Light Trucks and CUVs Secure Prominence in the Shifting Vehicle Landscape

DIAMOND CAR, CA (04.20.2021) – Sales of light trucks continue to skyrocket and are expected to reach more than 82% of all new light vehicles purchased by 2028, according to a new 92-page market research report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

SEMA’s new “2021 Vehicle Landscape Report” provides a comprehensive overview of vehicle sales and industry opportunities that will help business owners make informed decisions.

The new “2021 Vehicle Landscape Report” from SEMA Market Research provides a comprehensive overview of vehicle sales and opportunities for the aftermarket. Designed to help SEMA members make informed business decisions, the report is filled with data on driving metrics, detailed analyses of different vehicle segments, and forecasts for future sales by powertrain and segment.

“There are over 281 million passenger vehicles on the road in the United States; that’s a lot of opportunity to install aftermarket parts,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “The newest SEMA Market Research report includes data to help businesses understand the current vehicle climate, where it’s going, and where the greatest opportunities are across different vehicle segments.”

Key findings from the report include:

  • The U.S. vehicle landscape is shifting away from passenger cars to light trucks. By 2028, light trucks are expected to make up 82% of all new light vehicles sold (up from 53% in 2014)
  • The growth in light truck sales is driven primarily by the popularity and growth of CUVs; by 2028 CUVs are expected to make up about half of all new light vehicles sold
  • Even with the shift in sales, passenger cars aren’t going away; There are still 114.8 million passenger cars in operation and it will take a while for these vehicles to cycle out of operation
  • Electric vehicles are expected to make up 7% of new light vehicle sales by 2025
  • New vehicle sales dipped in 2020, but are expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels within the next 2-3 years

To learn more about the current vehicle landscape and what trends are on the horizon, download the “2021 Vehicle Landscape Report” for free today at www.sema.org/market-research.

JVC Mobile Entertainment Enters Dash Cam Market

LONG BEACH, CA (04.19.2021) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is excited to announce it is now shipping its KV-DR305W ($99.95 MAP) dashboard camera.

The KV-DR305W is a feature rich, value-priced dash cam, boasting Full HD (1920 x 1080) recording, WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, an F2.0 wide angle lens, along with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. It includes everything needed to be installed and used right out of the box, including a 16GB microSD card, adjustable mount, and 12-volt socket power connector. 

Its user-friendly design allows simplified control with 4 easy-to-access side-mounted buttons that correspond to icons displayed on its 2.7” full-color screen. The system automatically begins continuous recording after startup. By default, when its built-in G shock sensor senses an incident such as a sudden impact or an accidental crash during continuous recording, it records and stores those events in a dedicated folder. All recordings can be accessed by removing the microSD card and viewing on a computer with the JVC Route Watcher software. Alternatively, recordings can be viewed via a Wi-Fi connected smartphone with the aid of the JVC DRV Link app. This app also enables the user to access additional camera control functionality.

Even at this price point, recording quality is unparalleled. By capturing over 2 million pixels at 30fps (frames per second) and pairing its WDR technology (which helps to reduce headlight glare or shadows) and F2.0 wide-angle lens, playback of road events are clear and precise. 

 “JVC is a well-known name in the camera industry, having a long-term history of bringing innovative, class-leading camera technology to the market,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales.“ As JVC Mobile Entertainment now enters into the booming dash cam market, we can continue to build on this legacy in the in-vehicle environment.”

KV-DR305W web page: www.us.jvc.com/car/vehiclecameras/kv_dr305w/

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit www.us.jvc.com/car.

PowerBass Releases New Digital Media Receiver for the Water or Trails

ONTARIO, CA (04.19.2021) – Take control of your sound while enjoying the summer on the water or riding the trails with our new MC-100 Digital Media Receiver.

The MC100 is designed to fit in the same space as your vessel’s tachometer to integrate clean and easy into your control center while giving you the power to control your sound with large easy to push illuminated buttons.

Connection to your music library is simple with the built in Bluetooth mode, AUX or USB inputs, and for users that want to hear their favorite AM / FM Station use the built in tuner that also keeps you safe on the water with preset Weather Band stations.

Built to Marine Grade specs the sealed face panel and 2.75” LCD screen allows you to control not only your music but also the sound with preset equalization and tone control while providing 25W x 4 RMS from its built in amplifier to run your cabin or lower deck speaker system. With PowerBass Extreme Marine and Powersports products the sound track for your adventures comes alive.

Features:

  • Bluetooth, Aux & USB Inputs
  • AM/FM & Weather Band
  • RDS Compatible
  • RCA Output
  • 4 BAND Equalizer
  • 2 3/4″ LCD Screen
  • 20W RMS x 4
  • Marine Rated Water Tight Face
  • Fits Standard Tachometer Opening

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

Just Audio Wins PowerBass Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 123

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.17.2021) – WTF…Win This Friday. Just Audio won the PowerBass prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 16th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 123rd time on Friday morning April 16th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass Space. The Just Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to Just Audio in North Providence RI and Justin Roberts had already seen the post. He was surprised and happy to hear the news on the phone call. We will contact Erik Harbour at PowerBass and a cool PowerBass prize will be headed to Justin at Just Audio.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

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 and 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 and Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 23rd.

Just Audio Wins PowerBass Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 123

SHREVEPORT LA (04.17.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Just Audio won the PowerBass prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 16th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 123rd time on Friday morning April 16th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass Space. The Just Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to Just Audio in North Providence RI and Justin Roberts had already seen the post. He was surprised and happy to hear the news on the phone call. We will contact Erik Harbour at PowerBass and a cool PowerBass prize will be headed to Justin at Just Audio.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

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 and 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 and Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 23rd.

New SEMA Garage Planned in Michigan

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.16.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) purchased a 45,000-square-foot building in the Detroit, Mich., area to be used as a second SEMA Garage where manufacturers will have access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center, and expert technicians who will help bring products to market.

Like the high-tech SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., the Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab, and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center. The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association will open a SEMA Garage in the Detroit, Mich., area that will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to state-of-the-art resources, tools, and equipment to help bring products to market.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “We will be able to take our current offerings to a whole new level by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”

Located in Plymouth, Mich., less than 30 miles from the heart of Detroit, the SEMA Garage Detroit facility is ideally located near several major automakers and is in close proximity to many Tier One suppliers, SEMA member companies, test tracks, automotive technology, and aftermarket suppliers. The Detroit facility is three times larger than the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, which opened in 2013 and has provided more than 1,000 SEMA manufacturers exclusive access to new vehicles and CAD files, facilitated rapid prototyping, and assisted in obtaining CARB EOs.

SEMA Garage Detroit will undergo extensive facilities improvements and include new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools, and engineering software. The lab will be purpose-built to accommodate a 48-inch all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and include a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB’s new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.

“The SEMA Garage is a game changer for manufacturers,” said Spagnola. “By utilizing the tools and resources in the SEMA Garage, manufacturers no longer rely on trial and error for their product development. They are also able to navigate the complex process of obtaining required certifications and meet compliance.”

Through the SEMA Garage’s resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks, and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022.

For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

Bryce Hinton Joins the Southwest Sales and Marketing Team

FT. WORTH, TX (04.16.2021) – Southwest Sales and Marketing, a manufacturers representative firm for Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri is proud to announce the addition of Bryce Hinton to the company’s sales force. Hinton comes from an installation background and is well regarded in the car audio industry. Hinton has worked in technician and management roles for Best Buy and Car Toys. Most recently he owned and operated his own custom stereo shop as a Top 50 installer.

Scott Ringo welcomes Bryce Hinton (R) to the Southwest Sales and Marketing team. They are pictured outside of the rep firm’s offices in Fort Worth, TX.

“I felt it was time for me to take the next step in my 12volt career and to make an even greater positive impact on our industry.” Hinton stated, “Once I made the decision, there was no better fit than Southwest Sales. I have worked with many of the vendors that they represent, so hopefully it will be a short learning curve.”

Southwest Sales’ Scott Ringo added, “We are very fortunate add a new member to our team with Bryce’s talent in 12volt.”

Hinton will be managing the sales for the states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Bryce can be reached at 817-983-6998.

Southwest Sales currently represents Epsilon, Maxxsonics, HKI, Audiofrog, Beyma America, and Soundskins. Contact Phone number is 214-212-9049.

Visit swsalesmarketing.com for more.

Model Electronics a Happy 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.16.2021) – Model Electronics, in Ramsey NJ, was the winner of the Spin-to-Win Wheel 121 on April 2nd. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space and the Model Electronics slip was drawn from the jar. A check was fired off to the winning store and it was super to see an image of the crew smiling as they held the $100. check in the showroom.

Dave Mumford holds the 12volt Spin-To-Win prize check as Dan Winston and Andy Montesi give a big thumbs up from behind the sales counter.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seeing those smiling faces brought a smile to all at the 12volt Central Studios.

Four months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. We are looking forward to many more years of spinning the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

The Sling Experience 2021 Packed The Marriott Westchase Grounds in Houston

HOUSTON, TX (04.15.2021) -The Sling Experience 2021, the 3rd Annual event showcasing Slingshots, took place at the Marriott Westchase in Houston April 8th through 11th. There was a detailed schedule of events each of the four days

The Sling Experience 2021 featured 4 fun filled days in Houston.

Literally hundreds of Slingshots filled the hotel grounds along with vendors tents, competitions and food booths too. Competitions, entertainment, demo rides, group rides and kids activities kept all busy throughout the event.

The packed Sound-Off Competiton was sponsored by House of Sounds.
The Slingshot Push Drag Race competition required a lot of leg strength!

House of Sound was back at the event for the third year. Alex Restrepo related, “The Sling Experience is an amazing event. There is so much energy fueled by the great installations, music, competitions and activities. The rides at night, with so many Slingshots decked with lights, is a sight to behold.”

This year arrangements were made by event organizers for onsite installations and detailing services.

Continuing, Restrepo offered, “We took a team to do onsite installations for Slingshot owner from Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama who knew of our work and wanted to travel to Houston for the Sling Experience 2021. Last year we had 33 customers show their rides and this year there were even more. DS18, Beyma, Ground Zero and SounDigital were big brands for onsite installations.”

DDM completed a wide variety of installs on several Slingshots each day of the Sling Experience.
Lighting is a popular add-on for Slingshot owners.

The House of Sound also sponsored the Slingshot Audio Competition. The sound competition was managed by Banger Audio Sound Series and trophies were awarded for First and Second place in four different classes.

Houston-based Sound Evoluton was onsite as a Gold Sponsor and had many customers onsite showcasing the company’s installations on their rides.

A large group of trophies was ready for the many competitions set to take place at The Sling Experience 2021.

A very big 12volt News hat’s off to Mark Mallet for his vision of The Sling Experience and orchestrating such a well organized The Sling Experience 2021.

Visit facebook.com/theslingexperience for more.

Changes to SEMA Launch Pad Competition Designed to Foster Greater Innovation

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.15.2021) – The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad is evolving, with eligibility now open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, and promotion for participants’ new products in SEMA websites and social media.

The SEMA Launch Pad, which was introduced in 2013 by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN), is a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs and inventors launch new automotive products into the marketplace. Originally created to support young entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. This year’s SEMA Launch Pad also includes an expanded prize package and cash awarded to the top three finalists, and dozens of other participants featured in video interviews that will air on SEMA’s social media networks.

Roland Hence, far right, won last year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition with his Impulse – Emergency Brake Light. The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition is open to all qualified participants over the age of 18 years, and includes a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000 and promotional support.

“I am really excited about the future of SEMA Launch Pad and the entrepreneurship it champions,” said James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman-Elect. “The automotive aftermarket has always been home to fresh thinking and product innovation, but it’s never had a spotlight like this before. The expansion of the Launch Pad competition will only encourage even more entrepreneurs, inventors, and developers to bring new products to the automotive market. I personally can’t wait to see what’s coming for this next SEMA Launch Pad.”

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.

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges at the SEMA Show, be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration – the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet – and be featured on SEMA publications, websites, and social media.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by May 30, 2021.