Compiled by SEMA Editors
continue the Hot Wheels tradition of offering global fans the
opportunity to have their one-of-a-kind life-size car creations
forever immortalized as the next Hot Wheels Garage of
Legends 1:64 die-cast toy.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns With Global Hunt for Next Fan-Made Custom Hot Wheels Die-Cast Toy
The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, presented by Mobil 1, is officially open for fan car submissions. Back for its fourth year, the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour will continue the Hot Wheels tradition of offering global fans the opportunity to have their one-of-a-kind life-size car creations forever immortalized as the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends 1:64 die-cast toy. With stops spanning 14 countries and five continents, the 2021 showdown will feature both live and virtual events kicking off in April with livestream stops in New Zealand (April 15), Australia (April 22) and the United States and Canada (April 29). Dates for future stops will be announced soon, and fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting www.hotwheels.com/legends. Livestreams will be available to view on the Hot Wheels Facebook page, on Walmart.com and through automotive media partners in specific countries. Live events will return to U.S.-based Walmart stores this summer.
In partnership with Mobil 1, Hot Wheels Legends Tour stops will have regional winners, plus a Mobil 1 Fan Favorite, which will then be entered into the semi-final rounds representing the United States and global regions, yielding 10 finalists. The tour will culminate at a grand finale event in November, where there will be one custom car creation inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and honored as the next Hot Wheels die-cast toy sold around the world. In addition to being immortalized as a 1:64 die-cast toy, previous Legends Tour winners, including the 2018 winning 2JetZ and the 2019 winning classic coupe titled “The Nash,” will soon be available for purchase and play through the Forza Horizon 4 video game through the Hot Wheels Legends Car Pack on Xbox, Windows 10, iOS and Android devices.
New Podcast and YouTube Show Sponsored by ARP
Legendary magazine editor Jeff Smith along with his friends—custom car builder Steve Strope and long-time car editor and musclecar expert Cam Benty—have teamed up to talk cars through “Car Guy Confessions With Jeff Smith”—presented by ARP. From high-speed adventures to challenges that face today's car enthusiasts, nothing is off the table for the bi-weekly podcast and YouTube show.
Injected with their veteran technical perspectives, the hosts—along with some special guests—will cover the key topics of the day, automotive projects they are working on, and what they do to make a living each day in the automotive arena.
LSI Chemical and Hot Shot’s Secret Expand Distribution to India
LSI Chemical has announced a new international distributor for India—Quality Group—which is now authorized to sell LSI Chemical oil and fuel additives and to work with LSI Chemical in the development of performance blends of petrol and diesel based on customer specifications. Additionally, Quality Group is now an official distributor of the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products available for retail for a growing and very sizable India market.
OTC DAIHEN Inc. Announces Executive Management Change
OTC DAIHEN Inc., a supplier of advanced manual and robotic welding systems, has announced the promotion and appointment of Dr. Yasuhiro Kojina as president/CEO. Kojina replaces Shinsuke “Luke” Kadota, who is returning to Japan to become the deputy general manager of sales and marketing for the Planning & Administration Department, FA Robot Division, DAIHEN Corp.
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation Announces New Board Structure
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced a new board structure, designed to expand the Foundation’s reach to additional markets and under served aftermarket segments. Effective immediately, the board will consist of 30 members. Additionally, AACF also announced the appointment of two vice presidents to serve on the realigned Executive Committee: Luanne Brown, president and CEO of eTool Developers; and Jon Owens, national sales manager for Epicor Software.
According to Joel Ayres, AACF executive director, “The new Board size and structure will enable the Foundation to reach more donors and recipients. The newly structured Board gives AACF a deep bench of great volunteer leaders and enhances our ability to fill key leadership positions that arise due to retirements or other circumstances.” Essentially, we’ve created a leadership development strategy.”
For more information or to get involved with the AACF, contact Ayres at joel@aacfi.org.
TBC Corporation Celebrates 65 Years
The TBC Corp. announced that March 2021 marks the company's 65th anniversary. The company began in 1956, when a purchasing group of tire retailers was formed and collectively recognized as Cordovan Associates. In 1972, after much success, Cordovan Associates changed its name to Tire & Battery Corp. In nine years, the company went public under the name TBC. In 2005, the company was purchased by Sumitomo Corporation of America. Thirteen years later, in 2018, Michelin North America and SCOA entered into a 50-50 joint venture agreement to own TBC. Today, TBC has nearly 3,200 franchised and company-operated tire and automotive service centers, 22 proprietary tire brands and more than 150 distribution centers.
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