January 2020 INDUSTRY BRIEFS

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December 23, 2019

Car Wash Show Announces 2020 Dates

Registration is now open for the Car Wash Show™ 2020. Billed as the largest U.S. gathering of owners, managers and other decision makers in the car wash, quick lube and detailing segments, the Car Wash Show is slated for April 4 – 8, 2020 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

According to the International Car Wash Association, more than 9,000 attendees are expected to attend the show, which will include more than 350 companies exhibiting the latest innovations and cutting-edge car-care technologies. Apart from discovering new products, attendees will also have several opportunities to connect with peers and other likeminded professionals at the Opening Night Party and other networking events.

Also on tap: A range of educational programs—the Premium Pass, a deep dive into such critical areas as technology, business strategy, marketing, talent management and fast lube, plus Quick Hits sessions with thought leaders and peers, attendee-driven roundtable discussions, a State of the Industry and Keynote Address and more. To register for the Car Wash Show 2020, visit www.carwash.org/car-wash-show.

Chevy Suburban Awarded Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The Chevrolet Suburban, now celebrating its 85^th year in continuous production, is the first vehicle to receive its own coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for the six decades in which the Suburban has appeared in film and television, the truck first appeared on screen in 1952 and has since made its appearance in 1,750 films and TV shows every year since 1956.

“For six decades the Chevrolet Suburban has been Hollywood’s longest-working actor,” said Rana Ghadban, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “Appearing in classic feature films and on must-see television shows, the Suburban is a well-established industry mainstay. With the Chevrolet Tahoe also making an impact in movies and on television, it’s impressive to have both vehicles now join an illustrious group of actors and characters that are forever known as Hollywood legends.”

Although the unveiling of the star was for the Suburban only, its sister SUV, the Chevy Tahoe, also was recognized. The two vehicles combined have appeared in 2,500 films and TV show, and since its introduction in 1995, the Tahoe has appeared in at least one film or television show every year.

The Chevrolet Suburban, which has appeared in 1,750 films and TV shows since 1956, was recently awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

LCI Industries Acquires CURT Group

LCI Industries has entered into an agreement to acquire CURT Group for $340 million. The acquisition was expected to close by the end of 2019, according to the recent announcement.

“With a strong reputation for product innovation, engineering and brand excellence, we look forward to welcoming CURT President Rock Lambert and his team to the LCI family,” said LCI President and CEO Jason Lippert. “Culturally, CURT is a strong fit, with a deep focus on delivering innovative products and an unwavering commitment to quality and superior customer service.”

CURT, headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has a broad product portfolio under a stable of brands—CURT, Aries, Luverne, Retrac and UWs—that includes hitches and hitch accessories, cargo management and truck accessories. “With its proven track record of building high-quality products and successfully sourcing and integrating companies, LCI is an ideal partner for us,” said Curt’s Lambert. “We look forward to joining the team and further positioning the business for long-term success.

Saleen Retrospective Exhibit Opens At America’s Car Museum

Thanks to a new exhibit at the Tacoma, Washington-based America’s Car Museum, car buffs, racing fans and automotive enthusiasts can get a firsthand look at many of the historic vehicles created, built and raced by racing legend Steve Saleen.

The exhibit, titled “Saleen: A Journey from the Heart of a Racer to America’s Supercar,” spans more than four decades of Saleen’s racing history and will run through 2020. Historic vehicles on display include Saleen’s personal racecars and early Saleen Mustangs, as well as the Saleen 87, regarded as America’s first supercar. The display also includes the new Saleen 1 mid-engine turbocharged sports car, the recently unveiled Saleen 1 GT4 concept racecar.

Steve Saleen’s 1987 Mustang racecar, one of many Saleen vehicles on display at America’s Car Museum.

2001 Saleen S7 supercar featured in the film “Bruce Almighty.”

1988 March Indy Racecar driven by Steve Saleen.

National Auto Body Council Educates Students About Dangers Of Distracted Driving

The National Auto Body Council® recently teamed with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and Hertz to educate students at Kingswood Park High in Houston, Texas, on the dangers of distracted driving.

As noted in the recent announcement, with support from Hertz, NABC’s Distracted Driving Initiative™ was able to bring the “It Can Wait” program to hundreds of high school students participating in the Collision Repair Education Foundation Career fair at the school. The program featured virtual reality goggles through which the students could see firsthand how quickly taking eyes off the road can lead to dangerous results.

“For teen drivers, the dangers of driving distracted are even greater,” said Bandon Rodriguez of Hertz. “We want to help them understand how even a glance at your phone or your entertainment center in your vehicle can lead to an accident. Armed with smart tips for reducing distraction and their personal pledge to drive safely, we hope they can not only protect themselves on the road, but be role models for their friends and family.”