Industry

SEMA: Supply-Chain Insights and The Road to Recovery

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.24.23) – The supply-chain issues that impacted the United States over the past few years largely peaked and are starting to recover.

According to the new “2023 SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report, supply-chain issues are expected to improve in 2023, but it will take time to return to pre-pandemic levels, especially with supplies that affect the automotive sector like semiconductors (or chips).

According to the SEMA study:

The specialty-equipment industry has been affected. More than 90% of companies have been moderately or severely impacted by supply-chain issues. Most expect things to normalize by the end of 2023 or into 2024.
Ports are less congested. Container ports in the United States, like in Los Angeles or Long Beach, are no longer as congested with container ships waiting for berths. As a result, prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Trucking is improving nationwide. Demand for cross-country hauling by truckers has eased and the number of trucks available to ship things has increased. Prices have also dropped from their record highs.
Semiconductor, or chip, shortages continue. Shortages, most notably for the automotive sector, continue to linger. Average lead delivery times for chips decreased but remain high, at approximately 25.5 weeks as of October 2022.

For an in-depth analysis on how port congestion has eased, projections for supply-chain improvement by manufacturer / distributor / retailer, and prices for shipping by truck, download the “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” for free at www.sema.org/research.

The RPM Team Traveled to the AIMEXPO in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (02.24.23) – “The AIMEXPO was the best one I have attended. The Powersports industry used to have a huge show in Indianapolis that went away years ago. AIMEXPO has moved around from Orlando to Columbus, OH to Las Vegas and I have been to most of them. This was larger and I think they sold out of space in the upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendance was running double last year” Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing Principal, related.

The AIMEXPO took place on the upper level of the South Hall at the LVCC.
The new JBL Rally Bar grabbed a lot of attention along with Infinity Kappa products in the booth.

Continuing, “I was there along with our SC/FL rep Joe Stelmack and our Mid-Atlantic rep John Gray. We bounced from booth to booth all through the show running to meet with dealers and learning more about the product lines on the AIMEXPO show floor.”

The AIMEXPO ran from Wednesday to Friday February 7th-9th. The 12volt footprint was about a 50-50 footprint in 12Volt Audio and Powersports along with a nice cross-section in the Powersports and Marine Audio segment. RPM had six lines there including JBL that had booths and met with four more RPM lines that were there but were not showing. Overall a very successful trip.

Apparel is a growing category with motorcycle and Powersports enthusiasts.
E-Bikes is a growing category and RPM is seeing interest in the marketplace.

Concluding, Hochmuth relayed, “Overall it was a very successful trip, We had a helmet line, a clothing line, three e-bike lines, and JBL showing the new Rallybar to Powersports dealers for the first time. None of them have heard a soundbar with that kind of sound quality and low-frequency response. Pre-orders have been brisk. Expected to ship in Q2.”

The JBL booth staff and RPM team capped a busy day at the event with a dinner. (LtoR) Joe Stelmack-RPM, Fred Isensee-JBL, Troy Carter-Vanevery Marketing, John Gray-RPM, Scott Hochmuth-RPM, Jon Kluiter-VMC Pros and Shawn Spedding-JBL.

Scott Hochmuth supplied content for this article.

Visit realperformancemarketing.net for more.

Crux Offers New Interface for Factory Camera Installation in Select Ram and Jeep Vehicles

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RESEDA, CA (02.23.23) – Crux has released a radio replacement with SWC & Digital Camera Retention for select 2018 – up Dodge, Fiat, Jeep & Ram Vehicles. The SWRCR-59LV radio replacement interface retains steering wheel controls and digital camera retention.

Features:
– Retains factory features in select Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and RAM vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio.
– Retains Steering Wheel Controls via built-in, pre-programmed interface.
– Provides accessory power (2A Max).
– Retains factory backup camera (composite and LVDS)
– Retains factory Aux input in select vehicles
– Retains factory analog amplifier on select vehicles
– Retains factory SWC phone button functionality in select vehicles.
– EIA color coded wiring for easy installation.

Click for to view product details and vehicle compatibility

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

KENWOOD Conducted an In-Person Product Training at Sound Waves Memphis

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MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) – MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) On Monday evening, February 20th, an in-person KENWOOD product training session took place at Sound Waves Memphis. John Irwin, Sound Waves owner, made the arrangements and set up an area in the installation bay. KENWOOD’s Josh Bowen, Product Specialist, conducted the session. Brian Cargile-Progressive SE, traveling with Bowen, also attended the session.

Josh Bowen conducting the KENWOOD training in Memphis at the Sound Waves location. JC Audio, Jackson TN, also attended the session

Team members from JC Audio, Jackson TN, traveled the 88 miles to Memphis and attend the KENWOOD training session. Brian Cargile made the invitation that Jeff Cantrell accepted.

“It was a great to have an in-store training…it had been way to long. Josh Bowen really knows his stuff. Getting an overview of new products from KENWOOD was truly welcomed by our staff of seven people. The new marine and Powersports products really caught our eyes. We have had the motorcycle camera system in stock for some time with not much sales activity. After Josh covered the product and installation process we will definitely see strong sales. The motorcycle season is here. As the customer’s motorcycle is torn down for an audio installation adding the motorcycle camera system is a natural” Irwin related.

Bowen added “The Sound Waves and JC Audio staffs were ready to learn about new offerings from KENWOOD. We focused on new receivers, Marine/Motorsports and motorcycle audio. They were all engaged and asked specific questions that will prepare them to drive sales… KENWOOD sales in particular.

Bowen is an avid motorcycle rider and has a KENWOOD motorcycle camera system on his bike. He revisits the rides on his phone in the evening hours.

The evening included delicious Memphis Buffalo Wings and an opportunity for two proactive area retailer staffs to network about in-store sales activities.

Visit kenwood.com and soundwavesmemphis.com for more.

Northwood University Opens Registration for Aftermarket 101

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MIDLAND, MI (02.22.23) – Registration is now open for Aftermarket 101, a two-day introduction to the automotive aftermarket industry.

“Students who attend this class will develop a firm knowledge of the breadth, depth, and scope of the Automotive Aftermarket including channels of retail, e-commerce and traditional distribution, sales development skills and opportunities, current and future industry trends, a brief introduction to heavy-duty segment, and the opportunities and challenges facing our service dealers,” stated Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of Aftermarket, Northwood University.

The entrance to the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies at Northwood University.

This year’s Aftermarket 101 programming will cover:

  • An overview of industry basics, channels and terminology, presented by Ted Hughes, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) executive director.
  • A discussion about major industry players, presented by Roy Kent, executive vice president of business development, member support and strategy for Federated Auto Parts.
  • An introduction to the heavy-duty side of the industry by Tinna Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.
  • Structures and trends of retail and traditional distribution, presented by AWDA’s Ted Hughes.
  • How to develop a professional sales network, presented by Malcolm Sissmore, Borg Warner’s vice president of sales and marketing for the North American aftermarket.
  • Service dealer challenges and opportunities, presented by Jeff Kruse, former executive vice president and chief evangelist for Belle Tire Distributors Inc.

“This is a fantastic event for new hires in the automotive industry, from manufacturing and warehouse distribution to retail,” Litzinger stated.

The event will be held April 5-6 at Fisher Auto Parts, 24701 Hallwood Court, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The cost is $1,150 per attendee, and they will earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs) toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP, MAAP) professional designation.

To register, visit https://admissions.northwood.edu/corporate/uofa

Alpine Welcomes DOW Technologies as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for the Mid-Atlantic

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) welcomes DOW Technologies as a new Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center in Alpine’s Mid-Atlantic markets (east Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, southern Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.).

As a current fulfilment center in Alpine’s Florida and southeast markets, DOW Technologies will now expand to cover the Mid-Atlantic markets.Alpine will be the primary aftermarket car audio brand in the DOW Technologies warehouse, located in Montgomeryville, PA.

“We’re excited to partner with DOW Technologies as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for our Mid-Atlantic Alpine Authorized Dealers,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “We believe DOW Technologies’ location, infrastructure, and service will continue to contribute great success to our dealers’ business.”

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., DOW Technologies is one of the largest independently owned and operated technology distributors servicing independent retailers in the United States for 64 years. With seven locations serving Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., DOW Technologies focuses on distributing products and technologies that enhance lives at home, at work and on the road.

“DOW Technologies is extremely excited to be the Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center partner for Alpine in the Mid-Atlantic, and we are focused on continued growth of the brand through the dedicated, loyal Alpine dealer base,” said Dave Elkin, SVP Sales and Product Management, DOW Technologies.

Details of the partnership were communicated directly to Alpine Authorized Dealers in the territory.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

In Your Studio…With The 12volt STP Tool From The 12volt Central Studios

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.21.23) – Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand’s message and activities to the 12volt industry… all from the 12volt Central Studios with just a smartphone.

QPower’s Matt Bund recently took advantage of the In Your Studio opportunity and the results are showcased below. Bund held a product in the company’s Houston facility, had a fellow employee snap and txt an image. Soon a post was live across the 12volt industry on @12voltnews Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The QPower project was taken to the next level as Bund contacted two QPower distributors and asked them to send an image of a QPower product in their warehouse. LESCO in Orange City FL and SSR in Houston sent images and those image posts were featured in new Facebook and Instagram posts @12voltnews.

QPower distributors LESCO (L) and SSR supplied images and received visibility to let their dealers they had new products in stock.

In today’s marketplace delivering fresh positive information is vital…more important than ever. In Your Studio is definitely an avenue for companies to deliver their products to the 12volt industry.

For more email mike@12voltnews.com

Pure Sounds Hawaii Traveled From Waipahu To Vegas For K’Fest

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WAIPAHU, HI (02.20.23) – The Pure Sounds Team members, 3 strong, traveled the nearly 3000 miles from Waipahu HI to Las Vegas on Thursday February 2nd. The return trip happened on Sunday, February. Owner Dawson Von Oel Hoffen, son Drayden and Office Manager Shelsy Lee Takusi-Kiverman made the journey.

Dawson Von Oel Hoffen holds Musway skakeboard that was given to Musway dealers taking advantage of event specials.

“I have over 25 years in the 12volt industry and opened Pure Sounds Hawaii about 8 months ago. I had never been to a KnowledgeFest and decided to make the pretty substantial investment. For us it was definitely a jam packed 4 days.” Dawson related.

Continuing “We wanted to meet with vendors on the show floor and attend product trainings. Meeting vendors face-to-face and seeing their products firsthand was very beneficial. We split up and attended dozens of training sessions” Dawson related.

Dawson and son Drayden pictured back in their store after KnowledgeFest in Vegas with Musway products.

As represented by the name Pure Sound the company focuses on quality sound. Smaller-sized vehicles are very popular in Hawaii and thus many times the size of the aftermarket products being installed is critical. Golf cart owners also opt for audio systems as they drive their neighborhood and hit the links. Musway and Zapco, featuring DSP, are popular brands at Pure Stereo.

Shelsy, Office Manager, back in her Waipahu Hawaii office.

“We enjoyed spending time with Chris Bennett in the Musway booth. Their products, with DSP and very small footprint, are doing very well in our store. We placed an order at the event and picked up a stack of casino chips as part of the show special they offered. That was a real bonus to cap our very productive trip to Vegas” Dawson concluded.

From the 12volt Central Studios it is terrific see 12volt retailers making longterm investments to grow their respective businesses.

Visit puresoundswaipahu.com for more.

In Your Studio…With The 12volt STP Tool From The 12volt Central Studios

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.20.23) – Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand’s message and activities to the 12volt industry… all from the 12volt Central Studios with just a smartphone.

QPower’s Matt Bund recently took advantage of the In Your Studio opportunity and the results are showcased below. Bund held a product in the company’s Houston facility, had a fellow employee snap and txt an image. Soon a post was live across the 12volt industry on @12voltnews Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The QPower project was taken to the next level as Bund contacted two QPower distributors and asked them to send an image of a QPower product in their warehouse. LESCO in Orange City FL and SSR in Houston sent images and those image posts were featured in new Facebook and Instagram posts @12voltnews.

QPower distributors LESCO (L) and SSR supplied images and received visibility to let their dealers they had new products in stock.

In today’s marketplace delivering fresh positive information is vital…more important than ever. In Your Studio is definitely an avenue for companies to deliver their products to the 12volt industry.

For more email mike@12voltnews.com

Register Now for All-New 2023 Honda Civic Type R Measuring Session

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.17.23) – In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:

A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
Limited-slip differential
13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
6MT with rev-matching
Weighted aluminum shift knob
Adaptive dampers
Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
LED headlights and taillights
Rear spoiler
Exhaust system features a straight through design and active exhaust valve
Honda Sensing
Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
LogR Performance Datalogger
12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging
Sirius XM satellite radio
Active sound control

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.