FLOWER MOUND, TX (11.19.24) – Uniden America, a leading provider of radar and laser detection systems, is excited to announce a new partnership with Radar-Mirror.com, a premier provider of custom rearview mirror radar and display integrations. Radar-Mirror.com will now offer full support for Uniden’s latest R9w radar and laser system, providing customers with a powerful, discreet solution for radar detection and laser protection.
The Uniden R9w radar detector is designed for top-tier performance with Wi-Fi connectivity, extended range, and precise laser protection. This high-performance system provides drivers with unparalleled protection against speed enforcement, and with Radar-Mirror.com support, customers can seamlessly integrate the R9w system within custom rearview mirror displays. This option offers a clean, concealed installation that maintains the vehicle’s original design while maximizing functionality.
“Uniden is thrilled to partner with Radar-Mirror.com, enhancing the install options for R9w customers who value a discreet, customized installation,” said Ray Woolf, Director of Specialty Radar Sales for Uniden. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering advanced radar systems that provide the highest level of protection while blending seamlessly into the vehicle.”
Radar-Mirror.com is renowned for its expertise in custom integrations, delivering solutions that uphold the aesthetic integrity of each vehicle. Now supporting Uniden R9w, Radar-Mirror.com offers drivers optimal radar and laser protection without compromising the interior design of their car.
“We’re excited to bring Uniden’s R9w radar system to our custom mirror integrations,” said Scott Wheeler, Owner of Radar-Mirror.com. “This partnership allows us to offer our customers a concealed, high-performance radar solution, combining the latest in detection technology with our commitment to a seamless design.”
The Uniden R9w is now available through Uniden’s authorized retailers, and custom integration services for the R9w are available at Radar-Mirror.com.
RENO, NV (11.18.24) – THE AMA KICKER Arenacross 2024-2025 Series kicked off in the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for the new season on Friday, November 15th, for a 2-Day run.
“It was great to get back to Reno this year. The Reno-Sparks Livestock venue is perfect for ArenaCross. The whole track area can be seen from the stands and again this year the stands were packed. Also, the lobby was very business as attendees arrived, and in between races, as KICKER dealer Nevada Auto Sound showed new products in the KICKER booth” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media related.
Thomas and Joe, Nevada, Auto Sound, were in the KICKER booth to engage with attendees.
During the AMA KICKER ArenaCross Series pre-racing Track Walk fans had a chance to walk the track mounds and visit the pit area. “The Track Walk was a great way to give fans a fun experience. During the Pit Party fans got to meet and talk with their favorite their favorite riders and check out their bikes” Morrell added.
Time on the track allowed attendees to visit with their favorite riders and check out their bikes.
As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcers let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being tossed into the stands to attendees. The certificate was for a KICKER Bullfrog. Once again the child of a fan came to the KICKER booth and pickup the Bullfrog prize from Lorin Morrell.
On the track riders were flying high as they went over the mounds.
This young man caught the Kicker T-shirt with a slip for a free Bullfrog and Lorin Morrell, along with Thomas from Nevada Auto Sound, presented the Bullfrog.
Thomas and Joe from KICKER Reno dealer Nevada Auto Sound talked with enthusiasts and many had questions about what KICKER products would be best for their rides. The KICKER PowerBar was once again grabbed a lot of interest in the booth. Fans from the area also had questions about KICKER products for their trucks, boats, cars, bikes and side-by-sides.
Nevada Auto Sound has served the Northern Nevada area for over 50 years and has taken pride in building not only a helpful and knowledgeable crew, but also a crew that works together as a family.
TORRANCE, CA (11.18.24) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a leader in vehicle safety and driver awareness technology, announced the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror at the 2024 SEMA Show. The R10-SPL package includes a high-definition Rear View Camera CM-AHD1 and a universal mounting solution at an MSRP of an affordable $199.00.
Key Features of the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror
Display & Viewing: The 9.35-inch full mirror display has a high resolution of 1280×320 pixels, providing clear front and rear views with split-screen capability and mirror flip for ease of use.
Advanced Dual-Channel Recording, the video recorder records from two cameras simultaneously, and you can also display the image from both cameras on the screen simultaneously.
Equipped with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, the front camera handles both strong light suppression and low-light compensation, ensuring clear recordings in any light condition. Other advanced features include a G-sensor, 24-hour parking monitoring, and loop recording.
One-Wire Installation: Simplifies wiring for a neat setup.
The R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror offers a range of customizable features, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences. From changing languages to adjusting volume, using just the parking line, connecting GPS, activating sleeping mode, or formatting a Micro SD card, the R10-SPL puts you in the driver’s seat.
Packaged with a versatile removable mounting stem structure, the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror allows exchange with Rydeen’s available mounting systems. The standard VSM-AV is included (attaches to the mirror). Optional VSM-UNI2 is available for ball joint type original mount steams for a wide variety of applications.
Rydeen CEO Philip Maeda explains the value of the easy-to-install R10-SPL, “A car DVR is an indispensable device for every car enthusiast, ensuring your safety on the road. The R10-SPL integrates a high-performance rearview mirror with a built-in wide-angle 2MP camera with DVR capability. It records the situation in front of and behind the car, thanks to two cameras with a Full HD 1080p resolution and stabilization.
If you’re involved in an incident, the R10-SPL will record it.” For the name of local Rydeen retail outlets, call 1-310-787-7880. Check out other Rydeen Mobile products at www.rydeenmobile.com and on Rydeen social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok for the latest updates and developments. Editors: Download high-resolution R10-SPL images at https://rydeenmobile.com/product/r10-spl-9-3-streaming-mirror/
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.24) – The 2024 SEMA Show has officially concluded, solidifying its status as the global epicenter of automotive innovation. The event brought together over 2,400 exhibitors, including 580 first-time exhibitors, and attracted more than 160,000 attendees from 140 countries celebrating the industry at events throughout SEMA Week. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 5-8, this year’s Show encompassed 1.2 million net square feet of indoor space and acres of outdoor exhibit space and activations showcasing groundbreaking products, cutting-edge technologies, and forward-thinking custom builds. The scope, energy and passion reaffirmed the SEMA Show as the premier automotive aftermarket event shaping the future of the industry.
“SEMA 2024 was a true celebration of where the automotive aftermarket industry is headed,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA President and CEO. “This year, we saw a remarkable convergence of innovation, collaboration, and passion, with exhibitors, builders, and enthusiasts all coming together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation was the heart of SEMA Show 2024, driving the merger of creativity and technology across the Show floor.”
Whether it was the unveiling of next-gen products like the Revv ADAS Plus, Milltek Forge Motorsport E-DV electronic diverter valve solution, or innovative designs like the Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the event demonstrated that SEMA is not just a trade show—it’s a catalyst for industry evolution.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 SEMA Show was packed with visionary products and builds that underscore the continuous advancement of the aftermarket industry:
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept: A nod to 90s rally heritage, this build merges modern day performance with vintage rally design, embodying Toyota’s commitment to motorsports innovation.
Ram REV & Dodge Charger Banshee Concept: Electrification meets performance in these two bold concept vehicles, showcasing the growing trend of electric performance vehicles in the aftermarket space.
SEMA Battle of the Builders: The category champions for the 2024 Battle of the Builders—including overall champion Noah Alexander’s ’68 Dodge Charger (Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck), Bruce Yarnell’s ’65 Aston Martin DB5 (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Connor McElvain’s ’69 Datsun 2000 Roadster (Young Guns), and Rob Lindsay’s ’49 Willys Pickup (Off-Road)—demonstrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking approaches of the industry’s best custom builders.
Custom Autosound’s USA-850 DigaDial™: The virtual screen radio allows user a choice of four distinct, one-of-a kind displays, from a classic analog look to all-digital RDS display, as well as improved audio refinements.
FutureTech Studio: A highlight of the 2024 show, the FutureTech Studio presented next-generation technologies that are transforming the automotive world. From advanced EV innovations to autonomous driving systems, this space provided a glimpse into the future of the industry.
SEMA SHOW CELEBRITIES: STARS BEHIND THE WHEEL A staple for celebrity appearances and star-powered moments, the 2024 SEMA Show attracted major attention from both the entertainment and motorsports worlds. Among the most anticipated reveals was country music sensation Kane Brown’s custom F250 King Ranch. Displayed at the American Force Wheels booth, the stunning build had crowds buzzing as fans lined up for a glimpse of the star’s personalized ride.
Chip Foose, legendary designer, brought his unmistakable touch to a number of custom builds, and Akira Nakai (known for his work with RAUH-Welt Begriff or RWB) created a one-of-a-kind Porsche 997—a milestone as his first-ever build at the SEMA Show, continuing his legacy of perfection and influence in the world of custom cars.
SEMA FEST & CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY WITH FANS SEMA Fest expanded the Show’s reach by offering the public a chance to engage with cutting-edge automotive designs, live music, and motorsports. Featuring performances from bands like Cage the Elephant and Sublime, SEMA Fest brought together music, motorsports, and automotive culture for an unforgettable experience.
The SEMA Cruise was another crowd-pleaser, with more than 1,200 vehicles parading down Convention Center Drive, giving attendees a final chance to see some of the most innovative and jaw-dropping builds up close.
SEMA also opened its doors, literally and digitally, through the Friday Enthusiast Experience, an opportunity for the public to experience the Show on its final day, and SEMA Live, the Show’s first ever livestream, which attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world, giving the SEMA Show a true global audience.
SEMA SHOW 2024: MORE THAN JUST A TRADE SHOW The 2024 SEMA Show was more than just a celebration of the latest products—it was an exploration of the future. The event served its role as the industry’s innovation epicenter, where attendees engaged in 80+ seminars, hands-on workshops, and networking events designed to keep them ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
SEMA’s advocacy efforts were also front and center, underscoring the importance of collaboration across the industry. With initiatives like the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC), SEMA continues to advocate for policies that protect and promote the automotive aftermarket, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sector.
THE ROAD AHEAD: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY POWERED BY INNOVATION The SEMA Show 2024 closed with an electrifying sense of optimism. As the global leader in automotive innovation, SEMA once again demonstrated how the aftermarket industry is evolving.
By championing collaboration, sustainability, and next-gen technologies, the show remains the essential destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to shape the future of automotive culture.
“We’re excited by the groundbreaking innovations showcased at SEMA 2024,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The future of the automotive aftermarket has never been brighter, and SEMA is where it all begins.”
For more information and show highlights, visit SEMA Show 2024.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.24) – The second decade of the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, got underway with Noah Alexander winning the contest with his ’68 Dodge Charger. Alexander won the Hot Rod/ Hot Rod Truck category and edged out the other class champions – Bruce Yarnell’s ’65 Aston Martin DB5 (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Rob Lindsay’s ’49 Willys Pickup (4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road), and Connor McElvain’s ’69 Datsun 2000 Roadster (Young Guns) – to secure the overall title.
Noah Alexander and the team at Classic Car Studio in St. Louis, Mo., won the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers competition at the 2024 SEMA Show with their ’68 Dodge Charger.
The victory was a testament to the craftsmanship and fabrication skills of Alexander and the team at Classic Car Studio in St. Louis, Mo., whose ’68 Dodge Charger faced off against 171 other entries at the 2024 SEMA Show.
“The competition from this year’s Battle of the Builders was intense, and to come away with a win is something our shop will never forget,” said Alexander. “Some of the people we look up to the most in the industry have won this award, so to appear alongside those people is really incredible.”
The winning build came to fruition following a chance meeting with the car’s owner, Ed Ganzinotti, in the checkout line at a Barrett-Jackson auction six years ago. After owning the car for 20 years, Ganzinotti, a Houston native, reached out to Alexander to spruce up the Charger.
“We were going to fix some paint issues, do an interior refresh, and rebuild the engine. We said, ‘Ed, before we start, come to our shop, see what we’re capable of, and become somewhat of a regular as we work on this build,’ ” said Alexander. After visiting the shop, Ganzinotti commissioned the team to build him “the baddest Charger out there.”
The ’68 Dodge Charger features original sheetmetal that was refined with sharpened body lines, a relocated wheelbase, shaved drip rails, flush-mounted glass, custom hood and trunk skins, and a bespoke belly pan. Built on an altered wheelbase Roadster Shop chassis, all suspension components were body-worked and painted.
The car is powered by the original 440-cid Dick Landy engine with eight-stack fuel injection and a deburred, smoothed block. Inside the vehicle, a custom dash features one-off milled bezels, unique seats and door panels, and a package tray with Missouri black walnut accents.
“The best part about the build is that it has incredible drop-down lines from the factory, so we wanted to keep that intact. We set out to modify as much as possible while being subtle and keeping it timeless,” said Alexander. “It’s one of those cars where you have to step back to appreciate everything. There’s lots of crazy metalwork on there, but we wanted to keep it looking like a Charger. It’s a fully functional, nice driving car.”
To learn more about SEMA Battle of the Builders and this year’s finalists, visit www.semabotb.com.
BROOKLYN, NY (11.14.24) – The Proline Car Stereo Utica Avenue second floor meeting room was filled Tuesday night November 12th for a very detailed Kenwood Sales training meeting. Morris Hartman, Team Progressive area Kenwood representative, put the meeting together.
Staff members are focused on the screens and the video presentation.
Eyes were trained on the screens even through dinner.
Sister Company, Brooklyn Car Audio, also had their staff members in the house. The Proline Car Stereo meeting room is maxed out with large video screens and multifunction connectivity options.
Hartman related “There were 18 staff members seated as Kelvin Rivera, Kenwood East Coast trainer, was on the screen and presented the training basics as I was able to interact with him to engage all in the audience. Store owners, Will Sullivan and Shef Sadik, are also in the house and food was supplied to enjoy sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
With the well equipped monitors in the training room all could easily follow Kelvin Rivera’s presentation.
“Kelvin did a terrific job with his engaging presentation. The Kenwood product line covers so many product categories that have features-rich for consumers-behind the wheel, on a bide or in a boat, there is so much to learn. Following the Kenwood meeting our sales teams are ready to connect customers with Kenwood products” Sadik relayed.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.14.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the recipients of its Visionary 8 honor program, recognizing rising stars who are making a positive impact within the automotive aftermarket.
New for 2024, the SEMA Visionary 8 program honors eight young professionals aged 35 and under who are on track to change and/or advance the automotive specialty-equipment market. Criteria include having active industry involvement and the demonstrated talent, innovation, integrity, success, and leadership that is needed to become a driver of the industry.
“This year’s honorees have a passion for the industry and a work ethic that is truly inspiring,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. “We are proud to recognize their fresh perspectives, dedication to personal advancement, and out-of-the-box thinking that is pushing the industry forward.”
Each Visionary 8 recipient was recognized at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be featured in an in-depth article in an upcoming issue of SEMA magazine.
SEMA recognized the winners of the inaugural Visionary 8 honor program, which honors young professionals aged 35 and under who are advancing the automotive specialty-equipment market, at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The 2024 SEMA Visionary 8 are: Cavan Cameron, Car Designer and Student, Horizon Motorsports Joe Gregory, Project Engineer-TrailFX, LKQ Specialty Product Group Nicole Hamilton, Director of Marketing, Engaged Media Zack Hampton, Owner, Chromotize Melanie Henry, Communications and Traffic Manager, Martin & Company Advertising Solomon Lunger, Founder, Solos MFG Kevin Sayo, Founder, Dongar Technologies LLC Dan Ziegler, Business Partner Integration Manager, Turn 14 Distribution “I’m honored. I’ve never won anything like this before,” said Hamilton. “This is a huge accomplishment for me and I’m very excited for it.”
Entrepreneurship, insight, integrity, responsibility, and demonstrated skill all weighed heavily in the judges’ decision-making process. Nominations for next year’s SEMA Visionary 8 will open in Summer of 2025.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.13.24) – The 2024 SEMA Show was a major success, drawing attention from across the automotive industry for its showcase of new innovations and product launches. Manufacturers seized the opportunity to introduce their latest technologies and offerings, setting the stage for trends in the year ahead. Industry professionals were able to experience these cutting-edge products firsthand, gaining valuable insights and networking in the vibrant setting of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The event solidified its status as the premier platform for automotive advancements, creating a dedicated space where industry leaders and businesses could connect and inspire for the year ahead.
Relive the highlights of the 2024 SEMA Show through recap videos of the inaugural SEMA Live livestream, which offered viewers around the world unprecedented, up-close access to the show floor.
Watch the SEMA Live recap videos on the SEMA Show YouTube, and see below for the Show Day 4 video. Want to relive the SEMA Show all year long? Visit semagear.com to stock up on your favorite designs from this year’s event! Free shipping on orders over $100 (restrictions may apply).
MANCHESTER, CN (11.13.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers opens in Manchester, marking the third Connecticut location for the rapidly expanding brand.
Gregory Nussbaum, an experienced business development professional with a passion for the automotive industry, owns and operates Tint World Manchester. His location will provide daily commuters, road trippers and passionate automotive enthusiasts premium window tint solutions, custom audio upgrades, aftermarket performance services, security and safety enhancements and more.
“Manchester and its surrounding towns are a perfect fit for Tint World’s services,” Nussbaum said. “Events like the annual Cruisin’ on Main Street demonstrate a passion for automobiles in the area that matches my own, and our world-class tinting, paint protection and security upgrades will help families extend the life of their transportation. Tint World’s stellar reputation, extensive catalogue of automotive solutions and smooth onboarding made them the easy choice for me, and I’m excited to be a part of bringing the brand to drivers in the area.”
Nussbaum’s passion for cars began with his father, who introduced him to car shows and taught him how to drive a manual. This early exposure fueled a lifelong enthusiasm, leading him to join car clubs, organize rallies, and work in the automotive industry.
“We’re identifying new markets every day, and this third location in Connecticut serves to highlight the growing desire for the premium automotive aftermarket solutions we provide,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Drivers today want their vehicles to last, and quality-focused individuals want to personalize their vehicles with the very best upgrades. Gregory is a welcome addition to our family and the ideal owner to answer this demand in Manchester. I’m confident his professional business background and passion for cars will ensure customers receive the best service, and we’re eager to see his success at Tint World Manchester.”
Tint World Manchester is located at 29 Pavilions Dr, Manchester, Connecticut 06042 and serves drivers in Manchester, Glastonbury, Bolton, Vernon, South Windsor, Hartford and East Hartford.
To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Manchester, call (860) 423-6616 or visit the store online.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.11.24) – Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh, an automotive restyling shop in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the winner of the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a competition that raises awareness of the customization of new-model vehicles. Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh won the award for its accessory package for the 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid.
Held at the SEMA Show by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a SEMA council, the competition challenges automotive restylers to create and install an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. The main driver of the program is to show fellow restylers, dealers, and accessory manufacturers the value of designing and offering a marketable package rather than a “one-time” vehicle.
The winning vehicle is voted on by a panel of judges based on four criteria: marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity, and profitability.
“The aftermarket gives the ability for people to have options, and it doesn’t have to be extremely expensive and it can be unique,” said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. “Classic Soft Trim created a unique package with the branding ‘northern lights’ that really carried throughout the whole build. The judges liked the overlanding aspect, but it also wasn’t so hardcore for somebody who just wants a cool look on their vehicle.”
The 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid includes: Alea Leather Interior-Northern Lights Alea Carbon Fiber Heating Pads Ironman 4×4 Uber Lite Rooftop Tent Ironman 4×4 2” ATS Suspension Lift Kit Ironman 4×4 Front Bumper Guard Ironman 4×4 Atlas Roof Rack Cross Bars Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Lights Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Light Covers (Amber) Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires (4) Enkei Overlander Wheels (4) SeatbeltPlanet Reweb Seatbelts – Lime Green Trim Illusion Mirror & Door Handle Caps XK Glow LED Undercar Lights VOXX 10” Smart TV Seatback System Llumar Driver & Passenger Front Window Tint TSS Roof & Accents Wrap & Badges
“This award goes to my team, the vendors that helped us along the way, and the dealership that gave us this car. It’s been a blast,” said Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh owner Ray Bedner.
Auto Trim Restyling from Ballwin, Mo, won the PRO Cup Challenge People’s Choice Award, as voted by SEMA Showgoers. Auto Trim Restyling customized a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 that showcased accessories from Avery Dennison, Method Race Wheels, Nitto, ORACLE Lighting, Rigid Industries, Westcott Designs, and WheelPros.
Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Auto Trim Design of Utah (2024 Hyundai Santa Fe), Automotive Concepts (2024 Chevrolet Silverado), Keystone Styling (2024 Ford F150), and MARS of Billings (2024 Ford Bronco).
For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit SEMA.org/PRO.