Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:26
By SEMA Editors

  scrs
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will launch the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."
  
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) launched its first iteration of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show in 2010, and with annual adjustments to the format and content, it has become one of the most comprehensive programs of collision-repair education being offered to the industry. This year, one of the most noticeable new developments to the SCRS program is the launch of the very first issue-specific, collision-repair industry forum that will be featured Wednesday, November 5, entitled the "OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit."

"There is really no topic more captivating of everyone's attention right now than the rapidly changing landscape of automobile technology, and how it is driving adaptation in the collision-repair marketplace," shared SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "It is a topic that has broad-reaching impact on everyone in the industry, and it was important to both SCRS and SEMA to develop a forum that would address the significant interest from all who are making the investment to join the industry in Las Vegas this fall."

"We are really excited about how this program has come together, and the unique nature of the participants," added SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "We have speakers coming in from all over the world and participation from a wide variety of well-respected automakers, such as Ford, GM, Toyota, Tesla, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but we will be hearing from representatives that we often don't have a chance to interface with."

The panelists represent companies with rich histories of producing sophisticated structural designs and technological advancements, and will bring technical insight into the design, architecture and development of their vehicles, and how advancements in those areas intersect with the repair process. The discussion will be moderated by Jason Bartanen, director of industry technical relations for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), and one of the lead representatives from the training organization involved in their work as an "OEM linking pin."

The program will also include separate panel discussions with representatives from certified repair facilities, equipment suppliers, certifiers/auditors and special presentations from the aluminum and steel industries.

"SCRS really crafted a completely unique networking and learning forum with this event, and we are convinced it will put repairers in an interactive environment with subject matter experts that simply can't be found in any other event," added Peter MacGillivray, SEMA's vice president, communications and events. "As a Show organizer, we are keenly focused on how to enrich the attendee experience, and this partnership with SCRS continues to deliver toward that objective."

"Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs," added Schulenburg. "The future of our collision-repair industry is highly-skilled professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles, that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like."

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible through support from PPG Refinish Products, Ford Motor Co., BASF, Toyota Motor Sales and The Hertz Corp.

For more information about SCRS' RDE series, and to register for the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit and other RDE sessions, visit www.semashow.com/scrs.
Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:20

By Monika Earle

  show
Tips from SEMA Show veterans include: carry business cards, wear comfortable shoes, bring a backpack for snacks and water and don't plan on seeing everything in one day.
  

As the 2014 SEMA Show quickly approaches, attendees recently shared tips to help others get the most out of the annual event. Read what some SEMA Show Facebook fans had to say, and share your best tips in the comments area below.

“A backpack is a good option. It gives you room for all the swag and free stuff, but you can also pack water, snacks, a charger for your phone, etc. Pair that with comfy shoes, patience and breaking up areas for each day and you will have a much better experience.”

—Sal Danley

“Fifteen-year veteran's tips: 1. Comfy shoes but don't come dressed like you’re going to a BBQ (have some style, respect the trade). 2. Don't clog aisles/stairs/doorways. 3. Definitely buy your souvenir shirts and hats on the first day (your size always sells out). 4. Cover as many halls as possible by planning ahead and using semashow.com. 5. Plan on being [there] Friday for the SEMA Cruise (hands down the most exciting car event of the year). 6. Eat outside the convention center and avoid peak lunch times (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Food trucks between the LVCC and the hotel or restaurants inside the [Westgate] will have less crowding at these times.”

—Michael Robleto

“Business cards, comfortable shoes, buy SEMA shirts early because they go fast, be polite and professional and use the map…it is your friend.”

—Sean Miller

“Comfortable shoes and clothes for a long day (or days) of walking, water, a snack for being on the run, cell phone and charging pack (charging stations are a pain and leave you immobile at times), a little cash and don't forget your pocket camera (cell phones don't always take the best pics with the crowds, lighting and tight spaces in the aisles). With all that, a light backpack may be your best bag for being mobile. Hand carts tend to slow you down and get in the way.”

—Brandon Reeves

“Good shoes. Don’t plan on seeing it all in one day. I find seeing what I need to on the first day then taking everything else in for the rest of the week works best...but I generally head back to the hotel mid-afternoon. Power parade Friday (SEMA Cruise) is a must see!”

—Dale Nagel

“Good shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bring something to drink and have a good breakfast...You'll need it all! Make sure you know what you want to see/do and mark it on your map. That way you don't have to run around and you can skip what's not your interest. Enjoy Vegas!”

—Lisette van Es

“It's sensory overload! I recommend going for half or 2/3 day the first day, so you don't get yourself completely worn out for the rest of the show.”

—Bob Moon

“Look to see who is going be there and plan around the top five people you have to see. Comfortable shoes are helpful for sure and a backpack to carry all the swag you get so your hands are free to take pictures.”

—Joey Sanchez

“If you want to see everything, plan to attend all four days. If you've got less time, be sure to map out what you want to see and have a plan together. And as been said already, wear comfortable shoes.”

—Tony Moore

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:20

By Monika Earle

  show
Tips from SEMA Show veterans include: carry business cards, wear comfortable shoes, bring a backpack for snacks and water and don't plan on seeing everything in one day.
  

As the 2014 SEMA Show quickly approaches, attendees recently shared tips to help others get the most out of the annual event. Read what some SEMA Show Facebook fans had to say, and share your best tips in the comments area below.

“A backpack is a good option. It gives you room for all the swag and free stuff, but you can also pack water, snacks, a charger for your phone, etc. Pair that with comfy shoes, patience and breaking up areas for each day and you will have a much better experience.”

—Sal Danley

“Fifteen-year veteran's tips: 1. Comfy shoes but don't come dressed like you’re going to a BBQ (have some style, respect the trade). 2. Don't clog aisles/stairs/doorways. 3. Definitely buy your souvenir shirts and hats on the first day (your size always sells out). 4. Cover as many halls as possible by planning ahead and using semashow.com. 5. Plan on being [there] Friday for the SEMA Cruise (hands down the most exciting car event of the year). 6. Eat outside the convention center and avoid peak lunch times (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Food trucks between the LVCC and the hotel or restaurants inside the [Westgate] will have less crowding at these times.”

—Michael Robleto

“Business cards, comfortable shoes, buy SEMA shirts early because they go fast, be polite and professional and use the map…it is your friend.”

—Sean Miller

“Comfortable shoes and clothes for a long day (or days) of walking, water, a snack for being on the run, cell phone and charging pack (charging stations are a pain and leave you immobile at times), a little cash and don't forget your pocket camera (cell phones don't always take the best pics with the crowds, lighting and tight spaces in the aisles). With all that, a light backpack may be your best bag for being mobile. Hand carts tend to slow you down and get in the way.”

—Brandon Reeves

“Good shoes. Don’t plan on seeing it all in one day. I find seeing what I need to on the first day then taking everything else in for the rest of the week works best...but I generally head back to the hotel mid-afternoon. Power parade Friday (SEMA Cruise) is a must see!”

—Dale Nagel

“Good shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, bring something to drink and have a good breakfast...You'll need it all! Make sure you know what you want to see/do and mark it on your map. That way you don't have to run around and you can skip what's not your interest. Enjoy Vegas!”

—Lisette van Es

“It's sensory overload! I recommend going for half or 2/3 day the first day, so you don't get yourself completely worn out for the rest of the show.”

—Bob Moon

“Look to see who is going be there and plan around the top five people you have to see. Comfortable shoes are helpful for sure and a backpack to carry all the swag you get so your hands are free to take pictures.”

—Joey Sanchez

“If you want to see everything, plan to attend all four days. If you've got less time, be sure to map out what you want to see and have a plan together. And as been said already, wear comfortable shoes.”

—Tony Moore

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 14:03

By SEMA Editors

  hrot
The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.
  

This year, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will return to the SEMA Show (November 4–7), where 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship, while another 17 teams will compete in a semi-final championship the following month at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show (December 11–13). The top two teams from the SEMA Show and PRI Show will face off at PRI starting Friday, December 12, at 5:00 p.m., and compete another two times on Saturday, December 13. The team with the best average time will be crowned the 2014 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow national champion.

The SEMA and PRI trade shows are two of the most anticipated events in the automotive industry each year. These are often the site of major announcements, press conferences, product debuts and more. The seemingly endless aisles of displays include everyone from the regular mechanic to the most recognizable names of the industry. It is in this arena that high school students from across the nation will face off against the clock and each other in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge finals.

The Engine Challenge, designed to equip and inspire the next generation of gear heads, is a series of cross-country events in which high school teams compete in complete factory crate-engine rebuilds. Each of these students gains valuable mechanical skills and learns to work efficiently under pressure, all in an environment that demands teamwork and precision. Participating in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge has afforded many students opportunities for scholarships, secondary schooling and promising careers that would not have been available otherwise. In recent history, automotive interest was waning among young adults. Efforts, such as those of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, bring about a resurgence of enthusiasm among the next generation of hot rodders.

During the 10 events held in 2014, more than 29 teams completed their rebuild in less than 35 minutes, qualifying them for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Championship. In the past five seasons, a single Engine Challenge Championship was held either at the PRI Show or SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 13:06

By Becca Butler

  fusion
As a first-time exhibitor at the 2013 SEMA Show, Orange, California-based Fusion Brakes left Las Vegas with about 90–100 leads; at least 80% of them were qualified.
  

While the SEMA Show is the ideal place to connect with leading manufacturers and existing business partners, it’s also an opportunity to discover new business partners and find new products. Among the 2,500-plus exhibiting companies will be more than 450 companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the very first time.

Many of these first-time exhibitors will be located in one of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors sections:

  • One First-Time and Featured Exhibitors section of the SEMA Show is located at the east end of the Upper South Hall, conveniently across from the New Products Showcase.
  • Another place to visit first-time and featured exhibitors is on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls.
  • The Gold Pavilion in the lot across from Paradise Road, near North Hall is another hot spot to visit those new to the Show.
  • The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) located across the street, but adjacent to the north side of the North Hall will include several exhibitors displaying products near the general registration area.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com to view a floorplan and learn more about the 2014 SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 13:06

By Becca Butler

  fusion
As a first-time exhibitor at the 2013 SEMA Show, Orange, California-based Fusion Brakes left Las Vegas with about 90–100 leads; at least 80% of them were qualified.
  

While the SEMA Show is the ideal place to connect with leading manufacturers and existing business partners, it’s also an opportunity to discover new business partners and find new products. Among the 2,500-plus exhibiting companies will be more than 450 companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the very first time.

Many of these first-time exhibitors will be located in one of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors sections:

  • One First-Time and Featured Exhibitors section of the SEMA Show is located at the east end of the Upper South Hall, conveniently across from the New Products Showcase.
  • Another place to visit first-time and featured exhibitors is on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls.
  • The Gold Pavilion in the lot across from Paradise Road, near North Hall is another hot spot to visit those new to the Show.
  • The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) located across the street, but adjacent to the north side of the North Hall will include several exhibitors displaying products near the general registration area.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com to view a floorplan and learn more about the 2014 SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 13:06

By Becca Butler

  fusion
As a first-time exhibitor at the 2013 SEMA Show, Orange, California-based Fusion Brakes left Las Vegas with about 90–100 leads; at least 80% of them were qualified.
  

While the SEMA Show is the ideal place to connect with leading manufacturers and existing business partners, it’s also an opportunity to discover new business partners and find new products. Among the 2,500-plus exhibiting companies will be more than 450 companies exhibiting at the SEMA Show for the very first time.

Many of these first-time exhibitors will be located in one of four First-Time and Featured Exhibitors sections:

  • One First-Time and Featured Exhibitors section of the SEMA Show is located at the east end of the Upper South Hall, conveniently across from the New Products Showcase.
  • Another place to visit first-time and featured exhibitors is on the Skybridge between Central and South Halls.
  • The Gold Pavilion in the lot across from Paradise Road, near North Hall is another hot spot to visit those new to the Show.
  • The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly LVH) located across the street, but adjacent to the north side of the North Hall will include several exhibitors displaying products near the general registration area.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com to view a floorplan and learn more about the 2014 SEMA Show.

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 12:42

Compiled by SEMA Editors

  ryan
Jim Ryan
  

Jim Ryan Named SCORE Marketing and Sales Director

SCORE officials have announced that Jim Ryan has been named the SCORE marketing and sales director, effective immediately. Ryan will work directly with SCORE CEO/President Roger Norman. Ryan spent the last two years with TEN: The Enthusiast Network (formerly known as Source Interlink Media)—the company that acquired his Dirt Sports and Off-Road Industry magazines in October of 2012.

Among the honors Ryan has received over the years, two of his most coveted are the 2012 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council's (MPMC) Robert E. Petersen Media Person of the Year award and the 2012 SCORE Journalist of the Year award. Ryan spent his lengthy career in various sales and publishing positions with Petersen Publishing in Los Angeles (1980–2001) before a two-year tenure with Primedia and five years with Advanstar Communications (2003–2008) in Irvine, California, prior to going solo with his Ryan Communications Group to produce Dirt Sports and Off-Road Industry magazines (2008–2012).

Bosch Establishes Scholarship Program Through UTI Foundation

Robert Bosch LLC established an education scholarship and employment grant program through the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation with a gift of $50,000. Scholarships will assist students by funding a portion of their technical education at UTI. Multiple $1,000 scholarships and employment grants will be awarded. To be eligible for the Bosch Scholarship, students must meet UTI admissions requirements, plus the specific Bosch Scholarship requirements located on the UTI Foundation's website. Not all applicants may be selected to receive a scholarship. For complete information, visit the UTI Foundation at www.utifoundation.net.

perkins
Evan Perkins


  

Power Automedia Hires Evan Perkins as Editor of New Online Magazine, Turnology

Power Automedia named Evan Perkins the head of its newest endeavor, Turnology—the 12th online magazine in production by Power Automedia and will cover automotive performance driving in autocross and open-track environments. As editor, Perkins harnesses his own personal passion, along with his professional experience in heading the new magazine, slated to launch in the fourth quarter of 2014. "The birth of Turnology will fill a fresh niche in Power Automedia’s already vast digital coverage spectrum and provide the readership with access to a provocative array of performance driving, news technical stories, reviews and event coverage," Perkins said.

Perkins brings a lifetime of passion and experience to Turnology readers, from working for a road-racing organization during college and taking on his own project builds over the years to, most recently, running the 24 Hours of LeMons series. Before coming to Power Automedia, Perkins was editor of Fastest Street Car magazine.



corey
Corey Shick
  

Corey Shick Named Vice President of Sales, Remington Industries

Remington Industries has appointed Corey Shick as vice president of sales. Shick will report to Tim Parkes, CEO, and will be responsible for managing the strategic sales direction of the company. Prior to joining Remington Industries, Shick successfully led sales teams with well-known, recognizable brands from leading manufacturers across multiple channels of distribution, including RSC Chemical Solutions, HD Hudson Manufacturing Co. and The Stanley Works. Shick has a history of successfully partnering with retailers and WDs to support their needs and growing their mutual businesses.

Champion Oil Announces New Master Warehouse Distributor in the Middle East

Champion Oil has announced that Fredy World Est. Trade and Industry is its exclusive master warehouse distributor in Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Northern Cyprus, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen. Fredy World Est. Trade and Industry is a recognized leader in the distribution of performance, racing, commercial and industrial lubricants. The company will offer Champion products in a number of categories, such as motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, coolant, diesel motor oil, differentials lubes, greases, power steering fluids, brake fluids and automotive chemicals and additives.

collector
MotorHead Media, in partnership with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, is seeking to crown five vehicles with the title "Northeast Collector Cars of 2014."
 
  

MotorHead Media Searching Northeast U.S. for Top Five Collector Cars of 2014

MotorHead Media's group of interrelated marketplaces is the online destination for millions looking to buy-sell-trade their motorsports and automotive cars and parts. The company has announced that in partnership with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, it is seeking to crown five vehicles with the title "Northeast Collector Cars of 2014." Winners and their vehicles will be included in a special display at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, September 21, where they will also be VIP guests of the Speedway.

Any street-legal vehicle is eligible, including all makes, models and years. The panel of judges will include staff and associates from the MotorHead Media family of websites, which includes: RacingJunk.com, HotRodHotLine.com, OldRide.com, CollectorCarNation.com, SprocketList.com and BikerHotLine.com.

Judges will consider three primary areas when choosing the winners: unique appearance of the vehicle; defining northeastern character and relevance; and backstory on the vehicle and the people behind it. This will be the first contest of its kind in the Northeast. The company has thousands of loyal followers and wanted to give back to the community by providing car collectors and enthusiasts a high-profile platform to showcase their vehicles, dedication and passion for this hobby and lifestyle. To enter your vehicle, fill out the online nomination form. Winners will be announced Wednesday, September 10, 2014.

University of the Aftermarket Foundation Approves CAWA Grant

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation has approved a grant for the CAWA – representing the Automotive Parts Industry’s Education Memorial Fund. This scholarship program promotes quality and high standards through education within the automotive aftermarket industry. To be eligible, applicants must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate and must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, as a full-time undergraduate student in a curriculum leading to a degree or certificate from an accredited college, university or technical institute. In addition, candidates must be pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket or business and must be a legal resident of, or attending school in, Arizona, California or Nevada. Applications will be accepted beginning September 15.

 mahle
Terry Taylor
  

MAHLE Service Solutions Names Terry Taylor Head of Sales

MAHLE Aftermarket Inc., Service Solutions division, has named Terry Taylor to the position of head of sales. Taylor will report to Max Dull, general manager, and will be responsible for all sales for MAHLE Service Solutions, including what was the former MAHLE RTI division. Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in the aftermarket, including 10-plus years serving in a variety of business development and sales roles at SPX Service Solutions. He also has experience in sales and marketing at Redline Detection, Auto Meter Products and Exide Corp.

“Terry comes to us at an important time as our division continues to expand within MAHLE Aftermarket,” said Dull. “He will play a crucial role in helping lead our aftermarket strategy for tool and equipment sales.”

The former RTI Division of MAHLE Aftermarket has now been fully integrated into MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. and operates under the name MAHLE Service Solutions.

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