Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Doug Evans |
SEMA Chairman Doug Evans Joins Bonnier Corp. in New Events Sales Leadership Position
Doug Evans, SEMA chairman of the board, has joined Bonnier Corp. to lead sales in the events division as director of business development. This position is effective immediately. Evans joins Bonnier Corp. from Luken Communications—a national multicast television network provider—where he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this newly created position, Evans will spearhead a progressive marketing sales strategy for Bonnier Corp.’s extensive portfolio of niche events. He will develop multichannel programs for key national accounts and drive program crossover among all experiential, print and digital properties. Prior to Luken, Evans built a venerable career in automotive, motorsports and off-road media and events with positions at Conde Nast, The Promotion Company—Family Events (now a division of Bonnier Corp.) and The Enthusiast Network (formerly Petersen Publishing).
Transamerican Auto Parts/4 Wheel Parts Expands Its Partnership with SEMA Data Co-op
Transamerican Auto Parts has announced that the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is now a preferred partner in the management and distribution of product data for its Pro Comp, Rubicon Express, Smittybilt, LRG, G2 Axle & Gear and Poison Spyder brands. Additionally, the SDC provides product data to power Transamerican Wholesale’s warehouse systems and to 4 Wheel Parts retail stores’ points of sale and websites.
"The SDC is now the largest openly accessible product database in the industry,” said Greg Adler, CEO of Transamerican. “And with over 500 brands of product data already published or in the on-boarding process, they are an important provider of product data to help grow our wholesale and retail businesses."
Industry-owned and -operated, the SDC offers a full range of product data-management services and support. These include a custom-built online PIMS designed especially for automotive data management using the industry ACES and PIES standards, and an expert team of data analysts available to provide support from on-boarding into a DIY toolset, to comprehensive hands-on DIFM data services, all at the lowest possible cost.
“The SDC team is highly focused on bringing comprehensive product data coverage to the specialty-parts marketplace, and our partnership with Transamerican Auto Parts will help demonstrate that SDC services are a “must-have” for manufacturers in this space,” said Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. “We also welcome all Transamerican customers to sign up with the SDC for unlimited free data exports.”
 Eaton and Edelbrock will unveil “Vapor”—a 785hp restomod ’65 Mustang Fastback crafted by RoadsterShop at the 2016 SEMA Show. |
Eaton, Edelbrock to Unveil Restomod 785hp ’65 Mustang “Vapor” at 2016 SEMA Show
“Vapor,” a 785hp restomod ’65 Mustang Fastback crafted by award-winning builder RoadsterShop, will be unveiled at Eaton’s 2016 SEMA Show booth (#229430), November 1, at 9:30 a.m. Presented in conjunction with Eaton and Edelbrock, the name “Vapor” derives from the only remnants visible after this supercar passes by. Fitted under Vapor’s hood is Edelbrock’s newest and most powerful E-Force supercharged Ford 5.0L Coyote crate engine. The low-profile supercharger design incorporates Eaton’s Twin Vortices Series (TVS) rotors with four lobes and 160 degrees of twist, which optimizes airflow and produces consistent peak efficiency. The motor produced 785 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque at the flywheel when tested at the Edelbrock dyno facility. Its 9.5:1 compression ratio generates safe and reliable supercar performance that still runs on premium pump gas. Vapor also features Eaton’s Detroit Truetrac five-pinion rear end designed with a scalloped flange for reduced rotating mass. The car is presented in a Sport Classic Gray and Black paint scheme. Vapor is the result of a two-year build, commissioned by a Southern California-based enthusiast and collector, who conceived the project and oversaw its significant design and production details. The Roadster Shop’s work included a ground-up chassis and suspension design, custom metal work, design/engineering and production of one-off CNC-machined parts, complete wiring, assembly and painting. Interior and upholstery was completed by Avant Garde Designs.
Absolute Results Builds a HERO Jeep to Rescue Babies and Families in Guatemala
Omix-ADA has announced its partnership with the Hope of Life HERO Jeep. The organization rescues babies, children and families in Guatemala—one of the world’s poorest countries. Started by Carlos Vargas, Hope of Life is a Christian non-profit organization that is finding and bringing families in need to the Hope of Life Hospital, providing medical care, food, support and housing. The problem was the Hope of Life team needed more capable vehicles to scout the remote mountain villages and, in many cases, bring babies and families down the mountain to a waiting Hope of Life ambulance. Absolute Results President and Founder Jeff Williams decided that providing them with Jeeps would be the solution, so his team went to work and partnered with some of the most respected companies in the Jeep industry to build the first Hope of Life Jeep. Sponsors include Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge, Jeeps R Us, Katzkin, BF Goodrich and MOPAR. The HERO Jeep will be on display at the 2016 SEMA Show and in Jeep dealerships through spring 2017 before being shipped to Hope of Life in Guatemala. For more information on Omix-ADA’s complete Jeep Collection, visit www.JeepCollection.com. For more information on the HERO Jeep, visit www.jeepheroes.com.
 A new FordMuscle logo has been designed by Power Automedia reflective of the power of the FordMuscle brand and a modernization of the magazine. |
Power Automedia Acquires FordMuscle.com Magazine; Planning Expansion in Ford Market
Power Automedia has acquired the assets of long-time Ford magazine FordMuscle from its founder Chirag Asaravala, and is preparing an expansion in the Ford market. A new FordMuscle logo has been designed by Power Automedia reflective of the power of the FordMuscle brand and a modernization of the magazine. FordMuscle has supplied readers with do-it-yourself editorials and extensive product reviews since 1999. Power Automedia will release more information about its plans in the Ford marketplace prior to the 2016 SEMA Show.
Thermo-Tec Partners With Motorsports Marketing Company Performance Business Media
Thermo-Tec has announced a new advertising agency of record—Performance Business Media. The two companies have worked together closely over the past year. The marketing firm has designed and trafficked all creative on behalf of Thermo-Tec since November 2015. Performance Business Media now handles all strategy, buying, reconciling and creative for Thermo-Tec.
Yakima and JAC Products Announce Partnership to Provide Complete Rack Solutions to OEMs
Yakima Products Inc. is partnering with JAC Products Inc. to provide integrated rack solutions to global vehicle manufacturers. Yakima and JAC Products will display their products together at the 2016 SEMA Show (booth # 34113), November 1–4, 2016, in Las Vegas. On behalf of Yakima, JAC Products will manage relationships with a select group of automotive vehicle manufacturers and drive innovative solutions into market as a development partner.
 Brembo’s new plant in Escobedo, Mexico, covers an area of 377,000 sq. ft., will add sales of more than $100 million per year and create about 500 new jobs. |
Brembo Inaugurates New Brake Plant and Announces Additional New Iron Foundry in Escobedo, Mexico
Last week, Brembo President Alberto Bombassei inaugurated the company’s new plant in Escobedo, Mexico. The ceremony was attended by several Mexican and Italian authorities and institutional representatives, including the Italian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Benedetto Della Vedova. Escobedo is one of the company’s more modern and cutting-edge aluminum caliper plants. The facility features state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that combine high efficiency with the latest technically integrated solutions. Once fully operational, the plant will be capable of making two million aluminum calipers per year. The plant, which covers an area of 377,000 sq. ft., will add sales of more than $100 million per year and create about 500 new jobs. During the ceremony, Bombassei also announced that the company will start construction of a new foundry for the production of cast-iron discs. That plant will be adjacent to the recently inaugurated plant and be operational by the end of 2017. With an investment of $93 million, the new facility will have a melting capacity of more than 100,000 tons per year and will cover an area of 269,000 sq. ft. Brembo estimates that the new foundry will employ approximately 200 people. The production of the new plant will be dedicated to American, European and Asian OEMs present in Mexico with manufacturing facilities.
Wilwood Disc Brakes Doubles Facility Size and Production Capabilities
Wilwood Engineering has doubled its overall footprint to continue to meet the increased demand for quality braking solutions. The acquisition of another 100,000 sq.-ft. building, located in close proximity to the company’s headquarters in Camarillo, California, is a direct reaction to its year-over-year growth. Wilwood’s second building officially opened in early 2016 and houses expanded product manufacturing, along with all warehouse and shipping operations.
DENSO Named 2016 OE Supplier of the Year by Pronto; Names Daniel Muramoto Marketing Manager
DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc. has captured the National Pronto Association’s 2016 Original Equipment Supplier of the Year Award at the aftermarket buyer group’s recent Fall Membership Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. The honor marks the ninth time in 10 consecutive years DENSO has earned the award for automotive product quality, outstanding customer service and low defective rate.
DENSO also has named Daniel Muramoto marketing manager of the company’s aftermarket automotive products and services, as well as its MovinCool, Robotics and ADC divisions. In this position, Muramoto is responsible for directing DENSO’s team of marketing professionals handling advertising campaigns, product websites, social media, trade shows, product catalogs, technical publications, external affairs and corporate communications. Muramoto joins DENSO with more than 20 years of marketing experience in the automotive and heavy-equipment industries. He replaces Larry Fidance, who is retiring from the marketing manager position in December.
 L–R: Remington Industries’ Ed Knight, executive vice president, and Jon Peddie, vice president of sales. |
Remington Industries Welcomes Two New Executives; Forms Off-Road Accessories Partnership With BFGoodrich Tires
Remington Industries has announced the addition of Ed Knight and Jon Peddie to its executive team, effective immediately. Knight will serve as executive vice president, and Peddie will fill the role of vice president of sales. Knight comes to Remington Industries with more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting. As executive vice president, Knight will oversee the finance department, while also coordinating and directing long-term strategic development and general business activities throughout the company. Peddie, Remington Industries’ new vice president of sales, has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, and joins the company with considerable expertise in both sales and marketing. In addition to the new executive hires, Remington Industries CEO Tim Parkes has assumed the duties of president, and Lisa Moses has moved to the position of executive vice president of marketing and product management. Tom Norwell, president at Remington Industries since 2012, will transition through early 2017 to the role of president of international sales and business development. Ray Gonsalves, formerly vice president of operations, has been promoted to senior vice president of operations with responsibility for both Remington Industries Inc. and its domestic manufacturing sister company RemSourceUSA.
Remington Industries also has announced its recent partnership with BFGoodrich Tires and its entry into the off-road automotive accessories category. According to the agreement, Remington Industries will produce automotive floor protection and interior accessories under the BFGoodrich Tires brand name, offering the first significant extension of the brand into new product categories. Although Remington Industries carries current product licenses for Michelin and Rubbermaid automotive accessories, the BFGoodrich Tires accessories line will be geared specifically toward off-road and outdoor applications.
 Dan Gurney was honored with the 2016 Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award. |
Racing Legend Dan Gurney Receives the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
The Petersen Automotive Museum presented motorsports icon Dan Gurney with the 2016 Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award at its 22nd Annual Gala, October 22, 2016. Barry Meguiar presented the award in recognition of Gurney’s six decades of achievement in racing as a driver, team owner and manufacturer, as well as his contributions to engineering, safety and even the space program. Gurney accepted the award via a video that was shown to the capacity crowd at the gala.
Recognized as one of the greatest American race-car drivers of all time, Gurney drove in a variety of different series, winning races in Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR, Can-Am and Trans-Am—the first driver ever to do so. He also helped popularize safety innovations, such as the full-face helmet, which soon became not only standard, but required. His experiences as a race-car driver led to the creation of All American Racers, where as constructor and team owner, Gurney fielded some of most innovative and successful Formula One and Indy Car racers of all time. In his 70s, Gurney designed an entirely new type of motorcycle—the Alligator—which improved both safety and performance, manufactured the Delta Wing race car and built the legs for Space-X’s Falcon9 rocket. Previous winners of the Petersen Award include Art Chrisman, Carroll Shelby, George Barris, Andy Granatelli, The Ford Family, Vic Edelbrock, Jack Roush, Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, “Speedy” Bill Smith, Alex Xydias, Wally Parks and Ed Pink.
Big O Tires Recognizes 41 Scholarship Recipients for 2016
Since 2003, Big O Tires and its franchisees have worked to give back through the Big O Tires Scholarship Fund. To date, the scholarship fund has impacted the lives of more than 240 students by providing more than $370,000 in financial assistance for continuing their education. This year, more than $72,000 was raised from participants at the annual Big O Tires convention—more than any other year in the history of the program. To be eligible, applicants must be employees (or family members) of Big O Tires or of a Big O Tires franchisee who are graduating from high school or currently enrolled in post-secondary education courses. To be considered, applicants must complete an application, submit two essays, supply transcripts and information regarding extracurricular experience and demonstrate financial need.
ENEOS to Unveil ’72 Skyline 200 GT-X “Hakosuka” at 2016 SEMA Show
ENEOS will kick-off its SEMA Show activities in LVCC Central Hall, booth #24829, November 1, at 10:00 a.m., with the unveiling of the ’72 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-X “Hakosuka” to the press and on Facebook Live. Throughout the Show, ENEOS will hold a photo competition in which visitors to the booth will be invited to photograph the ENEOS/JDMCHICAGO Hakosuka and post it online, tagging @ENEOSUSA. Each day, the best photo will be awarded a year’s supply of oil, with judges awarding a grand prize to the best photo of the week. Prior to the Show, ENEOS released a video series with GTChannel.com, entitled “Road to SEMA,” presented by ENEOS. It features three influential tuners: Evasive Motorsports, Bulletproof Automotive and LT Motorwerks, who will be in the ENEOS booth, Wednesday, November 2, at 11:00 a.m., where they will speak to visitors about the culmination of their 2016 SEMA Show builds.
 Four vehicles will be displayed in the Bestop booth at the 2016 SEMA Show. |
Bestop to Showcase Off-Road Innovations at 2016 SEMA Show
Inspiring off-road adventure is Bestop’s (booth #30017) theme for the 2016 SEMA Show taking place November 1-4. With recent acquisitions of two off-road component manufacturers, Baja Designs and Tuffy Security Products, the Bestop brand will enable off-road adventurers to experience the company’s latest innovations. Bestop’s SEMA Show booth is designed to turn visitors on to Jeep Wrangler soft tops and accessories and truck add-ons. Among Bestop’s newest offerings is the Trektop NX Glide soft top. Bestop will also debut the HighRock 4x4 modular bumper and RoughRider tailgate shelf. Four vehicles will be displayed in the Bestop booth: one Jeep customized in pink to support Project Pink, a Hypergreen Jeep hosting an augmented reality photo opp, a third Jeep showcasing a lineup of accessories from Bestop, Baja Designs and Tuffy Security Products and a truck equipped with the latest premier-quality bed cover options and automatic running boards.
 At the entrance to the South Hall (Exhibit #62122), Show attendees will be greeted by a Ken Block-themed display with the famous ‘Hoonicorn’ Ford Mustang. Photo: Hoonigan Racing/Ron Zaras |
Toyo Tires Features Several Displays and Vehicle Debuts at 2016 SEMA Show
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. will feature several displays and vehicle debuts during the 2016 SEMA Show, November 3 – 6 in Las Vegas. At the entrance to the South Hall (Exhibit #62122), Show attendees will be greeted by a Ken Block-themed display with the famous ‘Hoonicorn’ Ford Mustang. Inside the South Hall, the Toyo Tires booth (#43115) has moved onto the main aisle and will include one-off supercars, including the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model X P90D Ludicrous, Diety Motorsports X IDL Design Wide Body McLaren and IDL Design Porsche 997 C2S. Located between the Central and South Hall, attendees can also enjoy never-before-seen vehicles in the Toyo Tires Treadpass, including the RMD Garage ’62 Lincoln Continental convertible, Muzilla, Turbo Toyota Supra-powered Datsun 260Z, Full Tube Chassis ’70 Dodge Charger, Bulletproof Automotive X Fury Automotive/Varis Kamikaze-R Super Sonic R35 GT-R and E30 BMW.
XM Magazines Now Being Distributed to Active Military
Xceleration Media Group has announced its print magazines will now be available to thousands of U.S. troops deployed overseas through Operation Care Package—a volunteer 501(c)(3) charity. Operation Care Package’s developed distribution network reaches thousands of service members throughout the world. This partnership means military car enthusiasts now have access to all of Xceleration Media’s print titles, including Drag Racing Scene, OneDirt, Power & Performance News, and Street Rod Life. Military members are encouraged to contact Operation Care Package through its website.
Representing Valspar Automotive, Vescio’s Customization & Restoration will bring a custom ’47 Ford pickup to the SEMA Show this year. |
Valspar Automotive Takes Vescio’s Customizing & Restoration to 2016 SEMA Show
Vescio’s Customization & Restoration will bring a custom ’47 Ford pickup to the SEMA Show this year, representing Valspar Automotive and its legacy brand Valspar Refinish. The SEMA Show feature build was has taken home the “Outstanding Paint” award from this year’s Autorama in Detroit. The truck is sealed with DTM2035 and sports a factory Ford Cinnamon 2010 series color (HT), painted with Valspar Refinish 999 Basecoat and finished with Valspar AC4400 HS Clearcoat. Vescio’s Customizing & Restoration spent two years on the build. The truck bed was rebuilt with a new steel box, custom nickel plating and chrome work. The interior was updated by Dan Weber and Weber’s Custom Interiors. Vescio’s incorporated the original frame into the final build, but added a Mustang II front-end suspension. The truck is powered by a custom 500hp 351 engine. Additional feature Valspar Automotive vehicles to be shown on the grounds outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center include a ’58 Plymouth Belvedere in Prospray Finishes by John Wargo of The Custom Shop and a ’67 Ford Mustang Fastback by Brand-X-Customs. Find Valspar Automotive at the SEMA Show in booth #10851 (North Hall).
General (Ret.) Jack Keane Joins AM General as Executive Chairman
AM General has announced that General (Ret.) Jack Keane has joined the company as its executive chairman. General Keane is widely recognized as one of America’s most insightful and trusted thought leaders on national security issues. In his new role, General Keane will work closely with AM General President and CEO Andy Hove and AM General's parent corporation, MacAndrews & Forbes Inc., to provide strategic oversight and counsel on the company’s strategic growth initiatives.
 Kooks Headers and Exhaust is moving into a new 20,000-sq.-ft. facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. |
Kooks’ Moves Into Third Building, Expands R&D With Large Equipment Investment
Kooks Headers and Exhaust is moving into a new facility located 25 minutes south of its Statesville, North Carolina, headquarters in Mooresville. The new 20,000-sq.-ft. facility will be home to the sales, marketing, logistics and R&D departments. By opening the new facility in Mooresville, Kooks is now able to expand its Statesville manufacturing capabilities. With the new equipment, Kooks has the ability to laser cut up to ¾-in. stainless steel plates, which will enable the company to produce its own flanges and cut and bend its own brackets, making the company’s production entirely self-reliant. The new equipment includes a 6,000-watt Mitsubishi laser-cutting machine, a 60-ton Dener break press, a Time Saver surface conditioning machine and an AIM 1CNC Wire bending machine. Kooks will also use its new equipment to manufacture products for other companies. The Mooresville location is the third facility for Kooks Headers and Exhaust. The company now occupies more than 100,000 sq.-ft. total and employs 90 people.
 Built by Dave Doetsch of Doetsch Off-Road in Chandler, Arizona, the “Locked and Loaded” Jeep Wrangler is an urban crawler that is fitted for overland trips with BOLT's “One-Key Lock Technology.” |
BOLT Locks to Display “Locked and Loaded” Jeep Wrangler Project Vehicle at 2016 SEMA Show
BOLT Locks will feature the “Locked and Loaded” Jeep Wrangler project vehicle in its SEMA Show booth #33199 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 1–4. Built by Dave Doetsch of Doetsch Off-Road in Chandler, Arizona, the vehicle is an urban crawler that is fitted for overland trips with BOLT's “One-Key Lock Technology.” Special security features include a BOLT hood lock, a Go Rhino bumper with a BOLT lockable gear center drawer and a Kargo Master roof rack system with gear secured by BOLT cable locks and padlocks. BOLT J-mount locks in red and black are situated on both the driver and passenger doors. In addition, a Monster Hook will be secured with a BOLT receiver lock. Doetsch’s Locked and Loaded Jeep Wrangler is finished in gloss black paint. The interior is enhanced with a red and black custom leather trim package with the BOLT Lock logo custom stitched into each headrest.
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits to Appear at ITW Professional Automotive Products SEMA Show Booth
ITW Professional Automotive Products will host drag racing’s living legend—“Big Daddy” Don Garlits at this year’s SEMA Show. Big Daddy will appear in the ITW Professional Automotive Products SEMA Show booth # 34301, November 1–3, 2016. He will sign autographs for his many fans from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m., each day. In addition to meeting Garlits, attendees will have the opportunity to enter to win prizes in the Wynn’s SEMA Sweepstakes. Prizes include a YETI 45 cooler, a Big Green Egg large charcoal grill and a “Big Daddy” Don Garlits racing jacket.
Champion to Introduce New Micro Sprint Racing Oil at 2016 SEMA Show
Champion Oil will introduce new Micro Sprint Racing Oils at the 2016 SEMA Show in booth #24423. Champion’s fully synthetic Micro Sprint Racing Oils are “non-street-legal, race-only,” and are specially formulated to provide protection and performance in wet-clutch Micro Sprint engines.
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