Compiled by SEMA Editors
RallySport Direct Partners With Cosworth to Expand North American Performance Product Offerings
RallySport Direct has announced a new partnership with Cosworth to provide the same level of performance products for the U.S. enthusiast market that has been available from Cosworth in Europe and around the world. Partnering with RallySport Direct as the master distributor for North America, Cosworth is providing more products, better inventory availability, customer support and service into the U.S. market than ever before. Cosworth has been a pre-eminent source of high-performance automotive engineering since 1958. Specializing in engines and performance electronics, the company has a solid footprint in Formula 1, NASCAR and IndyCar racing.
ICON to Host 4x4 Third Annual “Cars & Casino” Charity Event
Actor/ICON customer Aaron Eckhart (“Dark Knight” and “Thank You For Smoking”) will host an evening of “Cars & Casino” at ICON Workshop, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. The event will benefit GO Campaign—a Los Angeles-based charity that helps at-risk kids worldwide. Jonathan Ward’s famous ICON Broncos, Land Cruisers, and Derelict vehicles will be on display, in addition to rarities, such as an Outlaw Porsche 356. ICON Workshop is located at 9601 Lurline Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311. For more information, visit www.gocampaign.org/carscasino.
 A.R.E. will showcase its Bassmaster Toyota Tundra project truck during the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend in Many, Louisiana. |
A.R.E. is Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Elite Fishing Tournament
As the title sponsor of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend in Many, Louisiana, taking place May 12–15, A.R.E. will be on-site showcasing its Bassmaster Toyota Tundra project truck and feature autograph sessions with its sponsored Elite Series anglers Britt Meyers, Justin Lucas and Adrian Avena. A.R.E. will also offer attendees the opportunity to register to win two all-expense-paid fishing trips: one with Avena and one with Lucas. An active Bassmaster sponsor, A.R.E. participates in the “Top Angler” contingency program while maintaining a presence at most Bassmaster Elite Series tournament events.
HUBB Names The Marx Group as Agency of Record
HUBB, new to the aftermarket with its next generation oil filter, has named The Marx Group as its public relations agency of record. The Marx Group will assist HUBB with marketing and branding strategies, trade-show support, PR writing and distribution and represent the company to trade and consumer media.
 Mark Rodrigues |
Honeywell Transportation Systems Appoints Senior Leader for Aftermarket Business in North America
Honeywell Transportation Systems has named Mark Rodrigues general manager of the company’s turbocharger aftermarket business in North America and its global performance products business. Rodrigues will be based in Torrance, California, and report to Eric Fraysse, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Transportation Systems Aftermarket, located in Rolle, Switzerland. Prior to this position, Rodrigues was the global product management director of Honeywell Transportation Systems’ commercial vehicle business. He also served as product marketing director and has held multiple roles in engineering and program management within Honeywell.
Jim Bailey Joins Delta Tech Industries LLC
Jim Bailey has joined Delta Tech Industries LLC as sales manager. He comes to Delta with 34 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Bailey has restored countless vehicles from the ground up throughout the years, 17 of which have been featured in various custom magazines.
 Hugh Charvat |
Hugh Charvat Joins AP Exhaust Technologies as CEO
AP Exhaust Technologies LLC has announced the appointment of Hugh Charvat as CEO and member of the AP Exhaust executive team, effective immediately. Evangelos Proimos will continue as the company’s executive chairman, working directly with Charvat on developing the company’s strategies, growing the business organically and through acquisitions and supporting AP Exhaust’s customer relationships. Charvat joins AP Exhaust with more than 25 years of experience in the automotive and truck aftermarket and OEM industries. In his most recent role, he served as chairman, president and CEO of Schrader International Inc. Under Charvat’s leadership, Schrader operated eight global manufacturing facilities and 10 sales and engineering offices around the world, selling to the automotive and industrial OEM and aftermarket channels in more than 40 countries.
 (L-R): Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO; Steven Choiniere, Color Systems president and owner; Steve Lauro, Color Systems sales manager; John Outcalt, PPG vice president, Global Automotive Refinish. |
PPG Names Color Systems Platinum Distributor of the Year
PPG Automotive Refinish has recognized Color Systems of Warwick, Rhode Island, as its 2015 Platinum Distributor of the Year. Bob Wenzinger, director of the PPG Platinum Distributor program, presented the award at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference, held February 25–28, at the Green Valley Resort in Las Vegas. Steven Choiniere, Color Systems president and owner, and sales manager Steve Lauro attended the conference and accepted the honor on behalf of the company. Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO, and John Outcalt, PPG vice president, Global Automotive Refinish, also participated in the presentation.
Aeromotive Inc. Announces Marketing Partnership With Martin & Co. Advertising
Aeromotive Inc. has announced a marketing partnership with Martin & Co. Advertising. As the landscape of the marketing field continues to rapidly shift from less traditional techniques to a fast-paced digital environment, management decided to bring in experts to help their marketing team with oversight and guidance.
 Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was presented with the 2015 Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Automotive Inc. |
Continental Receives Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Auto Parts
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was presented with the 2015 Content and O’Cat Award from O’Reilly Automotive Inc., February 3, 2016, during the Supplier Awards presentation, which was held at O’Reilly Auto Parts Annual Store Manager’s Conference in St. Louis. The O’Reilly Auto Parts award recognizes the supplier that provides the best support for catalog and content in its parts system. Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket was chosen because it enabled O’Reilly locations to effectively sell Continental’s VDO-branded parts and O’Reilly’s Murray and Import Direct-branded parts to their customers by consistently providing accurate and proactive catalog information and ensuring its validity. This made it easier for O’Reilly store personnel and retail and commercial customers to successfully research vehicle part number applications.
Tenneco Launches Free “Servicegram” Technical Fliers from Monroe, Walker Brands to Support Industry Partners
Tenneco has announced the launch of its new Monroe Shocks and Struts Servicegram and Walker Emissions Control Servicegram. These free, monthly technical fliers are designed to provide automotive service professionals and counter professionals insight into two of the industry’s premier brands. Also available in French and Spanish, the new Servicegrams deliver timely technical product insight, common service bay procedures and troubleshooting techniques and tips. Published monthly and available electronically, Monroe and Walker Servicegrams will provide hands-on learning through step-by-step how-to articles, relevant technical tips and more.
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.