DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.02.24) – Registration for the 2024 SEMA Show is now open at www.semashow.com/register. Taking place Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2024 SEMA Show will reveal the future of the aftermarket as attendees connect with thousands of leading manufacturers showcasing the latest products, trends, and technology in the industry.

Enthusiasm for this year’s SEMA Show continues to build as representatives from more than 2,000 companies prepare to select their exhibit space during Priority Space Selection, April 29-May 15. The weeks-long selection process will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan, which will encompass millions of square feet of displays throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding parking lots.

“The SEMA Show is always a reflection of the marketplace we serve,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The strong enthusiasm already being shown for the 2024 Show is a great illustration of the industry’s relentless drive to innovate. Our goal is to amplify this energy by creating a platform for attendees to connect with industry leaders, network with thousands of qualified professionals, and take their business and career to the next level.”

In addition to seeing the latest trends and technology on the Show floor, the 2024 SEMA Show will feature the world’s largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase, the latest builds, new areas dedicated to the future of EV and propulsion, and world-class education tracks and seminars that give attendees a best-in-class professional development experience. Unique events and activations such as the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, the Industry Banquet, vehicle demonstrations, and SEMA Fest, a celebration of music and car culture, will provide ample opportunities for the industry to unite.

“The SEMA Show campus will look a little different this year as the Las Vegas Convention Center’s $600 million renovation project is underway, but we have worked closely with LVCC management to have the full facility available come Show time,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “Every hall will be filled with the best brands in the business, giving attendees an unmatched event experience with access to industry leaders and innovators and insight into new automotive technology and products. Show goers will also enjoy an expanded LVCC Loop, with new service to the Encore, Wynn, and Westgate, making it easier to access the SEMA Show from several major hotels.”

Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early and taking advantage of housing and travel discounts. Registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. Deadlines and fees for other registration categories can be found at www.semashow.com/register. Hotel reservations, including for several new properties in Las Vegas, are available at the guaranteed lowest rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

For more information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com. For updates on SEMA Fest, including musical acts and times, visit www.semafest.com.

MESQUITE, TX (05.01.24)– Joseph’s Auto Toy Store is delighted to announce the celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary serving the Mesquite community. Since opening its doors in 1984, Joseph’s Auto Toy Store has been a cornerstone in Mesquite’s automotive industry, providing unparalleled service and top-quality products to customers.

For four decades, Joseph’s Auto Toy Store has been committed to excellence, offering a wide range of automotive toys, accessories and services to meet the diverse needs of its customers. From classic car enthusiasts to modern vehicle aficionados, Joseph’s Auto Toy Store has catered to all plus earning a reputation for reliability, expertise, and exceptional customer service.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate this significant milestone of 40 years in business,” said Joel Joseph of Joseph’s Auto Toy Store. “Since my parents started the business in the 80s, we have remained dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services while fostering strong relationships with our valued customers. We are deeply grateful for their continued support over the years.”

To commemorate this momentous occasion, Joseph’s Auto Toy Store will be hosting a series of special events and promotions throughout the year, including exclusive discounts, giveaways, and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, customers can look forward to exciting announcements and product launches as Joseph’s Auto Toy Store continues to innovate and evolve in the ever-changing automotive landscape.

“We invite our loyal customers and the Mesquite community to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone. As we look toward to the future, we remain committed to upholding the same principles of integrity, quality, and customer satisfaction that have defined Joseph’s Auto Toy Store for the past 40 years” Joel Joseph concluded.

For more information about Joseph’s Auto Toy Store and its 40th-anniversary celebrations, please visit www.josephsautotoystore.com or follow us on social media.

AVON LAKE, OH (05.01.24) – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), a leading automotive thermal and acoustic product provider, is thrilled to announce a limited-time rebate program for all DEI Turbo Shields. Consumers can now receive up to $100 in cash rebates on select DEI Turbo Shields purchased between May 1 and July 31, 2024.

DEI Turbo Shields are renowned for their use of premium materials, quality construction and unparalleled performance in protecting turbo components from harmful radiant heat. With this rebate program, consumers can not only enhance their vehicle’s performance but also enjoy significant savings.

“We are excited to launch this rebate program as a token of appreciation to our loyal customers,” said Brad Bricker, VP of Sales & Marketing at Design Engineering Inc. “DEI Turbo Shields, especially with our new Gen 3 Titanium and Onyx products, are trusted by automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike for their effectiveness in maintaining optimal turbo performance. With this rebate offer, we aim to make our products even more accessible and affordable.”

The rebate program is applicable to select DEI Turbo Shields purchased between May 1 and July 31, 2024, at any authorized retailers nationwide (excluding eBay). Consumers can claim their cash rebate by completing the rebate form found on designengineering.com, including their original receipt and UPC label on the exterior of the box, and mailing those to DEI Mail-In Rebate, P.O. Box 763, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing. Take advantage of this exclusive offer and experience the benefits of DEI Turbo Shields.

For more information about DEI Turbo Shields and the rebate program, please visit designengineering.com/heat-control/turbo-shields/.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (04.29.24) – With the beginning of Q2 2024 the 12volt industry activities are shifting into high gear. From Super Cat Fest West and Desert Storm in Lake Havasu AZ to the Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach, Sunrise Sound in Chicago to the PowerBass cruise to the Bahamas, proactive 12volt industry members utilized the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase their positive activities.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image… PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

Check out the images below for examples of posts made over the weekend with images from 12volt industry members who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 1000 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram @12voltnews for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.25.24) – SEMA and the SEMA Garage, committed to advancing the automotive aftermarket industry, showcased their groundbreaking research on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) at the 2024 SAE World Congress event earlier this month. As ADAS technology proliferates in passenger cars and pickup trucks, there is a pressing need to understand how aftermarket modifications may affect the functionality of these systems. Mike Muller and Luis Morales of SEMA joined Jennifer Bastiaan of Kettering University to share results of testing performed by the SEMA Garage in Detroit.

“In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, it’s essential for us to stay ahead of the curve and understand the implications of aftermarket modifications on ADAS functionality,” said Mike Mohacsi, Vice President, SEMA Garage and OEM Relations. “Our research aims to provide valuable insights that will empower manufacturers, installers, and drivers to make informed decisions while ensuring optimal safety and performance.”

As vehicles become more complex and regulations become stricter, the aftermarket industry faces significant challenges in adapting and remaining compliant. To address these challenges, SEMA stays at the forefront of research and testing, particularly in rapidly evolving vehicle technologies such as ADAS and autonomous features. SEMA maintains a proactive approach in maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base of regulations and standards. By staying informed and engaging in open communication with regulatory bodies, SEMA can anticipate potential impacts on the aftermarket well in advance. This allows the organization to develop strategies and solutions to address any regulatory changes effectively. Moreover, collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is essential for ensuring that aftermarket products that are installed do not compromise vehicle performance or compliance with regulations. By working closely with OEMs, SEMA can establish best practices and guidelines that help aftermarket manufacturers produce high-quality, compatible products.

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the adoption of a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) mandating automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on light vehicles. The announcement underscores the significance of regulatory changes. SEMA recognizes the importance of understanding the implications of these proposed standards and engaging in discussions and research to address potential impacts. SEMA would like to develop the ability to collaborate with regulatory agencies and OEMs on future regulations so that the aftermarket industry is being considered as well.

To bridge the gap in information and address the potential impact of aftermarket suspension products on ADAS features, SEMA Garage initiated a groundbreaking project. This project, focusing on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as a baseline, aimed to research and test the effects of various aftermarket modifications on ADAS functionalities such as lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alerts. By evaluating common aftermarket pickup truck modifications like larger diameter tires, leveling kits, and lift kits, SEMA aims to provide valuable data to inform both manufacturers and consumers about the compatibility of aftermarket products with ADAS technologies.

The findings of this first-of-its-kind research endeavor, recently released in a white paper presented at SAE World Congress, have the potential to revolutionize the understanding of how aftermarket modifications influence ADAS functionality. While the results generally did not indicate significant variance in ADAS performance with the introduction of aftermarket components, some differences were observed under specific conditions, including:

• The 6-inch lift kit alerted lane departure warning, both right and left, much earlier compared to the other hardware configurations tested.
• The 3.5-inch and 6-inch lift kits both showed later forward collision warnings alert distances compared to the other hardware configurations tested, resulting in higher peak deceleration levels in the 6-inch lift kit. Both lift kits came around 16 feet (5 m) closer to the target vehicle before the alert was issued. In all cases, however, the system functioned properly; i.e., a collision with the target vehicle did not occur.
• All aftermarket configurations came closer to the target vehicle in the second braking phase of the traffic jam assist test compared to the baseline hardware configuration.

To learn more about SEMA Garage’s groundbreaking research and its implications for the aftermarket industry, and to access the white paper, please visit www.sae.org.

Key Points

• By 2028, the global market for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is projected to reach approximately $59 billion, an increase of more than $31 billion in only eight years [1]
• Manufacturers and aftermarket equipment installers must ensure ADAS technologies function properly after equipment installation.
• SEMA’s research addresses the dearth of information on the impact of aftermarket modifications on original equipment ADAS, providing a crucial starting point for future studies.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $51.8 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind.

For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, www.performanceracing.com.

BELLEVILLE MI (04.25.24) Discover the future of high-performance car audio with VMAX Charge Pumps! These aren’t just any power sources; they’re a groundbreaking hybrid of battery and capacitor technology designed to elevate your audio experience. The Charge Pump is your ultimate solution for delivering massive currents to your system. It is a high-current, lightweight LTO lithium audio power source.

Pictured below is the VCP12K. Power a 12,000-watt RMS audio system with a device weighing only 15 lbs! Compared to the traditional setup requiring 300 pounds of lead-acid batteries, or DIY lithium batteries, the Charge Pumps are lightweight and easy to install. It’s engineered to handle surges and sustain power far beyond what’s possible with conventional batteries, ensuring your system plays louder, your bass hits cleaner, and your music comes through more powerfully than ever.

We recommend pairing your Charge Pump with a high-output alternator for optimal performance. Charge Pumps have built-in balancers and can safely charge at up to 17.4 Volts from your alternator, ensuring efficient power management and maximizing your system’s audio output.

The VMAX Charge Pump: Where high current meets high efficiency, transforming your vehicle into a concert hall on wheels without the burden of heavy equipment. Upgrade to a VCP12K and experience the pinnacle of audio performance. Charge pump are available in 6,000W to 18,000W sizes: VCP6K, VCP9K, VCP12K, and VCP18K 🔊 #VmaxTanks #VMAXChargePump #LightweightPowerhouse @vmaxtanks @calebvmax

For more see www.hopp.to/vmax

NASHVILLE, TN (04.24.24) – Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales and Marketing, rolled out of Kansas City towing the JBL Dare To Listen trailer on Wednesday for the 553 mile trip to Nashville for the K-Fest event that ran April 19th -21st. Along the way he picked up JBL Regional Fred Insensee.

The Arrowhead Marketing trailer is a project that Pace created for travels the MINK states to support area retailers at store events and car shows. The trailer is loaded with JBL and Infinity speakers to connect dealers and consumers with great listening experiences. Those listening experiences are not available on a laptop or smartphone.

The JBL trailer was spotted to the left of the entrance of the event floor in Nashville. “We spent time doing demos for attendees during the show floor hours. We also showed dealers the new JBL Rallybars they are hot sellers for off-road vehicles.The new JBL source units also grabbed attention for the marine season. Fred and I found that showing the many possibiles of speakers opened dealer’s eyes” Pace offered.

Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing, and his firm’s team were in Nashville and all had a chance to hear the JBL and Infinity demos and attend training sessions. RPM represents JBL across several states in the southeastern region. “It was terrific for us to hear demos and comparisons with a couple other speaker brands installed on the trailer. The JBL and Infinity speakers delivered that ‘Live’ sound. It was was also terrific for dealers in the area had the demos from Chris and Fred“ Hochmuth related.

After the show wrap and move out on Sunday it was time to begin the trip west back to Kansas City. On the way back Chris made a stop at MACH1 in Washington MO.

The MACH1 team of owner John, Terry, Mike and Jason spent time with a JBL trailer demo. “It was very good to have Chris stop at our new store for demos. The JBL speakers on the trailer sounded terrific. Hats off to Chris for putting together the JBL Dare Listen trailer to work with dealers for store visits, store events and car shows” Terry stated.

“We have a very busy schedule ahead for 2024 for events with the JBL Dare to Listen trailer. Ut is more important than ever to in on the road working with brick and mortar dealers to drive overall business for their stores” Pace concluded.

Visit www.jbl.com for more.

NAMPA, ID (04.24.24) – The PNWCEE event is scheduled for May 13-15 in Seattle WA. A special motorcycle audio session is scheduled to kickoff the event. Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega products will be featured at the session to be conducted by Sam Walker. Pacific Rim’s Mark Giovannetti and Ryan Klein, DA/CV Western Regional, hooked on a trip to Nampa ID to finalize the details for Sam Walker’s presentation at his Walker Audio Design store.

“We rolled in on a sunny day and started the visit with a great photo op out front of the store with Sam and his wife Maria. Sam conducted his ‘Motorcycle Deconstruction’ session at the PNWCEE 2022 and it was very well received. The bike business is even hotter now and Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega are leaders in the motorcycle audio space. We are planning for a terrific session with Sam and Ryan up front with a Harley Road Glide again this year” Giovannetti related.

Walker stated “My Harley is loaded with Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega plus lighting and other aftrmarket products. Ryan and I will cover the best practices along with ins and outs of motorcycle audio. The session will also cover amp tuning and DSP integration.” Walker is a motorcycle enthusiast of over 2 decades.

Klein commented “As an engineer with Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega we work day in and day out to deliver the best products to the motorcycle community. Preparing dealers to deliver the best motorcycle experience is our goal and the PNWCEE 2024 session.”

The 2024 PNWCEE Expo runs May 13-15 at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.

For more email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or call Mark Giovannetti at 206-334-2155.

SEATTLE, WA (04.23.24) – The PNWCEE 2024 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 13th-15th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.

This year the event will kick off with a special Monday 6:30 evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide with a premium aftermarket audio system build on the bike.

“My Harley Road Glide is loaded with Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega products. Lighting and other aftermarket products also. During the session that Ryan Klein and I host we will cover best practices, along with the ins and outs of motorcycle audio, while deconstructing the bike and putting it back together. The session will also cover amp tuning plus DSP integration” Sam Walker related.

Sam Walker is the owner of Walker Audio Design in Nampa ID and a 21 year veteran of the 12volt industry. He is an avid rider and specializes in Harley Davidson Audio. Mark Giovannetti and Ryan Klein recently traveled to Nampa ID to meet with Walker and finalize the plans for the Diamond Audio Cerwin Vega Motorcycle event at the upcoming PNWCEE event.

Ryan Klein is the West Coast Manager with CVDA and very active in the Motorcycle/PowerSports category. As a company that has been in the category for many years, Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega have been on the leading edge of high-performance audio products and solutions.

Klein recently attended the K’Fest event in Nashville and met with dealers in the booth on the event floor along with making training presentations.

“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2024 event. May 13th-15th, Monday through Wednesday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2024 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2024 event. Several dealers have indicated they will close their stores and bring their crew” Mark Giovannetti-Pacific Rim Marketing commented.

For info email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or contact Mark at 206-334-2155.

Visit pnwcee.com for more.

VANCOUVER, BC (04.23.24) – “The highly anticipated THINKWARE Premium Q850 2K premium dash cam is exclusive to independent 12 volt retailers and is now shipping. The Q850 boasts a wide array of advanced features that THINKWARE customers have come to love such as Parking Surveillance mode, THINKWARE Connected built-in GPS & Wi-Fi along with speed and red light camera alerts” Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager stated.

Alexandre believes the Q850 will be a great success for dealers as it strikes the perfect balance between design, features, and price at $299.99. At this price point dealers will also enjoy improved margins compared to past dash cam models.

For more see thinkware.com