LAS VEGAS, NV (11.17.22) – Since 1924 consumers worldwide have been able to “Enjoy It” with BLAUPUNKT branded consumer electronics. November 1~4 visitors at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, were able to enjoy the highly regarded German brand in the North Hall of the LVCC.
The lineup displayed at SEMA Show included USB and Bluetooth Single DIN Head Units, Multimedia units featuring Android as well as Linux OS, plus the flagship model MONTECARLO 750 with wireless Android Auto and Certified Apple Car Play features.
An entry level multimedia unit that is high-quality at an affordable cost, the SAO PAULO 450, was also on display. In addition to these two attendee favorite units, industry members can expect to find BLAUPINKT Car Audio and Multimedia products to fit any project or budget.
BLAUPUNKT also presented the 2023 preliminary line-up which will include 7” and 10” floating panel models CALI 250/270, RALEIGH 900, 990 and 910, with Android Auto and Certified Apple Car Play wireless connection in 7”, 9” and 10” units plus a full speaker and amplifiers line-up as well as installation accessories and Marine and Motorsports Audio.
BP Americas Corp. is the sole distributor of BLAUPUNKT branded car audio products for the USA, Canada and Mexico markets. Having branches in Van Nuys, CA and Doral Florida strategically places the company in a position to distribute the products to its dealers and Distributors in a timely manner.
BLAUPUNKT is interviewing professional Manufacturer Reps throughout the USA. Please contact Mario Corro: mario@bpcarusa.com for details.
ITASCA, IL (11.17.22) – Effective immediately, Lucas Lighting is the exclusive LED replacement product partner in Canada, Mexico and the United States for Lucas Automotive, a division of the ZF Group. Lucas Automotive has been continuously trading longer than any other automotive component brand in the world, more than 140 years. A critical part of transportation lighting history, Lucas produced bicycle and ship forward illumination products in the 1870’s that pre-date the automotive industry. As automobile use was introduced and expanded, components from Lucas increased as well.
“We are excited to bring our proficiency in LED lighting to the Lucas Automotive assortment of technically advanced, innovative and durable products,” states Steve Rogers, Vice President of Lucas Lighting. “The Lucas brand continues to grow internationally, and we look forward to working closely with the talented group to bring our offering to the rest of North America, and others worldwide.”
Lucas Lighting launched in the United States in 2019 to fulfill a growing need for consistent, more installation-friendly and higher performance lighting products. The worldwide automotive LED lighting market was valued at $16 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $32.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the period.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.17.22) – Fifty-five years ago, during a cold and blustery week in early January 1967, 120 members of the performance aftermarket manned 98 booths on the Stadium Club level of Dodger Stadium for what was billed as the First Annual High Performance and Custom Trade Show.
More than 3,000 people attended the show and took part in numerous activities set up to complement the event, from an exhibitor’s banquet held at the famous Coconut Grove nightclub inside the Ambassador Hotel to guided tours of the area’s many performance parts manufacturers.
The Shelby American booth featured a prototype GT40, speed parts for the Cobra and GT 350 hanging on the wall, and a Paxton-supercharged 302 on an engine stand.*
Today the SEMA Show is a fixture in the performance industry. In 1966, it was just an idea.
“It was Mr. Petersen who had the idea in the first place,” recalled GiGi Carleton, longtime executive assistant and personal manager to publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen (and now President of the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation). In the fall of 1966, Petersen launched Hot Rod Industry News (HRIN), a trade magazine devoted to the business of automotive performance and a sibling title to his then-nearly-20-year-old Hot Rod magazine. He believed a trade show “was a ‘must’ activity for the new magazine,” as he said in HRIN’s January 1967 issue. In charge of the endeavor was Dick Wells, who was then working in Petersen Publishing’s Special Events department. He was aided by Carleton and Alex Xydias, Publisher of HRIN and, years before, the founder of the original SO-CAL Speed Shop.
“I believe we had six months, or possibly less, to plan for that first show,” Carleton said.
In the B&M booth, Bob Sparr talked transmission adapters with Oscar Karamanian and Ed Stone from New England Speed Equipment of Boston.*
Selling the show “fit me to a T,” said Xydias, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. “When I was at the speed shop, I knew every manufacturer in town. I bought stuff from all of them, so it was easy for me to talk to them about a booth in the show.”
Dodger Stadium wasn’t so much chosen for the venue as it was inevitable. “It was the only venue available at the time in early January with a big parking lot,” Carleton said. “The Anaheim Convention Center was in the process of being built. We looked at the Hollywood Palladium and even the Great Western Arena near downtown L.A. The idea was to have it in Los Angeles near the two airports, LAX and Lockheed,” as the Burbank Airport was called then.
As for the show itself, “we just kind of patched it together,” Xydias recalled. “Booths were pretty much a card table and two chairs, with an eight-foot drape behind. We gave them a sign with their name on it, and that was pretty much it for everybody. Nobody had much experience with it.”
Dodger Stadium’s Club level turned into a trade show January 10–12, 1967. That’s Vic Edelbrock Jr. manning the Edelbrock booth, which is next to a large display for Ansen Automotive.*
That lack of experience was evident when Xydias walked the show’s aisles and found the exhibitors sitting in their booths. “I told them, ‘Stand up! You’re not here to rest. This is your business. If you’re sitting down, nobody is going to come over and make you get up to talk about your product.’ Those were the kinds of things we tried to do in the first show, to educate ourselves and also our exhibitors and the people who came to the show.”
Nevertheless, “the show did pretty well, under the circumstances,” Xydias said. Coverage in the February 1967 issue of HRIN called the show “a complete success.”
“We were so surprised at the attendance, which far surpassed what we had hoped for,” Carleton said. “I remember driving to Dodger Stadium on the first day of the show after our set-up day. I saw so many cars parked in the stadium parking lot, I thought there must be another event taking place. I was wrong. All those cars were there for the first SEMA Show.
“Many of the first exhibitors were leery about this show and wondered if they would meet their expenses for airfare, hotel, and so on,” she added. “But they all went home with a fistful of orders, more than they had ever anticipated.”
“Was it a success?” Xydias asked. “It was a success because we had the second one.” The following year, the show moved to the newly opened Anaheim Convention Center, where some 3,800 attendees did business among nearly 200 booths.
ATHENS, GREECE (11.16.22) – Immediately following a very successful showing at SEMA 2022 PowerBassUSA was headed across the pond for 2 weeks to spend time with distributor partners and dealers. Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP Product Development & Global Marketing, departed for London on Sunday November 6th.
This is the correct side of the freeway across the pond in London.
Dealers gathered our group shot at the first meeting for Car Audio & Security in Hayes Middlesex.
Lee Glover hold his award as the 2021 PowerBass European Independent Dealer of the Year and is flanked by Erik Harbour (R) and Carl Huntington in front of his Safe and Sound Essex location.
Night two of the Car Audio & Security Distributors dealer training was held at Dhillons Brewery in Covington UK.
“Once arriving in London the first thing was to hook up with Carl Huntington who represents PowerBass on the continent and set the plan for the 2 weeks ahead. Carl had a super plan in place for the first week which we spent hosting 2 well-attended dealer training meetings set up by our distributor Car Audio & Security. Following each meeting there was time set for networking, dinner and refreshments. Other time spent in the London area included dealer meetings and seeing some great area attractions.
Harbour is thinking a behind the wheel of a f1 ride an a track would be a very special experience.
A RedBull ride would also be quite an experienced for Harbour.
Red phone booths in London are still iconic landmarks.
The Tuesday afternoon dealer training took place in the Car Audio Nikou/Directed Greece location in Thessaloníki.
Erik Harbour covers the PowerBass line for 15 dealers on Tuesday afternoon at Car Audio Nikou. Several dealers stayed to chat with some placing orders.
Taking a seat in a f1 car plus time in a racing simulator for some hot laps in Brazil, a stop at the Mercedes-Benz World and Red Bull plus night scenes around London added the across the pond experience for Harbour and Huntington.
Huntington and Harbour wrapped the first week across the pond and headed to Greece on Monday, November 14th. They hit the ground running and hosted a dealer training Tuesday afternoon at their Greece distribution partner’s Car Audio Nikou/Directed Greece facility in Thessaloniki.
There was a drawing for a prize after the meeting and Autosonik team members from Kavala Greece, who flank Harbour, took home a PowerBass BT200 Bluetooth portable speaker.
The Acropolis in Athens will be a Wednesday view.
“There were over 15 in the PowerBass training and all were very interested in products in the line. We see a huge growth potential in this market for PowerBass Car and Marine products. Several dealers stayed around after the meeting to spend time us. Some orders were placed too” Harbour related.
Huntington and Harbour travel to Athens, today-Wdnesday November 16th, to spend time with dealers and cap the 2 week journey on the Continent.
Stay tuned for more from PowerBass across the pond.
METAIRIE, LA (11.15.22) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Underbody Wheel Well Rock Light Kit (p/n 5895-339). The new kit is now shipping with an MSRP of $169.95.
This all-new design has LED emitters which are positioned to cover a massive 230 degree angle, providing the best coverage of any LED Rock Light on the market. Previously users would need to install multiple LED Rock Lights in each wheel well to get adequate lighting coverage. No longer is that an issue with the new ultra-wide coverage of the new ORACLE RGB+W LED Rock Lights.
“Change colors, control brightness, access strobing patterns, and sync with music with Oracle Lighting’s new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Underbody Wheel Well Rock Light Kit,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This new oversized 22 LED RGB+W ‘Dual-Control’ kit features Bluetooth smartphone control plus wireless remote, along with TRUE white 6000K color and a unique design that uses three separate emitters to cover the entire wheel well area.”
Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT Technology allows you to select from thousands of colors as well as control the functions and colors of your kit via the Bluetooth App or remote.
Additional features and specifications include:
Unique Extra Wide Beam Angle
IP68 Waterproof Connectors
(4) Oversized 220 LED Rock Light Pods
App Control Compatibility: iOS 7 or Android 4.3 +
Total Wattage: 28W (7W Per Pod)
Installation hardware included
Warranty: 1 Year
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.22) – New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that in 2021 outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output and 4.5 million jobs. This equates to 1.9% of GDP in the U.S. economy and highlights the record-setting growth that the outdoor recreation industry has seen over the past few years.
“From the creation of jobs and increased profit for small businesses in local economies, to larger boons to our national economy, this sector is a consistent driver, even in times of economic uncertainty. The strength of the outdoor recreation economy reflects what many in the industry have long known to be true: there are infinite benefits that come from more people spending time outdoors, and they’ll only grow with continued investment” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), of which SEMA is a member.
ORR is America’s leading coalition of U.S. outdoor recreation trade associations. It represents more than 50,000 businesses that produce vehicles, apparel, equipment and services enjoyed in our nation’s parks, waterways, trails and outdoor spaces. SEMA’s focus within ORR is on motorized recreation (four-wheel, ATVs, UTVs, etc.), along with all the equipment that makes it possible to tow RVs, trailers, boats and off-road vehicles (suspension, wheels, tires, increased horsepower, etc.).
Click here to view the ORR press release on the BEA data.
HOUSTON, TX (11.15.22) – On Saturday all was set in motion for Sunday’s SSR’s Distributors Show in Houston. During the day Saturday vendors and representatives set up their booths and prepared for the big Sunday Show on November 13th.
Saturday evening nearly 40 people enjoyed an evening dinner at the Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse with refreshments hosted by SSR’s Amir Dhanani and Tracy Farr. Farr related “The dinner event was a terrific evening of networking and fine dining with refreshments too. We sincerely conveyed to all our appreciation for their support, partnership and contributing to the success SSR is experiencing in the marketplace served by the Dallas and Houston locations.”
Large tables of vendors and SSR staff enjoying the Saturday night dinner at Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse.
The PRV Audio brand is a new addition for SSR and drew a lot of interest.
Pat Szeman showed the Reikken and Energie batteries to SSR dealers.
The AAMP demo pickup positioned on Saturday for the show.
Through the day Sunday attendees from SSR’s dealer base topped 250 as all checked out the latest products from over 30 brands that had tables and demos set up between shelves and space in the large warehouse. Continuing Farr offered “There was a real sense of enthusiasm on the floor. Dealers were happy to see vendors and their products in person. The venders were likewise excited to show their latest products to SSR’s dealers.”
There were numerous demo vehicles on display including including the AAMP pickup-with Chris Brinkley behind the wheel, a bike decked with Cicada Audio and Farr’s ’06 red Corvette decked with Kenwood products. A Jeep Wrangler was shining bright with LUMI lighting that is a SSR brand. There were also demo vehicles in the parking lot on the cool, clear day. Training sessions for Maestro and AudioControl were offered. There were over 35 people in each session with Jimmy Bradfield conducting the Maestro session and Chris Brinkley from AAMP conducting the AudioControl session.
The LIMI Jeep shined to show the brand’s vehicle lighting products.
Lighting is a hot category and David Toliver from Synergy Marketing Agency shows Lucas Lighting products to dealer.
This image shows dealers attending one of the two training sessions presented by Jimmy Bradfield.
PRV Audio is a new brand in the house that SSR picked up at SEMA 2022. The company occupied a corner space with a lot of branding and products on display. Daniel Costa-CEO and Roberto Amengual-Sales Manager were two of the PRV staff members in the house.
Several vendors traveled great distances to attend the SSR Show. Nina Contreras-SiriusXM traveled from SoCal. Jeremy Foss also traveled from SoCal to show the latest from Jensen. Foss did not arrive in Houston until after midnight Saturday for the Sunday show.
This is the ticket that dealers had punched when they visited each booth to enter the raffles.
Jeremy Foss had the Jensen booth set up early Sunday morning after arriving past midnight Saturday night from Southern Cal.
Vendors also set up demos outside on the cool clear Sunday morning.
Midday dealers packed the aisles in the SSR warehouse.
During the show there were 2 raffles for dealers who turned in their cards punched to visit each booth. The raffle prize for each drawing topped $2000. for a mix of products stacked on the table. Prized ranged from a couple hundred to ten bucks. A food truck in the parking lot offered a wide variety of food for attendees plus pizza was also available for the hungry attendees.
Concluding Farr related “The Houston Show was a super event and set the stage for a strong holiday selling season. The SSR Distributors North Dealer Show is set for May 2023 and the date will be announced.”
HOLLY HILL, FL (11.15.22) – Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics showcased a new Chasing LED Underglow Lighting Kit and a 3ft Chasing LED Whip Light designed to add brilliant lighting to UTVs and golf carts at SEMA 2022. These products install easily to provide fast and durable lighting solutions. They work with the Heise Connect Chasing Controller to allow users to control their LEDs from the palm of their hand when paired with the Heise Connect smartphone app.
3ft Chasing LED Whip Light The MPS-CHWP-1 is designed for ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies, and other powersports applications. It is strong enough to withstand some of the most extreme off-roading environments with an IP67 rating. In addition, it is stylish yet durable, constructed with a weather-resistant polyolefin cover and a bendable polycarbonate core that is virtually unbreakable.
Chasing LED Underglow Lighting Kit The MPS-UNDG-KT1 includes (4) 9” and (2) 28” sealed polycarbonate LED tubes, mounting hardware, a Heise Connect Chasing Controller, RF card remote, and extension cables to make installation easy. The Chasing tube layout was designed to separate the left and right sides of the vehicle so that when a pattern is selected within the app, that lighting pattern will track down each side of the vehicle with the same timing. Additionally, the turn signals are zoned so that they have independent left and right triggers.
Heise Connect Chasing Controller This controller provides 12volt triggers for the option to turn lights red when the vehicle is braking and amber for turn signal indication. Users can choose from 170+ color-changing patterns using the Heise Connect smartphone app with DIY lighting patterns, music sync, and more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.22) – The automotive specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, companies continue to be optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.
Filled with 60 pages of data, the “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic. Members can use the report to gain valuable insight into key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities, and an outlook for 2023 and beyond.
By downloading the report, members will gain access SEMA’s research designed to help them plan and succeed in the year ahead.
Key findings include:
47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year.
Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. More than 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
Inflation and the supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at over $66,000.
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (11.14.22) – Since the first print issue in February of 1994 the 12volt News has been delivering fresh industry news highlighting positive across the 12volt industry. With today’s digital technology the 12volt News, from the 12volt Central Studios, is delivering fresh industry every day. News from around the world as well.
12voltnews.com on the web, plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook, delivers fresh positive industry news ranging from manufacturer’s new products to the activities of industry companies and organizations plus individuals every day.
12volt News coverage, from the 55th Annual SEMA Show November 1-4 2022, is an example of timely news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios. Via social media over 100 posts from the SEMA Las Vegas venue were posted. #12volt_vnn2022 to check out action from the SEMA Show 2022.
12volt News coverage, from the 55th Annual SEMA Show November 1-4 2022, is an example of timely news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios. Via social media over 100 posts from the SEMA Las Vegas venue were posted. #12volt_vnn2022 to check out action from the SEMA Show 2022.
This past week coverage from the PowerBass 2-week trip across the pond has been featured. PowerBass VP Erik Harbour traveled to the UK and is working with Carl Huntington to spend time with dealers on the continent. See @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook.
News from across the pond will continue from the METSTRADE in Amsterdam from November 15-17. The METSTRADE is the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment and materials for marine professionals. CelsusUK, KICKER’s Marine Distributor in Europe, will have a booth. David Glasgow, Chet Weddle and Aziz Masti from KICKER’s Stillwater OK HQ are joining Mark Baker with the Celsus UK team on site.
Reikken, PRV Audio and Jensen are 3 examples of vendors set up at the SSR Distributors Show Sunday Nov 13th.
Yesterday, Sunday November 13th, the 12volt Central Studios made numerous posts from the SSR Distributors Show in Houston. Nearly 30 exhibitors were in the house with industry representatives from both coasts traveling to Houston to present their products to dealers from across the territory SSR covers. There will be much more to come from the SSR Houston Show.
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