NAPERVILLE, IL (07.23.2021) – IMR Inc., the industry’s leading full-service automotive market research firm, has released its latest insights on how battery and hybrid electric vehicle service is impacting independent repair shops.
Between May 3 and June 30, 2021, IMR Inc. interviewed 1,000 independent repair shops in the U.S. to gain insight on their service of battery and hybrid electric vehicles and investment in specific tools, equipment and training for technicians to work on these newer vehicle technologies.
Three out of every 100 vehicles (3.1%) serviced at an average independent repair shop are BEVs while HEVs account for 6.2% of the vehicles serviced. Shops located in the West (7.7%) have nearly double the percentage of business from HEVs over shops located in the Midwest (4.2%). Of shops that service BEVs/HEVs, 69.9% do not specifically market or advertise that t
Of independent repair shops that service hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), over 85% have seen an increase in service demand for these vehicle types
27.5% of shops that service BEVs/HEVs have invested in specialized tools/equipment, 30.5% have invested in additional technician training
55.1% of shops believe it will take longer than 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business
Of independent repair shops that service BEVs and HEVs, 89.4% have seen an increase in the number of BEVs coming in for service while 87.4% have seen an increase in HEVs coming in for service. However, amongst all independent repair shops, only 27.5% of shops have invested in tools and equipment to specifically service BEVs/HEVs while 30.5% of shops said they had invested in additional/specialized training for technicians, focused on electric or hybrid vehicles. Overall, larger shops (8+ bays) made more investments in tools, equipment and training (48.9%) than their smaller competitors (26.4%).
With the increasing market penetration of BEVs/HEVs and rapidly evolving technologies, independent repair shops who service these vehicles recognize the importance of keeping up with current information. 46.7% of shops reported that their primary supplier provides updates on the latest industry trends regarding BEVs/HEVs, while 53.3% of shops said theirs does not.
While 67% of independent repair shops indicate that a portion of their business comes from servicing BEVs, more than 55% of shops surveyed believe it will take over 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business. 13.4% of shops believe that these vehicle types will never impact their business.
For more information on IMR Inc., visit automotiveresearch.com. To schedule a research-related interview with IMR Inc. president, contact the company. The most recent Insights from IMR Inc. can be found here.
GALLUP, NM (07.22.2021) – The KICKER ArenaCross filled the amazing Red Rock Park Arena in Gallup NM on Friday and Saturday evenings, July 16th and 17th.
At the event KICKER was definitely ‘Livin’Loud’ as were the racers on the track and vehicles racing down the Mud Bog strip.
This amazing drone image by Jack Jaxson shows the KICKER Arenacross at the Red Rock Park Arena in Gallup NM.
A large KICKER area was positioned prominently on a walkway with a large trailer, demo RZR loaded with KICKER gear and a large tent with KICKER Audio, Marine and Lifestyle products on display. MadDog Media with Lorin Morrell orchestrated KICKER’s activities at the event.
KICKER was set up to demo the RZR plus showcase Car Audio, Marine and Lifestyle products.
“The Red Rock Park Arena was an amazing venue. Crews set up the track with tight turns and jumps so the rider’s skills were tested to the limit. In addition there was a Mud Bog strip set for a variety of trucks and vehicles to race through a strip of mud and water,” Morrell stated.
Early in the day this post was made to show the event was sold out.
The Mud Bog Track was a crowd favorite as vehicles raced thru the mud and water.
The capacity of the Red Rock Park Arena is listed at 5,000. Saturday night was sold out with the Friday night crowd almost the same.
“The KICKER RZR was a magnet for members of the crowd. We did demo after demo both nights. We also showed a number of new KICKER PowerSports products, including a new SoundBar to enthusiasts. Under the tent the KICKER Lifestyle products grabbed attention with the Bullfrog being a standout,” Morrell added.
No doubt about it, KICKER was Livin’Loud at the KICKER ArenaCross in Gallup, NM.
LEHIGHTON, PA (07.22.2021) – 1sixty8 media Inc. has announced its intent to develop and grow a network of representatives in the United States. As the premier provider of digital marketing and business services to the mobile enhancement industry, 1sixty8 media is responsible for creating and managing websites that provide a high ROI for their clients. They are also the exclusive reseller of the Mitchell1 ProDemand software to the mobile enhancement industry. Qualified retailers are able to subscribe to ProDemand at a discounted rate through 1sixty8 media.
When asked what prompted this decision, Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media, said, “The first step was to cultivate the team, and I could not be more proud of the team I’ve assembled. The next step was to develop products and services that make money for our clients. Finally, we needed to fine-tune our processes for ease and efficiency and build the infrastructure needed for scalability. With all of that in place, we are ready to level up our client base and believe that engaging a rep force is the perfect way to do it.” Schaffer went on to say that 1sixty8 media recently added two dedicated servers to handle the increased demand.
“We are looking to leverage the existing relationships that 12V reps have to provide hot leads for our team to engage with and close,” Schaffer continued. “We are not looking for active sales.”
Schaffer said that in addition to an attractive initial commission, 1sixty8 media will pay out a quarterly residual on ongoing revenues generated from referred clients.
“This is a win for everyone,” Schaffer said. “For 10 minutes of work, the rep can earn a commission and ongoing residuals, we gain a client, and the retailer acquires a website or other services that provide a high ROI.”
Reps would be required to take part in a 30-minute Zoom meeting with 1sixty8 media to learn about the company and its services. They would be expected to take five to 10 minutes on each sales call to talk about these services. If a retailer shows interest, a simple email introducing the retailer to 1sixty8 media is all that is required.
“This is a great opportunity for a representative to make a good commission up front and an ongoing residual income for very little work,” Schaffer said..
Interested reps should reach out to Mitchell Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com or 570-656-6900 to learn more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.22.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons are set to gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala on Friday, July 30. To underscore the significance of SEMA’s return to in-person events, the evening gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”
The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.
In a departure from past SEMA Installation Galas, the setting for this year’s gathering will be the massive new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The venue was chosen to underscore SEMA’s ties with the city and the LVCC—and offer the industry a preview of the big things to come in November.
The move marks the first time in its 45-year history that the gala has been held outside the Southern California area where SEMA is headquartered. In fact, the gala of about 400 individuals will represent several “firsts.” It will be among the first events held in the LVCC West Hall since construction of the 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility was completed in January. Plus, it will become SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.
“I look forward to the SEMA Installation Gala each year—even more so this year than any other year, since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” Kersting said. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebrating with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”
“This year’s gala is especially meaningful,” agreed SEMA Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Eriksen. “The themes of industry, community and family will be front and center. After a year of being apart, we’re inviting the industry to come together. The highlight is on people, their volunteerism and their industry contributions. We want to recognize their achievements and hopefully inspire others to become more involved with the association and make a difference for our industry.”
Each year, the inductions of new SEMA Hall of Fame members are among the evening’s most poignant moments. At the last in- person gala held in 2019, legendary performance-parts innovator Bruce Crower was inducted posthumously. His wife Barbara (center, standing) accepted the honor on his behalf.
A Symbolic Move
Eriksen added that gala organizers couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the LVCC West Hall.
“We’ve been given the opportunity to showcase this amazing new addition to the LVCC, and we’re excited to introduce our industry to it,” she said. “Secondly, it’s symbolic of the fact that Las Vegas is ready for business, open and able to accommodate, meetings and events, so we’re also excited to be working with them to produce our first ‘post-pandemic’ event in this new space. The city and convention center have been important partners for more than 40 years, and we look forward to showing our support as they reopen for business.”
Because the gala is taking place as the nation reemerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Eriksen said that SEMA’s event team will remain conscious of the environment. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where the industry can safely celebrate.
“Health and safety have always been priorities for SEMA, and we take them seriously in every event we do,” Eriksen said. “With the pandemic, there’s a heightened sensitivity to those issues. SEMA will continue to work with local health and safety agencies to ensure that the event reflects current health standards in Las Vegas.”
The theme of volunteerism will again be front and center Friday, July 30, with the inauguration of new SEMA Board of Directors members, recognition of outgoing board members, and a celebration of the people who give their time to industry initiatives. Pictured here are SEMA Cares committee members and charity partners at the last in-person gala in 2019.
The Race Is On!
Being a night of camaraderie, the gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a Pinewood race car or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. A signature event combining charitable giving, community, automotive passion and youthful spirit, the Pinewood Drags will return as a fun way to contribute to SEMA Cares, the association’s charitable arm.
SEMA Cares helps to significantly improve the lives of many in need through donations to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.
Sponsorships for a race car in the Build-It-For-Me category are just $95. Of course, the peak of the Pinewood Drags competition is the annual Industry Cup Challenge, where boasting rights run high. This year, the racing will take place in the West Hall lobby, with entry in the Industry Cup Challenge competition set at $1,000 per company.
“The children that SEMA Cares supports truly need our help,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA Cares chairperson. “With the return of the Pinewood Drags to the SEMA Installation Gala, I hope that this year we can raise more money than ever.”
“Absolutely no donation is too small,” added Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager of membership projects. “Last year was certainly difficult, and fundraising was not top-of-mind for many people, so it will be good to rally together again in support of the children’s charities we serve.”
The gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a race car or challenge industry colleagues in head- to-head competition to benefit SEMA Cares charities. The races will make their in-person comeback in the West Hall lobby.
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
High Anticipation
Eriksen agreed that there is a growing sense of anticipation for this year’s gala and all the activities surrounding it. Additionally, she sees the evening as a harbinger of the enthusiasm that’s already building for the return of a live SEMA Show in November. According to Eriksen, each event in its own way reflects the passion and interpersonal connections at the heart of the industry.
“For me, the SEMA Installation Gala is especially important this year,” she said. “We’ve always seen it as our mid-year gathering before gearing up for the SEMA Show in the fall. With the COVID-19 situation this past year, I think the members of our industry are craving the opportunity to reconnect with each other more than ever, and this event in particular is like a family gathering for the industry. It’s a little more relaxed than, say, November during the Show. A lot of meaningful connections and conversations can happen, and I think people are really looking forward to that.”
Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala, which are available to all SEMA members, can be purchased by visiting www.sema.org/gala. (Please note that, although the gala is open to the entire association, seating is limited.)
If you’d like to sponsor a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags race car or challenge a colleague, please make your donation today. Visit www.sema.org/semacares for more information.
STILLWATER, OK (07.21.2021) – KICKER has announced its return to DuneFest at the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area in Winchester Bay, from July 27 through August 1.
KICKER will be on hand to support longtime DuneFest sponsor and KICKER authorized dealer Brad’s Car Tunes (Eugene, Ore.), which will have a booth area in Vendors Row during the event. Brad’s Car Tunes will have multiple show cars in the KICKER booth, including a Jeep Gladiator and a pair of Polaris RZRsall with custom installs. Brad’s Car Tunes will be offering on-site installations and products available to purchase during the six-day event.
DuneFest is packed with family-fun experiences throughout the week. In conjunction with JetCity FMX freestyle motocross demo team, KICKER rider and X Games medalist Robert Haslam will take to the air in a wild freestyle show all week long. Haslam and other JetCity FMX riders will also host a youth mini-camp for kids 7-13 years, teaching them basic maintenance and long-jumping skills.
A poker run, long-jump contests, treasure hunts and multiple races across the dunes offer riders plenty to try from sunup to sundown. As evening sets in, night rides will be offered in addition to live music Friday and Saturday nights.
RINGWOOD, IL (07.21.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has announced that the USPTO office has issued a second continuation patent (Patent No. 11,054,127) on their innovative GEN4 LED design. The GEN4 was first launched at the SEMA Show in November of 2019 and was instantly embraced by the marketplace just a month after applying for the first patent. That patent (Patent No. 10,801,714) was issued in October of 2020.
The GEN4 patented lighting system features a 360° ratchet-style adjustable base for aiming, an anti-glare optical beam deflector and a rotatable heat-sink rope for heat dissipation in tight lens/cover locations. Retailers and installers were supporting the product at a rapid pace until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of 2020. At that time, the contract factory making GEN4 exclusively for Race Sport took a huge hit from the pandemic and had to close its doors. We have been working hard over the last year to move the tooling over to their main factory and make some small adjustments to the design before relaunching. Those adjustments were captured in a continuation patent application that has evolved into the recent patent issued by the USPTO.
Steve Jergensen, Race Sport Lighting President, is pictured at the company’s Ringwood IL HQ holding US patents for the innovative GEN4 LED design.
“We are very anxious to relaunch the GEN4 LED system to the marketplace with a few upgraded adjustments that will increase the performances even more. It was disappointing that we had to switch the tooling to another factory in the middle of the pandemic, but we are still receiving a high demand weekly for this patented high-performance system to relaunch into the marketplace. We are doing everything possible to keep our relaunch target around SEMA Show 2021, just in time to kick off the new year with some major excitement. We are thankful to the USPTO for awarding us a second patent and recognizing a lot of hard work put into this kit.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
Orders are building up as distributors and dealers nationwide have requested to keep orders open in anticipation for the relaunch. Currently, our Drive Series V2 all-in-one solution system is leading the way in the premium LED headlight kit space of the industry.
For information on Race Sport Lighting’s entire LED kit lineup, click here.
AVON LAKE, OH (07.21.2021) – When you need help in a sticky situation, turn to improved professional-grade Spray Adhesive from Design Engineering, Inc.
Now with even greater holding strength, DEI’s high-temperature Spray Adhesive is perfect for installing the company’s line of heat and sound control solutions, as well as other materials including foam, fabric, metal and wood, in automotive interior and related projects.
“Our improved formula makes for a very aggressive, high-build, pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to bond most substrates while maintaining a high level of tack,” notes Mike Buca of DEI. “The improved nozzle provides a web pattern spray for excellent coverage on all materials with a tack time of only two to four minutes and heat resistance up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Featuring no ODS (ozone-depleting substances), the aggressive Spray Adhesive dries quickly and clear, is California compliant, and is made in the USA. It creates a strong heat- and water-resistant bond when installing thermal shielding, headliners, sound control materials, carpet and more.
TEMPE, AZ (07.20.2021) – Mobile Solutions has released the details of its Build-Off competition, a key event of the upcoming MasterTech Expo training conference to be held March 6-9, 2022, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The fabrication skills contest, sponsored by Rockford Fosgate®, will match four teams of conference attendees against each other as they create unique builds live over two days.
“There was a lot of thought, planning and collaboration that went into determining the details of the MasterTech Expo Build-Off,” said Bryan Schmitt, conference creator and founder of parent company Mobile Solutions. “This event will be different from any of the build-off competitions you have seen in years past. But more important, it will comprise the same production methods, time-saving techniques and experiences of award-winning fabricators that have been taught in our classes for the past 17 years.”
The build-off event will consist of two competitions, one held on each of the conference’s two main days. Each competition will pit two teams of three participants against each other to create stylized components that finish off a premium audio installation. The two build-offs will last four hours each and feature a different vehicle theme: one for a modern passenger vehicle, the other for a hot rod. The participants must use only the materials supplied though they may use their own hand tools.
In accordance with the conference’s theme of automotive aftermarket inclusiveness, each team will have a mobile electronics expert, a fabrication expert, and an auto trim expert. Of these, one will also serve as captain. Teams will receive the build specifics prior to the conference to plan their approach. Winning teams will be announced at the conference’s awards ceremony on March 9.
All attendees at the expo will have the opportunity to see the build specifics and to be a virtual participant in the build-off by creating their own team and submitting a plan for how they would complete the competition build. The virtual team with the best plan will also receive recognition at the awards ceremony.
Installation technicians and fabrication experts who are interested in registering for a chance to compete on-stage in the build-off competition should watch for an announcement coming in early August at MasterTechExpo.com and Instagram.com/MasterTechExpo.
“We want to thank Tom Miller, owner of Musicar Northwest and a truly awesome fabricator, for his help in drafting the format of this competition,” added Schmitt. “Also, we would like to thank the team at Rockford Fosgate for their partnership and support, and their generosity in sponsoring this event as well as providing the team apparel for the build-off competitors. We know this will be an exciting event and one that brings us together as an industry, and we plan to make it grow. This year we have four teams; next year it could be more.”
To stay up to date on the MasterTech Expo Build-Off, as well as other news and events related to the expo, visit MasterTechExpo.com.
REDLANDS, CA (07.20.2021) – On Saturday, July 17th, Tune Time Stereo & Alarm hosted an official 2X dB Drag Racing event sponsored by Team Gorilla HZ. The Tune Time Stereo location was the site of the event that took place under a sunny Saturday sky.
dB Drag Racing with Boomin’Audio Competitions are pictured with their trophies. Jeffrey Fernandez, in the middle, in red.
Jeffrey Fernandez traveled from Texas to conduct the dB Drag Racing event under the Boomin’ Audio tent.
“The event turned out very nicely with 39 competitors entered. The weather in Redlands was super and there was strong support from Team Soundstream in the lanes” Boomin’Audio’s Andy Teuscher related.
Jeffrey Fernandez is flanked by Team Soundstream’s Hen Dog (L) with his Boom’Audio’s 150’s decal and Team Soundstream’s Abdul with his Boomin’Audios’ 155’s decal.
Mike Stoeckmann, Tune Time Stereo owner, stated “We do several Sound-Off events each year with the largest in December. Events like this provide a venue for competitors, many who are our customers, a place to compete and show their systems. Events like this also puts car audio, and other mobile electronics products, in front of consumers.”
Jeffrey Fernandez (L) is shown with Soundstream Beast and his Boomin’Audio’s 155’s decal.
Area rep firm Paragon Sales staff members Wayne Smedile and Mike Rios were on site also. Rios commented, “We like supporting our dealers and brands we represent at sound off events. Mike at Tune Time Stereo really does it right. There were food trucks on site with Tacos and funnel cakes that everyone enjoyed.”
12VOLTCENTRAL STUDIOS (07.20.2021) – Jammin’ N July… it’s summertime and time to ‘Crank it Up’! Those words, and that message, can grab positive attention across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for members of the 12volt industry to show how they are ‘Crankin’ it Up’ in the summertime. With a smartphone Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO your company and activities could be in the news.
This past week the 12volt Central Studios showed companies Jammin’ N July. MSC was conducting DSP trainings in the company’s Mesa AZ facility. Tree Associates was working with Magnadyne in Chicago at House of Electronics. Weser Sales was showcasing new Precision Power Vertical PowerClass amps to Stereo Base in Haywood CA. Sanford Sounds was shown moving forward with a new location and trip to KnowledgeFest. John Pavlik prepared to celebrate the company’s 50-Year Anniversary in Lansing MI. Alpine and Online Marketing hosted Alpine DSP Trainings at Columbus Car Audio.
Online Marketing was on the road showing the new JBL Stadium subs in Dayton OH with Car Stereo Max. KICKER was at the KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Gallup NM. ST Mobile Audio was at a fundraiser in Hope AR. dB Drag Racing competitors gathered at Tune Time in Redlands CA for a Boomin’Audio event. And there was much more news about products.
Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, that just won’t go away, brought stimulus checks that delivered a spike in overall 12volt sales through the first half of 2021.
It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in their showrooms. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms. Those retailers are Jammin’ N July.
Sound-off events are returning in many areas and that showcases organizations, competitors and retailers Jammin’ N July.
From the 12volt Central Studioswe will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12volt makes that easier than ever. Snap and Txt an image with a smartphone to 318 465 0844. PRESTO, your image could show all your company is Jammin’ N July!
12VoltNews.com 