As organizers helped transform the Las Vegas Convention Center for last week’s 2023 SEMA Show, exhibitors and early arrivals were treated to a special event, the SEMA Show Exhibitor Appreciation Afterparty. As part of the celebration, SEMA honored several automakers at the SEMA Awards Presentation, which took place Oct. 30 outside the Central Hall entrance. 

“This year’s Exhibitor Appreciation Party was a memorable night for everyone who attended. It was a great way to show gratitude to the exhibitors who make the SEMA Show possible, and to showcase the amazing vehicles that inspire the aftermarket industry,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director.

The 2023 SEMA Award winners are as follows:

• SEMA Car of the Year: Ford Mustang
• SEMA Fullsize Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series
• SEMA Midsize Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma
• SEMA 4x4-SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco
• SEMA Sport Compact of the Year: Nissan Z
• SEMA Electric Vehicle of the Year: Ford Lightning

SEMA Award winners are voted on by SEMA Show exhibiting manufacturers to recognize vehicles that manufacturers are investing in and developing products for. The program heightens awareness for aftermarket products and exemplifies the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers that develop products to improve vehicle performance, safety and convenience as well as appearance and comfort.

Lauren Baker has been named to the position of director of growth and operations for the IARA, according to Executive Director Mark Coleman.

Baker is a 13-year veteran of the automotive industry, including owning her own car dealership together with her husband, as well as holding client-facing managerial roles with both PHH and Element Fleet Management where she earned awards for her leadership and innovation.

“I had the privilege of watching Lauren in action first-hand during my years at Element, and I feel very fortunate to have her on board with IARA,” Coleman said. 

With expertise in fostering client engagement and loyalty, as well as in process improvement and automation, Baker is uniquely qualified to help position IARA to deliver even more value for its members while, at the same time, fostering membership growth.

“We’re excited about this next phase in IARA’s growth,” said IARA President Doug Turner, “I’m confident Lauren will make significant contributions to our members’ experience and to IARA’s expansion.”  

Baker attended Yorktowne Business Institute and Harrisburg Area Community College. She lives in Florida with her husband, their three children, and dog Nala. 

Tarry Shebesta, CEO of Automobile Consumer Services, was elected NVLA President for the 2024/2025 term at the annual conference of the National Vehicle Leasing Association held in Austin, Texas. Shebesta last served as NVLA president in 2007/2008, the only member ever elected to a second term.

Shebesta has numerous years of experience in the vehicle financing and leasing industry, particularly in the fast-changing financial tech space. Shebesta has been an active NVLA board member since 2002. Last year, Shebesta received the NVLA Clemens-Pender Award, the association’s highest honor for professional conduct, dedication, hard work, and ethics.

Shebesta has major plans and ideas for his new term as NVLA president.

 “My priorities are to expand membership types to include new/used car dealers, lenders, and Lease Here Pay Here dealers, and expand our lease educational programs,” he said. “Other areas of attention include enhancing relationships with auto manufacturers, addressing legal issues affecting the leasing industry, and expanding NVLA’s Women in Leasing networking group.”

Shebesta is a 30+ year veteran in the auto, Powersports, RV, and marine industries with many technological firsts in online digital marketing, personalized shopping, and digital retailing.

Ituran Location and Control Ltd. has addressed the status of the company’s ongoing activity in Israel, against the background of the terrorist attack by Hamas against unarmed civilians in the south of the country and the subsequent declaration of war by the Israeli government.

Ituran’s management affirms that the company has not seen any impact to its ongoing operations in Israel or elsewhere, and continues to make any adjustments to ensure continuity, as maybe needed. Furthermore, its headquarters are in the center of the country, just outside of Tel Aviv and not near any borders.

“The Ituran family is absolutely horrified by the barbaric attacks against ordinary citizens, which directly led to the declaration of war by Israel,” said Eyal Sheratzky, CEO of Ituran. “All our employees have been affected in a very personal way, and the small size of our country is such that everyone knows a family that has either had a son or daughter murdered or kidnapped by Hamas. We pray for the victims as well as their families, friends and loved ones. I stress that we are resilient people, and unfortunately have much experience in working and overcoming challenging times.”

“At the same time, we wish to reaffirm to our employees, partners and shareholders that our operations have not been impacted in Israel, or anywhere else in the world, despite our personal grieving. Naturally, the safety of our employees remains our highest priority. While hostilities have not taken place near our headquarters and it remains a safe environment, the vast majority of our employees are able to work remotely from their homes. Finally, I would like to thank all those that have reached out to express their support and best wishes.”