Industry

Key Findings From the SEMA State of the Industry Fall 2022 Report

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.22) – The automotive specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, companies continue to be optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.

Filled with 60 pages of data, the “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic. Members can use the report to gain valuable insight into key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities, and an outlook for 2023 and beyond.   

By downloading the report, members will gain access SEMA’s research designed to help them plan and succeed in the year ahead.  

Key findings include:  

  • 47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year.
  • Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. More than 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
  • Inflation and the supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
  • Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at over $66,000.  

Download your free report.  

KICKER Marine Audio Announces Expanded Speaker Lineup at METS

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POOLE, UK (11.14.22) – CELSUS UK, Poole based distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine products in Europe, are displaying three new speaker lines from the Oklahoma based manufacturer on booth 01.531 in hall 1 at METS 15-17th November.

The expanding 2023 offering will feature an OEM focussed flush mount classic grill style, horn loaded high output models and an entry level 6.5” coaxial. KICKER aim to give distributors, installers and boat owners more choice when configuring high-end performance audio systems.

METS offers the industry a first look at the flush mount model which boasts all the performance that is expected of a KICKER Marine speaker with the added benefit of classic grill style aesthetics and very low profile flush mount fitment. Full RGB LED illumination is also included in this model, giving it a subtle look that blends in with all styles of boats. White and Anthracite grill colourways available.

Paul Baker, CELSUS UK Managing Director, said “KICKER is fast becoming a trusted audio brand in the European market and the latest additions to the range will cement their reputation. We are extremely delighted to show the flush mount speakers to our customers, we believe this product gives KICKER the edge moving into 2023.”

Next is the KMXL range of high output horn-loaded compression coaxial speakers which are designed to play louder and throw sound further, the real deal for those that want a party boat atmosphere. Engineered to deliver incredible performance in high power systems, the white KMXL comes in three models, a 6.5”, 8” and a rather unique 6×9” version. All models benefit from full spectrum LED illumination and are of course UV and salt fog tested to exceed industry standards, as with all KICKER Marine speakers.

The KM604 value coaxial is perfectly positioned to give boat owners access to KICKER performance and quality where budget is limited. Designed to sound amazing when paired directly with a KICKER source unit as an easy upgrade for any vessel. The value coaxial utilises a white moulded sports grill, sealed components and salt-water resistant hardware. An illuminated variant is available with blue LED only.

The CELSUS team will be joined on booth 01.531 by KICKER Audio International sales managers David Glasgow and Aziz Masri alongside Director of International Sales Chet Weddle. David Glasgow, International Sales Manager for KICKER Audio, adds

“We are delighted to support Celsus at METS and display some of our recently introduced speaker products. This event is a great chance for KICKER to meet with our European marine distributors and OEM’s to learn more about this important market”

Visit kicker.com and celsusice.co.uk for more.

Global Audio Marketing Appoints Paragon Sales & Marketing to Represent MUSWAY Product Line

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MURRIETA, CA (11.14.22) – Global Audio Marketing is pleased to announce the appointment of Paragon Sales & Marketing to represent the MUSWAY product line in the Southern California, S. Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico territories. Paragon Sales & Marketing started in the year 2000 and is lead today by owner Wayne Smedile. With the help of Ed Gonzalez, and Mike Rios, they bring a combination background of formal corporate business and street-smart small business experience to the table

The Paragon Sales and Marketing team members pictured outside their Corona, CA office.

We are extremely excited to welcome Paragon Sales & Marketing to the MUSWAY family. The Paragon team possesses an extensive background in 12-volt application and technical training, including DSP installation, sound tuning and product sales. Not only do they know their customers and equipment, they live it, and are eager to show customers what the products can do for them.

“At Paragon, we work with some of the best quality vendors and brands in the industry and we are proud of that. We work hard and often long hours to help our customers get the most out of the products we sell them. It’s a team effort. MUSWAY offers unique audio solutions we see as having a place in the markets we serve today and, in the future,” says Wayne Smedile.

Welcome to the MUSWAY Team, Paragon Sales & Marketing!

To learn more about the MUSWAY Product Line, please visit www.muswayusa.com

Race Sport Lighting Released NEW Jeep Wrangler Lighting Stage Kits at SEMA

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RINGWOOD, IL (11.11.22) – Race Sport Lighting released their NEW Stage Bundle Kits for the Jeep Wrangler JK at their SEMA Booth last week in Las Vegas. Their Stage 1 Road Runner Kit features 5 major external lights in a kit that takes 2-4 hours to install in the bay.  The Stage 2 Trail Runner Kit includes 8 popular LED Jeep lights that install in about 6-8 hours. And lastly, the Stage 3 Zombie King Kit packages a whopping 11 interior and exterior Jeep lights that shops can bill out 8-12 hours of labor to install. These are the perfect solutions for resellers who upfit Jeeps or who are looking to keep it simple and offer lighting packages.

JJKS1K (p/n# 1007635) is the Stage 1 Kit

JJKS2K (p/n# 1007645) is the Stage 2 Kit

JJKS3K (p/n# 1007655) is the Stage 3 Kit

This is a dealer driven product and Race Sport Lighting has already been getting amazing feedback. Dealers who upfit Jeeps communicated, whether it’s a lift kit, an exhaust kit, or alike, that it’s easy for their sales counter guys to sell a 1-2-3 option to the customer instead of putting together a lighting system piece by piece. The sales counter person will simply show the 3 options, give them the 3 prices for package + labor, and the customer will make a choice.

“We have already started selling these kits to Jeep up-fitters nationwide and they love it because their lives just got a whole lot easier, and they actually sell more lights as a result. Essentially, the resellers drove this product to the marketplace to make the checkout experience much easier. It also makes it easier to quote labor and make sure their shops make a lot of profit selling a Jeep Lighting Stage kit. says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.

The Race Sport Lighting Jeep Stage Kits are in stock and shipping now out of their warehouse. The current packages are for the JK model, but they will be releasing the Wrangler JL Stage packages by the end of the year just in time for 2023 kick off. A Jeep Gladiator and Ford Bronco Kit package is also in the works for a 2023 release.

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

SEMA Cares Recognizes WD-40 Co. for Its Support

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.11.22) – SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence presented WD-40 with the Chairman’s Service Award during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.

WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the Chairman’s Service Award on behalf of the company.

Bestowed at the discretion of the SEMA chairman, the award is unique and not given out every year. Lawrence presented the award to WD-40 for the company’s ongoing support of SEMA Cares. WD-40 has built several noteworthy vehicles that have raised more than $2 million for children and people in need: a bright-yellow 50th Anniversary ’67 Camaro, a Foose-designed ’12 Dodge Challenger, a ’53 Ford F-100, a ’14 F-150, a two-toned ’10 Camaro and a custom ’11 Mustang.

WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Visit www.sema.org/sema-cares for more information.

Tint World Named One of Top 100 Most Innovative Franchises by Franchise Business Review

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BOCA RATON, FL (11.10.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was identified by Franchise Business Review as one of just 100 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2022 report on the Most Innovative Franchises. 

Tint World is the largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services.

Franchise Business Review, a research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes annual rankings of the top franchises in its Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Most Innovative Franchises, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months’ worth of data fromover 30,000 franchisees representing more than 300 brands. Franchise owners were asked about their brand’s innovation and creativity as well as their trust in the franchisor, overall satisfaction with the brand, and likelihood to recommend it to others. 

“Innovation takes a lot more than just having creative ideas and solutions. It also takes execution,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Each of the companies on our list of the Most Innovative Franchises has developed and implemented products, processes, or services that enable and sustain growth and long-term relevancy. We are proud to recognize the franchises that prioritize and value innovation to support their franchisees’ success and the long-term resiliency of the brand.”

Tint World franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. 

“Being recognized by Franchise Business Review as one of the 100 Most Innovative Franchises confirms that our strategy for growth and franchise success is on target,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Empowering our franchise owners is the foundation of Tint World’s vision for the future. Our unique model offers franchisees all the tools they need to stand out in their market, including our proprietary systems and processes, a comprehensive selection of products from the leading brands, and the industry’s premier training and marketing support.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2022 Most Innovative Franchises.

Brandmotion Makes Towing & Hauling Easier Than Ever

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NOVI, MI (10.11.22) – The Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System from Brandmotion consists of two HD digital cameras delivering HD video to a full-width digital rearview mirror screen. This allows you to see behind your trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – and continuously monitor your truck bed and the front of the trailer.

The system provides obstruction-free rearview visibility, solving the traditional visibility problems for pickup drivers who tow. The rearmost camera is wirelessly mounted behind the trailer and easily snaps into trailers with built-in camera brackets. The second camera, cleanly integrated into the third brake light of the pickup truck, provides an unobstructed view of the vehicle’s bed and the front of the trailer. When not towing, you will have a view of the vehicle cargo bed and the blindspots behind the vehicle.

Together, these camera views – easily selectable with a touch of the high-quality rearview mirror display – eliminate blind spots. Unlike any other towing camera on the market, the Brandmotion Transparent Trailer system provides continuous visibility and utility with or without a trailer, making it a versatile and high-value option for drivers who detach and reattach their trailers regularly.

  • See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.
  • Watch the front of the trailer through the integrated third brake light cargo bed camera. Want a quick check on your boat, camper, or horse trailer? Simply touch the bottom of the mirror to switch camera views.
  • Capture excellent daily utility beyond towing by watching your pickup bed cargo at all times AND eliminating blind spots around the rear of your truck when not towing.
  • Thanks to the wireless trailer camera that snaps into most existing trailer camera brackets, installation of the entire system is simple, with no hole-drilling or loss of vehicle features (professional installation recommended).

<a href="http://&lt;!– wp:list-item –> <li>See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.</li> Click here for more information.

HKI USA and SounDigital Announce New 1000.1 EVOX2 Feature-Packed Amplifier

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DANIA BEACH, FL (11.09.22) – HKI USA Inc. and SounDigital Car Audio are proud to announce a new item for the end of 2022.

Reinventing the wheel is always hard, but updating the new wheel is even harder. SounDigital saw an opportunity to do away with the old and bring something totally new to the table. With a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor, the all new 1000.1 EVOX2 is going to be a new fan favorite. Things that could not be done with the 800.1 EVOX are now on the table with this new amplifier. Adding an RLC port to make it compatible with the SounDigital Remote Level Control and being able to expand the frequency range of the amplifier are in direct response to the list of wants provided to SounDigital by their customers and retailers.

“We were up against a wall with what the old chassis was capable of, and we knew we needed to make a change.” Says Jacob Brown, Director of Operations for HKI USA Inc., the US importer for SounDigital. “We kept getting asked for things the 800.1 just wasn’t capable of doing, and when the answer was always ’there isn’t enough room’, we knew what the next step was going to be.” With the help of the entire SounDigital engineering team, these changes were put into effect, and the 1000.1 EVOX2 was born.

Available in traditional SounDigital fashion, this amplifier will be available in 1 and 2 ohm configurations, which is also a twist over the 800.1.

MSRP will be U$499.99 for both versions and is expected to be available before the end of November.

For more information about HKI USA, the brands we love and how to become a dealer please visit www.hki-usa.com

DEI’s Line of Exhaust & Pipe Wraps Keep Heat Under Wraps

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AVON LAKE, OH (11.09.22) – Keep potentially damaging underbody and engine heat away from critical components with Design Engineering Inc.’s proven line of Exhaust and Pipe Wraps.

Designed to contain heat inside of headers to assist with increasing exhaust velocity through the exhaust system, wrapping headers helps reduce underhood temperatures protecting components while increasing performance. These pliable and durable wraps install easily to provide an extra layer of defense against high operating temperatures.

“DEI’s complete line of Exhaust and Pipe Wraps deliver the protection high-performance and race vehicles need to operate at their peak,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Strong and durable, these wraps are a secret weapon to protecting vital underhood parts and unlocking hidden horsepower.”

The wraps come in rolls to facilitate tightly wrapping around headers and pipes, resulting in a cooler air charge for improved performance. Available in a variety of sizes and protection levels, the family includes three distinct wrap categories:

Glass Fiber Exhaust Wrap – Exhaust Wrap is an important first step in reducing unwanted, power-robbing heat. Offered in various-sized rolls for shorter pipes, headers, turbo downpipes and powersports exhausts, the wrap withstands 1200 ̊F(649°C) direct/2000 ̊F(1093°C) radiant heat, available in both black and tan.

TITANIUM Exhaust Wrap – Featuring LR Technology™, TITANIUM Exhaust Wrap, made from pulverized lava rock, stranded into a fiber material and then woven into a proprietary weave is the original and ultimate high-heat-rated wrap. It is extremely pliable for a tight and secure wrap. Engineered to be stronger and more durable than most wraps, it withstands heat up to 1800 ̊F(982°C) direct/2500 ̊F(1371°C) intermittent heat. Available in original titanium and an attractive black carbon fiber look.

EXO Series™ Exhaust & Pipe Wrap – Designed for extreme environment use including powersports applications, the EXO Series features a dual-layer design, using a combination of hi-temp glass fiber, covered with a 304-grade stainless steel exoskeleton for superior heat, abrasion and impact protection, offered in black and tan.

For more information about Exhaust & Pipe Wraps and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year Granted to Larry Chen

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.08.22) – Content creator and world-renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The award was created to honor a content creator or influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. This year’s finalists, which included Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ and Alex Taylor, were recognized at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet for their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Content creator Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award for his positive impact on the automotive industry.

“It is a huge honor to be nominated for this award, especially being alongside my peers. I am a content creator through and through, and I love telling the stories of backyard and garage builds along with the grandest collections,” said Larry Chen. “I enjoy that my audience follows along and appreciates the content I create. For me, this is about doing my best and playing my part in saving the culture that we love so much.”

Chen’s work has graced the covers of numerous magazines, and he is well known for his work with Hoonigan, Hagerty, and other top automotive media companies. He also shoots for major OEMs, top builders, multiple race and event series, and top automotive brands around the world. Chen is also a Canon Explorer of Light, teaches photography classes, and shares his knowledge and passion with aspiring content creators. As an enthusiast himself, Chen hosts car meets, has collaborated on vehicle builds, and has shown his own creations at the SEMA Show.

“Larry embodies what it means to be an ambassador for the automotive industry and car culture. He is a true enthusiast, and his contagious passion for the subject matter has not only been embraced by the car community but also continues to bring new people into our hobby,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “On behalf of SEMA and the aftermarket industry, I want to thank Larry for his ongoing contribution and can think of no better person to recognize as our first winner.”

Chen’s work can be seen on his website, Instagram page, Facebook, and other social media channels.