DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.23.2021) – It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry.
July 23 is the deadline to submit nominations for the prestigious SEMA Industry Awards and recognize a company or person that has made a significant impact on the specialty-equipment market within the past year. Nominations are open in the following categories:
Person of the Year Manufacturer of the Year Warehouse Distributor of the Year Gen-III Innovator of the Year
For consideration, an honoree must exhibit professionalism, service, integrity and ethics that help propel the industry forward. To nominate an honoree and learn more about the criteria for each award, visit www.sema.org/awards or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.
NAPERVILLE, IL (07.23.2021) – IMR Inc., the industry’s leading full-service automotive market research firm, has released its latest insights on how battery and hybrid electric vehicle service is impacting independent repair shops.
Between May 3 and June 30, 2021, IMR Inc. interviewed 1,000 independent repair shops in the U.S. to gain insight on their service of battery and hybrid electric vehicles and investment in specific tools, equipment and training for technicians to work on these newer vehicle technologies.
Three out of every 100 vehicles (3.1%) serviced at an average independent repair shop are BEVs while HEVs account for 6.2% of the vehicles serviced. Shops located in the West (7.7%) have nearly double the percentage of business from HEVs over shops located in the Midwest (4.2%). Of shops that service BEVs/HEVs, 69.9% do not specifically market or advertise that t
Of independent repair shops that service hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), over 85% have seen an increase in service demand for these vehicle types
27.5% of shops that service BEVs/HEVs have invested in specialized tools/equipment, 30.5% have invested in additional technician training
55.1% of shops believe it will take longer than 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business
Of independent repair shops that service BEVs and HEVs, 89.4% have seen an increase in the number of BEVs coming in for service while 87.4% have seen an increase in HEVs coming in for service. However, amongst all independent repair shops, only 27.5% of shops have invested in tools and equipment to specifically service BEVs/HEVs while 30.5% of shops said they had invested in additional/specialized training for technicians, focused on electric or hybrid vehicles. Overall, larger shops (8+ bays) made more investments in tools, equipment and training (48.9%) than their smaller competitors (26.4%).
With the increasing market penetration of BEVs/HEVs and rapidly evolving technologies, independent repair shops who service these vehicles recognize the importance of keeping up with current information. 46.7% of shops reported that their primary supplier provides updates on the latest industry trends regarding BEVs/HEVs, while 53.3% of shops said theirs does not.
While 67% of independent repair shops indicate that a portion of their business comes from servicing BEVs, more than 55% of shops surveyed believe it will take over 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business. 13.4% of shops believe that these vehicle types will never impact their business.
For more information on IMR Inc., visit automotiveresearch.com. To schedule a research-related interview with IMR Inc. president, contact the company. The most recent Insights from IMR Inc. can be found here.
LEHIGHTON, PA (07.22.2021) – 1sixty8 media Inc. has announced its intent to develop and grow a network of representatives in the United States. As the premier provider of digital marketing and business services to the mobile enhancement industry, 1sixty8 media is responsible for creating and managing websites that provide a high ROI for their clients. They are also the exclusive reseller of the Mitchell1 ProDemand software to the mobile enhancement industry. Qualified retailers are able to subscribe to ProDemand at a discounted rate through 1sixty8 media.
When asked what prompted this decision, Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media, said, “The first step was to cultivate the team, and I could not be more proud of the team I’ve assembled. The next step was to develop products and services that make money for our clients. Finally, we needed to fine-tune our processes for ease and efficiency and build the infrastructure needed for scalability. With all of that in place, we are ready to level up our client base and believe that engaging a rep force is the perfect way to do it.” Schaffer went on to say that 1sixty8 media recently added two dedicated servers to handle the increased demand.
“We are looking to leverage the existing relationships that 12V reps have to provide hot leads for our team to engage with and close,” Schaffer continued. “We are not looking for active sales.”
Schaffer said that in addition to an attractive initial commission, 1sixty8 media will pay out a quarterly residual on ongoing revenues generated from referred clients.
“This is a win for everyone,” Schaffer said. “For 10 minutes of work, the rep can earn a commission and ongoing residuals, we gain a client, and the retailer acquires a website or other services that provide a high ROI.”
Reps would be required to take part in a 30-minute Zoom meeting with 1sixty8 media to learn about the company and its services. They would be expected to take five to 10 minutes on each sales call to talk about these services. If a retailer shows interest, a simple email introducing the retailer to 1sixty8 media is all that is required.
“This is a great opportunity for a representative to make a good commission up front and an ongoing residual income for very little work,” Schaffer said..
Interested reps should reach out to Mitchell Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com or 570-656-6900 to learn more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.22.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons are set to gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala on Friday, July 30. To underscore the significance of SEMA’s return to in-person events, the evening gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.
“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”
The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.
In a departure from past SEMA Installation Galas, the setting for this year’s gathering will be the massive new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The venue was chosen to underscore SEMA’s ties with the city and the LVCC—and offer the industry a preview of the big things to come in November.
The move marks the first time in its 45-year history that the gala has been held outside the Southern California area where SEMA is headquartered. In fact, the gala of about 400 individuals will represent several “firsts.” It will be among the first events held in the LVCC West Hall since construction of the 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility was completed in January. Plus, it will become SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.
“I look forward to the SEMA Installation Gala each year—even more so this year than any other year, since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” Kersting said. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebrating with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”
“This year’s gala is especially meaningful,” agreed SEMA Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Eriksen. “The themes of industry, community and family will be front and center. After a year of being apart, we’re inviting the industry to come together. The highlight is on people, their volunteerism and their industry contributions. We want to recognize their achievements and hopefully inspire others to become more involved with the association and make a difference for our industry.”
Each year, the inductions of new SEMA Hall of Fame members are among the evening’s most poignant moments. At the last in- person gala held in 2019, legendary performance-parts innovator Bruce Crower was inducted posthumously. His wife Barbara (center, standing) accepted the honor on his behalf.
A Symbolic Move
Eriksen added that gala organizers couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the LVCC West Hall.
“We’ve been given the opportunity to showcase this amazing new addition to the LVCC, and we’re excited to introduce our industry to it,” she said. “Secondly, it’s symbolic of the fact that Las Vegas is ready for business, open and able to accommodate, meetings and events, so we’re also excited to be working with them to produce our first ‘post-pandemic’ event in this new space. The city and convention center have been important partners for more than 40 years, and we look forward to showing our support as they reopen for business.”
Because the gala is taking place as the nation reemerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Eriksen said that SEMA’s event team will remain conscious of the environment. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where the industry can safely celebrate.
“Health and safety have always been priorities for SEMA, and we take them seriously in every event we do,” Eriksen said. “With the pandemic, there’s a heightened sensitivity to those issues. SEMA will continue to work with local health and safety agencies to ensure that the event reflects current health standards in Las Vegas.”
The theme of volunteerism will again be front and center Friday, July 30, with the inauguration of new SEMA Board of Directors members, recognition of outgoing board members, and a celebration of the people who give their time to industry initiatives. Pictured here are SEMA Cares committee members and charity partners at the last in-person gala in 2019.
The Race Is On!
Being a night of camaraderie, the gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a Pinewood race car or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. A signature event combining charitable giving, community, automotive passion and youthful spirit, the Pinewood Drags will return as a fun way to contribute to SEMA Cares, the association’s charitable arm.
SEMA Cares helps to significantly improve the lives of many in need through donations to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.
Sponsorships for a race car in the Build-It-For-Me category are just $95. Of course, the peak of the Pinewood Drags competition is the annual Industry Cup Challenge, where boasting rights run high. This year, the racing will take place in the West Hall lobby, with entry in the Industry Cup Challenge competition set at $1,000 per company.
“The children that SEMA Cares supports truly need our help,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA Cares chairperson. “With the return of the Pinewood Drags to the SEMA Installation Gala, I hope that this year we can raise more money than ever.”
“Absolutely no donation is too small,” added Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager of membership projects. “Last year was certainly difficult, and fundraising was not top-of-mind for many people, so it will be good to rally together again in support of the children’s charities we serve.”
The gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a race car or challenge industry colleagues in head- to-head competition to benefit SEMA Cares charities. The races will make their in-person comeback in the West Hall lobby.
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.
High Anticipation
Eriksen agreed that there is a growing sense of anticipation for this year’s gala and all the activities surrounding it. Additionally, she sees the evening as a harbinger of the enthusiasm that’s already building for the return of a live SEMA Show in November. According to Eriksen, each event in its own way reflects the passion and interpersonal connections at the heart of the industry.
“For me, the SEMA Installation Gala is especially important this year,” she said. “We’ve always seen it as our mid-year gathering before gearing up for the SEMA Show in the fall. With the COVID-19 situation this past year, I think the members of our industry are craving the opportunity to reconnect with each other more than ever, and this event in particular is like a family gathering for the industry. It’s a little more relaxed than, say, November during the Show. A lot of meaningful connections and conversations can happen, and I think people are really looking forward to that.”
Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala, which are available to all SEMA members, can be purchased by visiting www.sema.org/gala. (Please note that, although the gala is open to the entire association, seating is limited.)
If you’d like to sponsor a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags race car or challenge a colleague, please make your donation today. Visit www.sema.org/semacares for more information.
RINGWOOD, IL (07.21.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has announced that the USPTO office has issued a second continuation patent (Patent No. 11,054,127) on their innovative GEN4 LED design. The GEN4 was first launched at the SEMA Show in November of 2019 and was instantly embraced by the marketplace just a month after applying for the first patent. That patent (Patent No. 10,801,714) was issued in October of 2020.
The GEN4 patented lighting system features a 360° ratchet-style adjustable base for aiming, an anti-glare optical beam deflector and a rotatable heat-sink rope for heat dissipation in tight lens/cover locations. Retailers and installers were supporting the product at a rapid pace until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of 2020. At that time, the contract factory making GEN4 exclusively for Race Sport took a huge hit from the pandemic and had to close its doors. We have been working hard over the last year to move the tooling over to their main factory and make some small adjustments to the design before relaunching. Those adjustments were captured in a continuation patent application that has evolved into the recent patent issued by the USPTO.
Steve Jergensen, Race Sport Lighting President, is pictured at the company’s Ringwood IL HQ holding US patents for the innovative GEN4 LED design.
“We are very anxious to relaunch the GEN4 LED system to the marketplace with a few upgraded adjustments that will increase the performances even more. It was disappointing that we had to switch the tooling to another factory in the middle of the pandemic, but we are still receiving a high demand weekly for this patented high-performance system to relaunch into the marketplace. We are doing everything possible to keep our relaunch target around SEMA Show 2021, just in time to kick off the new year with some major excitement. We are thankful to the USPTO for awarding us a second patent and recognizing a lot of hard work put into this kit.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
Orders are building up as distributors and dealers nationwide have requested to keep orders open in anticipation for the relaunch. Currently, our Drive Series V2 all-in-one solution system is leading the way in the premium LED headlight kit space of the industry.
For information on Race Sport Lighting’s entire LED kit lineup, click here.
AVON LAKE, OH (07.21.2021) – When you need help in a sticky situation, turn to improved professional-grade Spray Adhesive from Design Engineering, Inc.
Now with even greater holding strength, DEI’s high-temperature Spray Adhesive is perfect for installing the company’s line of heat and sound control solutions, as well as other materials including foam, fabric, metal and wood, in automotive interior and related projects.
“Our improved formula makes for a very aggressive, high-build, pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to bond most substrates while maintaining a high level of tack,” notes Mike Buca of DEI. “The improved nozzle provides a web pattern spray for excellent coverage on all materials with a tack time of only two to four minutes and heat resistance up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Featuring no ODS (ozone-depleting substances), the aggressive Spray Adhesive dries quickly and clear, is California compliant, and is made in the USA. It creates a strong heat- and water-resistant bond when installing thermal shielding, headliners, sound control materials, carpet and more.
REDLANDS, CA (07.20.2021) – On Saturday, July 17th, Tune Time Stereo & Alarm hosted an official 2X dB Drag Racing event sponsored by Team Gorilla HZ. The Tune Time Stereo location was the site of the event that took place under a sunny Saturday sky.
dB Drag Racing with Boomin’Audio Competitions are pictured with their trophies. Jeffrey Fernandez, in the middle, in red.
Jeffrey Fernandez traveled from Texas to conduct the dB Drag Racing event under the Boomin’ Audio tent.
“The event turned out very nicely with 39 competitors entered. The weather in Redlands was super and there was strong support from Team Soundstream in the lanes” Boomin’Audio’s Andy Teuscher related.
Jeffrey Fernandez is flanked by Team Soundstream’s Hen Dog (L) with his Boom’Audio’s 150’s decal and Team Soundstream’s Abdul with his Boomin’Audios’ 155’s decal.
Mike Stoeckmann, Tune Time Stereo owner, stated “We do several Sound-Off events each year with the largest in December. Events like this provide a venue for competitors, many who are our customers, a place to compete and show their systems. Events like this also puts car audio, and other mobile electronics products, in front of consumers.”
Jeffrey Fernandez (L) is shown with Soundstream Beast and his Boomin’Audio’s 155’s decal.
Area rep firm Paragon Sales staff members Wayne Smedile and Mike Rios were on site also. Rios commented, “We like supporting our dealers and brands we represent at sound off events. Mike at Tune Time Stereo really does it right. There were food trucks on site with Tacos and funnel cakes that everyone enjoyed.”
12VOLTCENTRAL STUDIOS (07.20.2021) – Jammin’ N July… it’s summertime and time to ‘Crank it Up’! Those words, and that message, can grab positive attention across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for members of the 12volt industry to show how they are ‘Crankin’ it Up’ in the summertime. With a smartphone Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO your company and activities could be in the news.
This past week the 12volt Central Studios showed companies Jammin’ N July. MSC was conducting DSP trainings in the company’s Mesa AZ facility. Tree Associates was working with Magnadyne in Chicago at House of Electronics. Weser Sales was showcasing new Precision Power Vertical PowerClass amps to Stereo Base in Haywood CA. Sanford Sounds was shown moving forward with a new location and trip to KnowledgeFest. John Pavlik prepared to celebrate the company’s 50-Year Anniversary in Lansing MI. Alpine and Online Marketing hosted Alpine DSP Trainings at Columbus Car Audio.
Online Marketing was on the road showing the new JBL Stadium subs in Dayton OH with Car Stereo Max. KICKER was at the KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Gallup NM. ST Mobile Audio was at a fundraiser in Hope AR. dB Drag Racing competitors gathered at Tune Time in Redlands CA for a Boomin’Audio event. And there was much more news about products.
Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, that just won’t go away, brought stimulus checks that delivered a spike in overall 12volt sales through the first half of 2021.
It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in their showrooms. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms. Those retailers are Jammin’ N July.
Sound-off events are returning in many areas and that showcases organizations, competitors and retailers Jammin’ N July.
From the 12volt Central Studioswe will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12volt makes that easier than ever. Snap and Txt an image with a smartphone to 318 465 0844. PRESTO, your image could show all your company is Jammin’ N July!
METAIRIE, LA (07.19.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced that the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the 2020-2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is now available with an MSRP of $299.95.
Get a head-turning style on your C8 with a new color-changing DRL accessory from ORACLE Lighting. “Our 2020-2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette ColorSHIFT RGB+A DRL kit allows you to upgrade your lights to any color imaginable,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of product development. “It includes turn signal functionality so that the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature for the turn signal.”
Use one of Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Corvette C8 color-changing lights to choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use.
Installation is simple and does not require disassembling or cutting the headlights. Simply replace the factory DRL circuit board with Oracle’s ColorSHIFT circuit board and connect to the Oracle ColorSHIFT controller of your choice.
“Getting a custom look on your Corvette shouldn’t be a hassle,” Hartenstein continued. “We’ve engineered this product for the best user experience possible. The straight-forward plug-and-play wiring makes the install easy even for a novice. We also used a new heat sink design so there won’t be any surprises down the road. This provides more efficient thermal management that is crucial to ensure peak performance and longevity for the customer.”
Additional features and specifications include:
Bright output with less power consumption
True amber turn signal functionality
Control colors, brightness, speed, and functions with controller
Customized look with even more personalization with ColorSHIFT technology
1-year warranty
“White and amber are road-legal colors… other colors are not intended for on-road use so please verify your state and local driving laws,” Hartenstein concluded. “Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge LED kits are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
HOLLY HILL, FL (07.19.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping two new dash kits with their biggest built-in touchscreen yet; a 7-inch color display. These new TurboTouch dash kits are the first of their kind, with previous kits in this series having a 4.3-inch built-in touchscreen in addition to the opening for the aftermarket radio screen. The 95-6552B dash kit fits 2015 and up* Dodge Charger models and the 95-6553B fits 2015 and up* Chrysler 300 models, giving the interior a high-tech, upgraded look and feel. The kits include the necessary wiring harness, antenna adapter, steering wheel control interface, USB/AUX-IN replacement panel, and data interface for a complete installation.
On both kits, the built-in 7-inch touchscreen displays and controls all climate and most of the personalization features that would typically be lost when removing the factory radio components. The kits also retain the factory audio controls on the steering wheel, retain the factory backup camera, safety chimes, and R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power). Modifications are necessary for the bottom part of the dashboard, and replacement parts to retain the USB panel and the factory 3.5mm AUX-IN jack are included. These kits also provide accessory power (12volt 10-amp) and provide NAV outputs for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense. Balance and fade audio features are also retained, but only in non-amplified models. Both dash kits are designed for standard Double-DIN radios to go below the built-in 7-inch touchscreen and are painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory appearance.
95-6552B: Fits 2015-up* Dodge Charger
95-6553B: Fits 2015-up* Chrysler 300
Product Specifications
Built-in 7-inch color touchscreen display for climate and personalization features
Includes Axxess interface to retain the climate and steering wheel control functions
Provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp)
Retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power)
Provides NAV outputs (parking brake, reverse, speed sense)
Retains audio controls on the steering wheel
Retains safety warning chimes
Retains the factory backup camera
Retains the factory 3.5mm AUX-IN jack and USB (with replacement parts included)
Retains balance and fade (non-amplified models only)
Works in both amplified and non-amplified systems
Sub-dash modifications are necessary
Painted scratch-resistant matte black
Wiring harness included
Antenna adapter included
Micro “B” USB updatable
Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.
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