By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

SEMA-supported legislation to provide for the prompt issuance of titles to owners of out-of-state motor vehicles that are 35 years old or older was approved by the full House of Representatives. Having already been passed by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Pat McCrory for his signature and enactment into law.

Under the bill, if a required inspection and verification is not conducted by the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days after receiving a request and the inspector has no probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number does not match the vehicle being examined, the vehicle will be deemed to have satisfied all inspection and verification requirements and the title will be issued to the owner within 15 days. If an inspection and a verification is performed in a timely manner and the vehicle passes the inspection and verification, the title will be issued to the owner within 15 days of the date of the inspection. The bill would provide vehicle owners a fair, reasonable and reliable time period in which they could have these older cars inspected and receive the title from the DMV. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

SEMA-supported legislation to provide for the prompt issuance of titles to owners of out-of-state motor vehicles that are 35 years old or older was approved by the full House of Representatives. Having already been passed by the Senate, the bill will now be sent to Governor Pat McCrory for his signature and enactment into law.

Under the bill, if a required inspection and verification is not conducted by the Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days after receiving a request and the inspector has no probable cause to believe that the ownership documents or public vehicle identification number does not match the vehicle being examined, the vehicle will be deemed to have satisfied all inspection and verification requirements and the title will be issued to the owner within 15 days. If an inspection and a verification is performed in a timely manner and the vehicle passes the inspection and verification, the title will be issued to the owner within 15 days of the date of the inspection. The bill would provide vehicle owners a fair, reasonable and reliable time period in which they could have these older cars inspected and receive the title from the DMV. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Thanks to some hot-weather testing in the Southwestern United States, the shooters at KGP Photography have gotten their best look yet at the ’15 Chevy Colorado—including the first engine shots of a production-spec prototype.  
 
The photographers caught a Colorado prototype with its hood raised just long enough to grab a couple shots of the truck's engine. The engine cover is emblazoned with "V6 VVT" and what appears to be "Direct Injection" in smaller print. It's clear that GM designers and engineers are "butching up" the global Colorado to better suit American tastes, and this V6 engine should further that cause.

The desert sun has also penetrated the front camouflage better than ever, providing the best look yet at the grille work. The Colorado—while taking some cues from the new Silverado—seems to have a more shapely grille, which is wider at the top and narrows toward the front bumper. Compared to the overly blocky grille on the Silverado, the ’15 Colorado is getting a little more shape to its face.

When the Colorado reaches United States showrooms—reportedly by mid 2014—the new truck will find more breathing room than was available in prior generations. With the Ford Ranger still a no-show in North America, and Ram showing signs of an updated replacement for the Dodge Dakota, the Colorado will have a more captive audience for those looking for something less than a fullsize truck.

The new truck may come with a new name, befitting the fresh take that the new pickup is getting. The end results will be more of a lifestyle truck, but it is expected to retain a high level of the Silverado's capabilities. With the availability of a DI V6 engine, GM's new midsize truck should prove to be a stout addition to GM's truck ranks.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Custom Car Builders Wanted for “Fast N’ Loud” Build-Off
The producers of the TV show “Fast N’ Loud” are looking for a team of custom car builders to face off against the Gas Monkey crew on a brand new build-off TV special and live event. The producers will come to your shop or garage and film you designing, fabricating and building a four-wheeled, custom beauty to be revealed on national television during a live show. To prove who is the champ of the build-off, you will race your build against the Gas Monkey creation. The vehicle can be a hot rod or street rod and either a new or ongoing build.

Your crew must consist of two people who have the tools and skills to compete against the best. To apply, e-mail FastNLoudCasting@gmail.com and include your names and the name of the garage; your city/state; recent photos of you and your team, contact phone number; and a brief explanation of why your team can win. Complete details are available through the producers of “Fast N’ Loud.”  

	Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory.

Enduratex Names Dino Urena Sales Manager
Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory. “Dino is a respected professional in our industry and brings more than two decades of coated fabrics experience to his new position at Enduratex,” said Jeff Post, vice president and general manager of Enduratex/CGPCA. “Dino’s work at O’Sullivan and Omnova demonstrated his thorough understanding of product development, sales and the vinyl marketplace.” Urena has achieved the Six Sigma Tools & Techniques Green Belt from the Juran Institute and is a member of the IFAI, the Marine Fabricators Association and the Society of Plastic Engineers.

Michael Klein Named Treasurer for AIAA Executive Committee
IDQ Holding Inc.'s President and CEO Michael Klein was recently elected treasurer for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association executive committee. Klein will account for all minutes of board meetings, help prepare the annual budget and supervise AIAA’s financial records. Prior to being elected to treasurer, he chaired AIAA’s investment committee for a number of years. In addition to his position with AIAA, Klein also serves on several other executive committees and boards, including Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Tom Marx to Lead Merger and Acquisition Presentation at Northwood University
Tom Marx, CEO of Marx Group Advisors, will present "Surviving and Thriving During a Merger, Acquisition, Divestiture or Other Change in Ownership" on Wednesday, July 24 at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan. The presentation is part of the University of the Aftermarket's weeklong Heavy Duty Leadership educational conference. Marx will provide students with strategies on how they can be their best during a merger or acquisition. He will also provide advice on managing the people that work for them during this type of transition and how to contribute to make sure the deal is a success.

Western Technical College Students to Intern With Don Schumacher Racing
Two students from Western Technical College in El Paso, Texas—27-year-old U.S. Army veteran Kody Throop and 23-year-old Joshua Lerma—will work as interns for 11-time NHRA world champion Don Schumacher Racing when the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competes at Denver, near San Francisco and Seattle between July 19 and August 4. Throop will assist on the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by seven-time NHRA world champion Tony Schumacher, while Lerma will work with the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by reigning champion Antron Brown. “The Western Swing internship program was made possible in part because of our longstanding relationship with Matco Tools, which is the official tool of Western Technical College and DSR,” said Jack Werner, director for the Automotive, Performance and Diesel Programs at Western Technical College. “Kody and Joshua will gain valuable experience and insight on the internal workings of a professional race team. They both look forward to the challenge with the ultimate goal to join one of the teams full time should the opportunity be presented to them.”

GM and UTI Develop Auto Tech Training Program
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and General Motors Co. have reached an agreement to develop a 12-week elective training program for UTI students. The program will first be available at UTI's Avondale campus. The goal of the new GM elective program will help provide a steady flow of well-trained, ready-to-work technicians to GM dealers and affiliates. UTI graduates will benefit from a specialized education that improves their opportunities for employment.

	Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California.

Westin Automotive Products Relocates R&D Facility
Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California. The 10,000-sq.-ft. facility has a staff of 12 full-time employees comprised of engineers, technicians and CAD specialists. The company reports that the facility is a primary cornerstone of the company's operating model to help ensure that all products are conceived, designed, developed, tested and quality controlled in the USA. 

J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock Form Rep Performance Marketing
Long-time manufacturers' representatives J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock have teamed up to form Rep Performance Marketing covering the Southeast United States. The new team, with more than 40 years of combined experience in the automotive aftermarket, has announced that they are hitting the ground running with the following clients: B&M Performance Products, Hurst Shifters, Flowmaster Exhaust, Derale Performance and Pacer Performance Products.

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.