Doug Evans of Source Interlink Media has been voted chairman-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors and joins two newly elected Board members to help lead the association for the 2013–2015 term. Evans fills the position held for the past two years by Nate Shelton of B&M Automotive Group. Shelton began serving his term as chairman in July. The newly elected SEMA Board volunteers are Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing and Tim Watts of Superlift Suspension. Jeff Bates of Bob Cook Sales was re-elected to serve another term.
GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford F-350 Smokestacked, C7 Corvette Pace Car
The SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center is now open to provide manufacturers with access to a full emissions-testing EO certification lab and dyno services. Located adjacent to SEMA’s Diamond Bar, California, headquarters, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will include a full mechanic’s garage and tech center.
The building was purpose-built 10 years ago with a full dyno lab that uses highly technical and sophisticated equipment to measure emissions output at a level consistent with the Air Resources Board requirements for EO certification. Working in conjunction with the Auto Club, SEMA is able to use the equipment to provide members with a valuable, low-cost resource for testing and obtaining certifications for new products.
Toyota made its first-ever public reveal at a major music event, unveiling the redesigned ’14 4Runner at the recent Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California. To celebrate the premiere of the new 4Runner, Toyota created a whimsical, “World of Wonders” stage complete with carnival games, circus performers and a special performance by country recording artist
Dierks Bentley.
Now in its fifth generation, the Toyota 4Runner features a rugged new exterior design along with a powerful 4.0L, 270hp V6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The new midsize SUV will be available in three grades—the well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, and a Trail grade for off-road enthusiasts. 4Runner owners will have the choice of a rear-wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 or a full-time multi-mode 4x4 with a locking center differential.
SEMA will host its annual Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 26, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The annual event is well attended by automotive professionals and recognizes the newest Board members, while honoring the 2013 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees.
“The annual installation banquet is a chance to honor our newly elected Board of Directors as well as our Hall of Fame members,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “The fact that we are able to support SEMA’s selected charitable organizations is an added bonus and something we are proud to sponsor.”
Registration is now open for the 2013 SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, Las Vegas. Attendees, media and exhibitors are invited to register for the annual Show online.
“Preregistering online and obtaining approval in advance of the Show is the most efficient and economical way to obtain Show credentials,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “In addition to paying a lower cost, attendees receive their badges in the mail before the SEMA Show so that they can hit the Show floor running when they arrive.”
Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including Yokohama Tire Corp., Sonoma Raceway, Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, Lund International Holding Co., and more.
Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Lincoln MKC and Dodge Charger SRT8.
The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) has announced a new competition that offers executive-level innovators under the age of 40 a platform to showcase their business plans for marketing a new automotive product and service. The “SEMA Launch Pad” contest will earn the grand-prize winner a package of advertising tools to help take his or her business to the next level.
Through this competition, five finalists will have their business plans peer reviewed by industry leaders at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The grand-prize winner will earn an array of prizes, including a 10x10-ft. booth at the 2014 SEMA Show, an ad in Hot Rod or 4 Wheel & Off Road magazine, a Family Events sponsorship package and more. Even if companies don’t win the grand prize, they will still benefit from the opportunity to be promoted to thousands of industry professionals eager to learn more about innovative products and services.
Breaking news from SEMA member companies, including The Coker Group, SCCA Pro Racing, Holley Performance Products, Racepak, National Performance Warehouse and more.