LAS VEGAS, NV (11.12.24) – Protect X Smart Sensor Systems, a cutting-edge solution designed exclusively for Toyota vehicles, was showcased at the 2024 SEMA Show.
Raul Gomez shows the Protect X in the North Hall booth.
“We had a good turnout in our booth North Hall. There was a lot of interest as attendees in our booth got a firsthand look at this innovative system that combines advanced security with ease of installation. With a patented tilt and shock sensor, the Protect X system provides robust protection against catalytic converter and wheel theft” Raul Gomez, Monarch Distributors, stated.
The Protect X module is small size and easy to install.
Continuing “It installs in under 10 minutes, making it one of the most convenient anti-theft solutions available. In addition to theft protection, the system features enhanced keyless entry, enabling seamless up-and-down window operation using the factory remote.”
For more info contact Raul Gomez at Monarch Distributors LLC 562-404-9998.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.12.24) – There is a saying ‘What Happens In Vegas…Stays In Vegas’. From the 12volt Central Studios that is not the case for positive activities and new product information to extend the ROI for industry members and exhibitors..
During the SEMA show industry members utilized the 12voltSTP Tool sent dozens of images. Staff has posted many with more in the works. #12voltsema to see dozens of posts with more to come over the next days and weeks.
“Teg at House of Electronics does a great job distributing our product line in the Chicago area. He checked out our latest Interface and in-vehicle connectivity products-motorcycle too and we look forward to attending his show next spring,” Hamza Khalid related.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-469-2526 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.
KICKER’s Jacob Lucky conducting a training in the KICKER North Hall booth for the large GEM-SEN group of dealers and reps who traveled from Concord Ontario to attend the 2024 SEMA Show. Later that evening there was a dinner that Luckey and Aziz Masr- KICKER Int’I Rep attended.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios posts articles on 12voltnews.com each business day and makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each 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 318-469-2526. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 11,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 1,000 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities in the 12volt Central Studios.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.11.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the Top 4 builders in the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers competition. Each of the Top 4 finalists won their respective category and is in the running to be named the overall champion.
The 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Top 4 are:
HOT ROD/HOT ROD TRUCK Noah Alexander — 1968 Dodger Charger
SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE Bruce Yarnell — 1965 Aston Martin DB5
OFF-ROAD Rob Lindsay — 1949 Willys Pickup
YOUNG GUNS Connor McElvain — 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster
LAS VEGAS, NV (10.06.24) – The highly anticipated 2024 SEMA Show officially kicked off Tuesday morning with a very well attended breakfast bringing together leading innovators, manufacturers and influencers in the automotive aftermarket for an unmatched 4-Day event in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The preparations are complete across the LVCC, outdoor parking lots and on the strip for the 2024 SEMA Show.
The SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast was very well attended Tuesday morning.
The VOXX Electronics North Hall booth was very busy as 30 new VIPER and AVITAL systems were unveiled.
The 12volt industry’s nearly 4 dozen exhibitors, part of the 2400 exhibitors, are concentrated in the LVCC North Hall. From the 12volt Central Studios staff members continue working to showcase the activities of those exhibitors to extend the ROI of their very significant investments.
Below are images of several 12volt exhibitors rollin’ in the LVCC North Hall.
This image from the second floor in the KICKER booth shows the overall scope of their booth in the North Hall.
The PowerBass Booth 101309 in the North Hall was busy right after the opening bell.
Systematic is set up at SEMA in the North Hall Booth 10829 with brands including Sundown, XS POWER, Lithium Pros and more.
These images are just a few action shots supplied by industry members who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool. To see posts so far check out #12voltsema.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 469 2526 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.
VOXX spotlighted the Signature AUTOSPORTS MegsRexx Truck in their large North Hall booth.
The Stinger North Hall booth was poppin’ early showing off the new Horizon 12 Radio.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios posts articles on 12voltnews.com each business day and makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each 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 318 469 2526. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
Jaysam Odeh is busy showing new KING BOXES in the North Hall.
MAXPRO has a large booth in the West Hall 50149 showing the latest in automotive film and innovation. In addition, they are hosting an exciting heat shrink contest in the booth with a credit for MAXPRO film products for winners.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 11,000 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 Central Studios.
ORLANDO, FL (11.06.24) –VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) and a leading innovator in aftermarket automotive electronics, connected car solutions, and vehicle interior enhancements is proud to announce that $25 from each LEATHER CRAFT kit purchased between November 5th and November 8th, 2024 at the SEMA show will be donated to support breast cancer awareness. Every purchase made during this campaign helps fund life-saving research and support programs, bringing hope to those affected.
Together, We Can Make a Difference!
A selection of over 10 unique LEATHER CRAFT kits, including a breast cancer awareness-themed chair, will be on display at the SEMA show. The donations raised will go towards breast cancer awareness, dedicated to funding breast cancer research, supporting patients through treatment, and advancing scientific knowledge for a cure.
Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact
Every bit helps. Your contribution plays a part in the larger effort to combat breast cancer. Join us in making a lasting impact through this meaningful campaign. Together, we can empower survivors, support research, and help save lives. Together, every stitch, every detail, and every kit makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
For more information about LEATHER CRAFT and its range of automotive aftermarket solutions, please visit www.leathercraft.pro.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.06.24) – Systematic Holdings is proud to announce their return to SEMA with a pair of booths. XS Power, JY Power, Sundown Audio and Lithium Pros can be found in the North Hall, Booth 10829. TurboStart Batteries is located in the Central Hall’s “Hot Rod Alley”, Booth 24498.
Made for the motorcycle and UTV’s market, the XS Power SS30 Sodium Safe Powersports Battery delivers 50-amp hours at 15.8 volts, and a class-leading 25 amp hours of power at 13.8 volts. Easily mounted in saddlebags, the top case of a bike or battery compartment of a UTV, the SS30 includes five-point distribution for easy accessory connections. Capacity doubles when attached to a 14-volt Lithium Ion charger, for high power use while parked.
The Systematic North Hall booth 10829 was set as SEMA 2024 opened Tuesday morning.
The Sundown Audio Z8 eight-inch subwoofer is highlighted in the SEMA booth this year. Featuring a triple-stacked 190mm magnet, Megaroll v.3 surround and a carbon-impregnated pulp cone, the subwoofer is rated at 2,000-watts RMS.
A unique set of fins are integrated into the patented Z8 frame. “The new frame has heat sinks on the inside and outside,” explains Sundown Founder Jake Fuller. “The external heat sinks connect to the top plate, so it’s a direct thermal transfer. The inside has a set of fins as well – they’re specially contoured so the spider drives air at high speed to dissipate heat.”
The newest member of the Systematic family, Lithium Pros will feature the N series of networked lithium batteries. Equipped with compatible NEMA networked devices, the status of the battery is easily visible at a glance on boats and RV’s. Additional functionality is possible in industrial applications, with custom programming available by Lithium Pro’s in-house team. Using an NMEA 2000 interface installed on the battery, the protocol allows the network to see voltage state of charge, current, temperature, time remaining, and error messages all on-screen.
JY Power’s featured battery in the SEMA New Product Showcase is the NXT-6KW, as well as in the Systematic booth. “It’s the newest thing in the NXT lineup. The line is known for its reliability and ease of use on all charging systems,” says Travis Young, JY’s Founder and now Systematic’s Chief Innovation Officer. “The NXT-6KW is a Sodium Ion battery, with up to a 6,000-watt power capacity. It can be drained down to 0 volts and still be recharged. We went to sodium for it’s lower cost of ownership and improved safety.”
Serving the racing, restomod and classic car community, TurboStart features a host of 12 and 16-volt batteries, chargers and supercapacitors. For those recreating a “factory original” look, TurboStart features 6 and 12-volt batteries for a 33-39 Ford, 60-73 Ford, 56-60 Corvette, 65-74 Chrysler and many more. Visit Booth 24498 in Hot Rod Alley for more details.
Systematic Holdings is a multinational corporation headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, with manufacturing and distribution companies that lead the automotive audio and power storage industries. For more information on the Systematic family of companies, please visit https://4xspower.com/pages/contact-us.
BOCA RATON, FL (10.22.24) – For the second year in a row, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is the #1 automotive opportunity for franchisees, based on an in-depth independent evaluation of the company’s financial performance and reliability by franchise market intelligence firm FRANdata.
Tint World once again attained a remarkable 885 in its most recent FRANdata FUND score, reflecting its position as proven investment opportunity for potential franchisees.
“This score is solid proof of our financial stability and our commitment to growth, strong performance, and operational success across all franchisees,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “FRANdata’s extensive research shows that Tint World continues to be a strong and trusted investment opportunity for anyone seeking a dependable brand during uncertain economic conditions. Our evolving, forward-thinking strategies ensure franchisees have a strong, sustainable business model as their foundation.”
FRANdata FUND scores evaluate 12 credit risk categories, such as franchise business success rates, franchise unit profitability, and franchisee support. Top-scoring brands such as Tint World excel in every metric, making it easy for lenders to do business with them.
FRANdata FUND scores are widely regarded as the best predictor of the future performance of a franchise system. Tint World’s high score is a result of the company’s continuing strong growth, driven by strategic partnerships with leading global brands that enhance the company’s ability to deliver innovative services and support franchisees.
“We’re proud Tint World still has the top score of any automotive franchise opportunity,” Bonfiglio said. “Our whole team, from franchisees to corporate leadership, is committed to sustained success. This score demonstrates the trust we’ve earned from investors, partners and customers, allowing us to consistently operate at the highest level.”
FRANdata is an industry-leading research and consulting firm offering market intelligence that enables clients to grow their business in franchising.The FUND scoring system is embraced by banks of all sizes that collectively represent over $5 trillion in assets.
FUND Reports quantify for a lender how a franchise system’s performance and characteristics affect the likelihood of a loan default. FRANdata produces hundreds of FUND Scores annually for lenders that represent the majority of SBA franchise financing and supports commercial lending to franchising as well.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 291st time on Friday morning on October 4th. The Wheel landed on the Massive Audio space and the DAW Discount Audio and Wheels slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We will reach out to the winning retailer in Paramount CA and let them know a cool Massive Audio prize product will be headed their way.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Lids-On-Demnd and Massive Audio. 12volt News $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA, Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR, XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR and Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 292 on Friday, October 11th.
CASTLE SHANNON, PA (09.17.24) – Saturday, September 14th was the day the car community gathered at the Castle Shannon Memorial Hall outside of Pittsburgh for a charity event to benefit the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department. The event was filled with amazing cars, delicious food and awards plus several vendors on site and offering ticket auctions for prizes. The dunk tank was fun also and brought smiles from many.
This drone shot shows part of the venue packed with vehicles.
It was a top down day for this classic.
“Saturday was a terrific day for us at Team Nutz and Fuel Required for the fundraiser. The combined activities helped raise over $6000 for the fire department. It was a great event for the car community and we gave away over 200 bags filled with giveaways, coupons, and discounts for all that entered the judging for classics at the event. We gave away over 60 auction baskets and it took us over three hours to give them all out. Connecting and growing all aspects of the car community is so important for the mobile electronics industry. Overall, it was just a great day” Ed Nuttall related.
Unique classics of all types were showcase at the event.
It was a classic weather day for the event.
The new Team Nutz Jeep will be a classic decades from now.
A special thanks to all of the local businesses that donated to the Rollin’ In Hot Car Show. Local businesses are always the backbone of supporting local causes. All help raise over $6000 for the CSVFD. We recently learned that the CSVFD is self-funded and they are not funded by tax money or insurance money. In recent years, the funding opportunities were put on hold from the Covid lockdowns. Support from the car community, local businesses and neighbors are what helped keep them moving forward to protect the surrounding communities. We thank all of those who came out to the show to make this happen. The above content was a post from Fuel Required.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.17.24) – New research (www.sema.org/research) by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is shedding light on the latest trends and developments in vehicle lifecycles, and providing new insights for those who provide parts for accessorizing and modifying the U.S.’s more than 289 million vehicles.
Findings in the new SEMA Vehicle Lifecycles Report include:
Vehicles are staying on the road longer, a continuing trend. The average U.S. vehicle age is now at 12.6 years, its highest number in over a decade. Passenger cars are now an average of 14 years old (up from 13.6), while light trucks rose slightly to 11.9, from 11.8.
Used-car market ticks downward but remains historically high. The average listing price of a used vehicle in the U.S. is $25,251, as of July 2024. Car values have fallen faster than that of light trucks, with the sharpest decrease in overall vehicle value found in EVs (-11%).
Stabilization of new vehicle prices offset by continued climb of interest rates.The average new vehicle price sits at $48,644, down slightly from the year prior, and halting a dramatic climb that began in the beginning of 2021. However, interest rates for new and used vehicles continue to hound buyers, remaining significantly higher than those offered in 2021-2022, regardless of loan-term length.
Automakers are producing fewer entry-level vehicles. While new vehicle inventory in 2024 has reached a three-and-a-half-year high, small cars and other entry-level vehicles (those priced below $20,000) make up just 0.7% of the market, compared with 7% five years ago. This lack of affordability has a profound impact on younger people, who are historically more price-sensitive than older drivers.
Two decades of increasingly dependable vehicles. Since 2003, vehicles have exhibited fewer problems, highlighting a growing reliability that is a boon to consumers. However, recent years have yielded an increase in vehicle issues tied to new technology-based automotive features, including driving assistance and infotainment systems; this trend could impact future dependability.
The nation’s fleet of vehicles is growing. The past year saw the net addition of 3 million more vehicles to the roads, with crossovers (72.7 million) closing the gap with passenger cars (89.2 million) as the dominant segment of the entire fleet. However, compared to 10 years ago, vehicle registrations skew more heavily toward light trucks than cars.
The specialty-equipment aftermarket continues to grow – and is expected to keep growing. Specialty equipment retail sales in 2023 surpassed $52.3 billion and are forecasted to grow to more than $57 billion by 2026.
The research also reveals trends across four categories of vehicles (Classic, Aged, Core, and Modern), highlighting age, popularity, usage, and consumer spending habits. For accessorizing, pickups and muscle cars are the top choice for enthusiasts. Meanwhile, vehicles in the Aged category are driving spending for performance products, as a way to refresh their older vehicle. Aftermarket product spending for Modern and Core vehicles was primarily (59% and 54%) on accessory and appearance products, while 43% of spending on Classic vehicles was for performance products.
12VoltNews.com 