The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) hosted its Media Preview Exclusive on Monday of the 2018 SEMA Show, held October 29 – November 2. With its sights set on connecting its members with journalists, editors and influencers, the annual preview affords member manufacturers a chance to maximize product exposure by meeting with key media representatives who focus on the light-truck segment. Media Preview exhibitors also had an opportunity to submit their new products for award consideration in two categories.
The award for Best New Product Over $500 was presented to CargoGlide for its Truck WallSlide storage system. Comprised of a steel framework, it allows users to customize interior truck walls with shelving of their choice. It also allows everything stored on a fixed shelf, drawer or bin to be rolled out.
Dee Zee’s new Hex Series Side Steps were chosen as the Best New Product Under $500. Made of lightweight extruded aluminum and overlaid with a protective powdercoat, the side steps feature an integrated channel that allows for adjustment of the drop step.
The presentation of the Influencer of the Year award was also a much-anticipated highlight. The award recognizes and rewards media for their efforts in supporting the light-truck, Jeep®, diesel, SUV and, more recently, off-road markets. It’s a thank you to those individuals who help TORA-member companies sell products, connect with consumers and cover events that reach new markets.
To qualify for the award, which includes both traditional and nontraditional media outlets, candidates must have an influential presence in digital, social and/or print media, be focused on the truck market and/or emerging markets associated with trucks, SUVs and off-road, as well as concentrate on the aftermarket.
In recognition of their successes in reaching flourishing truck-centric audiences, this year’s winners of the Influencer of the Year award were Velocity TV and motorsports hosts Matt Steele and Bruno Massel of Truck U, a show dedicated exclusively to trucks, 4x4s and SUVs.