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 YEN's website

	(L-R): (back row) Sergio Ramirez, Amanda Watt, Chris Potter, Adam Brown, Ben Chase, Wyatt Tegtmeier. (Front row) Rebeca Olavarrieta, Kenna Primm, Susan Rosales and Chris Lindh.

Read Reflections From Fellowship Participants

By Amanda Gubbins

Reflections about the SEMA Show from this year’s Young Executives Network (YEN) Fellowship participants are now available online.

“My first SEMA Show experience was so much more than just walking the Show floor,” said Chris Potter. “It was about the people behind those parts and companies. It’s those people who come together and become SEMA. The organization can be described as the backbone of our industry. These people work together to promote and fight for our industry, ensuring that the automotive aftermarket and the people who are that industry can adapt and grow in an ever-changing world.”

Along with Potter, Adam Brown, Ben Chase, Chris Lindh, Rebeca Olavarrieta, Kenna Primm, Sergio Ramirez, Susan Rosales, Wyatt Tegtmeier and Amanda Watt also shared what they gained from the experience.

The SEMA Show YEN Fellowship is a benefit available to SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 through YEN. This free group provides members with professional development opportunities alongside others in the industry. In particular, the fellowship program demonstrates SEMA’s commitment to recognizing and developing talent among the next generation of specialty-equipment professionals.

Candidates for the fellowship submit an application and essays, which are used to select the final 10 award winners. The selected participants then have the chance to develop their business skills and expand their professional network by attending events at the Show. Applications for the 2014 fellowship will be accepted beginning early in the New Year.

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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 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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Visit MPMC's website.

	The 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference will be held January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South.

By SEMA Editors

Reporters, editors and freelance journalists: Conduct private interviews with leading manufacturers during the 2014 MPMC Media Trade Conference. Registration is now open and available. The 2014 event takes place January 21–23, at the Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North in Santa Ana, California.

The annual Media Trade Conference, which features 100 companies from SEMA's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), brings together members of the working press with motorsports parts producers for face-to-face private meetings. Media reps have the opportunity to meet with up to 14 exhibitors each day of the conference—for a total of 42 quality meetings throughout the event's three days.

Media will select the manufacturers they most want to meet with and indicate those which they do not want to meet with when registering online. A personalized schedule will then be created for the registered media, and sent out in early January. Register now! Questions? Media inquiries can be directed to dellad@sema.org. All manufacturer questions or general questions about the event can be directed to jimsk@sema.org or 909-978-6690.

View the list of participating exhibitors.

Date: January 21–23, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Orange County Airport South
1325 East Dyer Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

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Visit SBN's website.

	Michelle Knight

SBN Member of the Month: Michelle Knight, International AERO Products

Michelle Knight, communications director and central U.S. sales director for International AERO Products, is the SBN Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

International AERO Products manufactures a full line of interior and exterior detailing products that have been used on multi-million-dollar aircraft for several years.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is sharing with people innovative ways to protect their prized possessions with new technology and easy-to-use products.

How long have you been involved in the aftermarket industry?

Almost three years.

What brought you to the industry?

As a child, I grew up around this product line being used on private aircraft at International AERO Services. While I was still in college, I wrote the manuals on how to clean aircraft with these products. Once International AERO Products started in 2011, it was a perfect fit because I knew what these products could accomplish at more than 500 mph at an altitude of more than 30,000 ft., and couldn’t wait to present this line to the automotive industry.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

At 24 years old, I am still working on the big ones, so stay tuned.

Are you a member of other organizations?

SEMA's Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

The entire International AERO Crew has been amazing—answering questions, giving me new detailing tips, working together as a crew and teaching each other something new every day. However, Mike Hansen, director of sales and marketing, has been an incredible mentor and always encourages me to try new things and gives me every opportunity to learn more about this incredible industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Always have a notebook by your bed because you never know when a great idea will come to mind.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I’m a total bookworm and love to bake.

What is your dream car?

The Porsche 356A Speedster replica from Top Gun.

What is your favorite pastime?

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, my family and I spent tons of time at the beach, going to events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, and of course, days at Disneyland.

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	Eric Grant (right), SEMA's first executive director and a key contributor to the early growth of the specialty-equipment industry and SEMA, passed away on December 23.

Eric Grant, SEMA's first executive director and member of the SEMA Hall of Fame, passed away on December 23. Grant's contributions to and impact on the specialty-equipment industry are not based on producing performance parts or increasing vehicle speed, but his importance to the growth of the automotive aftermarket and SEMA's early years cannot be disputed.

In the ’50s and ’60s, local, state and federal governments were increasingly regulating emissions and vehicle performance parts to address air quality and safety concerns. The aftermarket felt threatened, and yet the industry surprisingly tapped one of the most ardent regulators to lead SEMA. That was Grant. He turned out to be the right man for the job at exactly the right time, ushering in a period of tremendous association growth.

As executive director, he was instrumental in changing the name of what was then known as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association to the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association. A bylaws change also opened SEMA to the entire range of aftermarket businesses, from manufacturers to distributors and from retailers to service providers. (That inclusiveness would eventually lead to the organization’s Specialty Equipment Market Association moniker, which is still in use today.)

Read more about Eric Grant and his impact on the industry and association on the SEMA Hall of Fame website.

Details on services for Eric Grant were not known at press time. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more information.

	Eric Grant (right), SEMA's first executive director and a key contributor to the early growth of the specialty-equipment industry and SEMA, passed away on December 23.

Eric Grant, SEMA's first executive director and member of the SEMA Hall of Fame, passed away on December 23. Grant's contributions to and impact on the specialty-equipment industry are not based on producing performance parts or increasing vehicle speed, but his importance to the growth of the automotive aftermarket and SEMA's early years cannot be disputed.

In the ’50s and ’60s, local, state and federal governments were increasingly regulating emissions and vehicle performance parts to address air quality and safety concerns. The aftermarket felt threatened, and yet the industry surprisingly tapped one of the most ardent regulators to lead SEMA. That was Grant. He turned out to be the right man for the job at exactly the right time, ushering in a period of tremendous association growth.

As executive director, he was instrumental in changing the name of what was then known as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association to the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association. A bylaws change also opened SEMA to the entire range of aftermarket businesses, from manufacturers to distributors and from retailers to service providers. (That inclusiveness would eventually lead to the organization’s Specialty Equipment Market Association moniker, which is still in use today.)

Read more about Eric Grant and his impact on the industry and association on the SEMA Hall of Fame website.

Details on services for Eric Grant were not known at press time. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more information.

	Eric Grant (right), SEMA's first executive director and a key contributor to the early growth of the specialty-equipment industry and SEMA, passed away on December 23.

Eric Grant, SEMA's first executive director and member of the SEMA Hall of Fame, passed away on December 23. Grant's contributions to and impact on the specialty-equipment industry are not based on producing performance parts or increasing vehicle speed, but his importance to the growth of the automotive aftermarket and SEMA's early years cannot be disputed.

In the ’50s and ’60s, local, state and federal governments were increasingly regulating emissions and vehicle performance parts to address air quality and safety concerns. The aftermarket felt threatened, and yet the industry surprisingly tapped one of the most ardent regulators to lead SEMA. That was Grant. He turned out to be the right man for the job at exactly the right time, ushering in a period of tremendous association growth.

As executive director, he was instrumental in changing the name of what was then known as the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association to the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association. A bylaws change also opened SEMA to the entire range of aftermarket businesses, from manufacturers to distributors and from retailers to service providers. (That inclusiveness would eventually lead to the organization’s Specialty Equipment Market Association moniker, which is still in use today.)

Read more about Eric Grant and his impact on the industry and association on the SEMA Hall of Fame website.

Details on services for Eric Grant were not known at press time. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for more information.

MSD Performance Group Acquired by Hot Rod Brands LLC
MSD Performance Group (MSDP)—seller of products under the MSD, Racepak, Powerteq, Edge and Superchips brands—announced that the company was acquired by Hot Rod Brands LLC, an affiliate of Z Capital Partners LLC. Z Capital is a private equity firm with approximately $1.2 billion of regulatory assets and committed capital with offices in Lake Forest, Illinois and New York, New York. The firm specializes in investing in companies with a strong product line and top tier brand recognition. The group leverages its operational expertise in actively working with the management teams of their portfolio companies to enhance enterprise value.

"We are excited to add MSDP to the Z Capital portfolio of companies and believe it to be a terrific growth platform. We will work with the management team to continue to be a market leader and deliver cutting-edge products to our loyal customer base. MSDP represents substantial brands within the performance segment, and we look forward to further solidifying and growing that brand recognition," said James J. Zenni, president and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital.

MSD Performance looks forward to the future as the combination of a stronger balance sheet and focused ownership will allow for an even greater ability to serve consumers with exciting new products and technology. In recent years MSD Performance has expanded its portfolio of products and technology, including the award-winning Atomic brand Fuel Injection systems, Flashcal brand Jeep hand-held programmer, Vigilante brand Harley tuning products and this year's SEMA Show introduction of Brainwave, the new Vehicle Management Network that allows aftermarket components to utilize a common technology platform for complete vehicle communication.

	Team Moroso from Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, won the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Champions: Team Moroso, Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center
Team Moroso, from Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw, Oklahoma, defeated 22 other schools from across the nation to win the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis.

School instructor Jim LaFevers tutored a six-student group that broke the event’s national record in breaking down and then re-assembling a V8 engine in 18 minutes, 43 seconds. The team was composed of Callie Hunter, Ryan Campbell, Alexander Versteeg, Connor Hixenbaugh, Connor Carrizales and Nicholas Brown. In total, 23 schools from around the nation qualified for the event at regional competitions.  This year’s Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championships saw schools qualify from California to Virginia.

“We had a really exciting time. PRI was a perfect host, and we absolutely loved being here,” said Rodney Bingham of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow. “The kids did an amazing job and our program offers more than $2 million in scholarships. No student here will get less than $15,000 worth of scholarships and some will receive more than $30,000 per student.”

Axalta Coating Systems Selected for Beijing Subway Restoration Project
Axalta Coating Systems announced that the company was selected in November for a project to coat the recently refurbished trains of the Beijing subway. The refurbished trains—300 rail cars in total—is nicknamed ‘Blue Cat’ for its distinctive blue color coating provided by Axalta’s product and striking similarity to a cat. “Axalta prides itself on producing coatings designed to retain brilliant color and gloss while withstanding the forces of nature and frequent users. Our Rail coatings will help Beijing’s subway systems  retain its colorful finish for many years to come,” commented Weiguo Lu, director of Industrial Coatings Business, Axalta Greater China.

	Jim Hawk, chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and president of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. (TNA), was named Rubber Industry Executive of the Year by Rubber & Plastics News.

Jim Hawk Named Rubber Industry Executive of the Year
Jim Hawk, chairman of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and president of Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc. (TNA), was named Rubber Industry Executive of the Year by Rubber & Plastics News. The award is presented to an executive in the North American rubber product industry who has led his or her company to success and helped further the industry. Hawk was selected for the award by the editorial staff of Rubber & Plastics News, considering nominations from both the editorial staff and from those in the industry. A veteran of the tire industry, Hawk joined TNA as vice president of operations in 2004 and oversaw the construction and opening of the company’s state-of-the-art factory in Bartow County, Georgia. In 2008, Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, appointed Hawk to serve as a corporate officer of the company.  Hawk became the first non-Japanese corporate officer to serve since the company was founded in 1945. In addition to the appointment, Hawk was promoted to president and plant manager of TNA.

Under Hawk’s guidance, TNA was named Georgia Manufacturer of the Year by the state of Georgia in 2009. The facility has also undergone three expansions and is currently 2,000,000 sq. ft. in size while employing 1,000 people. A recent groundbreaking ceremony paves the way for yet another expansion and hiring project.

In 2012, Hawk was appointed Chairman of TTHA, headquartered in Cypress, California. Hawk and TTHA president, Tomoshige Mizutani, oversee Toyo Tires’ North America Business Unit (NABU) which includes: TTHA, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., Toyo Tire Canada Inc., Nitto Tire Canada Inc., Toyo Tire North America OE Sales LLC and TNA.

The shooters at KGP Photography caught the ’15 Chrysler 200 completely undisguised during a night-time photo shoot, providing their best look yet at the sleek new Fusion-fighter.

The jet-black car was tricky to photograph under whatever street light existed, as the photographer tried to dodge the security team that was on hand, but in the end, the new upscale flavor of the next Chrysler 200 shows through. Seeing the final shape, it's now clear why Chrysler had been caught more than one year ago benchmarking mules for the new 200 against the Volkswagen CC, as the new 200 has a similarly flowing, "four-door-coupe" body style.

The Chrysler 200's interior gets a fresh take on its center-stack arrangement, with a separate, angled collection of buttons and switches sitting below the LCD infotainment screen. The 200 does away with the usual gear-shift, in favor of a rotary dial transmission selector similar to the one used in the new Ram pickup. The visual design and the passenger interface appears to be a fresh take on the automotive center stack, and the result is clean and uncluttered. It will be interesting to see if the tactile experience is equally clean and unencumbered. The photographer also noticed a hint of LED lighting effects in use throughout the interior as seen on the Dart.

Photo credit: KGP Photography