Specialty-Equipment Industry Remains Strong Amid Supply-Chain Disruptions

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.17.2021) – Despite ongoing disruptions in the economy, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers report sales growth over the past year, according to the new State of the Industry—Fall 2021 report from SEMA.

The report highlights specialty-equipment market trends, including sales performance and expectations, broader economic factors that are affecting the industry, and a future outlook on the role that emerging vehicle technologies may play.

Supply-chain disruptions are affecting the automotive sector, and new-vehicle production is expected to be 7.7 million units lower in 2021 than 2020—tempering the specialty-equipment industry’s optimism regarding its short-term prospects. However, most businesses are maintaining a positive outlook, with more than 80% expecting their sales to be stable or growing over the coming year.

The latest edition of SEMA’s State of the Industry report series found that 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers experienced sales growth over the past year.

The latest edition of SEMA’s ongoing State of the Industry report series offers 70 pages of data on the specialty-equipment industry to help companies understand how the market is performing and evolving. Key findings from the report include:
Delays in shipping and the ongoing microchip shortage have left automakers unable to keep up with consumer demand for new vehicles, pushing dealer inventories to all-time lows and the average price of a new vehicle to an unprecedented $45,000 in September 2021.

While some businesses struggled during the beginning of the pandemic last year, especially retailers, most were able to adjust. Manufacturers in particular have done well, reporting an average of 19% sales growth over the past 12 months.
Sales in the pickup, sports car, SUV, and classic vehicle segments continue to be strong, with many businesses once again seeing double-digit sales growth this year.

Supply-chain disruptions are starting to create some uncertainty. In the spring of 2021, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers and 75% of distributors expected their sales to grow over the coming year. However, those percentages have fallen to 58% and 52% respectively.

The temporary shifts towards online sales that were made necessary by the pandemic are continuing to reverse, with the majority of specialty-equipment parts sales once again flowing through in-person retail channels.
In the longer term, vehicle manufacturers’ plans to develop and sell more electric vehicles will require the specialty-equipment industry to plan for and adapt to these changes in the vehicle population.

For more data on the state of U.S. specialty-equipment market, download the SEMA State of the Industry—Fall 2021 report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

JVC Mobile Entertainment Goes Off-Road

LONG BEACH, CA (11.16.2021) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is excited to announce it is now shipping its IP67/IP66 Waterproof/Dustproof KS-DR2004D ($249.95 MAP) 4-Channel Compact Digital Amplifier.

The KS-DR2004D produces a conservatively-rated 50 Watts x 4 RMS at 4-Ohm, 75 Watts x 4 RMS at 2-Ohm, 150 Watts x 2 RMS at 4-Ohm, or 75 Watts x 2 + 150 Watts x 1 at 4-Ohm. It offers about every adjustment anyone could ask for behind its removable waterproof/dustproof panel; input sensitivity 4-12V (speaker level) 0.2-5V (RCA level), selectable/variable HPF/LPF (50-200Hz, -12dB/octave), 2ch or 4ch input mode selection, and 2ch or 3-4ch output mode selection. Engineered with installation flexibility in mind, this amplifier features channel mode selectors and signal sensing turn-on capabilities.

Besides the incredible amount of power for its size and ease of installation, what truly sets this amplifier apart is its strong weather protection performance. Its QUAD-proof protection incorporates certification at IPX7/IPX6 for water and dust, ASTM117 salt-spray testing for rust, and 3-axis multi-frequency testing for vibration. Its sealed cast aluminum chassis has silicon seals along with stainless steel bottom plate assembly screws. Connections include pigtail cables with molded strain relief bushings and an in-line fuse (40A) with a rubber cover.

The amplifier’s efficient and Class D design allows installation in the most demanding of environments, making it perfect for UTVs, ATVs, watercraft, motorcycles, golf carts, classic cars, and MORE!  Mud, Sand, Dirt, Rocks, or Water, the KS-DR2004D is BUILT TO LAST!

“JVC Mobile Entertainment is the 1-stop solution for all of your on and off-road vehicle sound needs,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales. ”We’ve listened to what is being asked for in the market, and with its full weather-proof design, our engineering team truly knocked it out of the park with this one.”

KS-DR2004D web page:  http://www.us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/ks_dr2004d/

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

The SEMA Show 2021 Plus Highlighting Five Retailers at SEMA 2021

SHREVEPORT, LA (11.15.2021) – The SEMA Show 2021’s 4-Day run, November 2-5, was certainly unlike others in recent memory. The world, along with the 12volt industry, is approaching 2 years since the COVID 19 Pandemic turned most things upside down.

Current conditions certainly impacted SEMA 2021 as major brands choose not to exhibit. Thus many retailers, without their top brands exhibiting, made the decisions to skid SEMA 2021. Business across the 12volt retail industry has been strong in spite of many companies dealing with staff shortages. Overall product shortages is on the minds of all across the 12volt industry.

The new West Hall offers 1.400,000 sq ft of exhibit space.

Let’s not forget travel nightmares and mask mandates.

With all of the above, SEMA 2021 was reported to be the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the last 2 years with over 100,000 in attendance. The 12volt portion of the North Hall has been declining over recent years and that decline, affected by conditions noted above, continued in 2021. In addition, the new West Hall opened with 1,400,000 square feet of exhibit space. Obviously, when the size of the dance hall increases and the number of dancers stays close to the same, the floor and aisles will be less crowded.

Team Nutz crew members Ed Nuttall, Mike Grosnick and Ben Bjerke (LtoR) by the Nakamichi North Hall booth they helped set up after flight cancellations from Miami delayed Nakamichi staff.

Let’s highlight 5 12volt retailers who looked at the big long term picture and chose to attend SEMA 2021.

Team Nutz, Pittsburgh PA, was in Vegas for the entire event with staff of 3. Owner Ed Nuttall, Ben Bjerke and Mike Gosnick flew to Vegas on Sunday with a solid plan for the week that included over seeing the presentation of the All Ways Safe Flag Truck project they completed. The vehicle was loaded with Memphis Audio products and was showcased in the Feature Vehicle area at SEMA. Also in their plan was to see other businesses in Vegas and network to the hilt. As it turned out they lended a big hand to setting up the new Nakamichi booth in the North Hall. Many flights were cancelled out of Miami which delayed the arrival of Nakamichi staff members.

ST Mobile Audio at the airport headed Vegas to see their project in the Memphis Audio booth. Shanda and Michael Stewart in the foreground with Hanna and Josh Hover.

Team Nutz also contributed a large number of images and info for coverage from the 12volt Central Studios. A big Thank You to Team Nutz.

ST Mobile Audio traveled from Texarkana TX with owner Mike Stewart and his wife Shanda. Josh Hover and wife Hanna also made the trip. ST Mobile Audio is widely known across several states for creative work in the PowerSports category. To that end ST Mobile Audio completed an amazing 2021 RZR Turbo S Crew that was spotlighted in the Memphis Audio North Hall booth. A Memphis MOJO enclosure was needed to climb into the driver’s seat. Also, a big Thank You to Michael Stewart for sending images and observations from the SEMA floor. The Tesla Tunnel too!

Wayne and Tina Holton in a hall at SEMA ready to check out thousands of new products.

Wayne Holton, with wife Tina, traveled from the Jackson MS area to attend SEMA. “This was my 11th SEMA Show and I could not miss attending. Our Audio Solutions 49 business is very strong and my new ground up build new store is rocking. In addition, our PowerSports store is going strong. That said, I could not miss SEMA 2021.”

Cody Landis-(R) Code Zero Customs  with West Coast Customs founder Ryan Friedlinghaus at SEMA 2021.

Cody Landis, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, related “This was my first SEMA and I am so glad I went. We had 2 vehicles on site displayed by companies that we created. Seeing them on display in Vegas was amazing. In addition I was able to meet Ryan Friedlinghaus the Founder of West Coast Customs. I watched him on TV and he was definitely an important factor of my decision to make a career in the 12volt industry.”

AudioKing from Yakima WA attended SEMA 2021 with their entire crew. Seeing a post of them, all with a big Thumbs Up, in the AudioControl booth with Matt Palumbo was a very nice surprise to see on Instagram.

The AudioKing crew from Yakima WA traveled to Vegas for SEMA 2021. In the AudioControl booth in the North Hall with Matt Palumbo they give a BIG THUMBS UP. Alvaro Gutierrez, Jonathan Birrueta, Abraham Jimenez, David Garcia, owner Israel Zaragoza, Erick Jimenez, Matt Palumbo, Joel Zaragoza and Noe Suarez (LtoR). “Taking the whole crew to SEMA really shows how dedicated AudioKing is to this industry and their craft” Palumbo, AudioControl National Trainer, stated.

Great to see the dedication of the above 5 12volt retailers as well as all others that attended SEMA 2021.

Visit semashow.com for more.

Star Car Audio Wins NavAtlas Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 153

SHREVEPORT LA (11.13.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Star Car Audio won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, November 12th.

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

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 153rd time on Friday morning November 12th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space. The Star Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted.

We reached out by phone and talked with Miguel at the store in Hermiston OR. He had already seen the Instagram post was very happy to hear a NavAtlas prize would be heading their way. Miguel said business is rockin’ for their store.

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, Silencer, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and Magnadyne. 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, 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 and Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, November 19th.

SEMA Show Concludes as Largest North American Trade Show Since the Pandemic

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.12.2021) – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) , the trade association representing the $47.8 billion automotive specialty equipment industry, concluded its annual SEMA Show on Friday, Nov. 5, noting the end of the Show represented the successful conclusion of the largest North American automotive trade show since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The industry was clearly excited to be back in-person at the SEMA Show, both to capture business opportunities and to network and celebrate the world’s greatest collection of innovation on wheels,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “Our industry was waiting to reconnect, and the SEMA Show was a welcome homecoming after nearly two years apart.”

More than 100,000 attendees, exhibitors, and media participated in the first full-facility event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which includes 4.6 million square feet of convention space and an additional 2.2 million square feet of outdoor space.

“We were excited to see our old friends and colleagues after being apart for so long,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, director of retail marketing, 4 Wheel Parts. “We did a lot of business at this year’s SEMA Show. It was clear that our industry was ready to meet and had two years of innovations to show off.”

This sema_photos @sinnersratrod was an example of the amazing vehicles on the SEMA Show 2021 event floor.

As the first, large automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic, automotive manufacturers launched new vehicles, celebrities unveiled high-profile restyles, and exhibitors showed off their latest innovations. Celebrities and their vehicles were out in force at the SEMA Show, including Ant Anstead, host of Celebrity IOU: Joyride , showcasing a custom 1962 Buick that has been converted into an electric car in collaboration with American actor James Marsden. Comedian Jay Leno helped unveil a 1969 Ford Mustang restoration for singer Keith Urban in the Ford exhibit, and actor Sung Kang unveiled his Datsun 240z “Safari” in the Nissan booth. Not to be outdone, Toyota introduced its “TacoZilla” Tacoma truck camper, Chevy brought its “Chevy Beast” (a concept vision of the ultimate in high-performance desert running), Mopar debuted two customized concept trucks, and Lexus had the North American show premier of the new LXF Sport at the SEMA Show.

Crowds gathered outside to see and smell burning rubber.

The trade-only show brought manufacturers and buyers back together to experience the latest vehicle customization innovations to bring to customers in 2022.

Trending at this year’s SEMA Show was electrification and electrified vehicles. Whether it was a modification for a new electric vehicle (EV) or the ability to modify an ICE vehicle with a new electric motor, exhibitors and builders demonstrated that the EV market is a growing segment for the aftermarket. A new area inside the SEMA Show, SEMA Electrified, included electric vehicles and products designed for modifying electric vehicles or converting vehicles to electric power.

“Our industry has embraced electrification,” said Tom Gattuso, vice president of events, SEMA “We saw electric vehicles and electrified vehicles in every hall at the SEMA Show. Our industry is on the cutting edge of technology. Products you see at the SEMA Show often become standard and mainstream five to 10 years after it debuts at the Show.”

Other SEMA Show highlights included the largest collection of Chip Foose-built vehicles featured in a special corral that highlighted some of the most influential and important vehicles created at Foose Design, a display of over 50 off-road racing vehicles ranging from motorcycles to trophy trucks in SCORE’s Baja 1000 Experience, an exclusive West Coast Customs Edition wide body kit on a Dodge Charger and a Dodge Challenger in the West Coast Customs Experience, and interactive driving demos in the Hoonigan Burnyard Bash and the Ford Out Front experience.

For more information about the Nov. 2-5, 2021, SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Oracle Lighting Awarded SEMA 2021 Manufacturer of the Year

METAIRE, LA (11.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce that it won SEMA’s 2021 Manufacturer of the Year award. The SEMA Industry Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry. Winners were announced and recognized during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 4 at The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The Awards Gala was hosted by Adam Ferrara and the dance group Light Balance provided entertainment to add to the evening’s festivities.

Shown here after the ceremony are (L-R) John Mitchell (Oracle Lighting Sales Representative), Chris Kersting (SEMA President and CEO), Tiffanie Hartenstein (Oracle Lighting CEO), Justin Hartenstein (Oracle Lighting Director of Product Development), Danny Talbot (Oracle Lighting Sales Representative), and Melissa Parker-Boudreaux (Oracle Lighting National Sales Manager).

“We are honored and humbled to receive this year’s Manufacturer of the Year award as this is a testament to the incredible team we have at Oracle Lighting,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting Chief Executive Officer. “We drive the innovation process every day, and putting people first in our culture while having a good time at what we are doing brings a high vibe energy to our company that helps fuel our passion.”

One of just three awards that the SEMA organization presents at the annual awards gala, the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Award recipient meets rigorous criteria, including demonstrating outstanding business practices, establishing innovative processes and products, investing in the well-being of employees, exhibiting a high degree of corporate responsibility, protecting company brand equity, and providing exceptional customer service to customers.

During the 2021 SEMA Show, Oracle Lighting displayed new innovative products to the several thousand show attendees. More than a dozen new products were on display in Oracle’s booth and new innovations were also exhibited in SEMA’s New Product Showcase.

In 2021, Oracle Lighting was also ranked as the third fastest growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56 percent, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

ZZ-2 Launches Wireless CarPlay for Dodge / Chrysler / Jeep / Ram

PALM BEACH, FL (11.10.2021) – ZZ-2 has released the IT2-JGC Interface for select Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Ram vehicles.

Rich De Sclafani stated, “We are extremely excited to launch our Wireless CarPlay interface for D/C/J/R vehicles with the 8” U-CONNECT system. There are many of these vehicles on the road and this kit gives  retailers the opportunity to provide a solution for these vehicles. These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. These interfaces are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these vehicles. The interfaces exclusively use the factory touchscreen to control the interface and come with a 3 year warranty. The IT2-JGC are in stock and available to ship.”

FEATURES:

  • Wireless CarPlay
  • Wireless Android Auto
  • Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines)
  • Front Camera Input (w/Parking Mode and Forced Front Camera)
  • Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link
  • Touchscreen Control

Click here for more information

COMPATIBILITY:

Model                           Year

Chrysler 200                   2015 – 2017

Chrysler 300                    2015 – 2016

Dodge Challenger           2015 – 2016

Dodge Charger                2015 – 2016

Dodge Durango               2014 – 2017

Dodge SRT Viper            2013 – 2017

Jeep Cherokee                 2014 – 2018

Jeep Grand Cherokee     2015 – 2017

RAM 1500-5500             2013 – 2017

Visit zz-2.com for more.

Triton Audio Introduces New High Output SX Series Subwoofer Series

SEATTLE, WA (11.10.2021) – Triton Audio has introduced the new High Output SX Subwoofer Series, just in time for Q4 delivery.

Available in 6.5”, 8”, 10” and 12” these new dual magnet woofers were designed to deliver optimal performance and incredible bass output. All models are available in Dual 4 Ohm, or Dual 2 Ohm configurations allowing users to match their amplifier requirements with ease.

Triton SX Woofers have been loaded into containers at the factory and are on the way just in time for the holidays.

“The Triton Audio design team worked overtime to create our new SX Series subwoofers. These new double stacked magnet woofers have the output consumers are looking for in the sizes dealers have been looking for,” said Jason Hannon, VP Sales & Marketing. “From the stout cast basket to the stitched large foam roll surround, the SX Series continues Triton Audio’s commitment to delivering incredible performance that was Engineered for You.”

Features Include:
• Textured Black Die Cast Basket
• Large Roll Stitched Foam Surround
• Thick Polypropylene Cone
• 3” Dual Voice Coil (Available in Dual 2Ohm or Dual 4Ohm)
o (6.5” – 2” VC, 8”- 2.5”, 10” and 12” – 3”)
• Double Stacked Magnets (6.5” – Dual 40oz, 8” – Dual 60oz, 10” and 12” Dual 70oz)
• 16 Gauge OFC Direct Lead Connection
• 600-2400W Power Handling
• $179.95 – $349.95 Retail Pricing

For more information, visit www.triton-audio.com.

DPS Automotive Wins SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Award at 2021 SEMA Show

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.09.2021) – DPS Automotive, an automotive restyling shop in Arlington Heights, Ill., is the winner of the second SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge. DPS Automotive won the award for creating an accessory package for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas that has wide consumer appeal.

The program, which encourages customization of new-model cars and trucks for mainstream consumers, showcases restyling packages that are easy to replicate and demonstrates potential profitability for both restylers and dealers. The Volkswagen Atlas includes a full satin blue wrap with interior accents, custom Wheel Pros 21-inch wheels, Rosen Electronics dual rear seat tablets, and lowering springs.

DPS Automotive in Arlington Heights, Ill., won the second SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Cup Challenge for its accessory package for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas.

“We are pleased to present DPS Automotive with an award that highlights the benefits and opportunities that come with vehicle accessorization,” said Josh Poulson, PRO Chair and Owner of Auto Additions. “Not only did DPS Automotive build a one-of-a-kind creation, but it presented a revenue opportunity for restylers and dealers that they can now incorporate in their own businesses and shops.”

The competition took place at the SEMA Show and featured seven restylers showcasing a package for a popular new-model vehicle that would take less than 40 hours to execute and cost no more than $12,500. Packages are judged on their mass appeal, ease to replicate, and potential profitability.

Other companies competing in the PRO Cup Challenge included Auto Image, 2021 Ford F-150; Integrity Customs, 2021 Jeep Gladiator; On The Rocks 4×4, 2021 Chevrolet Silverado; City Kia/Vaccar Co., 2021 Kia Sorento; and Crush Customs, 2021 Kia Telluride. Automotive Concepts won the Fan Favorite Award for their accessorized 2021 Ford Bronco.

The PRO Cup Challenge encourages customization of new-model vehicles and raises the awareness of vehicle accessorizing to the general public. It also encourages dealers to work with restylers to offer accessory packages, as a means for increasing sales and profits.

To learn more about the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit www.sema.org/PRO.

SEMA Ignited Capped a Very Busy SEMA Show 2021

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.08.2021) – The SEMA Show 2021 capped the 4-Day November 2-5 run with a very busy final day that culminated with SEMA Ignited. Show vehicles rolled out and onto the streets of Vegas as enthusiasts lined the route and applauded the great parade of vehicles.

Cars rolled out of the LVCC as the SEMA Ignited activities began on Friday afternoon.
On Day-1 of SEMA 2021 the Central Hall was packed with attendees checking out the latest from exhibiting companies.

The SEMA Show 2021 was the first in-person full-capacity event at the expanded LVCC. In addition the new West Hall, with 1.4 million square feet of space, was home to hundreds of exhibiting companies focused of the truck and motorsports categories. This expansions of space led to less crowded aisles in other LVCC halls.

That’s a trip thru the Tesla tunnel was a treat for many in this image from Michael Stewart-ST Mobile.
Team Nutz crew members, Ed, Mike and Ben (L to R) at SEMA are dedicated 12volt retail specialists and helped tremendously with images and info for 12volt Central Studios coverage.

The SEMA Show 2021 was the first automotive aftermarket event since the COVID-19 Pandemic. In that atmosphere there was considerable uncertainty on the part of exhibitors and attendees. Also in the forefront is the continuing product shortages. Overall many exhibitors exhibitors reported a productive show as attendees indicated seeing new products and networking was very positive.

This Classic Caddy in the HushMat booth grabbed attention in Hot Rod Alley with an image from Tim McCarthy.
Sony won Best New Mobile Electronics for the XAV-9500ES and Mike Rundel proudly holds the trophy.

A great amount of credit goes to exhibitors who expended large amounts of time, energy and funds to set up their booths, showcase their latest products and interact with attendees in Vegas. Likewise much credit goes to dealers and others committed to making investments to grow their respective businesses.

The new Beyma booth, with the new Nakamichi booth in the background, were both very busy in the North Hall during SEMA 2021.
Braille Battery show their latest Lithium batteries with a spotlight on units that power cycles.

The 12volt News provided daily coverage of the SEMA Show 2021 from the 12volt Central Studios. In the coming days, weeks and months the 12volt Central Studios will continue to deliver fresh, positive news from the SEMA Show 2021 to member of the 12volt industry. To that end ‘Positives that happened in Vegas will not stay in Vegas.’

See #12vnn_sema2021 for dozens of posts from SEMA with dozens and dozens more to come.

Visit semaignited.com for more.