Register to Attend and Participate in the 2023 SEMA Show Student Program

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.26.23) – Students and faculty from automotive colleges and universities are invited to register for the 2023 SEMA Show Student Program, taking place November 1-2 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The SEMA Show Student Program offers an experience unlike any other for students preparing for careers in automotive by offering a unique chance to witness the multi-billion aftermarket industry in action.

In just a span of two days, students will be inspired to reach their career goals and participate in student networking opportunities, an all-female networking event and a networking breakfast where they will meet prospective employers and industry leaders from top companies in the automotive aftermarket.

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 13. Students aged 18-20 must be represented and chaperoned by their school officials in order to attend. School officials can sign up their student group here. Students aged 21 and over can submit a professional student application at this link.

Industry members who would like to host a table at the Student Program Networking Breakfast on Thursday, November 2, can sign up here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs, at chriss@sema.org or 909-978-6692.

SEMA Fest, November 3-4, Is the Official After-Party of the SEMA Show

Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, that brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. The prized SEMA Ignited event has evolved into a bigger and more exciting two-day event now known as SEMA Fest, which will give consumers a chance to participate in an automotive and music experience like none other! It’s a must-attend event that’s open to the public and features incredible automotive and motorsports activations the SEMA crowd is used to, like the following:

Nitro Circus, the provider of some of the biggest and raddest events in action sports.
Formula DRIFT, the high-skilled, high-powered sport of drifting.
Ride With Us, the not-for-profit organization that spreads the thrill of motorcycle riding to the community.

Not only that, SEMA Fest is also headlined by world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk the Moon, Ludacris, The Struts, Badflower, Chase Matthew, Meg Meyers, Ayron Jones, Rome & Duddy, renforshort, Starcrawler, Dead Sara, Bones UK, Brooke Alexx, Paper Idol, The Foxies, Good Boy Daisy and Hot Crazy.

SEMA Fest, open to all ages of the public, will unite automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry “in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture.” The event will feature a full slate of automotive lifestyle events, including world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross, off-road demonstrations, ride-and-drive activations, craft foods and a bustling consumer marketplace.

Whether you’re a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss.

The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31–November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

SEMA Fest: Ticketing and Admission
Admissions to SEMA Fest can be purchased at five distinct levels:

2-Day General Admission (all ages): $179, which allows access to all General Admission areas, including the SEMA Fest Marketplace, motorsports activations, headlining talent on two stages, and food and beverages are available for purchase.
2-Day General Admission PLUS (all ages): $229, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admissions as well as access to mobile phone charging stations, upgraded restroom facilities, and limited paid lockers to secure your personal belongings.
SEMA Show Friday Festival Experience (ages 16+): $299, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS as well as access to the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Friday Festival Experience offers the ultimate bucket-list enthusiast experience like no other event on the planet. It’s the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and discover the latest product and vehicle trends before anyone else.
SEMA Fest VIP (all ages): $349, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS admissions as well as exclusive access to a VIP viewing area with premium sightlines, VIP food and beverages for purchase and VIP washrooms.
SEMA Fest VIP and SEMA Show Friday Package (ages 16+): $469, which includes access to all the features of SEMA VIP admissions as well as access to the SEMA Show floor on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Keep an eye out for more details on the SEMA Fest ticket rewards program. To purchase tickets and receive the latest SEMA Fest updates, visit semafest.com.

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

SHREVEPORT, LA (09.25.23) – 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.

The Audio Edge 4-Member Team was busy day and night under the Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate tents at the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Motorcycles Rally in Rogers, AR.
MAXPRO Window Films was on site at the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off in Virginia Beach, VA.

Check out the images below for examples of posts made the last few days 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.

Endless Possibilities Auto had a major presence at the 2023 SubieFest Midwest at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL.
The show floor and Tech Sessions at the RPM Annual Dealer Show at the Marconi Auto Museum in Tustin CA we very busy.

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.

This is a group photo at the end of the day outside the ADi on Sunday at the first WCA Finals… EMMA USA CA State Finals and IASCA 1X in Vacaville, CA.

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 activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes SEMA-Supported Bill to Prevent Internal Combustion Engine Bans

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.22.23) – U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (H.R. 1435) from Representative John Joyce (R-PA). The bill passed with bipartisan support (222 to 190), with eight Democrats joining their Republican colleagues to advance this legislation. The SEMA-supported legislation prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035. 

SEMA thanks Rep. Joyce for leading the fight to ensure Americans can choose the type of motor vehicle that best meets their needs. “The last thing my constituents want is another oppressive Biden Administration mandate that puts a radical environmental agenda and far-left special interests above their individual freedoms,” said Congressman Joyce. “There is nothing more quintessentially American than the freedom of the open road, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting this important legislation protecting the freedom of all Americans to drive the vehicles of their choice.” 

House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) shepherded H.R. 1435 through the committee in July. As Chair of the E&C Committee, which has jurisdiction over automotive issues and the Clean Air Act, McMorris Rodgers has been a lead advocate for technology-neutral vehicle policies. “Seventeen other states have similar bans on internal combustion engines that would be triggered if EPA approves California’s request,” said Chairwoman McMorris Rodgers. “This affects 40% of the United States’ new vehicle market–and companies don’t customize cars for every state.” 

To date, 14 out of 17 CARB states have begun adopting regulations to follow the California zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) mandate. The existing ZEV regulations are so onerous that Stellantis, a member of the Big Three, has stopped shipping gas-powered Jeeps to dealers in those states and customers wanting gas-powered vehicles must place a special order. 

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435 (includes the same bill text). The House and Senate versions of the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act now await consideration in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. 

Click here to send your U.S. Senators a letter asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring S. 2090.  

For more information on these efforts, visit sema.org/advocacy/ice-bans or contact me at tiffanyc@sema.org.

New SEMA Show Exhibit to Highlight Future Vehicle Propulsion Technology

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.21.23) – The SEMA FutureTech Studio, a new exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, will give attendees at the world’s leading automotive trade show an opportunity to learn about what the future of vehicle propulsion may look like. Located in Central Hall, the SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsionsection that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent SEMA Shows.

“The automotive aftermarket has always been at the forefront of vehicle innovation and technology, and this new section will help showcase how our industry is leading the way in the creation of new engine and fuel options,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The FutureTech Studio is a visionary space designed to inspire and support innovation across all segments and vehicles.”

Through various spotlights and showcases, the new immersive Show environment will feature parts and equipment that cater to the new technology, as well as vehicles that will highlight how these are employed. The exhibit will also include a SEMA Education stage, named FutureTech LIVE, where industry leaders will discuss different propulsion technology, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other advancements in technology.

Additionally, the new EV & Future Propulsion area will include more than 15 exhibitor booths showcasing parts and tools that cater to this emerging technology, and over 75 vehicles will help highlight the future of automotive innovation.

“The FutureTech Studio will help attendees understand what’s happening in the industry and how the industry is already pushing the creative envelope with new innovations, parts, and services,” said Luis Morales, SEMA Director of Vehicle Technology. “The EV & Future Propulsion section embodies our commitment to featuring the latest and future trends at the SEMA Show, and it is a testament to SEMA’s dedication to helping the community remain at the forefront of technological advancements.”

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the multi-billion specialty-automotive industry and is the place to discover the latest products and trends, connect with industry leaders, and network with fellow aftermarket professionals. To learn more and register to attend, visit www.semashow.com.

GoFast Solutions Appointed as Authorized Distributor for Faital Pro in the United States

MIDDLETOWN, CT (09.21.23) – GoFast Solutions, the Premier Mobile Electronics & Motorsports Distributor in the Northeast, is pleased to announce its new partnership as the authorized distributor for Faital Pro in the US. This strategic collaboration strengthens GoFast Solutions position in the emerging Pro Audio category.

Faital Pro, a renowned Italian manufacturer of high-quality professional audio components, has chosen GoFast Solutions as its trusted distributor to provide exceptional support and service to customers. This partnership allows GoFast Solutions to offer an extensive range of Faital Pro’s cutting-edge Pro Audio solutions, including loudspeakers, drivers, and accessories.

“We are thrilled to be named the authorized distributor for the Italian made Faital Pro brand in the US market,” said Bob Hernandez Director of Sales at GoFast Solutions. “Pro Audio has become a significant segment in the car audio market and Faital Pro’s commitment to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to delivering these exceptional products to our customers”

Faital Pro is globally recognized for its excellence in audio technology and its dedication to meeting the demands of professional audio engineers, sound designers, and musicians. Their products are known for their superior performance, reliability, and durability.

With GoFast Solutions now serving as the authorized distributor, customers in the United States can expect easy access to Faital Pro’s product line, as well as expert guidance and support from GoFast Solutions’ experienced sales team.

For inquiries or to learn more about the Faital Pro product lineup available through GoFast Solutions, please visit www.gofst.com or contact info@gofst.com.

SEMA Show Registration Price Will Increase Next Week

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.20.23) – The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is only six weeks away, and registration is open at SEMAShow.com/register. Event management is dedicated to making the industry homecoming as cost-effective as possible. Credentials are just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and plan a customized SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year’s event. Otherwise, attendees must pick up their badges on-site at the SEMA Show.

This year’s SEMA Show will offer an experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet, where attendees can witness thousands of the newest and most innovative automotive performance products from 2,200-plus exhibitors. Industry members can also discover the latest vehicle trends while tailoring a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs.

Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!

Download the SEMA Show App

Create a customized schedule, view the floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app

International Buyers and Attendees

International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State’s handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.

Tint World Breaks into Indiana with South Bend Location

SOUTH BEND, IN (09.20.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers expands into Indiana with a new location in South Bend.

Owned by father-son team Geza and Kyle Bruckner, Tint World South Bend introduces the national franchise’s line of premium automotive aftermarket services and accessories to drivers and enthusiasts throughout St. Joseph County. Some of the solutions offered by the location include industry leading window tinting, paint protection films, audio and video upgrades, custom wheels and tires, detailing services, security enhancements and more.

“My son Kyle and I couldn’t have found a better opportunity to establish a business together that combines our passion for cars with a respected, recognizable brand,” Geza said. “At Tint World South Bend, drivers throughout our community are able to get the aftermarket upgrades and solutions they need, all installed by a world-class team of professionals that care.”

An automotive industry veteran, Geza previously owned a muffler shop and wanted to find a lucrative franchise opportunity to share with his son.

“Tint World can now be found in over 30 states, and we’re thrilled that Geza and Kyle are leading the charge for us into Indiana,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “The Bruckners are deserving franchise owners that recognize the value and sheer potential of a proven system. Combined with their automotive experience and strong work ethic, we look forward to seeing the positive impact Tint World South Bend will have for drivers throughout the area.”

Tint World South Bend, located at 51522 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, Indiana 46637, serves the South Bend,Mishawaka, Elkhart, Granger, Notre Dame, Niles, Roseland, Osceola, Edwardsburg and Buchanan areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (574) 544-2324 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/in/south-bend-168/.

SEMA Launches New Industry Award for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.19.23) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle’s design and engineering.

“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes the intricate engineering that transforms a vehicle into a masterpiece of design and functionality,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “It also sheds light on the technical brilliance behind the build and provides a platform for engineers to showcase their transformative innovations.”

To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video, description of the engineering content included in the build, and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until October 25 at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the 2023 SEMA Show.

Visit sema.org for more.

Meyer Distributing Announces Alexandria, LA Location

JASPER, IN (09.19.23) – Meyer Distributing, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, has announced the addition of its Alexandria, LA crossdock. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Arlington, TX distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, 4×4/Off-Road parts, and RV parts in the region.

“Meyer has expanded inventory significantly in 4×4, Off-Road, Overland, and Jeep/Bronco parts,” states Jamin Hochgesang, Meyer’s 4×4/Off-Road Sales Manager. “Having larger inventory available next day now throughout the South has been very well received by our customers. Whether it’s suspension, winches, tires, lockers, or any other Jeep/Bronco accessory, Meyer has it. Call our dedicated 4×4/Off-Road sales team today at 800-347-8939!”

“The Alexandria, LA dock will significantly improve deliveries to central Louisiana,” states Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “We continue to expand our offerings organically and via acquisition in adjacent industries that allow us to grow and logistically better serve our customers.  Any wholesale only distribution company that might be interested in entertaining an offer should reach out to acquisitions@meyerdistributing.com.”