News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Movers & Shakers: MagnaFlow Expands; TEN Launches New Supersite

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 12:49

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	MagnaFlow is expanding its already 280,000-sq.-ft. presence in Oceanside, California, with an additional 100,000+ sq. ft.

MagnaFlow Expands Presence in Oceanside, California

As consumer demand grows and sales continue to rise, MagnaFlow is expanding its already 280,000-sq.-ft. presence in Oceanside, California, with an additional 100,000+ sq. ft. With more than 500,000 sq. ft. in Southern California, this facility will provide increased capacity to continue to supply catalytic converter and performance exhaust manufacturing, development and distribution. According to the manufacturer, the additional facility will provide increased efficiency, complimenting further growth in the exhaust world and support future MagnaFlow ventures into new markets.

TEN Launches New Supersite With Truck Trend Network

TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced the launch of the Truck Trend Network as a new destination for truck enthusiasts, combining content from the Truck Trend, Diesel Power, Truckin, Mini Truckin, 8-Lug, Work Truck Review, Sport Truck, and RV websites into one mobile-friendly supersite at TruckTrend.com.

The Truck Trend Network launches with an all-new homepage layout and navigation and includes one-click access to more than 34,000 articles and 100,000 high-resolution images from all the brands. The supersite also features a comprehensive, mobile-optimized truck research buyer’s guide with professional reviews, vehicle features, photos, pricing, calculators and dealer quotes for trucks, SUVs and similar-class vehicles.

The Truck Trend Network is expected to reach more than 1.2 million visitors monthly. To date, according to TEN, its supersites have seen increased traffic over its former individual websites with an average of 27% year-over-year growth while engagement increased by 17% with pages viewed and rose 19% in time spent on-site.

LeBaron Bonney Celebrates 55 Years

This year marks the 55th year that the LeBaron Bonney Company has been manufacturing national award winning automotive restoration interior kits. To celebrate, the company is spotlighting restoration-correct interior kits for 1928–1962 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, as well as 1916–1957 GM, and 1939-1941 Plymouth models. LeBaron Bonney has expertise duplicating original interior patterns and sourcing fabrics that replicate those originally used by auto manufacturers.

Miguel Amorozo

Champion Oil Announces New Ecuador Master Distributor

Champion Oil has announced that Tecnolub Cia Ltda is its exclusive master warehouse distributor in Ecuador. Tecnolub Cia Ltda is a distributor of passenger-car, commercial and industrial lubricants, and will offer Champion-branded products in a number of categories, such as motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, diesel motor oil, differentials lubes, greases, brake fluids and automotive chemicals and additives. Miguel Amorozo, owner of Tecnolub Cia Ltda, now promotes the complete line of Champion motor oils, chemicals and lubricants.

Tenneco Adds “Tech Talk” Discussion Forums to Monroe and Walker Websites

Tenneco has introduced Tech Talk discussion forums to its www.monroe.com, www.monroebrakes.com and www.walkerexhaust.com websites to help vehicle-repair professionals and do-it-yourselfers more quickly and accurately diagnose a wide range of vehicle performance issues and select and install the correct replacement ride control, brake and emissions-control products.

Customers can use the Tech Talk forums to monitor discussions, and once registered as a user, they can post questions regarding any Monroe or Walker product or related repair. The forums are accessible through each brand’s home page, “support” tab and electronic catalog. Customers looking up a specific product can also use the electronic catalog’s embedded Tech Talk tab to research others’ experiences and/or ask a question related to the corresponding part number. Other information now available for each Monroe and Walker product includes detailed product images, product features and benefits, technical specifications and application fitment data.

Each Tech Talk forum is moderated by Tenneco’s ASE-certified technical specialists, who respond to user questions and help guide discussions related to complex diagnostic and repair challenges.

	L-R: Walt Siklich, AutoRep Sales and Jim Leddy, Scorpion Racing Products.

Scorpion Racing Products Names AutoRep Sales as 2014 Manufacturer Sales Rep of the Year

Scorpion Racing Products—a manufacturer of automotive and marine aftermarket engine components for high-performance and racing applications—has named AutoRep Sales as its 2014 Manufacturer Sales Rep of the Year. AutoRep Sales founder Walt Siklich received the award at Scorpion’s manufacturing headquarters in Ocala, Florida. The Scorpion Racing Products Manufacturer Sales Rep of the Year award is based on strong sales results and input from various departments within Scorpion. AutoRep Sales has been a sales representative for Scorpion Racing Products since 2012.

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. Acquires Bell Automotive Products

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has acquired Bell Automotive Products—a supplier of interior protection, tire safety and vehicle accessory products marketed under the Bell, Victor and Monkey-Grip brands. The Bell product offerings—including steering-wheel covers, seat covers, interior organizers, license plate frames, tire safety and emergency kits—will be combined with the related Hopkins’ vehicle organization products.

As part of the acquisition, Hopkins will add distribution facilities in Urbandale, Iowa, and offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale office will become the home of the new-vehicle accessory business. Other recent acquisitions by Hopkins include Mallory, F3 Brands, Mr. Funnel and TowDaddy.

FUELAB Launches FUELAB News

FUELAB recently launched FUELAB News, which provides exclusive fuel system planning technical information, “How To” articles and videos, interviews, and new product information to help readers increase their knowledge of high-performance fuel delivery systems, and better understand the benefits and application of Fuelab solutions.

Sign up for FUELAB News at www.fuelab.com, or sign-up directly at http://tinyurl.com/FuelabNewsSignUp.

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.

Spy Shots—Ford GT Prototype

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 12:09

The Ford GT has hit public roads with an early, undisguised prototype revealing its carbon-fiber weave and sexy show-car shape. The production headlights aren't in place, nor are some of the finer trim bits, but the stunning super car has stayed true to the concept car unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—Ford GT Prototype

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 12:09

The Ford GT has hit public roads with an early, undisguised prototype revealing its carbon-fiber weave and sexy show-car shape. The production headlights aren't in place, nor are some of the finer trim bits, but the stunning super car has stayed true to the concept car unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Spy Shots—Ford GT Prototype

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 12:09

The Ford GT has hit public roads with an early, undisguised prototype revealing its carbon-fiber weave and sexy show-car shape. The production headlights aren't in place, nor are some of the finer trim bits, but the stunning super car has stayed true to the concept car unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Free Training Available to Exhibitors and Their Staff

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:36

By Becca Butler

Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Exhibitor Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

Limited space is still available for the 2015 Exhibitor Summit, where participants prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“As the premier annual gathering for the automotive industry, the SEMA Show provides manufacturers with an opportunity to meet new and existing buyers, generate media coverage and promote brand awareness,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, noting that it’s not just enough for exhibitors to show up. “There are unique SEMA Show programs that can save exhibitors money, generate greater product awareness and better prepare them for the SEMA Show. The Summit is a way for us to connect with exhibitors and ensure that they are ready to succeed.”

The Exhibitor Summit takes place June 8–10 in Las Vegas. There is no cost to participate in the Summit, and limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and their staff. Certain conditions apply. Don’t miss this opportunity and register online today!

Free Training Available to Exhibitors and Their Staff

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:36

By Becca Butler

Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Exhibitor Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

Limited space is still available for the 2015 Exhibitor Summit, where participants prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“As the premier annual gathering for the automotive industry, the SEMA Show provides manufacturers with an opportunity to meet new and existing buyers, generate media coverage and promote brand awareness,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, noting that it’s not just enough for exhibitors to show up. “There are unique SEMA Show programs that can save exhibitors money, generate greater product awareness and better prepare them for the SEMA Show. The Summit is a way for us to connect with exhibitors and ensure that they are ready to succeed.”

The Exhibitor Summit takes place June 8–10 in Las Vegas. There is no cost to participate in the Summit, and limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and their staff. Certain conditions apply. Don’t miss this opportunity and register online today!

Free Training Available to Exhibitors and Their Staff

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:36

By Becca Butler

Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Exhibitor Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

Limited space is still available for the 2015 Exhibitor Summit, where participants prepare for the upcoming SEMA Show taking place November 3–6 in Las Vegas. Open to all employees of exhibiting companies, the Summit was introduced five years ago to help equip them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

“As the premier annual gathering for the automotive industry, the SEMA Show provides manufacturers with an opportunity to meet new and existing buyers, generate media coverage and promote brand awareness,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events, noting that it’s not just enough for exhibitors to show up. “There are unique SEMA Show programs that can save exhibitors money, generate greater product awareness and better prepare them for the SEMA Show. The Summit is a way for us to connect with exhibitors and ensure that they are ready to succeed.”

The Exhibitor Summit takes place June 8–10 in Las Vegas. There is no cost to participate in the Summit, and limited complimentary hotel rooms are available to exhibitors and their staff. Certain conditions apply. Don’t miss this opportunity and register online today!

Next Week: Preview the Scion iM and iA

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:19

The SEMA Garage will be hosting the all-new Scion compacts during a two-day event, May 27–28. The session will feature the first sedan ever to be added to the Scion lineup—the Scion iA sport-compact sedan and iM sport-compact hatch. Attendance is by reservation only, so register now to secure your participation.

Next Week: Preview the Scion iM and iA

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:19

The SEMA Garage will be hosting the all-new Scion compacts during a two-day event, May 27–28. The session will feature the first sedan ever to be added to the Scion lineup—the Scion iA sport-compact sedan and iM sport-compact hatch. Attendance is by reservation only, so register now to secure your participation.

SEMA Board Voting in Full Swing

Thu, 05/21/2015 - 11:17

By SEMA Editors

	To learn more about the candidates running for the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors, visit www.sema.org/bod15.

The SEMA Board of Directors election is now open. SEMA has partnered with Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to administer 2015 ballot information. SEMA members should have received an election-specific broadcast email on May 13, 2015.

Meet the candidates: www.sema.org/bod15.

The SEMA board consists of 10 directors, the chairman, the chairman-elect, immediate-past chairman and secretary/treasurer. While there are a limited number of seats on the SEMA Board, the election process gives all SEMA-member companies the ability to influence the direction and future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

If you have any questions, call 909-978-6671 or e-mail judir@sema.org.

Note: To ensure that election-specific broadcast emails arrived safely in members' inboxes on May 13, eligible voters were requested to add the following email address as an approved sender: noreply@directvote.net.