Hottest Car, Sport Compact, Truck and 4×4 – SUV Announced at the 2012 SEMA Show

Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler
Named 2012 SEMA Award Winners

LAS VEGAS, NV – October 30, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – This year’s SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories were announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Scion FR-S took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4×4-SUV award.

“The SEMA Show has always been about innovative products and trends,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.“The SEMA Award amplifies the industry’s special ability to identify and set trends that consumers follow.”

The SEMA Award recognizes vehicle models that specialty-equipment manufacturers believe are the best platforms for accessorization and that showcase the year’s coolest products. It also underscores the cooperative relationship between the automakers and SEMA-member companies.

“The SEMA Award helps guide consumers toward the hottest-trending and most accessory friendly vehicles on the market,” added Kersting. “Our SEMA Show exhibitors are industry visionaries who determine the winners of the SEMA Award based on the vehicles they showcase in their booths. Each booth vehicle represents a ‘vote’ and the most prominent models in each category are the winners.”

The 2012 SEMA Show features more than 2,000 exhibiting companies that manufacture thousands of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model, exhibitors are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Scion FR-S, Ford F-Series, and Jeep Wrangler than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find great specialty products for accessorizing these vehicles.

To learn more about the SEMA Award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.sema.org/semaaward.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.SEMAShow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

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Doug Thorley Headers Announces New Location and Logo Visit DTH at SEMA

CORONA, CA – October 26, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Doug Thorley Headers has announced that they have begun the process of moving their offices and production facility to a brand new location in Corona, California at 803 E. Parkridge Ave., Corona, CA 92879. The new facility will allow for greater efficiency during the production process, which in turn will increase production capacity and quality control.

Along with the new facility, Doug Thorley Headers has also released the design for their new logo. The new logo is a modern take on the traditional Doug Thorley flame, and is representative of the Doug Thorley tradition of drawing on their experience as leaders in the automotive aftermarket to create new and innovative designs that will revolutionize the industry.

Attendees of this year’s SEMA show October 30 – November 2 should visit the Doug Thorley Headers display at booth #24737 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s central hall to check out the latest Doug Thorley Headers has to offer. The display will feature a selection of Doug Thorley Headers’ hottest performance parts, and a custom Ford Mustang equipped with WORX series headers and a high-flow cat-back exhaust. For more information, including a map of the Doug Thorley Headers booth location and visitor information, visit the 2012 SEMA show website at www.sema-show.com.

For information about Doug Thorley Headers products, visit their website at www.dougthorleyheaders.com. You can also get the latest news and updates by liking them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dougthorley?fref=ts.

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Mobileye Announces New C2-Series Solution and Previews New Technologies

Mobileye Continues to Lead the Way in Collision Prevention and Mitigation with an Addition to its C2-Series, New Technology Developments and Merchandising Strategy

DALLAS, TX – August 29, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – MERA KNOWLEDGEFEST — Mobileye (Booth #929), the leader in collision prevention and mitigation technologies and driver safety systems, today at Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) Knowledgefest unveiled two new technologies, a new addition to its product line, as well as merchandising opportunities and pricing updates.

Mobileye’s flagship C2-270 collision prevention system incorporates a unique set of driver safety and convenience applications on an aftermarket solution. With an MSRP of $749, the C2-270 features a single “smart” camera housed with Mobileye’s proprietary EyeQ(TM) chip and algorithms, and is easily installed on the front windshield inside the vehicle. In addition to a high-quality audio alert, the solution also features a visual display, EyeWatch(TM), to assist the driver.

Driver assistance and safety functions on the entire C2-Series include:

• Mobileye Headway Monitoring and Warning (HMW): Helps the driver keep a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead and alerts the driver when following too closely
• Mobileye Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or motorcycle–up to 2.7 seconds before a collision–providing enough time for the driver to react by changing course or applying the brakes
• Mobileye Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW): Notifies the driver of an impending collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist
• Mobileye Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver when there is an unintentional deviation from the driving lanes

The newest addition to the C2-Series, the C2-200, also measures the driving distance and calculates the time of probable collision with other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, as well as alerting the driver of unintended lane departure. Available in October, the C2-200 features an audio only solution and has an MSRP of $649. Mobileye’s EyeWatch is available as an accessory for consumers who purchase the C2-200 at an MSRP of $199.

As Mobileye continues to focus on advanced driver assistance systems, the company is introducing new technologies – to be deployed in the next two months – that expand its set of driver safety and convenience applications including:

Mobileye Speed-Limit Indication (SLI): Recognizes and reads speed limit signs (including electronic signs) and warns drivers when exceeding the limit at a level chosen by the driver

Mobileye Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC): Automatically raises and lowers the high beam based on oncoming or preceding traffic

“Mobileye is committed to leading the way in this emerging space by continuing to develop technologies that enhance driver safety and reinforce safe habits on the road,” said Skip Kinford, Mobileye CEO. “The recent additions to our product line and the technologies we’re introducing are important steps forward in our commitment to improve the safety of our roadways, a benefit shared by all.”

With 72 percent of car accidents caused by driver inattention within three seconds before a collision, solutions like Mobileye are becoming the way of the future, with consumers increasingly taking notice. Mobileye’s C2-270 is currently sold via its global distributor network, including retail partners such as Camping World, Al and Ed’s, and Car Toys.

For more information about Mobileye, visit www.mobileye.com .

About Mobileye

Mobileye is the technology leader in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The company’s unique vision-based platform, driven by its proprietary chipset and algorithms, works as a third eye to mitigate and reduce the risk of collision. Mobileye’s comprehensive solutions are available for aftermarket applications and are integrated into the vehicles of a growing number of manufacturers including BMW, General Motors, Volvo and others. Headquartered in The Netherlands, Mobileye has offices in the United States, Israel, Cyprus and Japan. For more information, please visit www.mobileye.com.

SOURCE: Mobileye

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Automotive Design Expert Mark Trostle to Head Roush Design Studio

LIVONIA, MI – August 18, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Roush announced today that industry veteran D. Mark Trostle will head their automotive design team, based out of their state-of-the art Livonia, Michigan design studio.  With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, Trostle will apply his expertise and wealth of hands-on involvement to Roush’s OEM studio projects, their Specialty Vehicle Group’s restoration, and future model programs for the Roush Performance group’s expansive line of high performance vehicles and vehicle components.

Trostle’s background includes 35 years at ASC Incorporated designing and developing specialty vehicle and products for the worldwide automotive, heavy truck, aircraft and marine industry, working extensively with domestic and global manufacturers.   In addition to the extensive portfolio Trostle developed while at ASC, his projects have included design development for International Navistar Truck and design studio support for General Motors.  Trostle also founded the American Speed Company, designing and developing personalized and specialty vehicles, including the renowned Speed33 Roadster.   American Speed Company will continue as a parts supplier for the renowned Speed33 Roadster.

“We are delighted to make Mark Trostle a part of Roush’s design team,” said Roush Vice President Steve Sciatto.  ”His industry knowledge, design expertise, and OEM experience are second-to-none, and his design vision, attention to detail, and flawless execution complement Roush’s commitment to delivering our customers products of unparalleled quality.”

Gary Jurick, President of Roush Performance, echoes Sciatto’s praise for Trostle’s capabilities.  ”I am very excited to have Mark on the Roush team.  Mark’s automotive design capabilities are well respected in the industry and I look forward to Mark helping us take the designs of our Roush products and vehicles to the next level.”

About Roush and Roush Performance

Roush, a full-service product development supplier headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, has over 2,300 employees in facilities located throughout North America.  Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, product development, and contract manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the consumer product, life science, and defense industries.  

Roush is a subsidiary of Roush Enterprises, Inc., parent company of Roush Fenway Racing; Roush Performance, developer and manufacturer of performance vehicles and products for the automotive aftermarket; Roush CleanTech, developer and manufacturer of propane-powered trucks and vans for the fleet vehicle market; and Roush Life Sciences, developer and manufacturer of products for the healthcare and life science industries.  For more information please visit www.roush.com.    

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information see your local ROUSH® dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH. Follow us on Twitter @_ROUSH_ or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ROUSHperformance

SOURCE: ROUSH

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Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant and Summit Racing sign automotive distribution agreement

PERKASIE, PA – September 21, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Engine Ice Automotive division is proud to announce our newly signed distribution agreement with Summit Racing, based in Tallmadge, OH.  Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant will be available at all Summit Racing retail outlets via phone, mail order, or online.

With over 10 years of championship winning performance in the Powersports market, Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is now servicing the automotive market.   “Summit Racing is aware of Engine Ice ’ strong following in the Powersports market and we see  good potential in the performance automotive market.  Summit Racing is a well established supplier of performance products and Engine Ice will fit nicely into our product offering” stated Nan Gelhard, Summit Racing Advertising Manager.

“Engine Ice Hi-Performance coolant has been a secret of high performance auto enthusiasts – who have been buying  it by the case from our powersports retailers for years. With this new distribution channel through Summit Racing, we can now offer our product directly through an automotive channel. We are very excited about serving our automotive customers directly.” – David A. Kimmey, President, CycleLogic Products, the manufacturer of Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant

About Engine Ice:  Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is biodegradable, phosphate free & non-toxic; while reducing operating race temperatures by as much as 50°F and effectively keeping boil over temperatures to 256 °F or less and freeze-up protection to -27° F.  For more information on Engine Ice, please visit www.engineiceauto.com

Engine Ice can be found online at Summit Racing: http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/Engine-Ice/

About Summit Racing Equipment: Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia.

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Veteran Executive Thomas W. Ehardt Joins Advanstar Communications as Chief Administrative Officer

WOODLAND HILLS, CA – September 2, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Advanstar Communications, Inc., a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries, today announced that it has appointed Thomas W. Ehardt to fill its newly created position of Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer.

For the past several years, Advanstar has embarked upon an aggressive strategy to secure its market-leading positions in several of its segments, and the addition of the key operations position of Chief Administrative Officer was seen as instrumental in accomplishing this goal. Ehardt’s primary focus as Chief Administrative Officer will be to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and oversee the support units of the Company.

Ehardt previously served as Chief Executive Officer for Advogent Group within the Platinum Equity Group. His role at Advogent Group was to oversee four business units that develop, provide and deliver full life cycle solutions for Publications planning services, Healthcare Communications and Event Management and Logistics. He led the restructuring/reengineering efforts within the company post acquisition and successfully developed strategies for long term growth.  Before joining Advogent Group in 2007, Ehardt held the position of CEO at Jobson Publishing Group where he led the company through a major management restructuring resulting in substantial increases in revenues and profits across the organization. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting at Pace University, and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Long Island University, graduating Valedictorian.

About Advanstar

Advanstar Communications, Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 141 events, 60 publications and directories, 233 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to “Connect Our Customers With Theirs.” Advanstar has approximately 750 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

SOURCE: Advanstar Communications, Inc.

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Chip Foose – Modern-Day Picasso Wins Major Automotive Award

VENTURA, CA – August 19, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Unlike most fine artists who are content to have their sculpture displayed in museums, courtyards and public parks, Chip Foose is much happier when his finely sculpted shapes are rolling down the highway usually above the legal speed limit. One of his latest creations, Jerry Magnuson’s “Magnitude” a ’32 Ford – based Muroc roadster won the prestigious Goodguys 2010 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year.

As with most works of art, the Muroc started as a vision commissioned by long-time hot rodder Jerry Kugel, designed by Foose and entirely hand formed by metal craftsman Marcel. The result is a custom body that is longer, lower and sleeker than a ’32 Ford, but one that retains the all of the character of that iconic roadster. Ten Muroc bodies were built, one was purchased nearly eight years ago by Jerry Magnuson to create the Magnitude. The body rests on a Kugel custom chassis with independent front and rear suspension, powered by a Magna Charger supercharged LS1 Chevy engine backed up by a Tremec manual six-speed transmission.

Many of the mechanical systems were designed and fabricated by Jerry Magnuson at his supercharger company, Magna Charger that builds superchargers for cars and trucks like Corvettes, Camaros, Hemi Challengers and Hemi Rams. Magnuson’s early background included working on Dan Gurney’s Eagle Indy cars, so his ability to design, fabricate and integrate mechanical systems is second nature. Unique items like the remote actuated hideaway headlights give the Magnatude sleekness and function. The innovative air inlet scoop feeds the Magna Charger supercharged engine that is monitored by a custom billet dashboard. All were engineered and fabricated at Magna Charger.

When the Magnatude was finished mechanically essentially a blank canvas it was turned over to Chip Foose at Foose Design for the all-important paint, interior design and the Foose one-off signature billet wheels. Chip selected a two-tone butterscotch pearl paint with champagne metallic overtones. The buckskin tone leather interior was fabricated by Jim Griffin Upholstery and provides the perfect contrast to the paint. The subtle but artful details such as the hand-form moldings around the Carson top and body, a Duval-style split windshield and the copious amounts of plated and polished components set this ’32 Ford roadster apart from all others. The roadster rides on huge Pirelli Scorpion P-Zero tires.

Jerry Magnuson and his wife Maureen recently accepted a challenge from the editors of HOT ROD magazine who dared them to drive the Magnatude on the 2010 Hot Rod Power Tour, a 1370-mile cruise that encompassed eight days and seven impromptu car shows. The Magnatude fresh off the California indoor show circuit made the trip without incident. HOT ROD readers were thrilled to see this Foose creation in person.

After the Power Tour, the Magnatude was taken to the GoodGuys event in Columbus, Ohio where it was critically judged against four other finalists including Brent Scheider’s 1937 Ford Cabriolet from Pleasanton, CA, Harold Schrader’s 1935 Ford from Franklin, NJ, Scott Burton’s 1933 Ford from Draper, UT, and Jim Eckford’s 1933 Ford from Arroyo Grande, CA.

In accepting this prestigious award Jerry Magnuson stated, “my wife Maureen and I knew from the start of this project that we wanted to have Chip Foose’s fingerprints all over this build. The results speak for themselves. We couldn’t be happier with the way the Magnatude turned out. Chip is truly an artist that is making his mark on the automotive world.”

For more information please contact Bob Roese at Magna Charger, 1990 Knoll Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. Phone: 866-535-5192, or visit Magna Charger on the web at www.magnacharger.com.

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SEMA Launches New Website

Diamond Bar, CA – July 12, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In an effort to move drag racing from the streets to the racetrack, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Street Performance Council (SPC) have launched an all-new “Racers Against Street Racing” (RASR) website, located at www.rasr.org, that makes it easier for visitors to find a nationwide listing of sanctioned racetracks.

“The message is clear and simple: If you want to race, go to a racetrack,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “There are fun, legal ways for drivers to enjoy racing, and taking it to a track will ultimately save lives.”

The goal of RASR is to educate drivers about the dangers of street racing and aggressive driving stunts that put them — and others — at risk of serious injury and death. The new site features tools that evoke engagement from site visitors. It also provides individuals with a resource to locate professionally controlled environments in which today’s performance and speed enthusiasts can participate in automotive-related events throughout the United States.

Adopted by SEMA in 2001 to spread the message about the dangers of street racing, RASR is comprised of a coalition of auto manufacturers, aftermarket parts companies, retailers, distributors, professional drag racers, sanctioning bodies, race tracks and automotive magazines devoted to promoting legal alternatives to illegal street racing on a national level. RASR is administered through a task force within the SPC and action is driven entirely via a team of volunteers.

“The Street Performance Council is once again excited to be aligned with RASR and feel that with the new direction we can truly make an impact on the street racing,” said Tracie Nunez, SPC Chairman.

RASR and industry professionals are constantly working to spread the word and make it “cool” to get off the streets and onto the track. Local police agencies and racers often partner with RASR to bring better involvement and understanding from both sides. To learn more about the program, visit www.RASR.org.

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Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant and JEGS sign automotive distribution agreement

PERKASIE, PA – July 13, 2010 – (Motor Sport Newswire) – Engine Ice Automotive division is proud to announce our newly signed distribution agreement with JEGS.  Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant will be available at all JEGS locations, on the JEGS online store, and in JEGS printed catalogs.

With over 10 years of championship winning performance in the Powersports market, Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is now servicing the automotive market.   “We at JEGS are extremely excited about adding Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant to our product offering.  JEGS has taken notice of Engine Ice from the Powersports market and we see huge potential in the automotive market”, stated Kevin Sicilian, JEGS Purchasing.

“Engine Ice Hi-Performance coolant has been the secret of high performance auto enthusiasts for years, quietly buying cases from our powersports retailers. With this new distribution channel through JEGS, we can now offer our product directly through an automotive channel. We are very excited about this and for our automotive customers.” – David A. Kimmey, President, CycleLogic Products, the manufacturer of Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant

About Engine Ice :  Engine Ice Hi-Performance Coolant is biodegradable, phosphate free & non-toxic; while reducing operating race temperatures by as much as 50°F and effectively keeping boil over temperatures to 256 °F or less and freeze-up protection to -27° F.  For more information on Engine Ice, please visit www.engineiceauto.com

Engine Ice can be found online at JEGS: http://www.jegs.com/i/Engine-Ice/354/EI-1/10002/-1?parentProductId=1348309

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American Axle & Manufacturing to Exhibit Aftermarket Product Offerings for Latin America at 2010 PAACE Automechanika

DETROIT, MI – July 7, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, announced today that it will participate in the 2010 PAACE Automechanika, to be held from July 14 to 16, 2010 at the Centro Banamex in Mexico City. AAM associates will be at Booth #4036 to present the company’s lineup of aftermarket product offerings for Latin America that include axle shafts, differential kits, seals, U-joints, gear sets, bearing kits, limited slip differentials, yokes and pinion flanges.

“We look forward to introducing AAM Aftermarket components to Latin America at the 2010 PAACE Automechanika,” said Bill Sheehan, AAM’s Senior Manager, Aftermarket. “AAM’s experience in the manufacturing of original-equipment products positions us perfectly for the independent automotive aftermarket in this region.”

“We believe that AAM is a great fit for the aftermarket industry in Latin America,” said Ricardo Valdes, Aftermarket Leader, Latin America. “Our company’s authentic original-equipment parts, world-class order fulfillment, strong brand recognition and growing network of dedicated distributors position us to have a positive future in the region.”

About AAM Aftermarket

AAM Aftermarket sets the industry benchmark in providing its customers with OE axle and driveshaft parts for sport utility vehicles and light duty trucks. It provides high quality, reliability, durability and performance in every aftermarket part it sells.  AAM Aftermarket original equipment quality components are guaranteed to meet the same specifications as the parts that they replace. For more information on AAM Aftermarket products and services, visit www.aam.com/aftermarket.

About AAM

AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for trucks, sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and crossover utility vehicles. In addition to locations in the United States (Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana), AAM also has offices or facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

For more information…

Christopher M. Son
Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
+1 (313) 758-4814
chris.son@aam.com

Ricardo Valdes
Aftermarket Leader
Latin America
+52 (477) 638 5286
ricardo.valdes@aam.com

http://www.aam.com

SOURCE: American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.

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