Compiled by SEMA Editors

Specialty Auto Parts U.S.A. Inc. has received the 2016 Gold Certificate of Excellence from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales in recognition for Outstanding 2016 On-Time Shipping Performance.

GM Honors Specialty Auto Parts U.S.A. as Gold Status Supplier

Specialty Auto Parts U.S.A. Inc. has received the 2016 Gold Certificate of Excellence from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales in recognition for Outstanding 2016 On-Time Shipping Performance. Specialty Auto Parts U.S.A. Inc. is known for engine dress-up parts designs marketed under Chevrolet Performance licensed parts and its PROFORM brand of aftermarket parts. Specialty Auto Parts supplies Chevrolet Performance directly with engine dress-up parts for its crate engines that are on display at industry events, such as the SEMA Show and Performance Race Industry (PRI) Trade Show.

Caliber Collision Website Receives International Recognition with Internet’s Webby Award

Caliber Collision has announced that its website has been named an official honoree in the 21st Annual Webby Awards in the Professional Services category. The award is recognized internationally as the internet’s highest honor and most respected symbol of success. Designed and developed by its agency of record, Johnson & Sekin of Dallas, Texas, Caliber’s website was selected from among 13,000 entries submitted from all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide. The recognition ranks Caliber’s site in the top 17% of all work entered this year from around the world, according to the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, which established the Webby Awards program in 1996. The Webby Award winners are judged by the 2,000 worldwide members of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences.

Classic Instruments will host its annual NSRA Appreciation Day Open House while marking the company’s 40th anniversary, Saturday, July 29, 2017, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT) at the company’s headquarters in Boyne City, Michigan.

Classic Instruments to Host Annual NSRA Appreciation Day Open House and 40th Anniversary Celebration

Classic Instruments will host its annual NSRA Appreciation Day Open House while marking the company’s 40th anniversary, Saturday, July 29, 2017, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT) at the company’s headquarters in Boyne City, Michigan. Brian Brennan, editor of Street Rodder Magazine, will again be in attendance to award two winners an Editor’s Pick award for their cars on display. Each winner will have the opportunity to appear in a future issue of Street Rodder magazine. The Classic Instruments team will also award one winner its Team Pick award. Attendees are welcome to bring their hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles and other cool rides. Classic Instruments is expecting its largest turnout yet in terms of display cars, and will feature a local car club this year, The Charlevoix Street Legends. This year, all proceeds will benefit the Boyne City Police Department.

Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service (Mopar), FCA – Global, attended a recent ceremony celebrating the opening of a new Mopar Parts Distribution Center in Virginia.

FCA US Marks Opening of New MOPAR Parts Distribution Center in Virginia

FCA US has opened a new MOPAR Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Winchester, Virginia. The 400,000-plus sq.-ft. facility represents a $12.2-million investment by FCA US and more than 70 jobs over two shifts. It is also the first of two new Mopar PDCs scheduled to open in the United States this year. FCA US and UAW leadership were joined by federal and state government dignitaries and dealership representatives in marking the Winchester PDC grand opening. Ceremony attendees included Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service (MOPAR), FCA – Global; Norwood Jewell, UAW vice president and director of the Chrysler department; Mark Bosanac, director – NAFTA supply chain management and global parts supply chain management and operations; Kevin Farrish, president, Farrish Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Urooj Mughal, representative for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine; Dave Stegmaier, director of community outreach for U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock; and Hayes Framme, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade. The new facility will handle more than 50,000 total part numbers distributed to more than 200 FCA US dealerships, located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. It will ship approximately 9.2 million pieces annually. The Winchester operation expands the brand’s current distribution network to 22 facilities in North America, with more than 50 PDCs (including joint ventures) in operation worldwide. FCA US has also announced a $10.4 million investment in a new Mopar PDC located in Romulus, Michigan. That facility will encompass 500,000 square feet and more than 100 workers. Construction is currently in progress on the Metro Detroit facility, with a projected opening in 2017 fourth quarter.

XM Publications Available at Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper

Xceleration Media Group has announced another distribution partnership. All four of its print titles (Power and Performance News, Drag Racing Scene, Street Rod Life and OneDirt) will now be available at many Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper stores in the midwestern United States. Xceleration Media Director of Operations Shawn Brereton said the agreement is part of XM’s direct distribution strategy developed to ensure top-quality readership and eliminate the waste of traditional distribution models.

DENSO Products and Services Americas Announces New Senior Vice President of OES Sales

DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has named Norihito “Jack” Tanahashi senior vice president of Original Equipment Supplier (OES) sales. Tanahashi oversees DENSO Products and Services Americas sales of DENSO original equipment products to all the major automakers. Tanahashi has been involved in DENSO sales operations for nearly 30 years.

RANDYS Worldwide Announces Acquisition of Zumbrota Bearing and Gear and Cascade Component Parts

RANDYS Worldwide has announced the acquisition of Zumbrota Bearing and Gear (ZBAG). With 30-plus years in the automotive aftermarket, ZBAG will join the RANDYS family of business units, including Yukon Gear & Axle, USA Standard Gear, and Diff Wizard. ZBAG’s core business in remanufactured transfer cases, differentials, manual transmissions and related component parts complements RANDYS offerings to provide installers, wholesalers and consumers a selection of driveline parts to complete the “undercar” from front to rear. ZBAG, based in Minnesota, ships products nationwide for rebuilding and repair of light and medium duty vehicles. Cascade Component Parts Inc., a distributor of OE and aftermarket components, owned by ZBAG, also becomes part of the RANDYS family of brands. With the acquisition of Zumbrota and Cascade, RANDYS now adds additional product coverage for transfer cases and manual transmissions to enhance their alignment with installer and performance automotive customers.

Champion Racing Oil Announces Opportunities Available for West Coast Warehouse Distributors

Champion Oil has announced that there are numerous North American locations available on the West Coast for distribution for qualified wholesalers. Inquiries should be from established aftermarket warehouse distributors interested in acquiring this line of racing motor oils. 

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 SEMA Editors

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached last year’s Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

SEMA has selected events produced by Bonnier Corp.’s Family Events division as regional qualifiers for a limited number of open spots in the SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition at the 2017 SEMA Show. Two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant will receive spots as Young Guns in the competition at the 2017 SEMA Show, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Qualifying Events

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants aged 27 and younger can compete at the Lima, Ohio (May 19–21), and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (July 7–9), events for the top “Young Guns” spots. Professional judges will choose one winner from each of these two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals events to win the grand prize, including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition. 

Street Machine Nationals professional judges will award the top Young Gun-qualifying vehicle at the DuQuoin event, June 23–25, 2017. That winner will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the Young Guns regional finals at the St. Paul, Minnesota, event (July 14–16, 2017). Expenses to be provided include one complimentary vehicle registration to the St. Paul event, two nights’ lodging in St. Paul at a designated Family Events-partner hotel and $200 toward other expenses. Street Machine Nationals professional judges will choose one winner from all competing cars at the St. Paul event to win the grand prize including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders "Young Guns" competition.  

The Grand Prize

Three young Family Events participant builders (two 4-Wheel Jamboree participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant) will win the opportunity to have their custom creation compete at the 2017 SEMA Show. SEMA Battle of the Builders is an elite competition that recognizes vehicles displayed at the world’s premier automotive trade show. The SEMA Young Guns prize package consists of:

• A trip for the winner (and a guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Round-trip coach class airfare to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Five nights’ lodging in Las Vegas at a designated SEMA-partner hotel.
• $500 toward other expenses.
• Vehicle transportation to and from the 2017 SEMA Show for the winner’s vehicle.
• A designated feature vehicle display spot at the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Credentials for winner (plus one guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Automatic entry to the 2017 SEMA Battle of Builders competition.

Young builders who are interested in pursuing the “Young Gun” competition will find complete information, qualifications and rules at www.4wheeljamboree.com/young-guns and www.streetmachinenationals.net/sema-young-guns.

By SEMA Editors

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached last year’s Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

SEMA has selected events produced by Bonnier Corp.’s Family Events division as regional qualifiers for a limited number of open spots in the SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition at the 2017 SEMA Show. Two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant will receive spots as Young Guns in the competition at the 2017 SEMA Show, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Qualifying Events

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants aged 27 and younger can compete at the Lima, Ohio (May 19–21), and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (July 7–9), events for the top “Young Guns” spots. Professional judges will choose one winner from each of these two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals events to win the grand prize, including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition. 

Street Machine Nationals professional judges will award the top Young Gun-qualifying vehicle at the DuQuoin event, June 23–25, 2017. That winner will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the Young Guns regional finals at the St. Paul, Minnesota, event (July 14–16, 2017). Expenses to be provided include one complimentary vehicle registration to the St. Paul event, two nights’ lodging in St. Paul at a designated Family Events-partner hotel and $200 toward other expenses. Street Machine Nationals professional judges will choose one winner from all competing cars at the St. Paul event to win the grand prize including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders "Young Guns" competition.  

The Grand Prize

Three young Family Events participant builders (two 4-Wheel Jamboree participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant) will win the opportunity to have their custom creation compete at the 2017 SEMA Show. SEMA Battle of the Builders is an elite competition that recognizes vehicles displayed at the world’s premier automotive trade show. The SEMA Young Guns prize package consists of:

• A trip for the winner (and a guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Round-trip coach class airfare to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Five nights’ lodging in Las Vegas at a designated SEMA-partner hotel.
• $500 toward other expenses.
• Vehicle transportation to and from the 2017 SEMA Show for the winner’s vehicle.
• A designated feature vehicle display spot at the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Credentials for winner (plus one guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Automatic entry to the 2017 SEMA Battle of Builders competition.

Young builders who are interested in pursuing the “Young Gun” competition will find complete information, qualifications and rules at www.4wheeljamboree.com/young-guns and www.streetmachinenationals.net/sema-young-guns.

By SEMA Editors

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached last year’s Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

SEMA has selected events produced by Bonnier Corp.’s Family Events division as regional qualifiers for a limited number of open spots in the SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition at the 2017 SEMA Show. Two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant will receive spots as Young Guns in the competition at the 2017 SEMA Show, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Qualifying Events

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants aged 27 and younger can compete at the Lima, Ohio (May 19–21), and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (July 7–9), events for the top “Young Guns” spots. Professional judges will choose one winner from each of these two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals events to win the grand prize, including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition. 

Street Machine Nationals professional judges will award the top Young Gun-qualifying vehicle at the DuQuoin event, June 23–25, 2017. That winner will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the Young Guns regional finals at the St. Paul, Minnesota, event (July 14–16, 2017). Expenses to be provided include one complimentary vehicle registration to the St. Paul event, two nights’ lodging in St. Paul at a designated Family Events-partner hotel and $200 toward other expenses. Street Machine Nationals professional judges will choose one winner from all competing cars at the St. Paul event to win the grand prize including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders "Young Guns" competition.  

The Grand Prize

Three young Family Events participant builders (two 4-Wheel Jamboree participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant) will win the opportunity to have their custom creation compete at the 2017 SEMA Show. SEMA Battle of the Builders is an elite competition that recognizes vehicles displayed at the world’s premier automotive trade show. The SEMA Young Guns prize package consists of:

• A trip for the winner (and a guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Round-trip coach class airfare to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Five nights’ lodging in Las Vegas at a designated SEMA-partner hotel.
• $500 toward other expenses.
• Vehicle transportation to and from the 2017 SEMA Show for the winner’s vehicle.
• A designated feature vehicle display spot at the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Credentials for winner (plus one guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Automatic entry to the 2017 SEMA Battle of Builders competition.

Young builders who are interested in pursuing the “Young Gun” competition will find complete information, qualifications and rules at www.4wheeljamboree.com/young-guns and www.streetmachinenationals.net/sema-young-guns.

By SEMA Editors

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached last year’s Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

SEMA has selected events produced by Bonnier Corp.’s Family Events division as regional qualifiers for a limited number of open spots in the SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition at the 2017 SEMA Show. Two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant will receive spots as Young Guns in the competition at the 2017 SEMA Show, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Qualifying Events

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants aged 27 and younger can compete at the Lima, Ohio (May 19–21), and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (July 7–9), events for the top “Young Guns” spots. Professional judges will choose one winner from each of these two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals events to win the grand prize, including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition. 

Street Machine Nationals professional judges will award the top Young Gun-qualifying vehicle at the DuQuoin event, June 23–25, 2017. That winner will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the Young Guns regional finals at the St. Paul, Minnesota, event (July 14–16, 2017). Expenses to be provided include one complimentary vehicle registration to the St. Paul event, two nights’ lodging in St. Paul at a designated Family Events-partner hotel and $200 toward other expenses. Street Machine Nationals professional judges will choose one winner from all competing cars at the St. Paul event to win the grand prize including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders "Young Guns" competition.  

The Grand Prize

Three young Family Events participant builders (two 4-Wheel Jamboree participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant) will win the opportunity to have their custom creation compete at the 2017 SEMA Show. SEMA Battle of the Builders is an elite competition that recognizes vehicles displayed at the world’s premier automotive trade show. The SEMA Young Guns prize package consists of:

• A trip for the winner (and a guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Round-trip coach class airfare to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Five nights’ lodging in Las Vegas at a designated SEMA-partner hotel.
• $500 toward other expenses.
• Vehicle transportation to and from the 2017 SEMA Show for the winner’s vehicle.
• A designated feature vehicle display spot at the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Credentials for winner (plus one guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Automatic entry to the 2017 SEMA Battle of Builders competition.

Young builders who are interested in pursuing the “Young Gun” competition will find complete information, qualifications and rules at www.4wheeljamboree.com/young-guns and www.streetmachinenationals.net/sema-young-guns.

By SEMA Editors

Young Gun Brad DeBerti, 22, reached last year’s Battle of the Builders Top 10 with his ’17 Ford Raptor.

SEMA has selected events produced by Bonnier Corp.’s Family Events division as regional qualifiers for a limited number of open spots in the SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition at the 2017 SEMA Show. Two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant will receive spots as Young Guns in the competition at the 2017 SEMA Show, including a trip to Las Vegas.

Qualifying Events

4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals participants aged 27 and younger can compete at the Lima, Ohio (May 19–21), and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (July 7–9), events for the top “Young Guns” spots. Professional judges will choose one winner from each of these two 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals events to win the grand prize, including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders “Young Guns” competition. 

Street Machine Nationals professional judges will award the top Young Gun-qualifying vehicle at the DuQuoin event, June 23–25, 2017. That winner will receive an expense-paid trip to compete in the Young Guns regional finals at the St. Paul, Minnesota, event (July 14–16, 2017). Expenses to be provided include one complimentary vehicle registration to the St. Paul event, two nights’ lodging in St. Paul at a designated Family Events-partner hotel and $200 toward other expenses. Street Machine Nationals professional judges will choose one winner from all competing cars at the St. Paul event to win the grand prize including the trip to Vegas and a spot in the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders "Young Guns" competition.  

The Grand Prize

Three young Family Events participant builders (two 4-Wheel Jamboree participants and one Street Machine Nationals participant) will win the opportunity to have their custom creation compete at the 2017 SEMA Show. SEMA Battle of the Builders is an elite competition that recognizes vehicles displayed at the world’s premier automotive trade show. The SEMA Young Guns prize package consists of:

• A trip for the winner (and a guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
• Round-trip coach class airfare to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Five nights’ lodging in Las Vegas at a designated SEMA-partner hotel.
• $500 toward other expenses.
• Vehicle transportation to and from the 2017 SEMA Show for the winner’s vehicle.
• A designated feature vehicle display spot at the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Credentials for winner (plus one guest) to the 2017 SEMA Show.
• Automatic entry to the 2017 SEMA Battle of Builders competition.

Young builders who are interested in pursuing the “Young Gun” competition will find complete information, qualifications and rules at www.4wheeljamboree.com/young-guns and www.streetmachinenationals.net/sema-young-guns.

John Hotchkis, founder of Hotchkis Performance, talks with Dennis Pittsenbarger about the importance of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the Political Action Committee (PAC).

John Hotchkis, founder of Hotchkis Performance, talks with Dennis Pittsenbarger about the importance of the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the Political Action Committee (PAC).

By Katie Carson

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new Vehicle Technology Resource Alert in partnership with the SEMA Garage. This tech alert explains the impact of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance on your businesses and products and accompanying regulatory compliance.

ESC is an active safety vehicle technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by stabilizing and keeping the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the traction limits. FMVSS126 requires that all new vehicles sold in the United States since September 1, 2011, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 lbs. or less include ESC as standard equipment, with multi-stage manufacturers, alters, and small-volume manufacturers complying as of September 1, 2012. Aftermarket modifications must maintain ESC functionality and cannot take a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS 126. ESC, along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are the gateway technologies to connected and automated driving.  

Watch the video below demonstrating FMVSS126 testing.

Download the full ESC Tech Alert.

By Katie Carson

The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) has released a new Vehicle Technology Resource Alert in partnership with the SEMA Garage. This tech alert explains the impact of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance on your businesses and products and accompanying regulatory compliance.

ESC is an active safety vehicle technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers by stabilizing and keeping the vehicle headed in the driver’s intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the traction limits. FMVSS126 requires that all new vehicles sold in the United States since September 1, 2011, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,000 lbs. or less include ESC as standard equipment, with multi-stage manufacturers, alters, and small-volume manufacturers complying as of September 1, 2012. Aftermarket modifications must maintain ESC functionality and cannot take a vehicle out of compliance with FMVSS 126. ESC, along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are the gateway technologies to connected and automated driving.  

Watch the video below demonstrating FMVSS126 testing.

Download the full ESC Tech Alert.