevrolet SEMA Project Vehicle Program will focus on designers and manufacturers dedicated to creating new accessories and vehicle personalization items for Chevrolet's ’15 vehicles.

Vehicles available include:

• Silverado (light-duty only)
• Tahoe
• Sonic
• Spark
• Cruze
• Impala
• Camaro

Requirements:

• Preservation of Chevrolet bowtie on front and rear of vehicle, not to be painted
• High level of paint and build quality; no wraps
• Sponsorship decals to be limited to the lower 1/3 of the vehicle side
• Commit to periodic design and build check-ins
• Promote vehicle through November 4, 2015
• Retain vehicle insurance totaling at least $3 million until the completion of the one-year contract
• Submit proposal by March 31, 2014

Proposals must include:

• An introductory letter defining the vehicle theme, content and SEMA Show display location
• A realistic exterior rendering with the intended colors and modifications accurately defined
• A build timeline with start and completion dates
• A detailed list of upgrades and modifications, including new products developed with the use of the vehicle
• A promotional plan beyond the SEMA Show
• Three printed copies mailed to the address listed below
• An additional digital copy sent to the e-mail below

Builders are urged to contact Tom Gardner at thomas.gardner@gm.com before submitting a formal proposal to discuss the vehicle theme and modifications.

Send proposals to:

Tom Gardner
Mail Code: 480-717-004
GM Technical Center – AEC Building
30003 Van Dyke Ave.
Office 168-04
Warren, MI 48090-9060

	Ben Wulf has been named president and CEO of Port-A-Cool LLC.

Port-A-Cool Announces New President and CEO
Ben Wulf has been named president and CEO of Port-A-Cool LLC, a manufacturer of portable evaporative coolers and evaporative cooling media. He assumed the role from Bill Lloyd upon his retirement, effective January 2014.

At Port-A-Cool, Wulf most recently served as vice president of marketing and international sales. In that capacity, Wulf was instrumental in identifying key markets to build the company’s global presence through its distributor partner network in Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. More recently, he has spent significant time working with the company’s engineering, sourcing and manufacturing teams to help accelerate the growth of the company.

New West Coast Coker Tire Manufacturing Center Celebrates Grand Opening
The Coker Group opened its new 100,000-sq.-ft West Coast distribution and wheel manufacturing center in City of Industry, California. The company celebrated with a grand opening celebration in late-January, which was attended by local dignitaries, elected government officials, automotive celebrities and select media. The Coker Group’s new West Coast facility serves multiple purposes as a steel and wire wheel manufacturing plant, tire warehouse and distribution center allowing the company to easily assemble and ship products to customers in the Western United States and around the world.

In addition to serving as a manufacturing plant, warehouse and distribution center, the City of Industry facility also includes a small collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and assorted automobilia that is open to the public. Eventually, the company will hold regular visitor tours of the mini museum as well as guided tours of the wheel production facility where enthusiasts can watch their wheels being made.

Artonic Earns Award for ididit Website Creation, Design
Artonic, a Web-design and online-marketing firm based in Tecumseh, Michigan, earned the 2013 Summit International Awards (SIA) Marketing Effectiveness Award (MEA) for the company's creation and construction ididit inc's website.

According to ididit, Artonic created the ididit website from the ground up with ididit's direction, using custom design to mirror ididit’s detailed, award-winning hot-rod steering columns and accessories. The MEA-winning final product evidences its effectiveness by the ididit website's analytics data. This data shows a 57% bounce-rate decrease, 110% increase in visit duration, 188% increase in pages viewed per visit, and a 226% overall increase in page views.

Carlyle Group Completes Acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group, has completed its acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings and announced that the company is being renamed Axalta Coating Systems.  Axalta Coating Systems is a global supplier of coatings to the transportation and industrial sectors.

“We are excited to invest in Axalta Coating Systems and believe its strong market position and global footprint will enable the company to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly emerging markets such as China and Brazil. As experienced investors in the industrial and transportation sectors, the One Carlyle global network can help Axalta Coating Systems grow and create value,” said Martin Sumner, Principal of The Carlyle Group.

Charlie Shaver, the company’s Chairman and CEO added, “We look forward to this exciting next chapter for Axalta Coating Systems.  Our global scale with 35 plants and seven technology centers around the world, combined with Carlyle’s industrial focus and global network, position us well for the future.” As an independent company, Axalta Coating Systems will build on a foundation of more than 90 years in the coatings industry. The company serves more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries and provides customers with a full range of coating systems. 

Axalta Coating Systems develops, manufactures and sells coatings and application tools to automobile repair body shops and original equipment manufacturers in the automotive and heavy-duty truck markets. Its strong market positions are supported by global brands including Standox, Spies Hecker, Cromax and Imron. The company’s technology leadership is highlighted by its best-in-class third generation of waterborne systems developed to address growing customer requirements for higher productivity and environmentally friendly coatings.

Meyer Distributing and Vehicle Specialties Inc. Join Forces
Through a newly announced partnership between Meyer Distributing Inc. and Vehicle Specialties Inc., Meyer will use its logistical capabilities to bring enhanced service to VSI customers. The Hammond facility will remain in operation, continuing to work with its suppliers and customers and focusing on growth in the high-performance and racing parts industry.

"We are very eager to enter the performance industry wholeheartedly with this acquisition. VSI is very well respected among customers and suppliers so it’s a great fit,” states Nick Gramelspacher, vice president of sales and marketing at Meyer. “Being able to offer legendary product lines such as MSD, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, and many others across our nationwide network is of great excitement and opportunity.”

	Mike Boyte was appointed manufacturing manager for MultiCam Inc.

MultiCam Inc. Names Mike Boyte Manufacturing Manager
Mike Boyte has been appointed manufacturing manager for MultiCam Inc. He has more than 20 years of manufacturing and quality control experience in industries related to factory automation. In 2008, Boyte received his MBA from Texas A&M University. In addition, he is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and will continue to lead MultiCam’s efforts in lean manufacturing which were implemented in 2012. In his new position, Boyte will report to Tony McGrew, director of operations.

WeatherTech Makes Investment in Superbowl Ad
WeatherTech’s 30-second advertisement aired on Fox Network during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLVII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. The purchase of the advertisement time was a sizable marketing investment for the automotive floor mat manufacturer, according to Bolingbrook, Illinois-based WeatherTech.

"We have been thinking about buying ad time during the Super Bowl for the past three years," said David MacNeil, founder and CEO of WeatherTech. "With our confidence in the improving economy and the reach of over 111 million viewers that the Super Bowl coverage provides, we thought it was the right time to make the investment. It is a big outlay for our company, but we are looking at as an investment in our brand as well as in the future of our employees and their families." The WeatherTech commercial, titled “You Can’t Do That,” is focused on the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and creating jobs in the United States. It was designed to evoke a strong reaction from viewers, according to the company.

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.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for Ford's replacement for the Shelby GT500, in the guise of this less-disguised prototype running the streets of Dearborn. The sunset light penetrates the front camouflage and shows the slit for the hood-mounted air scoop, pointing to forced-induction. The front fender shows an air-permeable mesh panel to allow for the functional vent aft of the front wheel. The quad exhaust is clearly seen without any camouflage. The prototype is running on 295/35/R19s.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for Ford's replacement for the Shelby GT500, in the guise of this less-disguised prototype running the streets of Dearborn. The sunset light penetrates the front camouflage and shows the slit for the hood-mounted air scoop, pointing to forced-induction. The front fender shows an air-permeable mesh panel to allow for the functional vent aft of the front wheel. The quad exhaust is clearly seen without any camouflage. The prototype is running on 295/35/R19s.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography caught a prototype for Ford's replacement for the Shelby GT500, in the guise of this less-disguised prototype running the streets of Dearborn. The sunset light penetrates the front camouflage and shows the slit for the hood-mounted air scoop, pointing to forced-induction. The front fender shows an air-permeable mesh panel to allow for the functional vent aft of the front wheel. The quad exhaust is clearly seen without any camouflage. The prototype is running on 295/35/R19s.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

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.

• American Eagle Wheel Corp., located in San Antonio, Texas, is hiring a sales manager to develop a business plan and sales strategy for the market that ensures attainment of company sales quotas and profitability. Prior sales and management experience in aftermarket wheel and/or tire industry and wholesale experience are required. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

• Power Automedia, located in Murrieta, California, is hiring a vice president, sales and marketing to lead the sales team and personally cultivate and grow business across the organization. The ideal candidate has a stellar seven–10-year track record consisting of both individual sales success and leading sales teams within the automotive media sector and more than five years of training, management and optimization of sales skills and processes in direct report teams of five–20 sales people.

• RealTruck.com, located in Fargo, North Dakota, is hiring a web developer/programmer with PHP5 skills to join the company's development team.

• Gibson Performance Exhaust, located in Corona, California, is hiring an inside sales representative to establish and maintain current and potential client relationships, focuson new customer developments, follow up on new leads and occasional trade show attendance. The ideal candidate will have an automotive background.  

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.

• American Eagle Wheel Corp., located in San Antonio, Texas, is hiring a sales manager to develop a business plan and sales strategy for the market that ensures attainment of company sales quotas and profitability. Prior sales and management experience in aftermarket wheel and/or tire industry and wholesale experience are required. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

• Power Automedia, located in Murrieta, California, is hiring a vice president, sales and marketing to lead the sales team and personally cultivate and grow business across the organization. The ideal candidate has a stellar seven–10-year track record consisting of both individual sales success and leading sales teams within the automotive media sector and more than five years of training, management and optimization of sales skills and processes in direct report teams of five–20 sales people.

• RealTruck.com, located in Fargo, North Dakota, is hiring a web developer/programmer with PHP5 skills to join the company's development team.

• Gibson Performance Exhaust, located in Corona, California, is hiring an inside sales representative to establish and maintain current and potential client relationships, focuson new customer developments, follow up on new leads and occasional trade show attendance. The ideal candidate will have an automotive background.  

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of niche-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular market segment.

Visit SBN's website.

Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer

SBN Member of the Month: Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer, Formula Drift Holdings

Casidi Tanaka-Fixmer is the manager of ticketing and registration for Formula Drift Holdings in Long Beach, California, and SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?
Formula Drift is recognized as North America's professional drifting championship series. We have seven rounds that travel throughout the United States. We are the first official series in North America that has taken competitive motorsports to the extreme. It is a highly skilled, high-powered motorsport where the drivers maneuver their cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides through a marked course. It is judged on execution and style rather than who finishes the course in the fastest time.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
All the planning of an event from start to finish and watching everything come together at the end.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?
Six years.

What brought you to the industry?
I always loved motorsports and my husband was a driver at the time. I also really enjoy the organizational side of things.

Who is your industry mentor?
I would have to say both of my bosses at Formula Drift, Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage. They are both great guys to work for.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"You have to have a backbone to work in this industry." – Andy Luk (my co-worker)

What is your dream car?
Nissan GT-R

What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time with my family and traveling with my husband.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Restoration Parts Registration Open for Hot Products Showcase

Registration is now open for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization’s (ARMO) Hot Products Showcase, which will take place April 23–26, 2014, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

This event is an opportunity for council members to display one or more products in front of one of the single-largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts in the world.

In addition to having products on display in the Hot Products tent, a professional photographer will photograph each one. The photos will be available to manufacturers and will also be used in a slideshow at the ARMO booth and reception at the SEMA Show. A gallery on the ARMO webpage also houses each of the photos, along with a product description for those unable to attend the event. This publicity is available to ARMO members for only the cost of shipping the product entries to the Carlisle Fairgrounds.

Product entries must meet the following criteria:

• Must be the product of an ARMO member-company.
• Must be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Members can register products by filling out the online application. All applications must be received by April 18, 2014. Not an ARMO member? Join today to gain access to this event and other council benefits.

Restoration Professionals Gather for Networking at the Hot Products Showcase

ARMO will host a networking mixer in the Hot Products Tent at the Showcase, Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. The mixer will be a chance for members to grab a drink and spend some time interacting one-on-one with council leadership and fellow ARMO members. The council leadership believes this event holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships to be formed as members network with new and old industry friends. RSVP to save your spot.

Make Your Voice Heard at the ARMO Industry Discussion

This year, the council will also hold an industry discussion, Friday, April 25, from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the Hot Products Tent. The session will allow members and others interested in joining the council to voice their concerns, ask questions and offer input to the group. For members who would like to be a part of shaping future projects and events, this will be a chance to make their voices heard. Send in your RSVP today.

For more information about any of these events, contact Council Director Jim Skelly.

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Visit HRIA's website

HRIA Education Day will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

Hot Rod Council to Present Education Day at 2014 Detroit Autorama

By Della Domingo

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.

“For more than 10 years, HRIA Education Day has proven to be a key event for helping manufacturers share detailed, and sometimes technical, information about their products with their customers,” said Jim Skelly, SEMA director of councils. “Holding the Education Day program at the Detroit Autorama will allow HRIA members to expand and reach a new audience.”

HRIA previously held its Education Day program at the Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show in Indianapolis. The move to the Detroit Autorama will enable manufacturers to reach a new, expanded audience. Autorama, which is well known for having the world’s most coveted hot rods, prestigious awards competitions, as well as top celebrities and student programs, attracts more than 150,000 individuals annually. Education Day will take place Thursday, March 6, 2014 (the day before Autorama officially opens), and is open to all hot-rod shops and businesses, as well as to all Autorama attendees.

“As one of the nation’s premier indoor custom car shows, the Detroit Autorama attracts thousands of businesses and enthusiasts who are passionate and deeply vested in new hot-rod products,” said Peter A. Toundas, president of Championship Auto Shows Inc.—promoter of the event. “The HRIA Education Day program will add a valuable element to the event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect directly with manufacturers, which would be difficult for them to do on their own.”

Attendee registration is now open. Reserve your spot today.

For more information about HRIA, contact Jim Skelly.

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