SEMA News - September 2010

 

	John B. Rogers Jr., president, CEO and co-founder of automaker Local Motors, is the keynote speaker for the 2010 SEMA Show New Product Awards Breakfast.

John B. Rogers Jr., president, CEO and co-founder of Local Motors, will inspire 2010 SEMA Showgoers as the keynote speaker for the New Product Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in Las Vegas. All exhibitors and attendees are invited to hear how Rogers’ auto manufacturing company is changing the way cars are designed and built.

Founded less than three years ago, the Arizona-based car company is home to 60,000 car design concepts, 7,000 community members, 12 full-time team members and one production vehicle: the Rally Fighter. Local Motors is based on the concept of open-source co-creation and local manufacturing, creating a unique chassis and body for each vehicle. The company doesn’t make many of its own components, preferring instead to collaborate with the specialty-equipment market for high-quality, proven products.

The New Product Awards Breakfast is a key attraction of the SEMA Show, taking place on the Show’s opening day before the Show floor opens. During the breakfast, the best new products in the New Products Showcase are announced and presented to exhibitors.

Tickets are free to all Showgoers, but space is limited so they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get tickets, visit the “Special Events Reservation” link located on www.SEMAShow.com and fill out the form. 

 

SEMA Show Central Hall Expands to Accommodate More Exhibitors

	The SEMA Show’s Central Hall—home to the Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace sections—has been expanded to accommodate additional exhibitors.

With less than three months left until the 2010 SEMA Show, to be held November 2–5 in Las Vegas, strong demand for exhibit space has essentially filled three key sections of the Show: Racing & Performance, Hot Rod Alley and Restoration Marketplace.

To meet the needs of companies still desiring to exhibit in these sections, the Central Hall has been expanded to the adjacent meeting space, which is just a few feet away from the main exhibit hall.

“We are thrilled with the industry’s support of the SEMA Show and the significant demand for Central Hall exhibit space and are fortunate to have an area so close in the building that can accommodate those still signing up,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “This area is linked to the hall by the East Lobby, which is considered by many as a main entrance to the Show.”

Numerous programs have been implemented to direct Showgoers to the area, ensuring that everyone is aware of the expanded section. The expansion is also located where the shuttle busses drop off, so visitors will go through the area when they walk to and from the buses.

Buyer and exhibitor registration, an online floorplan and complete information on the 2010 SEMA Show are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

 

	SEMA Show exhibitors have until September 3, 2010, to update their listings that will be included in the printed 2010 SEMA Show Directory.

Don’t Miss Opportunity for Inclusion in the 2010 SEMA Show Directory

Your 2010 SEMA Show Directory listing is one of the most important aspects of promoting your participation at the 2010 SEMA Show. The information you provide will be placed in the online floorplan, 2010 SEMA Show Directory and 2010 SEMA Show Pocket Guide. Buyers use this information in pre-Show planning, when they are walking the floor onsite and as a resource throughout the year after the SEMA Show.

The description provided in the floorplan is the same that was provided in the original Exhibit Space Rental Agreement. SEMA has sent exhibitors an e-mail with instructions on how to update company listings online. The deadline to be included in the printed 2010 SEMA Show Directory, including any updated listings, is September 3, 2010.

Questions? Contact Marel Del Rio at mareld@sema.org or 909/978-6740. If you are interested in advertising in the 2010 SEMA Show Directory or 2010 SEMA Show Pocket Guide, please contact Motor Media at 818/248-4449.

 

2011 Scion tC CAD Data Available

	CAD data files for the 2011 Scion tC are now available to SEMA manufacturers through the Tech Transfer program.

Attention designers: The SEMA Tech Transfer program has expanded to include CAD data for the 2011 Scion tC. The files available include exterior body panels, engine (2.5L), transmission, suspension and brakes and air cleaner/air intake. To get started, visit Tech Transfer at SEMA.org.

The intent of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program is to minimize or eliminate the necessity for reverse engineering to produce products. The CAD files made available through the program are provided by participating OEMs, which currently include, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion.

In addition to the large number of files currently available, SEMA manufacturing members can also request the particular information that they need, and the Tech Transfer staff will work with the OEMs to provide the data.

The 2011 tC will receive its first major changes since its launch in 2004. According to Scion, the 2011 edition will be fitted with a new 2.5L engine pushing about 180 hp and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside, changes include new sport bucket seats, a redesigned instrument cluster, standard 60/40 split folding rear seat and an eight-speaker audio system with steering-wheel controls.

For more information on the SEMA Tech Transfer program and what files are currently available, visit here.

 

Fast Facts

	Janeen Webb

Street Rodder magazine’s Janeen Webb was named 2010 Goodguys Woman of the Year during a special ceremony at the Goodguys 13th PPG Nationals presented by Bridgestone. Throughout her career at Street Rodder, Webb has not only designed and maintained marketing partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers but has also contributed to the automotive aftermarket as a whole by serving multiple years on SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) council as well as organizing consumer and industry events.

Tom McKernan, CEO of Automobile Club of Southern California, and Dave McClelland, legendary voice of the NHRA, were named to the board of directors of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. McKernan has been a huge supporter of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, both personally and professionally, forging the deal that brought on the Automobile Club of Southern California as presenting sponsor in 2004. McClelland joins the museum board after a lifetime of involvement in broadcasting and drag racing. McKernan and McClelland join Alex Xydias, Peter Clifford, Gary Darcy, Steve Gibbs and Wayne McMurtry on the current board of directors. NHRA, Glendora, CA; 626/914-4761.

Step N Stor, a brand of Lift & Storage Systems Inc., selected Galaxie Management Inc. to assist in promoting the Step N Stor to Department of Defense agencies. Galaxie Defense Marketing Services has worked in defense/government sales and marketing services for more than 30 years with the purpose of maximizing client sales to OEMs and the defense department by establishing and maintaining relationships with key decision makers and procurement personnel. Lift & Storage Systems, White Bear Lake, MN; 651/777-1554.

	Rick Huston

The Truck Accessories Group LLC (TAG) announced that Rick Huston has joined the TAG organization as sales and business development manager for State Wide Aluminum, a TAG-member company located in Elkhart, Indiana. Huston’s career includes stints at TRW, Eaton Corp. and Federal-Mogul. The responsibilities of his new appointment include increasing the sales and distribution of State Wide custom aluminum-framed windows, doors, access panels and hatches. Truck Accessories Group, Elkhart, IN; 574/262-2594.

Delta Kits has donated $6,000 so far in 2010 to Living Water International, a Christian organization based in Stafford, Texas, that aides developing countries around the world through implementing participatory, community-based water solutions. The donations have helped provide a new well for Maher Town, a community in Liberia, and training to demonstrate proper care for the pump. According to a recent report by Living Water International released in May, the new well is providing fresh water to 1,200 people. Delta Kits, Eugene, OR; 541/345-8554.

Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Richard (Dick) Messer has announced his retirement. Commenting on his decision, Messer said, “As I approach 70, and having given a total of 12 years of full-time attention to the museum, it’s time for me to relax a bit and focus on other matters.” The museum named Buddy Pepp—founding member of the museum’s Checkered Flag 200 executive committee—as Messer’s replacement as executive director. Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation, Los Angeles; 323/964-6361.

THI, the parent company of Extang Corporation, TruXedo Inc. and BedRug Inc., has combined with E.D. Industries Inc. (UnderCover). THI was formed in November 2007 by Kinderhook Industries LLC. UnderCover will join THI under the leadership of THI CEO Bill Reminder. THI reported that it will leverage the best practices and operational strengths of all companies under the THI umbrella. “We look forward to working in partnership with industry leaders Extang, TruXedo and BedRug,” said David Wells, who will continue in his role as president of Undercover. “I’m confident that through the combined efforts of all of our companies, we will continue to grow and set the standard for the industry’s best truck accessories.” Extang, Ann Arbor, MI; 800/877-2588. TruXedo, Yankton, SD; 877/878-9336.

	Rick Ross

Rick Ross was promoted to sales supervisor for Scosche Industries. Ross, who was hired last year by Scosche as a national trainer, has more than 25 years of senior-level experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. In his new position, he will oversee the entire nationwide sales force dedicated to specialty dealers. Scosche, Oxnard, CA; 805/486-4450.

Competition Specialties will hold its wholesale-only Mega Jobber Trade Show for the 39th consecutive year on Saturday and Sunday, February 26–27, 2011, at its Auburn, Washington, distribution center. According to the company, the annual trade show features major manufacturers, new products, product giveaways and more. For additional information, contact Bill McConnaughey at 253/833-6211. Competition Specialties, Auburn, WA.

Actron and Sunpro—brands of SPX Service Solutions—have moved their offices to 3000 Apollo Dr., Brook Park, OH 44142. The company can be reached at 216/515-5100. Sunpro produces performance tachometers and panel gauges for classic musclecar and hot-rod enthusiasts and today’s new-era sports cars. Actron manufactures diagnostic equipment and instrumentation in the retail and DIY segment of the automotive aftermarket industry. SPX Service Solutions, Cleveland, OH; 216/898-9200.

Owens Products Inc., a family-owned business established in 1965 and the maker of running boards with applications for pickups, vans, SUVs and CUVs, selected Media Management Marketing to handle its public relations initiatives. Owens Products, Sturgis, MI; 269/651-2300.

Tony D’Acquisto was named sales manager for the automotive aftermarket channel for the Valspar Corp. D’Acquisto will have national account responsibility, serving key retail and commercial accounts in the North American automotive aftermarket. He will focus on working with customers to provide solutions and optimize sales as related to the automotive paint category, further establishing the PlastiKote brand of products in the marketplace.

For the fifth consecutive time, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima took the overall victory in the 88th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a win he claimed one day prior to his 60th birthday. Tajima continues to hold the current overall record for reaching the peak, besting hill-climb veterans Paul Dallenbach and Rhys Millen in the Unlimited Class. With his new car—a 910hp Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special—he finished with the time of 10:11.49, a few seconds faster than the winning time he posted last year.

Mitchell 1 received the 2010 Hall of Fame award from AAA during the AAA/CAA Automotive Services Conference held recently in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The award was presented to Mitchell 1 in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication and success as an AAA Automotive Preferred Supplier. David Boyington, senior account manager, corporate sales, Mitchell 1, and Ken Young, vice president sales and marketing, Mitchell 1, accepted the award from Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president. Mitchell 1, Poway, CA; 858/391-5000. 

Pirelli Tire North America will expand its sales and marketing operations with a new office in New York to complement its North American headquarters in Rome, Georgia. The company reports that the expansion will assist with its aggressive sales growth and will only involve the outward-facing parts of the sales and marketing departments. Pirelli, Rome, GA; 800/747-3554.

Three Motor State/Lane Automotive publications were awarded Gold Medallions at the 19th Annual International Automotive Media Awards. In addition, Lane Automotive’s website also received a Best of Division award. Winning Gold Medallions were The Hot Rod Parts Catalog for cover design, public relations and marketing; Lane Automotive.com for Internet reference; and The Motor State Performance Report for a newsletter less than 16 pages, public relations and marketing. The ceremony was held at the Automotive Hall of Fame headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, in June. Motor State Distributing, Watervliet, MI; 269/463-4113.

Ohio Technical College was named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top 75 Workplaces of 2010. The Top Workplace honor was awarded by The Plain Dealer and Workplace Dynamics after they conducted employee surveys regarding their jobs and workplace environments at the college and its branch campus (the PowerSport Institute). Over the past three years, Ohio Technical College has received 2008 and 2009 Weatherhead Awards; the 2010 NEO Success Award; and been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The school was also named the 2009 School of the Year in an annual competition by Babcox Publications’ Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and Chicago Pneumatic. Ohio Technical College, Cleveland; 800/322-7000.

Falken Tire expanded its interactive social website at www.wegetyougoing.com by introducing a new section called www.falkenfanatic.com. Designed to be highly interactive, the new section allows visitors to build their own profiles, share experiences and upload race-related information and material. Participants also have a chance to win products and other motorsports items. Falken Tire, Fontana, CA; 909/466-1116.