POMPANO BEACH, FL (04.19.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Mighty Mount, one of the industry leaders in universal mounts. RDV will serve as the exclusive 12 Volt US distributor for Mighty Mount products.
Rich DeSclafani displays 2 of the Mighty Mount line of products in the RDV HQ in Pampano Beach, FL.
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV Automotive Technology said about the new partnership, “I am extremely excited to distribute the Mighty Mount line of products. We will be stocking the full line of Fast Charging wireless chargers, car and motorcycle phone mounts and chargers. The Mighty Mount products are super high quality, offer a 1 year warranty and provide another opportunity for retailers to add onto an existing sale with a price protected line of cell phone mounts and charging accessories. They are a great company to work with and align with our business values and strategy of protecting retailers. We will have full inventory within a few weeks and will display together at KnowledgeFest in Orlando.”
The Mighty Mount line also includes products for motorcycles and Powersports.
Jay Rahman the owner of Mighty Mount said about the new partnership, “I am very pleased to be partnered with Rich and RDV Automotive Technology. The 12Volt industry represents our biggest opportunity to expand our brand and become the go to solution in 12Volt for mounts. As we broaden our strategy to produce quality car specific mounts, the 12Volt industry is important to develop. Our new Tesla Mounts is an example of a hot product line that we hope will play well in this sector.”
AVON LAKE, OH (04.19.23) – Design Engineering Inc.’s (DEI) AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves for 20, 16 and 12 AN sizes are an ideal way to reduce heat strain and abrasions on lines, hoses and wires, damage that could result in failure of all three of these components.
Sized perfectly for AN sizes and featuring an easy wraparound install, DEI’s Heat Shroud ™ Sleeves are constructed from a high-temperature rated, glass-fiber fabric with an insulating inner layer and a heat-reflective outer surface.
The added convenience of a hook and loop closure design along the edge makes installation easy. There’s no need to remove one end of the hose, just wrap Heat Shroud™ Sleeve around the hose and close the hook and loop edge. It’s that simple.
In addition, the AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves are lightweight for high-performance applications. They are also pliable, so they can be used on tight bends, and there’s no need to disconnect lines to install them. It also prevents fluids from potential vapor lock. The Heat Shroud protects against oil, dirt, road grime and is fireproof.
Heat Shroud ™ Sleeves are available in 3-feet and 10-feet lengths for 12, 16 and 20 AN sizes and offer the versatility of fitting diameters from 0.5 – 2.5 inches.
Highlights include:
· No need to remove wires and hoses
· Convenient hook & loop closure design
· Available in sizes ranging 0.5 – 2.5 inches in diameter
· Reflects 90% of radiant heat
· Easily trim to length
To learn more about AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.
PITTSBURGH, PA (04.18.23) – Staff members at Team Nutz are now dressed as a team on the showroom floor and offsite events.
Team Nutz team members at the entrance of the Pittsburgh store. Mike Gosnik, Ben Bjerke, Blake Paul, Thomas May and Ryan (L to R).
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz owner, related “Team Nutz members suggested the idea of a team look. We connected with Cintas and got onboard with their uniform program. Customers in our store can easily identify Team Nutz employees. Also, at our offsite consumers events, attendees will see our staff outfitted in Team Nutz apparel. This will increase the visibility visibility for the Team Nutz brand.”
Team Nutz members set the enter the bay door.
Team Nutz uniforms ready for delivery at a Cintas facility.
Recent consumer events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh have topped 30,000 in attendance. Team Nutz customers with the firms’ associated automotive businesses also see the new Team Nutz look.
The Cintas program includes pickup of uniforms, laundry and return to the Team Nutz HQ.
PHOENIX, AZ (04.18.23) – April 17, 2023 – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, will host a shop owner roundtable webinar, exploring the obstacles commercial repair shop owners face and how they overcome them on April 18 at 2 p.m. ET.
Fullbay’s CEO, Patrick McKittrick and COO, Chris O’Brien will welcome guests Jennifer Callaway, Co-Owner of Inland Empire Fleet Maintenance and Henry Uribe, Owner of OnSite Truck & Equipment Repair to discuss the range of challenges and successes shops and shop owners alike experience daily. Registered attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance of the event and can interact with panelists during the live webinar.
Fullbay encourages shop owners and other heavy-duty industry professionals to join this session, which is part of its series of free webinars that take a dive into the industry’s hardest hitting issues affecting shops across the country.
For more information or to register and submit a question for this webinar, click here.
BREA, CA (04.17.23) – For the times on the trail when riders need to communicate, and there is no cell service, that’s the time for the NavAtlas NHR1Dual-Band VHF/UHF Radio.
Patrick Brooks with the NHR1 in the NavAtlas HQ in Brea CA
“When riders need to communicate with the outside world, and cell service is non-existent, the NHR1 has an 8-mile range depending on site line and comes with 250 programmable channels. NavAtlas preprograms 150 of the most popular channels to communicate with competitors radios so it becomes a connected ride” Patrick Brooks, NavAtlas National Sales Manager, related.
No cell service on the dunes….no problem with the NavAtlas NHR1.
The NHR1 is also a great tool for retail stores to communicate amongst sales staff and departments.
“The NHR1 can turn into a great impulse buy by the cash register. When customers see store sales staff using the NHR! and see the NHR1 as they are checking out that can start a conversation that leads to a sale” Brooks concluded.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.17.23) – The automotive aftermarket continues to be impacted by shifts in the industry and overall economy. To stay competitive, businesses need to know where the market is headed.
The new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report, available now atwww.sema.org/research, provides a detailed analysis of the industry’s most important issues and trends in 2023 and beyond. Designed to help aftermarket companies make informed business decisions, the report includes four main parts:
Specialty-Equipment Industry Outlook
Sales for specialty-equipment parts are projected to have slowed in 2022, growing only 2% to $51.75 billion. Barring any significant economic disruption, industry sales growth should normalize in 2023 and return to the 3-4% growth seen during typical years.
Vehicle Trends Outlook
New-vehicle sales finished at 13.7 million units in 2022, roughly 1.2 million units below 2021 levels. Due to supply shortages, high prices and rising interest rates, it will likely take until 2025 before things return to pre-pandemic levels.
The prices of new vehicles are exceptionally high, hitting a record $49,507 in December 2022. Prices should soften over the next year, as supply-chain issues ease and sales soften.
U.S. Economic Outlook
Inflation hit record levels in 2022 but has peaked and is starting to lower. SEMA estimates that inflation will continue to go down in 2023. By the end of 2023, it should normalize back to around 2% per year. Similarly, costs for producers are expected to go down in 2023.
Unemployment in Q4 2022 hit 3.6% — its lowest level since the late 1960s. As the economy slows down in 2023, there will likely be an uptick in unemployment. It should improve again in 2024.
Supply-Chain Disruption
Ninety percent of industry companies say they were moderately or severely impacted by supply-chain issues over the last year.
The chip shortage is ongoing, but lead times are improving. As of October 2022, the lead delivery time for a chip was 25.5 weeks—down from its peak. However, supplies of chips for automobiles remain tight and constrained.
The complete “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.
The report is also the subject of the webinar “SEMA Future Trends: Outlook for 2023 and Beyond”, taking place on February 2 at 11:00 a.m. PST. Register for the webinar here.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.14.23) – SEMA Launch Pad–the automotive industry’s ultimate product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013–will be featured on a nationwide television special premiering April 15 on the History Channel.
Viewers will watch as the five finalists make their way to Las Vegas, where they pitch their products and ideas in front of a live crowd at the SEMA Show to a panel of judges featuring industry experts and icons. They included Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (DUB) and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). With a grand prize valued at $92,000 including $75,000 in cash, the competitors give it their all and hold nothing back.
“The first year the SEMA Launch Pad was introduced to a nationwide television audience was in 2022, and the response was fantastic,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “We are excited to once again have the potential life-changing competition showcased on the History Channel. Viewers will be amazed and inspired with each contestants’ innovation and perseverance. It’s the American dream unfolding right in front of your eyes.”
Over the past 10 years, hundreds of entrepreneurs have pitched their products, services and business ideas to industry professionals live on stage and been offered tips for success. The TV special airs on the History Channel, April 15, at 6:00 a.m. (PDT)/9:00 a.m. (EDT).
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.14.23) – WTF… The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
On Monday, April 3rd, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Spinner took a spill at the office. A broken hip was the result and 2-3 weeks of rehab is now underway. April 28th is the target date for the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
The rehab starts. The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222 is targeted for Friday April 28th.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
LED lighting has made it into hospital bed railings.
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, 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, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA and Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 28th
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.13.23) – Automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers are geared up and eager to connect with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. It’s been said that four days at the SEMA Show can deliver years of planning and development, and with exhibitor numbers expected to top 2,000 companies, buyers and media will have plenty to explore at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The commitment we’ve seen from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face-to-face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”
The future of the industry at large is on display at the SEMA Show, providing the best opportunity of the year to reconnect with peers and colleagues and create new contacts. The Show features countless education sessions and council and networking events to help build your business, career and professional network.
Meanwhile, SEMA officials are finalizing new features to further evolve the Show and deepen attendee engagement. To help attendees get their best return on energy and investment, we turned to Gattuso and SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins for some behind-the-scenes insights.
Industry Exhibitors Geared Up for 2023 SEMA Show Attendees Eager to connect with buyers and media in person, introduce new products, develop relationships and tell their company stories, the 2023 SEMA Show was on track to exceed 2,000 exhibiting companies as of press time.
An up-to-date exhibitor list of the major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the Show can can be viewed at http://www.SEMAShow.com/participating-manufacturers.
Advantages of Meeting Face-to-Face The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most impactful business-to-business experience. Its in-person nature delivers key advantages that other forms of connecting simply can’t match.
When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
According to a Forbes Insight study, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
According to a Harvard Review study, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.
SEMA Week Expands in Las Vegas At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. The event will add a new dimension to SEMA Week.
Over a planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the specialty-equipment industry’s premier automotive trade event—at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3.
Not to be confused with the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest will be an enthusiast-focused event open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4, 2023. It will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.
LOMITA, CA (04.13.23) – John Haynes-AlloyGator and Nayeem Khan-Smart Details Auto Spa were recently chatting up the business opportunities in wheel protection systems. Smart Details Auto Spa, in Lomita, CA, not only does professional detailing on site, they also offer mobile services in the greater Los Angeles area.
Nayeem Khan (L) and John Haynes in the Smart Deals Auto Spa showroom in Lomita CA.
“They love the AlloyGator product because it ties in directly with their customer base and business model plus allows them to add profit dollars to their existing business” John Haynes AlloyGator USA, related.
AlloyGator installed at SEMA 2022.
A scuffed rim could cost a consumer $500. The dealer cost to protect all 4 wheels with AlloyGator is $129.95 for 4 wheels. With a normal markup and installation the AlloyGator sale to an automotive enthusiast is very profitable….with a minimal investment.
Continuing “They’re a great contact for mobile electronics retailers in the area that need a wholesale connection to purchase any and all detailing supplies. Smart Details has a fully stocked showroom and offers wholesale accounts to local businesses, or shop directly from their website at SmartDetailsAutoSpa.com“.
AlloyGator offers in-store counter displays.
Alloygator is the #1 Wheel Protection System and is seeking supporting dealers all over the country. Contact John Haynes at 661.600.3617 or jhaynes@alloygatorus.com
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