LITTLETON, CO (06.17.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues to build its footprint in Colorado with its fourth location in the state.
Owned and operated by George Boudouris, Tint World Littleton offers comprehensive automotive styling, performance and safety services, including window tint, paint protection film, ceramic coatings, and professional detailing, to drivers in the southern Denver metropolitan area.
The inviting showroom highlighted with signature Tint World colors.
Informative wall displays guide customers through products.
From day one, the Install bay has been busy.
Classics are coming in for window tint work and paint protection.
“We’re proud to expand the Tint World brand in Colorado and to introduce the leading automotive service and products to the Littleton area,” Boudouris said. “Tint World has a proven record of success. Their reputation for quality and value enhances the powerful franchise systems and support that drive the company’s fast growth in a highly competitive industry.”
It was spa day for this Porsche.
Bikes too at Tint World!
Tint World Littleton is located at 151 West Country Line Road, Littleton, CO 80129. To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Littleton, call (303) 300-8747 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/littleton-101/.
“George is a welcome addition to the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He has the commitment and passion we look for, and we know Tint World Littleton will have a positive impact on its customers while helping us continue to elevate our brand globally.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.17.24) – SEMA — the Specialty Equipment Market Association — is deeply disappointed that California’s Senate Bill (SB) 301, legislation aimed at incentivizing the conversion of gas and diesel-powered cars into Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), was vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, SB 301 sought to establish the groundbreaking Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) under the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Despite being lauded as a “Job Creator” by the California Chamber of Commerce and receiving unanimous support from lawmakers, the bill faced a veto at the Governor’s desk. This program would have provided rebates of up to $4,000 to California residents undertaking the conversion of eligible used vehicles, with stringent guidelines ensuring compliance with safety, range, and affordability criteria.
This missed opportunity is glaring, especially as California boasts several programs promoting new ZEV purchases but lacks support for ZEV conversions of existing gas-powered vehicles. This setback hinders the rollout of a program that bolsters cleaner air, reduces carbon emissions, and fuels job growth and economic prosperity statewide.
California’s reputation as an innovation hub rings hollow with this veto. SB301 was poised to be a catalyst for progress. With over 149,000 jobs and a significant $40 billion economic impact, the specialty automotive aftermarket stands as a vital contributor to California’s economy. This bill represented a chance to supercharge the industry, aligning seamlessly with the Governor’s stated priority of advancing cleaner vehicles.
“SEMA is profoundly disappointed by Governor Newsom’s lack of foresight in vetoing SB 301,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA’s president and CEO. “This legislation would have advanced environmental sustainability and leveled the playing field for aftermarket conversions while fostering innovation, supporting small businesses, and providing consumers with affordable and sustainable transportation options.”
SEMA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that promote innovation and sustainability within the automotive industry. While SB 301 may not have secured the Governor’s signature this time, SEMA will continue collaborating with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the community to advance initiatives that drive innovation.
For inquiries or further information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.
DALLAS, TX (06.14.24) – SSRU 1.3, entitled Acoustics & Tuning, took place at the Dallas office where local 12-volt specialists & their staff were in attendance and all but overcrowded the lavish SSR Dallas training facilities. Hosting the event as usual was VP of Sales & Operations, Tracy Farr & his stellar sales staff.
Attendance all but overcrowded the lavish SSR Dallas training facilities.
“Company Director of Marketing & Dealer Outreach, Paul Galanos, delivered a compelling seminar in grand fashion,” stated Farr.
From simple acoustic theory to an introductory exploration into the world of digital sound processing, Galanos explained how to plan and execute a stellar install based on simple acoustic fundamentals and attacking any lingering deficiencies with active sound processing.
Paul Galanos conducting the training at SSR-U.
“Attendees interacted with one another to share knowledge and experience and worked together to develop an understanding of new concepts meant to help propel them into the next generation of install, tuning, and staying up to date on new tech” Galanos related.
Galanos (R) presenting a PRV prize to the winner of the drawing after the training certificate presentations.
SSR University will return in one month’s time to the DFW area for installment 1.4 entitled “Sound Processing 101” – AND in the meantime will be kicking off another Houston installment; details to be released soon!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.13.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is preparing for a momentous event this year. More than 2,400 brands will exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show, including hundreds of new companies revealing their products and services.
“The industry continues to innovate, creating new solutions to shape the future of automotive. In turn this has fueled demand and increased sales, and the tremendous support for this year’s SEMA Show is a reflection of the growth and energy of the marketplace,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The industry is eager to come together, conduct business, and make connections that will result in future success.”
Among the more than 2,400 companies exhibiting at the Nov. 5-8 event in Las Vegas are iconic brands such as Flaming River, Katzkin, Kia, McLeod, Mopar/Stellantis, Snap-on, and Truck Hero.
“There are many line items in Katzkin’s marketing expenses, and nothing comes close to the investment we make in attending the SEMA Show every year, but in our experience, the returns far exceed the investment,” said Katzkin Creative Director Miles Hubbard. “SEMA provides a venue unlike any other where we can launch new products, demonstrate our existing capabilities, speak face-to-face with thousands of people who work in our industry exclusively, and just show off.”
Automaker Kia is returning to the SEMA Show after a brief hiatus. “Kia has been a fan of SEMA and the larger tuner community for many years,” said Kia Vice President of Marketing Russell Wager. “This event has provided the backdrop for many of our most iconic vehicle programs, including concept versions of Stinger, Forte, and Soul. We look forward to shaking things up and sharing ‘electrifying’ news once again in 2024.”
Simple Green, a global market leader in environmentally safer cleaning products, is among the hundreds of first-time exhibitors at this year’s SEMA Show. “SEMA show attendees represent the full spectrum of auto professionals – you’ll find media, manufacturers, buyers, retailers, exhibitors, detailers, fabricators, and more. This mix of tradition and experience, coupled with youthful enthusiasm and innovation, makes the SEMA show such an attractive place for brands like Simple Green,” said Simple Green Content Marketing Manager Selena Nutter. “This is an audience that is hungry for high-performance, innovative aftermarket products, which makes it the ideal place for any brand to showcase products designed for people that love vehicles both inside and out.”
In addition to connecting with thousands of leading brands, SEMA Show attendees will experience the world’s largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase, the latest vehicle builds, and new activations and areas dedicated to future technology. Show goers can also participate in world-class education tracks and seminars, unique events, and SEMA Fest, a celebration of music and car culture.
Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize their ROI; registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. Participants can also make hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.
“With the latest products, leading brands, immersive experiences, and thought leaders from every facet of the industry, this is a can’t miss event,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We’re dedicated to providing attendees with an unparalleled experience that will help their business and professional career grow.”
Spaces are still available for companies who would like to exhibit and connect with tens of thousands of qualified buyers at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.
ITASCA, IL (06.13.24) – Lucas Lighting, a Chicago based company, announces additional growth plans with the addition of automotive batteries as well as Jim Warren joining the executive team.
Mike Hong, Lucas ’president and founder said, “Lucas Lighting has really resonated with our customers in North America. The reliability of our products combined with solid profitability has been a very successful formula. We now have opportunities to expand outside of North America as well as in our home markets.”
Jim Warren joins Lucas as Executive Director and will be leading many of these growth initiatives in tandem with the executive team, which also includes industry veteran Ken Wiseman, who continues as National Sales Manager. For the past seven years, Jim has led the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Prior to EDA, Jim was Vice President of Merchandising at Car Toys (Seattle) and SVP Sales and Marketing at Harman International.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim over the last three years in his prior position. His leadership and experience with national, international, major and key accounts will be a tremendous asset to our group and business partners as he takes on this new role. He has been fantastic to interact with both on business and personal levels,” states Steve Rogers, now Vice President over all of Lucas YH holdings.
Jim commented, “For the past several years I’ve watched Lucas Lighting’s leadership in the rapidly growing lighting category. Lucas Lighting is the premium brand with unparalleled performance. It’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help grow the brand both here in the United States and worldwide.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.12.24) – Tickets for the 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., are now available at http://www.sema.org/gala. The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious annual celebration to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.
“The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends during a special night in which we celebrate the icons of our industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It’s an honor to be able to celebrate these individuals whose work and contributions have helped enrich and grow the aftermarket.”
The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for July 19 at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.
Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala) has helped recognize and connect industry leaders who share a common passion and love for the industry. Among this year’s honorees are 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Chris Kersting, Jack Priegel, Les Rudd, and Jon Wyly.
The SEMA Cares Industry Cup Challenge will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering companies an opportunity to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar and challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various children’s charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp, and Victory Junction. The Industry Cup Challenge winner will take home a trophy with their company named engraved among past winners, with the trophy to be returned the following year in a Stanley Cup style tradition. Additionally, a SEMA PAC reception will be held immediately following the Gala.
For more information and to secure a seat or table at the annual celebration, visit http://www.sema.org/gala. For more information about SEMA Cares or to sponsor an Industry Cup Challenge race car, visit this link.
For information about the SEMA PAC reception, contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.12.24) – Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifiers make playback with RICHER QUALITY audio powered through a classic-size Hifonics amplifier footprint. Infuse your Hifonics sound system with cleaner layers of power and higher-quality sound through Colossus Classic amplifiers. HEAR MORE. FEEL MORE.
With reinvented Colossus sound featured in every Colossus Classic amplifier – the Hifonics Colossus Classic line of amplifiers includes mainly monoblock amplifiers and a 4-channel amplifier that elevates sound to Colossus levels.
Every Colossus Classic amplifier includes innovative high-temperature impact-resistant nickel-plated connectors allowing for complete and secure termination of wire and create an erosion-resistant seal.
Pro-Fi™ Output Device Technology: The Ultra-Fi™ MOSFET is designed for music production vs. just electronics output power. It produces very musical high power with high efficiency for cooling and minimal distortion.
A heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink efficiently moves heat from the MOSFET for superior dissipation creating sound that is crisp and clean.
With a secure molded connection terminal for every Power, Ground, and Speaker, connection – the connection type is angled for ease of access while creating clean and organized wire management.
Super D-Class design utilizes high-speed microprocessors through critical proprietary D/A conversion algorithms – resulting in lower distortion playback, upping audio performance to Colossus standards of sound.
Control every Colossus Classic amplifier with a built-in/variable crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers and obtain variable bass boost up to +10dB with the bass equalizer (4-channel amplifiers only).
Additionally – an extruded aluminum heat sink minimizes heat buildup on Ultra-Fi™ output devices. Creating POWER FROM THE GODS performance in a classic Hifonics amplifier size, Colossus Classic amplifiers showcase audio in richer quality, adding layers of details and higher sound throughout every song.
Take in more from all of your audio and sound through incredible detail powered through COLOSSUS EXPECTATIONS. The Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifier line delivers cleaner performance in playback and power.
Feel Colossus change your Hifonics audio system forever.
Learn more HERE about the entire line of Colossus Classic amplifiers.
WASHOUGAL, WA ((06.11.24) – “The Show gonna be a party and we would love to have area dealers come and join us to take advantage of incredible deals, food & beverages and FUN!! We will have some manufacturers on site to present their products and answer any questions that you may have” Scott Chapin related.
The Falcon HQ will welcome dealers to the event with plenty of space on the grounds for demos and cars.
Continuing “Demo vehicles will be onsite and we would love for you to bring your cars to show off while you are here! Of course there will be free goodies and some giveaways to be raffled off each day. Please read the attached announcement for more details.”
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SHOW : JUNE 13TH AND JUNE 14TH !
Scott Chapin, Mike Hall, Kam Frisbee and Dave Gates will be on site from Falcon Sales & Marketing. Tom Miller will be in the house from AM Merchandising.
Brands scheduled to be on site include Morel, Jensen, Dual, PowerBass, Wet Sounds, UTV Stereo, Sound Skins, KICKER, Massive Audio and Sony. Factory vehicles to be on site include KICKER, Alpine and UTV Stereo.
The racks are stacked full on inventory that will be priced to roll out the show door.
A wide selection of accessories will also be tagged with event super deals.
Massive Audio’s John Velez related “JR Mares and I are looking forward to our trip to the Falcon and AM Show. We will have info on new products coming plus a chance to win a new GTR8 sub.”
Jeff Petersen, with UTV Stereo, stated “The PowerSports category is hot and we have the widest selection of products and I look forward to crankin’ up the volume on Dave Gates’ Side x Side that is loaded with UTV Stereo gear.”
Industry veteran Doug Kern recently joined Dual and Jensen. Doug will be in the house looks forward to showing the latest product lineup.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.11.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at http://www.sema.org/awards. Comprised of Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Channel Partner of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year, the awards honor leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over the past year. Nominations close July 12.
“SEMA Industry Awards are a testament to those who have enhanced the industry at remarkable levels through their ingenuity, service, or outstanding business practices,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “The nomination process is crucial as it helps us identify and recognize those who are pushing new boundaries in the automotive world.”
For award consideration, honorees must have exhibited professionalism, service, integrity, and ethics that propelled the industry forward. In 2023, Jon Delgado of Repairify was awarded Gen-III Innovator of the Year for leading the engineering of the patented asTech Rules Engine, which uses empirical data to present users with the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic scan option specific to a given vehicle.
Repairify’s Jon Delgado, left, was the recipient of the 2023 Gen-III Innovator of the Year award.
“Winning Gen-III Innovator of the Year validated my years of hard work and dedication to this industry,” said Delgado. “It felt like a milestone that not only celebrated my past achievements but also inspired me to aim higher and push the boundaries of innovation going forward.” Delgado said he was inspired by rapid advancements in technology and described winning the award as a “truly transformative experience.”
For other past SEMA Industry Award honorees, such as 2023 Channel Partner of the Year winner Summit Racing Equipment, the recognition highlights the importance of industry partnerships, a factor that is considered during the award selection process. “Our team works hard to provide world-class service to our customers and business partners alike,” said Summit Racing Equipment President and CEO Scott J. Peterson. “Not because they are trying to gain recognition or prove anything, but because they believe in and help drive our vision. They truly care, and their people-first attitude shows up in everyday actions and conversations.”
Nominations are now open for:
Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology, and/or trends.
Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.
Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.
The SEMA Industry Awards will be presented during SEMA Show week, Nov. 5-8, 2024. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will award both Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, Nov. 7, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year. Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year–a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build– will open in September.
CHICAGO, IL (06.10.24) – The amazing Limo Jet, a Lear Jet 35 on wheels showcased at the recent House of Electronics Dealer Show, is a project Frank DeAngelo has been fostering for over 12 years.
The Limo Jet landed out front of the House of Electronics event and was ready to welcome all.
DeAngelo related “My thought was to create a vehicle that was very unique and could be used to draw consumers to large consumer and public events. Over the years the Limo Jet has been through several make-overs. The Limo Jet we had on site at the recent House of Electronics drew very positive comments from all. We had the same reaction from all at the recent Tri-State Dealer show at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington TX.”
Custom Alumapro subs add to the Limo Jet experience.
The cabin features a comfortable lounge feel with amazing sound and connectivity.
The Limo Jet is the shape of a Lear Jet 35 and placed on a limo frame with a Chevy pickup drive train. The overall length is 40’ and it’s trailered on the highway on a 44’ trailer. The interior was created as a comfortable lounge with a super sound system and video. The sound system with Zapco, ESB, Kenwood and Alumapro extends outside with Race Sport Lighting and amazing carbon hydro enclosures and graphics.
Monitors in the cockpit prepare the pilot for a safe journey.
Every facet of the Limo Jet showcases amazingly custom work.
Teg Manchanda, House of Electronics, stated “I have known Frank for years and we have several friends and business partners in the Chicago area. Ernie Hudnal with Atrend and I have worked together on several 12volt products they produce and he has kept me up to date on the Limo Jet. He indicated how cool it would be to spotlight it at our recent 2024 Dealer Show. We put a deal in place and everyone definitely was amazed when they checked out the Limo Jet. It definittely was on the top of attendees list to check out as they saw the latest products from exhibitors and took advantage of show deals and fun filled Dealer Show.”
The Limo Jet headed to the next event.
For longer trips the Limo Jet hitches a ride on a 44’ trailer.
The Limo Jet is available for celebrity appearances or top social media companies to use for product events and grand openings.