DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.24.2021) – The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.
Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.
They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.
COMPTON, CA (05.21.2021) – Magnadyne has announced the signing of ROCK-N-REV to represent the New Carbine and Silencer remote start & security product lines. ROCK-N-REV will cover 5 states in the upper mid-west area to call on 12V dealers and key distributors.
Jeff Budin, ROCK-N-REV
ROCK-N-REV Sales & Marketing was launched by Jeff (Boody) Budin in 2018. Jeff is a 12-volt veteran with an intense passion for the industry. Since the launch of ROCK-N-REV Jeff has earned many sales awards and looks forward to continuing his success with the representation of Carbine and Silencer Security & RS Solutions. ROCK-N-REV will cover Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Southern Illinois south of Interstate 72.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Jeff over the coming years in bringing new Value-added products and relationship opportunities to the 12V retail industries with our New innovative Carbine and Silencer RS & Security solutions.” Armando Parra – Magnadyne
For more information on ROCK-N-REV or to inquire about becoming an authorized Carbine dealer or authorized Silencer distributor in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Southern Illinois south of Interstate 72, contact Jeff at (402) 578-9894 or email at rocknrevsales@gmail.com.
OXNARD, CA (05.21.2021) – Becker Automotive Design, a staple in the southern California automotive aftermarket electronics community, is celebrating its 25th year in operations under its current format. The Oxnard, Calif., -based retailer started as a car audio business but in 1996 dedicated its focus to become one of the nation’s premier upfitters of luxury and secured transport. Becker Automotive Design caters to high-net worth individuals, celebrities, sports stars, municipalities and even governments, providing one-of-a-kind, on-the-road experiences that have advanced the retailer’s reputation over the past quarter century.
L to R: Doug Cannon, Chief Engineer; Don Helm, IT and Purchasing Manager; Howard Becker, CEO; Troy Becker, Sales and Marketing Manager; Debbie Becker, CFO and HR Manager
Becker Automotive Design’s website at beckerautodesign.com is not shy to tout the company’s creations while name-dropping the associated high-profile figures for which they were built. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Mark Wahlberg and Sylvester Stallone fare prominently on the homepage. Beyond the luxury transformations, the company’s capabilities include specialty seating layouts and armoring for security and government applications.
“Our business model is simple: create a driving environment configured to exacting client needs on top of tried-and-true build and design practices. Our clients tell their friends, and those friends tell their friends,” explained Howard Becker, owner, founder and namesake of the business. “This business strategy has allowed us to deliver unique creations that rival OEM specifications but splurge on aftermarket amenities and uniqueness.”
As the fame of the business has grown, Becker has maintained his love for the community, especially when it involves developing a love for working on cars. The company is an active sponsor of DRAGG, an automotive after-school program that encourages kids to stay in high school and work toward graduation by providing an incentive in the automotive industry through career exploration.
“DRAGG is a great program that gives high school graduating credits to kids who are learning about cars hands-on,” explained Becker. “Also, it’s terrific for building trust between the kids and law enforcement and between law enforcement and the kids, something our society needs a lot more of.”
Though celebrating 25 years, Becker Automotive Design still has a single location, employing 30 people including Becker’s son Troy, and covering 25,000 square feet in three closely located facilities near the corner of Ives Ave. and Jones Way. Yet Becker Automotive is bracing for monumental growth and therefore working aggressively to enhance the staff with the right people. Insurance, competitive salary, weekends off and relocation assistance are all on the table to bring in quality technicians to join a stable team in a stable market.
“It’s a blessing to start a business, develop a vision and then be able to achieve that vision,” added Becker. “Along the way, we’ve helped our family of employees build meaningful careers and in turn support their families with a stable work environment in a recession-proof segment of the market. It’s our plan to continue to innovate, stay on top of the market and be here to celebrate another 25 years.”
CUMBERLAND, RI (05.20.2021) – John F. Sylvester, Founder of Sylvester Electronics, passed away on Sunday, May 16th. He was the husband of Jacqueline R. (Turner) Sylvester and they had been married for the past 58 years.
John F Sylvester founded Sylvester Electronics in 1976. Sylvester Electronics has served dealers in the Mobile Electronics industry for over 40 years. He worked in Cumberland RI for over 46 years. John F Sylvester was previously employed by Jabour Electronics for more than 15 years where he was the manager for many years.
John F. Sylvester
Along with his wife Jacqueline of 58 years, he is survived by his two sons; Robert J. Sylvester and his wife Susan Perrino of Warwick and Thomas J. Sylvester and his wife Julie Griffin of Burrillville. Also surviving is brother Norman Sylvester of Cumberland and five grandchildren; Vittoria, Nicholas, Aidan, Patrick, and Liam along with two nieces.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to John’s Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm and continuing on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 9 am in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 10 am.
Burial will follow with Military Honors in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2021) – SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.
Through the SEMA Launch Pad, entrepreneurs with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.
Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.
Fifteen semi-finalists will also be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.
”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry’s radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”
Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.
To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.2021) – “It’s always a great day when we can spend time at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. Their location is fairly close to the PowerBass HQ in Ontario so we make the trip frequently to get hands on with new and upcoming vehicles before they hit the market. It’s a great perk for being a SEMA Manufacturer Member. The time Dave Myers and I just spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive,” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.
During sessions at the SEMA Garage PowerBass staff has an opportunity to work with site engineers and employees of OEM’s like Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GM and More.
“Time spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive as we were working to bring the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers to market,” Harbour added.
“Access to the SEMA Garage was very helpful as we developed the PowerBass Direct Fit replacement speakers like the OE652-GM 6 coaxial speakers,” Harbour stated.
Each year SEMA members introduce thousands of cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to add enjoyment to vehicle ownership. While some have universal fitments, many have model-specific applications that require significantly more research and development.
The SEMA Garage gives SEMA member businesses access to the special high-tech tools and equipment they need to get their products-whether a $10. set of wiper blades or a $10,000 engine modification-off the drawing board and into customer hands. It is the only known facility of its kind in the United States.
Covering 15,000 square feet and filled with nearly $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage includes all the tools specialty product developers could hope for and then some, including two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for 3D scanning, a 3D printer for fast prototyping, digital race car scales for the most precise vehicle weight and measurements, a dynamometer for precise emissions measurements and more.
WASHINGTON, DC (05.19.2021) – SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting today commended U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) for introducing H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill includes 48 original sponsors. The RPM Act protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.
The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act prohibits a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned from 1970 until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.
“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for standing up for racing and the motorsports parts industry by introducing a bipartisan bill to protect racing and the businesses that produce, install, and sell the parts that enable racers to compete.”
There has already been an unprecedented outpouring of support for the RPM Act this year, with Americans sending over 1.1 million letters asking Congress to pass the legislation. It is imperative that enthusiasts and motorsports businesses keep up this momentum by reminding their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., that they must act now to protect the right to convert a motor vehicle into a racecar.
“I am proud to support automobile racing and will work to ensure motorsports enthusiasts here in North Carolina and across the country can continue the time-honored tradition of modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help ensure the RPM Act becomes law.”
“Growing up, I spent countless hours at the racetrack with my father,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Racing has always been close to my heart. I am delighted to introduce the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which will keep our American tradition of vehicle racing alive and give enthusiasts and their children the same opportunity that I had to create memories at the racetrack.”
Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.
It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law in 2021. To write a letter to your members of Congress, visit www.sema.org/rpm.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.18.2021) – Following SEMA’s recent market research on the changing vehicle landscape, SEMA released a research report dedicated solely to the light-truck market. The 99-page study includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.
The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90% of U.S. Ford, GM, and Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles sold were light trucks. Pickups remain a large part of the specialty automotive aftermarket and accounted for more than 30% of specialty-equipment part sales in 2019.
SEMA’s new Light-Truck Market Snapshot report includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.
CUVs have not been fully embraced by specialty-equipment consumers and businesses but remain a big part of the overall light-truck market. They have become the fastest-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and also a very fragmented one with more than 170 CUV models projected to be sold from 2021-2028.
The report helps businesses understand the overall truck market and includes a snapshot of trends for the light-truck, off-road, overland, outdoor recreation, powertrain, and technology segments.
“Light trucks are used for a wide variety of activities and continue to be shaped by trends in vehicle sales, technology, and consumer behavior,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “We anticipate this growth to continue over the next decade as vehicle manufacturers prioritize their light-truck models.”
Trends in powertrains and vehicle technology are also shaping the light-truck market:
Engines are getting smaller overall: 52% of pre-1990 light trucks have a 5L or larger engine, compared with 22% of 2010 and newer trucks
Forced induction is becoming more common, especially on smaller engines. Less than 1% of pre-1990 light trucks have a turbocharger or supercharger, but 22% of 2010 and newer trucks come with some sort of forced induction
Alternative fuels like hybrid or electric powertrains have been slower to catch on with trucks than with cars, but they are coming — several electric trucks have been announced in recent years, including an all-electric Jeep Wrangler and several electric pickups
New-vehicle technologies like ADAS are also becoming more common and may affect how specialty truck parts are designed, produced, and installed
To learn more about the evolving diversity of the light-truck market and find insights that can help your business succeed, download the SEMA Light-Truck Market Snapshot for free today at www.sema.org/research
SHREVEPORT, LA (05.18.2021) – No doubt we are all living in an increasingly stressful world. COVID Shot or No COVID shot. Mask or No Mask. Polarized National media fueling stress. Shortages in supermarkets with rising prices. Pipeline interruption from cyber attack further driving fuel increases. The price of lumber up nearly 300%. We all know the story in our ’Screen Focused’ World.
The 12volt industry has unique issues driving up the the stress level. Product shortages due to high demand. Product shortages taken to the next level due to chip plant fires and shortages. The cost of shipping product has gone through the roof. Travel or can’t travel. Need installers. Companies need employees but many people are receiving stimulus payments equal or exceeding a normal salary.
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In addition, we make additional posts with companies working to get their ‘Shine On’. Check out the short video presentation above featuring SSV Works at The Rally on the Rocks in Moab UT May 12-15.
As an industry-vendors, reps, distributors and retailers- let’s all work to highlight positives.
Let’s remember the world is about people. ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On!’
BOCA RATON, FL (06.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently hired Madison Belfour as the new digital marketing analyst for the franchise.
A recent graduate of the University of Florida, Belfour holds degrees in both business administration and journalism. She is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that benefit both the franchise owners individually, as well as overall growth of the franchise.
Belfour’s keen attention to detail and passion for marketing is essential for continually optimizing campaign performance while helping to generate greater overall revenue for the franchise’s 80-plus locations currently open.
Madison Belfour, Digital Marketing Analyst
“Madison is a wonderful addition to our corporate team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We strive to have the best people in place. Her experience will help our franchisees grow their businesses, while supporting the continued success and growth of our overall franchise.”
Belfour spent the first three years of her career working for local marketing agencies in the South Florida area. Following a series of conversations with Bonfiglio, Madison picked up on his immense passion for franchising and was immediately motivated to put her skills to work for the growing franchise.
Belfour said one of her favorite parts of working at Tint World has been the seamless transition. One of the first projects Belfour took on was the Tint World 2021 International Franchise Convention. Unlike any prior annual convention, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic – presenting its own unique adaptations. Proactive and detail-oriented, Belfour saw the opportunity to step in and contribute value to help make the event a success.
As time has gone on, Belfour has continued sharpening her relationships with franchise owners – understanding their needs and offering tailored campaign solutions to reach their objectives. With new trends emerging constantly, she stays diligent to help keep Tint World’s fingers on the pulse.
“Since day one, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Tint World family. It feels great to be part of such a passionate team and I look forward to continuing to grow within this growing franchise,” Belfour said.
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.
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