By Linda Spencer

Roush Performance, Meyer Distributing and Mustang Dynamometer were recognized by Commerce Assistant Secretary Marcus Jadotte at the International Happy Hour during the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for export successes.

The three companies honored have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business trips over the past year and have increased their sales to either China, the Middle East or both markets.

Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing vice president of sales and marketing (center), accepts the Export Achievement Award from Commerce Assistant Secretary Marcus Jadotte (right). Also pictured is Matthew Schaick, Meyer Distributing national accounts manager (left).	Tim Wheeler, Roush Performance vice president of global sales (second from right), accepts a Department Of Commerce Export Achievement Award from Commerce Assistant Secretary Marcus Jadotte (far right) at the International Happy Hour, attended by more than 1,000 international buyers, exhibitors and enthusiast media from 19 countries. Also pictured is Paul Grant (left), director of international business development, and Tony Marszalek, director of global dealer sales.	Eser Manav (second from the right), Mustang Dynamometer vice president, accepts one of three Export Achievement certificates from Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Marcus Jadotte (right). From left to right: Scott Sobie, ‎Mustang Dynamometer sales engineer; Kyle Dubasak; and Don Trinh, senior field technician.

They have accounted for a portion of nearly $74 million in export sales by participants in one or more of the SEMA overseas business-development trips to China, Russia and throughout the Middle East since 2011.

By Linda Spencer

During the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration is now open, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, as well as in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and beyond, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details online and see who participated in last year’s event, Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

By Linda Spencer

During the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration is now open, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, as well as in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and beyond, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details online and see who participated in last year’s event, Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

By Linda Spencer

During the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration is now open, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, as well as in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and beyond, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details online and see who participated in last year’s event, Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

By Linda Spencer

During the SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, participants will have the opportunity to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

Discover the Middle East market during the fifth annual SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference, March 29–April 2, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Registration is now open, so take advantage of the limited number of subsidized slots to meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the Middle East.

This event will give SEMA-member manufacturers the opportunity to explore the potential for their products in the UAE and neighboring countries of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait, as well as in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and beyond, where consumers seek out the latest and greatest new products to personalize their rides. They are eager for the newest American products for classic-car restoration, off-roading and street performance.

Forty-one SEMA-member companies participated in the 2015 event, featuring the first-ever overseas-based SEMA Garage, which included an all-day measuring session for vehicles popularly customized overseas but not sold in the United States. In addition to the measuring session, participating members exhibited in the trade-only SEMA section of the Custom Show Emirates, networked with pre-vetted buyers from 10 countries and attended a range of shop tours.

Check out the 2015 trip report and see who exhibited. Find program details online and see who participated in last year’s event, Register now or contact Linda Spencer for more information.

By SEMA Editors

Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are now being accepted. Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student.

In addition to students planning for automotive-related careers, individuals currently working for SEMA-member companies can get financial assistance through SEMA’s Loan Forgiveness Program, which offers $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The deadline to complete the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application is March 1, 2016.

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are now being accepted. Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student.

In addition to students planning for automotive-related careers, individuals currently working for SEMA-member companies can get financial assistance through SEMA’s Loan Forgiveness Program, which offers $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The deadline to complete the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application is March 1, 2016.

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

Scholarship applications for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are now being accepted. Students preparing for careers in the automotive or auto parts industry are encouraged to apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarship awards range from $2,000–$3,000, with $5,000 going to the top student.

In addition to students planning for automotive-related careers, individuals currently working for SEMA-member companies can get financial assistance through SEMA’s Loan Forgiveness Program, which offers $2,000 toward outstanding student loans.

The deadline to complete the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund application is March 1, 2016.

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA education manager, at julietm@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

JC Whitney presented a customized ’15 Ford F­-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 to Tara Horton (second from right) of Clearwater, Florida, last week at SEMA Ignited.

JC Whitney presented a customized ’15 Ford F­-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 to Tara Horton of Clearwater, Florida, last week at SEMA Ignited. Horton had the choice of the Ford F-150 or a customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, both of which were on display all week at the 2015 SEMA Show. On November 14, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon will be auctioned at Mecum Auctions at Lot S45 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with net proceeds benefitting United Way Veterans Programs and Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.

“Congratulations to Tara, and to all of JC Whitney Centennial Sweepstakes prize winners,” said Shane Evangelist, U.S. Auto Parts’ chief executive officer. “Out of more than 68,000 entries, you made it to SEMA Ignited in Las Vegas, and had a very special hand in helping us celebrate our 100th Anniversary.”  

The runners up, Alina P. from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Brian J. from Worthington, Texas, were each given a $2,000 gift certificate to www.jcwhitney.com. All finalists were flown to Las Vegas and took part in a special presentation during SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party. The three fans were there to help SEMA Ignited host Dennis Pittsenbarger, Shane Evangelist and US Auto Parts’ Vice President Tony Savasta celebrate with a moving “100 Years of Everything Automotive” tribute to founding father and Automotive Hall of Famer Roy Warshawsky, before the drawing was held.

“I definitely always shop for parts on JC Whitney,” said Horton. “I’m just ecstatic, speechless, and so grateful to JC Whitney for making this happen. As great as the Jeep was, I chose the Ford because I want a capable truck with a special style, and our family could use a truck in our day-to-day life.”    

Both vehicles were the focus of an interesting experiment: for every auto enthusiast and hobbyist who entered the sweepstakes, the custom build from OC Motorsports got better, and there were more than 68,000 entries. The result? Two custom creations that included parts from suppliers, including:

• K&N Cold Air Intakes
• Flowmaster CatBack Exhausts
• Powerstop Four Wheel Brake Kits
• Curt Towing Components
• Rancho Lift Kits and Shocks
• B&M Shifter/Transmission Components
• Covercraft Interior Accessories
• Bestop Jeep Top and Accessories
• Lund Truck Accessories
• Bushwacker Fender Flares
• Westin Exterior Accessories
• Yukon Gear Driveline Components

By SEMA Editors

JC Whitney presented a customized ’15 Ford F­-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 to Tara Horton (second from right) of Clearwater, Florida, last week at SEMA Ignited.

JC Whitney presented a customized ’15 Ford F­-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 to Tara Horton of Clearwater, Florida, last week at SEMA Ignited. Horton had the choice of the Ford F-150 or a customized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, both of which were on display all week at the 2015 SEMA Show. On November 14, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon will be auctioned at Mecum Auctions at Lot S45 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with net proceeds benefitting United Way Veterans Programs and Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.

“Congratulations to Tara, and to all of JC Whitney Centennial Sweepstakes prize winners,” said Shane Evangelist, U.S. Auto Parts’ chief executive officer. “Out of more than 68,000 entries, you made it to SEMA Ignited in Las Vegas, and had a very special hand in helping us celebrate our 100th Anniversary.”  

The runners up, Alina P. from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Brian J. from Worthington, Texas, were each given a $2,000 gift certificate to www.jcwhitney.com. All finalists were flown to Las Vegas and took part in a special presentation during SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party. The three fans were there to help SEMA Ignited host Dennis Pittsenbarger, Shane Evangelist and US Auto Parts’ Vice President Tony Savasta celebrate with a moving “100 Years of Everything Automotive” tribute to founding father and Automotive Hall of Famer Roy Warshawsky, before the drawing was held.

“I definitely always shop for parts on JC Whitney,” said Horton. “I’m just ecstatic, speechless, and so grateful to JC Whitney for making this happen. As great as the Jeep was, I chose the Ford because I want a capable truck with a special style, and our family could use a truck in our day-to-day life.”    

Both vehicles were the focus of an interesting experiment: for every auto enthusiast and hobbyist who entered the sweepstakes, the custom build from OC Motorsports got better, and there were more than 68,000 entries. The result? Two custom creations that included parts from suppliers, including:

• K&N Cold Air Intakes
• Flowmaster CatBack Exhausts
• Powerstop Four Wheel Brake Kits
• Curt Towing Components
• Rancho Lift Kits and Shocks
• B&M Shifter/Transmission Components
• Covercraft Interior Accessories
• Bestop Jeep Top and Accessories
• Lund Truck Accessories
• Bushwacker Fender Flares
• Westin Exterior Accessories
• Yukon Gear Driveline Components