Industry Support for the 2024 SEMA Show Reaches Five-Year High

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.13.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is preparing for a momentous event this year. More than 2,400 brands will exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show, including hundreds of new companies revealing their products and services.

“The industry continues to innovate, creating new solutions to shape the future of automotive. In turn this has fueled demand and increased sales, and the tremendous support for this year’s SEMA Show is a reflection of the growth and energy of the marketplace,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The industry is eager to come together, conduct business, and make connections that will result in future success.”

Among the more than 2,400 companies exhibiting at the Nov. 5-8 event in Las Vegas are iconic brands such as Flaming River, Katzkin, Kia, McLeod, Mopar/Stellantis, Snap-on, and Truck Hero.

“There are many line items in Katzkin’s marketing expenses, and nothing comes close to the investment we make in attending the SEMA Show every year, but in our experience, the returns far exceed the investment,” said Katzkin Creative Director Miles Hubbard. “SEMA provides a venue unlike any other where we can launch new products, demonstrate our existing capabilities, speak face-to-face with thousands of people who work in our industry exclusively, and just show off.”

Automaker Kia is returning to the SEMA Show after a brief hiatus. “Kia has been a fan of SEMA and the larger tuner community for many years,” said Kia Vice President of Marketing Russell Wager. “This event has provided the backdrop for many of our most iconic vehicle programs, including concept versions of Stinger, Forte, and Soul. We look forward to shaking things up and sharing ‘electrifying’ news once again in 2024.”

Simple Green, a global market leader in environmentally safer cleaning products, is among the hundreds of first-time exhibitors at this year’s SEMA Show. “SEMA show attendees represent the full spectrum of auto professionals – you’ll find media, manufacturers, buyers, retailers, exhibitors, detailers, fabricators, and more. This mix of tradition and experience, coupled with youthful enthusiasm and innovation, makes the SEMA show such an attractive place for brands like Simple Green,” said Simple Green Content Marketing Manager Selena Nutter. “This is an audience that is hungry for high-performance, innovative aftermarket products, which makes it the ideal place for any brand to showcase products designed for people that love vehicles both inside and out.”

In addition to connecting with thousands of leading brands, SEMA Show attendees will experience the world’s largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase, the latest vehicle builds, and new activations and areas dedicated to future technology. Show goers can also participate in world-class education tracks and seminars, unique events, and SEMA Fest, a celebration of music and car culture.

Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize their ROI; registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. Participants can also make hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

“With the latest products, leading brands, immersive experiences, and thought leaders from every facet of the industry, this is a can’t miss event,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We’re dedicated to providing attendees with an unparalleled experience that will help their business and professional career grow.”

Spaces are still available for companies who would like to exhibit and connect with tens of thousands of qualified buyers at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

For information about the 2024 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. To view this year’s floorplan, log on to www.semashow.com/floorplan.

The Progressive Group Expands Market Presence with Acquisition of CF Marketing and RJR Distribution

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (06.13.24) – The Progressive Group is excited to announce the acquisition of CF Marketing and RJR Distribution, a prominent rep and distribution firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. This strategic move aims to enhance The Progressive Group’s capabilities and extend its reach within the consumer electronics sector.

The acquisition of CF Marketing and RJR Distribution underscores The Progressive Group’s commitment to expanding its market presence and delivering exceptional services to its clients. CF Marketing, known for its innovative marketing strategies and client-centric approach, and RJR Distribution, recognized for its efficient and reliable distribution services and legacy brand partners, will significantly bolster The Progressive Group’s portfolio.

This acquisition aligns with The Progressive Group’s vision to service and supply top-tier brands and distribution solutions to its customers, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive service offering. By combining CF Marketing’s expertise in brand management with RJR Distribution’s logistical excellence, The Progressive Group is poised to offer unparalleled support to businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Dave Russell, Managing Director of The Progressive Group, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to welcome CF Marketing and RJR Distribution into The Progressive Group family. Their expertise and strong market presence will enhance our ability to serve our clients with innovative solutions. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to excellence.”

Howard Feldman, CEO of CF Marketing, commented, “Joining The Progressive Group is an exciting opportunity for the CF Marketing Team. We share a common vision of delivering exceptional service to our clients and vendor partners. We look forward to leveraging The Progressive Group’s resources to further enhance our service offerings.”

The Progressive Group, CF Marketing, and RJR Distribution will collaborate closely to ensure a smooth integration process. Clients, employees, and vendors can anticipate a continuation of high-quality services and the introduction of enhanced solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the consumer electronics market.

A leading provider of consumer electronics and distribution solutions, The Progressive Group is dedicated to delivering innovative and effective strategies that drive business success. With a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, the company serve a diverse range of industries, helping clients achieve their goals.

For more information, please contact Mike Sajecki, Director of Business for Progressive Distribution’s Mid-Atlantic region.

Visit www.TeamProgressive.com for more.

Update Regarding VOXX Electronics Distribution in the Ohio River Valley Region

ORLANDO, FL (06.13.24) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is writing to inform you of an important update regarding the distribution of VOXX Electronics products. After 06-22-24, Davis Distribution will no longer be an authorized distributor for VOXX Electronics products.

However, we have exciting news to share! To ensure continued access to our premium range of products, including Viper, Python, Avital, Directed by VOXX, Prestige, Flashlogic, CarLink, Audiovox, Advent, Movies to Go, and more, we encourage you to establish a direct account with The Progressive Group, our trusted partner.

Progressive Representatives are ready to assist you in setting up your direct account and providing seamless access to the latest VOXX Electronics products. Additionally, you’ll have access to purchasing through Progressive Distribution, in which you’ll enjoy enhanced convenience and efficiency in ordering processes.

But that’s not all! We understand the importance of uninterrupted access to DIRECTECHS, and we are pleased to inform you that by connecting with The Progressive Group, you can ensure the seamless continuation of your DIRECTECHS account.

To get started or if you have any questions, please reach out to your dedicated Progressive Representatives:

Craig Norman: Serving the Greater Indianapolis Area, Greater Louisville and Lexington Area, Greater Cleveland Area, Mid and South Ohio Territory

Email: cnorman@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (614) 264-0224

Office: (248) 307-9100

Brian Robinson: Covering Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio (excluding Cleveland)

Email: brobinson@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (574) 930-6326

Office: (616) 878-3500

Nicolas Hayes: Catering to Southern Indiana, Kentucky (excluding Louisville and Lexington), Greater Youngstown Area, West Virginia, and West Pennsylvania

Email: nhayes@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (480) 433-2293

Office: (616) 878-3500

In addition to setting up a direct account with Progressive Representatives, Progressive Distribution is now authorized to sell VOXX Electronics products in WV, PA, OH, KY, IN, & MI. Please visit the Progressive Distribution website at https://progressivedistribution.net/  or call 1-616-878-3500.

VOXX Electronics products are also available for purchase in KY and IN from Lesco Distributing. Please visit their website at  https://www.lescodistributing.com/ or call 1-800-348-2888

We’re excited about this transition and confident it will enhance your experience with VOXX Electronics products. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the Ohio River Valley region!

Lucas Lighting Announces Growth Plans

ITASCA, IL (06.13.24) – Lucas Lighting, a Chicago based company, announces additional growth plans with the addition of automotive batteries as well as Jim Warren joining the executive team.

Mike Hong, Lucas ’president and founder said, “Lucas Lighting has really resonated with our
customers in North America. The reliability of our products combined with solid profitability
has been a very successful formula. We now have opportunities to expand outside of North
America as well as in our home markets.”

Jim Warren joins Lucas as Executive Director and will be leading many of these growth initiatives in tandem with the executive team, which also includes industry veteran Ken Wiseman, who continues as National Sales Manager. For the past seven years, Jim has led the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Prior to EDA, Jim was Vice President of Merchandising at Car Toys (Seattle) and SVP Sales and Marketing at Harman International.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim over the last three years in his prior position. His leadership and experience with national, international, major and key accounts will be a tremendous asset to our group and business partners as he takes on this new role. He has been fantastic to interact with both on business and personal levels,” states Steve Rogers, now Vice President over all of Lucas YH holdings.

Jim commented, “For the past several years I’ve watched Lucas Lighting’s leadership in the
rapidly growing lighting category. Lucas Lighting is the premium brand with unparalleled
performance. It’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help grow the brand both here in the
United States and worldwide.”

Find out more at www.lucas-lighting.com.

CPS Sales and SGL Sales Toured The KICKER HQ In Stillwater

STILLWATER, OK (06.12.24) – On Tuesday June 4th CPS Sales and Manufacturing brought in the SGL Sales and Marketing Group to the KICKER World Headquarters in Stillwater OK. This was a planned informal training and tour to show off the state of the art facility and to demo the new Marine products KICKER will be launching the end of this year.

Brandon Lang, CPS VP related “Our two companies had been trying to get together at the KICKER HQ and it happened last week. SGL has offices in Indiana and Tennessee and finding the right time to get over a dozen people to meet in one place finally happened. All with SGL, a 50 plus year old company, commented the KICKER HQ was the best they had ever toured.”

All gathered for an image in the KICKER HQ lobby. KICKER Founder Steve Irby is pictured 2nd from the right.

The training was lead by KICKER trainer Aaron Malin accompanied by Phil White, Bart Deal, Jay Ralston and KICKR Founder Steve Irby.

The teams pictured in a showroom in front of the UnMasked Studio.

SGL represents CPS Sales and Manufacturing out of Kansas City to handle the Marine OEM business east of the Mississippi. SGL is a well established marine rep firm founded in 1958. SGL sent 9 representatives with Bryan Ellefson, Ian Kyle, Jake Higdon, Matt Chalfant, Nick Shelley, Broc Tarwacki, Ricky Johnson and principals Michael Douglas and Marty Scott.

They were accompanied by Jake Landon and Brandon Lang from CPS. “This was a very beneficial high energy training with up-close interaction with the amazing new products. Our entire team was extremely impressed with the people, the culture and the innovation of the KICKER team” LANG concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Registration Open for 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.12.24) – Tickets for the 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., are now available at http://www.sema.org/gala. The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious annual celebration to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.

“The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends during a special night in which we celebrate the icons of our industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It’s an honor to be able to celebrate these individuals whose work and contributions have helped enrich and grow the aftermarket.”

The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for July 19 at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.

Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala) has helped recognize and connect industry leaders who share a common passion and love for the industry. Among this year’s honorees are 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Chris Kersting, Jack Priegel, Les Rudd, and Jon Wyly.

The SEMA Cares Industry Cup Challenge will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering companies an opportunity to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar and challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various children’s charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp, and Victory Junction. The Industry Cup Challenge winner will take home a trophy with their company named engraved among past winners, with the trophy to be returned the following year in a Stanley Cup style tradition. Additionally, a SEMA PAC reception will be held immediately following the Gala.

For more information and to secure a seat or table at the annual celebration, visit http://www.sema.org/gala. For more information about SEMA Cares or to sponsor an Industry Cup Challenge race car, visit this link.

For information about the SEMA PAC reception, contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252.

Hifonics Colossus Classic Amplifiers Deliver Power

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.12.24) – Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifiers make playback with RICHER QUALITY audio powered through a classic-size Hifonics amplifier footprint. Infuse your Hifonics sound system with cleaner layers of power and higher-quality sound through Colossus Classic amplifiers. HEAR MORE. FEEL MORE.

With reinvented Colossus sound featured in every Colossus Classic amplifier – the Hifonics Colossus Classic line of amplifiers includes mainly monoblock amplifiers and a 4-channel amplifier that elevates sound to Colossus levels.

Every Colossus Classic amplifier includes innovative high-temperature impact-resistant nickel-plated connectors allowing for complete and secure termination of wire and create an erosion-resistant seal.

Pro-Fi™ Output Device Technology: The Ultra-Fi™ MOSFET is designed for music production vs. just electronics output power. It produces very musical high power with high efficiency for cooling and minimal distortion.

A heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink efficiently moves heat from the MOSFET for superior dissipation creating sound that is crisp and clean.

With a secure molded connection terminal for every Power, Ground, and Speaker, connection – the connection type is angled for ease of access while creating clean and organized wire management.

Super D-Class design utilizes high-speed microprocessors through critical proprietary D/A conversion algorithms – resulting in lower distortion playback, upping audio performance to Colossus standards of sound.

Control every Colossus Classic amplifier with a built-in/variable crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers and obtain variable bass boost up to +10dB with the bass equalizer (4-channel amplifiers only).

Additionally – an extruded aluminum heat sink minimizes heat buildup on Ultra-Fi™ output devices. Creating POWER FROM THE GODS performance in a classic Hifonics amplifier size, Colossus Classic amplifiers showcase audio in richer quality, adding layers of details and higher sound throughout every song.

Take in more from all of your audio and sound through incredible detail powered through COLOSSUS EXPECTATIONS. The Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifier line delivers cleaner performance in playback and power.

Feel Colossus change your Hifonics audio system forever.

Learn more HERE about the entire line of Colossus Classic amplifiers.

Team Nutz Returned to the Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival 2024

BUTLER, PA (06.11.24) – The 13h Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival took place June 7th thru 9th in historic downtown Butler PA and on the Cooper’s Lake Campground. Over 15,000 Jeepers attended the weekend and enjoyed off-road trails, obstacle courses and a huge vendor area filled with companies that offer aftermarket products for Jeep owners and enthusiasts. The downtown Butler Jeep Invasion witnessed over 1000 Jeeps parked along main street and parking areas in the town of approximately 13,000 located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Butler was named the 7th Best Small Town in America in a Smithsonian Magazine in 2012.

The Team Nutz crew pictured in their booth. Doug, Ed, Damon, Natasha, Nick Hayes and Krista are pictured (L to R). Hayes is on site supporting Wet Sounds. Check out the new Team Nutz demo Jeep on the left.

Team Nutz is a proactive 12volt retailer located in Pittsburgh and returned to the Bantam Jeep Festival for the 2024 run. Ed Nuttall related, “The Bantam Jeep Festival draws thousands of Jeepers, enthusiasts and their rides. That crowd is noted for adding aftermarket products to their rides. We do a lot of Jeep upgrades at the store, and being so close to our store in Pittsburgh, it makes perfect sense for our brand to be on site. We had a great crew on site with vendor support, a large booth area with multiple tents plus several demo vehicles. Attendance was up this year but there were fewer exhibitors. Sales this year were strong and our team made contact with quite a number of promising prospects.”

The Main Street in Downtown Butler is packed Friday night.

The Team Nutz crew on site this year totaled 6 plus strong support from Nick Hayes with Team Progressive highlighting Wet Sounds products. Several good customers and Jeepers were also adjacent to Team Nutz on the grounds.

“This year we spotlighted a new family Jeep that is loaded with Wet Sounds and many upgrades. Nick did many demos in the new Jeep and worked with Jeepers to answer questions about all the products we had under then tent” Nuttall added.

The new Team Nutz Jeep was a standout in downtown Butler.
The Team Nutz tent and booth area is pictured in the foreground on the event grounds.

Today Jeepers are showing their support for other Jeep vehicles with blue rubber ducks. “We made 1500 custom blue rubber ducks for the event and placed over 1300 on Jeeps we liked. Downtown we went down along parked Jeeps and put the blue ducks of hoods and around door handles. The blue rubber ducks had the Team Nutz logo for all to see and remember. We also passed out 1000 stickers and over 200 lanyards. During the event downtown the local CBS station interviewed my wife Nina and spotlighted her amazing new Jeep rockin’ with Wet Sounds and lighting” Nuttall related.

Concluding, Nuttall stated, “This was our 8th or 9th time to exhibit at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. Based on our success at this year’s event expect to see us at the 2025 event and beyond.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

1st Annual Falcon Distribution & AM Merchandising Dealer Show

WASHOUGAL, WA ((06.11.24) – “The Show gonna be a party and we would love to have area dealers come and join us to take advantage of incredible deals, food & beverages and FUN!! We will have some manufacturers on site to present their products and answer any questions that you may have” Scott Chapin related.

The Falcon HQ will welcome dealers to the event with plenty of space on the grounds for demos and cars.

Continuing “Demo vehicles will be onsite and we would love for you to bring your cars to show off while you are here! Of course there will be free goodies and some giveaways to be raffled off each day.
Please read the attached announcement for more details.”

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SHOW : JUNE 13TH AND JUNE 14TH !

Scott Chapin, Mike Hall, Kam Frisbee and Dave Gates will be on site from Falcon Sales & Marketing. Tom Miller will be in the house from AM Merchandising.

Brands scheduled to be on site include Morel, Jensen, Dual, PowerBass, Wet Sounds, UTV Stereo, Sound Skins, KICKER, Massive Audio and Sony. Factory vehicles to be on site include KICKER, Alpine and UTV Stereo.

The racks are stacked full on inventory that will be priced to roll out the show door.
A wide selection of accessories will also be tagged with event super deals.

Massive Audio’s John Velez related “JR Mares and I are looking forward to our trip to the Falcon and AM Show. We will have info on new products coming plus a chance to win a new GTR8 sub.”

Jeff Petersen, with UTV Stereo, stated “The PowerSports category is hot and we have the widest selection of products and I look forward to crankin’ up the volume on Dave Gates’ Side x Side that is loaded with UTV Stereo gear.”

Industry veteran Doug Kern recently joined Dual and Jensen. Doug will be in the house looks forward to showing the latest product lineup.

Nominations Open for 2024 SEMA Industry Awards

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.11.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at http://www.sema.org/awards. Comprised of Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Channel Partner of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year, the awards honor leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over the past year. Nominations close July 12.

“SEMA Industry Awards are a testament to those who have enhanced the industry at remarkable levels through their ingenuity, service, or outstanding business practices,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “The nomination process is crucial as it helps us identify and recognize those who are pushing new boundaries in the automotive world.”

For award consideration, honorees must have exhibited professionalism, service, integrity, and ethics that propelled the industry forward. In 2023, Jon Delgado of Repairify was awarded Gen-III Innovator of the Year for leading the engineering of the patented asTech Rules Engine, which uses empirical data to present users with the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic scan option specific to a given vehicle.

Repairify’s Jon Delgado, left, was the recipient of the 2023 Gen-III Innovator of the Year award.

“Winning Gen-III Innovator of the Year validated my years of hard work and dedication to this industry,” said Delgado. “It felt like a milestone that not only celebrated my past achievements but also inspired me to aim higher and push the boundaries of innovation going forward.” Delgado said he was inspired by rapid advancements in technology and described winning the award as a “truly transformative experience.”

For other past SEMA Industry Award honorees, such as 2023 Channel Partner of the Year winner Summit Racing Equipment, the recognition highlights the importance of industry partnerships, a factor that is considered during the award selection process. “Our team works hard to provide world-class service to our customers and business partners alike,” said Summit Racing Equipment President and CEO Scott J. Peterson. “Not because they are trying to gain recognition or prove anything, but because they believe in and help drive our vision. They truly care, and their people-first attitude shows up in everyday actions and conversations.”

Nominations are now open for:

  • Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
  • Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
  • Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology, and/or trends.
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.
  • Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.

The SEMA Industry Awards will be presented during SEMA Show week, Nov. 5-8, 2024. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will award both Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, Nov. 7, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year. Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year–a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build– will open in September.

Learn more at www.sema.org/awards.