PHOENIX, AZ (04.18.23) – April 17, 2023 – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, will host a shop owner roundtable webinar, exploring the obstacles commercial repair shop owners face and how they overcome them on April 18 at 2 p.m. ET.
Fullbay’s CEO, Patrick McKittrick and COO, Chris O’Brien will welcome guests Jennifer Callaway, Co-Owner of Inland Empire Fleet Maintenance and Henry Uribe, Owner of OnSite Truck & Equipment Repair to discuss the range of challenges and successes shops and shop owners alike experience daily. Registered attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance of the event and can interact with panelists during the live webinar.
Fullbay encourages shop owners and other heavy-duty industry professionals to join this session, which is part of its series of free webinars that take a dive into the industry’s hardest hitting issues affecting shops across the country.
For more information or to register and submit a question for this webinar, click here.
OCALA FL (04.17.23) – Reigning NHRA rookie of the year Camrie Caruso is off to a fast start this season, winning the NHRA Arizona Nationals and grabbing her second career No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Winternationals. The third-generation drag racer is also making noise with new sponsors, including the addition of Big Jeff Audio, which will be the primary sponsor on her Chevrolet Camaro for the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, April 28-30, and an associate sponsor the rest of the season. Caruso is looking forward to introducing a brand-new sponsor to the NHRA and its massive consumer audience.
“This deal came together quickly, and I am looking forward to introducing Big Jeff Audio to the NHRA community,” said Caruso, who will be racing four-wide in Charlotte for the first time. “They are doing amazing things with not just car audio but side-by-sides, home audio and marine audio, Power Sports, and CCTV Needs. We are heading into the summer months, so now is the time to update your audio needs for the lake, pool, or your road trips. I can’t wait to show off the Big Jeff Audio Chevrolet Camaro in Charlotte. It is going to be an eye-catching car, and Big Jeff is going to make an impact in the NHRA, I know.”
Big Jeff Audio is a part of Big Jeff Online Inc., a family-owned business that has been thriving since 2014, initially starting out on eBay and Amazon. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, they have now expanded to offer a vast array of products on their site, including car audio and CCTV security systems, all backed by their authorization as an online seller. They have a website full of products for everyone at www.BigJeffAudio.com and have a large social media platform that you can see by searching BigJeffAudio on all major platforms.
“We have never done anything like this before, but after talking with Camrie we saw this as a great opportunity to introduce our company and customer service to a whole new audience,” said Jeff Goldman, president of Big Jeff Online, Inc. “We love working with our customers to give them the best audio service for their cars, boats, side-by-sides, or Power Sports. We have a tremendous online business. I know NHRA is all about the noise and thrill of the racing, and everyone at Big Jeff Audio is looking forward to bringing even more sound to the races and the pits.”
BREA, CA (04.17.23) – For the times on the trail when riders need to communicate, and there is no cell service, that’s the time for the NavAtlas NHR1Dual-Band VHF/UHF Radio.
Patrick Brooks with the NHR1 in the NavAtlas HQ in Brea CA
“When riders need to communicate with the outside world, and cell service is non-existent, the NHR1 has an 8-mile range depending on site line and comes with 250 programmable channels. NavAtlas preprograms 150 of the most popular channels to communicate with competitors radios so it becomes a connected ride” Patrick Brooks, NavAtlas National Sales Manager, related.
No cell service on the dunes….no problem with the NavAtlas NHR1.
The NHR1 is also a great tool for retail stores to communicate amongst sales staff and departments.
“The NHR1 can turn into a great impulse buy by the cash register. When customers see store sales staff using the NHR! and see the NHR1 as they are checking out that can start a conversation that leads to a sale” Brooks concluded.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.17.23) – The automotive aftermarket continues to be impacted by shifts in the industry and overall economy. To stay competitive, businesses need to know where the market is headed.
The new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report, available now atwww.sema.org/research, provides a detailed analysis of the industry’s most important issues and trends in 2023 and beyond. Designed to help aftermarket companies make informed business decisions, the report includes four main parts:
Specialty-Equipment Industry Outlook
Sales for specialty-equipment parts are projected to have slowed in 2022, growing only 2% to $51.75 billion. Barring any significant economic disruption, industry sales growth should normalize in 2023 and return to the 3-4% growth seen during typical years.
Vehicle Trends Outlook
New-vehicle sales finished at 13.7 million units in 2022, roughly 1.2 million units below 2021 levels. Due to supply shortages, high prices and rising interest rates, it will likely take until 2025 before things return to pre-pandemic levels.
The prices of new vehicles are exceptionally high, hitting a record $49,507 in December 2022. Prices should soften over the next year, as supply-chain issues ease and sales soften.
U.S. Economic Outlook
Inflation hit record levels in 2022 but has peaked and is starting to lower. SEMA estimates that inflation will continue to go down in 2023. By the end of 2023, it should normalize back to around 2% per year. Similarly, costs for producers are expected to go down in 2023.
Unemployment in Q4 2022 hit 3.6% — its lowest level since the late 1960s. As the economy slows down in 2023, there will likely be an uptick in unemployment. It should improve again in 2024.
Supply-Chain Disruption
Ninety percent of industry companies say they were moderately or severely impacted by supply-chain issues over the last year.
The chip shortage is ongoing, but lead times are improving. As of October 2022, the lead delivery time for a chip was 25.5 weeks—down from its peak. However, supplies of chips for automobiles remain tight and constrained.
The complete “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.
The report is also the subject of the webinar “SEMA Future Trends: Outlook for 2023 and Beyond”, taking place on February 2 at 11:00 a.m. PST. Register for the webinar here.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.14.23) – General Motors recognized Alps Alpine North America, Inc. as a 2022 Supplier of the Year. GM celebrated honorees at its 31st annual Supplier of the Year event in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this week.
GM’s Supplier of the Year award recognizes global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This is the 11th consecutive (21st overall) time Alps Alpine has received the award.
“This year was marked with a mixture of challenges and triumphs, so it is with great appreciation and honor that we accept this award for Supplier of the Year,” said Cameron Hosner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Alps Alpine. “As we move forward, we vow our continued and unrelenting aim to deliver solutions that contribute to the creation of a brighter future for our customers, our partners, and ourselves.”
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding suppliers after yet another challenging year in the automotive industry,” said Jeff Morrison, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “They overcame countless obstacles and exemplified what it means to be resilient, resourceful and determined. Beyond that, these suppliers demonstrated their commitment to sustainable innovation and to driving advanced solutions in collaboration with the GM team.”
Each year, GM’s Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales and Logistics.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.14.23) – SEMA Launch Pad–the automotive industry’s ultimate product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013–will be featured on a nationwide television special premiering April 15 on the History Channel.
Viewers will watch as the five finalists make their way to Las Vegas, where they pitch their products and ideas in front of a live crowd at the SEMA Show to a panel of judges featuring industry experts and icons. They included Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (DUB) and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). With a grand prize valued at $92,000 including $75,000 in cash, the competitors give it their all and hold nothing back.
“The first year the SEMA Launch Pad was introduced to a nationwide television audience was in 2022, and the response was fantastic,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “We are excited to once again have the potential life-changing competition showcased on the History Channel. Viewers will be amazed and inspired with each contestants’ innovation and perseverance. It’s the American dream unfolding right in front of your eyes.”
Over the past 10 years, hundreds of entrepreneurs have pitched their products, services and business ideas to industry professionals live on stage and been offered tips for success. The TV special airs on the History Channel, April 15, at 6:00 a.m. (PDT)/9:00 a.m. (EDT).
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.14.23) – WTF… The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
On Monday, April 3rd, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Spinner took a spill at the office. A broken hip was the result and 2-3 weeks of rehab is now underway. April 28th is the target date for the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
The rehab starts. The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222 is targeted for Friday April 28th.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
LED lighting has made it into hospital bed railings.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA and Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 28th
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.13.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Mike Kenhard as the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Engineering at the headquarters location in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Mike Kenhard, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Engineering
Kenhard brings an extensive background in the automotive industry as well as a proven history of leading various teams through key company projects and initiatives. Throughout his career, Kenhard has championed growth and success both on a divisional and company-wide basis, using his skills as an effective communicator, manager, and strategic planner to promote positive change and desired company results.
“We are ecstatic that Mike has joined the Alps Alpine team,” said Robert Hill, President & CEO of Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “His technical expertise, experience, and drive will ensure that we continue to provide winning solutions to our customers and lead our expansion into new areas in our pursuit of Perfecting the Art of Electronics.”
Kenhard will oversee all engineering at Alps Alpine North America.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.13.23) – Automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers are geared up and eager to connect with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. It’s been said that four days at the SEMA Show can deliver years of planning and development, and with exhibitor numbers expected to top 2,000 companies, buyers and media will have plenty to explore at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The commitment we’ve seen from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face-to-face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”
The future of the industry at large is on display at the SEMA Show, providing the best opportunity of the year to reconnect with peers and colleagues and create new contacts. The Show features countless education sessions and council and networking events to help build your business, career and professional network.
Meanwhile, SEMA officials are finalizing new features to further evolve the Show and deepen attendee engagement. To help attendees get their best return on energy and investment, we turned to Gattuso and SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins for some behind-the-scenes insights.
Industry Exhibitors Geared Up for 2023 SEMA Show Attendees Eager to connect with buyers and media in person, introduce new products, develop relationships and tell their company stories, the 2023 SEMA Show was on track to exceed 2,000 exhibiting companies as of press time.
An up-to-date exhibitor list of the major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the Show can can be viewed at http://www.SEMAShow.com/participating-manufacturers.
Advantages of Meeting Face-to-Face The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most impactful business-to-business experience. Its in-person nature delivers key advantages that other forms of connecting simply can’t match.
When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
According to a Forbes Insight study, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
According to a Harvard Review study, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.
SEMA Week Expands in Las Vegas At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. The event will add a new dimension to SEMA Week.
Over a planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the specialty-equipment industry’s premier automotive trade event—at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3.
Not to be confused with the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest will be an enthusiast-focused event open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4, 2023. It will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.
LOMITA, CA (04.13.23) – John Haynes-AlloyGator and Nayeem Khan-Smart Details Auto Spa were recently chatting up the business opportunities in wheel protection systems. Smart Details Auto Spa, in Lomita, CA, not only does professional detailing on site, they also offer mobile services in the greater Los Angeles area.
Nayeem Khan (L) and John Haynes in the Smart Deals Auto Spa showroom in Lomita CA.
“They love the AlloyGator product because it ties in directly with their customer base and business model plus allows them to add profit dollars to their existing business” John Haynes AlloyGator USA, related.
AlloyGator installed at SEMA 2022.
A scuffed rim could cost a consumer $500. The dealer cost to protect all 4 wheels with AlloyGator is $129.95 for 4 wheels. With a normal markup and installation the AlloyGator sale to an automotive enthusiast is very profitable….with a minimal investment.
Continuing “They’re a great contact for mobile electronics retailers in the area that need a wholesale connection to purchase any and all detailing supplies. Smart Details has a fully stocked showroom and offers wholesale accounts to local businesses, or shop directly from their website at SmartDetailsAutoSpa.com“.
AlloyGator offers in-store counter displays.
Alloygator is the #1 Wheel Protection System and is seeking supporting dealers all over the country. Contact John Haynes at 661.600.3617 or jhaynes@alloygatorus.com
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