SEMA News—December 2013
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fast Facts
With his nearly 40 years of experience in the aftermarket truck-accessory business, the company will leverage Ayres’ comprehensive industry knowledge and high level of expertise. His experience includes being a general manager of a manufacturing operation, overseeing a chain of retail stores and being in charge of distribution and warehouse operations. For more than 19 years, Ayres worked as national marketing director for Truck Accessories Group (TAG), owners of national brands that include Leer, Pace Edwards, Raider and State Wide Aluminum. BedSlide/Tākit, Medford, OR; 888-807-0099. |
Aeromotive Inc., Lenexa, KS; 913-647-7300. | |
Holley Performance Products, Bowling Green, KY; 270-782-2900. | Tomoshige “Tomo” Mizutani took over as president of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA), effective October 1. Mizutani led the Nitto brand in the United States since 1992 and served as president of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU) since July 1, 2005. He will continue to serve as a corporate officer for Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. of Japan. Current president Noriyuki Dan will continue to serve as the CFO of TTHA. Keiko Brockel, current COO of NTU, will be appointed president in addition to her role as president of Nitto Tire Canada Inc. | |
Industry veteran Richard Colliver, former executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., has joined Katzkin’s advisory board, with a focus on helping Katzkin expand its automotive manufacturer programs. According to Brooks Mayberry, chief executive officer for Katzkin, customization has become a consumer expectation. “The lines between custom vehicles from the factory and the aftermarket are blurring as consumers demand more choice,” Mayberry said. Prior to joining Honda, Colliver spent more than 20 years with Mazda Motors of America, and he also held a number of sales and marketing positions with General Motors and Chrysler. Katzkin Leather, Montebello, CA; 800-842-0590. | The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association hired automotive executive Travis Weeks as vice president of media. He will oversee and manage all media properties for the Goodguys, serve as publisher for the Goodtimes Gazette and manage the company’s video production. Weeks most recently served as publisher of Hotrod & Restoration magazine and as producer of the annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Pleasanton, CA; 925-838-9876. |