Industry

2022 SEMA Show Registration Now Open

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.09.22) – Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2-18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10-15 minutes.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million square feet of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA Vice President of Sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends, and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

JBL WIND3 & WIND3S Adds Audio to Your Cycling Experience

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STAMFORD, CT (05.06.22) – JBL aftermarket has now entered cycling audio market with the introduction of WIND3 and WIND3S products.

Both systems feature a tuned Bluetooth speaker for the outdoor environment. Durable on-the-road and on-the-go portability ready for cycling, hiking or wherever else your adventure takes you. WIND3S is your Bluetooth solution while WIND3 adds Aux input & FM tuner to stay connected to local broadcast. Both models are IP67 waterproof/dustproof rated. Both include the handlebar clip for secure mounting to round bar application.

“We are excited to provide a great sounding portable solution with great flexibility. Wind3 and Wind3S provide you with hours of playback front and center on your cycling route keeping you focused and alert on the trails.

You can undock it and take it with you so no need to disconnect or go without tunes. Great portable audio solution that pairs perfectly with JBL CLICK Bluetooth controller” Shawn Spedding – Director of sales – Aftermarket audio.

JBL WIND3S Features:

  • Bluetooth
  • IPX67 rating
  • Handlebar mount and clip included
  • 5 hours playback
  • $69.95

JBL WIND3 Features:

  • Added to WIND3S
  • FM Tuner
  • Aux input
  • TF/MicroSD
  • $79.95

Visit JBL.com for more.

Tint World Hires Dane Bryant as Front-End Developer

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BOCA RATON, FL – (05.06.22) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the hiring of new front-end web developer Dane Bryant.

Bryant’s responsibilities as front-end developer at Tint World include the ongoing management and support of the company’s growing website as well as strategic support for the company’s digital marketing efforts.

Dane Bryant

“As Tint World continues to add locations and expand into new territories, our digital presence is also growing,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “Dane’s experience, technical skills and commitment are essential for us to continue to present a robust digital profile that supports our strategic growth in 2022.”

Bryant, a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, has more than 20 years of experience in web development, design and support, software development, multimedia, social media and digital marketing.

“It’s an exciting time to join the Tint World family,” Bryant said. “Being part of the team that has fueled the company’s dynamic success motivates me every day to ensure that our website and other digital resources are supporting our strategy and delivering results.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

SEMA Provides Chance of a Lifetime for Businesses to Reach New Heights with Launch Pad Competition

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.05.22) – Emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products are invited to enter their companies and brand-new inventions into the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition at www.sema.org/launchpad.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

Dustin Woolf won the 2021 Launch Pad competition for his product Natural Nitrous, a standalone mechanical intake cooling system.

“The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level.”

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

Jeep Beach wrapped with a beach cruise on Sunday morning, May 1st.

SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO, or VP) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13, 2022.

Alpine Now Shipping High-Resolution 2-DIN Multimedia Receiver

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (05.05.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), is now shipping the iLX-507, a High-Resolution 2-DIN 7-inch Multimedia Receiver.

New Benchmark for Dash Performance
For those looking to upgrade their factory system with the latest in-vehicle technology but maintain a factory look on their dash, the iLX-507 features a standard 2-DIN chassis and fitment with a 7-inch WXGA High-Resolution Display (1280x720px) that fits into most dash openings.

The iLX-507 features High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) via a wired USB connection to a smartphone or wirelessly throughBluetooth® connection so music can be streamed from popular Hi-Res platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and more. The iLX-507 also has a USB input so Hi-Res music files can be played directly from a USB drive.

Features like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and built-in Bluetooth® hands-free calling with audio streaming allows access to music, messages, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via a wired USB connection or wirelessly. These features are controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone. The receiver is SiriusXM-Ready® (SXV-300G2 2018-Up Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; SiriusXM subscription required) and includes built-in HD Radio® for additional entertainment options.

Exciting System Expandability Options
The iLX-507 includes two camera inputs to add a front, side, or rear camera (sold separately). The rearview camera input includes a distance guide display that overlays guidelines onto the screen for ease when moving in reverse.

When used with the DVR-C320R Premium 1080P Front and Rear Dash Camera with built-in drive assist (sold separately), the iLX-507 can display real-time and recorded drives in high-definition and provide audible drive assist alerts like front collision, lane departure, and front car movement through the vehicle’s speakers.

On-board tuning features bring out the full potential of music playback with a 13-band parametric EQ per channel, for continuous frequency control. The 6-channel time correction ensures that music is staged properly in the front and center of the vehicle. Additional amplifiers can be added using the three sets of true 4V preamp outputs with front, rear, and subwoofer control if more power is needed.

The iLX-507 is compatible with the new RUX-H02 Alpine Halo Bass and Volume Controller (sold separately). The controller easily mounts to the dash and allows quick-access controls to the subwoofer and main volume through a wireless Bluetooth connection.

The iLX-507 is a Digital Media Receiver (no CD/DVD player). However, an HDMI input and output are included to connect a DVD player or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.  
 
Convenient System Compatibility
Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory functionality such as steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. However, iLX-507 is compatible with the iDatalink® Maestro Module (sold separately) allowing select OEM features to be retained and vehicle information displayed on the screen.

The iLX-507 is now shipping at a MAP of $749.95 and is available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Authorized Installation Centers can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Firstech Launches 3-Channel Car Dash Camera

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SEATTLE, WA (05.04.22) – Firstech has announced the release of the Momento M7, a 3-channel dash camera system with 2K QHD recording and battery-saving technology. The Momento M7 is now available for preorder and will begin shipping in early May from Firstech’s new distribution center in Texas.

All-Time High Dash Cam Awareness

As more drivers return to their regular morning commutes, mobile electronics retailers have reported a
surge in customer demand for dash camera solutions, otherwise known as “dash cams.” Retail experts
and analysts have attributed this growth in consumer awareness to the effectiveness of dash cams in
fighting accident fraud and the rising trend of viral video recordings of on-road incidents.

In response to this growth, the Momento M7 arrives as a key addition to Firstech’s Momento brand of
dash cams. The M7, or MD-7200, includes two cameras for front and rear recording along with an
additional video input for a third camera. M7’s front camera records in 2K QHD, promising clearer visibility of details such as license plate numbers or faces – key ingredients in fighting accident fraud.

“ECO” Battery Saving Technology

Despite their rise in popularity, dash cameras have faced one consistent obstacle: car battery depletion.
For a dash camera to monitor activity around a parked vehicle, it needs to constantly draw current from
the battery. In as little as a day, a dash camera could completely drain a car’s battery.

The Momento M7 addresses this issue head-on with the introduction of “ECO” mode. “ECO” mode is
Firstech’s new battery-saving technology that reduces the M7’s power consumption by up to 90% while
the vehicle is parked. It works by turning off the M7’s image sensor and instead using radar to detect
motion in front of the vehicle. When the M7 front camera detects a vehicle or person approaching the
vehicle, the system will reactivate the cameras’ image sensors and begin recording. The utilization of
radar greatly reduces battery usage while retaining full motion detection capabilities.

More About M7

Momento M7 will serve as the brand’s co-flagship product along with the M6, which Firstech released in Whereas the M6 features a companion mobile app for iOS and Android devices, the M7 is an “allin-one” device that has a 2-inch touch LCD screen built into the camera for reviewing video.

In addition to the touch LCD, the Momento website touts the 3-channel M7 as having an enhanced lowlight image sensor, on-board GPS antenna, and industry-leading 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty (most other dash cam brands offer 1-year of warranty protection).

To learn more about the Momento M7, visit www.MomentoCam.com or follow the brand’s
Instagram page @momentocam. MSRP for M7 (MD-7200) will be $379.99. Dealers interested in reselling
the Momento M7 can contact an authorized Firstech distributor and/or sales representative – or visit
www.myfirstech.com.

BOSS Audio Named an Official Partner of MotoAmerica for 2022

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OXNARD, CA (05.04.22) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce that it has been named an official partner of the 2022 Auto Parts 4 Less MotoAmerica Championship and, more specifically, the Mission King of the Baggers Series. MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series.

“MotoAmerica is the ideal partner for BOSS Audio Systems as they are a leader in motorcycle racing, as we are a leader in 12 volt and powersports audio solutions,” said Navid Farhand, BOSS Audio System’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are excited to get involved with those that love their music and freedom of the open road. As MotoAmerica continues its growth and expands its audience, we can’t wait to get started and be a vital part of this extremely popular riding and racing community.”

Added said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship, “We’re stoked to have BOSS Audio onboard as an official partner for 2022. BOSS makes great audio systems for all kinds of motorcycles and for baggers like Harley-Davidson’s Road Glide and Street Glide. They’re weatherproof, affordable, and their plug & play design makes DYI easy to install. With so many of our fans riding their baggers to our races, having BOSS Audio as a series partner makes a lot of sense on many levels.”

For more information, visit www.bossaudio.com.

Firstech Expands to Texas with New Facility

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SEATTLE, WA (02.18.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar, Momento, and DroneMobile products, has announced the scheduled opening of its new distribution and training facility in Flower Mound, Texas. The company planned to commence operations at its new Texas facility in April 2022.

The new Firstech facility in Flower Mound TX is located just 6 miles from DFW International Airport.

At launch, Firstech’s move to Texas will establish another distribution center in the South-Central U.S. where the company can improve its shipping turnaround times for dealer and distribution partners. Approximately half of Firstech’s logistics team will permanently relocate to Texas to make the expansion as seamless as possible.

Cody Galen is preparing pallets for shipment in the new Flower Mound location.

In the near future, the Texas facility will also provide an additional meeting hub for installers, salespeople, and partners to receive hands-on training from Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. The new location is conveniently located within six miles of Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW).

Firstech’s primary headquarters will remain near Seattle, Washington where it has been since the company relocated from Anchorage, Alaska in 2003.

Neil Bagalso on the forklift in the warehouse working to put stock on shelves.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open a new branch to better serve Firstech’s growing customer base,” shares managing director, Jason Kaminski. “In addition to expanding our warehouse space and improving our just-in-time inventory, the Texas location will also open up additional port options for ocean-going cargo to combat congestion.”

If you would like to learn more about Firstech, visit the company’s website at www.firstechllc.com.

Race Sport Lighting Patented Solar Roof Cab Light System

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RINGWOOD, IL (05.03.22) – Race Sport Lighting is pleased to announce the release of its new patented and innovative Solar Roof Cab Light System shipping to Retail locations soon. No Wire, No Holes, No Drilling involved! This Product was first previewed by Race Sport Lighting during the SEMA 2021 Show, and their sales and marketing team has been showing off the prototype at trade shows everywhere this year with an overwhelming popular response. Thousands of pre-orders are already awaiting the official shipping of this product to their store locations nationwide. This amazing new product is made in an ISO 9000 factory right here in the USA.

This USPTO patented technology is revolutionary, it is completely run by solar and vibrations sensors and requires no wiring or drilling of holes into the roof of the vehicle. Many shops avoid customer requests to sell and/or install cab lights because of the high risk or liability involved into drilling into a customer’s brand new truck. This innovative product allows all dealers to now add Cab Roof Lights to their list of products they sell or install and eliminates the complex installation and liability concerns that traditional wired version have. For shops that already do the old wire version cab roof lights systems, their techs typically take 4-6 hours to do these jobs, or all day basically. With Race Sport Lightings New Solar cab light systems, their techs can have the system installed in 30-minutes and move on to other jobs or products on that vehicle.

“This is one of the most exciting single products launches our company has ever had. The patented solar cab light technology is such a unique solution to a major problem in the marketplace. Our team has had the 1st prototype on the company vehicle for the last 2 years and it has very successfully gone through two Chicago winters and working strong today. The quality and performance make this one of the best roof cab light systems on the marketplace” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting

To learn more about this system, please watch this In The Garage video from the partners at Total Truck Centers

The Part number for the Solar Cab Light System is #1007472 and it is only available in amber color right now. Race Sport Lighting will be releasing the white LED version late in the summer of 2022 under the same patent. The 1007472 system starts shipping very soon in May to distributors and retailers nationwide. Pre-orders are being accepted for this product right now.

Haynes Hits The Road With AlloyGator Wheel Protection Company

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John Haynes will drive sales for AlloyGator USA.

(05.02.22) – 12volt Industry veteran John Haynes joined AlloyGator early last month. “Received my AlloyGator samples, have them in my trunk, and am ready to hit the road in SoCal” he related. Haynes is now in charge of driving sales for AlloyGator USA.

AlloyGator USA is the original wheel protection company and protects wheels from curb and pothole damage plus can effectively prevent much curb rash.

“I have AlloyGator samples in my trunk and I’m ready to hit the road in SoCal, Monday May 2nd,” Haynes stated.

“We’re actively looking for mobile electronics dealers who have crossed over and expanded their business model into wheels and tires” said Haynes. “The great thing about AlloyGators is that they don’t compete with any other product space, so dealer are adding dollars, not just trading dollars. The end result is increased sales and profits on top of the business shops would have done anyway. It’s the perfect add to actively selling and installing wheels.”

AlloyGator is the only truly engineered wheel protection solution on the market and is MIRA Certified and TÜV approved.

Haynes has stock for orders in his car too.

Gator rim protectors fit between the wheel and tire and are held in place with diamond gripping technology. The AlloyGators use specially designed locking teeth, diamond grips and robust stainless-steel clips to ensure a secure, long-lasting fit for vehicle wheels. AlloyGators, available in multiple colors, have a rounded edge and matte finish to enhance the overall appearance of a vehicle.

Contact John Haynes via email JHaynes@alloygatorusa.com Visit alloygator.com/us for more.