SEMA Launch Pad Seeking New-Product Innovators

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2021) – SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.

Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.

Through the SEMA Launch Pad, entrepreneurs with a functioning
automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market
are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a
chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.

Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.

Fifteen semi-finalists will also be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry’s radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”

Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.

Click here to apply now for SEMA Launch Pad.

This article was written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org

C.A.R. Soundz Hosted MECA 2X SPL Smackdown

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BAKERSFIELD, CA (05.19.2021) – The MECA event season is ramping up in California as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Saturday, May 15th, over 80 Sound-off enthusiasts were on site at C.A.R. Soundz in Bakersfield. MECA’s California Director Richard Papasin was on site behind the meter. A Friday night C.A.R. Soundz and Soundstream BassNight preceded the Saturday event.

Team Soundstream proudly hold their 23 MECA Trophies.
Abdul Hafiz (L) and Ryan Custard with their MECA Trophies Saturday evening.

Team Soundsream had 18 members on site at the event. Solomon Bustamonte, Team Soundstream Team Captain, stated, “I have been running Soundstream gear my rides for over 15 years and the equipment rocks. We have 26 members on Team Soundstream and we compete in shows from Fresno to San Diego.”

Lady Soundstream is all smiles with her MECA trophy.
Soundstream Animal hoists a MECA trophy as competitors capped the day.

Jordan Shahriary, Epsilon Social/Marketing Manager, stated, “Working with Team Soundstream showcases our brand and products in Southern Cali. Importantly, it also helps create visibility for car audio products and excitement for the competition scene in the marketplace. Retailers like C.A.R. Soundz also generate visibility for their stores.”

Ricky Madrid and Chris Bailey are the owners of C.A.R. Soundz. Madrid related, “The MECA events definitely create excitement and business for our store. The Kern County Bassheads group comes together to provide a platform for competitors to go through the lanes and earn trophies for their hard work.”

Soundstream Hellboy holding heavy duty hardware as the MECA event in Bakersfield wrapped at C.A.R. Soundz.

Bustamonte has created many of the installations showcased on the Soundstream social media outreach plus provided information and a selection of images for this article highlighting the C.A.R. Soundz SPL Smackdown.

Visit mecacaraudio.com and soundstream.com for more.

PowerBass Trips to the SEMA Garage Are Very Productive

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.2021) – “It’s always a great day when we can spend time at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. Their location is fairly close to the PowerBass HQ in Ontario so we make the trip frequently to get hands on with new and upcoming vehicles before they hit the market. It’s a great perk for being a SEMA Manufacturer Member. The time Dave Myers and I just spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive,” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.

During sessions at the SEMA Garage PowerBass staff has an opportunity to work with site engineers and employees of OEM’s like Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GM and More.

“Time spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive as we were working to bring the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers to market,” Harbour added.

“Access to the SEMA Garage was very helpful as we developed the PowerBass Direct Fit replacement speakers like the OE652-GM 6 coaxial speakers,” Harbour stated.

Each year SEMA members introduce thousands of cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to add enjoyment to vehicle ownership. While some have universal fitments, many have model-specific applications that require significantly more research and development.

The SEMA Garage gives SEMA member businesses access to the special high-tech tools and equipment they need to get their products-whether a $10. set of wiper blades or a $10,000 engine modification-off the drawing board and into customer hands. It is the only known facility of its kind in the United States.

Covering 15,000 square feet and filled with nearly $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage includes all the tools specialty product developers could hope for and then some, including two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for 3D scanning, a 3D printer for fast prototyping, digital race car scales for the most precise vehicle weight and measurements, a dynamometer for precise emissions measurements and  more.

Visit semagarage.com and powerbassusa.com for more.

RPM Act Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

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WASHINGTON, DC (05.19.2021) – SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting today commended U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) for introducing H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill includes 48 original sponsors. The RPM Act protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act prohibits a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned from 1970 until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.

“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for standing up for racing and the motorsports parts industry by introducing a bipartisan bill to protect racing and the businesses that produce, install, and sell the parts that enable racers to compete.”

There has already been an unprecedented outpouring of support for the RPM Act this year, with Americans sending over 1.1 million letters asking Congress to pass the legislation. It is imperative that enthusiasts and motorsports businesses keep up this momentum by reminding their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., that they must act now to protect the right to convert a motor vehicle into a racecar.

“I am proud to support automobile racing and will work to ensure motorsports enthusiasts here in North Carolina and across the country can continue the time-honored tradition of modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help ensure the RPM Act becomes law.”

“Growing up, I spent countless hours at the racetrack with my father,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Racing has always been close to my heart. I am delighted to introduce the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which will keep our American tradition of vehicle racing alive and give enthusiasts and their children the same opportunity that I had to create memories at the racetrack.”

Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.

It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law in 2021. To write a letter to your members of Congress, visit www.sema.org/rpm.

SCOSCHE Supports Michele Abbate of GRR Racing in Her Debut NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race – May 22

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OXNARD, CA (05.18.2021) – SCOSCHE Industries has announced their support of Michele Abbate in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race on May 22, 2021 in Austin, Texas.

Michele, an inspiring and hard-working Scosche ambassador since 2016, and dedicated professional race car driver at GRR Racing in Las Vegas, Nev., will be realizing her dream of driving NASCAR. She will make her NASCAR debut driving the Scosche #30 On Point Motorsports Toyota Tundra truck.

“We are so excited for Michele at GRR Racing to reach a hard earned entry into the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Michele has great passion, experience and talent for racing and very much deserves to be there. We wish her the best of luck in her Scosche #30 race truck and dream come true debut at her first ever NASCAR race. We are Fans!” – Kas Alves, Co-President, Scosche Industries

“There is nothing more rewarding than when hard work pays off. I couldn’t be more grateful and proud to make my NASCAR debut with my long-time partner, Scosche. Together we will share this amazing experience on the COTA road course where I made history with my second place finish in the ultra competitive TA2 category with the Trans Am West Coast finale. Scosche has helped me follow, and achieve, my dreams and I look forward to continuing to take my Scosche accessories along for the ride!” – Michele Abbate, GRR Racing

The May 22 race will be broadcast live, nationally on FOX Sports 1 and on Motor Racing Network. Join us in cheering Michele on.

Visit scosche.com, grrracing.com, and onpointmotorsports30.com for more.

Diversity of Light-Truck Market Primes Automotive Aftermarket for Future Growth

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.18.2021) – Following SEMA’s recent market research on the changing vehicle landscape, SEMA released a research report dedicated solely to the light-truck market. The 99-page study includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.

The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90% of U.S. Ford, GM, and Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles sold were light trucks. Pickups remain a large part of the specialty automotive aftermarket and accounted for more than 30% of specialty-equipment part sales in 2019.

SEMA’s new Light-Truck Market Snapshot report includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.

CUVs have not been fully embraced by specialty-equipment consumers and businesses but remain a big part of the overall light-truck market. They have become the fastest-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and also a very fragmented one with more than 170 CUV models projected to be sold from 2021-2028.

The report helps businesses understand the overall truck market and includes a snapshot of trends for the light-truck, off-road, overland, outdoor recreation, powertrain, and technology segments.

“Light trucks are used for a wide variety of activities and continue to be shaped by trends in vehicle sales, technology, and consumer behavior,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “We anticipate this growth to continue over the next decade as vehicle manufacturers prioritize their light-truck models.”

Trends in powertrains and vehicle technology are also shaping the light-truck market:

  • Engines are getting smaller overall: 52% of pre-1990 light trucks have a 5L or larger engine, compared with 22% of 2010 and newer trucks
  • Forced induction is becoming more common, especially on smaller engines. Less than 1% of pre-1990 light trucks have a turbocharger or supercharger, but 22% of 2010 and newer trucks come with some sort of forced induction
  • Alternative fuels like hybrid or electric powertrains have been slower to catch on with trucks than with cars, but they are coming — several electric trucks have been announced in recent years, including an all-electric Jeep Wrangler and several electric pickups
  • New-vehicle technologies like ADAS are also becoming more common and may affect how specialty truck parts are designed, produced, and installed

To learn more about the evolving diversity of the light-truck market and find insights that can help your business succeed, download the SEMA Light-Truck Market Snapshot for free today at www.sema.org/research

The 12Volt Central Studios Works to Deliver Positive Industry News Everyday

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SHREVEPORT, LA (05.18.2021) – No doubt we are all living in an increasingly stressful world. COVID Shot or No COVID shot. Mask or No Mask. Polarized National media fueling stress. Shortages in supermarkets with rising prices. Pipeline interruption from cyber attack further driving fuel increases. The price of lumber up nearly 300%. We all know the story in our ’Screen Focused’ World.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_n4G2HLnQ/

The 12volt industry has unique issues driving up the the stress level. Product shortages due to high demand. Product shortages taken to the next level due to chip plant fires and shortages. The cost of shipping product has gone through the roof. Travel or can’t travel. Need installers. Companies need employees but many people are receiving stimulus payments equal or exceeding a normal salary.

The 12volt Central Studios staff works each day to deliver positive industry news. See 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Each business day morning, we post News Today which delivers fresh industry news in less than a minute. The 12voltBeat newsletter is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings to over 5,000 industry members. On Saturdays, we post HiLites from the Week on social media. On Sundays we wish friends having Birthdays in the coming week Happy Birthday.

Click to subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter!

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by industry members to send a company’s activities and product information to the 12volt Central Studios. With a smartphone snap and txt an image, with a few words, to 318 465 0844. PRESTO your company could be in the news.

In addition, we make additional posts with companies working to get their ‘Shine On’. Check out the short video presentation above featuring SSV Works at The Rally on the Rocks in Moab UT May 12-15.

As an industry-vendors, reps, distributors and retailers- let’s all work to highlight positives.

Let’s remember the world is about people. ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On!’

Race Sport Lighting Introduces Team Progressive to Represent Northern Territory

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RINGWOOD, IL (05.17.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has announced that Team Progressive has been named their manufacturer rep firm for the northern territory covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Team Progressive will oversee the current Race Sport Lighting business already established in these five key states, as well as growing the company’s footprint in the territory with more dealers and increased distribution in the power sport and motorcycle industries. Team Progressive will begin introducing the line to their ever-growing dealer/distributor base starting in May.

“We are so excited to have Team Progressive join our team in the northern territory. Mike Tang (ND, SD and MN) and Steve Warren (IL and WI) bring a wealth of experience and an unprecedented network of dealers and distributors to the table. Race Sport Lighting is excited to get Steve and Mike up and running immediately to promote and train the dealers on the lighting category in their territory.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting

“I am excited to be able to enter into a relationship with Race Sport Lighting. Their expansive mix of products will be a great addition to our customers in the upper Midwest territory, especially in the continually growing power sports and motorcycle segments.” – Mike Tang, The Progressive Group

 “As business and our customer needs are ever-changing, we like to bring new categories and opportunities to help them grow their business. I am glad to be teaming up with Race Sport Lighting to offer another source of revenue in a category, that for most 12-volt dealers within Illinois and Wisconsin, is plus business.” – Steve Warren, The Progressive Group

Visit racesportinc.com and teamprogressive.com for more.

MTX Can Am X3 Audio Kits Now Available for Pre-Order

Posted on by in Uncategorized.

PHOENIX, AZ (05.17.2021) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing that pre-order is now available for their new audio kits and components for select Can-Am Maverick X3 model vehicles.

All new complete plug and play packages will be available in three, five, six or eight speaker layouts and all will incorporate 1000-watts of RMS amplifier power to drive them. They will be packaged with everything needed for installation including integrated audio and power harnesses as well as all necessary hardware. Installation of the kits requires minimal vehicle modification, and comprehensive installation videos are also available for step-by step guided instruction showing the entire process, start to finish.

Additionally, new components are also available for pre-order and consist of a low-profile dash mounting kit that works with our AWMC3 media receiver, fully assembled front upper and separate lower speaker enclosures as well as available driver and passenger loaded subwoofer enclosures.

“Consumer expectations have risen and it’s not just about power and the number of speakers anymore. Consumers need to trust that the product sounds just as good with helmets on and the throttle pinned as it does while hanging around camp.” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Jason Fickas.

“The level of thought and detail that has gone into these kits is unmatched in the industry both in performance and integration, and we’re anxious for our customers to see the results of combining the ground-up resources of MTX with a talented development team who just happen to be passionate enthusiasts as well.”

The new Can-Am X3 kits and components are slotted to start shipping in mid-June and more details can be found at MTX.com.

Tint World Announces Madison Belfour as New Digital Marketing Analyst

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BOCA RATON, FL (06.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently hired Madison Belfour as the new digital marketing analyst for the franchise.

A recent graduate of the University of Florida, Belfour holds degrees in both business administration and journalism. She is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that benefit both the franchise owners individually, as well as overall growth of the franchise.

Belfour’s keen attention to detail and passion for marketing is essential for continually optimizing campaign performance while helping to generate greater overall revenue for the franchise’s 80-plus locations currently open.

Madison Belfour, Digital Marketing Analyst

“Madison is a wonderful addition to our corporate team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We strive to have the best people in place. Her experience will help our franchisees grow their businesses, while supporting the continued success and growth of our overall franchise.”

Belfour spent the first three years of her career working for local marketing agencies in the South Florida area. Following a series of conversations with Bonfiglio, Madison picked up on his immense passion for franchising and was immediately motivated to put her skills to work for the growing franchise.

Belfour said one of her favorite parts of working at Tint World has been the seamless transition. One of the first projects Belfour took on was the Tint World 2021 International Franchise Convention. Unlike any prior annual convention, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic – presenting its own unique adaptations. Proactive and detail-oriented, Belfour saw the opportunity to step in and contribute value to help make the event a success.

As time has gone on, Belfour has continued sharpening her relationships with franchise owners – understanding their needs and offering tailored campaign solutions to reach their objectives. With new trends emerging constantly, she stays diligent to help keep Tint World’s fingers on the pulse.

“Since day one, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Tint World family. It feels great to be part of such a passionate team and I look forward to continuing to grow within this growing franchise,” Belfour said.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. 

Visit tintworld.com for more.